zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Veterans Benefits and Economic Welfare Improvement Act of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to carry out a joint training program to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to the job market. Makes eligible for such program any veteran who: (1) is not otherwise eligible for education or training services through the VA; (2) has not acquired a marketable skill since being separated or released from military service; (3) was discharged under honorable conditions; and (4) has been unemployed for at least 90 days during the 180-day period preceding program application, or, during such 180-day period, received a maximum hourly pay rate of not more than 150% of the federal minimum wage. Allows for payments to employers for the provision of apprenticeship or on-job training under such program. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the program at the end of FY2016. (Sec. 3) Allows a VA benefits claimant to waive any claim development period upon submission of a fully developed claim, and requires the Secretary to provide expeditious treatment of such a claim. Requires the Secretary to notify a claimant of a non-fully developed claim within 30 days after that determination. Directs the Secretary, in denying a benefit, to include in a notice of that decision any form or application required to appeal the decision. (Sec. 4) Extends the 120-day time limit for the filing of a notice of appeal of a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals for such time as justice may require, upon a showing of good cause. Applies such extension retroactively to final Board decisions issued on or after July 24, 2008. (Sec. 5) Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for VA pension benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses and children: (1) reimbursements for expenses resulting from any accident, theft or loss, or casualty loss, or medical expenses or pain and suffering related to such accidents or losses; and (2) payments of up to $5,000 paid by a state or municipality as a veterans' benefit due to injury or disease. (Sec. 6) Extends through FY2015 VA authority to obtain veterans' income verification information from the Commissioner of Social Security or the Secretary of the Treasury. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to establish the VetStar Award Program to recognize annually businesses for their contribution to veterans' employment. (Sec. 8) Increases from $1,000 to $2,000 the special monthly pension for Medal of Honor recipients. (Sec. 9) Requires the budgetary effects of this Act to be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, provided such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Date: 2010-09-15
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Requires that, if a member of the Armed Forces is being considered for administrative separation, incidents involving the member and information regarding actions of the member occurring more than 10 years before the date of the proceedings may not be taken into consideration, except when: (1) the member consents to the consideration of earlier information; or (2) the information was concealed by the member or another person acting on behalf of the member.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Homelessness Prevention and Early Warning Act of 2010 - Revises federal provisions relating to default procedures for loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, within seven days after receiving notification from a veteran of a defaulted loan so guaranteed, to: (1) provide the veteran with specified financial counseling and advice relating to such foreclosure; (2) notify a VA homelessness case manager of the default; and (3) ensure that such case manager develops a plan to provide alternate housing for the veteran in case of loss of the home.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Back and Spinal Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a two-year pilot program to: (1) provide covered veterans with non-invasive techniques to treat spinal, back, and musculoskeletal injuries and pain; and (2) use an evidence-based medicine framework to assess the effectiveness of such techniques. Includes as a covered veteran one who: (1) has a service-connected spinal, back, or musculoskeletal injury; or (2) is eligible for VA hospital or nursing home care or medical services by reason of active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War. Requires the Secretary, in selecting program participants, to give a preference to veterans who served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn.

Date: 2010-09-23
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Inform All Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), as part of outreach services provided to veterans, to make available at readily accessible locations in VA health care facilities, and to ask each visiting veteran if that veteran wishes to receive, written information concerning: (1) submitting a claim for compensation; (2) establishing a service connection for a disability; and (3) contact information about VA offices that may offer assistance with respect to service-connected disabilities.

Date: 2010-09-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Excludes bonus payments made by a state or political subdivision thereof to a member of the Armed Forces, including a reserve member, on account of military service from consideration as income in determining the member's eligibility (or the member's spouse or family) for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any federal, state, or local program financed in whole or in part with federal funds. Provides that if a bonus payment is paid to another person on behalf of a deceased member, such exclusion shall apply to that recipient. Applies such exclusion retroactively to any bonus paid: (1) during the period beginning on August 2, 1990, and ending on March 3, 1991; and (2) since September 11, 2001.

Date: 2010-09-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Fort McClellan Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

Date: 2010-09-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Makes eligible for burial in a national cemetery any member of the reserves, including the Army or Air National Guard, who performed active duty for training and was discharged or released from such duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Applies to such duty the same minimum service requirements applicable to a period of active duty. Increases from $300 to $500 the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payment for funeral expenses of a veteran who: (1) at the time of death was in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or pension, or was a veteran of any war or was discharged or released from active duty for a disability incurred in the line of duty; or (2) dies in a VA hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care facility.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
National Guard and Reserve Soft Landing Reintegration Act - Requires that a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who was deployed for more than 179 days for a contingency operation or a homeland defense mission be: (1) retained on active duty in the Armed Forces for 45 days after the end of the member's demobilization from a deployment; (2) allowed to use accrued leave; and (3) paid specified pay and allowances. Requires a member requesting an early release from such active duty to be released within 14 days after such request. Allows such request to be denied only for medical or personal safety reasons. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide each member so retained (and, as practicable, appropriate family members) reintegration counseling and services.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veteran Medic Corpsmen Physician Assistant Demonstration Program Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to examine methods of enabling individuals with military medical or health professional work experience to build on such skills by entering into the physician assistant workforce. Outlines study requirements. Requires: (1) the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education with accredited physician assistant programs to carry out demonstration projects under the program; and (2) such institutions to give priority to individuals who serve or have served in the Armed Forces as a paramedic or other similar medical support position.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
MyCAA Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, as one of the programs established by the Department of Defense (DOD) to assist spouses of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, to continue to carry out the current Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program, under which such spouses may receive up to $6,000 in tuition assistance for education and training courses and licensing and credentialing fees. Requires the Secretary to establish such assistance programs. Prohibits the Secretary from restricting MyCAA program participation to spouses of members serving in particular grades.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel button as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Spouses of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act - Entitles to educational assistance under the post-9/11 educational assistance program the surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Allows such spouses 20 years after the member's death to utilize such assistance. Requires individuals entitled to both post-9/11 educational assistance and survivors' and dependents' educational assistance to utilize the post-9/11 educational assistance first.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 relating to the Navy's littoral combat ship program to: (1) increase from 10 to 20 the number of such ships authorized to be procured, including any ship control and weapons systems that the Secretary of the Navy determines necessary for such ships; (2) allow one or more contracts to be entered into for such procurement; and (3) require the government to be permitted to conduct a competition for an additional shipyard for ship construction, to build a design specification for that ship.

Date: 2010-12-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 - Provides for repeal of the current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, to be effective 60 days after the Secretary of Defense has received DOD's comprehensive review on the implementation of such repeal, and the President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) certify to the congressional defense committees that they have considered the report and proposed plan of action, that DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by such repeal, and that implementation of such policies and regulations is consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, and military recruiting and retention. Provides that, until such time as the above conditions are met, the current policy shall remain in effect.

Date: 2010-12-14
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Requires the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers and at the request of a state in which a federal reservoir operated by the Secretary is located, to calculate the aggregate withdrawals of a non-federal entity by subtracting any return flow. Defines "return flow" as a discharge that flows directly or indirectly into a reservoir from a wastewater or water supply system in accordance with applicable federal law, excluding a discharge of storm water that would have flowed into such a reservoir in the absence of a discharge by a non-federal entity.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Water resources development
Directs the Secretary of Defense to permit any former member of the armed forces who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability rated total by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to travel on military aircraft to the same extent as retired members of the armed forces.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes use of Department of Defense commissary and exchange stores by former prisoners of war who have been honorably separated from service and have a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes. Prohibits wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations. Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

Date: 2009-01-15
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a work opportunity tax credit for the hiring in 2009 or 2010 of unemployed veterans discharged from active duty during 2008, 2009, or 2010.

Date: 2009-01-16
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Taxation
Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of VA outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to: (1) state and local governments and nonprofit community-based organizations to carry out programs that offer a high probability of improving veterans' outreach and assistance; and (2) appropriate state veterans agencies for such purpose.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Equal Justice for United States Military Personnel Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Date: 2009-01-30
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Law
Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in order to ensure the safe utilization by the Armed Forces of expeditionary facilities, infrastructure, and equipment supporting U.S. military operations overseas, to certify to the congressional defense committees that: (1) generally accepted industry safety standards are incorporated into military regulations establishing requirements for such facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; (2) each contract or task or delivery order for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates such industry standards; and (3) such standards apply in all current and future U.S. military operations overseas.

Date: 2009-01-30
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Keeping Our Promise to America's Military Veterans Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that, in order to express the gratitude of the American people for the sacrifices of America's veterans and their families, legislation should be enacted that: (1) assures timely and adequate funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), especially for medical care activities; (2) improves the ability of the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration to provide timely and accurate decisions on claims for veterans benefits; (3) assures that the VA provides timely access to high-quality treatment for mental health conditions; and (4) facilitates a seamless transition from military to civilian life for members separating from the Armed Forces and their families.

Date: 2009-02-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009 - Revises provisions concerning the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran for the cost of emergency care provided in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility to provide that, if the veteran has contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in part, extinguish the veteran's liability to the provider of the emergency treatment and payment for the treatment may be made by both the VA and the third party, the amount payable by the VA shall be that which exceeds the cost payable by the third party. Includes as third parties: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; and (2) a state Medicaid agency with respect to payments under title XIX of such Act.

Date: 2009-02-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date. Codifies under federal law the rates of such compensation as increased under the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008.

Date: 2009-02-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Supporting Uniformed Personnel by Providing Oversight and Relevant Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Act or SUPPORT for Substance Use Disorders Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and management of, and research on, substance use disorders (disorders) among members of the Armed Forces (members). Requires the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees a plan for the improvement and enhancement of such programs and activities for members and their dependent family members, which shall include mechanisms to ensure the availability of appropriate treatment for such disorders and facilitate their prevention and reduction. Requires the plan to include instructions on: (1) the prevention of such disorders; (2) the appropriate training of health care professionals in the treatment of such disorders; (3) services for the dependents of members with such disorders; and (4) the dissemination of disorder prevention materials.Directs the Secretary to study such disorders in members and establish within DOD a Center of Excellence in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Management of Substance Use Disorders.

Date: 2009-02-24
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis (i.e., exclude premiums from gross income); and (2) a tax deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums or enrollment fees. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the option of paying FEHBP and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis is available to federal civilian and military retirees for the first open enrollment period beginning not less than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Taxation
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a dental insurance plan for any veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system, as well as the survivors and dependents of certain veterans. Provides for: (1) the payment of premiums for plan enrollment; and (2) voluntary plan disenrollment.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a major medical facility project at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla Walla, Washington. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2009-03-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009 - Requires the amount of subsistence allowance paid to a veteran for a month in which the veteran participates in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rehabilitation program to be equal to the national average of the basic allowance for housing paid to a member of the Armed Forces in pay grade E-5. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran who successfully completes a VA rehabilitation program for costs incurred as a direct consequence of program participation, including child care expenses. Repeals the 2600 per-fiscal-year limit on veterans who may participate in the VA program of independent living services and assistance.

Date: 2009-03-03
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a two-year pilot program of training, certification, and support for eligible family caregivers of eligible veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Defines as: (1) eligible family caregivers those family members who agree to provide such services, are accepted by the veteran or member as the provider, and are determined qualified to provide such services; and (2) eligible veterans and members those veterans and members who have a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on or after September 11, 2001, and require caregiver services because of such disability. Requires: (1) the pilot program to be conducted at at least six medical facilities; (2) at least one facility to be a private facility with expertise in providing rehabilitative care; (3) at least one facility to be a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in a rural area; and (4) the Secretary, in selecting locations, to give special emphasis to VA polytrauma centers designated as Tier I polytrauma centers. Directs the Secretary to provide training to each eligible family caregiver under the program, and to certify the caregiver as qualified upon training completion. Requires caregivers to be paid for providing such services. Requires: (1) a review of VA and Department of Defense (DOD) respite care programs, as well as a study on enhancing the availability of such programs; (2) the provision of psychological and social support services to caregivers; and (3) a national survey of family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans and members.

Date: 2009-03-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009 - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

Date: 2009-03-09
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide uncharged leave or a monetary benefit to any member or former member of the Armed Forces who, on any day beginning on January 19, 2007, and ending on the date of implementation of the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, would have qualified for a day of administrative absence under such program had it been in effect. Makes such benefit: (1) an amount not to exceed $200 for each day, in the case of a former member; and (2) either one day of administrative absence or an amount not to exceed $200, in the case of a current member. Excludes from such benefit any members discharged or released under other than honorable conditions. Sets at 40 the maximum number of days for which such benefit may be provided.

Date: 2009-03-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Military Family Nutrition Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude combat pay from household income in calculating a child's eligibility for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require states to exclude combat pay from family income in making eligibility determinations under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Education
Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress on the necessity of assisting local communities coping with the impact of base closures and realignments and other military actions. Extends permanently (under current law, terminated at the end of FY2008) the authority of the Secretary of the military department concerned to convey, for certain purposes, real property on a military installation determined to be excess to the needs of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary concerned to contract for the procurement of municipal services for a U.S. military installation from a county, municipal government, or other local governmental unit in the area. Authorizes such Secretary to so contract using procedures other than competitive procedures, under certain conditions and after congressional notification. Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend through FY2020 a pilot program for the purchase of certain municipal services for military installations. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to broaden the indemnification provided to transferees of military properties. Reinstates provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 which allow military departments to transfer surplus real and personal property at closed or realigned military installations without consideration to local redevelopment authorities when used for economic development purposes, without the requirement to assess the property's value.

Date: 2009-03-12
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) report on barriers to the receipt of comprehensive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encountered by women veterans, especially those of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) provide for an independent study on health consequences for women veterans serving on active duty in deployments in such Operations; and (3) report on the employment of full-time managers for women veterans programs at VA medical centers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a plan to improve the provision of VA health care services to women veterans; (2) carry out a program of education, training, certification, and continuing medical education for mental health professionals providing care for veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (3) carry out a pilot program of providing reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to women veterans recently separated from service after a prolonged deployment; and (4) carry out a pilot program on subsidies for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities. Requires women veterans recently separated from service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care for up to seven days after the birth of the child.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include as an authorized national service program a Veteran Corps program that meets specified unmet needs of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, as well as their families.

Date: 2009-03-17
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Social welfare
Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit before October 1, 2009; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance for the provision of an in-person mental health screening for each member of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with a contingency operation, in order to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues for which additional care and treatment may be necessary. Excludes from such screenings members not subjected or exposed to combat stress during their deployment. Requires the Secretary to share screening results with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment for such members during their transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Date: 2009-03-25
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County, Nebraska, region to serve the needs of veterans and their families in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse or provide transportation to a member of the reserves on active duty for more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel between the member's temporary and permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with a suspension of training of five days or longer.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the American soldiers who were prisoners of war in Bataan, Philippines, during World War II, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan.

Date: 2009-04-01
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Honor Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to provide scholarships for the pursuit of a graduate or postgraduate degree in behavioral health sciences to veterans who performed active-duty service in a theater of combat or during a contingency operation overseas. Requires the veteran, following completion of the degree requirements, to serve for an agreed-upon period with either the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DOD) furnishing mental health services to veterans or to members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to employ and train former members who performed service described above as DOD psychiatric technicians and nurses providing mental health counseling and related services to members deployed to a combat zone. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon request, to provide: (1) referral and related assistance to former members not otherwise authorized for counseling through the VA; and (2) readjustment counseling and mental health services to former members through Vet Centers. Requires the suicide of a former member with a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs within a two-year period after separation or retirement to be treated as a death in the line of active duty for purposes of eligibility for active-duty survivors' benefits provided through the VA. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, jointly and annually, to: (1) review and assess their respective programs for the reintegration of members and veterans into civilian life following their retirement, discharge, or release; and (2) report review and assessment results to Congress.

Date: 2009-04-01
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee for three years within the first six years after program completion. Sets maximum assistance amounts of $15,000 per academic year and $45,000 total. Requires prorated repayment for failure to satisfy education or service requirements, while allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend such repayment whenever noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant, or when waiver or suspension is in the best interests of the United States.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009 - Increases from $11,000 to $22,500 the amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain disabled veterans for the purchase of an automobile and any necessary adaptive equipment.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits the collection by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

Date: 2009-04-27
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Clarification of Characteristics of Combat Service Act of 2009 - Requires, in each case in which a veteran is seeking service-connection for a disability after service in a particular combat zone, that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) accept credible lay or other evidence as sufficient proof that the veteran encountered an event associated with service in particular locations where the veteran served or in particular circumstances under which the veteran served in that combat zone.

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of each military department to provide each reserve member of that department who is being evaluated for separation or retirement for disability, or for placement on the temporary disability retired list or inactive status list, the option to remain on active duty during such evaluation in order to continue to receive military pay and allowances, until the member is: (1) cleared to return to duty; or (2) separated, retired, or placed on the temporary disability retired or inactive status list. Requires each Secretary to retain on active duty (for pay and allowances purposes) a reserve member who incurs an injury or illness while on active duty, is being discharged or separated from the Armed Forces, or is being released from active duty, and is not being evaluated in connection with such discharge, separation, or release, until the member is: (1) retired or placed on the temporary disability retired or inactive status list; or (2) determined ineligible for such care or benefits based solely upon the injury or illness. Requires military human resources commands to return to active duty during their evaluation period reserve members who request such option. Encourages the use of local residences by reserve members during such transition periods. Authorizes the use of Defense Health Program funds for reserve members who become ill or injured while on active duty and separate as a result of such illness or injury. Provides for the assignment of Judge Advocate General personnel to assist members of the Armed Forces (members) in connection with the medical discharge process and disability evaluations. Expresses support for access of veterans service organizations to military facilities to provide counseling and services to members.

Date: 2009-04-30
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POWs) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds diabetes (type 2) to the listed diseases. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a POW; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

Date: 2009-05-05
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Reduces the level of difficulty required in the use of prostheses by veterans suffering the loss of hands, arms, or legs as a result of military service before becoming eligible for a higher level of veterans' disability compensation for such injury. Authorizes additional veterans' disability compensation for service-disabled veterans determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to residual effects of traumatic brain injury.

Date: 2009-05-11
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Commences the payment of original awards of veterans' disability compensation, in the case of veterans who are retired or separated from active military service for a disability or disabilities, as of the date the award becomes effective. Provides a similar effective date for a waiver by such veterans of military retired or retainer pay in an amount equal to the disability compensation received.

Date: 2009-05-11
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security