Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

Bill: 117-hr-4601
Sponsor: Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Introduced: 2021-07-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Aging
Congressional oversight
Emergency communications systems
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health care coverage and access
Indian social and development programs
Mental health
Performance measurement
State and local government operations
Telephone and wireless communication
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-21
text: 

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs.
 
Specifically, the VA may provide grants to states to (1) implement or enhance outreach activities or activities to assist in the development and submittal of claims for veterans, or (2) increase the number of county or tribal veterans service officers in the state.
 
The VA must prioritize awarding grants in areas with a critical shortage of county or tribal veterans service officers, areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and areas with high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line.
 

action_date: 2022-12-01
text: 

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs. 
 
Specifically, the VA may provide grants to states and tribes to (1) implement or enhance outreach activities; (2) increase the number of county or tribal veterans service officers in the state or tribe; or (3) expand, implement, or otherwise enhance existing programs and services of the existing state or tribal organization that is recognized by the VA in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits through representatives who hold positions as county or tribal veterans service officers.
 
The VA must prioritize awarding grants in areas with a critical shortage of county or tribal veterans service officers, areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and areas with high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line.
 
The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through February 10, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.
 
During FY2024-FY2028, the VA is authorized to hire two or more additional full-time equivalent employees in the VA's Office of General Counsel to carry out duties under the accreditation, discipline, and fees program.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-12-05
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2022-12-01
text: Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 4601, as amended; H.R. 4772, as amended; H.R. 4899; H.R. 5943, as amended; H.R. 7158, as amended; H.R. 8203; H.R. 9308; and S. 3825; and the following resolutions were agreed to under suspension of the rules: H. Res. 744, as amended; and H. Res. 922, as amended. (consideration: CR H8696-8700; text: CR H8696-8697)
action_date: 2022-12-01
text: Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 4601, as amended; H.R. 4772, as amended; H.R. 4899; H.R. 5943, as amended; H.R. 7158, as amended; H.R. 8203; H.R. 9308; and S. 3825; and the following resolutions were agreed to under suspension of the rules: H. Res. 744, as amended; and H. Res. 922, as amended.
action_date: 2022-12-01
text: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1499, proceedings on H.R. 4601 are considered vacated.
action_date: 2022-11-29
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: 2022-11-29
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4601.
action_date: 2022-11-29
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8602-8604; text: CR H8602-8603)
action_date: 2022-11-29
text: Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2022-09-21
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2022-09-21
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2022-09-20
text: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
action_date: 2021-10-20
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2021-09-08
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2021-07-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-07-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-07-21
text: Introduced in House