Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009

lobbying against any proposed increases for TRICARE co-pays, deductibles, enrollment fees to be included in NDAA FY11 and no increase in TRICARE Standard in patient co-pays, HR2647, HR816, on behalf of a provision to allow adult children under the age of 26 to remain on their parents TRICARE insurance plan included in NDAA11; on behalf of ending the ban of receipt of both military retired pay (longevity,medical,TERA) and VA disability pay HR333, HR303, HR811, S546; on behalf of ending the SBP/DIC offset offset HR775, S535, HR2243 and attempt to have it included in NDAA11; on behalf of improvements in the benefits granted to members of the National Guard and Reserves, their families, retirees and survivors including proper implementation of TRR for Gray Area retirees, on behalk of lowering the monthly fees, reducing the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay, HR1695, expanding the dates when NG & R activation will qualify for early commencement of receipt of military retired pay to 9/11/01 S644 S831 on behalf of foregiveness of "certain overpayments of retired pay" paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces during the month of their death and retention of the full payment by his or her family HR613; on behalf of permitting payment of SBP into a "Special Needs Trust" for disabled SBP beneficiaries, HR2059, HR3324; on behalf of improvments in military health care throughout the system including greater use of pharmacy home delivery, greater resources in rural areas, imrpovements in dental programs, improvments in TRICARE overseas programs; on behalf of changes and improvements in the Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA); on behalf of increasing health care benefits and training for Wounded Warriors;

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

See next page. Discussed with House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs staff concerns about legislation proposed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to address the claims backlog. The proposed legislation is the Veterans Benefit Programs Improvement Act of 2010. Urged Congress to consider methods for addressing the VA benefits claims processing backlog. Discussed the Rating and Processing Individuals Disability (RAPID) Claims Act (H.R. 5549). Discussed and submitted correspondence to Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI) concerning the Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010 (S. 3517). Supported Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act (H.R. 1037/S. 728)includes increases for the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program. Supported H.R. 1169would provide a significant increase in the VAs Specially Adapted Housing grant, the Special Home Adaptation grant, and the grant to purchase an automobile. Supported the Veterans Training Act (H.R. 3813)would grant veterans access under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to non-degree granting training programs and schools. Supported Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2243)would replace the current rate of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC )with a formula setting the rate of DIC at a rate equal to 55 percent of the rate paid to a veteran with a total disability rating. Supported Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act (H.R. 775) and S. 535would eliminate the offset to the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for families who receive VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Supported the Improving Veterans Electronic Transition Services Act (H.R. 5225)would give veterans electronic access to their official military personnel files and require an assessment of the feasibility of using a centralized web portal to improve veterans access to benefits and records. Supported the Severely Injured Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3407)would increase the rate of special monthly compensation available to veterans who have been severely injured and grant eligibility to veterans with traumatic brain injuries to receive aid and attendance benefits. Supported the Homeless Veterans and Other Health Care Authorities Act of 2010 (S. 1237), which includes provisions of the Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act of 2009 (S. 1547). Supported the End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 (H.R. 4810), which includes provisions of H.R. 2504, the Help Our Homeless Veterans Act (H.R. 2559), H.R. 2735, and H.R. 3906. Supported H.R. 5014which clarifies that the health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs constitutes minimum essential coverage for the purposes of health reform. Supported the Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theatre (COMBAT) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2009 (H.R. 952)which would expand the definition of combat with the enemy to include active duty service in a theatre of combat operations during a period of war. Supported the Veterans Employment Transition Act (S. 3398/H.R. 5400)which would simplify the process employers must follow to receive tax credits for hiring veterans who meet certain classifications. Supported the Veterans Employment Transition Act (S. 3398)which would simplify the process employers must follow to receive tax credits for hiring veterans who meet certain classifications. Discussed with House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs staff concerns about legislation proposed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to address the claims backlog. The proposed legislation is the Veterans Benefit Programs Improvement Act of 2010. Urged Congress to consider methods for addressing the VA benefits claims processing backlog. Discussed the Rating and Processing Individuals Disability (RAPID) Claims Act (H.R. 5549). Discussed the Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010 (S. 3517). Supported HR 2059 to enable military personnel who have a family member with a disability to designate a special needs trust to receive military retiree and survivor benefits annuities rather than a natural person. Without this bill, if benefits are paid directly to the family member, the payments can jeopardize that persons eligibility for Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Supported the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010 (H.R. 3219)omnibus veterans legislation that includes increases for the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program. Supported the Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 5428). Supported the Post-9/11 Veterans Education al Assistance Improvements Act (S. 3447/H.R. 5933)which would make needed modifications to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including adding additional types of educational training programs for which veterans would be eligible to receive assistance. Supported the Housing, Employment and Living Programs for Veterans Act (H.R. 5360)which would not only reform the VAs Special Home Adaptation grant program to allow veterans who meet the nationally accepted standard of legal blindness to receive assistance with critical home modification, but also increase the amount of grant funding available for this program and the Specially Adapted Housing grant program. Submitted testimony to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity as a co-chair of the CCD Veterans Task Force regarding federal contractor compliance with affirmative action requirements concerning veterans. Urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept the authority granted to them by six states through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to serve as a voter registration agency. Discussed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2009 (H.R. 4121) which includes proposed improvements to the VAs appeals process and the establishment of the Veterans Judicial Review Commission. Discussed the Veterans' Disability Claims Efficiency Act of 2010 (H.R. 5928) which would improve the efficiency of processing certain claims for disability compensation by veterans through the use of interim disability ratings and fast track review of initial claims for benefits.

lobbying against any proposed increases for TRICARE co-pays, deductibles or enrollment fees to be included in NDAAFY11, HR2647, S1390, HR816; on behalf of allowing children under the age of 26 to remain and be covered by their families' TRICARE coverage HR6227, S3846 while NDAA is pending & then permanently HR4923,S3201; on behalf of ending the ban of concurrent receipt of military retired pay (both longevity and medical) &VA Disability pay, HR333,HR303, HR811, HR4213, S546; on behalf of ending the SBP/DIC offset HR775,S535, HR2243 & inclusion in NDAA FY11 S1390; on behalf of improvements in the benefits granted to members of the National Guard and Reserves,their families and survivors including proper implementation of TRR for Grey Area retirees and lowering the monthly fees, reducing the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay , HR1695, enlarging the time when activated members of the Reserves will qualify for early commencement of payments of retired pay to cover activated service commencing from 9/11/01 S644 and S831 and inclusion in S1390, ending the present method calculation of active duty time for early retirment pay being limited to fiscal years S3406, HR4947; continuity of TRICARE Coverage HR270 on behalf of forgiveness of "certain overpayments of retired pay" paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces in the month of their death and retention of the full payment by his or her family, HR613; on behalf of permitting payment of SBP into a "Special Needs Trust" for appropriate disabled SBP beneficiaries, HR2059, HR3324; on behalf on improvments in military health care throughout the system; including in rural areas of the country S658; on behalf of changes and improvments in the Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA); on behalf of increasing benefits and training for the caregivers of our Wounded Warriors; on behalf of allowing survivors of Military Retirees to use Space A travel, HR4403 (Securing Patriots' Access to Convenient and Economic Travel Act of 2009)

Lobbying on behalf of giving Veterans Status to non-veteran members of the Reserve components with 20 years or more of service (military retirees) HR3787, S1780; on behalf of amending USC title 38 to improve efficiency of processing VA claims HR5928; on behalf of increased flexibility in payments for State Veterans Homes HR4241; on behalf of including every child of a veteran when determining qualification for medical services HR4465; on behalf of increasing vocational, rehabilitation & employment assistance available at the VA, HR1821; on behalf of setting the DIC payment amount as 55% of the 100% VA Disability payment level, HR2243; on behalf of improvement of enforcment methods and provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 S263; and enforcing USERRA provesions in the federal government HR1089; on behalf of improvements in programs to prevent homelessness among veterans, HR1171; on behalf of covering vocational and other technical education courses under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, S3447, S3171, HR3813

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Improvements in uniformed personnel programs, compensation and benefits. S. 535, S. 546, S. 831, S. 3150, S. 3232, S. 3406, S. 3454, S. 3846, S.A. 4618, SC 09-751, Senate Report 111-226 H Res 1493, PL 110-252, H.R. 208, H.R. 303, H.R. 333, H.R. 593, H.R. 613, H.R. 775, H.R. 816, H.R. 2243, H.R. 3081, H.R. 4427 H.R. 4525, H.R. 4764, H.R. 4899, H.R. 4947, H.R. 5136, H.R. 5469, H.R. 5921, H.R. 5933, H.R. 6131, H.R. 6227, H.R. 1592, H.R. H.R. 5185, H.R. 484, H.R. 4693, H.R. 4213, H.R. 4693, S. 644

Client expense: $399,666 · Firm income: Not reported

See next page. Supported Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 (S. 1963)includes funding for family caregivers, improved access to services for women veterans and veterans living in rural areas, and other health matters. S. 1963 includes aspects of the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act (H.R. 3155), Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1211), Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009 (H.R. 1293),and Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2770). Supported Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act (H.R. 1037/S. 728)includes increases for the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program. Supported H.R. 1169would provide a significant increase in the VAs Specially Adapted Housing grant, the Special Home Adaptation grant, and the grant to purchase an automobile. Supported the Veterans Training Act (H.R. 3813)would grant veterans access under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to non-degree granting training programs and schools. Supported Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2243)would replace the current rate of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC )with a formula setting the rate of DIC at a rate equal to 55 percent of the rate paid to a veteran with a total disability rating. Supported Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act (H.R. 775) and S. 535would eliminate the offset to the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for families who receive VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Supported the Improving Veterans Electronic Transition Services Act (H.R. 5225)would give veterans electronic access to their official military personnel files and require an assessment of the feasibility of using a centralized web portal to improve veterans access to benefits and records. Supported the Severely Injured Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3407)would increase the rate of special monthly compensation available to veterans who have been severely injured and grant eligibility to veterans with traumatic brain injuries to receive aid and attendance benefits. Supported the Homeless Veterans and Other Health Care Authorities Act of 2010 (S. 1237), which includes provisions of the Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act of 2009 (S. 1547). Supported the End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 (H.R. 4810), which includes provisions of H.R. 2504, the Help Our Homeless Veterans Act (H.R. 2559), H.R. 2735, and H.R. 3906. Supported H.R. 5014which clarifies that the health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs constitutes minimum essential coverage for the purposes of health reform. Supported the Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theatre (COMBAT) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2009 (H.R. 952)which would expand the definition of combat with the enemy to include active duty service in a theatre of combat operations during a period of war. Supported the Veterans Employment Transition Act (S. 3398)which would simplify the process employers must follow to receive tax credits for hiring veterans who meet certain classifications. Discussed with House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs staff concerns about legislation proposed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to address the claims backlog. The proposed legislation is the Veterans Benefit Programs Improvement Act of 2010. Urged Congress to consider methods for addressing the VA benefits claims processing backlog. Discussed the Rating and Processing Individuals Disability (RAPID) Claims Act (H.R. 5549). Discussed the Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010 (S. 3517). Supported HR 2059 to enable military personnel who have a family member with a disability to designate a special needs trust to receive military retiree and survivor benefits annuities rather than a natural person. Without this bill, if benefits are paid directly to the family member, the payments can jeopardize that persons eligibility for Social Security and Medicaid benefits.

Improvements in uniformed personnel programs, compensation and benefits. S 535, S 546, , S 831, S 1668, S 3148, S 3150, S 3157, S 3201, S 3217, S 3406, S 3425, S 3454, S 1008, S 1169, S 504, S Con Res 60, S Res 541, S J Res 10, HR 208, HR 593, HR 613, HR 775, HR 809, HR 816, HR 972, HR 1052, HR 1203, HR 1474, HR 1600, HR 2243, HR 2302, HR 2647, HR 3324, HR 3554, HR 3787, HR 4173, HR 4427, HR 4477, HR 4512, HR 4525, HR 4693 HR 4764, HR 4887, HR 4899, HR 4923, HR 4947, HR 5136, HR 5469, H J Res 23, PL 111-84

Client expense: $651,991 · Firm income: Not reported

Lobbying to assure that TRICARE health care programs were held harmless in the civilian Health Care Reform Act (HR3962) and qualified as "minimum essential coverage" HR4877 and S3148; lobbying on behalf of bills to allow children of TRICARE beneficiaries until they reach the age of 26 to be covered in their parents' TRICARE coverage; lobbying against any proposed increases in TRICARE co-pays, deductibles or enrollment fees HR816; lobbying to end the ban of concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA Disability pay (including HR333, HR303,S546, HR811, HR4213); lobbying in favor of improvements in National Guard and Reserve benefits including proper implementation of TRR for Grey Area retirees, reducing in minimum age for receipt of military retired pay HR1695; in favor of NG &R Families Act of 2009 S644; allowing foregiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces for the month of their death HR613; lobbying in support of ending the SBP/DIC offset HR775, S535, HR2243; lobbying in support of improving military health care for military retirees who live in Rural areas S658; lobbying in favor of permitting a "Special Needs Trust" for appropriate disabled SBP beneficiaries HR2059, HR3324; lobbying for changes and improvements in the former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA); lobbying in favor of increased benefits and training for caretakes of our Wounded Warriors; lobbying for increases in use of Space A travel for retirees' survivors HR4403

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

lobbying to assure that VA health care (including CHAMPVA and spina bifida coverage) be qualified as "minimum essential coverage" under HR HR3962; lobbying to improve the speed, accuracy and consistency of the VA's Claim Adjudication process; lobbying in support of increasing DIC payments HR2243; lobbying to require the VA to take into account veteran's number of minor children when determining financial need of medical services HR4465; lobbying in support of retention of DIC payments upon remarriage on or after the age of 55 HR809; lobbying to grant Veterans Status to non-veteran members of the Reserve components with 20 years or more of sservice HR3787, S1780; lobbying on behalf of increased flexibility in payments of State Veterans Homes HR4241; lobbying in favor of strenghtening the protections granted by USERRA and increased and effective enforcment S263, HR1089; lobbying to permit Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to cover vocational and other technical education S3171, HR3813; lobbying to increase vocational rehabilitation and employemnt assistance programs HR1821; lobbying to prevent homelessness among veterans HR1171

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

See next page. Supported Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 (S. 1963)includes funding for family caregivers, improved access to services for women veterans and veterans living in rural areas, and other health matters. S. 1963 includes aspects of the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act (H.R. 3155), Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1211), Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009 (H.R. 1293),and Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2770). Supported Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act (H.R. 1037/S. 728)including increasing coverage amount for the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program. Met with senior officials of White House Office of Public Engagement and a Legal Advisor to the the National Secuity Council and representatives from veterans service organizations concerning the need to increase employment opportunities for veterans. Supported H.R. 1169would provide a significant increase in the VAs Specially Adapted Housing grant, the Special Home Adaptation grant, and the grant to purchase an automobile. Urged Congress to consider methods for addressing the VA benefits claims processing backlog. Supported the Veterans Training Act (H.R. 3813)would grant veterans access under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to non-degree granting training programs and schools. Supported Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2243)would replace the current rate of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC )with a formula setting the rate of DIC at a rate equal to 55 percent of the rate paid to a veteran with a total disability rating. Supported Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act (H.R. 775 and S. 535)would eliminate the offset to the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for families who receive VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Defense Discussed possible amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 concerning benefits available under the ECHO program to military family members who have disabilities.

Lobbying in opposition to including to including any of the TRICARE plans in the proposed health care reform bills (including HR3590, HR3962) lobbying against any proposed increases in TRICARE co-pays, deductibles,or enrollment fees, HR816;lobbying to end the ban of concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA disability pay (including HR333, HR303, S546,HR811) lobbying in favor of improvments in National Guard and Reserve benefits including proper implementation of HR270 available TRICARE for Grey Area retirees; and in favor of quick implementation; HR 270; S1106; lobbying in favor of increasing pay under the National Guard and Reserve Pay Equity Act of 2009 S644; lobbying in support of reducing the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service HR1695, S1390; lobbying in favor of allowing the survivors of a military retiree to retian the full last month of his or her retired pay "provide for foregiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces following death" HR613; lobbying in support of the ending of the SBP/DIC Offset (HR775, S535, HR2243); lobbying to improve military health care for veterans and retirees who live in rural areas S658; lobbying in favor of canges and improvments in the Uniform services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA); lobbying in support of increased benefits for caretakers of our wounded warriors; lobbying in favor of permitting a "Special Needs Trust" for appropriat disabled SBP beneficiaries

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

lobbying in opposition of VA health care including CHAMPVA and spina bifida coverage being included or effected by general health care reform legislation (HR3590, HR3962); lobbying to improve the speed, accuracy and consistency of the VA claims adjudication system; lobbying in support of increasing DIC payments HR2243; lobbying in support of allowing retention of DIC upon remarriage on or after the age of 55 (HR809); lobbying in favor of granting Veterans status to non-veteran members of Reserve components with 20 or more years of service (HR3787,S1780); lobbying in favor of strengthening the protection and enforcement of USERRA S263, HR1089; lobbying to prevent homelessness among veterans HR1171 lobbying to permit Post 9/11 GI Bill to cover vocational and technical education S3171, HR3813; lobbying to enlarge vocational rehabilitation and employment asistance HR1821; lobbying in support of Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 S1963

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Improvements in uniformed personnel programs, compensation and benefits. HR 4324, S 1558, HR 4034, HR 4923, S 3150, HR 775, HR 4469, S 1558, HR 2243, HR 4947, HR 3554, HR 1474, HR 1668, HR 4764, HR 4820, HR 3554, HR 4469, S 3150, HR 4427, HR 4043, HR 3326, HR 4525, HR 4851, HR 2059, HR 3389, HR 1633, HR 3324, HR 613, SJ RES 10, HR 1592, HR 972, HJ RES 23, HR 2243, S 831, HR 4947, HR 1052, HR 208, S 535, S 1558, S 546, HR 2302, HR 593, HR 303, HR 816, HR 3324, S 1008, S 491, HR 4525, HR 333, S 1169, HR 1600, HR 848

Client expense: $483,459 · Firm income: Not reported

Eliminate SBP/DIC offset HR 775; Concurrent receipt S. 546, HR 303, HR 333; Increase DIC Payments HR 2243; Military Retiree surviving spouse releif act HR 613; Retirement Equity for Service Members HR 4865;

Client expense: $140,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY GOALS FOR VETERANS: [See Next Page] Contacts made on the following legislative initiatives: HR 23 -- Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of WWII Act would grant a $1,000 monthly benefit to individuals who served in the Merchant Marines between 12/07/41 and 12/31/46; HR 249 --The Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act by not taxing enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses, legislation would enhance bonuses that attract new recruits into military specialties that are in high demand; HR 819 -- legislation which provides Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits to surviving spouses of former prisoners of war (POW), which also seeks to extend the receipt of DIC benefits to surviving spouses of former POWs who died on or before September 30, 1999 and will ease the financial strain left on survivors of POWs who do not currently qualify for DIC benefits; HR 1168 -- The Veterans Retraining Act would provide veterans with the training they need to seek meaningful employment; HR 1169 -- legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by VA to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing, automobiles and equipment; HR 1209 -- The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act; HR 1295 -- The Service Members' Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Act would ensure that members of the Armed Forces are not denied the first-time homebuyer tax credit granted to them under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a result of theircurrent station outside of the United States; HR 1681 -- The Veterans Transitional Assistance Act would rationalize the transition process from DOD to VA; HR 1701 -- The PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review for Heroes Act; HR 1821 -- The Equity for Injured Veterans Improvement Act to give rise to many befeficial improvements tot h Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) assistance program by providing childcare assistance to single-parent veterans with children and extendining the period of eligibility from 12 years to a more adequate 15 years; HR 2017 -- legislation that would grant the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) a federal charter; HR 2082 -- The Military and Overseas Voting Enhancement Act to improve voting access and absentee ballot accountability for members of the armed services; HR 2126 -- The Correspondence With Our Heroes Act would allow active duty Armed Forces members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as service members who are hospitalized due to injury or disease incurred in Iraq and Afghanistan, to receive one piece of mail per month free of charge to the sender; HR2243 -- The Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act would raise the amount of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to an amount equal to 55% of VA disability compensation for a 100% disabled veteran; HR 2352 -- The Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act would expand the Small Veteran Business Center program within the Small Business Administration to serve as an outlet and resource for veteran business owners; HR 2379 -- The Veterans Group Life Insurance Act would allow those covered by Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to purchase additional coverage once every five years; HR 2393 -- The Military Voting Protection (MVP) Act would ensure that the ballots cast by service members stationed overseas are delivered to the appropriate state election officials by the jurisdiction's statutory deadline, while safeguarding voter privacy and ballot secrecy; HR 2410 -- would increase the likelihood that qualiofied individuals would become employees of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State; HR 2456 -- The Veterans Education Tuition Support Act; HR 2562 -- Service Members Home Ownership Act would extend the first-time homebuyer credit to members of the Armed Forces who are deployed during 2009; HR 2874 -- Helping Active Duty Deployed Act would discharge the student loans of students called to active duty. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. CON. RES. 20 would honor the World War 1 (WWI) veterans by permitting the last WWI veteran to lie in the rotunda of th Capitol upon his death; S. 263 -- the Servicemembers Access to Justice Act would close several loopholes and strengthen the protections in current law to ensure that servicemembers' and veterans' employment and reemployment rights are effectively enforced under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA); S. 315 -- The Veterans Outreach Improvement Act would increase congressional oversight of the VA's outreach activities and authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to work with state, local and community-based organizations to perform outreach; S. 407 -- The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act alows our disaled veterans and their dependents to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services; S. 514 -- The Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act would require the amount of subsistence allowance paid to a veteran for a month n which the veteran participates in a VA rehabilitation program to be equal to the national average of the basic allowance for housing paid to a member of the Armed Forces in pay grade E-5; S. 663 -- The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of WWII Act would amend Title 46 USC to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the Merchant Marines during WWII; S. 691/S. 746 -- to allow the VA to establish national cemeteries in Eastern Nebraska and southern Colorado; S. 728 -- The Veterans Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act addresses a broad range of veterans benefits and improves services for both young and old veterans; S. 820 -- would improve the lives of the the nation's most seriously disabled service-connected veterans; S 842 -- provides needed foreclosure protection for military families; S. 847 -- would allow those receiving Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits to be exempt from the 48-month total educational benefits restriction; S. 1015 -- would enhance disability compensationf or disabled veterans in need of aid and attendance for residuals of tramatic brain injury and for disabled veterans with difficulties using prostheses; S. 1106 -- Selected Reserve Continuum of Care Act would provide medical and dental treatment for members of the Guard and Reserve to guarantee medical readiness.

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. HR 2017, HR 3554, S 832, HR 3548, S 1668, HR 1016, S 1963, HR 2561, HR 2419, HR 3082, S 1407, S 1780, HR, HR 2928, HR 952, HR 3337, HR 3787, S 423, HR 3467, HR 3577, HR 1169, HR 3657, HR 466, HR 3661, HR 2243, HR 775, HR 3548, HR 3082, HR 2243, S 1118, HR 3485, S 252, HR 1034, HR 3544, S 801, HR 3155, HR 303, HR 809, HR 1592, HR 333

Client expense: $146,857 · Firm income: Not reported

lobbying on behalf of Advanced Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs health care (HR1016, S423); lobbying in oppositon of VA health care being included in the geenral health care reform legislation (HR3590, HR3962); lobbying to improve the speed,consistence, and accuracy of VA's claims adjudication process; lobbying in favor of increasing the amount of DIC payments (HR2243); lobbying in favor of allowing DIC recepients to retain their eligibility for DIC if they remarry at or after the age of 55 after the age of 55 (rather than the present 57) (HR809); lobbying in support of additonal improvements in wounded warrior care and seemless transition; lobbying in favor of strenghtening both the protections and the enforcement of the UNiformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) (S263, HR1089); lobbying in favor enlargement and improvments in the present vocational rehabilitation and employemnt assistance programs for veterans at the VA (HR1821): lobbying in favor of sufficient funding in the Military Construction and VA Appropriations Act (HR3082, S1407); lobbying in support of granting veterans status to non-veteran members of the Reserve components with 20 or more years of service (HR3787, S1780)

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Lobbying in opposition to including any of the TRICARE plans in the proposed healthcare reform bills (HR3590,HR3962): lobbying against any increases of co-pays, deductibles, or enrollment fees in any of the TRICARE programs (including in support of HR816): lobbying in favor of HR270, S731,s1106 allowing National Guard and Reserve "Gray Area" retirees to purchase TRS at full cost; and then lobbying against "Gray Area" TRICARE as a different program than TRS with a different d and higher cost basis and lobbying in favor of the programs quick implementation; lobbying in favor of allowing the survivors of a military retiree who dies to retain the full last month of his or hers retired pay (HR613); lobbying in support of the present early retirement of National Guard and Reserves bill to be enlarged to apply to thse who were activated on or after 9/11/01 (Section 660 of S1390 NDAA Conference Report and HR1695); lobbying in support of increasing pay under the National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009 (S644); lobbying in support of allowing longevity military retirees with less than a 50% VA rated service connected disability to receive without offset both their full retired pay and their full disability pay; and in support of Military Medical Retirees (Chapter 61) with less than 20 years service to receive both their retired pay and their VA disability pay (S546, HR333, HR303, HR811, HR2990); lobbying in favor of adequate funding for DoD healthcare and other needed DoD funding (HR3326); lobbying in support of the National Defense Appropriations Act including increases in active duty pau (HR2647); lobbying in favor of increasing the time a called-up member of the Guard or Reserve qualifies for TRICARE prior to activation to 180 days from the former 90 days; lobbying in favor of ending the SBP/DIC offset (HR775, S536, HR1804, HR2243); lobbying in favor of changes and improvments in the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA); lobbying in favor of the voting procedures for active duty service members and their families who are serving and living abroad; lobbying in support of adequate funding in the Military Construction and VA Appropriations Act (HR3082, S1407): lobbying in favor of additional benefits (including health care, stipends and education benefits) for caretakers of our wounded warriors (HR2647); lobbying in favor of permitting a "Special Needs Trust" for disabled beneficiaries who qualify for SBP

Lobbying in opposition to including any of the TRICARE plans in the proposed health care reforms (HR3590, HR3962); Lobbbying against any possible increases of co-pays, deductibles, or enrollment fees in any of th TRICARE programs (including in support of HR816); lobbying in favor of HR270, S731, S1106 allowing National Guard and Reserve Gray Area Retirees to purchase TRS at full cost; lobbying against interpreting Gray Area TRICARE as a different program than TRS with a different cost basis; lobbying in favor with a different cost basis; and lobbying in favor of quick implementation; lobbying in favor of allowing the survivors of a military retiree who dies to retain the last month of his or hers retired pay (HR613); lobbying in support of early retirement og National Guard and Reserves to apply for those who served on or after 9/11/01 (Sec 660 of S1390 NDAA Conference Report and HR1695 ); lobbying in support of increasing pay under the National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act for 2009 S644; lobbying in support of allowing longevity military retirees with less than a 50% rated VA service connected disability to receive both their retired pay and their disability pay; and in support Military Medical retirees (Chapter 61) with less than 20 years service to receive both their retired pay and their VA disability pay (including support of S546, HR333, HR303, HR811, HR2990; lobbying in favor of additional improvements in military health care including wounded warrior programs, improved DoD provided health care for retirees in rural areas and improvements in mental health care; (S658) lobbying in favor of adequate funding for DoD health Care and other needed DoD funding (including HR3326); lobbying in support of Defense Appropriations Act including increases in active duty pay (HR2647) lobbying in favor increasing the time a called up Guard or Reserve member has TRICARE prior to activation to 180 days from the former 90 days; lobbying in favor of ending the SBP/DIC offset (HR775, S536, HR1804, HR2243); lobbying in favor of changes and improvmentd in the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) lobbying in favor of improvements in voting procedures for active duty service members and their families who are serving and living abroad; lobbying in support adequate funding in the of Military Construction and VA Appropriations (HR3082, S1407); lobbying in favor of additional benefits (including health care, stipends and education benefits) for caretakers of our wounded warriors (HR2647); lobbying in favor of creating a "Special Needs Trust" for disabled beneficiaries who qualify for SBP

lobbying on behalf of Advanced Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs health care (HR1016, S423); lobbying in opposition of VA health care being included in general health care reform legislation (HR3590, HR3962); lobbying to improve speed,consistency and accuracy of VA's adjudication process; lobbying in favor of increasing DIC payments (HR2243); lobbying to permit DIC receipients to retain eligibility for DIC if they remarry at or after the age of 55 (HR809); lobbying in support of improvm favor of improvements in wounded warrior care and seemless transition; lobbying in more programs to prevent homelessness among veterans (HR1171); lobbying in favor of both the protections and the enforcement for the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployemnt Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) (S263, HR1089); lobbying in favor of enlargement and improvments of vocational rehabilitation and employemnt assistance programs for veterans at the VA (HR1821); lobbying in favor of sufficient funding in the Military Construction and VA Appropriations Act (HR3082, S1407); lobbying in support of granting veterans status to non-veteran members of the Reserve components with 20 or more years of service (HR3787, S1780)

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 2642; H.R. 3544; H.R.1937; H.R. 2243; H.R.761.

Client expense: $180,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Lobbbying in opposition to any possible increases of co-pays, deductibles or enrollment fees in any of the TRICARE programs including in favor of HR816; lobbying in favor of allowing Grey Area retirees (NG and Reserves) to purchase TRS at full costs prior to the age 60 HR270, S731, S1106; lobbying in favor of HR613 forgiving of last month's retired pay to survivors; in favor of all longevity and Medical retirees with less than 20 years of service to receive full retired pay and VA disability pay (CRDP) including S546, HR333, HR303, HR811, HR2990 In favor of Early Retirement for Guard/Reserves S1390 sec 660 In favor of reduction in minimum age to qualify for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service HR1695 In favor of improvments in military health care including wounded warriors treatment, improve health care for retirees in rural areas, mental health care included in HR2647 In favor of of apprpriate funding for DoD health care HR3326 In favor of increases in active duty pay HR2647 In favor of increase to 180 days from the present 90 for called up members of the Guard and Reserve to qualify for TRICARE before mobilization In favor of improvements in voting procedures for active duty service members and families who are serving abroad; In favor of ending the SBP/DIC offset including HR775, S536, HR1804, HR2243 In favor of further benefits for caregivers of our wounded warriors HR2647 In favor of creating a Special Needs Trust for disabled beneficiaries who qualify for SBP

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Lobbying in favor of 2 years Advanced Appropriations for VA health care funding HR1016, S423; In favor of adequate and suffient funding for VA Health care; in favor of improving the deprtment of Veteran Affairs adjudication process in both speed and accuracy; In favor of increasing the DIC paynments HR 2243; In favor of allowing DIC receipients to retain eligiblity after reaching the age of 55 rather than the present 57; in favor of improvement of wounded warrior health care; In favor of improvements in both the protections and the enforcemnt mechanisms for the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) S263, HR1089; In favor of increasing the payments of the education benefits for survivors of members of the Uniformed Services who died on Active Duty or as a result of a service connectd disability (Chapter 35) to be the same as the present payments under the Montgomery GI Bill HR3507 In favor of increases in vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance in the VA HR1821; Improving services for Homeless vets and to prevent homelessness among veterans HR1171; In favor of suffiencet funding in Military Construction and VA Appropriations HR3082, S1407; In favor of granting veterans status to non- veteran members of the Reserve components who have served 20 or more years

Client expense: $100,000 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 294, a bill to guarantee loans to veteran owned small businesses H.R. 761, a bill to clarify eligibilty for burial in a national cemetery H.R. 1016/S. 423, the "Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act" (Advance appropriations for VA Health Care) H.R. 1335/S. 821, a bill to eliminate co-payments for catastrophically disabled veterans H.R. 2879/S. 658, the "Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009" H.R. 1017, the "Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act" H.R. 1036, the "Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009" H.R. 1169, a bill to increase the specially adapted housing and automobile assistance grants H.R. 1182, the "Military Spouses Residency Relief Act" H.R. 2243, the Surviving Spouses" Benefit Improvement Act of 2009" H.R. 2379, the "Veterans Group Life Insurance Improvements Act of 2009" H.R. 2416 H.R. 2461, the " Veterans Small Business Verification Act" H.R. 2504 H.R. 2559, the "Help Our Homeless Veterans Act" H.R. 2614, the "Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009" H.R. 2696, the "Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act" H.R. 2713, the "Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act" H.R. 2735 H.R. 2774, the "Families of Veterans Financial Security Act of 2009" H.R. 2874, the "Helping Active Duty Depolyed Act of 2009" H.R. 2928 H.R. 2968 H.R. 3073 H.R. 3219, the "Veterans' Insurance and Health Care Improvements Act of 2009" H.R. 3223 H.R. 3407, the "Severly Injured Veterans Benefits Improvement Act" H.R. 3441 H.R. 3485, the "Veterans Pension Protection Act" H.R. 3544, the "National Cemeteries Expansion Act of 2009" H.R. 3554 H.R. 3561 H.R. 3577, the "Educational Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents Act" Discussion Draft legislation concerning various homeless veterans issues S. 1495, the "Service Dogs for Veterans Act of 2009"

Improvements in uniformed personnel programs, compensation and benefits. HR 2647, HR 2898, S 1390, HR 2346, HR 3326, HR 1478, HR 2503, HR 3320, HR 2647, S 1319, HR 2017, S 535, S 1285, HR 3203, HR 2875, S 931, HR 1182, S 475, HR 816, S 731, S 1169, S 1558, S 831, HR 208, HR 2874, HR 1182, HR 270, HR 2696, S 7, HR 2645, HR 2682, HR 2059, HR 3267, HR 2131, S 1008, S 1285, HR 3657, HR 1600, HR 3324, HR 2875, HR 2647, HR 2302 HR 1256, HR 3326, S 581, S 1543, S 1415, HR 3403, HR 1182, S 1668, S 831, S 731, SJ RES 10, HR 3554, HR 1864, HR 1592, HR 816, HR 1052, HR 972, HR 270, HR 208, HR RES 23, S 535, HR 2243, HR 809, HR 775, HR 613, S 1008, S 546, S 491, S 484, HR 2302, HR 1203, HR 593, HR 333, HR 303, HR 235, HR 484, S 581, H CON RES 64, S 1285, S 475, HR 2393, HR 2788, HR 3324, S 1106, HR 1182, HR 2398

Client expense: $129,832 · Firm income: Not reported

See Next Page For Listing Support for S.Amdt. 742, Advanced funding for VHA; Advocate against TRICARE fee increase for next fiscal year in Presidents budget; Garnered support for advanced Appropriations for VA Health Care; H.R.270-The TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009, all provisions; H.R. 1701 PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review for Heroes Act; H.R. 111 Establish a select committee on POW/MIA Affairs; H.R. 1313 Troops to Teacher Improvement Act of 2009, all provisions; Support for MS research under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) by the DOD; Support for H.R. 775 and S. 535- A bill to amend Title 10 of the US Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Program by Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and for other purposes; Support for H.R. 1016, Veterans Health Care Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, all provisions; Supporting S. 831- National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act for 2009; H.R. 2243- Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act of 2009; Supporting H.R. 613 - The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act; H.R. 2254- Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009; HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act; HR 293 - Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Grant Act of 2009; HR 1026 - Fairness for Military Recruiters Act; Appropriations in FY10 DOD Appropriations to fund P.L. 110-181, Vision Center of Excellence, (passed in 110 Congress without funding) (Funding urged for 2010 Defense Appropriations Act); HR 108 & HR 1818, Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act , all provisions Support for Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) , all provisions; S.669 - Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, all provisions; HR 2562- Service Members Home Ownership Act of 2009, all provisions; HR 1809 - To amend title 10, USC, to expand the geographical coverage of TRICARE Prime to include Puerto Rico and Guam, all provisions; Support to keep Military and VA health care systems as unique programs and not include them into a national health care system; Support for funding for migraine and posttraumatic headache in veterans be funded in the DOD appropriations budget. HR 1016, The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, all provisions; Support for HR 731 Jennys Law, all provisions.

Improvements in uniformed personnel programs, compensation and benefits. S. 475, S.581, S. 1169, S.478, S.1406, S.1026, S.644, S.831, S.731, S.944, S.1072, S.1008, S.535, S.546, S.559, S.711, S.832, S.354, S.614, S.1106, S.731, S. 546, S.491, S. 1390, S.484, S.1169, S.475, S.423, S.157, S.581, S.1054, S. 1169, S.J. Res. 10, H.R. 613, H.R. 1256, H.R. 1804, H.R. 2243, H.R. 1633, H.R. 1283, H.R. 775, H.R. 2647, H.R. 1182, H.R. 1600, H.R. 2997, H.R. 816, H.R. 2393, H.R. 2561, H.R. 2562, H.R. 2419, H.R. 1809, H.R. 208, H.R. 270, H.R. 972, H.R. 1604, H.R. 2510, H.R. 1864, H.R. 2200, H.R. 1592, H.R. 1701, H.R. 2302, H.R. 2419, H.R. 1701, H.R. 626, H.R. 2059, H.R. 1222, H.R. 2456, H.R. 2014, H.R. 2583, H.R. 2647, H.R. 2398, H.R. 1052, H.R. 809, H.R. 2302, H.R. 1203, H.R. 593, H.R. 303, H.R. 333, H.R. 235, H.R. 484, H.R. 1182, H.R. 2017, H.R. 2014, H.R. 1016, H.R. 1052, H.R. 1182, H.R. 1804, H.R. 2302, H.R. 2346, H.R. 2510, H.R. 2647, H.R. 2059, H.R. 569, H.R. 2456, H.R. 1026, H.R. 2562, H Res. 23, H Con. Res. 64

Client expense: $609,696 · Firm income: Not reported

Improving survivor benefits for widoes of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S. 423, S. 546, S. 535, S. 801, S. 407, S. 728, S. 597, S. 734, S. 484, S. 728, S. 623, S. 1390, H.R. 1016, H.R. 2243, H.R. 1522, H.R. 1804, H.R. 1633, H.R. 775, H.R. 1982, H.R. 2647, H.R. 1701, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1089, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1211, H.R. 952, H.R. 2647, H.R. 2505, H.R. 809, H.R. 1256, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1474, H. Res. 225

Client expense: $609,696 · Firm income: Not reported

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY GOALS FOR VETERANS: [See Next Page] Contacts made on the following legislative initiatives: HR 23 -- Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of WWII Act would grant a $1,000 monthly benefit to individuals who served in the Merchant Marines between 12/07/41 and 12/31/46; HR 249 --The Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act by not taxing enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses, legislation would enhance bonuses that attract new recruits into military specialties that are in high demand; HR 819 -- legislation which provides Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits to surviving spouses of former prisoners of war (POW), which also seeks to extend the receipt of DIC benefits to surviving spouses of former POWs who died on or before September 30, 1999 and will ease the financial strain left on survivors of POWs who do not currently qualify for DIC benefits; HR 1168 -- The Veterans Retraining Act would provide veterans with the training they need to seek meaningful employment; HR 1169 -- legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by VA to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing, automobiles and equipment; HR 1209 -- The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act; HR 1295 -- The Service Members' Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Act would ensure that members of the Armed Forces are not denied the first-time homebuyer tax credit granted to them under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a result of theircurrent station outside of the United States; HR 1681 -- The Veterans Transitional Assistance Act would rationalize the transition process from DOD to VA; HR 1701 -- The PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review for Heroes Act; HR 1821 -- The Equity for Injured Veterans Improvement Act to give rise to many befeficial improvements tot h Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) assistance program by providing childcare assistance to single-parent veterans with children and extendining the period of eligibility from 12 years to a more adequate 15 years; HR 2017 -- legislation that would grant the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) a federal charter; HR 2082 -- The Military and Overseas Voting Enhancement Act to improve voting access and absentee ballot accountability for members of the armed services; HR 2126 -- The Correspondence With Our Heroes Act would allow active duty Armed Forces members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as service members who are hospitalized due to injury or disease incurred in Iraq and Afghanistan, to receive one piece of mail per month free of charge to the sender; HR2243 -- The Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act would raise the amount of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to an amount equal to 55% of VA disability compensation for a 100% disabled veteran; HR 2352 -- The Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act would expand the Small Veteran Business Center program within the Small Business Administration to serve as an outlet and resource for veteran business owners; HR 2379 -- The Veterans Group Life Insurance Act would allow those covered by Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to purchase additional coverage once every five years; HR 2393 -- The Military Voting Protection (MVP) Act would ensure that the ballots cast by service members stationed overseas are delivered to the appropriate state election officials by the jurisdiction's statutory deadline, while safeguarding voter privacy and ballot secrecy; HR 2410 -- would increase the likelihood that qualiofied individuals would become employees of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State; HR 2456 -- The Veterans Education Tuition Support Act; HR 2562 -- Service Members Home Ownership Act would extend the first-time homebuyer credit to members of the Armed Forces who are deployed during 2009; HR 2874 -- Helping Active Duty Deployed Act would discharge the student loans of students called to active duty. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. CON. RES. 20 would honor the World War 1 (WWI) veterans by permitting the last WWI veteran to lie in the rotunda of th Capitol upon his death; S. 263 -- the Servicemembers Access to Justice Act would close several loopholes and strengthen the protections in current law to ensure that servicemembers' and veterans' employment and reemployment rights are effectively enforced under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA); S. 315 -- The Veterans Outreach Improvement Act would increase congressional oversight of the VA's outreach activities and authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to work with state, local and community-based organizations to perform outreach; S. 407 -- The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act alows our disaled veterans and their dependents to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services; S. 514 -- The Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act would require the amount of subsistence allowance paid to a veteran for a month n which the veteran participates in a VA rehabilitation program to be equal to the national average of the basic allowance for housing paid to a member of the Armed Forces in pay grade E-5; S. 663 -- The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of WWII Act would amend Title 46 USC to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the Merchant Marines during WWII; S. 691/S. 746 -- to allow the VA to establish national cemeteries in Eastern Nebraska and southern Colorado; S. 728 -- The Veterans Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act addresses a broad range of veterans benefits and improves services for both young and old veterans; S. 820 -- would improve the lives of the the nation's most seriously disabled service-connected veterans; S 842 -- provides needed foreclosure protection for military families; S. 847 -- would allow those receiving Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits to be exempt from the 48-month total educational benefits restriction; S. 1015 -- would enhance disability compensationf or disabled veterans in need of aid and attendance for residuals of tramatic brain injury and for disabled veterans with difficulties using prostheses; S. 1106 -- Selected Reserve Continuum of Care Act would provide medical and dental treatment for members of the Guard and Reserve to guarantee medical readiness.