Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

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

Client expense: $6,800 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Veterans Employment & Training Service

Support for S. 597 and H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act.

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 1016 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act of 2009 HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act S 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S 423 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 S 543 - Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 HR 2342 - Wounded Warrior Family Project Care Giver Act of 2009 HR 3082 - The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2010 S 801 - Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009 HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009; sections relating to veterans and the Veterans Administration HR 3590 - The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act; sections relating to veterans and the Veterans Administration S 728 - Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

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

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

HR 1016 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act of 2009 HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act S 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S 423 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 S 543 - Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 HR 2342 - Wounded Warrior Family Project Care Giver Act of 2009 HR 3082 - The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2010 S 801 - Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009 HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009; sections relating to veterans and the Veterans Administration HR 3590 - The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act; sections relating to veterans and the Veterans Administration S 728 - Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

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

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

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

See page five for specific Health Care issues. H. R. 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 H. R. 914 - Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 H. R. 1678 - Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2009 H. R. 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1213 - Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2009 H. R. 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2350 - Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2251/S. 973 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009 H. R. 2844/S. 1249/H. R. 3074 - Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. H.R. 2718/S. 1110/S. 1380 - Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 S. 733- National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 S. 330 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 S. 179 - Health Information Technology Act of 2009 S. 717 - 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act

Client expense: $59,412 · Firm income: Not reported

See page seven for specific Veterans' issues. H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Client expense: $59,412 · Firm income: Not reported

See page seven for specific Veterans' issues. H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Client expense: $32,952 · Firm income: Not reported

See page five for specific Health Care issues. H. R. 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 H. R. 914 - Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 H. R. 1678 - Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2009 H. R. 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1213 - Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2009 H. R. 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2350 - Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2251/S. 973 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009 H. R. 2844/S. 1249/H. R. 3074 - Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. H.R. 2718/S. 1110/S. 1380 - Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 S. 733- National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 S. 330 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 S. 179 - Health Information Technology Act of 2009 S. 717 - 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act

Client expense: $32,952 · Firm income: Not reported

See page seven for specific Veterans' issues. H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Client expense: $59,412 · Firm income: Not reported

See page five for specific Health Care issues. H. R. 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 H. R. 914 - Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 H. R. 1678 - Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2009 H. R. 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1213 - Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2009 H. R. 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2350 - Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2251/S. 973 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009 H. R. 2844/S. 1249/H. R. 3074 - Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. H.R. 2718/S. 1110/S. 1380 - Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 S. 733- National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 S. 330 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 S. 179 - Health Information Technology Act of 2009 S. 717 - 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act

Client expense: $59,412 · Firm income: Not reported

S.252 Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S.263 Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 S.274 Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act of 2009 S.315 Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 S.423 Advanced Approps S.459 SUPPORT for Substance Use Disorders ActSupporting Uniformed Personnel by Providing Oversight and Relevant Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Act S.475 Military Spouses Residency Relief Act S.498 A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes. S.514 Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009 S.535 A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes. S.543 Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S.559 A bill to provide benefits under the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program for certain periods before the implementation of the program. S.597 Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S.658 Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S.669 Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act S.699 Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 S.711 Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 S.728 Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009 S.731 A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. S.734 Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 S.772 Honor Act of 2009 S.801 Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009 S.831 National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009 S.842 A bill to repeal the sunset of certain enhancements of protections of servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay mortgage holders unpaid bala S.847 Education Benefits for Survivors who Enlist S.902 SERV ActServices, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act S.944 Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 S.1026Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 S.1106Selected Reserve Continuum of Care Act S.1415Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act S.1467Lance Corporal Josef Lopez Fairness for Servicemembers Harmed by Vaccines Act of 2009 S.1495Service Dogs for Veterans Act of 2009 S.1668National Guard Education Equality Act H.R.32Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 H.R.270TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009 H.R.294Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009 H.R.466Wounded Veteran Job Security Act H.R.593To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to cove H.R.613Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act H.R.620Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 H.R.775To repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans dependency and indemnity compensation. H.R.784To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress quarterly reports on vacancies in mental health professional positions in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. H.R.785To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide outreach and training to certain college and university mental health centers relating to the mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring F H.R.819To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999, under the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of d H.R.950To amend chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to increase educational assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. H.R.952COMBAT PTSD ActCompensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act H.R.1016Advance Approps H.R.1036Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 H.R.1098Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 H.R.1169To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and automobiles and adapted equipment. H.R.1182Military Spouses Residency Relief Act H.R.1211Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act H.R.1308Veterans Mental Health Screening and Assessment Act H.R.1336Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2009 H.R.1401VET Corps Act of 2009 H.R.1474Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 H.R.1633Honor the WISH ActHonor the Written Intent of our Soldier Heroes Act H.R.2058Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 H.R.2393Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 H.R.2416To require the Department of Veterans Affairs to use purchases of goods or services through the Federal supply schedules for the purpose of meeting certain contracting goals for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, including veterans with service-connected disabilities. H.R.2419Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act H.R.2456Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2009VETS Act of 2009 H.R.2547Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act H.R.2562Service Members Home Ownership Act of 2009 H.R.2614Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009 H.R.2696Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act H.R.2825Safety in Defense Contracting Act H.R.2874Helping Active Duty Deployed Act of 2009 H.R.2879Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 H.R.2928To amend title 38, United State Code, to provide for an apprenticeship and on-job training program under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program. H.R.2931To direct the Secretary of Defense to adopt a program of professional and confidential screenings for members of the armed forces on active duty to detect mental health conditions for the purpose of reducing the incidence of suicide among such members and H.R.3223To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting goals and preferences for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. H.R.3267To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide relief with respect to the children of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who die as a result of service in a combat zone. H.R.3337Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009 H.R.3441To provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system, and for other purposes. H.R.3467Veterans Education Enhancement and Fairness Act of 2009 H.R.3554National Guard Education Equality Act H.R.3561To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training. H.R.3577Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 H.R.3579To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of the reporting fees payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

HR 1016 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act S 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S 423 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act S 543 - Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 HR 2342 - Wounded Warrior Family Project Care Giver Act of 2009 HR 3082 - The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2010 S 801 - Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009 HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

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

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

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

Improving survivor benefits for widoes of deceased veterans and to restore and improve veterans benefits. S. 423, S. 546, S. 535, S. 801, S. 407, S. 728, S. 597, S. 734, S. 484, S. 728, S. 623, S. 1390, H.R. 1016, H.R. 2243, H.R. 1522, H.R. 1804, H.R. 1633, H.R. 775, H.R. 1982, H.R. 2647, H.R. 1701, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1089, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1211, H.R. 952, H.R. 2647, H.R. 2505, H.R. 809, H.R. 1256, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1474, H. Res. 225

Client expense: $609,696 · Firm income: Not reported

See page six for specific Health Care issues. H. R. 914 - Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 H. R. 1678 - Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2009 H. R. 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1213 - Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2009 H. R. 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2350 - Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2251/S. 973 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009 H. R. 2844/S. 1249/H. R. 3074 - Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 733- National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 S. 330 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 S. 179 - Health Information Technology Act of 2009 S. 717 - 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 Affordable Health Choices Act

Client expense: $17,638 · Firm income: Not reported

See page eight for specific Veterans' issues. H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Client expense: $17,638 · Firm income: Not reported

See page eight for specific Veterans' issues. H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Client expense: $72,555 · Firm income: Not reported

See page six for specific Health Care issues. H. R. 914 - Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 H. R. 1678 - Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2009 H. R. 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 H. R. 1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 H. R. 84 - Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act H. R. 1213 - Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2009 H. R. 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2350 - Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 H. R. 2251/S. 973 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009 H. R. 2844/S. 1249/H. R. 3074 - Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 H. R. 1377 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. S. 733- National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 S. 330 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 S. 179 - Health Information Technology Act of 2009 S. 717 - 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act S. 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S. 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 658 - Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 S. 734 - Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 Affordable Health Choices Act

Client expense: $72,555 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 147, the "Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund" H.R. 228, the "Visual Improvement and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Education Assistance Program" H.R. 297, the "Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improve Act of 2009" H.R. 446, the "Wounded Veteran Job Security Act" H.R. 784, a bill to require the VA to provide quarterly reports on vacancies in the mental health profession H.R. 785/S. 597, the "Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act" H.R. 929, a bill to provide for job training skills relevant to the job market for qualified veterans H.R. 942, a bill to conduct a pilot project to allow veterans to use educational assistance to apply to training costs when purchasing a franchise H.R. 950, a bill to increase educational assistance for certain veterans H.R. 1016/S. 423, the "Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act" (Advance appropriations for VA Health Care) H.R. 1037, a bill to establish a pilot program that will expand the current scope of the work-study program H.R. 1088, the "Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009" H.R. 1098, the "Veterans' Worker Retaining Act of 2009" H.R. 1168, the "Veterans' Retraining Act of 2009" H.R. 1171, the "Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009" H.R. 1172, a bill that directs the VA to include on its internet website a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their surviors H.R. 1197, the "Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009" H.R. 1302, a bill to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services at VA H.R. 1335/S821, a bill to eliminate co-payments for catastropically disabled veterans H.R. 1546, the "Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009" H.R. 1821, the "Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009" H.R. 1879, the "National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009" H.R. 2180, a bill to waive housing loan fees for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active service H.R. 2713, "Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act" H.R. 2379, the "Veterans Group Life Insurance Imporovements Act of 2009" H.R. 2734, the "Health Care for Family Caregivers Act of 2009" H.R. 2738, a bill to proved travel expenses for family caregivers accompanying veterans to medical treatment facilities H.R. 2774, the "Families of Veterans Financial Security Act of 2009" H.R. 2770, the "Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009" H.R. 2879/S. 658, the "Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009" H.R. 2898, the "Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act" H.R. 2968, a bill to eliminate the required reduction in the amount of the accelerated death benefit payable to certain terminally-ill persons insured under SGLI an VGLI S. 226, a bill to desigante the Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic S. 239, the "Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009" S. 246, the Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act" S. 252, the "Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009" S. 263, the Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009" S. 315, the Veterans Outreach Improve Act of 2009" S. 347 S. 362, a bill to improve collective bargaining rights and prcedures for VA employees S. 404, the "Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009" S. 407, the "Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009" S. 475, the "Military Spouses Residency Relief Act" S. 498, a bill to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents S. 509, a bill to authorize a VA medical facility in Walla Walla Washington S. 514, the "Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009" S. 543, the "Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009" S. 663, the "Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II" S. 669, the "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act" S. 691, to establish a national cemetery in Southern Colorado S. 699, the "Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009" S. 728, the "Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009" S. 734, the "Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009" S. 746, to establish a national cemetery in Sarpy County, Nebraska S. 772, the "Honor Act of 2009" S. 793, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009" S. 801, the "Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009" S. 820, the "Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009" S. 842 S. 847

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

Client expense: $220,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

HR 1016 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act S 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S 423 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act S 543 - Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 HR 2342 - Wounded Warrior Family Project Care Giver Act of 2009 HR 3082 - The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2010 S 801 - Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY GOALS FOR VETERANS -- January 28, 2009 -- before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs--our views and concerns on this years legislative priority goals for veterans. #16. Specific lobbying issues. VAs BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 -- March 10, 2009 before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Independent Budget (IB): AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, to produce a set of policy and budget recommendations that reflect what we believe would meet the needs of Americas veterans. The VFW is responsible for the construction portion of the Independent Budget. Contacts made on the following legislative initiatives: H.R. 32--McIntyrea bill that is directed towards improving access to outreach services and assistance programs of which veterans and their families deserve. H.R.147--a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax payment to provide assistance to homeless veterans, and for other purposes. H.R.228 --Jackson-Leea bill which would direct the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program aimed at remedying the difficulty in recruiting new graduates of university programs specializing in blind rehabilitation. H.R.297--a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of subsistence allowance payable by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation programs, and other purposes. H.R. 347--Schiffa bill which would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their dedicated service to our nation during World War II. H.R. 394--Browna bill which would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension by up to $1,000. H.R.466--a bill to extend protection from discrimination and acts of reprisal against veterans to include not only those who suffer illnesses, injuries and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the armed forces, but also to those receiving treatment for such service-connected health conditions. H.R. 666--SalazarThe Military Valor Roll of Honor Act. Legislation which will establish and maintain a database containing the names and citations of all members of the armed forces, members of the United States merchant marines, and civilians affiliated with the armed forces who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or any other medal authorized by Congress. H.R. 667--Salazar--legislation which would dramatically improve the delivery of health care for those veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury. H.R. 668--(and S. 307--Senators Crapo and Wyden)--the Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act, a beneficial bill that would exempt the number of beds veterans use at critical access hospitals (CAH) from counting toward the inpatient bed limitation. H.R. 746--Adler--the Safeguarding Americas Seniors and Veterans Act. Legislation which will guarantee veterans and seniors who are not currently working an important and beneficial tax credit of $500 which will help to reduce the strain of financial hardship faced by many veterans in the current economic climate who would not otherwise qualify for the proposed Making Work Pay tax credit. H.R. 784--a bill to require the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to report quarterly to Congress on vacancies in the mental health profession: such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional mental health counselors in the VA. H.R. 785--a bill to establish a pilot program from FY 2010 to 2013 to educate and engage in outreach to college and university mental health centers relating to the mental health of recently separated service members. H.R. 819--Holdena reintroduction of legislation which provides Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits to surviving spouses of former prisoners of war (POW), which also seeks to extend the receipt of DIC benefits to surviving spouses of former POWs who died on or before September 30, 1999 and will ease the financial strain left on survivors of POWs who do not currently qualify for DIC benefits. H.R.929--legislation to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to the job market, and for other purposes. H.R.942--legislation to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot project on the use of educational assistance under programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs to defray training costs associated with the purchase of certain franchise enterprises H.R.950--legislation to amend chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to increase educational assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning. #16. Specific lobbying issues (contd.) H.R. 952--Hall--the Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater (COMBAT) Act, to grant a presumptive service connection to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have actively served in a designated theater of combat. This will relieve the burden faced by many veterans who are forced to prove the events they faced while serving our Nation are the direct cause of their PTSD. H.R. 953--Heller--the Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2009 which would provide for a deduction for travel expenses to VA medical centers in connection with examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities. H.R.1088--legislation to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a one-year period for the training of new disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives by National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute. H.R.1089--legislation to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the enforcement through the Office of Special Counsel of the employment and unemployment rights of veterans and members of the Armed Forces employed by Federal executive agencies, and for other purposes. HR 1169--Boozman--legislation that would amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by VA to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing, automobiles and equipment. H.R.1171--legislation which will amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize a Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Grant ProgramThis important bill and your amendment will improve VA assistance to the homeless so that it better suits the unique needs of women veterans and veterans with children. H.R. 1211--Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act--legislation that would improve benefits and services to female veterans, especially those who have served or are serving in OEF/OIF operations and Section 101, which would require VA to study barriers in providing comprehensive health care for women including: scope of services provided to women, effective outreach, mental health care and gender sensitivity of its health care providers. H.R. 1227--Halvorson--legislation which would waive the time limitations specified by law for the award of certain military decorations in order to allow the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for actions while a member of the Navy during World War II. H.R. 1474--Davis--the Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009, a bill which would strengthen the protections in current law to ensure that servicemembers and veterans employment and reemployment rights are effectively enforced under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). H.R. 1803--Nye-- the Veterans Business Center Act of 2009legislation which would greatly expand the Small Veteran Business Center program within the Small Business Administration to serve as an outlet and resource for veteran business owners. A Draft bill to close existing loopholes in law, allowing VA to cover unmet emergency room treatment for veterans in certain cases which would allow VA to pay for of emergency care for veterans enrolled in VHA under certain cases. It closes a loophole that sticks many veterans unfairly with a large hospital bill. Section 1725 of Title 38 authorizes VA to reimburse veterans for medical expenses related to emergency care at non-VA facilities if the veteran is enrolled and using the VA health care system. This bill allows VA to be a secondary payer in those situations, so the vet will not have to pay out of pocket. Additionally, it removes care accidents where insurance pays out for medical coverage from the list of things that would bar VA from paying for emergency care. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. 263-- Casey--the Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009, legislation which would strengthen the protections in current law to ensure that servicemembers' and veterans' employment and reemployment rights are effectively enforced under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). S. 274 --Baucus--legislation that would provide an employer incentive to hire unemployed veterans. S. 307--Senators Crapo and Wyden (and H.R. 668)--the Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act, a beneficial bill that would exempt the number of beds veterans use at critical access hospitals (CAH) from counting toward the inpatient bed limitation. S. 404--Akaka--the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act--important legislation which would close a loophole in the law that can cost veterans thousands of dollars out of veterans' own pocket when they seek emergency care at non-VA facilities. S. 572--Webb--the Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act, which would designate the Purple Heart stamp as a commemorative "forever" stamp and ensure that the first-class postage stamp never expires or decreases in value. #16. Specific lobbying issues. S. 597-- Murray-- the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act--legislation which would provide enhanced health care benefits to female veterans, especially those who are veterans of the current conflict era. S. 614-- Hutchisonlegislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Force Service Pilots for the honorable service they rendered their country during World War II.

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve Veterans benefits. S.252,S.263,S.423,S.475,S.484,S.597,S.731,S.801 HR32,HR84,HR108,HR190,HR235,HR568,HR667,HR972,HR1016,HR1211,HR1335,HR1377,HR1474,HR1821

Client expense: $368,093 · Firm income: Not reported

Improving survivor benefits for widows of deceased veterans and to restore and improve Veterans benefits. S.252,S.263,S.423,S.475,S.484,S.597,S.731,S.801 HR32,HR84,HR108,HR190,HR235,HR568,HR667,HR972,HR1016,HR1211,HR1335,HR1377,HR1474,HR1821

Client expense: $368,093 · Firm income: Not reported

HR 1016 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act HR 1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act S 252 - Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 S 423 - The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act S 543 - Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 S 597 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations and its delivery of benefits and services to veterans, their dependents and survivors: HR 1818, HR 1388, HR 1377, HR 1335, HR 1211, HR 1203, HR 1197, HR 1171, HR 1017, HR 1016, HR 953, HR 816, HR 811, HR 775, HR 667, HR 612, HR 593, HR 466, HR 456, HR 341, HR 333, HR 303, HR 297, HR 296, HR 295, HR 294, HR 293, H.RES. 261, HR 177, HR 114, HR 108, H.Con. Res 85, HR 32, S 821, S 820, S 801, S 642, S 597, S 423, S 404, S 277, S 252, S.Con.Res. 13

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

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