Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-3705
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Introduced: 2017-09-07 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Debt collection
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Postal service
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-07
text: 

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

 
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require that certified mail be used: (1) to send a veteran any debt demand or debt information notification concerning collection of debts resulting from the veteran's participation in a VA benefit or home loan program, and (2) by a veteran to request a collection waiver from the VA. 
 
A VA debt demand shall explain in plain language why the debtor owes money to the VA, and a VA debt notification shall include in plain language options available to the debtor.

action_date: 2017-11-07
text: 

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options.
 
The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election.
 
The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts. 
 

action_date: 2017-11-08
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 7, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
 

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options.
 
The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election.
 
The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-11-09
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll no. 621). (text: 11/7/2017 CR H8561)
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll no. 621).(text: 11/7/2017 CR H8561)
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8643)
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3705.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8561-8562)
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-397.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-397.
action_date: 2017-11-02
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2017-11-02
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2017-09-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-09-07
text: Introduced in House