Veterans Training Act

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 Women and Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 5428/H.R. 5953). 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. 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.

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. S.3171/H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act S. 3447/H.R. 5933 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

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

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, White House Office

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions; S. 3171/H.R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act; S. 3447/H.R. 5933/H.R. 6430, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assitance Improvements Act of 2010

Client expense: $440,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

H. R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions S. 3171/H. R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act S. 3447/H. R. 5933/H.R. 6430, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $150,000

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

Improving survivor benefits for widows of decreased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S. 1668, S. 1780, S. 2769, S. 3234, S. 3348, S. 3447, S. 3718, S. 3819, S. 3860, S. 3875, H.R. 1592, H.R. 2243, H.R. 3082, H.R. 3219, H.R. 3288, H.R. 3337, H.R. 3407, H.R. 3467, H.R. 3554, H.R. 3657, H.R. 3787, H.R. 3813, H.R. 3949, H.R. 4320, H.R. 4541, H.R. 4667, H.R. 5064, H.R. 5549, H.R. 5933, H.R. 5993, H.R. 6372

Client expense: $194,515 · Firm income: Not reported

lobbying on behalf od granting veterans status tp present 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 the efficeincy of processing VA claims HR5928; on behalf on increases flexibilty and increases in payments for State Veterans Homes HR4242; on behalf of increasing vocational, ehabilitation and employment assistance available at the VA; on behalf of imrovements and coverage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill S3447, S3171, HR3813 on behalf of setting the DIC payment amount to be 55% of the 100% VA disability payment level HR2243; on behalf of improvments for homeless veterans' programs HR1171;

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)

H. R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions S. 3171/H. R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act S. 3447/H. R. 5933 - Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

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

Government targets: Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

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.

H.R. 950, Veterans Education Equity Act; H.R. 3813 and S. 3171, Veterans Training Act, provisions relating to certificate and diploma programs; S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act Improvements of 2010, provisions relating to expansion of GI benefits to National Guard and Reserve Program members, certificate and diploma programs and housing allowance for distance learning.

Client expense: $350,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 3484 - To amend title 38, USC, to extend the authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. - Extend to June 30, 2014, for the period following work-study activities qualifying for an additional veterans' educational assistance allowance: (1) outreach services furnished by employees of a state approving agency; (2) provision of hospital and domiciliary care in a state home; and (3) activity relating to the administration of a national cemetery or state veterans' cemetery. H.R. 3561 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training - Revise title 38 to increase the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training H.R. 3577 - Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 - Revise title 38 to provide authority for certain members of the Armed Forces with 20 years on active duty service to transfer entitlement to Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to their dependents H.R. 3579 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of the reporting fees payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs - Amend the Montgomery GI Bill to increase the reporting fee payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving assistance H.R. 3948 - Test Prep for Heroes Act - Authorizes the use of entitlement assistance under the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program for payment for a test preparatory course in connection with licensing or certification in a vocation or profession. H.R. 4079 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to temporarily remove the requirement for employers to increase wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job training programs - Temporarily repeal for FY2011-FY2015 requirement for employers to increase wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job training programs. H.R. 4203 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans certain educational assistance payments through direct deposit - Direct the VA Secretary to ensure that a veteran may receive Post-9/11 educational assistance payments through direct deposit H.R. 5826 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the definition of active duty for purposes of the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include certain service in the National Guard - Amend title 38 to expand the definition of active duty for purposes of the VA Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to include certain service in the National Guard H.R. 5933 - Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 Revise provisions concerning the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (6) allow an individual entitled to supplemental educational assistance to transfer such entitlement to the post-9/11 program; (7) bar the duplication of benefits under other educational assistance programs; (8) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to an educational institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; (9) extend to certain National Guard and reserve personnel members eligibility to receive public-private contributions for additional educational assistance; (10) reauthorize through 2016 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; and (11) revise cost-of-living adjustments under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. Also, provides an alternate subsistence allowance amount for veterans so entitled due to service-connected disabilities. H.R. 3813; S. 3171 - Veterans Training Act - Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) post-secondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution. S. 3447; H.R. 5943 - Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 - Amend title 38 to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. LETTER Ensure the modernization of veterans education benefits by allowing those veterans who have served under title 32, USC, in defense of our country to receive equal benefits as their counterparts Views on the Status of the Post 9/11 GI Bill Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - To ensure that communication between Regional Processing Offices be uniform and all Veterans be able to use their educational benefits and also be able to transfer to dependents of those who have retired from active duty, and inclusion of title 32 Active Duty Guard Reserves to receive federal benefits under Chapter 33

H. R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions S. 3171/H. R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act S. 3447/H. R. 5933 - Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

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

Government targets: Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

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)

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. S.3171/H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act S. 3447/H.R. 5933 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $170,000

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. H.Res 1605 H.R. 809, H.R. 1474, H.R. 3081, H.R. 3219, H.R. 3337, H.R. 3407, H.R. 3467, H.R. 3554, H.R. 3657, H.R. 3787, H.R. 3813, H.R.3873, H.R. 3949, H.R. 4041, H.R. 4320, H.R. 4541, H.R. 4667, H.R. 5064, H.R. 5170, H.R. 5206, H.R. 5428, H.R. 5549, H.R. 5641, H.R. 5933, H.R. 5993, H.R. 5996, H.R. 6372, S. 263, S. 1668, S. 1780, S. 1939, S. 1963, S. 2769, S. 3107 S. 3234. S. 3334 S. 3348, S. 3355, S. 3447, S. 3582, S. 3801, S. 3819, S. 3875

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.

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. S.3171/H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educations Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $120,000

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

H. R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions S. 3171 H. R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $80,000

Government targets: Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

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

H.R. 3813 and S. 3171, Veterans Training Act, provisions relating to certificate and diploma programs; S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act Improvements of 2010, provisions relating to expansion of GI benefits to National Guard and Reserve program members, certificate and diploma programs and housing allowance for distance learning.

Client expense: $170,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act, provisions relating to certificate and diploma program eligibility.

Client expense: $110,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

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 For Listing S.3234 Veteran Employment Assistance Act of 2010 H.R. 5049 Military Families Financial Preparedness Act Support for Sen. Brownback amendment to H.R. 3126, Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 H.R.466 Wounded Veterans Job Security Act H.R. 4947 Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act Support for adding funding for Multiple Sclerosis Research To Department of Defense Appropriation Act 2011 H.R. 3787 Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act HR 3813/ S. 3171 Veterans Training Act Worked for legisltation that would end The dollar for dollar off-set for Military Retirement and VA Disability compensation. S. 3334 Children of Fallen Warriors AMT Relief Act S. 3517 The Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2010

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Post 9-11 G.I Bill; H.R. 3813 Veterans Training Act;

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

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

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.

H.R. 84: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act -- Makes the standard for access to care for a veteran seeking primary care from the Department of Veterans Affairs 30 days from the date the veteran contacts the Department. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe an appropriate standard for waiting times at Department health-care facilities as measured from the time a visit is scheduled until the time the veteran is seen. Directs the Secretary to periodically review the performance of Department health-care facilities in meeting such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for health care services in non-Department facilities in a case in which the Secretary is unable to meet access standards. Prohibits such contracting-out with respect to a Department geographic service area that has a compliance rate in meeting such standards of 90 percent or more. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on the Department's experience with respect to waiting times. H.R. 1036: Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 -- To amend title 38, USC, to establish the position of Director of Physical Therapy Service within the Veterans Health Administration and to establish a fellowship program for physical therapists in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care, and rehabilitation research H.R. 1075: RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery Act) -- Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility that would otherwise provide covered medical services to veterans residing in an area for which a major disaster is declared is unable to provide such services for at least 180 days due to such disaster, to contract with one or more non-VA facilities in that area to provide such services to veterans who reside within 150 miles of the VA facility that is unable to provide the services. Makes such requirement inapplicable to a VA facility that is closed, or that the Secretary intends to close, as part of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) process. Makes this Act applicable to any VA facility unable to provide covered services on or after August 29, 2005, by reason of a major disaster. H.R. 1211: Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. H.R. 1335: To amend title 38, USC, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled. -- Prohibits the collection by the VA of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans. H.R. 1546: Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009 -- Directs the VA Secretary to establish within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) the Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury to continually assess VHA capability to meet the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury. H.R. 2504: To amend title 38, USC, to provide for an increase in the annual amount authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans. -- To amend title 38, USC, to provide for an increase in the annual amount authorized to be appropriated to the VA Secretary to carry out comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans. H.R. 2698: Veterans and Survivors Behavioral Health Awareness Act -- Directs the VA Secretary to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship on the recipient's agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Directs the Secretary, on receipt of a request for counseling from an individual who has been discharged or released from active service, to: (1) provide referrals to assist the individual in obtaining mental health care and services outside the VA; and (2) if pertinent, advise such individual of the individual's rights to apply for review of the discharge or release. Directs the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces and deceased veterans through the survivors' peers. H.R. 2699: Armed Forces Behavioral Health Awareness Act -- Makes any member of the Armed Forces who is deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services through Vet Centers (centers for such counseling and services for veterans), regardless of the member's duty status. Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for family members of members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserves. Requires the Secretary of the Army to carry out a pilot program to enhance awareness of post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) among members of the Army. H.R. 2701: FY 2010 Intelligence Authorization Act -- Support of the retention of section 348 which would require a declassification review of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) records that may be pertinent to the health problems being suffered by as many as 175,000 Desert Storm veterans. H.R. 2879: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 -- Authorizes the VA Secretary to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. (Under current law the rate is that provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; (4) establish a program to provide peer support, readjustment, and mental health services to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (and related services to their family members); (5) assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans; (6) report to Congress jointly with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the advisability of the joint establishment and operation by the VAs Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans; and (7) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas. H.R. 2990: Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act -- To provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled military retirees, and for other purposes. H.R. 3257, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3579, H.R. 3813, H.R. 3948, H.R. 3976, H.R. 4079, H.R. 4203, H.R. 4359; H.R. 4469: Legislation of various bills -- Enhanced benefits and services for veterans and their families H.R. 3441: To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system, and for other purposes -- To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system, and for other purposes H.R. 3926: Armed Forces Breast Cancer Research Act -- Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly conduct a study on the incidence of breast cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans and report study results to Congress. H.R. 3949: Veterans Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009 -- To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to improve the equitable relief available for servicemembers called to active duty, and for other purposes. H.R. 4006: Rural, American Indian Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 -- Directs the VA Secretary to assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans. Includes among Coordinator duties: (1) improving outreach to tribal communities; (2) coordinating the medical needs of Indian veterans on Indian reservations with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Indian Health Service (HIS); and (3) acting as an ombudsman for Indian veterans enrolled in the VHA health care system. Directs the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior to ensure the electronic transfer of health records of Indian veterans between HIS and VA facilities. Requires the VA Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report jointly to Congress on the advisability of the joint VHA-HIS establishment and operation of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans. H.R. 4241: To amend chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, to allow for increased flexibility in payments for State veterans homes -- Authorizes the VA Secretary, in lieu of making payments to state homes for furnishing nursing home care to veterans, to enter into agreements with such homes to furnish such care under federal provisions which allow the Secretary to transfer to non-VA homes (at the expense of the United States) veterans who have been furnished such care in a facility under the jurisdiction of the VA. Replaces provisions providing for payment of nursing home care at the lesser of the prevailing rate or the cost of daily care with provisions providing for payment at the rate determined for a state home that is the applicable or prevailing rate payable in the geographic area in which the state home is located. H.R. 4632: Renovate and Enhance Veterans Meeting Halls and Posts Act (REVAMP Act) - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible veterans service organizations for repairs and rehabilitation of their existing facilities. Defines "eligible veterans service organization" as: (1) a tax-exempt entity organized on a local or area basis; and (2) a local or area chapter, post, or other unit of a national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity of which local or area chapters, posts, or units are members (but not any such national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity itself). Prohibits an eligible veterans service organization from receiving such grant amounts, for any single fiscal year, in an amount exceeding the lesser of the cost of the proposed repair or rehabilitation or $200,000. Makes a grant recipient ineligible to receive another such grant until after five succeeding fiscal years. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or acquisition of a new facility. H.R. 23, S. 663: A Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 -- Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the VA Secretary of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit before October 1, 2009; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. H.R. 174, S. 691: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in southern Colorado region, and for other purposes. -- Directs the VA Secretary to establish a national cemetery in El Paso County, Colorado. H.R. 1302, S. 1155: A bill to amend title 38, USC, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for health. -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for health. H.R. 1428, S. 1752: A bill to amend title 38, USC, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's disease. -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to direct the VA Secretary to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's disease. S. 546: Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009 -- Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability. S. 977: Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war, and for other purposes. S. 1444: Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to clarify the meaning of "combat with the enemy" for purposes of service-connection of disabilities. S. 1467: Lance Corporal Josef Lopez Fairness for Servicemembers Harmed by Vaccines Act of 2009 -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide coverage under Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for adverse reactions to vaccinations administered by the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. S. 1483: A bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the "Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic". -- A bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the "Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic". S. 1518: Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2009 -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to furnish hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water was contaminated at Camp Lejeune. S. 1531: Department of Veterans Affairs Reorganization Act of 2009 -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs the position of Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, and for other purposes. S. 1556: Veteran Voting Support Act of 2009 -- A bill to require the VA Secretary to permit facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be designated as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes. S. 1753: Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2009 -- A bill to amend title 38, USC, to increase assistance for disabled veterans who are temporarily residing in housing owned by a family member, and for other purposes. S. 1963 [S. 252, S. 597, S. 801]: Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans. -- Specific support for the mental health care provisions, care giver provisions, rural health care provisions and enhancements and improvements for women veterans health care within the Department of Veterans Affairs. [This measure contains provisions of S. 252, S. 597, and S. 801] General Support Letter for Buyer/Mckeon Amendment to HR 4872 -- Ensure both VA and DoD beneficiaries are exempted in any national health care reform legislation. General Support Letter -- Funding for Gulf War research in DoD FY 2011 appropriations bill. Letter to chairman ofHouse Veterans AffairsCommittee Sub-Committee on DisabilityAssistance & MemorialAffairs -- Concerns and comments of The American Legion regarding the VAs Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. General Support Letter -- Support of legislation to enable State Veterans Homes to furnish nursing home care to parents whose child died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Testimony (HVAC Roundtable meeting) -- Organizations legislative priorities for 2010. Testimony -- Veteran/military transition issues. Testimony -- Status update on implementation of Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (PL 110-389). Testimony -- Review of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Contract Health Care: Project HERO Testimony -- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for FY 2011 and FY 2012 Testimony -- The Veterans Health Administrations Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Testimony -- H.R. 4241, to amend Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code (USC), to allow for increased flexibility in payments for State Veterans Homes. Testimony (HVAC Claims Summit 2010) -- Department of Veterans Affairs claims processing issues. Testimony -- Examination of VA Regional Office Disability Claims Quality Review Methods Is VBAs Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) Making the Grade? Testimony -- Various health care bills (H.R. 949, H.R. 1075, H.R. 2698, H.R. 2699, H.R. 2879, H.R. 3926, H.R. 4006, H.R. 84, and 3 Discussion Drafts). General Support Letter for Buyer/Mckeon Amendment to HR 4872 -- Ensure both VA and DoD beneficiaries are exempted in any national health care reform legislation. General Support Letter -- Funding for Gulf War research in DoD FY 2011 appropriations bill. General Support Letter -- Support $10 million in funding in FY 2011 DoD authorization bill for the Eye Trauma and Vision Research Program. General Support Letter -- Support of legislation to enable State Veterans Homes to furnish nursing home care to parents whose child died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Testimony (HVAC Roundtable meeting) -- Organizations legislative priorities for 2010. Testimony -- Veteran/military transition issues. Testimony -- Status update on implementation of Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (PL 110-389). Testimony -- Review of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Contract Health Care: Project HERO Testimony -- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for FY 2011 and FY 2012 Testimony -- The Veterans Health Administrations Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Testimony -- H.R. 4241, to amend Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code (USC), to allow for increased flexibility in payments for State Veterans Homes. Testimony (HVAC Claims Summit 2010) -- Department of Veterans Affairs claims processing issues. Testimony -- Examination of VA Regional Office Disability Claims Quality Review Methods Is VBAs Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) Making the Grade? Testimony -- Various health care bills (H.R. 949, H.R. 1075, H.R. 2698, H.R. 2699, H.R. 2879, H.R. 3926, H.R. 4006, H.R. 84, and 3 Discussion Drafts). General Support Letter -- Support $10 million in funding in FY 2011 DoD authorization bill for the Eye Trauma and Vision Research Program. Letter to Chairman, House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs -- Concerns and comments of The American Legion regarding the VAs Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.

H.R. 1037, S. 728: Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009 -- Directs the VA Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of qualifying veterans work-study activities, including positions available on site at educational institutions. H.R. 1098: Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 -- Increases the amount of educational assistance payments made by the VA Secretary to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or on-job training under: (1) the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program; (2) the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans educational assistance program; (3) the Survivors and Dependents educational assistance program; and (4) the Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. H.R. 2928: To amend title 38, United State Code, to provide for an apprenticeship and on-job training program under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program. -- Amends requirements for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program to entitle an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces (including eligible dependents) pursuing a full-time educational program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to a monthly benefit payment equal to: (1) 85% of the national average cost of tuition at an institution of higher education for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 65% of such amount for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 45% of such amount for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program. Reduces the payment an individual receives in any month in which the individual fails to complete 120 hours of training under the program of education. H.R. 3484: To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. -- Extends to June 30, 2014, the period during which the following work-study activities qualify for an additional veterans' educational assistance allowance: (1) outreach services furnished by employees of a state approving agency; (2) provision of hospital and domiciliary care in a state home; and (3) activity relating to the administration of a national cemetery or state veterans' cemetery. H.R. 3554, S. 1668: National Guard Education Equality Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to provide for the inclusion of certain active duty service in the reserve components as qualifying service for purposes of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, and for other purposes. H.R. 3561: To amend title 38, USC, to increase the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to increase the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training H.R. 3577: Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 -- To amend title 38, United State Code, to provide authority for certain members of the Armed Forces who have served 20 years on active duty to transfer entitlement to Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to their dependents H.R. 3579: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of the reporting fees payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes -- Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for veterans to increase the reporting fee payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving assistance. H.R. 3813: Veterans Training Act -- Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) postsecondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution. H.R. 3948: Test Prep for Heroes Act -- Authorizes the use of entitlement assistance under the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program for payment for a test preparatory course in connection with licensing or certification in a vocation or profession. H.R. 3949: Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009 -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to reauthorize the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Directs the VA Secretary to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time VA employee for three years H.R. 4079: To amend title 38, United States Code, to temporarily remove the requirement for employers to increase wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job training programs -- Repeals temporarily, for FY2011-FY2015, the requirement for employers to increase wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job training programs. H.R. 4203: To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans certain educational assistance payments through direct deposit -- Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that a veteran may receive Post-9/11 educational assistance payments through direct deposit.

H. R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions H. R. 3813, The Veterans Training Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000

Government targets: Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans studying at distance learning institutions; H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act

Client expense: $112,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

See additional page Increasing the size of the Army budget; increasing Army end strength; increasing Army and Department of the Army civilian pay and compensation authorizations; Army modernization funding to include Army transformation, homeland security, weapons systems, space and missile defense; quality of life initiatives; military health care; and Army retiree issues. -Urge members to send a letter from AUSA website to Congress to maintain military healthcare without change during civilian reform -H.J. Res. 45 (urge members to send a letter from AUSA website to Congress to fix 21% cut in Medicare/TRICARE payments to physicians) -Support for H.R. 4320, The Post 9/11 Education Fairness Act that would allow vocational training/licensing, etc. to be eligible for financial assistance as well as programs offered by colleges and universities -Indorse proposed legislation that would simplify the relicensing/recertification process for military spouses -Urging action on veterans issues to include: new GI Bill, veteran status for title 32 RC personnel, concurrent receipt for all disabled retirees -Urging funding for Gulf War Illness Research at the Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs -Urge members to send a letter from AUSA website to Congress to not increase fees/copays for TRICARE -Urging Under Secretary of Defense for more outreach to make eligible personnel aware of the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) -HR 3813, bill that would authorize benefits for job training, OJT and apprenticeships in the Post-9/11 GI Bill -Urging Congressional support for discharge petition for legislation that would end the SBP/DIC offset

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)

H.R. 950, a bill to provide a housing allowance for veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $90,000

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, White House Office

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