House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the House of Representatives affirmed its commitment to America’s veterans by passing four pieces of legislation helping and honoring veterans of all generations. Legislation included fixes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill to keep student veterans in the school of their choice (H.R. 1383—as amended, 389-0); establishes a new process for the placement of monuments at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as enforcing the reservation process at Arlington (H.R. 1627—as amended, 380-0); imposes penalties for small businesses claiming veteran-owned status (H.R. 1657, 382-1); and reissues the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment for veterans and survivors (H.R. 1407—as amended, voice vote). All bills were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs favorably reported six pieces of legislation (H.R. 1407, as amended; H.R. 1484, as amended; H.R. 1627, as amended; H.R. 1383, as amended; H.R. 1657; and H.R. 802, as amended) for full House consideration.

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the Subcommittee on Health met to review the Federal Recovery Coordination Program. The Committee heard testimony that even though more than three years have elapsed since the program was implemented, systemic shortfalls persist including a lack of overall coordination and collaboration between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

WASHINGTON, DC—The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will hold a hearing on mental health programs available through the VA on June 14, 2011. Tuesday’s ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that cites “unchecked incompetence” by the VA in handling post-traumatic stress cases will also be addressed at the hearing. 

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled, “Reboot: Examining the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Strategy for the 21st Century.” Committee members hoped to receive a positive progress report from VA regarding IT improvements following recent increased funding and staffing.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs favorably reported three bills to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The bills are expected to go before the Committee as early as next Thursday, May 12, 2011.