21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007

H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of

FHA Reform: H.R. 3221 - A bill to provide needed housing reform and other purposes (Provisions related to FHA Loan Limits and FHA Modernization) FHA Reform, Continued: H.R. 5958 - the Homeowner Opportunity Act of 2008. Some provisions were ultimately added to H.R. 3221 above. (To extend FHA loan limits increases beyond the Dec. 31 2008 deadline imposed in the First Economic Stimulus Act -- H.R. 5140) H.R. 5830 - FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 (Voluntary FHA-insured assistance for distressed homeowners) Section 8 Housing Reform: H.R. 1851/S. 2684 - The Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 H.R. 3965 - The Mark-to-Market Extension & Enhancement Act of 2007 Development of Affordable Housing Trust Fund: H.R. 2895 -National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 S. 2523 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 Rural Housing: H.R. 1982 - The Rural Housing & Economic Development Act H.R. 3878 - The Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007 Veterans Housing: H.R. 6832 - Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 H.R. 2385 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 S. 1409 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 H.R. 4539 - Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007 H.R. 5566/5561; S. 2768 - Veterans Mortgage Stimulus Clarification Act of 2008 (To raise VA Loan Limits) Appraisal Reform: H.R. 1723 - Fair FHA Appraisal Act S. 1222 - STOP FRAUD Act Other Issues: Grants to States to purchase foreclosed properties: H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. Fair Housing: H.R. 2926 / S. 1733 -- Housing Fairness Act of 2007. Provision pertaining to expanding eligibilty for Farm Credit Home Loans: H.R. 2419 - Food & Energy Security Act of 2007 FHA Prohibition on Seller-Funded Downpayment Assistance Programs: H.R. 6994: FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 Provisions pertaining to the International Real Property Foundation: State Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill. Elderly Housing: H.R. 2930 - The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007 Funding for Housing in the Gulf: H.R. 1227 - Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007 Low-income Housing Assistance: S. 1386 - Homeownership Protection and Enhancement Act of 2007 Expansion of the HOPE VI Program: H.R. 3524 - HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007

H.Con.Res. 99- Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012; H.J. Res. 20- Continuing Appropriations resolution FY2007; H.R. 67- Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 100- Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2007; H.R. 327- Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act; H.R. 530- Military Educational Parity Act of 2007; H.R. 538- South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007; H.R. 690- To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55; H.R. 704- To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse; H.R. 1102- Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; H.R. 1268- Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; H.R. 1354- Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 1418- Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; H.R. 1436- Retired Pay Restoration Act; H.R. 1490- To provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; H.R. 1538- Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007; H.R. 1540- Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2007; H.R. 2005- Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 2189- To require pre- and post-deployment mental health screenings for members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; H.R. 2199- Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007; H.R. 2219- Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007; H.R. 2239- Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act; H.R. 2247- Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007; H.R. 2265- Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007; H.R. 2330- Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act (VETS); H.R. 2366- SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007; H.R. 2385- To provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes; H.R. 2514- Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act; H.R. 2689- To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; H.R. 2702- Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; H.R. 2818- To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 2874- Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 2910- Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007; H.R. 2943- Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007; H.R. 3195- ADA Restoration Act of 2007; H.R. 3256- Psychological Kevlar Act; H.R. 3298- 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act; H.R. 3329- Homes for Heroes Act of 2007; H.R. 3391- Military Family and Medical Leave Act; H.R. 3393- Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007; H.R. 3429- Hire a Hero Act; H.R. 3467- Second Chance for America's Veterans Act; H.R. 3480- Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act; H.R. 3681- Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; H.R. 3793- Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007; H.R. 3798- National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007; H.R. 4148- National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act; H.R. 4219- Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act; H.R. 4883- To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the servicemember's period of military service; H.R. 4884- Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4930- National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act; H.R. 5740- To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; H.R. 5944- Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008; H.R. 6020- To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to protect the well-being of soldiers and their families; H.R. 612 Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007; H.R. 6205- To amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism; H.R. 6328- Addressing the critical needs of Iraqi Refugees; H.R. 6465- Extention of ARM until 2018; H.R. 6792- Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2008 S. 22- Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; S. 38- Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 ; S. 117- A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism; S. 479- A bill to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans; S. 589- A bill to provide for the transfer of certain Federal property to the United States Paralympics, Incorporated, a subsidiary of the United States Olympic Committee; S. 604- Military Health Care Protection Act; S. 644- Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; S. 713- Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; S. 723- Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007; S. 793- Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; S. 1005- Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007; S. 1084- A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans; S. 1096- Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007; S. 1146- Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; S. 1205- A bill to require a pilot program on assisting veterans service organizations and other veterans groups in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty; S. 1233- Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007; S. 1261- Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007; S. 1271- Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act; S. 1283- A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status; S. 1409- 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007; S. 1606- Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, S. 1651- Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act; S. 1718- Veterans Education Tuition Support Act; S. 1825- Commission on Wartime Contracting Establishment Act; S. 1898- Military Family and Medical Leave Act; S. 1999- Military Eye Trauma Centers of Excellence; S. 2585- Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008; S. 2874- A bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled; S. 2938- Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008; S. 2963- A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans; S. 2992- Armed Forces Housing Security Act; S. 3177- Addressing the critical needs of Iraqi Refugees; S. 383- A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release; S. 439- Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007; S. 455- Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007; S. Con. Res. 21- An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012

HR 5595, Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008 S 526 Veterans Employment and Training (VET) Act of 2007 S 1315 Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2007 S 2575 Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 HR 1969 Montgomery G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 2007 HR 2247/ S1261 Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 HR 2385/ S1409 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 HR 2417 Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2007 HR 2702/ S22 Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2007 HR 2910/S1718 Veterans Education Tuition Support (VETS) Act of 2007 HR 3082 Montgomery GI Bill Degree Extension Act of 2007 HR 4130/ S723 Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007 HR 5034 Veterans Education Benefits Extension Act of 2008 HR 5684 Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008 S 2854/HR5791 National Guard and Reserve Medical Readiness Act of 2008 S 3178 A bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes. S 773 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. HR 6153 Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 HR 6277 Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008 HR 6832 Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 And all Veterans issues concerning oral health or dental training/access

Client expense: $316,307 · Firm income: Not reported

FHA Reform: H.R. 3221 - A bill to provide needed housing reform and other purposes (Provisions related to FHA Loan Limits) FHA Reform, Continued: H.R. 5958 - the Homeowner Opportunity Act of 2008. Some provisions were ultimately added to H.R. 3221 above. (To extend FHA loan limits increases beyond the Dec. 31 2008 deadline imposed in the First Economic Stimulus Act -- H.R. 5140) H.R. 5830 - FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 (Voluntary FHA-insured assistance for distressed homeowners) Section 8 Housing Reform: H.R. 1851/S. 2684 - The Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 H.R. 3965 - The Mark-to-Market Extension & Enhancement Act of 2007 Development of Affordable Housing Trust Fund: H.R. 2895 -National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 S. 2523 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 Expanding Home Loan Opportunities for Native Americans: H.R. 3002 - Native American Economic Development and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007 H.R. 1676 - Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007 Rural Housing: H.R. 1982 - The Rural Housing & Economic Development Act H.R. 3878 - The Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007 Veterans Housing: H.R. 2385 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 S. 1409 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 H.R. 4539 - Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007 H.R. 5566/5561; S. 2768 - Veterans Mortgage Stimulus Clarification Act of 2008 (To raise VA Loan Limits) Appraisal Reform: H.R. 1723 - Fair FHA Appraisal Act S. 1222 - STOP FRAUD Act Other Issues: Grants to States to purchase foreclosed properties: H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. Fair Housing: H.R. 2926 / S. 1733 -- Housing Fairness Act of 2007. Provisison pertaining to expanding eligibilty for Farm Credit Home Loans: H.R. 2419 - Food & Energy Security Act of 2007 Provisions pertaining to the International Real Property Foundation: State Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill. Elderly Housing: H.R. 2930 - The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007 Funding for Housing in the Gulf: H.R. 1227 - Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007 Low-income Housing Assistance: S. 1386 - Homeownership Protection and Enhancement Act of 2007 Expansion of the HOPE VI Program: H.R. 3524 - HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007

H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.

S.22 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; S.38 Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 ; S.117 to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits for Veterans; S.383, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two to five years; S.439 Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007; S.455 Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007; S.479 A bill to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans; S.589 to provide for the transfer of certain Federal property to the United States Paralympics, Incorporated; S.604 Military Health Care Protection Act; S.644 Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; S.713 Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; S.723 Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007; S.793 Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; S.1005 Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007; S.1084 to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans; S.1096 Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007; S.1146 Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; S.1205 to require a pilot program on assisting veterans service organizations in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty; S.1233 Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007; S.1261 Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007; S.1271 Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act; S.1283 to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status; S.1409 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007; S.1606 Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act; S.1651 Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act; S.1718 Veterans Education Tuition Support ActVETS Act; S.1825 Commission on Wartime Contracting Establishment Act; S.1898 Military Family and Medical Leave Act; S.1999 Military Eye Trauma Centers of Excellence; S.2585 Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008; S.2874 to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces; S.2963 to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members and survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans; S. 2992 Armed Forces Housing Security Act; S.Con.Res.21 setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; H.Con.Res.99 Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012; H.J.Res.20 Continuing Appropriations resolution FY2007; H.R.67 Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 100 Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2007; H.R.327 Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act; H.R.530 Military Educational Parity Act of 2007; H.R.538 South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007; H.R.612 Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007; H.R.690 To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55; H.R.704 To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse; H.R.1102 Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; H.R.1268 Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; H.R.1354 Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.1418 Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; H.R.1436 Retired Pay Restoration Act; H.R.1490 To provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; H.R.1538 Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007; H.R.1540 Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2007; H.R.2005 Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.2189 To require pre- and post-deployment mental health screenings for members of the Armed Forces; H.R.2199 Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007; H.R.2219 Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007; H.R.2239 Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act; H.R.2247 Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007; H.R.2265 Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007; H.R.2330 Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act (VETS); H.R.2366 SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007; H.R.2385 To provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; H.R.2514 Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act; H.R.2689 To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; H.R.2702 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; H.R.2818 To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R.2874 Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.2910 Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007VETS Act of 2007; H.R.2943 Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007; H.R.3195 ADA Restoration Act of 2007; H.R.3256 Psychological Kevlar Act; H.R.3298 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act; H.R.3329 Homes for Heroes Act of 2007; H.R.3391 Military Family and Medical Leave Act; H.R.3393 Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007; H.R.3429 Hire a Hero Act; H.R.3467 Second Chance for America's Veterans Act; H.R.3681 Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; H.R.3793 Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007; H.R.3798 National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007; H.R.4148 National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act; H.R.4219 Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act; H.R.4883 To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the servicemember's period of military service; H.R.4884 Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R.4930 National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act; H.R.5740 To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; H.R.6205 To amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism.

FHA Reform: H.R. 1752 - Expanding American Homeownership Act S. 947 - 21st Centurty Housing Act FHA Reform, continued: H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 H.R. 2139 - FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007 H.R. 5140 - Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Provisions related to FHA Loan Limits) H.R. 3221 - A bill to provide needed housing reform and other purposes (Provisions related to FHA Loan Limits) Section 8 Housing Reform: H.R. 1851/S. 2684 - The Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 H.R. 3965 - The Mark-to-Market Extension & Enhancement Act of 2007 Development of Affordable Housing Trust Fund: H.R. 2895 -National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 S. 2523 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 Expanding Home Loan Opportunities for Native Americans: H.R. 3002 - Native American Economic Development and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007 H.R. 1676 - Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007 Rural Housing: H.R. 1982 - The Rural Housing & Economic Development Act H.R. 3878 - The Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007 Veterans Housing: H.R. 2385 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 S. 1409 - The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 H.R. 4539 - Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007 H.R. 5566/5561; S. 2768 - Veterans Mortgage Stimulus Clarification Act of 2008 (To raise VA Loan Limits) Appraisal Reform: H.R. 1723 - Fair FHA Appraisal Act S. 1222 - STOP FRAUD Act Other Issues: Farm Credit Home Loans: H.R. 2419 - Food & Energy Security Act of 2007 Elderly Housing: H.R. 2930 - The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007 Housing in the Gulf: H.R. 1227 - Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007 Monies for International Housing Efforts: H.R. 2764 - Department of State, Foreign Operations & Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 Low-income Housing Assistance: S. 1386 - Homeownership Protection and Enhancement Act of 2007 Expansion of the HOPE VI Program: H.R. 3524 - HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007

HR 112--GI Advance Education in Science and Technology Act--Directs the VA Secretary to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, or other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. HR 1102--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs. HR 1211--Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2007--Provide entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the Selected Reserve who aggregate more than two years of active duty service in any five year period. HR 1214--Veterans' Survivors Education Enhancement Act--Amend title 38, USC, to expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans. HR 1330--Amend title 10, USC, to extend the time limit for the use of educations assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve component supporting contingency operations and certain other operations--Extends the conditional time limit for the use of basic educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve components supporting contingency operations and certain other operations to 14 years after the date on which the person first becomes entitled to such assistance (current law) or ten years after the date on which (currently, the date on which) the person is separated from the Selected Reserve or reserve component. HR 1824--Amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used--Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law. HR 2385--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--Provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. HR 2910--Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007 or the VETS Act of 2007--Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for reimbursement to members of the Armed Forces of tuition for programs of education delayed by military service, for deferment of students loans and reduced interest rates for members of the Armed Forces during periods of military service. HR 4889--Guards and Reserves Are Fighting To Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title chapter 1607 of title 10, USC [Montgomery GI Bill program]. HR 2247; S 1261--Montgomery GI Bill fir Life Act of 2007--Amend titles 10 and 38, USC, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits. HR 2702; S 22--Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007--Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. S 526--Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. S 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs. S 698--Veterans Survivors Education Enhancement Act of 2007--Revises provisions concerning educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to terminate the 45-month limitation on: (1) the use of such assistance for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents; and (2) the use of such assistance for special restorative training. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for educationakl assistance until their 30th (currently 26th) birthday. Makes the aggregate amount of educational assistnace $80,000. (Currently, there are monthly limits for full--time, three quarter-time, or half-time educational pursuit.) Includes within authorized educational pursuits in such amounts: (1) a program of apprenticeship or other on-job-training; and (2) a correspondence course. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for tutorial assistance. S 723--Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007--A bill to provide certain enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. S 1293--Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007--Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving the aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance. S 1409--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. S 1719--A bill to amend title 38, USC--Legislation to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. PL 108-454--Expiring Department of Veterans Affairs Program--The expiration of the Veterans Affairs program on earned education benefits. HR 5474--Student Veterans Financial Aid Fairness Act Letter--Supports passage of major enhancements to veterans' education benefits in tandem with other federal education loan program. S 2575--Montgomery GI Bill Educational Act Letter--Allow the transferability of MGIB education benefits to eligible dependents of fully qualified veteran, spouse or children.

H.Con.Res.99- Congressional budgets for 2007-2012; H.J.Res.20- Appropriations Resolution FY07; H.R.100-Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2007; H.R.1102-Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; H.R.1268- Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; H.R.1354-Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.1418- Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; H.R.1436- Retired Pay Restoration Act; H.R. 1490- To provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; H.R.1538- Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007; H.R.2005- Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.2189- To require pre- and post-deployment mental health screenings for members of the Armed Forces; H.R.2199- Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007; H.R.2219- Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007; H.R.2239- Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act; H.R.2265- Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007; H.R.2330- Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act (VETS); H.R.2366- SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007; H.R.2385-To provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; H.R.2514- Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act; H.R.2689- To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; H.R.2702- Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; H.R.2818- To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R.2874- Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.2910- Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007; H.R.2943- Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007; H.R.3195-ADA Restoration Act of 2007; H.R.3256- Psychological Kevlar Act; H.R.327- Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act; H.R.3298- 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act; H.R.3329- Homes for Heroes Act of 2007; H.R.3391- Military Family and Medical Leave Act; H.R.3429- Hire a Hero Act; H.R.3480- Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act; H.R.3793- Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007; H.R.4148- National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act; H.R.4219- Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act; H.R.4883- To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the servicemember's period of military service; H.R.4884- Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R.530- Military Educational Parity Act of 2007; H.R.538- South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007; H.R.612- Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007; H.R.67- Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.690- To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55; H.R.704- To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse; H.R.4156- FY2008 Iraq Supplemental Appropriations; H.R.3222- Defense Appropriations; H.R.2642- Military/Veterans Appropriations S.1005- Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007; S.1084- A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans; S.1096- Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007; S.1146- Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; S.117- A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism; S.1205- A bill to require a pilot program on assisting veterans service organizations and other veterans groups in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty; S.1233- Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007; S.1271- Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act; S.1283- A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status; S.1409- 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007; S.1606- Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act; S.1651- Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act; S.1718- Veterans Education Tuition Support Act; S.1825- Commission on Wartime Contracting Establishment Act; S.1898- Military Family and Medical Leave Act; S.1999- Military Eye Trauma Centers of Excellence; S.22- Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007; S.2585- Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008; S.38- Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007; S.383- A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release; S.439- Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007; S.455- Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007; S.479- A bill to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans; S.589- A bill to provide for the transfer of certain Federal property to the United States Paralympics, Incorporated, a subsidiary of the United States Olympic Committee; S.604- Military Health Care Protection Act; S.644- Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007; S.713- Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007; S.723- Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007; S.793- Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act; S.CON.RES.21- Congressional budgets for 2007-2012; S.1645- Military/Veterans Appropriations

H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.

HR 112--G.I. Advance Education in Science and Technology Act--Directs the VA Secretary to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, or other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. HR 1102--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs. HR 1211--Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2007--Makes eligible for basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Selected Reserve who (among other qualifications), during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2008, serves on active duty in the Armed Forces for one or more periods aggregating not less than two years. Entitles such individuals to one month of educational assistance for each month served on active duty. Makes the amount of such assistance equivalent to that provided for active-duty personnel who have served a minimum of two years of active duty. Requires the basic pay of qualifying members to be reduced by $100 for each of first 12 months of such active duty service. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments concerned to inform eligible Selected Reserve personnel of such entitlement. HR 1300--Amend title 10, USC, to extend the time limit for the use of education assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve component supporting contingency operations and certain other operations.--Extends the conditional time limit for the use of basic educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve components supporting contingency operations and certain other operations to 14 years after the date on which the person first becomes entitled to such assistance (current law) or ten years after the date on which (currently, the date on which) the person is separated from the Selected Reserve or reserve component. HR 1824--Amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used.--Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law. HR 2385--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance programs to elect one program for participation. HR 2247; S 1261--Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007--Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter of semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis. Repeals the: (1) 14 year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations. HR 2702; S 22--Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007--Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. Requires such individuals to complete the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or its equivalent) before applying for such assistance. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the VA Secretary. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Requires such educational assistance to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement. S 526--Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. S 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs. S 698--Veterans Survivors Education Enhancement Act of 2007--Revises provisions concerning educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to terminate the 45-month limitation on: (1) the use of such assistance for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents; and (2) the use of such assistance for special restorative training. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for educational assistance until their 30th (currently 26th) birthday. Makes the aggregate amount of educational assistance $80,000. (Currently, there are monthly limits for full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time educational pursuits in such amounts: (1) a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training; and (2) a correspondence course. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for tutorial assistance. S 723--Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007--A bill to provide certain enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. S 1293--Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007--Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving an aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance. S 1409--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Force after September 11, 2001. S 1719--Amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. Hearing on House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on MGIB--Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill of Rights)--To better serve veterans and ultimately assist them in financial stability.

HR 112--G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act--Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Make such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. HR 1102--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--To amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs. HR 1824--To amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used--Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law. S 526--Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. S 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--To amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs. S 723--Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007--A bill to provide certain enhancement to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. S 1261--Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007--Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge of release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis., Repeals the: (1) 14 -year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations. The Montgomery GI Bill for life aims to repeal all time limits to use the MGIB. S 1409--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. S 1719--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. HR 1102; S 644--Total Force GI Bill--Creation of a Total Force GI Bill. Allow veterans eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill to use the benefits for longer periods of time, enhance the benefits for reserve and national guard members. To amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. Encourage sponsorship of Total Force GI Bill. State Approving Agencies Funding--FY 08 Funding for State Approving Agencies--Maintains the current level of funding for State Approving Agencies to approve courses for eligibility for MGIB payments. S 1215--Numerous Bills--To amend title 38, USC, to extend and improve certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Accelerated Payments, modification to create an unemployment study on Global War on Terrorism era veterans. S 22--Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2007--Creation of education benefit for service members who serve at least 2 aggregate years on Active Duty. Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits--Draft Legislation "Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007--Expansion of eligible MGIB programs for accelerated payments program and expansion of vocational benefits to dependents. HR 1750; HR 1824; HR 1598; HR 1315; HR 513; HR 2259; HR 1632; HR 112; HR 2579--Credit, Education and Transition--Protective credit measures, accelerated education payments, transition assistance program, reemployment reports, stipends for education courses leading to doctoral degrees, and State Approving Agency funding.

S. 1409-- the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 extends eligibility to Active Duty troops and National Guard and Reserve members who serve an aggregate of two years on active duty; would pay tuition, books, fees, room and board over the course of four years of full-time education; lifts the $1,200 buy-in fee; and further exempts veterans from paying loan fees etc. S. 1719-- amends title 38, United States Code, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. S. 961--Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of World War II Act of 2007 seeks to expand the current dates of service for WW II Merchant Marines who are recognized as veterans, and to pay a $1,000 monthly benefit to these WW II Merchant Marines or to their surviving spouses S. 994--Disabled Veterans Fairness Act eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program and further directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business S.1026--designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 1 Freedom Way in Augusta, Georgia, as the "Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center." S.1043--directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the master plan of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) relating to the use of VA lands of the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California, as originally required under the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 S. 1096--the Veterans’ Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 would provide VA housing and automobile grants to service members and veterans with burn injuries and those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). S. 1147--the Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer the health care enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to enroll any eligible veteran who applies S. 1163-- the Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007 would improve compensation and specially adapted housing for veterans who have impairment of vision involving both eyes and allow the use of the National Directory of New Hires for income verification purposes S. 1205--requires a pilot program on assisting veterans' service organizations and other veterans' groups in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty. S. 1215--extends and improves certain authorities of VA funding for State Approving Agencies (SAAs) increased to $19 million instead of the previous cap of $13 million. S. 1233--the Veterans Traumatic Brian Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007 provides enhanced intervention, rehabilitative treatment and services to veterans with traumatic brain injury S. 1261--the Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 seeks to eliminate the post-service 10-year time limit for the active duty MGIB and the in-service 14-year time limit for guard and reservists S. 1265--expands eligibility for veterans’ mortgage life insurance (VMLI) to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from VA S. 1266--the Veterans Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007 allows a veteran who is not buried in a national cemetery, a plot allowance of up to $300. S. 1290--impacts the funding and reporting of State Approving Agencies (SAA) would require improved coordination between the VA and SAA, the Department of Education, Department of Labor, and other entities to reduce overlapping functions S. 1293--the Veterans’ Education Improvement Act of 2007 would expand accelerated payments for the existing GI Bill programs to allow funding for any short-term, high-cost school and would also allow Guard and Reserve members and veterans’ surviving dependents to use accelerated payments as part of their education benefit S. 117--Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007aims to improve VA and DOD transitioning efforts by increasing outreach services available to our guard and reserve members and requires comprehensive reporting by the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs, Labor and Defense with respect to Global War on Terror (GWOT) veterans. S. 168--would direct the VA to establish a national cemetery in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado S. 225--expands the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Service Members Group Life Insurance S. 383--would extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service during the Persian Gulf War from two years to five years. S. 423--the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007 would provide a cost-of-living adjustment to compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates for veterans and their families. S. 472--would authorize $523 million to construct a replacement VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado S. 479--The Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act aims to create a comprehensive program of suicide prevention among veterans. S. 526--the Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007 seeks to increase the types of education programs eligible for accelerated payments under the GI Bill. S. 610--would make changes to the retirement annuity for certain health-care professionals within VA. S. 692-- would require VA to develop and implement a system to measure data about its health care facilities. S. 643--the Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007 would increase the amount of insurance a disabled veteran can purchase under Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance from $20,000 to $40,000 S. 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007 addresses the inequity between active duty GI Bill and reserve GI Bill education benefits S. 698--the Veterans’ Survivors Education Enhancement Act of 2007 would increase the maximum amount of GI Bill benefits available for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents from the current $788 a month, paid over 45 months equaling $35,460, to approximately $1,778 a month totaling $80,000. S. 723--the Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007 rewards members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve for their active duty service from November 16, 2001 until Executive Order 13235 is terminated. S. 815--Veterans Health Care Empowerment Act would allow any veteran to elect to receive contracted care whenever he/she chooses. S. 847--would extend the period of time during which a veteran’s multiple sclerosis is to be considered to have been incurred in, or aggravated by, military service during a period of war S. 848--the Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2007 repeals the 30-day requirement for former prisoners of war to file for presumptive disabilities related to their captivity. S. 874--The Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act of 2007 S. 882--would create a pilot program to improve the seamless transition for separating service members H.R. 1444--directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make interim benefits payments under certain remanded claims H.R. 1470--Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act would require VA medical centers to begin hiring chiropractors at each facility H.R. 1471-- would allow veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic services H.R. 1488--VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act would require VA to develop and implement a system to measure data about its health care facilities H.R. 1490-- would provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affair H.R. 1527--like H.R. 315, allows for the contracting of care for certain veterans in rural areas. H.R. 1853-- the Jose Medina Veterans Affairs Police Training Act would require VA police officers to undergo training on how to deal with patients and visitors who are suffering from mental illnesses H.R. 1900--extends the eligibility for veterans’ pension benefits to veterans who receive an expeditionary medal for a period of military service other than a period of war. H.R. 1901--extends eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods in specified locations H.R. 1925--would establish a new Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) in the Gulf Coast Region. H.R. 1944--would require VA to implement a screening program for traumatic brain injuries H.R. 2005--Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act aims to solve one of the greatest problems facing a large number of veterans who live in remote locations: access to care, improve services, including transportation for disabled vets, and research and partnerships with small communities H.R. 2172--Amputee Veteran Assistance Act requires that all Department of Veterans Affairs orthotic-prosthetic laboratories, clinics, and prosthesis are certified by either the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or the Board of Orthotics and Prosthetic Certification H.R. 2173--would allow VA Secretary to enter into contracts for service with community mental health care centers H.R. 2219--Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act would establish a grant program to an organization to staff and run a suicide prevention hotline targeted and staffed by veterans and armed forces personnel. H.R. 2346--would direct the VA Secretary to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area. H.R. 2623--would exempt patients seeking hospice care from paying co-payments H.R. 2696--Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007' increases the plot allowance to $400 for those not buried in a national cemetery H.R. 2697--would expand eligibility for veterans’ mortgage life insurance (VMLI) to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from VA Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2007 This legislation enhances military strength while providing a service member’s educational benefit to aid in transition assistance and equips a generation of veterans to face the challenges of tomorrow. Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2007 would increase the Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance from $90,000 to $200,000 and create a new insurance program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans’ Justice Assurance Act of 2007 would provide some relief to a burdened veterans’ court system. Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 would update and correct inequities across the range of benefits and services offered veterans; would expand eligibility for government markers or headstones for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries whose death occurred on or after September 11, 2001 Service Members’ Cellular Phone Contract Fairness Act of 2007 would amend the Service- members Civil Relief Act by providing relief for servicemembers with respect to contracts and cell phone fees for cellular phone service Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 aims to improve outreach activities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by coordinating the efforts among the offices of the Secretary, Public Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Mental Health and Advocacy Act of 2007 Nomination of Brigadier General Michael J. Kussman, M.D (United States Army Ret.) to be the Under Secretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). H.R. 67--Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007. This bill aims to improve outreach activities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by coordinating the efforts among the offices of the Secretary, Public Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. H.R. 92--Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act would require veterans to be seen within 30 days and establish access standards within VA for veterans seeking care. H.R. 315--HEALTHY Vets Act aims to improve health care access for rural veterans by increasing contracting opportunities for veterans in geographically remote areas. H.R. 339--similar to H.R. 92, this bill establishes a six-month access standard for any care a veteran is to receive, and if that standard is not met, VA must provide fee-basis care. H.R. 463--would end the 4-year freeze on the enrollment of new Category 8 veterans H.R. 542--would make mental health services available for veterans with limited English proficiency. H.R. 674--would repeal the scheduled sunset date of December 31, 2009, for the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. H.R.1273--Restoration of Plot Allowance Eligibility for Veterans H.R. 1426--would allow any veteran to elect to receive contracted care whenever he/she chooses. H.R. 1435--The Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Reduction Act of 2007 would direct the Secretary to conduct a pilot program intended to reduce the backlog of claims for benefits pending with VA VA Construction Budget Issues Facing Women and Minority Veterans

Total Force GI Bill 2006-0073, Interim Final Rule Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards and Appendix A S.1409, 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007

Client expense: $149,089 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting “Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 2475 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee home equity conversion mortgages for elderly veteran homeowners. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting “Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts.

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