[House Report 113-300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 218
113th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 113-300
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DURING THE
ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS
PURSUANT TO
Clause 1(d) Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives
December 19, 2013.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_____
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
39-006 WASHINGTON : 2013
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado MICHAEL MICHAUD, Maine,
GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida, Ranking Member
Vice-Chairman CORRINE BROWN, Florida
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee MARK TAKANO, California
JEFF DENHAM, California, JULIA BROWNLEY, California
BILL FLORES, Texas DINA TITUS, Nevada
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan RAUL RUIZ, California
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
*MARK AMODEI, Nevada ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio TIM WALZ, Minnesota
PAUL COOK, California
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel (January 2013-
September 2013)
Jon Towers, Staff Director (September 2013-Present)
Nancy Dolan, Democratic Staff Director
----------
*The House received a communication from the Honorable Mark E. Amodei.
Mr. Amodei submitted his resignation from the Committees on the
Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Veterans' Affairs. The resignations
were accepted without objection.
SUBCOMMITTEES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado DINA TITUS, Nevada,
GUS BILIRAKIS, Florida Ranking Member
MARK AMODEI, Nevada BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
PAUL COOK, California RAUL RUIZ, California
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
BILL FLORES, Texas, Chairman
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey MARK TAKANO, California,
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado Ranking Member
PAUL COOK, California JULIA BROWNLEY, California
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio DINA TITUS, Nevada
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan, Chairman
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee JULIA BROWNLEY, California,
JEFF DENHAM, California Ranking Member
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas CORRINE BROWN, Florida
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana RAUL RUIZ, California
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
VACANCY ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona,
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee Ranking Member
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas MARK TAKANO, California
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
TIM WALZ, Minnesota
Committee Staff
Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel (January 2013-
September 2013)
Nancy Dolan, Democratic Staff Director
Jonathan A. Towers, Deputy Staff Director (January 2013-September
2013)/Staff Director (September 2013-Present)
David M. Tucker, Democratic Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel;
Kelsey Baron, Staff Assistant (January 2013-December 2013)/Research
Assistant, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity (December 2013-Present)
Carolyn Blaydes, Executive & Legislative Assistant
Michael F. Brinck, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
(January 2013-September 2013)/Deputy Staff Director (September 2013-
Present)
Justin Brown, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Curt Cashour, Communications Director
Jonathan A. Clark, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity
Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator & Printing Clerk
Dolores A. Dunn, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
Jessica G. Eggimann, Chief Clerk, Office Manager, and Legislative
Coordinator
Elby A. Godwin, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations (January 2013-March 2013)
Edward Gilman, Democratic Communications Director
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations
Jon Hodnette, Investigative Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations
Juan Lara, Democratic Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations
Rob McQuade, Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
(January 2013-August 2013)
Mary Ashley Miller, Staff Assistant (December 2013-January 2013)
Carol S. Murray, Democratic Legislative Coordinator and Office Manager
Megan Olmstead, Research Assistant and Counsel, Subcommittee on Health
(October 2013-Present)
Harold Rees, Senior Investigative Counsel
Rory Riley, Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Lauren Rogan, Professional Staff Member and Counsel, Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Michael N. Siegel, Press Assistant
Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
Jian Iza C. Zapata, Democratic Professional Staff Member for the
Subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the
Subcommittee on Health (January 2013-October 2013)
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, December 19, 2013.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: In accordance with clause 1(d) of rule XI of
the Rules of the House of Representatives, I submit herewith
the report of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs setting forth
its activities in reviewing and studying the application,
administration, and execution of those laws, the subject matter
of which is within the jurisdiction of our committee.
Sincerely,
Jeff Miller,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
Page
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs......... 1
Rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs...................... 2
Oversight Agenda for the 113th Congress.......................... 11
Activities of the Full Committee................................. 25
Activities of the Subcommittees:
Activities of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs............................................... 36
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity........... 46
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health......................... 54
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations... 59
Messages from the President and other Executive Branch
Communications................................................. 66
Union Calendar No. 218
113th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 113-300
======================================================================
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS'
AFFAIRS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
_______
December 19, 2013.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Miller, from the Committee on Veteran's Affairs, pursuant to Clause
1(d) Rule XI, submitted the following
R E P O R T
JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives
establishes the standing committees of the House and their
jurisdiction. Under that rule, all bills, resolutions, and
other matters relating to the subjects within the jurisdiction
of any standing committee shall be referred to such committee.
Clause 1(s) of Rule X establishes the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs as follows:
(1) Veterans' measures generally.
(2) Cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of
any war or conflict are or may be buried, whether in the United
States or abroad (except cemeteries administered by the
Secretary of the Interior).
(3) Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education
of veterans.
(4) Life insurance issued by the Government on account of
service in the Armed Forces.
(5) Pensions of all the wars of the United States, general
and special.
(6) Readjustment of servicemembers to civil life.
(7) Servicemembers' civil relief.
(8) Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment of
veterans.
RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
RULE 1--GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) Applicability of House Rules.--The Rules of the House
are the rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and its
subcommittees so far as applicable, except that a motion to
recess from day to day, and a motion to dispense with the first
reading (in full) of a bill or resolution, if printed copies
are available, are non-debatable privileged motions in
Committees and subcommittees.
(b) Subcommittees.--Each subcommittee of the Committee is a
part of the Committee and is subject to the authority and
direction of the Committee and to its rules so far as
applicable.
(c) Incorporation of House Rule on Committee Procedure.--
Rule XI of the Rules of the House, which pertains entirely to
Committee procedure, is incorporated and made part of the rules
of the Committee to the extent applicable. Pursuant to clause
2(a)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of
the full Committee is directed to offer a motion under clause 1
of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chairman
considers it appropriate.
(d) Vice Chairman.--Pursuant to clause 2(d) of Rule XI of
the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the full Committee
shall designate the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
RULE 2--REGULAR AND ADDITIONAL MEETINGS
(a) Regular Meetings.--The regular meeting day for the
Committee shall be at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each
month in such place as the Chairman may designate. However, the
Chairman may dispense with a regular Wednesday meeting of the
Committee.
(b) Additional Meetings.--The Chairman of the Committee may
call and convene, as he considers necessary, additional
meetings of the Committee for the consideration of any bill or
resolution pending before the Committee or for the conduct of
other Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such
purpose pursuant to the call of the Chairman.
(c) Notice.--The Chairman shall notify each member of the
Committee of the agenda of each regular and additional meeting
of the Committee at least 24 hours before the time of the
meeting, except under circumstances the Chairman determines to
be of an emergency nature. Under such circumstances, the
Chairman shall make an effort to consult the ranking minority
member, or in such member's absence, the next ranking minority
party member of the Committee.
RULE 3--Meetings and Hearings Generally
(a) Open Meetings and Hearings.--Meetings and hearings of
the Committee and each of its subcommittees shall be open to
the public unless closed in accordance with clause 2(g) of Rule
XI of the Rules of the House.
(b) Announcement of Hearing.--The Chairman, in the case of
a hearing to be conducted by the Committee, and the
subcommittee Chairman, in the case of a hearing to be conducted
by a subcommittee, shall make public announcement of the date,
place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted on any
measure or matter at least one week before the commencement of
that hearing unless the Committee or the subcommittee
determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing at an
earlier date. In the latter event, the Chairman or the
subcommittee Chairman, as the case may be, shall consult with
the ranking minority member and make such public announcement
at the earliest possible date. The clerk of the Committee shall
promptly notify the Daily Clerk of the Congressional Record and
the Committee scheduling service of the House Information
Resources as soon as possible after such public announcement is
made.
(c) Wireless Telephone Use Prohibited.--No person may use a
wireless telephone during a Committee or subcommittee meeting
or hearing.
(d) Media Coverage.--Any meeting of the Committee or its
subcommittees that is open to the public shall be open to
coverage by radio, television, and still photography in
accordance with the provisions of clause 4 of House rule XI.
(e) Requirements for Testimony.--
(1) Each witness who is to appear before the
Committee or a subcommittee shall file with the clerk
of the Committee, at least 48 hours in advance of his
or her appearance, a written statement of his or her
proposed testimony. Each witness shall, to the greatest
extent practicable, also provide a copy of such written
testimony in an electronic format prescribed by the
Chairman. Each witness shall limit any oral
presentation to a summary of the written statement.
(2) Pursuant to clause 4 of Rule XI of the Rules of
the House, in the case of a witness appearing in a non-
governmental capacity a written statement of proposed
testimony shall include a curriculum vitae and a
disclosure of the amount and source (by agency and
program) of any Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or
contract (or subcontract thereof) received during the
current fiscal year or either of the two preceding
fiscal years by the witness or by an entity represented
by the witness.
(f) Calling and Questioning Witnesses.--
(1) Committee and subcommittee members may question
witnesses only when they have been recognized by the
Chairman of the Committee or subcommittee for that
purpose, and only for a 5-minute period until all
members present have had an opportunity to question a
witness. The 5-minute period for questioning a witness
by any one member may be extended only with the
unanimous consent of all members present. The
questioning of witnesses in both Committee and
subcommittee hearings shall be initiated by the
Chairman, followed by the ranking minority party member
and all other members alternating between the majority
and minority. Except as otherwise announced by the
Chairman at the beginning of a hearing, members who are
present at the start of the hearing will be recognized
before other members who arrive after the hearing has
begun. In recognizing members to question witnesses in
this fashion, the Chairman shall take into
consideration the ratio of the majority to minority
members present and shall establish the order of
recognition for questioning in such a manner as not to
disadvantage the members of the majority.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1)
regarding the 5-minute rule, the Chairman after
consultation with the ranking minority member may
designate an equal number of members of the Committee
or subcommittee majority and minority party to question
a witness for a period not longer than 30 minutes. In
no event shall the Chairman allow a member to question
a witness for an extended period under this rule until
all members present have had the opportunity to ask
questions under the 5-minute rule. The Chairman after
consultation with the ranking minority member may
permit Committee staff for its majority and minority
party members to question a witness for equal specified
periods of time.
(3) When a hearing is conducted by the Committee or a
subcommittee on any measure or matter, the minority
party members on the Committee shall be entitled, upon
request to the Chairman of a majority of those minority
members before the completion of the hearing, to call
witnesses selected by the minority to testify with
respect to that measure or matter during at least one
day of the hearing thereon.
(g) Subpoenas.--Pursuant to clause 2(m) of Rule XI of the
Rules of the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued by
the Committee or a subcommittee in the conduct of any
investigation or series of investigations or activities, only
when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a majority
being present.
(h) Notice Requirements.--
(1) The text of all bills or resolutions for markup,
and any amendments in the nature of a substitute to
such bills or resolution to be first recognized by the
Chairman, shall be made available, via written or
electronic notice, to Committee members at least 48
hours prior to a scheduled markup, except as agreed to
by unanimous consent.
(2) Subject to the second sentence of this paragraph,
it shall not be in order for the Committee to consider
any amendment proposed to a bill or resolution under
consideration by the Committee, or proposed to an
amendment in the nature of a substitute noticed under
paragraph (1), unless a written or electronic copy of
such amendment has been delivered to each Member of the
Committee (or Subcommittee for purposes of Subcommittee
markups) at least 24 hours before the meeting at which
the amendment is to be proposed. This paragraph may be
waived by unanimous consent and shall apply only when
the 48-hour written notice has been provided in
accordance with paragraph (1).
(i) Congressional Budget Office Scoring.--The Committee
shall not include any bill or resolution for consideration
during a committee markup which is not accompanied by an
accounting from the Congressional Budget Office of the
mandatory and discretionary costs or savings associated with
such bill or resolution.
The accounting from the Congressional Budget Office need
not be official, but is expected to provide Committee members
with an approximation of the budgetary impact a bill or
resolution may have prior to any vote to favorably forward or
report such bill or resolution. The requirements of this
paragraph may be waived by a majority of Committee members, a
quorum being present.
RULE 4--QUORUM AND RECORD VOTES; POSTPONEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS
(a) Working Quorum.--A majority of the members of the
Committee shall constitute a quorum for business and a majority
of the members of any subcommittee shall constitute a quorum
thereof for business, except that two members shall constitute
a quorum for the purpose of taking testimony and receiving
evidence.
(b) Quorum for Reporting.--No measure or recommendation
shall be reported to the House of Representatives unless a
majority of the Committee was actually present.
(c) Record Votes.--A record vote may be demanded by one-
fifth of the members present or, in the apparent absence of a
quorum, by any one member. With respect to any record vote on
any motion to amend or report, the total number of votes cast
for and against, and the names of those members voting for and
against, shall be included in the report of the Committee on
the bill or resolution.
(d) Prohibition Against Proxy Voting.--No vote by any
member of the Committee or a subcommittee with respect to any
measure or matter may be cast by proxy.
(e) Postponing Proceedings.--Committee and subcommittee
chairmen may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is
ordered on the question of approving a measure or matter or on
adopting an amendment, and may resume proceedings within two
legislative days on a postponed question after reasonable
notice. When proceedings resume on a postponed question,
notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous
question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to
further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the
question was postponed.
RULE 5--SUBCOMMITTEES
(a) Establishment and Jurisdiction.--
(1) There shall be four subcommittees of the
Committee as follows:
(A) Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs, which shall have legislative,
oversight and investigative jurisdiction over
compensation; general and special pensions of
all the wars of the United States; life
insurance issued by the Government on account
of service in the Armed Forces; cemeteries of
the United States in which veterans of any war
or conflict are or may be buried, whether in
the United States or abroad, except cemeteries
administered by the Secretary of the Interior;
burial benefits; the Board of Veterans'
Appeals; and the United States Court of Appeals
for Veterans Claims.
(B) Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity,
which shall have legislative, oversight and
investigative jurisdiction over education of
veterans, employment and training of veterans,
vocational rehabilitation, veterans' housing
programs, readjustment of servicemembers to
civilian life, and servicemembers civil relief.
(C) Subcommittee on Health, which shall have
legislative, oversight, and investigative
jurisdiction over the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) including medical
services, medical support and compliance,
medical facilities, medical and prosthetic
research, and major and minor construction.
(D) Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations, which shall have oversight and
investigative jurisdiction over veterans'
matters generally, information technology,
procurement, and over such matters as may be
referred to the subcommittee by the Chairman of
the full Committee for its oversight or
investigation and for its appropriate
recommendations. The subcommittee shall have
legislative jurisdiction over such bills or
resolutions as may be referred to it by the
Chairman of the full Committee. Provided,
however, that the activities of the
Subcommittee shall in no way limit the
responsibility of the other subcommittees of
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for carrying
out their oversight duties.
(2) Each subcommittee shall have responsibility for
such other measures or matters as the Chairman refers
to it.
(b) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the membership of a
subcommittee shall not affect the power of the remaining
members to execute the functions of that subcommittee.
(c) Ratios.--On each subcommittee, there shall be a ratio
of majority party members to minority party members which shall
be consistent with the ratio on the full Committee.
(d) Referral to Subcommittees.--The Chairman of the
Committee may refer a measure or matter, which is within the
general responsibility of more than one of the subcommittees of
the Committee, as the Chairman deems appropriate. In referring
any measure or matter to a subcommittee, the Chairman of the
Committee may specify a date by which the subcommittee shall
report thereon to the Committee.
(e) Powers and Duties.--
(1) Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold
hearings, receive evidence, and report to the full
Committee on all matters referred to it or under its
jurisdiction. Subcommittee chairmen shall set dates for
hearings and meetings of their respective subcommittees
after consultation with the Chairman of the Committee
and other subcommittee chairmen with a view toward
avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and
subcommittee meetings or hearings whenever possible.
(2) Whenever a subcommittee has ordered a bill,
resolution, or other matter to be reported to the
Committee, the Chairman of the subcommittee reporting
the bill, resolution, or matter to the full Committee,
or any member authorized by the subcommittee to do so
shall notify the Chairman and the ranking minority
party member of the Committee of the Subcommittee's
action.
(3) A member of the Committee who is not a member of
a particular subcommittee may sit with the subcommittee
during any of its meetings and hearings, but shall not
have authority to vote, cannot be counted for a quorum,
and cannot raise a point of order at the meeting or
hearing.
(4) Each subcommittee shall provide the Committee
with copies of such record votes taken in subcommittee
and such other records with respect to the subcommittee
as the Chairman of the Committee deems necessary for
the Committee to comply with all rules and regulations
of the House.
RULE 6--GENERAL OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY
(a) Purpose.--Pursuant to clause 2 of Rule X of the Rules
of the House, the Committee shall carry out oversight
responsibilities. In order to assist the House in--
(1) Its analysis, appraisal, evaluation of--
(A) The application, administration,
execution, and effectiveness of the laws
enacted by the Congress, or
(B) Conditions and circumstances, which may
indicate the necessity or desirability of
enacting new or additional legislation, and
(2) Its formulation, consideration and enactment of
such modifications or changes in those laws, and of
such additional legislation, as may be necessary or
appropriate, the Committee and its various
subcommittees, consistent with their jurisdiction as
set forth in Rule 5, shall have oversight
responsibilities as provided in subsection (b).
(b) Review of Laws and Programs.--The Committee and its
subcommittees shall review and study, on a continuing basis,
the applications, administration, execution, and effectiveness
of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is
within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee, and
the organization and operation of the Federal agencies and
entities having responsibilities in or for the administration
and execution thereof, in order to determine whether such laws
and the programs thereunder are being implemented and carried
out in accordance with the intent of the Congress and whether
such programs should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. In
addition, the Committee and its subcommittees shall review and
study any conditions or circumstances which may indicate the
necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional
legislation within the jurisdiction of the Committee or
subcommittee (whether or not any bill or resolution has been
introduced with respect thereto), and shall on a continuing
basis undertake future research and forecasting on matters
within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee.
(c) Oversight Plan.--Not later than February 15 of the
first session of a Congress, the Committee shall meet in open
session, with a quorum present, to adopt its oversight plans
for that Congress for submission to the Committee on House
Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, in accordance with the provisions of clause 2(d) of
Rule X of the Rules of the House.
(d) Oversight by Subcommittees.--The existence and
activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
shall in no way limit the responsibility of the other
subcommittees of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for
carrying out oversight duties.
RULE 7--BUDGET ACT RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Budget Act Responsibilities.--Pursuant to clause
4(f)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Committee
shall submit to the Committee on the Budget not later than six
weeks after the President submits his budget, or at such time
as the Committee on the Budget may request--
(1) Its views and estimates with respect to all
matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on
the budget for the ensuing fiscal year that are within
its jurisdiction or functions; and
(2) An estimate of the total amounts of new budget
authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to
be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions
within its jurisdiction that it intends to be effective
during that fiscal year.
RULE 8--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS
(a) Transcripts.--There shall be a transcript made of each
regular and additional meeting and hearing of the Committee and
its subcommittees. Any such transcript shall be a substantially
verbatim account of remarks actually made during the
proceedings, subject only to technical, grammatical, and
typographical corrections authorized by the person making the
remarks involved.
(b) Records.----
(1) The Committee shall keep a record of all actions
of the Committee and each of its subcommittees. The
record shall contain all information required by clause
2(e)(1) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House and shall
be available for public inspection at reasonable times
in the offices of the Committee.
(2) There shall be kept in writing a record of the
proceedings of the Committee and each of its
subcommittees, including a record of the votes on any
question on which a recorded vote is demanded. The
result of each such record vote shall be made available
by the Committee for inspection by the public at
reasonable times in the offices of the Committee.
Information so available for public inspection shall
include a description of the amendment, motion, order
or other proposition and the name of each member voting
for and each member voting against such amendment,
motion, order, or proposition, and the names of those
members present but not voting.
(c) Availability of Archived Records.--The records of the
Committee at the National Archives and Records Administration
shall be made available for public use in accordance with Rule
VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairman shall notify the
ranking minority member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3
or clause 4 of Rule VII of the Rules of the House, to withhold
a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented
to the Committee for a determination on written request of any
member of the Committee.
(d) Availability of Publications.--Pursuant to clause
2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Committee
shall make its publications available in electronic form to the
maximum extent feasible.
RULE 9--TRAVEL
(a) Requirements for Travel.--All requests for travel,
funded by the Committee, for Members and staff in connection
with activities or subject matters under the general
jurisdiction of the Committee, shall be submitted to the Chair
for approval or disapproval. All travel requests should be
submitted to the Chair at least five working days in advance of
the proposed travel. For all travel funded by any other source,
notice shall be given to the Chair at least five working days
in advance of the proposed travel. All travel requests shall be
submitted to the Chair in writing and include the following:
(1) The purpose of the travel.
(2) The dates during which the travel is to occur.
(3) The names of the locations to be visited and the
length of time to be spent in each.
(4) The names of members and staff of the Committee
for whom the authorization is sought. Travel by the
minority shall be submitted to the Chair via the
Ranking Member.
(b) Trip Reports.--Members and staff shall make a written
report to the Chair within 15 working days on all travel
approved under this subsection. Reports shall include a
description of their itinerary, expenses, and activities, and
pertinent information gained as a result of such travel.
When travel involves majority and minority Members or
staff, the majority shall submit the report to the Chair on
behalf of the majority and minority. The minority may append
additional remarks to the report at their discretion.
(c) Applicability of House Rules.--Members and staff of the
Committee performing authorized travel on official business
shall be governed by applicable laws, resolutions, and
regulations of the House and of the Committee on House
Administration.
RULE 10--FACILITY NAMING
(a) Facility Naming.--No Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) facility or property shall be named after any individual
by the Committee unless:
(1) Such individual is deceased and was:
(A) A veteran who (i) was instrumental in the
construction or the operation of the facility
to be named, or (ii) was a recipient of the
Medal of Honor or, as determined by the
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, otherwise
performed military service of an
extraordinarily distinguished character;
(B) A Member of the United States House of
Representatives or Senate who had a direct
association with such facility;
(C) An Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, a
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a Secretary of
Defense or of a service branch, or a military
or other Federal civilian official of
comparable or higher rank; or
(D) An individual who, as determined by the
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, performed
outstanding service for veterans.
(2) Each Member of the Congressional delegation
representing the State in which the designated facility
is located must indicate in writing such Member's
support of the proposal to name such facility after
such individual.
(3) The pertinent State department or chapter of each
Congressionally chartered veterans' organization having
a national membership of at least 500,000 must indicate
in writing its support of such proposal.
(4) The above criteria for naming a VA facility may
be waived by unanimous consent.
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
OVERSIGHT AGENDA FOR THE 113TH CONGRESS
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs conducts its
oversight with the help of four Subcommittees: Oversight and
Investigations; Economic Opportunity; Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs; and Health. It is expected that oversight of
the issues outlined below will be a shared responsibility of
both the full Committee and the appropriate Subcommittees.
Jobs and Economic Opportunity
1. Licensing and Certification Barriers--The inability of
servicemembers to quickly translate skills learned in the
military to post-service employment remains a serious
impediment to getting qualified workers into civilian-
equivalent jobs. The Committee will continue to oversee the
efforts of the Departments of Labor and Defense in working with
States and credentialing bodies to break down these barriers.
2. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training
Service (VETS)--In evaluating VETS' programs, the Committee
will focus on interagency cooperation between VETS and the
Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment (VRE) program to assess the effectiveness of
combined efforts to place disabled veterans into jobs. We will
also take a detailed look at the performance of the State Grant
Program with an emphasis on promoting more consistent results.
The Committee will also look into the overall effectiveness and
timeliness of the information provided by employment assistance
programs to veterans.
The Committee will oversee the redesign of the Transition
Assistance Program (TAP) for those leaving military service.
Specifically, we intend to conduct a continuing review of the
content of TAP provided under the mandatory attendance
provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. The Committee
will continue to conduct on-site visits to observe TAP classes
and to gauge revision and deployment of the TAP curriculum.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment--VA's
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) program provides
veterans with service-connected disabilities the ability to
obtain and maintain suitable employment, and enables certain
other disabled veterans to achieve independence in daily
living. The Committee will examine VRE's recent efforts to
implement its 5-track program throughout the 57 regional
offices. We will also focus on VRE's referral of rehabilitated
veterans to the state employment services for job placement.
4. Employment of National Guard and Reserve Members--The
Committee will review the efforts of the Department of Labor
and VA in facilitating employment opportunities to veterans,
with a focus on recently separated service members returning
from Iraq and Afghanistan, including demobilizing Reserve and
National Guard personnel.
5. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)--The Committee
will continue to provide oversight of SCRA compliance, with
emphasis upon violations by financial institutions overcharging
on mortgages, improperly foreclosing, and depriving military
families of the protections afforded under SCRA.
6. GI Bill--The Committee will continue monitoring VA's
efforts to implement the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational
Assistance with an emphasis on simplifying administration of
the benefit. We will also examine ways to improve the delivery
of all veterans' and survivors' education benefits. The
Committee will also explore efforts to track long-term outcomes
as well as compile data regarding the transferability of
benefits.
7. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)--Under the
VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, VRAP offers up to 12 months of
training for in-demand occupations to 99,000 unemployed
veterans between 35 and 60 years old. The Committee will
conduct continuing oversight of the roles of the state
employment agencies, the Department of Labor, and VA in the
application, approval and enrollment, and training of
participants. Most importantly, we will monitor whether
veterans who have been trained through VRAP actually receive
employment in the high-demand jobs for which they've been
trained.
8. Reserve Component Transition Assistance and the
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
(USERRA)--USERRA ensures that Guard and Reserve members are
able to return to their civilian jobs following deployment. The
Committee will assess the effectiveness of USERRA with special
emphasis on employers' willingness to hire National Guard and
Reserve members and employment-related issues related to
returning to the workforce following activation, as well as
issues related enforcement.
9. State Approving Agencies (SAA)--SAAs approve educational
programs to ensure that veterans' GI Bill resources are used
only for legitimate purposes. The Committee will examine the
SAAs performance in ensuring compliance with VA policies and
procedures, as well as educating school personnel, preventing
fraud, and discovering questionable recruiting practices. We
will examine how SAAs can become more accountable for the
funding they receive from VA.
10. Small Business Contracting Goals for Veteran and
Service-Connected Disabled Business Owners--Overall, the
Federal government continues to fall short in meeting the three
percent procurement goal for service disabled veteran-owned
small businesses (SDVOSB). In 2006, Congress passed Public Law
109-461 which provided SDVOSB and veteran-owned small
businesses (VOSB) several advantages in contracting with VA as
well as additional tools for VA to contract with SDVOSB and
VOSB. The Committee will continue its oversight of VA's
progress implementing the small business provisions of P.L.
109-461.
11. VA Loan Guaranty Program--The Committee will review
veterans' loan programs to determine whether existing laws,
regulations and VA initiatives are sufficient to reduce
foreclosures on veteran-owned homes. The Committee will include
the views of the mortgage industry and other real estate
experts to see if improvements can be made to the existing
system including additional protections for mortgagors. We will
also review VA operations in the secondary market, to include
VA's Vendee Loan program.
12. Paralympics--To foster the use of sports as part of
rehabilitation, Public Law 110-389 authorized VA to provide a
grant to the US Paralympic program to promote development of
adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans from the
grassroots to elite, competitive levels. The Committee will
review VA's Paralympics grant program with an emphasis on the
results of grassroots adaptive sports programs.
13. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs--The
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is an
enforcement agency within the Department of Labor. In addition
to other equal employment laws, OFCCP enforces the Vietnam Era
Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). The law
requires that employers with Federal contracts of $100,000 or
more provide equal opportunity and affirmative action for
certain veterans. The Federal government awards prime
contractors worth approximately $200 billion per year. The
Committee will examine OFCCP's recent investigatory and
enforcement actions related to VEVRAA, staffing matters, and
the general complaint process.
Health Care
1. Veterans Choice and Access to Fee Care--The Committee
will examine the availability and means through which the
Veterans Health Administration provides care to eligible
veterans whose access to traditional medical services is
limited by geography, disability, or other challenges.
Specifically, the Committee is concerned about the
implementation of two new national initiatives--the Patient
Centered Community Care (PCCC) and Non-VA Care Coordination
(NVCC) programs--both of which would make significant changes
to VA's fee care program. Serious issues have been raised about
the validity and accuracy of the business case and cost-benefit
analysis VA used to develop PCCC and NVCC and whether their
implementation will perpetuate the current broken fee care
system. The Committee will also conduct oversight of the
provision of dialysis services in regard to a May 2012
Government Accountability Office report that found substantial
weaknesses in the execution of the planning and early
implementation phases of the ongoing VA Dialysis Pilot Program.
2. Mental Health Care Quality, Access, and Staffing--The
Committee will conduct rigorous oversight of the provision of
mental health care to veteran patients. Serious questions have
been raised about VA's ability to provide timely, effective,
and accessible mental health care and benefits to veterans
especially those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).
An April 2012 VA Inspector General (IG) report exposed serious
deficiencies with the accuracy and reliability of VA to
determine whether or not VA's mental health care access goals
are being met and are appropriate measures of quality care.
Among the issues we will explore are: VA's efforts to establish
usable data to assess patient demand, patient waiting times,
appropriate staffing levels, and clinic capacity; VA's progress
in hiring additional mental health staff; the usability and
effectiveness of mental health provider performance and
productivity measures; partnerships and collaborations with
community providers to address service gaps; and, systematic
issues impeding patient wellness.
3. Beneficiary Travel--The Committee will evaluate the
administration of VA's beneficiary travel program to include
overall program accountability, the management of funds, and
the manner of payments to eligible veterans. We will also
oversee the implementation of section 104 of Public Law 112-
154, which directs VA to conduct a three-year pilot program to
assess the feasibility and advisability of extending
beneficiary travel for veterans obtaining care at Vet Centers.
4. Caring for Veterans with Amputations--The Committee will
continue to closely monitor and assess the provision of care to
veterans with amputations. VA faces documented challenges in
meeting the needs of younger and more active veterans with
amputations with the latest technology and providing a strong
system-wide prosthetic limb program that is consistent and
coordinated. In the 112th Congress, the Committee held several
hearings that exposed troubling concerns among veterans with
amputations and community-based clinicians about the impact new
VA policies on the approval of advanced technologies and the
veteran's choice to utilize a community-based provider. Among
the issues we will assess is the implementation and impact of
prosthetic procurement reforms. Serious concerns have been
raised by veterans with amputations and other stakeholders that
VA's planned prosthetic procurement reforms will take
prosthetic purchasing authority away from prosthetic
specialists and transfer it to contracting officers, which
would lead to substantial delays in care and clinical judgments
regarding veterans needs being overridden by individuals with
little to no experience in prosthetic care.
5. Guide and Service Dogs--The Committee will closely
monitor the implementation of section 109 of Public Law 112-
154, which prohibits VA from denying the use of service dogs
in, or on, any VA facility or property or any facility or
property that receives VA funding. Contrary to the intent of
Congress, concerns have been raised that this provision could
prevent veterans with owner-trained or otherwise
``unaccredited'' service dogs from accessing VA property. The
Committee will also assess the implementation of regulations
that provide veterans with visual, hearing, or mobility
impairments with benefits to support the use of a service dog
as part of the management of such impairments. In particular,
we will closely monitor a recently suspended study to assess
the benefits of providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD.
6. Sexual Assault Prevention and Safety Measures--The
Committee will closely monitor the implementation of section
106 of Public Law 112-154, which directs VA to develop and
implement a comprehensive policy on reporting, tracking, and
prevention of sexual assault and other safety incidents at VA
medical facilities. In June 2011, the Government Accountability
Office issued a report which found 284 allegations of sexual
assault in VA facilities between 2007 and 2010 resulting from
significant deficiencies in risk assessment, reporting,
tracking and oversight by VA leadership. The Committee will
ensure that corrective actions are in place to effectively and
efficiently respond to any and all unsafe incidents and ensure
the safety of VA patients and employees. (Continuation of
efforts from the 112th Congress.)
7. Strategic and Policy Implications of the Affordable Care
Act--The Committee will examine the impact of Public Law 111-
148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), on
the VA healthcare system. VA healthcare has been deemed to meet
``minimum essential coverage'' requirements under the law.
Nevertheless, the enactment of the ACA carries significant
strategic and policy implications for VA, including potential
impacts regarding VA enrollment and utilization, information
technology and data collection requirements, and workforce
recruitment and retention efforts.
8. Women Veterans--The Committee will evaluate VA's
progress in increasing access and overcoming barriers
associated with health care quality and satisfaction for women
veterans, the fastest growing segment of the veteran
population. Among the many issues the Committee will focus on
are the implementation of provisions in Public Law 111-163
aimed to assist women veterans, including readjustment and
child care pilot programs and the activities and
recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.
9. Medical Recruitment, Retention and Staffing--VA faces a
large nursing shortage in the next several years. The Committee
will review efforts being made by the VA to recruit, hire and
train medical staff. Of particular interest will be the recent
contract to reintegrate and retain veterans at all levels in
the VA.
10. Support for Families and Caregivers--The Committee will
continue to monitor the implementation of the caregiver
assistance programs established in Public Law 111-163, the
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. Among the
issues are the provision of stipend payments, mental health
care services, respite care, and training.
11. Management of Major Medical Facility Projects--The
Committee will continue its aggressive oversight of VA
leadership failures with regard to VA's capital asset planning,
approval, and budgeting process and the execution of major
medical facility construction projects. We will also examine
the status of ongoing projects, to include Orlando, Florida;
New Orleans, Louisiana; and Denver, Colorado; and assess issues
with the management and oversight of facility design,
construction, and activation which have led to significant cost
increases and scheduling delays.
12. Recovering Servicemembers and Veterans--The Committee
will continue to aggressively look at the VA and DOD systematic
and persistent leadership, management, and oversight problems
affecting the case management and care coordination of wounded
warriors.
13. Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs)
Structure--The Committee will examine the current VISN
structure and ways to realign the VISNs to better manage
performance, promote innovation, and establish uniformity of
health care services and practices throughout the system. The
VISN system has remained in place for fifteen years, with the
only structural change taking place in 2002 when VISN 13 and 14
were integrated and renamed VISN 23. With the rapid application
of new information technology that has revolutionized the way
we live, interact, and conduct business, the Committee will
focus on opportunities to restructure the VISNs toward the goal
of more patient-centered care.
14. Medical and Prosthetic Research Program--The Committee
will examine the value of VA research with respect to injuries
and illnesses related to military service and the acceleration
of discoveries and applications, especially for neurotrauma,
sensory loss, amputation, polytrauma, and prosthetic needs.
Among the issues we will also focus on are: the adequacy of
research space and equipment and the development of a
clearinghouse designed to promote VA and DOD researchers
awareness collaboration and joint publication of research.--add
in infrastructure
15. Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT)--The Committee will
provide aggressive oversight of the impact and effectiveness of
a new initiative VA is implementing referred to as PACT which
is intended to increase access, coordination, communication,
and continuity of care by allowing patients to have a dedicated
primary care team and a more active role in their health care.
16. Pain Management--The Committee will examine VHA's pain
management strategy. Managing pain is an increasingly
significant issue, especially for recently returning combat
veterans presenting with a wide range of physical and mental
health problems, including musculoskeletal ailments and post
traumatic stress. The Committee will focus on: pain awareness,
education, intervention; utilization of best practices for the
continuum of acute and chronic pain; and the challenge of
prescription drug diversion and abuse.
17. VA Partnerships With Faith-based and Community
Organizations--The Committee will continue to examine the role
of community providers and faith-based organizations in helping
servicemembers transition to civilian life and the need to
foster better communication, education, and collaboration
between VA and these critical community resources.
Specifically, the Committee will focus on VA's relationship
with community organizations and actions necessary to establish
meaningful and effective partnerships to better support
veterans in their home communities. We will also closely
monitor the implementation of Section 3 of the Executive Order
on Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans,
Servicemembers, and Military Families, which directs VA and the
Department of Health and Human Services to establish pilot
projects to test the effectiveness of community partnerships in
helping to meet the mental health needs of veterans.
18. Vet Centers--The Committee will examine the services
provided to servicemembers, veterans, and their families
through Vet Centers and evaluate the role of such centers
within the larger VA health care system. The Committee will
also address the implementation of Section 304 of Public Law
111-163, the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act
of 2010, which requires VA to establish a program to provide
mental health services to immediate family members of returning
veterans, particularly those who served in the National Guard
and Reserve, and section 401, which made active-duty
servicemembers eligible to receive readjustment counseling at
VA Vet Centers.
19. Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Records and Interoperability--
The Committee has and will continue to devote substantial
attention to health information sharing between DOD and VA,
understanding the need for this sharing to support the
transition from active duty to veterans status. However, VA and
DOD face significant challenges in achieving long-term data
sharing capability. While the two Departments have developed a
strategy at the higher levels, both Departments lack objective,
quantifiable, and measurable goals to assess their success in
achieving full electronic health record interoperability and VA
and DOD lack mechanisms for identifying and implementing
efficient and effective information technology solutions to
jointly address both Departments' common health care system
needs.
20. Homeless Veterans Programs--The Committee will continue
to provide meaningful oversight of VA's plan to end
homelessness among the veteran population by 2015 and assure
that homeless veterans gain access to the supportive services
and meaningful employment they need to reintegrate into stable
community environments. In particular, the Committee will work
to ensure that VA's efforts regarding homeless veterans are
sustainable and focused on the elimination of the factors
underlying homelessness, including the aggressive diagnosis and
treatment of mental health issues and substance use disorder.
The Committee will also assess the use, effectiveness, and any
duplication of the specialized programs to assist homeless
veterans and examine ways to strengthen VA's ability to prevent
at-risk veterans from becoming homeless.
21. Camp Lejeune Veterans and Family Members--The Committee
will monitor the implementation of section 102 of Public Law
112-154, which provides hospital care, medical services, and
nursing home care through the VA to certain veterans and their
eligible family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina, from January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1987,
during which time the well water was contaminated. These
veterans are eligible to receive medical care for the following
fifteen illnesses or conditions: esophageal cancer; lung
cancer; breast cancer; bladder cancer; kidney cancer; leukemia;
multiple myeloma; myleodysplasic syndromes; renal toxicity;
hepatic steatosis; female infertility; miscarriage;
scleroderma; neurobehavioral effects; and non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma, although the law acknowledges that there is
insufficient medical evidence to conclude that any particular
illnesses are attributable to military service during that
period. The VA will be the final payer to other third-party
health insurance plans for eligible family members.
22. Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI)--The subcommittee will continue to investigate the role
of post traumatic stress and/or brain injury with veteran
suicides, including overmedication (chronic pain management)
and other treatment plans. In the 112th Congress, O&I
identified more than 2000 studies and projects, in both DoD and
VA, related to PTS and TBI. Scores of these programs were
duplicative.
23. Gulf War Illness--Early in CY 2013, the Institute of
Medicine will publish its latest studies on the relationship
between Gulf War service (1990-1991), environmental and
chemical exposure, and a host of illnesses that plague veterans
from that war. Although service connection has been established
for some health issues, VA is not properly utilizing the Gulf
War Registry, nor is it connecting veteran reported illnesses
to Gulf War service. This lack of attention to detail prevents
veterans from receiving medical care for service related issues
including sleep disturbances, heart problems, and memory
failure.
24. Veterans Courts--Many states have given veterans with
legal troubles the opportunity to have their cases heard and
resolved through special courts which liaise with community
resources and VA to address the root causes of veterans' legal
problems, e.g., substance abuse, PTSD, etc. In return for
seeking and sustaining treatment for these issues, veterans are
given the ability to keep their record clean and resolve their
underlying issues. The Committee will assess VA's role in
cooperating with these courts and monitor effectiveness.
25. Telehealth and Telemedicine--The Committee will assess
the VA's ongoing efforts to provide greater access to
telehealth and telemedicine as part of its overall outreach to
rural veterans as well as looking into the effectiveness of
these programs in providing greater access and quality health
care.
Accountability and Transparency
1. VA Budget Transparency--The Committee will continue to
oversee the sufficiency and transparency of VA's budget and
budgeting process. We will ensure that appropriated dollars are
used for their intended purpose and not diverted to other uses
without Congressional awareness and assent. This oversight will
include every appropriation account and all programs under
those accounts. The Committee also plans to explore VA's
planning, programming, budgeting and execution efforts as well
as fiscal management and control issues.
2. VA's Acquisition Process--VA continues to spend billions
annually for the procurement of pharmaceuticals, medical and
surgical supplies, prosthetic devices, information technology,
construction, and services. VA still faces major challenges
implementing a more efficient, effective, and coordinated
acquisition program. The Committee will review VA's procurement
practices, and discuss possible legislative remedies. In VA
construction, the Committee will address the prevalent practice
of contractors increasing their profits by submitting change
orders through proposed legislation that will stipulate that if
the actual contract price (e.g. construction on major medical
facility) exceeds x% of authorized amount, contractor must
cover difference.
3. Competitive Sourcing and Alternative Management
Systems--The VA is implementing the President's Management
Agenda and Office of Management and Budget Directives through
competitive sourcing and alternative management systems. The
Committee is interested in the factual basis for the conduct of
this program and the organizational benefits yielded.
4. Energy Sustainability and Efficiencies--The Committee
will continue to conduct oversight on VA's progress with
sustainability and energy efficiencies at the various VA
locations to include VA health care facilities and National
Cemeteries. The examination will include a focused look at how
the VA has spent funding authorized to enhance sustainability
and efficiency programs and whether the funding is being well
spent and the savings touted by VA are quantifiable.
5. Fund Programs--The Committee will utilize a forensic
accountant to conduct a detailed review of VA's medical care
collection fund (including demonstrations, consolidations and
outsourcing initiatives), the Supply Fund, the ADVANCE Fund,
the VA plus One Fund, the Franchise Fund and others as
identified. Of concern is how VA moves money to and from these
funds, how they are categorized (whether obligated or
unobligated) and whether or not this money is properly revealed
to Congress.
6. Consolidated Patient Accounting System (CPAC)--The
Committee will continue to conduct oversight on VA's
consolidation of VHA's business office functions into seven
regional centers. The examination will focus on the
transformation of VHA billing and collections activities, and
to determine how closely VHA purports to be aligned with
industry best practices.
7. Evaluating Management Efficiencies--The VA plans to
achieve specified savings each fiscal year by implementing
various procedures to achieve cost avoidance. The Committee
will examine the relationship of projected savings with
demonstrated savings and assess the impact on delivery of
quality services.
8. Office of Resolution Management for EEO Complaints--
Public Law 105-114, the Veterans Benefits Act of 1997, included
a requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs take
actions to improve its equal employment opportunity program and
created the Office of Resolution Management. The Committee will
review the effectiveness of the Office of Resolution
Management, but also notes the large increase in both EEO
complaints and the financial burden for VA.
9. National Archives and Records Administration--The
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains
the military personnel records of discharged members of the
Armed Forces. The Committee will examine the security of
veteran records maintained at NARA to ascertain the protection
of personal identifying information of our nation's veterans,
as well as the transmittal of these records to VA in order to
assist veterans in the claims process, and to help reduce the
claims backlog.
10. VA Information Technology Programs--The Committee will
continue its oversight of VA's IT programs. We will pay
specific attention to the progress of VA's integrated
enterprise architecture plan and efforts to improve its
internal and external cyber security, as well as review the
effectiveness of the VA's Project Management Accountability
System (PMAS) and the new T-4 information technology
contracting process, which is a five-year Indefinite Delivery/
Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order contract
with a program ceiling of $12 billion.
11. Proprietary and Sensitive Information--Aside from
storing personally identifiable information for millions of
veterans, VA's IT architecture also stores proprietary
information related to VA research on science, health, and IT.
VA has made efforts at improving IT security pertaining to PII,
but efforts aimed at storing proprietary information have not
received the same amount of scrutiny. Additionally, the
Committee has tracked VA's underperforming supply chain risk
management efforts related to the electronic health record, and
this lack of progress has raised concerns in other areas of IT
storage. The Committee will continue its oversight work in this
area.
12. VA's Fourth Mission, Emergency Management
Capabilities--The events of September 11, 2001 as well as the
Hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region in 2005 raised national
awareness of the role of the Federal government in times of
emergency or disaster. The Committee will continue its
oversight of VA's role and responsibilities as part of the
National Response Framework.
13. VA Senior Executive Service Bonuses--The Committee will
continue its oversight of VA's bonus practices for its Senior
Executive Service employees, as well as review performance
measures including Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
mandates.
14. Credentialing and Screening of VA Healthcare
Employees--The Committee will examine VA's implementation of
Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations that
indicated serious flaws in screening the professional
credentials of VA healthcare practitioners.
15. VA/DOD Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program--The
Committee will evaluate DOD's utilization of a single
examination that meets both military services' separation
requirements and VA's disability compensation criteria. The
Committee will also review VA's efforts to co-locate Veterans
Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration
personnel involved in compensation and pension claims
processing to provide more efficient one-stop claims processing
centers. Further, we will examine the effectiveness of the
implementation of the integrated DoD/VA Disability Evaluation
System (iDES).
16. Electronic Health Records--VA and DOD, through their
joint Health Executive Council, have developed a plan to create
an interoperable electronic medical record first by 2005, and
more recently by 2017. The Committee will review the progress
that has been made in interoperability and the timely bi-
directional exchange of medical information.
17. Human Subjects Protection Program--The Committee will
continue to review programs that involve human subjects,
including any effort that must be approved by an Independent
Review Board, to ensure veterans are properly protected as
necessary.
18. Controlled Substances Security--The IG's Combined
Assessment Program Reviews have repeatedly found material
weaknesses in VA medical center security of controlled
substances. Poor security or lack of security seriously
increases the potential for waste, fraud, abuse, and drug
diversion. The Committee will examine how VA is addressing this
issue.
19. Laboratory and Clinical Select Agent Security--VA Level
3 Laboratories and all VA Medical Centers are host to various
chemical, biological and radiological agents. The Subcommittee
will review the security of these agents. This is an ongoing
Committee interest.
20. Workers' Compensation Program--The IG previously
reported on VA's poor case management of workers' compensation
claims. VA is at risk for program abuse, fraud, and unnecessary
costs because it has not fully implemented IG recommendations
issued in 1999. The Committee will examine what should be done
to improve the Workers Compensation Program.
21. Enhanced Land Leases and Divestment of Federal
Property--The Committee will review the adequacy of internal
controls related to leasing or selling of VA assets and assess
the tangible benefit to taxpayers, as well as exploring how VA
efforts fit into its overall capital asset strategic plan.
22. Historic Properties--The Committee will review the use
and condition of historic properties owned and operated by VA,
and whether the Department can sustain the costs and
maintenance involved with these properties in the future.
23. Whistleblower--Whistleblowers continue to be a vital
source of accurate and timely information. Protecting an
employee's legal right to communicate with Congress is
essential to oversight and this subcommittee looks to
strengthen whistleblower protections. The Committee will
continue to monitor VA's adherence to whistleblower
protections.
24. Profitability Spectrum--The Committee will continue to
review profits acquired by VA for licensing department rooftop
space for cell towers (more than $3 million in FY12), for
patents (at least $391,894 in FY12), and land leases. We will
also review how the money is being accounted for and
distributed.
25. Financial Management Systems--In 2004 VA scrapped its
CoreFLS program after spending $249 million. VA's FLITE
program, a replacement for the failed CoreFLS program, was
stopped in 2010 after more than $90.8 million was spent. In
February 2011 SAM was also cancelled after more than $20
million. VA is in dire need of an updated financial management
system. The Committee will continue to oversee and investigate
any efforts to modernize VA's financial management system.
26. VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs
(OCLA)--Frequently inconsistent, incomplete, and untimely
responses to requests for information from the Committee, along
with a lack of established procedures within OCLA, warrant
further review so the Committee can get the information
necessary to perform its oversight.
27. Conferences & Training--In 2011, VA spent over $100
million on conferences. Inspector General reports suggest
widespread waste in conference spending. The Committee will
continue to investigate VA's exorbitant conferences and
training costs.
Benefits and Memorial Affairs
1. Rating Schedule Hearing--The current rating schedule was
created after WWII. VA has recently undertaken an effort to
comprehensively revise all 15 body systems in the VASRD. In
September 2012, GAO issued a report finding that VA was over 12
months behind schedule on this update and lacked a complete
plan for the updates. Therefore, the Committee will continue
its oversight to keep VA on track in reforming the rating
schedule and determine whether a focused study or new
legislation (as suggested by GAO) should be introduced.
2. Temporary/Total Ratings--A majority of the temporary
total ratings handed down by VA Regional Offices have been
found to be in error. Although VA initially attributed these
errors to a computer glitch, VA OIG regional office audits
continue to reveal a high error rate as to these claims. The
Committee will oversee how best to address this issue in the
interest of saving VA time and money.
3. National Cemeteries Hearing--The Committee will examine
the immediate and long-term needs of the VA National Cemetery
Administration (NCA) and the American Battle Monuments
Commission (ABMC) to provide burial or commemoration to
America's fallen heroes. Specifically, the Committee will
follow up on the NCA audit, as well as the VA OIG's audit of
the NCA audit, to determine if all burial errors have been
corrected and if NCA has executed proper management controls to
prevent such errors in the future.
4. VA's Transformation Plan--A Committee hearing was held
last June on VA's Transformation Plan. At the hearing, VA did
not present a cohesive plan for transforming the agency, but
rather listed a conglomerate of loosely tied initiatives. The
Committee has made numerous requests for a copy of the
Transformation Plan with no response from VA. Continued
oversight of this effort is essential.
5. Call Center and eBenefits Issues--The various Call
Centers have been a constant area of consternation for veterans
who complain about long wait times, no call backs and incorrect
information about their claims status from the representatives.
Although VA tries to re-direct many of these veterans to
eBenefits (an electronic means for veterans to obtain
information on their claims), recent briefings from VA reveal
that eBenefits is not updated in a timely manner and is not
providing veterans with the most up to date casetracking
information. Continued oversight of this effort is necessary.
6. The Current Appeals Process--The Committee will continue
to monitor the compensation and pension claims appeal process
at the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), the Appeals Management
Center (AMC) and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
(CAVC). The Committee plans to focus on exploring avenues to
simplify the current appeals process, increase accountability
and reduce avoidable remands.
7. Blue Water Navy--Vietnam veterans who served in the
waters offshore Vietnam are ineligible for Agent Orange
compensation on a presumptive basis unless VA has registered
the ships on which they served as eligible for the presumption
of exposure to Agent Orange. Although organizations advocating
for these ``Blue Water Navy'' veterans have been working with
VA to add many ships to its registry, many advocates are still
pushing for full recognition for this group. The Committee will
continue to oversee this issue.
8. Filipino Veterans--Recently, the Obama administration
indicated that it will undertake a review of denied Filipino
veterans' claims. The Committee will examine this effort as it
is unclear exactly what standard will be used to review denied
claims.
9. VBA Staffing and Productivity--Since 2007, VA has
consistently requested additional staffing to keep up with the
claims backlog, requiring significantly more funding. Although
VA has added approximately 3,000 new claims processors in the
last five years, the backlog has continued to increase, rather
than decrease. Accordingly, the Committee will examine the
impact of additional staffing on productivity at VA's regional
offices, as well as other alternatives to addressing the
backlog besides additional staffing.
10. VA Insurance Programs--The potential for in-service
medical conditions may make it difficult or even impossible for
servicemembers to obtain private insurance; therefore VA
administers a variety of life insurance programs for
servicemembers and veterans. The Committee will continue to
oversee the effectiveness of these programs, to include the
benefits of automatic enrollment, the addition of new
conditions covered by traumatic injury protection; and
additional coverage options for family members.
11. VA Pension Program--In the 112th Congress, it was
revealed that VA's pension program was being abused in some
instances because veterans were hiding assets in order to
qualify for the program. In addition, a whistleblower report
showed evidence of problems processing payments, including
duplicate payments for some veterans. Therefore, the Committee
will continue to oversee all aspects of the pension program to
ensure that pension claims are processed efficiently and that
veterans are receiving the proper payment amount.
12. Claims Processing Consistency--Recent reports have
revealed that timeliness and accuracy statistics for VA claims
vary widely with regional offices in major metropolitan areas
(such as Oakland, Los Angeles, and New York City) having far
lower performance metrics than those in less populated areas
(such as Lincoln, NE; Sioux Falls, SD; and Togus, ME). Although
VA uses a brokering system to transfer claims from some lower
performing regional offices to higher performing offices,
rigorous oversight of this aspect of the claims process will
ensure that similarly situated veterans are treated equally
regardless of their physical location.
13. Coordination Between VBA and VHA--Although both VBA and
VHA are within VA, veterans often complain that there is little
to no communication or meaningful collaboration between the two
departments, often causing complications. Oversight of the
communication and collaboration process between VBA and VHA
will ensure a more effective ``big picture'' method for
treating disabled veterans.
ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE
First Session
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 813; H.R. 806; and a discussion draft bill
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-
Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans review, to
establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Chief
Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.''
On July 17, 2013 the Full Committee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 813, Putting Veterans Funding First Act of
2013; H.R. 806, To amend title 38, United States Code, to make
permanent the requirement for annual reports on Comptroller
General reviews of the accuracy of Department of Veterans
Affairs medical budget submissions, and for other purposes; and
a discussion draft bill ``To amend title 38, United States
Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to
Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial
veterans review, to establish in the Department of Veterans
Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.''
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Robert D.
Snyder, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy and
Planning U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied by:
Ms. Helen Tierney, Executive in Charge for the Office of
Management and Chief Financial Officer U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Duane C. Flemming, Director, Policy
Analysis and Forecasting Office of the Assistant Deputy Under
Secretary for Health Veterans Health Administration U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Carl
Blake, National Legislative Director Paralyzed Veterans of
America accompanied by: Mr. Adrian Atizado, Assistant National
Legislative Director Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Ray
Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service Veterans of
Foreign Wars; Ms. Diane M. Zumatto, National Legislative
Director, AMVETS; and Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., Director,
National Legislative Division The American Legion. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 813; H.R. 806; and a discussion
draft bill ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a
Future-Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans
review, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a
Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes, Serial No. 113-
30.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 671, H.R. 1405, H.R. 570, H.R. 1412, H.R.
357, H.R. 602
On May 8, 2013, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R.
671, the Ruth Moore Act of 2013; H.R. 1405, To amend title 38,
United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision
issued for the denial of a benefit sought; H.R. 570, the
American Heroes COLA Act; H.R. 1412, Improving Job
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013; H.R. 357, GI Bill
Tuition Fairness Act of 2013; H.R. 602, the Veterans 2nd
Amendment Protection Act.
On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
(A.N.S) to H.R. 671, as amended, was offered by Ranking Member
Michaud of Maine and adopted by the Full Committee by voice
vote. H.R. 671, as amended passed the Full Committee and was
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by
voice vote.
On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1405, as amended, was offered by Rep. Titus of
Nevada and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R.
1405, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably
reported to the Full House by voice vote.
On May 8, 2013, H.R. 570, introduced by Rep. Runyan of New
Jersey, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1412 was offered by Rep. Coffman of Colorado
and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 1412, as
amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably reported to
the Full House by voice vote.
On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
(A.N.S) to H.R. 357, as amended was offered by Chairman Miller
of Florida and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote.
H.R. 357, as amended passed the Full Committee and was
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
On May 8, 2013, H.R. 602, introduced by Chairman Miller of
Florida passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
On May 17, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-63.
On May 17, 2013, H.R. 570 was reported by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-62.
On May 17, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-64.
On May 21, 2013, H.R. 570 passed the House on a motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended and agreed to
by voice vote.
On May 21, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended, passed the House on
a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended and
was agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416--0
(Roll no. 164).
On May 22, 2013, H.R. 570, was referred to the Senate
Veterans' Affairs committee.
On June, 3, 2013, H.R. 357, as amended was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-94 and placed on
the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 66.
On June 4, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended passed the House on a
motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended was
agreed to by voice vote.
On June 6, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended was referred to the
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
On July 19, 2013, H.R. 602 was reported by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-159 and placed on the Union
Calendar, Calendar No. 114.
On June 25, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-130.
On September 23, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended, passed the
Senate with an amendment to the title by Unanimous Consent.
On September 27, 2013, H.R. 1412 was agreed to, with Senate
Amendments, by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402--0 (Roll
no. 491).
On September 30, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended was signed by
the President and became Public Law No: 113-37.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended
and agreed to by voice vote.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 813; H.R. 2072; H.R. 2481, H.R. 1804, as
amended; H.R. 2189, as amended; H.R. 1443, as amended; H.R.
2011
On August 1, 2013, the Full Committee met and marked up
H.R. 813, the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013; H.R.
1804, as amended the Foreign Travel Accountability Act; H.R.
2073, the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013;
H.R. 2189, as amended to establish a commission or task force
to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department
of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 2481 The Veterans G.I. Bill
Enrollment Clarification Act of 2013; H.R. 1443, as amended
Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013; and H.R. 2011,
Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of
2013.
On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 813 was offered by Rep. Bilirakis of
Florida and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R.
813, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably
reported to the Full House of Representatives by voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 1804, as amended was Offered by
Rep. Huelskamp and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote.
H.R. 1804, as amended passed the Full Committee and was
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by
voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2072 was offered by Rep. Benishek
of Michigan and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice
vote. H.R. 2072, as amended passed the Full Committee and was
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by
voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2189, as amended was offered by
Rep. Runyan of New Jersey and adopted by the Full Committee by
voice vote. H.R. 2189, as amended passed the Full Committee and
was favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by
voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2481 was offered by Rep. Flores of
Texas and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R.
2481, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably
reported to the Full House of Representatives by voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1443, as amended passed the Full
Committee by voice vote and was reported favorably to the Full
House of Representatives by voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, H.R. 2011, introduced by Rep. John
Delaney of Maryland passed the Full Committee by voice vote and
was reported favorably to the Full House by voice vote.
On September 11, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-207.
On September 17, 2013, H.R. 813, as amended was reported by
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-212 and placed
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 156.
On September 17, 2013, H.R. 2011 was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-211.
On September 25, 2013, H.R. 1804, as amended was reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-227.
On September 27, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was Reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-236.
On October 7, 2013, Supplemental report to H.R. 1804, as
amended was filed by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H.
Rept. 113-227, Part II.
On October 16, 2013, H.R. 2072, as amended was reported by
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-245 and placed
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 173.
On October 22, 2013, H.R. 1443, as amended was reported by
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-247 and placed
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 175.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended
and agreed to by voice vote.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended
agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-1 (Roll no.
561).
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2011 passed the House on a motion
to suspend the rules and pass the bill agreed to by the Yeas
and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-2 (Roll no. 562).
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was referred to
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was referred to
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2011 was referred to the Senate
Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 3521
On November 20, 2013 the Full Committee met and marked up
H.R. 3521, ``To authorize Department of Veterans Affairs major
medical facility leases, and for other purposes.'' Introduced
by Chairman Miller of Florida; On November 20, 2013 H.R. 3521
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was reported
favorably to the Full House by voice vote.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Business Meeting--Organization of the 113th Congress
On January 22, 2013 the Full Committee met to formally
organize the Committee's agenda and priorities for the 113th
Congress. The Full Committee approved the Rules of the Full
Committee, the oversight agenda, ratio of Subcommittees,
Subcommittee and Full Committee Membership for Republican and
Democratic Members, Chairmanship and Ranking Members of
Subcommittees, and the Committee staff of both the Majority and
Minority for the 113th Congress.
Full Committee Hearing--Honoring the Commitment: Overcoming Barriers to
Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans
On February 13, 2013, the Full Committee met to discuss the
Department of Veterans Affair's performance in providing timely
and effective mental health care to veterans and to explore
methods by which to further improve availability of care.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by M. David
Rudd, Ph.D. ABPP, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral
Sciences Co-Founder and Scientific Director, National Center
for Veteran Studies University of Utah; Linda Spoonster
Schwartz, RN, Dr. PH, FAAN, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
State of Connecticut, Joy J. Ilem, Deputy National Legislative,
Director Disabled American Veterans; and Ralph Ibson, National
Policy Director, Wounded Warrior Project.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for
Health Veterans, Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs; Dr. Sonja Batten, Deputy Chief Consultant for
Specialty Mental Health Office of Patient Care Services,
Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; and Dr. Janet Kemp, Director, Suicide Prevention and
Community Engagement National Mental Health Program Office of
Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Honoring the Commitment:
Overcoming Barriers to Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans,
Serial No. 113-03.
Full Committee Site Visits--CODEL Miller--San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI;
Guam; and the Philippines
On February 15-24, 2013, Chairman Miller led a CODEL to San
Diego, CA, Honolulu, HI, Guam, and the Philippines to assess
the clinical operations, programs, and collaborative activities
of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
medical facilities. In addition, the delegation reviewed the
management and activities of Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Offices (RO), as well as certain cemeteries under the
administration of the National Cemetery Administration and the
American Battle Monuments Commission. The delegation also
included House Veterans' Affairs Committee members: Ranking
Member Michael H. Michaud (ME), Vice-Chairman Gus M. Bilirakis
(FL), Honorable Timothy J. Walz (MN), House Appropriations
Committee member, Honorable Jo Bonner (AL), House Veterans'
Affairs Committee Majority Staff Director, Helen Tolar, and
Jian Zapata of the Minority Staff.
Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans'
Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled
American Veterans (DAV)
On February 26, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to
receive testimony from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) on its
2013 legislative priories.
On the first and only panel, testimony was received by Mr.
Larry A. Polzin, National Commander accompanied by: Mr. Garry
J. Augustine, National Service Director; Mr. Joseph A.
Violante, National Legislative Director; Mr. Barry A.
Jesinoski, Executive Director Washington Headquarters; Mr.
Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant; Mr. Ron B. Minter,
National Director of Voluntary Service; and Ms. Donna M. Adams,
National Commander Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. See
Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American
Veterans (DAV), Serial No.113-05.
Full Committee Hearing--Electronic Health Record U-Turn: Are VA and DOD
Headed in the Wrong Direction?
On February 27, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing on
the implementation of the integrated Electronic Health Record
(iEHR) and the cooperation on this effort between the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Roger W. Baker, Assistant Secretary for Information
and Technology and Chief Information Officer U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A.
Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for Health Veterans, Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The
Honorable Jonathan A. Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Health Affairs Director, TRICARE Management Activity U.S.
Department of Defense accompanied by: The Honorable Elizabeth
A. McGrath, Deputy Chief Management Officer U.S. Department of
Defense; Ms. Valerie C. Melvin, Director, Information
Management and Technology Resources Issues U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Mr. Jacob B. Gadd, Deputy Director
for Healthcare, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Division, The American Legion. See Electronic Health Record U-
Turn: Are VA and DOD Headed in the Wrong Direction? Serial
No.113-06.
Full Committee Meeting--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans'
Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of Multiple
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
On February 28, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to
receive testimony from Multiple Veteran Service Organizations
(VSOs) on their legislative priorities in 2013.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Tom
Tarantino, Deputy Policy Director, Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America; Bruce McKenty, National Commander,
Military Order of the Purple Heart; Sam Huhn, National
President, Blinded Veterans Association; H. Gene Overstreet,
USMC, Ret., President, Non-commissioned Officer Association;
Richard Delaney, National President, The Retired Enlisted
Association; Charles Susino, National Commander, American Ex-
Prisoner of War; and Dawn Halfaker, President, Board of
Directors, Wounded Warrior Project. This hearing was hosted by
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not
have a House Serial No.
Full Committee Meeting--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans'
Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW)
On March 5, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to
receive testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The
VFW presented their legislative priorities to the House and
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees for fiscal year 2014.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr.
John E Hamilton, Commander-in-Chief Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States. This hearing was hosted by the Senate
Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not have a
House Serial No.
Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans'
Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veteran
Service Organizations (VSOs)
On March 6, 2013 the Full Committee participated in a joint
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive
testimony from Multiple Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) on
its 2013 legislative priories.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr.
Cleve Geer, National Commander, AMVETS; CMSGT John R. ``Doc''
McCauslin USAF (RET), Chief Executive Officer, Air Force
Sergeants Association; Mr. Bill Lawson, President, Paralyzed
Veterans of America; Mr. Sheldon Ohren, National Commander,
Jewish War Veterans; Ms. Vivianne Cisneros Wersel, Au.D, Gold
Star Wives; Mr. Mark A. Kilgore, National President, Fleet
Reserve Association; Mr. John Rowan, National President,
Vietnam Veterans of America; RADM W. Clyde Marsh, USN (RET),
President, National Association of State Directors of Veterans
Affairs; and MG Gus Hargett, President, National Guard
Association of the United States. See Joint House and Senate
Committees on Veterans' Affairs to receive Legislative
Presentation of Multiple Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs),
Serial No. 113-07.
Full Committee Hearing--Focusing on People: A Review of VA's Plans for
Employee Training, Accountability, and Workload Management to
Improve Disability Claims Processing
On March 20, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing
focused on improving VA effectiveness through more
comprehensive, far-seeing approaches to processing disability
claims.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits,
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Diana Rubens, Deputy Under
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Focusing on People: A Review of VA's Plans for Employee
Training Accountability, and the Workload Management to Improve
Disability Claims Processing, Serial No.113-12.
Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget
Request for Fiscal Year 2014
On April 11, 2013, the Full Committee held hearing on the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal
Year 2014.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable
Eric. K Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel,
M.D., Under Secretary for Health Veterans, Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The
Honorable Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits,
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; The Honorable Steve L. Muro, Under Secretary for
Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. W. Todd Grams, Executive in
Charge, Office of Management Chief Financial Officer, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Stephen W. Warren,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Information and
Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jeffrey
Hall, Assistant National Legislative director, Disabled
American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, National Legislative
Director Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ms. Diane M. Zumatto,
National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Ray Kelley,
Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign War; and Mr. Louis
Celli, Legislative Director, The American Legion. See U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year
2014, Serial No. 113-15.
Full Committee Roundtable Discussion with Veterans Services
Organizations
On April 16, 2013, the Majority Members of the Full
Committee hosted the first HVAC Veterans Service Organization
Roundtable of the 113th Congress. The event brought together
representatives from nearly 30 Veterans Service Organizations,
HVAC members and congressional leaders for an off-the-record
discussion regarding perennial veterans-related challenges such
as VA's benefits claims backlog and mental health care access.
Participants included representatives from: The American
Legion, AMVETS, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of
the U.S. Army, Association of the U.S. Navy, Blinded Veterans
Association, Disabled American Veterans, Fisher House, Fleet
Reserve Association, IAVA, Jewish War Veterans of America,
NASDVA, National Association of Uniformed Services, National
Guard Association of the United States, National Military
Family Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association,
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Remind.org, Reserve Officers
Association, Soldier On, Student Veterans of America, The
Retired Enlisted Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for
Survivors, U.S. Paralympics, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vets
First, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Wounded Warrior
Project. Majority Members of the Full Committee, Chairman Paul
Ryan of the House Budget Committee, and House Majority Whip
Kevin McCarthy were also in attendance.
Full Committee Hearing--Examining the Implications of the Affordable
Care Act on VA Healthcare
On April 24, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing
regarding the effects of the Affordable Care Act on the VA's
ability to provide prompt and adequate healthcare.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for
Health Veterans, Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Accompanied by: Ms. Patricia Vandenberg MHA,
BSN, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Policy and
Planning, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Lynne Harbin, Deputy Chief Business
Officer Member Services, Chief Business Office, Veterans Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Lisa
Zarlenga, Tax Legislative Counsel, U.S. Department of the
Treasury Accompanied by: Mr. Jason Levitis, Senior Advisor to
the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, U.S. Department of the
Treasury. See Examining the Implications of the Affordable Care
Act on VA Healthcare, Serial No. 113-17.
Full Committee Hearing--Expediting Claims or Exploiting Statistics?: An
Examination of VA's Special Initiative to Process Rating Claims
Pending Over Two Years
On May 22, 2013, the Full Committee held an oversight
hearing on the progress of the VA in completing disability
claims that have been in process for over two years.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits,
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Diana Rubens, Deputy Under
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Expediting Claims or Exploiting Statistics?: An Examination of
VA's Special Initiative to Process Rating Claims Pending Over
Two Years Serial No. 113-20.
Full Committee Hearing--Assessing VA's Capital Investment Options to
Provide Veterans' Care
On June 27, 2013, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing to address
the status and potential for a new paradigm for the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) Major Medical Facility and Lease
Program.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Robert A.
Sunshine, Deputy Director, and Congressional Budget Office.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Robert A. Petzel M.D., Under Secretary for Health,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by: Philip Matovsky, Assistant Deputy Under
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, Veterans
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Jim Sullivan, Director, Office of Asset Enterprise Management,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Assessing VA's Capital
Investment Options to Provide Veterans' Care, Serial No. 113-
26.
Joint Committee Hearing of the House Committee on Armed Services and
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs--DOD and VA
Collaboration to Assist Service Members Returning to Civilian
Life
On July 10, 2013, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
participated in a joint hearing with the House Committee on
Armed Services regarding cooperation between the DOD and VA and
efforts to more effectively coordinate each department's
endeavors to assist veterans' transition to civilian life.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the
Honorable Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Department of Defense
accompanied by: The Honorable Jonathan Woodson, M.D., Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE
Management Activity Department of Defense; the Honorable
Jessica L. Wright, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness Department of Defense; and the
Honorable Stephen W. Warren, Acting Assistant Secretary for
Information and Technology Department of Veterans Affairs
accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under
Secretary for Health Veterans Health Administration Department
of Veterans Affairs. See Joint Committee Hearing of the House
Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs--DOD and VA Collaboration to Assist Service
Members Returning to Civilian Life, Serial No. 113-29.
Field Hearing--``A Matter of Life and Death: Examining Preventable
Deaths, Patient-Safety Issues and Bonuses for VA Execs Who
Oversaw Them.''
On September 9, 2013 the Full Committee conducted a field
hearing at the Alleghany Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' approach to
stopping preventable patient deaths and lapses in care at VA
medical centers around the country. The purpose of this hearing
is to examine whether VA has the proper management and
accountability structures in place to stop the emerging pattern
of preventable veteran deaths and serious patient-safety issues
at VA medical centers across the country.
During the first panel testimony was provided by Ms.
Brandie Petit Veteran Family Member from Atlanta, GA; Mr.
Gerald J. Rakiecki a veteran and VA Police Officer from
Buffalo, NY; Ms. Sydney N.W. Schoellman, a veteran family
member from Dallas, TX; Ms. Phyllis Hollenbeck M.D., FAAP, a VA
Primary Care Physician; Mr. Robert E. Nicklas a veteran family
member from Pittsburgh, PA who was accompanied by Ms. Judy
Nicklas; and Ms. Maureen A. Ciarolla a veteran family member
from Pittsburgh, PA.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by the
Honorable Robert A. Petzel, Under Secretary for Health, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. Under Secretary Petzel was
accompanied by several Medical Center Directors with the
Veterans Health Administration at the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See A Matter of Life and Death: Examining
Preventable Deaths, Patient Safety Issues and Bonuses for VA
Execs Who Oversaw Them, Serial No. 113-32.
Joint Hearing House and Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs--
Legislative Presentation of the American Legion
On September 10, 2013 the Full Committee participated in a
Joint Hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
receive testimony from the American Legion on its 2014
legislative priorities.
The first and only panel consisted of the National
Commander and representatives from the Veterans Service
Organization, the American Legion. This hearing was hosted by
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not
have a House Serial No.
Full Committee Hearing--Trials in Transparency: An Analysis of the
Department of Veterans Affairs' Cooperation with Congress in
Meeting its Oversight Responsibilities on Behalf of Veterans
On September 19, 2013 the Full Committee met in open
session to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs'
transparency challenges and cooperation with Congress. The
purpose of this hearing was to examine how VA's lack of
responsiveness to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's
information requests is impeding the committee's oversight
responsibilities and how the Department can improve its
transparency in the future.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the
Honorable Joan Mooney, Assistant Secretary for Congressional
and Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
See: Trials in Transparency: An Analysis of VA Cooperation with
Congress in Meeting its Oversight Responsibilities on Behalf of
Veterans Serial No. 113-37.
Full Committee Hearing--Effect of Government Shutdown on Department of
Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services to Veterans
On October 9, 2013 the Full Committee met in open session
to examine how the Department of Veterans Affairs lack of
responsiveness to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
information requests is impeding the committee's oversight
responsibilities and how the department can improve its
transparency in the future.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the
Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Submissions for the Record were provided by several
Veterans Service Organizations. See Effect of Government
Shutdown on VA Benefits and Services to Veterans, Serial No.
113-38.
Full Committee--Building the Department of Veterans Affairs' Future:
Confronting Persistent Challenges in VA Major Construction and
Lease Programs
On November 20, 2013 the Full Committee met in open session
to review the need for corrective actions to improve the
administration, management and oversight of the Department of
Veterans Affairs lease procurement process.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms.
Linda Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and
Evaluations, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Halliday who was accompanied by Ms.
Maureen Regan, Counselor to the Inspector General, Office of
the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr.
Lloyd Caldwell P.E., Director of Military Programs, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers; Mr. Glenn D. Haggstrom, Principal Executive
Director, Office of Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by, Ms.
Stella Fiotes, Executive Director, Office of Construction and
Facilities Management, U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Multiple Veterans Service Organization provided statements
for the record. See Building VA's Future: Confronting
Persistent Challenges in VA Major Construction and Lease
Programs, Serial No. 113-46.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
AFFAIRS
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R.
602, H.R. 671, H.R. 679, H.R. 733, H.R. 894 and H.R. 1405
On April 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 569, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living
Adjustment Act of 2013; H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act;
H.R. 602, Veterans' 2nd Amendment Protection Act; H.R. 671,
Ruth Moore Act of 2013; H.R. 679, Honor America's Guard-Reserve
Retirees Act; H.R. 733, Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement
Act; H.R. 894, To amend title 38, United States Code, to
improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in
any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit
sought.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable
Bill Johnson, Member U.S. House of Representatives, The
Honorable Chellie Pingree, Member U.S. House of
Representatives, and The Honorable Timothy Walz, Member U.S.
House of Representatives.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jeffrey
Hall, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled
American Veterans; Raymond Kelley, Director of National
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Colonel Robert
F. Norton, USA (Ret.), Deputy Director of Government Relations,
Military Officers Association of America; Heather Ansley, Esq.,
MSW, Vice President of Veterans Policy VetsFirst, a program of
United Spinal Association; and Michael D. Murphy, Executive
Director, National Association of County Veterans Service
Officers.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by
representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
specifically David R. McLenachen, Director, Pension and
Fiduciary Service accompanied by: Mary Ann Flynn, Deputy
Director, Policy and Procedures Compensation Service; and
Richard Hipolit, Assistant General Counsel. See Legislative
Hearing on H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 602, H.R. 671, H.R. 679,
H.R. 733, H.R. 894 and H.R. 1405, Serial No. 113-16.
Subcommittee Markup--Markup of H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 671, H.R. 894
and H.R. 1405
On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met to mark up H.R. 569,
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013;
H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act; H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of
2013; H.R. 894, To amend title 38, United States Code, to
improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in
any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit
sought.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 569, Veterans' Compensation Cost-
of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Runyan of
NJ, passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 569 was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act,
introduced by Rep. Runyan of NJ, passed the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R.
570 was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of 2013,
introduced by Rep. Pingree of ME, was offered by Rep. Titus of
NV and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 671, As Amended passed the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment to title 38 of H.R. 894, To
amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the supervision
of fiduciaries of veterans under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Johnson of
OH, passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to
the Full Committee.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) was offered to H.R. 1405, To amend title 38,
United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision
issued for the denial of a benefit sought, introduced by Rep.
Titus of NV, was offered by Rep. Titus of NV and adopted by the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by
voice vote. H.R. 1405, As Amended passed the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R.
1405, As Amended was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On May 22, 2013, H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act, was
received in the Senate where it was Read twice and referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
On June 6, 2013, H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of 2013, was
received in the Senate where it was read twice and referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
On June 25, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-130.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended
and was agreed to by voice vote.
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was referred to
the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1288, H.R. 1494, H.R.
1623, H.R. 1809, H.R. 2086, H.R. 2138, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2341,
H.R. 2382 and H.R. 2423
On June 28, 2013 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on H.R. 1288, World War II
Merchant Mariner Service Act; H.R. 1494, Blue Water Navy Ship
Accountability Act; H.R. 1623, VA Claims Efficiency Through
Information Act of 2013; H.R. 1809, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
provide notice of average times for processing claims and
percentage of claims approved, and for other purposes; H.R.
2086, Pay As You Rate Act; H.R. 2138, Ending VA Claims
Disability Backlog and Accountability Act; H.R. 2189, To
establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of
disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R.
2341, Veterans Pension Protection Act; H.R. 2382, Prioritizing
Urgent Claims for Veterans Act; and H.R. 2423, Disabled
Veterans' Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act.
On the first panel, testimony was proved by The Honorable
G.K. Butterfield, Member U.S. House of Representatives; The
Honorable Christopher Gibson, Member U.S. House of
Representatives; and The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Member U.S.
House of Representatives.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Verna Jones,
Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission The
American Legion; Mr. Alexander Nicholson, Legislative Director,
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; and Heather Ansley,
Esq., MSW, Vice President of Veterans Policy VetsFirst, a
program of United Spinal Association.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Thomas
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Richard Hipolit, Assistant
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1288, H.R. 1494, H.R. 1623, H.R.
1809, H.R. 2086, H.R. 2138, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2341, H.R. 2382 and
H.R. 2423, Serial No.113-27.
Subcommittee Markup--Markup of H.R. 2086, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2423
On July 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs met to mark up H.R. 2086, Pay As You Rate
Act; H.R. 2189, To establish a commission or task force to
evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department of
Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 2423, Disabled Veterans' Access to
Medical Exams Improvement Act.
On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 2086, introduced by Rep. Titus of
Nevada, was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada and adopted by the
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2086, As Amended passed
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2189, To establish a commission or
task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Miller of
Florida, was offered by Rep. Runyan of New Jersey. An amendment
to the A.N.S. to H.R. 2189 was offered by Ms. Titus of Nevada
and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. The A.N.S to H.R. 2189, as
amended was adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 2189, as
amended passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs and was favorably forwarded to the Full
Committee.
On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 2423, Disabled Veterans' Access to
Medical Exams Improvement Act, introduced by Rep. Runyan of New
Jersey, was offered by Rep. Runyan of New Jersey. An Amendment
to the A.N.S. to H.R. 2423 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada
and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 2423, as amended passed
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On September 27, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-236.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, and was
agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-1 (Roll no.
561).
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was referred to
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Site Visit--Los Angeles, California
On January 28-31, 2013, the Staff Director of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
visited the Los Angeles Regional Office (RO), Los Angeles
National Cemetery and Los Angeles County Veterans Court. The
main purpose of the trip was to conduct oversight of the
training being held at the RO, which was temporarily shut down
for four weeks in an effort to address poor timeliness and
quality concerns. In addition, staff conducted oversight of
planned new columbarium construction at the cemetery and the
overall process of the veterans court.
Subcommittee Hearing--The 100% Temporary Disability Rating: An
Examination of Its Effective Use
On February 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on VA
mishandling of temporary total disability ratings. The hearing
noted the results of this neglect and purposed to identify
areas of improvement improvements in the claims processing
system.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Rich
Weidman, Executive Director for Policy and Government Affairs,
Vietnam Veterans of America; Ms. Linda Halliday, Assistant
Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
accompanied by: Mr. Larry Reinkemeyer, Director, Kansas City
Audit Operations Division Office of the Inspector General, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Brent Arronte, Director,
San Diego Benefits Inspection Division Office of the Inspector
General U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diana
Rubens, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
See The 100% Temporary Disability Rating: An Examination of Its
Effective Use, Serial No. 113-2.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland
On March 4-5, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs visited the
Baltimore RO to conduct oversight of its operations due to
increased media attention for poor performance and the decision
to close the office for four weeks for re-training (as had been
done at the LA RO) in April 2013.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland
On March 12, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs accompanied
Chairman Miller to the Baltimore RO and VA adjudication academy
to follow up on findings made during the previous week,
emphasizing improvements to the office's poor performance and
the agenda for the office's upcoming station enhancement
training.
Subcommittee Hearing--Sustaining the Sacred Trust: An Update on our
National Ceremonies
On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the
management and upkeep of Veterans' cemeteries domestic and
abroad.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable
Steve L. Muro, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National
Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
accompanied by: Mr. Glenn Powers, Deputy Under Secretary for
Field Programs, National Cemetery Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Kathryn Condon, Executive
Director of Army National Cemeteries Program, U.S. Department
of Defense; and The Honorable Raymond Wollman, Deputy
Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Linda
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and
Evaluations Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Cherie Palmer, Director,
OIG Chicago Office of Audits and Evaluations Department of
Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diane M.
Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; and Ms. Ami
Neilberger-Miller, Director of Outreach and Education Tragedy
Assistance Program for Survivors. See Sustaining the Sacred
Trust: An Update on our National Ceremonies, Serial No. 113-14.
Subcommittee Hearing--Why are Veterans Waiting Years on Appeal?: A
Review of the Post-Decision Process for Appealed Veterans'
Disability Benefits Claims
On June 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing focused on the achievements
of benchmark standards and accountability to improve the
Veterans' claims backlog. The hearing also addressed next steps
to ensure the claims process continues to be effective in
meeting needs.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by
representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs
including Mr. Keith Wilson, Director Roanoke Regional Office
Veterans Benefits Administration; Ms. Laura Eskenazi, Principal
Deputy Vice Chairman Board of Veterans' Appeals; Mr. Ronald S.
Burke, Jr., Director Appeals Management Center National Capital
Region Benefits Office Veterans Benefits Administration; and
The Honorable Bruce E. Kasold, Chief Judge U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. See Why are Veterans Waiting Years
on Appeal?: A Review of the Post-Decision Process for Appealed
Veterans' Disability Benefits Claims, Serial No. 113-22.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Florida Delegation
On July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs assisted in the coordination of a
bipartisan Roundtable for Members of the Florida delegation to
discuss issues related to claims processing at the St.
Petersburg Regional Office. Chairman Miller and Committee
Member Corrine Brown co-hosted the event.
The Roundtable offered Members an opportunity to hear
directly from the Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A.
Hickey, on VA's claims process for disability benefits,
departmental transformation, Congressional relations, and the
operations of the St. Petersburg Regional Office.
Representatives from a majority of the Florida delegation also
were in attendance.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Tampa, Florida
On July 12-16, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to
Tampa, FL to conduct oversight of the 33rd annual National
Wheelchair Games, which is co-hosted by VA and Paralyzed
Veterans of America (PVA); St. Petersburg, FL, to conduct
oversight of the Regional Office, including a focus on the Day
One Brokering Center, Fully Developed Claims Initiative, and
Veterans Benefits Management System, as well as the Bay Pines
National Cemetery to conduct a general oversight tour; and
Sarasota, FL, to conduct oversight of the Sarasota National
Cemetery's on-going construction projects.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Winston-Salem, North Carolina
On August 7-8, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to the
Winston-Salem RO to conduct oversight of the facility focusing
on the Benefits Delivery at Discharge and Quick Start programs,
as well as to take part in a Fully Developed Claims workshop.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Atlanta, Georgia
On August 19-22, 2013, the Staff Director of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
traveled to Atlanta, GA, to conduct oversight of the Atlanta
RO, to include a VBMS demonstration; to conduct oversight of
the Georgia National and Marietta National Cemeteries; and to
tour the CACI scanning facility and receive a briefing from the
vendor regarding the VA scanning contract.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Dallas and El Paso, Texas
On September 2-6, 2013, the Staff Director of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
accompanied Rep. Flores to Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX and El Paso TX,
to conduct oversight of the Waco RO; participate in a panel
discussion at the Veterans Resource Center of Dallas, TX;
conduct oversight of the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery;
participate in a discussion regarding coordination of the
William Beaumont Army Medical Center and VA Medical Center
regarding VBA intake for El Paso/west Texas veterans; meet with
service-members at Ft. Bliss regarding their participation in
the IDES process, and conduct oversight of the Ft. Bliss
National Cemetery.
Subcommittee Hearing--Implementation Update: Fully Developed Claims
On September 11, 2013 the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing to examine
how VA is implementing its Fully Developed Claims program and
how the program can improve VA's future claims processing
efforts.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Tom
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits
Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by
representatives from the following veterans service
organizations, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans,
AMVETS, and the National Association of State Directors of
Veterans Affairs. See Implementation Update: Fully Developed
Claims, Serial No. 113-34.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Veterans' Appeals of Disability
Claims
On October 1, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a Roundtable on the
topic of veterans' appeals of disability claims. This event
brought together representatives from the Department of
Veterans Affairs, including the Board of Veterans Appeals, as
well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. VA reports that
there are over 260,000 veterans' appeals pending. As the number
of disability claims rises in the coming years, particularly as
more combat veterans separate from service, the number of
appeals is also projected to rise commensurately. Just as there
is a tremendous backlog of claims pending at VA, there is a
backlog of appeals awaiting decisions from the Regional
Offices, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and the Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. This roundtable discussion was
designed to bring knowledgeable and interested parties to a
single forum, whereat process, regulation, and law could be
discussed and ideas for improvement could be fielded.
In addition to the Department and Court, participants
included representatives from: Stetson University College of
Law, Bergmann and Moore, LLC, Feinberg Rozen, LLP, Disabled
American Veterans, the Federal Bar Association, former judge of
the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, National
Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc., the National
Veterans Legal Service Program, Paralyzed Veterans of America,
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, House
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security
staff, and Vietnam Veterans of America. Chairman of the House
Committee on Veterans Affairs participated, as well as
Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan.
Subcommittee Site Visits--Arlington National Cemetery
On October 6, 2013, Professional Staff Member of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
attended a Town Hall meeting held by Arlington National
Cemetery, Executive Director, Patrick Hallinan. This Town Hall
was coordinated in response to families' concerns on the
memento policy within Section 60 of the cemetery, which is the
location where the majority of OIF/OEF killed-in-action
servicemembers are interred. A site-visit of Section 60 was
conducted upon the conclusion of the discussion.
Subcommittee Hearing--Focused Issues on Dignified Burials: A National
Cemetery Update
On October 30, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to examine the
current state of various veterans' cemeteries across the
country as well as the handoff of leadership and ongoing
planning, design, and construction issues at Arlington National
Cemetery.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Patrick
K. Hallinan, Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries
Program at the U.S. Department of Defense and Mr. Glenn Powers,
Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs, National Cemetery
Administration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Todd
Kleismit, Director of Community & Government Relations with the
Ohio Historical Society; Mr. Ray Kelley, Director of National
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. Ami
Neiberger-Miller, Director of Outreach and Education.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors; and Ms. Diane M.
Zumatto, National Legislative Director at AMVETS. See Focused
Issues on Dignified Burials: A National Cemetery Update, Serial
No. 113-40.
Subcommittee Site Visits--Reno and Las Vegas, NV
On November 4-8, 2013, the Staff Director of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and
Professional Staff Member travelled to Reno, NV, and Las Vegas,
NV, to conduct oversight of the Reno Regional Office with Rep.
Amodei; participate in a Town Hall with veterans in Reno, NV;
conduct oversight of the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, which is a recipient of federal grants; conduct
oversight of the remote VBA intake center at the Las Vegas VA
Southern Nevada Healthcare System; and, conduct oversight of
the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which is also a
recipient of federal grants.
Subcommittee Field Hearing--Complications of Geography: Focusing on VBA
Outreach, Accessibility, Leadership and Staffing Efforts to
Meet the Needs of Veterans Living in Areas Remote from a
Regional Office
On November 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a field hearing at
Las Vegas City Hall. The hearing highlight concerns specific to
disabled veterans who do not live in close proximity to a VBA
Regional Office, the outreach that VBA has undertaken to assist
these veterans in filing disability benefits claims, the
effectiveness of technological advancements for VBA's delivery
of services, consideration of the staffing levels of VA
Regional Offices, leadership accountability within those
offices, and the challenges in claims' preparation that may be
unique to disabled veterans within these remote areas.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Willie
Clark, Western Area Director, Veterans Benefits Administration
at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Clark was
accompanied by Mr. Edward Russell, Director, Reno Regional
Office, Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by, Ms.
Katherine Miller, Executive Director, Nevada Department of
Veterans Services; Ms. Janet Snyder, Legislative Chair, Society
of Military Widows; and Mr. Bruce Hollinger, Adjutant
Quartermaster, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,
Department of Nevada. See Complications of Geography: Focusing
on VBA Outreach, Accessibility, Leadership and Staffing Efforts
to Meet the Needs of Veterans Living in Areas Remote from a
Regional Office, Serial No. 113-43.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Pennsylvania Delegation
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs assisted in the coordination of
a bipartisan Roundtable for Members of the Pennsylvania
delegation to discuss the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Regional
Offices. Congressman Jim Gerlach and Congressman Michael F.
Doyle co-hosted the event.
The Roundtable offered Members an opportunity to hear
directly from the Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A.
Hickey, on VA's claims process for disability benefits,
departmental transformation, Congressional relations, and the
operations of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Regional Offices.
Representatives Dent, Meehan, Kelly, and Fitzpatrick also were
in attendance.
Subcommittee Hearing--Adjudicating VA's Most Complex Disability Claims:
Ensuring Quality, Accuracy and Consistency on Complicated
Issues
On December 4, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing focused on
adjudicating disability claims that fall into the special-ops
lane, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
On the first panel, testimony was provided by YN1 Lauren
Price, USN (Ret.), Public Affairs Representative of Veteran
Warriors and was accompanied by MMCS James Price, USN (Ret.),
Senior Logistics Chief of Veteran Warriors. Ms. Bettye McNutt,
a surviving spouse also testified before the Subcommittee and
was accompanied by Mr. Glenn R. Bergmann, Esquire of Bergmann &
Moore, LLC.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Sherman
Gillums, Associate Executive Director for Veterans Benefits
with Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ronald Abrams, Esquire,
Joint Executive Director of the National Veterans Legal
Services Program; and Mr. Zach Hearn, Deputy Director for
Claims for The American Legion.
Mr. Tom Murphy, Director Compensation Service, Veterans
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
provided testimony on the third and final panel. Mr. Murphy was
accompanied by, Ms. Edna MacDonald, Director of the Nashville
Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Sondra F. McCauley, Deputy
Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Office
of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also
provided testimony and was accompanied by Mr. Brent Arronte,
Director of San Diego Benefits Inspections Division, Office of
Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
See Adjudicating VA's Most Complex Disability Claims: Ensuring
Quality, Accuracy and Consistency on Complicated Issues, Serial
No. 113-47.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R.
631, H.R. 844, H.R. 1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, and
a draft bill entitled ``To amend title 38, United States Code,
to extend the authority to provide work-study allowance for
certain activities by individuals receiving educational
assistance by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs'' (H.R. 1453)
On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition
Fairness Act of 2013; H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013;
H.R. 631, Servicemembers' Choice in Transition Act of 2013;
H.R. 844, VetSuccess Enhancement Act; H.R. 1305, to amend title
38, United States Code, to provide clarification regarding
eligibility for services under the Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program; H.R. 1316, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors
and Assistant Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training;
H.R. 1402, Veterans Paralympic Act of 2013; H.R. 1412,
Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013; and H.R.
1453, Work-Study for Student Veterans Act.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis L.
Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, Veterans
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
accompanied by: Mr. Danny Pummill, Director, Veterans Benefits
Administration/Department of Defense Program, Office U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Susan Kelly, Deputy
Director, Transition to Veterans Program Office, U.S.
Department of Defense; and The Honorable Keith Kelly, Assistant
Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S.
Department of Labor.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Charles
Huebner, Chief of U.S. Paralympics, U.S. Olympic Committee; Dr.
Susan Aldridge, Senior Fellow, American Association of State
Colleges and Universities; Col. G. Michael Denning (USMC) Ret.,
Director of Graduate Military Programs University of Kansas on
Behalf of Association of Public and Land Grand Universities;
and Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber (USMC) Ret., Vice President for
Student Affairs, Texas A&M University.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Alexander
Nicholson, Chief Policy Officer, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
of America; Mr. Ryan M. Gallucci, Deputy Director, National
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States; Mr. Steve L. Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National
Economic Commission, The American Legion; and Mr. Michael
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA). See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R. 631, H.R. 844,
H.R. 1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, and a draft bill
entitled ``To amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the
authority to provide work-study allowance for certain
activities by individuals receiving educational assistance by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,'' (H.R. 1453) Serial No.113-
13.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R. 631, H.R. 844, H.R.
1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, H.R. 1453
On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
met to mark up H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013;
H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013; H.R. 631, Servicemembers'
Choice in Transition Act of 2013; H.R. 844, VetSuccess
Enhancement Act; H.R. 1305, To amend title 38, United States
Code, to provide clarification regarding eligibility for
services under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program;
H.R. 1316, To amend title 38, United States Code, to specify
the responsibilities of the Directors and Assistant Directors
of Veterans' Employment and Training; H.R. 1402, Veterans
Paralympic Act of 2013; H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities
for Veterans Act of 2013; H.R. 1453, Work-Study for Student
Veterans Act.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of
2013, introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida, was offered by
Rep. Jon Runyan of New Jersey and adopted by the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 357, as amended
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013,
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 631, Servicemembers' Choice in
Transition Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Flores of Texas, was
offered by Rep. Bill Flores of TX and adopted by the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 631, As Amended,
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 844, VetSucess Enhancement Act,
introduced by Rep. Takano of CA, passed the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the
Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1305, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to provide clarification regarding eligibility for
services under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program,
introduced by Rep. Wenstrup of OH, passed the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the
Full Committee by Voice Vote.
On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 1316, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors and
Assistant Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training,''
introduced by Rep. Flores of TX, was offered by Rep. Bill
Flores of TX and adopted by the Economic Opportunity
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1316, as amended passed the EO
Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee
by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1402, Veterans Paralympic Act of
2013, introduced by Rep. Coffman of CO, passed the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the
Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities
for Veterans Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Coffman of CO,
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1453, Work-Study for Student
Veterans Act, introduced by Rep. Takano of CA, passed the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On May 21, 2013, H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities for
Veterans Act of 2013, was received in the Senate and Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
On June 3, 2013, H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of
2013 was placed on the Union Calendar, No.66.
On December XX, H.R. 1412, as amended the VA Expiring
Authorities Extension Act of 2103, was received in the Senate
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans
Affairs.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 331, H.R. 821, H.R. 1357, H.R.
1796, H.R. 1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327,
and a draft legislation ``To amend title 38, United States
Code, to codify and improve the election requirements for the
receipt of educational assistance under the Post-9/11
Educational Assistance program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.'' (H.R. 2481)
On June 26, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a hearing on H.R. 331, to direct the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran
enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of
educational institutions; H.R. 821, to amend the Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act to provide surviving spouses with certain
protections relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures,
and for other purposes; H.R. 1357, to amend the VOW to Hire
Heroes Act of 2011 to improve the Veterans Retraining
Assistance Program by providing assistance under such program
for certain training programs that are considered less than
full-time; H.R. 1796, Troop Talent Act of 2013; H.R. 1842,
Military Family Home Protection Act; H.R. 2011, Veterans'
Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013; H.R.
2150, Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization
Act of 2013; H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry
Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013; H.R. 2327, Veterans
Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013; and a draft
legislation ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to codify
and improve the election requirements for the receipt of
educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational
Assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.''
On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable
Ken Calvert (CA-42); The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07);
The Honorable John Delaney (MD-06); The Honorable Alan Grayson
(FL-09); and The Honorable Bill Johnson (OH-06).
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity,
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant
General Counsel U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr.
Frank C. DiGiovanni, Director, Training Readiness and Strategy
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness U.S. Department of Defense.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Ryan M.
Gallucci, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service,
Veterans of Foreign wars of the United States; Mr. Jeffery
Steele, Assistant Director, National Legislative Commission The
American Legion; and MG Andrew ``Drew'' Davis, USMC (Ret.)
Executive Director The Reserve Officers Association. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 331, H.R. 821, H.R. 1357, H.R.
1796, H.R. 1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327,
and a draft legislation To amend title 38, United States Code,
to codify and improve the election requirements for the receipt
of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational
Assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (H.R.
2481). Serial No. 113-25.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327, H.R. 331, H.R. 1357, H.R.
1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2481
On July 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
met to mark up H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David
Fry Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013; H.R. 2327, Veterans
Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013; H.R. 331, To
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the
centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups,
districts, and consortiums of educational institutions; H.R.
1357, To amend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to improve
the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program by providing
assistance under such program for certain training programs
that are considered less than full-time; H.R. 1842, Military
Family Home Protection Act; H.R. 2011, Veterans' Advisory
Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013; H.R. 2150,
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act
of 2013; H.R. 2481, Veterans G.I. Bill Enrollment Clarification
Act of 2013.
On July 18, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John
David Fry Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013, was offered by
Rep. Flores of Texas and adopted by the Economic Opportunity
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2210, as amended, passed the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded
to the Full Committee.
An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R.
2327, Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013,
was offered by Mr. Flores of Texas and adopted by the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2327, as amended,
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably
forwarded to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 331, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran
enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of
educational institutions, introduced by Rep. Calvert of
California, passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 1357, to amend the VOW to Hire
Heroes Act of 2011 to improve the Veterans Retraining
Assistance Program by providing assistance under such program
for certain training programs that are considered less than
full-time, introduced by Rep. Johnson of Ohio passed the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1357 was
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 1842, Military Family Home
Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Cummings of Maryland passed
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1842 was forwarded
favorably to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2011, Veterans' Advisory Committee
on Education Improvement Act of 2013, introduced by Rep.
Delaney of Maryland, passed the Economic Opportunity
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2011 was forwarded favorably
to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2150, Homeless Veterans'
Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2013, introduced
by Rep. Cook of California, passed the Economic Opportunity
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2150 was favorably forwarded
to the Full Committee.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2481, Veterans G.I. Bill Enrollment
Clarification Act of 2013, by Rep. Flores of Texas, passed the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2481 was
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee.
On September 17, 2013, H.R. 2011 was reported by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-211.
On September 11, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-207.
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2011 passed the House on a motion
to suspend the rules and pass the bill and was agreed to by the
Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-2 (Roll no. 562).
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended passed the House
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended
and was agreed to by voice vote.
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2011 was referred to the Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was referred to
the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Hearing--Increasing the Functionality of Post 9/11 GI Bill
Claims Processing to Reduce Delays
On February 14, 2013, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a hearing to assess the viability of the automated system
used to process Post-9/11 GI Bill Claims.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Michael
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA); Ms.
Kim Hall, Veterans Program Administrator, Humboldt State
University, Vice President, National Association of Veterans
Program Administrators (NAVPA); and Ms. Hayleigh Perez,
Students Veterans Advocacy Group.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by the
Honorable Roger W. Baker, Assistant Secretary for Information
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied
by: MG Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education
Service Veterans Benefit Administration U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Subcommittee Hearing on Increasing the
Functionality of Post 9/11 GI Bill Claims Processing to Reduce
Delays, Serial No. 113-4.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Dumfries, VA
On February 22, 2013, the Majority Staff Director and
Professional Staff traveled to Dumfries, VA to tour a facility
ran by the defense contractor Serco who operates the Department
of Veterans Affairs ``VA for Vets'' program which encourages
veterans to work for VA.
Subcommittee Hearing--Lowering the Rate of Unemployment for the
National Guard and Reserve: Are We Making Progress?
On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a hearing on programs at the local, state, and Federal
level that work to reduce unemployment for members of the
National Guard and Reserve.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Ronald G.
Young, Director, Family and Employer Program and Policy, U.S.
Department of Defense; MG Terry M. Haston, Adjutant General,
Tennessee National Guard; and Maj Ty Shepard, Director,
California National Guard Employment Initiative.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Theodore
(Ted) L. Daywalt, CEO and President VetJobs; Mr. John Barnes,
Managing Partner and CEO Panther Racing; and Mr. Al Garver,
Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National Guard
of the United States. See Subcommittee Hearing on Lowering the
Rate of Unemployment for the National Guard and Reserve: Are We
Making Progress? Serial No. 113-10.
Site Visit--Muskogee, OK
On March 27, 2013, Rep. Flores of Texas and the Majority
Staff Director traveled to the Muskogee, OK regional processing
office to view the national VA education call center and the
long-term solution for processing GI Bill claims.
Subcommittee Hearing--The Value of Education for Veterans at Public,
Private and For-Profit Colleges and Universities
On June 20, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a hearing to review of the values of education for
veterans at different types of institutions of higher
education.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Cynthia
Azari Ed. D., President Riverside City College; Dr. Michael R.
Smith, J.D., Ph.D., Vice Provost for Strategic Academic
Initiatives University of Texas at El Paso; and Mr. Michael
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA).
On the second panel, testimony was provided by The
Honorable Steve Gunderson, President and CEO with the
Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities
(APSCU); Dr. Daniel J. Carey Ph.D., President Edgewood College
On Behalf of: National Association of Independent Colleges and
Universities; and Mr. David Baime, Senior Vice President for
Government Relations and Policy Analysis American Association
of Community Colleges.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by MG Robert M.
Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service Veterans
Benefit Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Subcommittee Hearing on ``The Value of Education for Veterans
at Public, Private and For-Profit Colleges and Universities''
Serial No. 113-24.
Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of the Performance of the Veterans
Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program (HVRP)
On September 12, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity met in open session to review the performance of
the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).
The purpose of this hearing is to review the past successes
and current challenges of VRAP and HVRP to ensure both programs
are helping reintroduce as many veterans into the workforce as
possible.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr.
Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
with the Veterans Benefit Administration at the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs and the Honorable Keith Kelly, Assistant
Secretary Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) at
the U.S. Department of Labor. See: A Review of the Performance
of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), Serial No. 113-
35.
Subcommittee Site Visit--Ft. Sill, OK
On September 24-27, Majority and Minority staff traveled to
Ft. Sill, OK to review the Education Track which is part of the
Transition Assistance Program. The track was being piloted at
Ft. Sill and provides two days of instruction to transitioning
servicemembers on how to best utilize their VA education
benefits and choose an education/training program that is best
for them.
Subcommittee Field Hearing--Examining Higher Education Institutions'
Services to Veterans
On November 4, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity met in open session in the Bradshaw Building at
Riverside Community College in Riverside, CA to discuss efforts
made to recruit veterans and help them adjust to life on campus
and to review programs, services, and benefits provided to
veterans by the invited institutions.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Cynthia
Azari, Interim Chancellor, Riverside Community College
District; Dr. Steven G. Brint, Vice-Provost, Undergraduate
Education, University of California, Riverside and Ms. Pamela
Daly, Campus President, DeVry University--San Diego.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Albert
R. Renteria, Member, Small Business Taskforce with the American
Legion; Mr. Sherrod Conyers, California Delegate, National
Legislative Committee, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States; and Mr. Marques Dredd, Former President, Veterans Club,
Riverside City College. See: Examining Higher Education
Institutions' Services to Veterans, Serial No. 113-41.
Subcommittee Field Hearing--Texas' Innovative Approaches to Jobs and
Employment for Veterans
On November 6, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity met in open session in the Bill Daniel Student
Center at Baylor University in Waco, TX to discuss efforts made
by institutions of higher learning, private sector companies,
and government agencies to help Texas veterans adjust to
civilian life.
On the first panel testimony was provided by Ms. Mary
Kennedy Thompson, President, Mr. Rooter, LLC; Mr. David Amsden,
Vice President, Human Resources, Cognizant Technology
Solutions; Mr. Chris Burton, Store Manager, The Home Depot; Mr.
John Vizner, Facility Manager, Caterpillar Global Work Tools--
Waco; and Mr. Joseph Kopser, CEO of RideScout.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Janet
Bagby, VETS Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, Department of
Education Psychology, Baylor University; Mr. Kris Cervantes,
Veterans Specialist, McLennan Community College; Mr. Rob
Wolaver, Executive Vice-President, Texas State Technical
College--Waco; and Colonel Gerald ``Jerry'' L. Smith USMC
(Ret.), Director Veteran Resource and Support Center.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Andres
Alcantar, Chairman, Texas Workforce Commission and Mr. Shawn
DeBay, Director, Veterans Employment Services, Texas Veterans
Commission. See Texas' Innovative Approaches to Jobs and
Employment for Veterans, Serial No. 113-42.
Subcommittee Hearing--VA's Independent Living Program--A Program Review
On November 13, 2013 the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity met in open session to examine the Department of
Veterans Affairs' Independent Living Program. The program is
designed to help service-connected disabled veterans whose
disabilities prevent them from finding employment live more
meaningful, independent lives.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine VA's efforts to
implement GAO's recommendations.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Daniel
Bertoni, the Director of the Education, Workforce, and Income
Security at U.S. Government Accountability Office.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms.
Margarita Devlin, Acting Director, Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard
C. Daley, the Associate Legislation Director of the Paralyzed
Veterans of America (PVA) and Mr. Paul R. Varela, the Assistant
National Legislative Director of the Disabled American Veterans
(DAV). See VA's Independent Living Program--A Program Review,
Serial No. 113-45.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on Draft
Legislation, `The Veterans Integrated Mental Health Care Act of
2013;' Draft Legislation, `The Demanding Accountability for
Veterans Act of 2013;' H.R. 241; H.R. 288; H.R. 984; and, H.R.
1284
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
session to conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 241, the
Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act; H.R. 288, the
CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2013; H.R. 984, to direct
the Secretary of Defense to establish a task force on
urotrauma; and, H.R. 1284, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to provide for coverage under the beneficiary travel
program of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain
disabled veterans for travel for certain special disabilities
rehabilitation, and for other purposes.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable
Dennis Ross, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th District,
Florida; and the Honorable Brett Guthrie, U.S. House of
Representatives, 2nd District, Kentucky.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mark Edney,
FACS, Member, Legislative Affairs Committee and Urotrauma Task
Force, the American Urological Association; Michael O'Rourke,
Assistant Director of Governmental Relations, Blinded Veterans
Association; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative
Director, Disabled American Veterans; Alex Nicholson,
Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America;
and Alethea Predeoux, Associate Director, Health Analysis,
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L.
Jesse, MD, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. He was accompanied by Susan Blauert, Deputy Assistant
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Legislative Hearing on Draft Legislation, `The Veterans
Integrated Mental Health Care Act of 2013;' Draft Legislation,
`The Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013;' H.R.
241; H.R. 288; H.R. 984; and H.R. 1284, Serial No. 113-19.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on `Draft
Legislation, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act'; H.R.
1443; H.R. 1612; H.R. 1702; and H.R. 2065
On July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
session to conduct a legislative hearing on `Draft Legislation,
the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act'; H.R. 1443, the
Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013; H.R. 1612, to
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey a parcel of
land in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Tuskegee University, and for
other purposes; H.R. 1702, the Veterans Transportation Service
Act; and H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable
Mike Rogers, Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd
District, Alabama; and the Honorable David McKinley, Member,
U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District, West Virginia.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Jacob B.
Gadd, Deputy Director for Healthcare, National Veterans Affairs
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Susan E.
Shore Ph.D., Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, American
Tinnitus Association; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Robert
Drexler, Member, Board of Directors, International Code
Council; and Raymond C. Kelley, Director, National Legislative
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L.
Jesse, MD, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health Veterans
Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The
Principal Deputy Under Secretary was accompanied by Susan
Blauert, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing
on `Draft Legislation, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act';
H.R. 1443; H.R. 1612; H.R. 1702; H.R. 2065; Serial No. 113-28.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1443, H.R. 1612, H.R. 2065, H.R. 2072, and H.R.
2726
On July 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met and marked
up H.R. 1443, the Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013;
H.R. 1612, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
convey a parcel of land in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Tuskegee
University, and for other purposes; H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing
for Homeless Veterans Act; H.R. 2072, the Demanding
Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013; and, H.R. 2726, the
Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act.
On July 23, 2013, an amendment to H.R. 1443, the Tinnitus
Research and Treatment Act of 2013, was offered by Ms. Brownley
of CA. The amendment was adopted by the Subcommittee on Health
by voice vote. H.R. 1443, as Amended, passed the Subcommittee
on Health and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by
voice vote.
On July 23, 2013, H.R. 1612, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to convey a parcel of land in Tuskegee,
Alabama, to Tuskegee University, and for other purposes, passed
the Subcommittee on Health and was favorably forwarded to the
Full Committee by voice vote.
On July 23, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing for Homeless
Veterans Act, was offered by Mr. Benishek of MI. The A.N.S. to
H.R. 2065 was adopted by the Subcommittee on Health by voice
vote. H.R. 2065, as Amended, passed the Subcommittee on Health
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice
vote.
On July 23, 2013, H.R. 2072, the Demanding Accountability
for Veterans Act of 2013, passed the Subcommittee on Health and
was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
On July 23, 2013, H.R. 2726, the Long-Term Care Veterans
Choice Act, was withdrawn from the Subcommittee on Health's
markup agenda by Unanimous Consent.
On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1443 and H.R. 2072, as amended,
were marked up by the Full Committee and ordered to be reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs by voice vote. See H.
Rept. 113-245.
On October 16, 2103, H.R. 2072, as amended, was reported
and placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 173.
On October 22, 2013, H.R. 1443 was ordered to be reported
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and placed on the Union
Calendar, Calendar No. 175. See H. Rept. 113-247.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Meeting Patient Care Needs: Measuring
the Value of VA Physician Staffing Standards
On March 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) productivity standards. On the first
panel, testimony was provided by Linda A. Halliday, Assistant
Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She was
accompanied by Mr. Larry Reinkemeyer, Director, Kansas City
Audit Operations Division, Office of the Inspector General,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also
provided by: Larry H. Conway B.S., R.R.T, Director of
Communications, National Association of Veterans Affairs
Physicians and Dentists; and, Madhulika Agarwal MD, M.P.H.,
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. Dr. Agarwal was accompanied by Jeffrey A. Murawsky MD,
Director, Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12), Veterans
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and
Carter Mecher MD, Senior Medical Advisor, Office of Public
Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Meeting Patient Care Needs: Measuring the
Value of VA Physician Staffing Standards, Serial No. 113-8.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Advancing Solutions for Patient-
Centered Procurement Reform
On April 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health conducted a
roundtable discussion regarding the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) procurement reform.
Roundtable participants included: Joy J. Ilem, Deputy
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans;
Jonathan Pruden, Southeast Regional Director, Wounded Warrior
Project; Pat McKay, Director of Federal Government Contracts,
Philips Healthcare on behalf of the Medical Imaging Technology
Alliance; Jacob Gadd, Deputy Director for Healthcare, The
American Legion; Raymond Kelley, Director of the National
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Carl Blake,
National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America;
Alethea Predeoux, Associate Director of Health Analysis,
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Peter Thomas, Counsel, National
Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics;
Christina Roof, Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America; Richard Weidman, Executive Director for
Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America;
Mark Hopkins, Clinical Director, Dankmeyer, Inc., on behalf of
the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association; Phillip
Matovsky, Associate Deputy Undersecretary for Health for
Administrative Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Lucille Beck Ph.D., Chief
Consultant for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, Veterans
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
Joseph Miller Ph.D., National Program Director, Orthotic and
Prosthetic Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Acquisition and Logistics, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Subcommittee Hearing--Safety for Survivors: Care and Treatment for
Military Sexual Trauma
On July 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
session to conduct an oversight hearing regarding the care and
treatment available to survivors of military sexual trauma
(MST).
On the first panel, testimony was provided by veteran
survivors of MST.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Michael
Shepherd MD, Physician, Office of Health Care Inspections,
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. Dr. Shepherd was accompanied by Karen McGoff-Yost
LCSW, Associate Director, Bay Pines Office of Healthcare
Inspections Office of the Inspector General U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also provided by Jonathan M.
Farrell-Higgins Ph.D., Chief, Stress Disorder Treatment
Program, Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center, VA Eastern Kansas
Health Care System, Veterans Integrated Service Network 15,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs, and Carol O'Brien Ph.D., Chief, Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder Programs, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Veterans
Integrated Service Network 8, Veterans Health Administration,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Rajiv Jain
MD, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Patient Care Services,
Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Jain
was accompanied by: David Carroll Ph.D., Acting Chief
Consultant, Mental Health Services, Office of Patient Care
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs; Stacey Pollack Ph.D., National Mental Health
Director of Program Policy Implementation, Mental Health
Services, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testmimony
was also provided by Karen S. Guice MD, M.P.P, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Office of
Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense. See Subcommittee
Hearing on Safety for Survivors: Care and Treatment for
Military Sexual Trauma, Serial No. 113-31.
Site Visit--Houston, Lubbock, and Dallas, Texas
On August 27-30, 2013, the Staff Director of the
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Houston, Lubbock, and
Dallas, Texas, to accompany the Chairman at oversight visits to
evaluate the clinical operations of the Michael E. DeBakey
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC); the
Lubbock VA Outpatient Clinic; and, the Dallas VAMC.
Subcommittee Oversight Field Hearing--Making a Difference: Shattering
Barriers to Effective Mental Health Care for Veterans
On September 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in
open session to conduct an oversight field hearing to examine
how Ohio's Veterans Integrated Service Network 10, the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System of Ohio,
is addressing common barriers to care that veterans often face
when attempting to access mental health care services.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by veterans and
veterans' surviving family members.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Linda D.
Smith, FACHE, Medical Center Director, Cincinnati VA Medical
Center, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. She was accompanied by: Kathleen M. Chard,
Ph.D. Director, Cognitive Processing Therapy Implementation and
Director, Trauma Recovery Center, Cincinnati VA Medical Center,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; Emma Bunag-Boehm, Primary Care Provider, OEF/OIF/OND
Clinic; Clinician, Persian Gulf Registry, Cincinnati VA Medical
Center, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs; and, Chadwick Watiker, Cincinnati Vet Center
Team Lead, Readjustment Counseling Service, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Making a Difference: Shattering Barriers
to Effective Mental Health Care for Veterans, Serial No. 113-
36.
Site Visit--Cincinnati, Ohio
On September 15-17, 2013, the Staff Director and
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Health
traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, to staff the Subcommittee
oversight field hearing entitled, ``Making a Difference:
Shattering Barriers to Effective Mental Health Care for
Veterans'' and conduct oversight visits at the Cincinnati
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the
University of Cincinnati's C-STAR and Institute of Military
Medicine Programs.
Site Visit--Tampa, Florida
On September 22-24, 2013, the Staff Director for the
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Tampa, Florida, to conduct
oversight visits at the Supportive Services for Veteran
Families (SSVF) Program Launch, the James A. Haley Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), and the Bay Pines
VAMC.
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Between Peril and Promise: Facing the
Dangers of VA's Skyrocketing Use of Prescription Painkillers to
Treat Veterans
On October 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
session to conduct an oversight hearing regarding the
Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) pain management programs
and the use of medications, particularly opioids, to treat
veterans experiencing acute and chronic pain. On panel one,
testimony was provided by veterans and veterans' surviving
family members.
On panel two, testimony was provided by Pamela J. Gray MD;
Claudia H. Bahorik DO; and, Steven Scott MD, Chief of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Veterans Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L.
Jesse, MD, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. He was accompanied by Robert Kerns, Ph.D., National
Director for Pain Research, Veterans Health Administration,
U.S. Department of Veterans. See Between Peril and Promise:
Facing the Dangers of VA's Skyrocketing Use of Prescription
Painkillers to Treat Veterans, Serial No. 113-39.
Subcommittee Oversight Roundtable--Addressing Operational Challenges to
Ensure Accurate and Optimal VA Third Party Collections
On November 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health conducted
a roundtable discussion regarding opportunities to improve
patient care by optimizing the Department of Veterans Affairs'
(VA's) authority to bill and collect from third-party health
insurance companies for non-service connected care provided to
certain veterans.
The Roundtable participants included: Steven ``Griff''
Griffin, President and Co-Founder, eReceivables; Greg Snyder,
National Director for Government Services, eReceivables; Allen
Fredrickson, MCE, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Signature Performance Inc.; Michelle Swertzic, Director of
Client Services, Signature Performance; Paul Johnson, Managing
Director, Huron Healthcare; Robert Parris, Senior Director,
Huron Healthcare; The Honorable Nelson M. Ford, President and
Chief Executive Officer, Logistics Management Institute; Cyndi
Kindred, Deputy Chief Business Officer for Purchased Care,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; Stephanie Mardon, Deputy Chief Business Officer for
Revenue Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Susan Reed, Deputy Executive
Director for Consolidated Patient Account Centers, Veterans
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health
for Administrative Operations, Veterans Health Administration,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Members of the
Subcommittee on Health also attended the roundtable.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1490, `Veterans' Privacy Act;' H.R. 1792,
`Infectious Disease Reporting Act;' and H.R. 1804, `Foreign
Travel Accountability Act'
On June 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 1490, Veterans' Privacy Act, H.R. 1792,
Infectious Disease Reporting Act, H.R. 1804, Foreign Travel
Accountability Act.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable
Jeff Miller, Member United States House of Representatives; and
The Honorable Tim Huelskamp, Member United States House of
Representatives.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Robert
L. Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Veterans Health
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied
by: Ms. Jane Clare Joyner, Deputy Assistant General Counsel
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Timothy
F. Jones, Tennessee State Epidemiologist President Council of
State and Territorial Epidemiologists; Mr. Nick McCormick,
Legislative Associate Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America,
and Dr. Paul Etkind, Senior Director of Infectious Diseases
National Association of County and City Health Officials. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1490, ``Veterans' Privacy Act;''
H.R. 1792, ``Infectious Disease Reporting Act;'' and H.R. 1804,
``Foreign Travel Accountability Act,'' Serial No. 113-23.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1490, H.R. 1792, and H.R. 1804
On June 27, 2013, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1490, the Veterans' Privacy Act; H.R. 1792, the Infectious
Disease Reporting Act; and H.R. 1804, the Foreign Travel
Accountability Act.
On June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1490, the Veterans' Privacy Act,
introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller of FL, was offered by Rep.
Coffman of Colorado. The ANS to H.R. 1490 was adopted by the
Oversight and Investigations (O&I) Subcommittee by voice vote.
H.R. 1490, as amended passed the Oversight and Investigations
Subcommittee. H.R. 1490 was favorably forwarded to the Full
Committee by voice vote.
On June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1792, the Infectious Disease
Reporting Act, was offered by Rep. Coffman of CO, an amendment
to the (A.N.S) to H.R. 1792 was offered by Rep. O'Rourke of TX.
The amendment to the A.N.S to H.R. 1792 offered by Rep.
O'Rourke failed the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
The Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R.
1792, offered by Rep. Coffman, was agreed to by the Oversight
and Investigations Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1792, as
amended passed the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
H.R. 1792, as amended was favorably forwarded to the Full
Committee by voice vote.
June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1804, Foreign Travel Accountability Act, was
offered by Rep. Huelskamp of Kansas. The Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1804 was agreed to by
the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee by voice vote.
H.R. 1804, as amended passed the Oversight and Investigations
Subcommittee. H.R. 1804 was favorably forwarded to the Full
Committee by voice vote.
On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1804 was marked up by the Full
Committee and ordered to be reported as amended by voice vote.
On September 25, 2013, H.R. 1804 was reported as amended by
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and placed on the Union
Calendar, Calendar No. 167. See H. Rept. 113-227.
On October 4, 2013, SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT FILING AUTHORITY--
Mr. Miller of Florida asked unanimous consent that the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs be permitted to file a
supplemental report on H.R. 1804 and the motion was agreed to
without objection.
On October 7, 2013, a supplemental report was filed by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-227, Part II.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Subcommittee Hearing--Analyzing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Actions To Prevent Legionnaire's Disease in Pittsburgh
On February 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations met to discuss VA officials' knowledge of
Legionella contamination at the Pittsburgh VAMC and their
response to this knowledge. This hearing purposed that the
testimony supplied would inform efforts to create a standard,
nation-wide protocol to respond to Legionella.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Robert
Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Lauri Hicks, Medical
Epidemiologist, National Center for Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
accompanied by: Mr. Mike Moreland, Network Director, VISN 4,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Gary Roselle, Chief,
Medical Service Program Director, Infectious Diseases, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Victor
L. Yu, Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Dr.
Janet Stout, Director, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Mr. Aaron
Marshall, Operations Manager, Enrich Products, Inc.; Mr. Steve
Schira, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Liquitech, Inc.;
Ms. Kathleen Dahl, President, AFGE Local 2028, Pittsburgh
Veterans Affairs Medical Center. See Analyzing VA's Actions to
Prevent Legionnaire's Disease in Pittsburgh, Serial No. 113-1.
Subcommittee Hearing--Gulf War: What Kind of Care Are Veterans
Receiving 20 Years Later?
On March 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations held a hearing to assess the effectiveness of
current practices to identify, diagnose, and treat Gulf War
Illness. This hearing's focus was to note how the tools and
processes in place can be improved.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Lea
Steele, Research Professor of Biomedical Studies & Director,
Veterans Health Research Program, Baylor University; Dr. Steven
S. Coughlin, Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology, Emory
University; Dr. Bernard M. Rosof, Chairman, Board of Directors,
Huntington Hospital Chair, Committee on Gulf War and Health:
Treatment for Chronic Multisymptom Illness Institute of
Medicine of the National Academies; and Mr. Anthony Hardie,
Gulf War Veteran.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Victoria
Davey, Chief Officer, Office of Public Health and Environmental
Hazards Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Deputy
Chief, Patient Care Services Office Veterans Health
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Stephen
Hunt, Director, Post-Deployment Integrated Care initiative U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Gavin West, Acting Chief
Medical Officer Salt Lake City VAMC Special Assistant, Office
of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical
Operations U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Tom Murphy,
Director of Compensation Service Veterans Benefits
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Gulf
War: What Kind of Care Are Veterans Receiving 20 Years Later?
Serial No. 113-8.
Subcommittee Hearing--Waiting for Care: Examining Patient Wait Times at
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations met to discuss current VA practices for
monitoring patient wait time in VA facilities. This hearing
purposed to highlight potential solutions to the issue,
particularly regarding policy improvement and systemic reform.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr.
William Schoenhard, FACHE, Deputy Under Secretary for Health
for Operations and Management Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Mr. Thomas
Lynch, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health
Clinical Operations and Management Veterans Health
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Philip
Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Clinical
Operations and Management Veterans Health Administration U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Michael Davies, M.D.,
National Director of Systems Redesign Veterans Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Debra A. Draper,
Director, Health Care Government Accountability Office; and Mr.
Roscoe Butler, National Field Service Representative Veterans
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission The American Legion. See
Waiting for Care: Examining Patient Wait Times at VA, Serial
No. 113-11.
Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the House Veterans'
Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations
and SBC Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce: Consistently
Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
Small Businesses
On March 19, 2013, the subcommittees held an oversight
hearing on statutory, regulatory and interpretive differences
between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting programs for small
businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled Veterans.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Joseph
Wynn, Special Advisor, VET-Force; Mr. Davy Leghorn, Assistant
Director, National Economic Division, American Legion; Mr. Marc
Goldschmitt, PMP, CEO, Goldschmitt and Associates, LLC; and Mr.
Jonathan T. Williams, Partner, PilieroMazza, PLLC.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. William
Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment,
U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. A. John Shoraka,
Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and
Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration; and
Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, Veterans and Small Business
Programs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Joint
Subcommittee Hearing of the House Veterans' Affairs Committeee
Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations and Small Business
Commitee Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce:
Consistently Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled
Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, this hearing was hosted by the
Small Business Committee and therefore does not have a House
Veterans' Affairs Committee serial number.
Subcommittee Hearing--Department of Veterans Affairs Construction
Policy: Failed Plans Result in Plans That Fail
On May 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations met to discuss the failure of the VA to
adequately undertake--in planning and timely payment--multiple
building projects of various scale.
On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms.
Lorelei St. James, Director of Physical Infrastructure Issues,
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director
of Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Glenn D.
Haggstrom, Principal Executive Director Office of Acquisition,
Logistics, and Construction U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
accompanied by: Ms. Stella Fiotes, Executive Director
Construction and Facilities Management Office of Acquisition,
Logistics, and Construction U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See VA Construction Policy: Failed Plans Result in
Plans That Fail, Serial No. 113-18.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Claims Backlog
On May 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations conducted a Claims Backlog Roundtable, which
focused on establishing a revised evidenced based process that
will break the claims backlog and provide veterans access to
their earned benefits within a reasonable timeframe. The event
brought together government representatives and private
industry leaders with experience in product tracking and claims
processing.
Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud were in
attendance in addition to the Oversight and Investigations
Subcommittee Chairman, Mike Coffman. Representatives from the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and several veterans
service organizations were also in attendance.
Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Electronic Health Records
On May 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations conducted an iEHR Roundtable which was a public-
private forum focused on sharing of industry best practices and
providing architectural guidance to federal agency stakeholders
to assist with the creation of a standards-based reusable data
sharing service.
The purpose of the roundtable was to enable interoperable
exchange of healthcare data (clinical and business oriented
data) between legacy and new electronic medical record
systems--within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department
of Defense, and private sector healthcare providers.
Participants included representatives from: Department of
Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Interagency Program
Office, Office of Management and Budget, 3M, Cisco, Dell, GE
Healthcare, HP, IBM, Intel, Intersystems, Information
Technology Acquisition Advisory Council, KaMedData, Microsoft,
National Institute of Standards & Technology, Open Source
Electronic Health Record Agent, Oracle, and Redhat. House
Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael Michaud, and
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Committee Chairman
Mike Coffman were also in attendance.
Subcommittee Hearing--How Secure Is Veterans' Private Information?
On June 4, 2013 the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations held a hearing on the recent breach of security
in the VA Office of Information and Technology, noting
permissive factors and evaluating the VA's insufficient
response to the breach.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Linda A.
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and
Evaluations Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Sondra McCauley, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Audits and Evaluations Office of
Inspector General U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr.
Michael Bowman, Director, Information Technology and Security
Audits Division Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs.
On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Stephen
W. Warren, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Information
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied
by: Mr. Stan Lowe, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information
Security Office of Information and Technology U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jerry L.
Davis, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information
Security Office of Information and Technology U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. See How Secure is Veterans' Private
Information? Serial No. 113-21.
Subcommittee Hearing--Correcting ``Kerfuffles''--Analyzing Prohibited
Practices and Preventable Patient Deaths at Jackson VAMC
On November 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations met in open session to examine whether
Department of Veterans Affairs officials are seriously
addressing patient care issues at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery
VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
On the first pane, testimony was provided by Dr. Phyllis
Hollenbeck, M.D., FAAFP, Former Physician of Family Medicine at
the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center; Dr. Charles
Sherwood, M.D., Former Chief of Ophthalmology, G.V. (Sonny)
Montgomery VA Medical Center; Erik Hearon, Maj. Gen. (Ret.),
United States Air Force and Mr. Charles Jenkins, President,
American Federation of Government Employees, Local 589.
During the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Rica
Lewis-Payton, VISN-16 Network Director, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery
VA Medical Center; Dr. Gregg Parker, M.D., VISN-16 Neurologist
and Chief Medical Officer, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical
Center; and Mr. Joe Battle, Director, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery
VA Medical Center. See Correcting `Kerfuffles'--Analyzing
Prohibited Practices and Preventable Patient Deaths at Jackson
VAMC Serial No. 113-44.
Subcommittee Member Briefing--VA Cyber Security Deficiencies
On December 3, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations conducted a briefing for Members of the Full
Committee which focused on numerous problems plaguing cyber
security in the VA, such as a lack of security controls,
outdated workstations, numerous security vulnerabilities, and a
lack of transparency and accountability.
Two renowned cyber security experts were brought in to
validate and substantiate these findings and provide
credibility to the threats to VA's network and the potential
loss of Veterans' personal information.
Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC
Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations & SBC Subcommittee
on Contracting and Workforce: Contracting Away Accountability--
Reverse Auctions in Federal Agency Acquisitions
On December 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigation and the House Small Business Subcommittee on
Contracting and Workforce met in open session to address
serious problems with VA and other federal agencies' use of
reverse auctions in contract bids, including questions
regarding fees paid, vendor competition, and agency oversight.
On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Nigel
Cary, President of Cox Construction Company and Mr. Louis J.
Celli Jr., Director, Legislative Division of the American
Legion.
On panel two, testimony was provided by Ms. Michelle
Mackin, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management with the
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Joseph Jordan,
Administrator in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy
within the Office of Management and Budget; and Mr. William
Sisk, Deputy Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service and
General Services Administration.
On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jan Frye,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisitions and
Logistics at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Frye was
accompanied by Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations.
Veterans Health Administration. See Contracting Away
Accountability--Reverse Auctions in Federal Agency Acquisitions
Serial No. 113-48.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS
January 3, 2013: Communication 09041, a letter from the
Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications in 2013 (RIN: 2900-AO58) received
January 3, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
February 15, 2013: Communication 00489, a letter from the
Secretary of the Army, Department of Defense, transmitting a
report on reservations made for interment at Arlington National
Cemetery, as required by Section 602 of Public Law 112-154.
Received February 6, 2013.
February 15, 2013: Communication 00476, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule-Disclosures to Participate in State
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (RIN: 2900-AO45) received
February 14, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 7, 2013: Communication 00638, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Departments final rule--Grants for the Rural Veterans
Coordination Pilot (RVCP) (RIN: 2900-A035) received February
26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 7, 2013: Communication 00639, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--VA Homeless providers Grant and
Per Diem Program (RIN: 2900-AN81) received February 26, 2013,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 12, 2013: Communication 00670, a letter from the
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice, transmitting First Quarterly Report of FY 2013 under
The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Referred
jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans'
Affairs.
April 12, 2013: Communication 01098, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Removal of 30-Day Residency
Requirement for Per Diem Payments (RIN: 2900-AO36) received
March 26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
April 15, 2013: Communication 01116, a letter from the
Director of Regulation and Management, Office of the General
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Grants for Transportation of Veterans
in High Rural Areas (RIN: 2900-AO01) received April 2, 2013,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
April 24, 2013: A message from the President of the United
States transmitting the Administration's 2013 National Drug
Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
April 25, 2013: Communication 01309, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Grants to States for Construction
or Acquisition of State Homes (RIN: 2900-AO60) received April
10, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
May 8, 2013: Memorial 0024, Title presented by the Speaker:
A memorial of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
relative to a Senate Resolution requesting the Federal
Government provide sufficient funding and personnel to process
veterans' claims in a more timely manner.
May 15, 2013: Communication 01503, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Payment for Home Health Services
and Hospice Care to Non-VA Providers ( RIN: 2900-AN98) received
May 6, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
May 16, 2013: Memorial 0029 presented as follows by the
Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the
State of Oregon, relative to House Joint Memorial No. 1
requesting that the Congress overturn the Department of
Veterans Affairs regulation prohibiting the provision of
service or therapy dogs for veterans with emotional and mental
disabilities.
May 23, 2013: Communication 01609, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Tentative Eligibility
Determinations; Presumptive Eligibility for Psychosis and Other
Mental Illness (RIN: 2900-AN87) received May 14, 2013, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
May 24, 2013: Communication 01688, a letter from the
Assistant Secretary, Department of Defense, transmitting
proposed legislation, titled ``National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2014.''
May 24, 2013: Communication 01686, a letter from the
Assistant Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense,
transmitting additional legislative proposals that the
Department requests be enacted during the first session of the
113th Congress.
May 24, 2013: Communication 01672, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications in 2013 (RIN: 2900-AO58) received
May 22, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 10, 2013: Communication 01722, a letter from the
Deputy Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--VA Dental Insurance Program (RIN:
2900-AN99) received May 28, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
June 13, 2013: Communication 01863, a letter from the
Adjutant General, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.,
transmitting proceedings of the 113th National Convention of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in
Reno, Nevada, July 21-25, 2012, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 118 and
44 U.S.C. 1332.
June 19, 2013: Communication 01924, a letter from the
Deputy Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Department
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Community Residential Care (RIN: 2900-AO62) received May 28,
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 28, 2013: Communication 02179, a letter from the
Acting Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Department
of Defense, transmitting Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center
of Excellence Report to Congress for 2012.
June 28, 2013: Memorial 0094, Presented by the Speaker, A
memorial of the House of Representatives of the State of Maine,
relative to the House Joint Resolution No. 1111 requesting that
the President and the Congress support the adoption of the
Veterans Remembered Flag.
July 16, 2013: Communication 02259, a letter from the
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a
letter reporting the FY 2012 expenditures from the Pershing
Hall Revolving Fund for projects, activities, and facilities
that support eth mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
July 16, 2013: Communication 02260, a letter from the
Acting Under Secretary and Deputy Secretary, Departments of
Defense and Veterans Affairs, transmitting Veterans Affairs and
Department of Defense Joint Executive Council Fiscal Year 2012
Annual Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8111(f).
July 24, 2013: Communication 02340, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management Prescribed by Non-
VA Providers (RIN: 2900-A077) received July 16, 2013, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
August 2, 2103: Communication 02729, a letter from the
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Patient Access to Records (RIN: 2900-
A061) received July 26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
September 9, 2013: Communication 02769, a letter from the
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice, transmitting Third Quarterly Report of FY 2013 under
the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
September 9, 2103: Communication 2770, a letter from the
Principal Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice,
transmitting Second Quarterly Report of FY2013 on the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.
September 16, 2013: Communication 02956, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Offices of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--VA Veteran Owned Small Business
Verification Guidelines (RIN: 2900-A049) received August 22,
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 16, 2013: Communication 02955, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Offices of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--VA Health Professional Scholarship
and Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professional
Scholarship Programs (RIN: 2900-AO34/WP2010-041), received
August 22, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 30, 2013: Communication 03160, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting,
the Department's final rule--Disease Associated with Exposure
to Certain Herbicide Agents: Peripheral Neuropathy (RIN: 2900-
AO32) September 12, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 30, 2013: Communication 03161, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of General
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the
Department's final rule--Vet Center Services (RIN: 2900-AN92)
received September 13, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
October 14, 2013: Communication 03299, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of General
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the
Department's final rule--VA Acquisition Regulation: Service-
Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status
Protests (RIN: 2900-AM92) received September 26, 2013, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
October 16, 2013: Memorial 0139, a memorial presented as
follows by the Speaker: A memorial of the Senate of the State
of Texas, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 17
urging the Congress to restore the presumption of a service
connection for Agent Orange exposure to United States Navy and
United States Air Force veterans.
October 28, 2013: Communication 03416, a letter from the
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, a
letter notifying the Congress that the Department will no
longer enforce section 101 (3) and 101(31) of title 38.
October 29, 2013: Communication 03437, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting,
the Department's final rule--Eligibility of Disabled Veterans
and Members of the armed Forces with Severe Burn Injuries for
Financial Assistance in the Purchase of an Automobile or other
Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (RIN: 2900-AO31) received
September 19, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
October 30, 2103: Communication 03616, a letter from the
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting,
the Department's final rule--VA Dental Insurance Program-
Federalism (RIN:2900-A085) received October 21, 2013, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801 (a)(1)(A).
November 19, 2013: Communication 03763, a letter from the
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, a
letter regarding the Department's decision to no longer defend
section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act.
November 22, 2013: Memorial 0163, a memorial presented by
the Speaker, a memorial of the General Assembly of the State of
California, relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 19 urging
the Congress and the President to provide benefits to those
veterans discriminated against solely on the basis of their
sexual orientation.
December 9, 2013: Communication 04035, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the Department's final rule
regarding Copayment for Extended Care Services (RIN: 2900-
Ao59), received December 2, 2013, pursuant to U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
December 9, 2013: Communication 04036, from the National
Adjutant, Chief Executive Officer, the Disabled American
Veterans, transmitting the 2013 National Convention Proceedings
of the Disabled American Veterans, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 90i
and 44 U.S.C. 1332.
December 11, 2013: Communication 04130, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Criteria for a Catastrophically Disabled Determination for
Purposes of Enrollment (RIN: 2900-A021) received December, 3,
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 11, 2013: Communication 04131, from the Director,
Regulation Policy and Management, Department of Veterans
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Specially
Adapted Housing Eligibility for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Beneficiaries (RIN: 2900-A084) received December 3, 2013,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 11, 2013: Communication 04132, a letter from the
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Grants to States for Construction or Acquisition of State Homes
(RIN: 2900-A060) received December 5, 2013, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).