Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S 60, S 263, S 1450, S 1668, S 1780, S 1936, S 1939, S 1963, S 2769, S 3107, S 3162, S 3234, S 3348, S 3355, S 3447, S Con Res 3447, HR 23, HR 303, HR 333, HR 1017, HR 1592, HR 3155, HR 3337, HR 3407, HR 3467, HR 3657, HR 3787, HR 3813, HR 3885, HR 3949, HR 4062, HR 4320, HR 4505, HR 4541, HR 4693, HR 4988, HR 5014, HR 5206, HR 5400, HR 5428, HR 5549 H J Res 5064

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

Government targets: Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Joint Chiefs of Staff, Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Library of Congress (LOC), Natl Guard, Natl Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of the Secretary of Defense, President of the U.S., SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Veterans Employment & Training Service, White House Office

S 239, Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009, all sections relating to vision. S 246, Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act, all sections relating to vision. S 498, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes, all sections relating to vision. S 658, Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009, all sections relating to vision. S 793, Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009, all sections relating to vision. HR 568, Veteran Health Care Quaility Improvement Act, all sections relating to vision. HR 3155, Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act, all sections relating to vision. HR 4360 , To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the "Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center", all sections relating to vision. HR 5360, Blinded Veterans Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2010, all sections relating to vision.

Client expense: $332,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations and its delivery of benefits and services to veterans, their dependents and survivors: HR 5360, HR 4894, HR 4887, HR 4477, HR 4048, HR 3949, HR 3491, HR 3155, HR 3082, HR 2990, HR 2980, HR 2898, HR 2879, HR 2770, HR 2738, HR 2734, HR 2713, HR 2583, HR 2573, HR 2419, HR 2389, HR 2342, HR 2254, HR 2180, HR 1879, HR 1818, HR 1546, HR 1388, HR 1377, HR 1335, HR 1302, HR 1293, HR 1211, HR 1204, HR 1203, HR 1197, HR 1171, HR 1169, HR 1088, HR 1017, HR 1016, HR 953, HR 952, HR 816, HR 811, HR 775, HR 667, HR 658, HR 612, HR 593, HR 466, HR 456, HR 341, HR 333, HR 303, HR 297, HR 296, HR 295, HR 294, HR 293, H.RES. 261, HR 177, HR 114, HR 108, H.Con. Res 85, HR 32, S 3148, S 1963, S 1939, S 1779, S 1407, S 1204, S 944, S 847, S 821, S 820, S 801, S 728, S 658, S 642, S 597, S. 546, S. 535, S 423, S 407, S 404, S 277, S 252, S 66, S.Con.Res. 13.

Client expense: $190,000 · 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.

HR 568 Veteran Health Care Quality Improvement Act. HR 3155 Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act. HR 4360 To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the "Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center". HR 4369 Major Soltes Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center. S 239 Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009. S 246 Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act. S 498 A bill to amend title 38, USC to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents. S 658 Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009. S 793 Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009. H.Res 1226 Commending EyeCare America for its work over the last 25 years.

Client expense: $450,000 · Firm income: Not reported

See Next Page For Listing Signed onto The Military Coalitions(TMC) Testimony before the Armed Services Personnel Sub-Committee regarding numerous issues affecting members of the Armed Services and their families. No specific bill numbers; Signed onto TMC letters to members of House/Senate in support of S. 1963 The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 and H.R.3155, H.R.1211, H.R.1293, and H.R. 2770. Also sent a separate letter from MOPH in support of H.R. 1963; Letter & Testimony before Joint Senate/House Veterans Affairs Committees in support of H.R.4403 SPACE-A Travel Act of 2009; Letter & Testimony before joint Senate/House Veterans Affairs Committees in support of H. R. 731 Jennys Law Worked go gain support for the Issues that were included in testimony before the Joint Senate/House Veterans Committees on March 4, 2010: 1) Requesting that Congress continue to urge VA to improve the timelessness and accuracy of the VA Claims System. No specific legislation; 2) Urging Congress to continue to urge DOD/VA to increase the support of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Support S. 1963 Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009; 3) Support for H.R. 775 Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act and S. 535 To amend Title 10, U.S. Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of Survivor Annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation; 4) Support for S. 546 Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009 and H.R. 333 Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act; 5) Support for S. 572 Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act and H.R. 1305 To Provide for the issuance of a forever stamp to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart; 6) MOPH would support legislation that would authorize payment of health insurance premiums for TRICARE supplements and TRICARE dental plan on a pre-tax basis (No current legislative vehicle); 7) Support for H. R. 4241 To amend Chapter 17, Title 38 U.S. Code to allow for increased flexibility in payments for state veteran homes; 8) Support for any legislation that would link the COLA for recipients of the VA Compensation and Pensions programs to the COLA increases for Federal Employees (No current legislation introduced); 9) Support for amending Public Law 106-117 which was the Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act of 2000 to provide priority to combat wounded veterans in VA extended care facilities (No current legislation introduced); 10) Support for an amendment to Public Law 109-461 that would expand the VA acquisition market for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses and Veteran Owned Business to include purchases made utilizing the Federal Supply Schedule (No current legislation introduced); 11) Support for H.R. 4045 Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2009; 12) Support for H.R. 3365 Medicare Reimbursement Act of 2009; 13) Support for H.R. 666 Military Valor Roll of Honor Act; 14) Support for H.R. 1633 Honor the Wish Act; 15) Support for H.R. 731 Jennys Law; 16) Support for H.R. 3943 and S. 1932 Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act; 17) Support SJR 15 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States and HJR 47 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. 18) Support H.R. 4403 Space-A Travel Act of 2009; 19) Support S.66 Travel on Military Aircraft of certain disabled former members of the Armed Forces; 20) Support for SCR 36 and HCR 168 National Purple Heart Recognition Day; 21) Signed onto a letter of support from The Military Coalition to Senator Lincoln for H.R. 613 The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act; 22) Renewed support to Rep. King (NY) for H. Res. 111 establishing a select committee on POW and MIA Affairs; 23) TMC letter to DOD urging improvements in the Physical Disability Board of Review outreach procedures; 24) Letter to Rep. Filner and Buyer supporting changes to the VA Benefits Claim System; 25) Supported TMC letter to Rep Walter Jones thanking him for initiating a discharge petition (111-10) concerning HR 775, The Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act.

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S 3162, HR 4465, HR 1293, HR 3155, HR 2770, HR 293, HR 4054, HR 1211, HR 4568, HR 1171, HR 3813, HR 3155, S 1780, HR 4320, HR 3657, HR 3787, HR 3337, S 2769, S 263, S 1668, HR 3949, HR 1016, S 1963, HR 3813, S 1963, HR 3554, HR 1592, S 1780, HR 3787, HR 809, HR 4324,

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

Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations and its delivery of benefits and services to veterans, their dependents and survivors: HR 4894, HR 4887, HR 4477, HR 4048, HR 3949, HR 3491, HR 3155, HR 3082, HR 2990, HR 2898, HR 2879, HR 2770, HR 2738, HR 2734, HR 2583, HR 2573, HR 2419, HR 2389, HR 2342, HR 2254, HR 2180, HR 1818, HR 1546, HR 1388, HR 1377, HR 1335, HR 1302, HR 1293, HR 1211, HR 1204, HR 1203, HR 1197, HR 1171, HR 1088, HR 1017, HR 1016, HR 953, HR 952, HR 816, HR 811, HR 775, HR 667, HR 658, HR 612, HR 593, HR 466, HR 456, HR 341, HR 333, HR 303, HR 297, HR 296, HR 295, HR 294, HR 293, H.RES. 261, HR 177, HR 114, HR 108, H.Con. Res 85, HR 32, S 3148, S 1963, S 1939, S 1779, S 1407, S 1204, S 944, S 847, S 821, S 820, S 801, S 728, S 658, S 642, S 597, S 546, S 423, S 407, S 404, S 277, S 252, S 66, S.Con.Res. 13

Client expense: $190,000 · Firm income: Not reported

National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010 -- extends benefits under the TRICARE and ECHO programs equally for all military family members with significant disabilities rather than selected disabilities. Met with senior VA officials and talked with other Administration officials regarding a VA publication that is offensive to people with disabilities that had been posted on VA website. continued S. 1964, Caregivers & Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, Title 1, Sections 101-104, and H.R. 3155 Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act.

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

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

See Next Page For Listing H.R. 3200, Americas Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Support Amendment to protect veterans who use VA Health System; S. 801, The Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009, Support; S. 252, Veterans Health Care Authorizations Act of 2009, Support; H.R.3787, Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act, Support; S.1963, The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, Support; HR 4042/S.2748 Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009, Support; HR 3996 The Financial Stability Improvement Act of 2009, Oppose language in the BILL that would/could cost non-profit credit unions large sums of money; Urging changes to P.L 106-50, Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 and Part 19 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations to be more favorable to Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs); S.1932/H.R.3943, Post 9-11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act, Support; H.R. 3961, Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009, Support; Section 705, HR2647 (NDAA) urging that the provision be expeditiously implemented (TMC letter); PL 111-84, Title VII Section 705, The FY 2010 NDAA, urging that the provision for Gray Area retirees be implemented expeditiously (NMVA letter); Affordable Health Care Bills, HR 3200, HR 3962, HR 3590, urging that Congress oppose the importation of medicines from countries that do not meet the standards set by the US. (NMVA letter); S. 1407/HR 3082, FY 2010 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, provisions related to supporting homeless veterans housing at excess VA facilities and supporting expansion of the Homeowners Assistance Program; Lobby to request a hearing on Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act of 1982; Supporting language in H.R. 3155 to be included in S. 1963 caregiver assistance and resource enhancement act; H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Reform. Urging that TRICARE and VA Health Care be protected from any excise tax on health care programs.

Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs delivery of benefits and services to wounded OEF/OIF servicemembers and veterans as well as their families: Caregiver legislation and related provisions (S. 1963 and H. R. 3155); Veteran economic opportunity and transition issues

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations and its delivery of benefits and services to veterans, their dependents and survivors: 3949, HR 3491, HR 3155, HR 3082, HR 2990, HR 2898, HR 2879, HR 2770, HR 2738, HR 2734, HR 2583, HR 2573, HR 2419, HR 2389, HR 2342, HR 2254, HR 2180, HR 1818, HR 1546, HR 1388, HR 1377, HR 1335, HR 1302, HR 1293, HR 1211, HR 1204, HR 1203, HR 1197, HR 1171, HR 1088, HR 1017, HR 1016, HR 953, HR 952, HR 816, HR 811, HR 775, HR 667, HR 658, HR 612, HR 593, HR 466, HR 456, HR 341, HR 333, HR 303, HR 297, HR 296, HR 295, HR 294, HR 293, H.RES. 261, HR 177, HR 114, HR 108, H.Con. Res 85, HR 32, S 1963, S 1939, S 1779, S 1407, S 1204, S 944, S 847, S 821, S 820, S 801, S 728, S 658, S 642, S 597, S 423, S 407, S 404, S 277, S 252, S 66, S.Con.Res. 13

Client expense: $190,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Veterans Employment & Training Service

Caregiver legislation (S1963, HR 3155), Veteran and Defense Department issues pertaining to the physical and mental health, transition, and economic opportunities for OIF/OEF wounded servicemembers

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Caregiver legislation (S1963, HR 3155), Veteran and Defense Department issues pertaining to the physical and mental health, transition, and economic opportunities for OIF/OEF wounded servicemembers

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 2342 Wounded Warrior Project Family Caregiver Act H.R. 3155 Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations and its delivery of benefits and services to veterans, their dependents and survivors: HR 3491, HR 3155, HR 3082, HR 2898, HR 2879, HR 2770, HR 2738, HR 2734, HR 2583, HR 2573, HR 2419, HR 2389, HR 2342, HR 2254, HR 1818, HR 1546, HR 1388, HR 1377, HR 1335, HR 1302, HR 1293, HR 1211, HR 1204, HR 1203, HR 1197, HR 1171, HR 1088, HR 1017, HR 1016, HR 953, HR 952, HR 816, HR 811, HR 775, HR 667, HR 658, HR 612, HR 593, HR 466, HR 456, HR 341, HR 333, HR 303, HR 297, HR 296, HR 295, HR 294, HR 293, H.RES. 261, HR 177, HR 114, HR 108, H.Con. Res 85, HR 32, S 1407, S 1204, S 944, S 847, S 821, S 820, S 801, S 728, S 658, S 642, S 597, S 423, S 407, S 404, S 277, S 252, S 66, S.Con.Res. 13

Client expense: $210,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Veterans Employment & Training Service

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S 252, HR 2770, HR 3082, HR 3155, HR 3266, HR 3407, HR 2559, HR 1169, HR 3073, HR 1017, HR 3441, HR 1036, HR 3082, HR 2735, S 1407, S 1676, HR 3219, S 1407, HR 1034, S 832, S 1668, HR 1169, HR 2614, HR 403, HR 952, HR 2928, HR 3155, HR 1016, HR 3554, HR 3389, HR 614, S 1026, S 423, S 157, HR 2393, HR 2014, HR 1016, S 1467

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

Medicare Paymenst for VA, HR 3365; Help Care Givers for Wounded Warriors HR 3155; Expand VA Eligibility, HR 1377; NDAA, HR 2647.

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)