zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a three-year pilot program on the feasibility and advisability of delivering community reintegration support and services to veterans by assisting veterans organizations in developing and promoting veterans peer support. Designates the pilot program as the "Heroes Helping Heroes Program." Requires the Secretary to select up to 20 program participants, and to award grants to such participants in amounts from $100,000 to $300,000 per fiscal year. Requires grant recipients to contribute at least 10% of the grant funds awarded.

Date: 2007-04-25
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Sets $19 million as the maximum amount per fiscal year for reimbursement to states and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits. Extends through FY2007 a pilot program of on-job training for veterans' claims adjudicators. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. Includes veterans of the Global War on Terror within an ongoing veterans' unemployment study. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training.

Date: 2007-04-25
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

Date: 2007-04-26
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Requires the: (1) Secretary of Defense to prescribe standards for determinations of ratings of military disability to assure that such ratings are consistent across the military departments; and (2) standards to take into account all medical conditions incurred by members of the Armed Forces while in military status. Directs the: (1) Secretary of each military department to utilize the standard schedule for rating disabilities used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in making disability determinations; and (2) Secretary to prescribe training requirements for personnel making such determinations.

Date: 2007-04-30
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007 - Increases from $300 to $400 the burial plot allowance paid for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries. Waives the requirement that, for a state to receive such allowance for the reimbursement of burial costs, it must file for such within two years after the burial or cremation of the veteran. Authorizes the use of up to $5 million per year under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) state cemetery grant program for operating and maintaining state cemeteries.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Revises provisions concerning Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use of state approving agencies (agencies) for approving courses of education for veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill veterans' educational assistance program. Authorizes (current law requires) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promote the development of veterans' apprenticeship and on-job training programs. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the criteria and contract conditions for reimbursing agencies for salary and travel costs incurred on behalf of the VA, including the condition that the agencies report annually to the Secretary and the congressional veterans' committees on resources expended and personnel qualification and performance standards. Limits the annual authorized amount for the VA for such expenses.Requires the Secretary to establish performance measures to assess the effectiveness of agencies in: (1) the services for which they are reimbursed; and (2) coordinating with other entities to reduce overlap and improve efficiency in approval activities.Requires the Secretary to establish standards of approval for accredited and nonaccredited courses offered by an educational institution, based on specified measures. Authorizes an agency, in approving courses for which such standards have been met, to rely upon determinations made by other entities, including the Departments of Labor and Education. Allows approval to be revoked by the Secretary or the agency, under conditions established by the Secretary.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving an aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 - 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: (1) 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; and (2) ensure that outreach is provided in locations proximate to populations of veterans and other individuals in states that offer a high probability of improving veterans' outreach and assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to appropriate state veterans agencies for such purpose.

Date: 2007-05-07
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2007 - Makes various changes or additions to veterans' compensation, pension, health care, housing, burial, and other benefits, including: (1) a report on veterans who were misclassified as not being catastrophically disabled; (2) a pilot program on veterans' lung cancer screening; (3) a repeal of the prohibition against the concurrent receipt of veterans' disability compensation or pension and military retired pay; (4) an increase in the rates of veterans' disability compensation; (5) a repeal of the reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities by the amount of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) received; (6) a report on the adequacy of DIC for survivors of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities; (7) a reduction in premiums under the service-disabled veterans life insurance program; (8) an increase in the veterans' burial plot allowance; (9) an FY2008 authorization of appropriations for the state cemetery grants program; (10) an increase in grant amounts for specially adapted housing for veterans; (11) an increased coverage amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program; (12) adjusted veterans' home loan fees; (13) judicial review of the adoption or revision of veterans' disability ratings; (14) establishment of the DOD/VA Clinical Information Data Exchange Bureau; (15) a study and report concerning the disability ratings systems of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (16) a report on the provision of assisted living benefits for veterans.

Date: 2007-05-08
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Makes permanent (under current law, expires December 31, 2007) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish, upon request, an appropriate government headstone or marker for the graves of certain veterans eligible for burial in national cemeteries, but buried in private cemeteries.

Date: 2007-05-08
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Military and Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly establish a program of treatment and rehabilitative services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with respect to members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Requires the: (1) Secretary of Defense to establish protocols for the detection and diagnosis of TBI; (2) Secretaries to inform members and veterans with TBI and their families as to treatment rights and options available; (3) Secretaries to assign a qualified lead case manager and lead primary care physician to each member and veteran that participates in the program; and (4) Secretaries to enter into cooperative agreements with entities with expertise in the treatment and rehabilitation needs of individuals with TBI. Directs the Secretaries to establish protocols to ensure that members receive continuity of care and assistance during and after the transition from military service to civilian life. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) review certain previous decisions of discharge from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions to determine whether a TBI was a cause of action that precipitated the discharge and, if so, reconsider and redesignate the discharge; and (2) conduct specified TBI research.

Date: 2007-05-09
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the maximum guaranty amount under the veterans' home loan program with respect to residences of a particular size in an area for which the median price for such size exceeds the normal guaranty maximum. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Amends the Small Business Act relating to the microloan program to authorize small business loans to veterans in amounts up to $100,000 at an interest rate of no more than 2.5%.

Date: 2007-05-16
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings.

Date: 2007-05-22
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs.Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Date: 2007-05-23
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense 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: 2007-05-24
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to military personnel to: (1) extend the limitation period for filing tax refund claims resulting from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability determinations; (2) make permanent the taxpayer election to treat combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (3) treat differential wage payments made to active duty members of the uniformed services as wages for retirement plan purposes; (4) make permanent the exemption from the 10% penalty for premature retirement plan distributions made by active duty military personnel; (5) treat state payments to members of the uniformed services as qualified military benefits for purposes of the tax exclusion of such benefits; (6) make permanent the authority of the Social Security Administration to disclose tax return information to the VA for purposes of determining eligibility for certain veterans benefit programs; (7) extend through 2010 mortgage bond financing exemption rules for certain veterans; (8) make permanent the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence by certain members of the Intelligence Community; (9) allow unlimited tax-free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs); (10) allow employers a tax credit for differential wage payments made to active duty military personnel; and (11) set forth tax rules for U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents (expatriates) who relinquish their citizenship or residency to avoid U.S taxation.

Date: 2007-06-12
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Taxation
National Guard and Reservists Financial Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the exemption from tax penalties for premature distributions from retirement plans by members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve called to active duty.

Date: 2007-06-15
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Taxation
Military Family Support Act of 2007 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a program to authorize a caregiver (a federal employee at least 21 years of age capable of providing care to a child or other dependent family member of a member of the Armed Forces) to use: (1) any available sick leave for the provision of such care in the same manner as annual leave is used; and (2) any federal leave available to that caregiver as though that period of caregiving is a medical emergency. Requires the service member for whom the caregiving is provided to be performing service in support of a contingency operation or in situations for which hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized and to designate the caregiver for his or her family. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012.Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish a program to authorize employees of private businesses to use sick or any other leave for caregiving in the same manner as above; and (2) solicit businesses to voluntarily participate in the program. Requires caregiver designation. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012. Provides for an offsetting reduction in FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for research, development, test and evaluation.

Date: 2007-06-19
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.

Date: 2007-06-19
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Provides that, in the case of a member with minor dependents who has a spouse who is also a member and that spouse is deployed in an area for which imminent danger pay is authorized, the member may request a deployment deferment from such an area until the spouse returns from such deployment.

Date: 2007-06-19
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Authorities Expansion Act of 2007 - Makes permanent the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) provide hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who participated in tests conducted by the Department of Defense Deseret Test Center as part of a program for chemical and biological warfare testing; and (2) provide government markers or memorial headstones for the graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through December 30, 2010, the authority for an increase in basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals pursuing apprenticeship or on-job training. Extends through FY2010 the VA's work-study allowance program.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Allows members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are out of uniform to render the military salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag.

Date: 2007-07-25
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Commemorations
Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks. Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).

Date: 2007-07-26
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Labor and employment
Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

Date: 2007-08-02
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Labor and employment
Authorizes the payment of an additional special monthly pension, to a veteran already eligible for a basic pension due to service during a period of war and having a permanent and total non-service-connected disability, if such veteran either: (1) has an additional disability or disabilities rated at 60% or more; or (2) by reason of a disability or disabilities is permanently housebound but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance rate.

Date: 2007-09-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Pride Initiative Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and promote programs and activities for honoring veterans, increasing public awareness and appreciation of veterans' service, and encouraging veterans and their families to express pride in such service. Authorizes the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran to wear awards and decorations earned by the veteran during programs and activities in connection with Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day events, as well as such other patriotic observances as the Secretary may prescribe.

Date: 2007-09-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008 - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans without a service-connected disability enrolled as active participants of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility until such time as such veterans are transferred to a VA or other federal facility. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability for the customary and usual charges of emergency treatment for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the VA.

Date: 2007-10-04
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
National Guard and Reservists Financial Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the exemption from tax penalties for premature distributions from retirement plans by members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve called to active duty.

Date: 2007-10-17
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Taxation
Compensation for Combat Veterans Act - Provides that, for a veteran claiming disability benefits related to combat, service in a combat zone that is recognized as such service under the Internal Revenue Code shall be considered proof that the veteran engaged in combat.

Date: 2007-11-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any covered bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 90 days after such retirement or separation.

Date: 2007-12-03
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions concerning uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits to: (1) require complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Secretary of Labor; (2) require investigation and resolution of complaints to be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of the complaint; and (3) impose a 15-day deadline on referral to the Attorney General or to the Office of Special Counsel of an unsuccessful effort to resolve a complaint against a state or private employer or a federal executive agency, respectively. Requires the Attorney General or the Special Counsel, as appropriate, to make a decision and provide notification concerning representation of a complainant within 45 days of a referral.Modifies requirements for annual case reporting by the Secretary to include data of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and data concerning those with disabilities.Requires the Comptroller General to make quarterly reports on claims processing.Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) report information is categorized in a uniform way; and (2) the Secretary and the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Special Counsel each have electronic access to case files reviewed under the uniformed services employment and reemployment rights provisions.

Date: 2007-12-13
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to require, when a court-martial sentence that resulted in forfeiture of pay and allowances is later set aside or disapproved or, as finally approved, does not provide for a punishment resulting in forfeiture, that the restoration of the forfeited amounts be adjusted for inflation.

Date: 2007-12-14
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Military Housing Privatization Initiatives Projects Oversight and Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires each military housing privatization initiative project to be carried out under a guaranteed maximum price contract (to be reviewed by an independent third party) and accompanied by a performance schedule. Requires each Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations for effective oversight and management of projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction.Establishes requirements for: (1) combining projects in the event of termination of a lease or foreclosure on a project; (2) funding reserves; (3) sequestration and release of funds to be paid under a contract; (4) community meetings to convey project information; (5) certification of construction experience; (6) bonding levels; and (7) communication, review, and the effect of unsatisfactory performance or default (including the selection of a successor contractor).Requires annual reports on lessons learned regarding the operation of military housing privatization initiative projects.

Date: 2007-12-17
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is sufficient to conduct the naturalization background and security checks. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the format for biometric information, including fingerprints; (2) implement procedures for electronic transmission of biometric information that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties; and (3) provide for centralization of naturalization applications of active duty personnel serving abroad and such applications' expedited processing. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to update the appropriate Internet websites to reflect naturalization law changes. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should make necessary updates to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) application forms. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the adjudication of military service-related naturalization applications. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to implementation of this Act by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.

Date: 2007-12-18
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Immigration
Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Date: 2008-01-22
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Date: 2008-01-23
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Semper Fi Act - Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the city of Berkeley, California, or entities in such city. Transfers the rescinded amounts to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008, to be used for recruiting.

Date: 2008-02-06
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Military Valor Roll of Honor Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a publicly available database.

Date: 2008-02-07
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2008, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, 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 rate amounts as increased under the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007.

Date: 2008-02-08
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 from the temporary duty station to the permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements at the temporary station. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with leave of more than 96 hours.

Date: 2008-02-12
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Citizen Soldier and Military Veteran Travel Reimbursement Act of 2008 - Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs adjust the amount (similar to a copay or deductible) charged to a member who is reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for travel expenses connected with the receipt of vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or required medical care. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for expenses incurred in connection with round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, requiring the same reimbursement rate as above.

Date: 2008-02-14
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt veterans with a disability rated as total from the tax on social security benefits. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend federal housing regulations to exclude the disability and pension benefits of veterans with a disability rated as total from income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain public housing programs.

Date: 2008-02-15
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.

Date: 2008-02-25
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
America's Wounded Warriors Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study to determine the number of retired members who will be eligible for medical and dental care following implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate: (1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and (2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal. Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date. Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities. Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans: (1) at the time of award of the disability compensation; (2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and (3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the: (1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and (2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.

Date: 2008-02-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance program.

Date: 2008-03-03
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the provision by the Secretary of the military department concerned of a travel and transportation allowance for up to three family members of a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized in a military medical facility in the United States for a serious psychiatric condition, as long as such transportation is provided pursuant to travel orders issued upon the recommendation of a physician that the family's presence would be helpful and beneficial to the member's treatment and recovery.

Date: 2008-03-04
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
American Braille Flag Memorial Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to approve an appropriate design and site within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial.

Date: 2008-03-04
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in eastern Nebraska to serve the needs of veterans and their families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

Date: 2008-03-04
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Rating Schedule Review Act - Authorizes the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review whether, and the extent to which, the schedule of ratings for veterans' disabilities complies with statutory requirements applicable to entitlement to veterans' disability compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Date: 2008-03-10
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends federal armed forces law to add provisions concerning investigations of suicides committed by members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a member's suicide, to establish a board, made up of commissioned officers serving on active duty, to investigate the causes contributing to the suicide, including preventive actions that could have been taken. Requires: (1) the protection of confidentiality with respect to such investigations; (2) the investigation to be completed within 30 days after the suicide; and (3) an interim and final board report to the Secretary concerned. Directs the Secretary concerned to make public the investigation results, while protecting the confidentiality of the member. Requires all reports received by the Secretary concerned to be transmitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, who shall take appropriate actions to reduce the incidence of suicide among members.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Armed Forces Mental Health Professionals Recruitment and Retention Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal military pay provisions to provide: (1) a bonus of up to $25,000 per year for officers who agree to remain on active duty as clinical psychologists; (2) an accession bonus of up to $400,000 to clinical psychologists with a critically short wartime specialty who agree to accept a commission and remain on active duty for at least four years; and (3) special pay for officers serving as clinical psychologists for at least one year. Provides: (1) an accession bonus of up to $30,000 for social workers in critically short wartime specialties agreeing to serve as officers on active duty for at least three years; and (2) special pay for officers serving as social workers for at least one year. Provides special pay for officers serving as mental health nurses for at least one year. Includes psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health nurses under Department of Defense (DOD) authority to provide retention incentives for members of the Armed Forces qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units. Includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other behavioral health professionals as eligible health professions under the DOD health professions scholarship and financial assistance program. Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to use the authorities in this Act to facilitate the recruitment and retention in the reserve components of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health nurses.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain an electronic database on the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide among members of the Armed Forces on active duty, as well as members of the National Guard and reserves who are demobilized from active duty. Requires: (1) regular reports from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees; and (2) such reports to be made available to the public (absent personally-identifying information).

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Compensation Equity Act of 2008 - Requires that, for each veteran requiring continuous medication or the use of one or more adaptive devices (such as a hearing aid) prescribed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other licensed health care provider for the treatment of a service-connected disability, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign a disability rating of not less than 10%.

Date: 2008-04-07
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

Date: 2008-04-09
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Training and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Enhancement Act of 2008 - Allows services and assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to include services necessary to improve a veteran's quality of life. Entitles a veteran determined not capable of achieving a vocational goal to a program that improves such veteran's quality of life, in addition to other services currently provided. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide programs of independent living services and assistance to such veterans.Removes provisions limiting the initiation of programs of independent living services to no more than 2,500 veterans each fiscal year.

Date: 2008-04-15
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes payment of the expense of presenting a U.S. flag to the children of members of the Armed Forces who die in service.

Date: 2008-04-17
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Senior Oversight Committee Extension Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly: (1) take whatever actions are appropriate, including the allocation of appropriate personnel, funding, and other resources, to continue until September 30, 2011, the operations of the Senior Oversight Committee jointly established by those secretaries to address concerns related to the treatment of wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and (2) report to Congress on the advisability of continuing the committee after that date.

Date: 2008-04-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal provisions concerning the establishment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities of nonprofit research and education corporations (NRECs) to allow an NREC to facilitate the conduct of research or education, or both, at more than one VA medical center. States that such an NREC shall be known as a multi-medical center research corporation (MCRC). Allows an NREC to act as a MCRC if: (1) the NREC board of directors approve a resolution permitting that NREC to act as a MCRC; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves the resolution. Requires each NREC and MCRC to be established in accordance with the nonprofit laws of the state in which the VA medical center which it supports is located. States that either such corporation shall not be considered to be owned by, or an agent or instrumentality of, the United States. Expands the authorized areas of experience or expertise with respect to non-VA members of boards of directors of NRECs and MCRCs. Increases authorized corporate powers of NRECs and MCRCs to include entering into contracts and setting fees for education and training facilitated through such corporation.

Date: 2008-04-28
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $300 plot allowance to a state for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in state cemeteries.

Date: 2008-04-29
Topic: Defense (Personnel Issues)
Subject: Armed forces and national security