Veterans Fiduciary Reform and Honoring Noble Service Act

Supported S. 1806. This legislation would allow individuals to designate tax overpayments as contributions to a fund for homeless veterans. Supported the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 (H.R. 6527). This legislation includes greater assistance through VA for veterans who have infertility issues related to their military service. This is a companion bill to the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 (S. 3313). Supported the Military Service Integrity Act (S. 3372). This legislation would allow for individuals who falsely claim military service or receipt of awards for military service to be charged with a criminal violation if the claim is made to secure a tangible benefit or a personal gain. Discussed with advocates a legislative proposal to expand the approved uses of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Supported the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012 (S. 2241). Supported the Honoring Americas Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (HR 1627). This omnibus legislation contains many provisions that we have advocated for including access for service dogs to VA facilities. Discussed access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Supported the Veterans I.D. Card Act (H.R. 2985). This legislation directs the Secretary of VA to issue a veteran's identification card to any veteran who requests such card and is neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA system of patient enrollment. Supported the Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act (H.R. 3730). Requires the VA Secretary, in the event of a data breach with respect to sensitive personal information that is processed or maintained by the Secretary, to notify Congress and each individual whose sensitive personal information is involved in the data breach. Supported the Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act (H.R. 4481). Directs the VA Secretary to ensure that no employee of VA who violates any civil law covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation receives any retention incentive, payment, or award for or during the year of such violation. Discussed the Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 5948). Supported the Mental Health Access to Continued Care and Enhancement of Support Services Act (S. 3340). Discussed legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider the resources of individuals applying for pension that were recently disposed of by the individuals for less than fair market value when determining the eligibility of such individuals for such pension, and for other purposes (S. 3270). Supported legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for coverage under the beneficiary travel program of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain disabled veterans for travel for certain special disabilities rehabilitation, and for other purposes (S. 1755). Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S. 1264). Directs the VA Secretary to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in VA health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address. Discussed with VA the long-term care benefits available to birth children of Korean and Vietnam conflict veterans who have spina bifida. Discussed the Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012 (H.R. 4072). This legislation would consolidate programs currently carried out by DOLs Veterans Employment and Training Service in VA. It would also consolidate the disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives into a single provision establishing veteran employment specialists, which shall perform both tasks. Supported the Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act (S. 2179). This legislation would make needed reforms to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the full benefit of their DOD and VA educational benefits. Supported the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (H.R. 674/Pub. Law 112-56). This legislation includes provisions to increase employment opportunities for veterans and represents a blend of proposals that were included in H.R. 2433 and S. 951. Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S. 1264). This legislation would require VA to provide voter registration applications and assistance in absentee voting for certain veterans. Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nations veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule. Supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans receive the training, transition, and placement assistance they need to allow them to gain meaningful employment opportunities. Supported the Helping Our Homeless Heroes Act (H.R. 2559). This legislation would make improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs that assist homeless veterans and their families. Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2011 (H.R. 2671). This legislation would help to track undiagnosed diseases and facilitate collaboration between physicians, researchers, and government agencies by creating a patient registry to be maintained by the National Institutes of Health. Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 198). This legislation would direct the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Also discussed Senate companion bill (S. 1838). Supported H.R. 2074, as amended. The amended legislation includes H.R. 198 and H.R. 1154. Supported S. 914, as amended. The amended legislation includes S. 769, S. 411, and S. 957. Discussed the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 (S. 951) and the need to ensure that there are platforms for the development of internship opportunities for wounded warriors with private employers. Supported the Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S. 411/H.R. 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services. Supported the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 957). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans with traumatic brain injuries receive the critical rehabilitation services needed to allow them to maximize their independence. Supported the Housing, Employment, and Living Programs (HELP) for Veterans Act of 2011 (H.R. 117). This legislation includes provisions that 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. Supported the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act (H.R. 1671). This legislation would extend until December 31, 2016, the authority of the VA Secretary to provide adaptive housing assistance under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program to veterans with disabilities who are temporarily residing with family members. Supported legislation establishing an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 805). This legislation directs the VA Secretary to ensure that an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights is printed on signage in accessible formats and displayed prominently and conspicuously in each VA prosthetics and orthotics clinic. It also requires VA employees who work at such clinics, as well as patient advocates of veterans who receive care there, to receive training on the Bill of Rights and directs the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform veterans about it. Supported the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act (VETS Dogs Act) (H.R. 1154/S. 769). The VETS Dogs Act states that the VA Secretary may not prohibit the use of service dogs in VA facilities or on VA property. Discussed the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 115/S. 490). This legislation increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]). Urged Congress to expand the extended caregivers program authorized by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (P.L. 111-163) to include all veterans who are eligible for VA health care and meet certain needs-based criteria. Urged Congress to expand VA home and community-based services for veterans with disabilities. Urged Congress to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits and to eliminate the offset of military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities. Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog. Urged VA to accept the authority granted to them by states through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to serve as a voter registration agency.

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Public Law 112-154 Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 -- Law amends title 38, United States Code, to furnish hospital care and medical services to veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water was contaminated at Camp Lejeune, to improve the provision of housing assistance to veterans and their families, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 814 Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2011 -- To provide Medicare payments to Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for items and services provided to Medicare-eligible veterans for non-service-connected conditions SUPPORT H.R. 1460 To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system SUPPORT H.R. 2377 RAPID Claims Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to provide for expedited procedures for the consideration of certain veterans claims SUPPORT H.R. 3016 Direct the DoD Secretary and the VA Secretary to jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program -- to direct the DoD and VA Secretaries to jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, a program that assists: (1) members of the Armed Forces with severe or catastrophic injuries or illnesses who are unlikely to return to active duty and will most likely be medically separated, and (2) members and veterans whose individual circumstances (illness, injury, mental health, etc.) are likely to cause difficulties in transitioning to civilian life SUPPORT H.R. 3245 Efficient Service for Veterans Act -- To direct the VA Secretary and the DOD Secretary to jointly ensure that the Vet Centers of the VA have access to the Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval system and the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Identity Repository system SUPPORT H.R. 3279 Amend title 38, U.S.C., to clarify that caregivers for veterans with serious illnesses are eligible for assistance and support services provided by the VA Secretary SUPPORT H.R. 3329 Amend title 38, U.S.C., to extend the eligibility period for veterans to enroll in certain vocational rehabilitation programs SUPPORT H.R. 3612 Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2011 -- To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 3730 Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., requiring the VA Secretary to provide notice to individuals whose sensitive personal information is involved in a data breach SUPPORT H.R. 4142 American Heroes COLA Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans OPPOSE H.R. 4213 Amend title 38, U.S.C., to require judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to reside within fifty miles of the District of Columbia -- OPPOSE H.R. 4481 Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to direct the VA Secretary to ensure that VA employees who violate certain civil laws do not receive bonuses - SUPPORT H.R. 5948 Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012 -- To amend title 38, U.S.C., to improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the laws administered by the VA Secretary - SUPPORT H.R. 6364 Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act -- To establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I and designate memorials to the service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I, including a National World War I Memorial on the National Mall in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes - SUPPORT H.R. 1591 / S. 815 Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011 (SERVE Act) -- To guarantee that military funerals are conducted with dignity and respect SUPPORT H.R. 2051 / S. 2244 Veterans Missing in America Act of 2011 -- To direct the VA Secretary to assist in the identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery SUPPORT H.R. 2074 / S. 1689 Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act -- To amend title 38, United States Code, to require a comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assault incidents and other safety incidents that occur at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 2498 / S. 1348 Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act -- To amend title 36, U.S.C., to encourage the nationwide observance of two minutes of silence each Veterans Day SUPPORT H.R. 3337 / S. 1798 Open Burn Pits Registry Act of 2011 -- To direct the VA Secretary to establish an open burn pit registry to ensure that members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits while deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq receive information regarding such exposure SUPPORT H.R. 3895 / S. 2138 Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012 -- To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to clarify that all veterans programs are exempt from sequestration SUPPORT H.R. 4114 / S. 2259 Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012 -- To increase, effective as of December 1, 2012, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans SUPPORT H.R. 4168 / S. 2230 Caring for the Fallen Act -- To direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to provide for the ongoing maintenance of Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines SUPPORT S. 253 A bill to establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and to designate memorials to the service of men and women of the United States in World War I -- Designates: (1) the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Museum and Memorial; and (2) the District of Columbia War Memorial in Washington, D.C., as the District of Columbia and National World War I Memorial (Memorial). SUPPORT S. 1391 A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma -- Directs the VA Secretary to accept as proof of service-connection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military service a diagnosis of PTSD by a mental health professional, together with written testimony by the veteran and a written determination by the professional that such disorder is related to the veteran's service, notwithstanding the fact that there is no official record of such incurrence or aggravation in such service, and to resolve every reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. Allows such service-connection to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Provides the same conditions (with the same authorized rebuttal) with respect to acceptance of proof of service-connection of certain mental health conditions alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma experienced during active military service. SUPPORT S. 1707 Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act -- To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes. SUPPORT S. 3203 Military Health Care Protection Act of 2012 -- A bill to amend title 10, U.S.C., to limit increases in the certain costs of health care services under the health care programs of the Department of Defense SUPPORT S. 3313 Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 -- To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to women veterans, to improve health care furnished by the Department, and for other purposes. SUPPORT S. 3340 Mental Health Access to Continued Care and Enhancement of Support Services Act of 2012 (Mental Health ACCESS Act of 2012) -- To improve and enhance the programs and activities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding suicide prevention and resilience and behavioral health disorders for members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes SUPPORT

P.L. 112-154, the "Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 P.L. 112-147, the "Veterans to Skills Jobs Act" H.R. 115, the "CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2011" H.R. 2383, the "Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act" H.R. 2388, the "Access to Timely Information Act" H.R. 3337/S. 1798, the "Open Burn Pit Registry Act of 2011" H.R. 3687/ S. 1755, beneficiary travel for non-service connected catastrophically disabled H.R. 3723, the "Enhanced Veteran Healthcare Experience Act of 2011" H.R. 4057, the "Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012" H.R. 4072, the "Consolidating Veterans Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012" H.R. 4114/S. 2259, the "Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012" H.R. 5747/S. 3323, the "Military Family Home Protection Act" H.R. 5881, the "Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act" H.R. 5948, the "Veterans Fiduciary Reform and Honoring Noble Service Act" H.R. 6361/S. 3614, the "HAVEN Act" S. 490, a bill to increase the age of a CHAMPVA eligible dependent child S. 1184 S. 1264, the "Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011" S. 1391 S. 1631 S. 1705 S. 1707, the "Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act" S. 1799, the "Access to Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2011" S. 1838, to implement a PTSD Assistance Dog Program S. 1849, the "Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act" S. 2179, the "Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act" S. 2206, the "GI Educational Freedom Act of 2012" S. 2241, the "GI Bill Consumer Educational Reform Act" S. 2244, the "Veterans Missing in America Act of 2012" S. 2246, the "TAP Modernization Act of 2012" S. 2320, the "Remembering America's Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act of 2012" S. 3049 S. 3052 S. 3084, the "VISN Reorganization Act of 2012" S. 3179, the "Servicemembers Housing Protection Act of 2012" S. 3202, the "Dignified Burial of Veterans Act of 2012" S. 3206 S. 3238 S. 3313, the "Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012" The "Homeless Veterans Assistance Improvement Act of 2012" The "Mental Health ACCESS Act of 2012" The Post-9/11 Bill and Executive Order 13607

Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense delivery of benefits and services to wounded Post-9/11 servicemembers and veterans as well as their families: brain rehabilitation programs and legislation (PL112-154); mental health issues (S.3340); fiduciary reform (HR 5948); and defense authorization

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

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

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased servicemembers and to restore and improve veterans' benefits. S. 260, S. 277, S. 491, S. 696, S. 914, S. 951, S. 1025, S. 1629, S. 1798, S. 1823, S. 2206, S. 2241, S. 2259, S. 3313, S. 3536, H.R. 178, H.R. 812, H.R. 865, H.R. 924, H.R. 1025, H.R. 1627, H.R. 1775, H.R. 1811, H.R. 2074, H.R. 2309, H.R. 2349, H.R. 2383, H.R. 2433, H.R. 3279, H.R. 3337, H.R. 3612, H.R. 3895, H.R. 4051, H.R. 4057, H.R. 4168, H.R. 4201, H.R. 4057, H.R.4168, H.R. 4201, H.R. 5948, H.R. 6375

Client expense: $381,622 · Firm income: Not reported

Public Law 111-203, H.R. 4173- Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Issue: Implementation and Regulatory reform. H.R. 890 / S. 466 Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2011 A bill to allow for the enforcement of State disclosure laws and access to courts for covered Holocaust era insurance policy claims. Issue: Insurance regulation. S. 3414: The Cybersecurity Act of 2012. A bill to enhance the security and resiliency of the cyber and communications infrastructure of the United States. Issue: Cybersecurity and Privacy S. 2151/ HR 4263: SECURE IT Act. Authorizes private entities to employ countermeasures and use cybersecurity systems to obtain, identify, or possess cyber threat information on its own networks or the networks of another entity with such entity's authorization. Allows private entities, nonfederal government agencies, or state, tribal, or local governments to voluntarily disclose cyber threat information to designated cybersecurity centers or to each other to assist with preventing, investigating, or mitigating threats to information security. Issue: Privacy/Cybersecurity S. 3333: Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2012 To require certain entities that collects and maintains personal information of individuals to secure such information and to provide notice to such individuals in the case of a breach of security involving such information, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy H.R. 2096: Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2011. Directs Federal agencies to develop a national Research and Development plan as well as advance cybersecurity technical standards in order to prevent devastating cyber-attacks on the nations networks. Issue: Privacy/Cybersecurity H.R. 3523: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to: (1) establish procedures to allow intelligence community elements to share cyber threat intelligence with private-sector entities, and (2) encourage the sharing of such intelligence. Issue: Privacy/Cybersecurity H.R. 3674: PRECISE Act of 2011. Issue: Privacy/Cybersecurity H.R. 5: the HEALTH Act of 2011. Issue: McCarran Ferguson HR 3730: Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide notice to individuals whose sensitive personal information is involved in a data breach, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy and Data breech. HR 5948: Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012 To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to establish a Place of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes. Issue: privacy and data breech. Tracking: H.R. 1528: Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2011. A bill to protect and enhance consumer privacy, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy S. 1151: Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2011. A bill to prevent and mitigate identity theft, to ensure privacy, to provide notice of security breaches, and to enhance criminal penalties, law enforcement assistance, and other protections against security breaches, fraudulent access, and misuse of personally identifiable information. Issue: Privacy S. 1152: Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2011. A bill to advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy H.R. 2577: SAFE Data Act. To protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and procedures to protect data containing personal information, and to provide for nationwide notice in the event of a security breach. Issue: Privacy S. 1152: Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2011. A bill to advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy S. 1207: Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2011. A bill to protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and procedures to protect data containing personal information, and to provide for nationwide notice in the event of a security breach. Issue: Privacy S. 1408: Data Breach Notification Act of 2011. A bill to require any federal agency or business entity engaged in interstate commerce that uses, accesses, or collects sensitive personally identifiable information, following the discovery of a security breach, to notify: (1) any U.S. resident whose information may have been accessed or acquired, and (2) the owner or licensee of any such information that the agency or business does not own or license. Issue: Privacy S. 1535: Personal Data Protection and Breach Accountability Act of 2011. A bill to protect consumers by mitigating the vulnerability of personally identifiable information to theft through a security breach, providing notice and remedies to consumers in the wake of such a breach, holding companies accountable for preventable breaches, facilitating the sharing of post-breach technical information between companies, and enhancing criminal and civil penalties and other protections against the unauthorized collection or use of personally identifiable information. Issue: Privacy S. 3333: To require certain entities that collect and maintain personal information of individuals to secure such information and to provide notice to such individuals in the case of a breach of security involving such information, and for other purposes. Issue: Privacy

HR 4124, Veteran Medicical Technician Act; HR 5044, Andrew Carpenter Act; HR 6361 Vulnerable Veterans; HR 6393 SCRA improvements; S. 3372, Military Service Integrity; S. 1798/HR3337, Open Pit Registry; HR 5948, Veterans Fiduciary Reform; HR 1742, Camp Lejune Contaminated Water; HR 3612/HR 812/S. 1629, Agent Orange Reform; S. 3624, MilitaryCommericalDrivers License; HR 1025/S. 491, Veterans Status

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)

H.R. 812; S. 1629 / Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam SUPPORT H.R. 814 / Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2011 / To provide Medicare payments to Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for items and services provided to Medicare-eligible veterans for non-service-connected conditions SUPPORT H.R. 1460 / To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system / To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system SUPPORT H.R. 1591; S. 815 / Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011 (SERVE Act) / To guarantee that military funerals are conducted with dignity and respect SUPPORT H.R. 2051; S. 2244 / Veterans Missing in America Act of 2011 / To direct the VA Secretary to assist in the identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery SUPPORT H.R. 2052 / Fort McClellan Health Registry Act / To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry of certain veterans who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 2070; S. 3078 / World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2011 / To direct the Interior Secretary to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin Roosevelt prayed with the Nation on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day SUPPORT H.R. 2074; S. 1689 / Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act / To amend title 38, United States Code, to require a comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assault incidents and other safety incidents that occur at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 2345; S. 3206 / To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to United States Paralympics, Inc. / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to extend the authorization of appropriations for the VA Secretary to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and the authorization of appropriations for the VA Secretary to provide assistance to United States Paralympics, Inc. SUPPORT H.R. 2349 / Veterans Benefits Act of 2011 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to improve the determination of annual income with respect to pensions for certain veterans, to direct the VA Secretary to establish a pilot program to assess the skills of certain employees and managers of the Veterans Benefits Administration, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 2377 / RAPID Claims Act / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to provide for expedited procedures for the consideration of certain veterans claims SUPPORT H.R. 2498; S. 1348 / Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act / To amend title 36, U.S.C., to encourage the nationwide observance of two minutes of silence each Veterans Day SUPPORT H.R. 3016 / To direct the DOD Secretary and the VA Secretary to jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program / Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, a program that assists: (1) members of the Armed Forces with severe or catastrophic injuries or illnesses who are unlikely to return to active duty and will most likely be medically separated, and (2) members and veterans whose individual circumstances (illness, injury, mental health, etc.) are likely to cause difficulties in transitioning to civilian life SUPPORT H.R. 3245 / Efficient Service for Veterans Act / To direct the VA Secretary and the DOD Secretary to jointly ensure that the Vet Centers of the VA have access to the Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval system and the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Identity Repository system SUPPORT H.R. 3279 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to clarify that caregivers for veterans with serious illnesses are eligible for assistance and support services provided by the VA Secretary / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to clarify that caregivers for veterans with serious illnesses are eligible for assistance and support services provided by the VA Secretary SUPPORT H.R. 3329 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to extend the eligibility period for veterans to enroll in certain vocational rehabilitation programs / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to extend the eligibility period for veterans to enroll in certain vocational rehabilitation programs SUPPORT H.R. 3337; S. 1798 / Open Burn Pits Registry Act of 2011 / To direct the VA Secretary to establish an open burn pit registry to ensure that members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits while deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq receive information regarding such exposure SUPPORT H.R. 3612 / Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2011 / To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes SUPPORT H.R. 3730 / Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to require the VA Secretary to provide notice to individuals whose sensitive personal information is involved in a data breach SUPPORT H.R. 3895; S. 2138 / Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012 / To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to clarify that all veterans programs are exempt from sequestration SUPPORT H.R. 4114; S. 2259 / Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012 / To increase, effective as of December 1, 2012, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans SUPPORT H.R. 4142 / American Heroes COLA Act / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans OPPOSE H.R. 4168; S. 2230 / Caring for the Fallen Act / To direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to provide for the ongoing maintenance of Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines SUPPORT H.R. 4213 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to require judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to reside within fifty miles of the District of Columbia / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to require judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to reside within fifty miles of the District of Columbia OPPOSE H.R. 4481 / Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to direct the VA Secretary to ensure that VA employees who violate certain civil laws do not receive bonuses SUPPORT H.R. 5948 / Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012 / To amend title 38, U.S.C., to improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the laws administered by the VA Secretary SUPPORT S. 253 / A bill to establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and to designate memorials to the service of men and women of the United States in World War I / Designates: (1) the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Museum and Memorial; and (2) the District of Columbia War Memorial in Washington, D.C., as the District of Columbia and National World War I Memorial (Memorial). SUPPORT S. 3203 / Military Health Care Protection Act of 2012 / A bill to amend title 10, U.S.C., to limit increases in the certain costs of health care services under the health care programs of the Department of Defense SUPPORT

United Spinal Supports H.R. 5428 - The Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights As part of the Independence through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, United Spinal Association signed on to a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee in support of HR 5428 - the Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights. This bill would establish a written list of rights that all injured and amputee veterans have access to high quality orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care. O&P care, consisting of orthopedic braces, artificial limbs, and the clinical services necessary to treat the patient, is vital to veterans who have lost limbs or have sustained injuries or disorders of the arms, legs, back and neck. Supported the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012 (S. 2241). Supported the Honoring Americas Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (HR 1627). This omnibus legislation contains many provisions that we have advocated for including access for service dogs to VA facilities. Discussed access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Supported the Veterans I.D. Card Act (H.R. 2985). This legislation directs the Secretary of VA to issue a veteran's identification card to any veteran who requests such card and is neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA system of patient enrollment. Supported the Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act (H.R. 3730). Requires the VA Secretary, in the event of a data breach with respect to sensitive personal information that is processed or maintained by the Secretary, to notify Congress and each individual whose sensitive personal information is involved in the data breach. Supported the Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act (H.R. 4481). Directs the VA Secretary to ensure that no employee of VA who violates any civil law covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation receives any retention incentive, payment, or award for or during the year of such violation. Supported the Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 5948). Supported the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 (S. 3313). Supported the Mental Health Access to Continued Care and Enhancement of Support Services Act (S. 3340) Discussed legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider the resources of individuals applying for pension that were recently disposed of by the individuals for less than fair market value when determining the eligibility of such individuals for such pension, and for other purposes (S. 3270). Supported legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for coverage under the beneficiary travel program of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain disabled veterans for travel for certain special disabilities rehabilitation, and for other purposes (S. 1755). Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S. 1264). Directs the VA Secretary to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in VA health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address. Discussed with VA the long-term care benefits available to birth children of Korean and Vietnam conflict veterans who have spina bifida. Discussed the Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012 (H.R. 4072). This legislation would consolidate programs currently carried out by DOLs Veterans Employment and Training Service in VA. It would also consolidate the disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives into a single provision establishing veteran employment specialists, which shall perform both tasks. Supported the Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act (S. 2179). This legislation would make needed reforms to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the full benefit of their DOD and VA educational benefits. Supported the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (H.R. 674/Pub. Law 112-56). This legislation includes provisions to increase employment opportunities for veterans and represents a blend of proposals that were included in H.R. 2433 and S. 951. Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S. 1264). This legislation would require VA to provide voter registration applications and assistance in absentee voting for certain veterans. Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nations veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule. Supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans receive the training, transition, and placement assistance they need to allow them to gain meaningful employment opportunities. Supported the Helping Our Homeless Heroes Act (H.R. 2559). This legislation would make improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs that assist homeless veterans and their families. Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2011 (H.R. 2671). This legislation would help to track undiagnosed diseases and facilitate collaboration between physicians, researchers, and government agencies by creating a patient registry to be maintained by the National Institutes of Health. Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 198). This legislation would direct the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Also discussed Senate companion bill (S. 1838). Supported H.R. 2074, as amended. The amended legislation includes H.R. 198 and H.R. 1154. Supported S. 914, as amended. The amended legislation includes S. 769, S. 411, and S. 957. Discussed the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 (S. 951) and the need to ensure that there are platforms for the development of internship opportunities for wounded warriors with private employers. Supported the Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S. 411/H.R. 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services. Supported the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 957). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans with traumatic brain injuries receive the critical rehabilitation services needed to allow them to maximize their independence. Supported the Housing, Employment, and Living Programs (HELP) for Veterans Act of 2011 (H.R. 117). This legislation includes provisions that 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. Supported the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act (H.R. 1671). This legislation would extend until December 31, 2016, the authority of the VA Secretary to provide adaptive housing assistance under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program to veterans with disabilities who are temporarily residing with family members. Supported legislation establishing an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 805). This legislation directs the VA Secretary to ensure that an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights is printed on signage in accessible formats and displayed prominently and conspicuously in each VA prosthetics and orthotics clinic. It also requires VA employees who work at such clinics, as well as patient advocates of veterans who receive care there, to receive training on the Bill of Rights and directs the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform veterans about it. Supported the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act (VETS Dogs Act) (H.R. 1154/S. 769). The VETS Dogs Act states that the VA Secretary may not prohibit the use of service dogs in VA facilities or on VA property. Discussed the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 115/S. 490). This legislation increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]). Urged Congress to expand the extended caregivers program authorized by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (P.L. 111-163) to include all veterans who are eligible for VA health care and meet certain needs-based criteria. Urged Congress to expand VA home and community-based services for veterans with disabilities. Urged Congress to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits and to eliminate the offset of military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities. Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog. Urged VA to accept the authority granted to them by states through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to serve as a voter registration agency.

HR 4201, SCRA Child Custody; S. 2128/HR3895, VA from Sequestration; S. 2084 DOT license; HR 2985 ID Card; HR 814 VA Medicare Subvention; HR 812, HR 3612, S. 1629, Agent Orange; HR 2447, Vet Salute; HR 186 concurrent receipt; HR 1911, expand SCRA; HR1484 Disability Claims; HR1025/S.491 vet status; S. 1798/HR 3337 Open Burn Pit Registry; HR 5948,Vet Fiduciary; S.3313 Women Vets Health; HR 3730,VA data Breach; HR 4115,Vet Employ; HR5833 burial; Camp LeJeune water;

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

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense delivery of benefits and services to wounded OIF/OEF/OND servicemembers and veterans as well as their families; Brain Rehabilitation programs and legislation (VA Omnibus HR 1627); Mental Health Issues (S. 3340); Fiduciary Reform (HR 5948)

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)