Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007

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.

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

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve Veterans benefits. S22,S225,S326,S384,S644,S648,S935,S1063,S1315,S1326,S1606,S1784,S2162,S2504,S2825,S2836,S2854,S2921,S2938,S2992 HR23,HR92,HR657,HR690,HR760,HR843,HR1211,HR1214,HR1428,HR1585,HR1589,HR1641,HR1927,HR2202,HR2247, HR2385,HR2682,HR2702,HR2790,HR2910,HR3026,HR3393,HR3458,HR3819,HR4053,HR4107,HR4137,HR4146,HR4204, HR4930,HR5223,HR5315,HR5595,HR5609,HR5684,HR5740,HR5791,HR5854,HR5864,HR5868,HR6185

Client expense: $626,803 · Firm income: Not reported

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve Veterans benefits. S.22,S.225,S.326,S384,S644,S935,S1063,S1315,S1326,S1606,S1784,S2162, - HR 5684, HR5740 HR23,HR92,HR657,HR760,HR843,HR1211,HR1214,HR1585,HR1589,HR1641,HR1927,HR2202,HR2247,HR2385,HR2682, HR2702,HR2790,HR2910,HR3026,HR3393,HR3458,HR3819,HR4053,HR4107,HR4137,HR4146,HR4204,HR5223

Client expense: $515,000 · Firm income: Not reported

S. 7 by REID (D-NV), College Opportunity Act of 2007 S. 22 - by WEBB (D-VA), Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 S. 282 by DURBIN (D-IL), College Student Relief Act of 2007 S. 343 by VOINOVICH (R-OH), D. C. College Access Extension Act S. 354 by LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2007 S. 359 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Student Debt Relief Act of 2007 S. 360 by BINGAMAN (D-NM), Hope Scholarship Expansion Act S. 451 by AKAKA (D-HI), to establish a National Foreign Language Coordination Council S. 486 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Student Loan Sunshine Act S. 638 by PRYOR (D-AR), Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Grants Act S. 644 by LINCOLN (D-AR), Improving Education for Reserves Act S. 761 by REID (D-NV), America Competes Act S. 819 by DORGAN (D-ND), Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007 S. 833 by COLEMAN (R-MN), COMPETE Act of 2007 S. 851 by SCHUMER (D-NY), legislation consolidating current higher education incentives into a single credit S. 939 by REED (D-RI), Financial Aid Form Simplification and Access Act S. 945 by DURBIN (D-IL), College Textbook Affordability Act of 2007 S. 991 by DURBIN (D-IL), Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007 S. 1228 by DURBIN (D-IL), Campus Law Enforcement Emergency Response Act of 2007 S. 1230 by DODD (D-CT), providing a refundable credit for contributions to education savings plans S. 1262 by ENZI (R-WY), Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act S. 1231 by REED (D-RI), Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2007 S. 1348 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation S. 1360 by DOLE (R-NC), Higher Education Affordability, Access, and Opportunity Act of 2007 S. 1401 by ENZI (R-WY), Student Financial Aid Data Privacy Protection Act S. 1501 by BAYH (D-IN), legislation consolidating current higher education incentives into a single credit S. 1642 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Higher Education Amendments of 2007 S. 1704 by KENNEDY (D-MA), First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 S. 1710 by HARKIN (D-IA), FY 08 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill S. 1762 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Higher Education Access Act of 2007 S. 1787 by CLINTON (D-NY), Rural Students College, Career, and Community Readiness Act of 2007 S. 1794 by BAYH (D-IN), Interest Relief Act S. 1822 by BAYH (D-IN), Interest Relief Act S. 1830 by BAYH (D-IN), Interest Relief Act S. 1836 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 S. 1920 by REID (D-NV), Getting Retention and Diplomas Up Among Today's Enrolled Students Act (GRADUATES Act) S. 2230 by BIDEN (D-DE), Nursing Education Opportunities Act S. 2246 by COLEMAN (R-MN), Veterans Upward Bound Improvement Act S. 2258 by KENNEDY (D-MA), Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 S. 2303 by BURR (R-NC), a bill to amend section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding the definition of economic hardship S. 2371 by KENNEDY (D-MA), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make technical corrections S. 2444 by MURRAY (D-WA), a bill to direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to establish and evaluate sustainability programs, charged with developing and implementing integrated environmental, economic, and social sustainability initiatives, and to direct the Secretary of Education to convene a summit of higher education experts in the area of sustainability S. 2580 by BROWN (D-OH), College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2008 S. 2594 by SCHUMER (D-NY), a bill to amend Title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding institution financial aid offer form requirements S. 2677 by BROWN (D-OH), a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs for the provision of services and support to veterans who are students at such institutions, and for other purposes S. 2732 by McCASKILL (D-MO), Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 S. 2733 by KENNEDY (D-MA), a bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 S. 2767 - by DODD (D-CT), a bill to provide for judicial discretion regarding suspensions of student eligibility under section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 H.R. 5 by MILLER (D-CA), College Student Relief Act of 2007 H.R. 193 by PAUL (R-TX), Make College Affordable Act of 2007 H.R. 472 by MCKEON (R-CA), College Affordability and Transparency Act of 2007 H.R. 530 by LYNCH (D-MA), The Military Educational Parity Act of 2007 H.R. 594 by PASCRELL (D-NJ), Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2007 H.R. 596 by WU (D-OR), Higher Education Partnership Act H.R. 597 by WU (D-OR), Higher Education Amendment Act H.R. 601 by BIGGERT (R-IL), Homeless Youth Inclusion Act H.R. 642 by TUBBS-JONES (D-OH), Dormitory Fire Prevention Act H.R. 678 by HOLT (D-NJ), Foreign Language Improvement Act H.R. 686 by POMEROY (D-ND), making the tuition deduction permanent H.R. 747 by BAIRD (D-WA), to establish a National Foreign Language Coordination Council H.R. 773 by MCCOLLUM (D-MN), Diploma Integrity Protection Act of 2007 H.R. 890 by MILLER (D-CA), Student Loan Sunshine Act H.R. 1010 by MILLER (D-CA), Student Aid Reward Act of 2007 H.R. 1051 by HOLT (D-NJ), Scholarship Information Act H.R. 1058 by PAUL (R-TX), Hope Scholarship Credit Tax Expansion Act H.R. 1102 by SNYDER (D-AR), Improving Education for Reserves Act H.R. 1124 by DAVIS (R-VA), Extending the District of Columbia College Access Act H.R. 1407 by ENGLISH (R-PA), Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2007 H.R. 1419 by POMEROY (D-ND), Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007 H.R. 1437 by BURTON (R-IN), legislation extending the tuition deduction for higher education expenses H.R. 1635 by GUITEREZ (R-IL), Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation H.R. 1641 by SNYDER (D-AR), Montgomery GI Bill Integration Act of 2007 H.R. 1689 by KELLER (R-FL), Curb Illegal Downloading on College Campuses Act of 2007 H.R. 1994 by MCKEON (R-CA), Financial Aid Accountability and Transparency Act of 2007 H.R. 2272 by GORDON (D-TN), 21st Century Competitiveness Act of 2007 H.R. 2458 by EMANUEL (D-IL, to consolidate the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax credits and the tuition deduction into a single credit H.R. 2559 by MILLER (D-CA), First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 H.R. 2669 by MILLER (D-CA), Higher Education Reconciliation Act H.R. 2690 by TIERNEY (D-MA), College Affordability and Accountability Act H.R. 2782 by REHBERG (R-MT), legislation extending the tuition deduction for higher education expenses H.R. 3031 by INSLEE (D-WA), Advanced Design in Energy for Living Efficiently Act of 2007 H.R. 3043 by OBEY (D-WI), FY 08 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill H.R. 3091 by WOOLSEY (D-CA), Patsy T. Mink Fellowship Act of 2007 H.R. 3122 by MILLER (D-CA), Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 H.R. 3209 by DeLAURO (D-CT), Teachers Professional Development Institutes Act H.R. 3242 by McMORRIS-RODGERS (R-WA), Strengthening America's Innovation and Competitiveness Act H.R. 3317 by FATTAH (D-PA), GEAR UP Enhancement Act of 2007 H.R. 3378 by BAIRD (D-WA), to establish a demonstration loan program for nontraditional students H.R. 3414 by KLINE (R-MN), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend eligibility for Federal TRIO programs to members of the reserve components serving on active duty in support of contingency operations H.R. 3418 by LEVIN (D-MI), making Sec. 127 employer-provided education assistance permanent H.R. 3441by SARBANES (D-MD), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize competitive grants to train school principals in instructional leadership skills and to promote the incorporation of standards of instructional leadership into State-level principal certification licensure H.R. 3450 by YARMUTH (D-KY), to provide grants to universities and colleges for the development of student success services that will improve college persistence and prepare students for the workplace H.R. 3512 by CARSON (D-IN), to ensure that college textbooks and supplemental materials are available and affordable H.R. 3566 by KLINE (R-MN), to permanently extend the waiver authority of the Secretary under the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 H.R. 3597 by McCARTHY (D-NY), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to create a capitation grant program to increase the number of nurses and graduate educated nurse faculty to meet the future need for qualified nurses, and for other purposes H.R. 3625 by SESTAK (D-PA), to make permanent the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency H.R. 3631 by YARMUTH (D-KY), to authorize the establishment of a National Center for Learning Science and Technology Trust Fund H.R. 3634 by CLEAVER (D-MO), to establish and determine the eligibility of individuals for a loan forgiveness program for professional engineers in order to provide incentives for engineers currently employed and engineering students and other students pursuing or considering pursuing a degree in science, technology and engineering, and for the support of students pursuing such secondary and postsecondary education H.R. 3637 by BLUMENAUER, (D-OR), to direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to establish and evaluate sustainability programs, charged with developing and implementing integrated environmental, economic and social sustainability initiatives, and to direct the Secretary of Education to convene a summit of higher education experts in the area of sustainability H.R. 3661by McCARTHY (D-NY), to conduct one or more higher education and career readiness demonstration projects for rural, low-income students H.R. 3675 by HUNTER (R-CA), to prohibit Federal grants to or contracts with Columbia University H.R. 3746 by McKEON (R-CA), to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965 H.R. 3748 by DAVIS (D-CA), to amend the Federal Direct Loan Program to provide that interest shall not accrue on Federal Direct Loans for active duty service members H.R. 3763 by LOEBSACK (D-IA), to award competitive grants to eligible partnerships to enable the partnerships to implement innovative strategies at the secondary school level to improve student achievement and prepare at-risk students for postsecondary education and the workforce H.R. 3780 by EDWARDS (D-TX), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require a State to charge in-State tuition rates to active-duty members of the Armed Forces domiciled or stationed on active duty in that State and to the dependents of such members H.R. 3927 by MILLER (D-CA), Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 H.R. 3946 by JEFFERSON (D-LA), to provide for a temporary waiver under Part B of Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for undergraduate historically black colleges and universities located in an area affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster H.R. 3996 by RANGEL (D-NY), Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 H.R. 4001 by BOUSTANY (R-LA), to amend Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to expand the nurse student loan program, to establish grant programs to address the nursing shortage, to amend Title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a nurse faculty pilot project, and for other purposes H.R 4046 by ALTMIRE (D-PA), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to accept certifications of permanent and total disability by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of student loan discharge H.R. 4075 by COURTNEY (D-CT), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand college access and increase college persistence, and for other purposes H.R. 4137 by MILLER (D-CA), The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 H.R. 4139 by SPACE (D-OH), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve participation in higher education of, and increase opportunities in employment for, residents of rural areas H.R. 4152 by SARBANES (D-MD), to provide loan forgiveness under the Federal Perkins Loan program for Federal, State and local firefighters H.R. 4153 by MILLER (D-CA), to make certain technical corrections and transition amendments to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act H.R. 4154 by MILLER (D-CA), to increase the insurance limitations on Federal insurance for bonds issued by the designated bonding authority for Historically Black Colleges and Universities capital financing H.R. 4165 by SCOTT (D-VA), to provide grants to encourage and enhance the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education H.R. 4216 by DAVIS (D-IL), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grant programs to enhance the access of low-income black students to higher education H.R. 4217 by DAVIS (D-IL), to study the access to and success in education of minority males, including high school graduation and college participation H.R. 4344 by WALBERG (R-MI), to amend Section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding the definition of economic hardship H.R. 4459 by SHADEGG (R-AZ), to amend Section 404 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to allow public institutions of higher education to use the employment eligibility confirmation system established under that Section to verify immigration status for purposes of determining eligibility for in-State tuition H.R. 5143 by HINOJOSA (D-TX), securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act of 2008 H.R. 5157 by FRANK (D-MA), to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal the provisions prohibiting persons convicted of drug offenses from receiving student financial assistance H.R. 5474 by MITCHELL (D-AZ), Student Veterans Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008

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

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.

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve Veterans Benefits. S.22,S.225,S326,S384,S644,S935,S1063,S1315,S1326,S1606, HR23,HR92,HR657,HR760,HR843,HR1211,HR1214,HR1585,HR1589,HR1641,HR1927,HR2247,HR2385,HR2682 HR2702,HR2910,HR3026,HR3393,HR4986

Client expense: $850,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

H.R. 530, LYNCH (D-MA), The Military Educational Parity Act of 2007 H.R. 594, PASCRELL (D-NJ), Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2007 H.R. 596, WU (D-OR), Higher Education Partnership Act H.R. 597, WU (D-OR), Higher Education Amendment Act H.R. 601, BIGGERT (R-IL), Homeless Youth Inclusion Act H.R. 642, TUBBS-JONES (D-OH),Dormitory Fire Prevention Act H.R. 678, HOLT (D-NJ), Foreign Language Improvement Act H.R. 686, POMEROY (D-ND), legislation extending the tuition deduction for higher education expenses H.R. 747, BAIRD (D-WA), to establish a National Foreign Language Coordination Council H.R. 773, MCCOLLUM (D-MN), Diploma Integrity Protection Act of 2007 H.R. 890, MILLER (D-CA), Student Loan Sunshine Act H.R. 990, MILLER (D-CA), Pell Grant Equity Act of 2007 H.R. 1010, MILLER (D-CA), Student Aid Reward Act of 2007 H.R. 1051, HOLT (D-NJ), Scholarship Information Act H.R. 1058, PAUL (R-TX), Hope Scholarship Credit Tax Expansion Act H.R. 1102, SNYDER (D-AR), Improving Education for Reserves Act H.R. 1124, DAVIS (R-VA), Extending the District of Columbia College Access Act H.R. 1407, ENGLISH (R-PA), Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2007 H.R. 1419, POMEROY (D-ND), Public Good IRA Rollove H.R. 1437, BURTON (R-IN), legislation extending the tuition deduction for higher education expenses H.R. 1635, GUITEREZ (R-IL), Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation H.R. 1641, SNYDER (D-AR), Montgomery GI Bill Integration Act of 2007 H.R. 1689, KELLER (R-FL), Curb Illegal Downloading on College Campuses Act of 2007 H.R. 1994, MCKEON (R-CA), Financial Aid Accountability and Transparency Act of 2007 H.R. 2272, GORDON (D-TN), 21st Century Competitiveness Act of 2007 H.R. 2458, EMANUEL (D-IL), legislation consolidating current higher education incentives into a single tax credit H.R. 2559, MILLER (D-CA), First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 H.R. 2669, MILLER (D-CA), Higher Education Reconciliation Act H.R. 2690, TIERNEY (D-MA), College Affordability and Accountability Act H.R. 2782, REHBERG (R-MT), legislation extending the tuition deduction for higher education expenses H.R. 3043, OBEY (D-WI), FY 08 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill S. 354, LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2007 S. 359, KENNEDY (D-MA), Student Debt Relief Act of 2007 S. 360, BINGAMAN (D-NM), Hope Scholarship Expansion Act S. 451, AKAKA (D-HI), to establish a National Foreign Language Coordination Council S. 486, KENNEDY (D-MA), Student Loan Sunshine Act S. 572, KENNEDY (D-MA), Student Aid Reward Act of 2007 S. 638, PRYOR (D-AR), Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Grants Act S. 644, LINCOLN (D-AR), Improving Education for Reserves Act S. 707, BOXER (D-CA), Pell Grant Equity Act of 2007 S. 761, REID (D-NV), America Competes Act S. 819, DORGAN (D-ND), Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007 S. 833, COLEMAN (R-MN), COMPETE Act of 2007 S. 851, SCHUMER (D-NY), legislation consolidating current higher education incentives into a single credit S. 939, REED (D-RI), Financial Aid Form Simplification and Access Act S. 945, DURBIN (D-IL), College Textbook Affordability Act of 2007 S. 991, DURBIN (D-IL), Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007 S. 1228, DURBIN (D-IL), Campus Law Enforcement Emergency Response Act of 2007 S. 1230, DODD (D-CT), providing a refundable credit for contributions to education savings plans S. 1262, ENZI (R-WY), Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act S. 1231, REED (D-RI), Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2007 S. 1348, KENNEDY (D-MA), Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation S. 1360, DOLE (R-NC), Higher Education Affordability, Access, and Opportunity Act of 2007 S. 1401, ENZI (R-WY), Student Financial Aid Data Privacy Protection Act S. 1501, BAYH (D-IN), legislation consolidating current higher education incentives into a single credit S. 1642, KENNEDY (D-MA), Higher Education Amendments of 2007 S. 1704, KENNEDY (D-MA), First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 S. 1710, HARKIN (D-IA), FY 08 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill S. 1762, KENNEDY (D-MA), Higher Education Access Act of 2007 H.R. 5, MILLER (D-CA), College Student Relief Act of 2007 H. J. Res. 20, OBEY (D-WI), FY2008 Continuing Resolution H. J. Res. 81, WU (D-OR), House Resolution on Increasing Pell Grants H. Con. Res. 99, SPRATT (D-SC), FY 08 Budget Resolution H.R. 193, PAUL (R-TX), Make College Affordable Act of 2007 H.R. 472, MCKEON (R-CA), College Affordability and Transparency Act of 2007 S. 7, Reid (D-NV)-College Opportunity Act of 2007 S. Con. Res. 21, Conrad (D-ND)-FY 08 Budget Resolution S. 282, Durbin (D-IL)-College Student Relief Act of 2007 S. 343, Voinovich (R-OH)-D.C. College Access Extension Act

Lobbied to increase the time all veterans returning from Iraq and Afhganistan qualify for VA care from 2 to 5 years Lobbied to improve the speed and acuracy of VA claims adjudication; Lobbied in support of yearly COLA HR1284; Lobbied on behald NG & R Montgomery GI Bill to be under the jurisdiction of USC Chapter 38 S644 Lobbied to lower the age that DIC recepients may remarry and retain DIC payments from the present 57 years to 55 years old. HR 704 Lobbied on behalf of gaining veterans status for National Guard longevity retirees (military retirees) who do not qualify for veterans status Lobbied in opposition to proposed increases in co-payments and creation of enrollemt fee for veterans enrolled in the VA in Categories 7 and 8 Lobbied adequate funding for VA healthcare HR2642

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

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

members; Lobbied to end immediately all limitations for service connected disabled military retirees to receive both their full military retired pay and their VA disability pay regardless of the VA disability rating, whether the retiree is a longevity retiree, a Chapter 61 retiree, or a TERA retiree. Supported many bills to end this practice including HR333, HR303, S986, HR1436, S439 and HR89; Lobbied to improve benefits for the National Guard and Reserve, active, retired, their dependents and survivors including: improve retirement benefits including lowering the age when retired pay may begin to be collected S684 and HR1428; Lobbied to improve the education benefits for the Active Duty National Guard and Reserve S22. And to transfer the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill from DOD jurisdiction to VA jurisdiction S644, HR1641 Lobbied to improve medical treatment for our returning Wounded Warriors ( numerous provisions now included in S1606 and sections 101-501 in S1547) Lobbied to improve benefits for survivors of military personnel who died on active duty or as a result of service connected disability: by ending the dollar for dollar offset of DOD's Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) by payment of VA's Disability Indemity Compensation (DIC) S935, HR1927 and HR704 Lobbied to move up paid up provision of SBP to October 1, 2007 Included in S935 and HR1927 and stand alone in HR784 Lobbied to improve TRICARE Program by waiving Medicare B Payments for TRICARE for Life for military retirees who entered the military prior to December 7, 1956 HR1223; allow military retirees to opt out of TRICARE for Life and into FEHBP while retaining TRICARE Pharmacy benefits HR1222, Lobbied to improve the Former Spouse Protection Act; Lobbied in support of emergency defense supplemental HR2206 Lobbyed in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (HR1585) and (S1547) which may include many of the following issues: TRICARE to stop the proposed enrollment fee and co-pays for military retirees under the age of 65 and their dependents and survivors in TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard; lobbying against proposals to increase co-pays for TRICARE Pharmacy plan for all pharmacy beneficiaries except active duty

S 604- Military Health Care Protection Act; S 644/HR 1102- Total Force GI Bill; HR 1534- Lane Evans Veterans Health & Benefits HR 1268- The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act; HR 2239- Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act; HR 690- reduces retirement age for non-regular service from 60 to 55; S 1005- Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act; S 1271- Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight Act; S 1283/HR 1538- Wounder Warrior Assistance Act; S 455- Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act; S 589- transfers Federal property for use by United States Paralympics

Client expense: $29,712 · Firm income: Not reported

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