WILLIAM MCCABE

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Contacted HASC and SASC on NDAA activities and programs -- TRICARE related matters including new contract requirements, DHA efforts on other insurance options and personnel related items concerning Guard and Reserve issues. Also addressed issues like concurrent receipt HR 303 and HR 333, SBP/DIC offset HR 553 and S. 622. Signer of letter urging SASC and HASC to carefully proceed with eliminating 18,000 medical billets at DOD as well as calling for a GAO study of DOD efforts to consolidate the Commissary and Exchange entities.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.

Meetings with SVAC and HVAC members and staff on VA Budget and other legislation. Congressional testimony to Committees in March outlining TREA legislative priorities and working to hold VA accountable to meet the requirements of and to implement three major reforms: 1) Community Care Program -- MISSION Act; Furnished comments on VA Regulations 2) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) PL 115-55; and 3) Forever GI Bill PL 115-48. Our testimony will also address the following: 1) Women Veterans support for increased services and funding; 2) Navy Blue Water Veterans - HR 299; 3) CHAMPVA at 26 S.1034 and HR 2094 extends coverage to children to age 26; and 4) Survivor Financial Benefits Concurrent Receipt HR 333 and 303 and SBP/DIC Offset HR 553 and S.622. S.785 Cmdr Scott Hannon Act landmark bill signed into law Oct 17 2020, on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. S.4393 -- Toxic Exposure in American Military (TEAM Act) SVAC cleared for full Senate September 2020. Additional efforts included lobbying Department of Education on Higher Education Act issues and follow up on GAO/OIG recommendations to VA and Education on predatory lending practices by institutions of higher learning (90/10 rule). Letters signed and meeting with CFPB staff regarding educational loans and predatory lending practices of for profit institutions. Social Security Tax issues and impact on Veterans HR 860 and S 269 would boost SS benefits, reduce taxes and strengthen the financing of the SS program. Kiddie Tax issue -- children of deceased veterans being taxed at a higher rate as a consequence of tax reform bill now corrected in HR 1994. VA Home Loan Program issues and user fees to support and fund program, comments on VA regulations regarding Refinancing of VA Loans and potential of institutions to take advantage of veterans Review of VA Budget request and monitoring of House and Senate Action -- HR 2075 --The VAs discretionary total, $94.3 billion, would be $7.77 billion more than the fiscal 2019 enacted level and $1.32 billion more than requested. Most discretionary funding for fiscal 2020, $75.6 billion, was provided in advance under a fiscal 2019 minibus (Public Law 115-244). Health-Care Programs Advance Funding: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) would receive $93.3 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for fiscal 2021. Advance funding for VHA programs would also be included. Funding Highlights: Medical programs for veterans would include the following amounts, according to the committee report: $9.45 billion for mental health, $30 million more than requested. That would include $221.8 million for suicide prevention outreach. $7.47 billion to treat homeless veterans and $1.86 billion, $40 million more than requested, for other homeless veterans assistance programs. $840 million for medical and prosthetic research, rejecting the presidents request to reduce funding. $705.2 million to support caregivers of veterans. $581.5 million, $35 million more than requested, to treat female veterans. $396.9 million for opioid abuse treatment and prevention. $270 million for rural health. Community Care: Community care would get a boost as the department implements the VA MISSION Act (Public Law 115-182), which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The bill includes $4.52 billion in additional fiscal 2020 funds for community care, which would be combined with $10.8 billion in advance funding provided in fiscal 2019. It wouldnt adjust the spending caps to make more room for community care funding, as some Democrats have requested. Health-Care Policies: The bill includes policy provisions, most of which are repeated from previous spending laws, that would: Let eligible veterans receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses. Unlike in previous laws, the authority would be made permanent under the measure. Require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the departments toll-free suicide hotline. Bar the use of funds for certain kinds of canine medical research. Bar the use of funds for any activity that would increase veterans wait times at VA medical facilities. Bar the use of funds to replace or diminish the quality of care provided by TRICARE, the health-care system for military personnel and their dependents. Extend a pilot program to provide child care services to eligible veterans while they receive mental health treatment at a VA facility. No funds could be provided to a child care center with an employee whos been convicted of a sex offense, an offense involving a child victim, or specified violent crimes.