Happy Veterans Day! The team at POPVOX would like to thank all those who have served and are currently serving in the military.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Hughes
Veterans Day falls on November 11, which is also the anniversary of the end of World War I. Originally named Armistice Day under President Woodrow Wilson, the holiday was meant to commemorate those who served in WWI, as well as the armistice that brought the war to an end on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month of 1918. In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day under President Dwight Eisenhower to commemorate veterans of all wars. (Read the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” and learn more the federal holdiday.)
According to the US Census Bureau, there are currently 21.8 million military veterans living in the United States, 1.3 million of which served in multiple wars, and 1.6 million of which are women. (Learn more). Additionally, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, out of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, there are 1.7 million still living.
In honor of Veterans Day, POPVOX is highlighting bills related to Veterans and Veterans health. Weigh in on these bills and we will deliver your message to Congress, guaranteed!
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VA Construction Assistance Act (HR 3593):
–Bipartisan– "Implements the GAO-recommended reforms such as assigning medical equipment planners to major medical construction projects and streamlining the change-order process. The proposal also goes a step further by requiring the assignment of an emergency manager, referred to as a 'special project manager' from the Army Corps of Engineers, independent of the VA, to oversee each VA major medical facility project currently under construction. The GAO specifically singled out the Army Corps as an organization with a record of building similar projects within budget and on-schedule for the Department of Defense." The proposed reforms are designed to help speed the construction and rein in the out-of-control costs of three major VA regional projects under development in Aurora, Colorado; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Orlando, Florida, according to the bill sponsor. — This resolution passed in the House on Sept. 16, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration —
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Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Improvement Act (HR 4276):
–Bipartisan– Seeks to improve the quality of life of veterans affected by the disorder by expanding rehabilitation services available. Would modify a current pilot program by substituting the benchmark for treatment from “assisted living,” to “community-integrated rehabilitation (CIR)” services. This would increase the treatment options available to include neurobehavioral programs, residential programs, comprehensive holistic (day treatment) programs, and home-based programs. The program would extend from 5 to 8 years, allowing veterans to receive these services for an additional 3 years. (Read more). –Passed the House on Sept. 16, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration —
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Toxic Exposure Research Act (HR 5484):
(Also S 2738 in the Senate) –Bipartisan– "Ensures the descendants of veterans whose illnesses are related to exposure to toxins are covered by the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense," according to the bill sponsor. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure.
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Veterans' Toxic Wounds Research Act (HR 5680):
Would "establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a national center for research into the health conditions experienced by the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances," according to the bill sponsor.
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Veteran Education Empowerment Act (HR 5589):
–Bipartisan– Directs the Secretary of Education to award four-year grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish, maintain, and improve a veteran student center.
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Helping Wounded Warriors Cover Medical Expenses Act (HR 5554):
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax-free distributions from a qualified tuition program account (529 tuition plans) for payment of the medical expenses of veterans with disability ratings of more than 50%; and (2) exclude such distributions from gross income, for income tax purposes.
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Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act (HR 5518):
"Will encourage VA medical professionals to participate in continuing education courses in their field of practice by increasing the amount of money the VA will cover for such classes from $1,000 to $1,600. This will be the first time the reimbursement rate has increased since 1991," according to bill sponsors.
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Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act (HR 5500):
(Also S 2834 in the Senate) Would "restore valuable federal employment and training assistance to our military veterans. The legislation specifically aims to ensure that our veterans continue to have access to job assistance specialists that work with businesses to develop job opportunities for veterans, and help veterans find work—especially those disabled veterans with different employment needs," according to bill sponsors.
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Military and Veterans Education Protection Act (S 2837):
Would "close a loophole that allows for-profit schools to avoid having to secure at least 10 percent of their revenue from non-federal source," according to bill sponsors.
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Hire More Heroes Act (HR 3474):
(Also S 2190 in the Senate) –Bipartisan– "Incentivizes small businesses to hire veterans by exempting veterans who already receive health insurance through the Department of Veterans Affairs or reservists covered under TRICARE from being counted towards the number of employees required by the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act. The employer mandate is a requirement that all businesses with more than 50 full-time employees provide health insurance to their employees or pay a fee," according to bill sponsors. — Passed by the House on March 11, 2014 —
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MEMORY Act (HR 5336):
— Bipartisan — Previously known as "The Significant Event Tracker (SET) Act," HR 5336 “would ensure that unit commanders document events that individual service members are exposed to which might later be connected to PTS, mTBI, or other injuries. The DoD would then furnish these Significant Event entries to the VA to ensure better treatment for veterans and faster processing of claims. The SET Act would allow unit commanders and their delegates to report unit and individual exposures to traumatic events. By creating an individualized SET, injuries that are not currently documented through physical injuries, awards, or other service-related means will now be included on an individual’s medical history," according to the bill sponsor.
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Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act (S 2794):
(Also HR 5231 in the House) "Will allow eligible veteran-owned businesses with a justifiable need for surplus property, that meet all criteria assigned by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and General Services Administration (GSA), to select and receive excess and surplus federal property. The veteran-owned small business will not be charged for the surplus or excess property, but will be responsible for service and handling charges," according to bill sponsors.
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Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act (HR 4852):
(Also S 521 in the Senate) –Bipartisan– "Would award competitive grants to colleges and universities to train additional professionals in the field of orthotics and prosthetics," according to bill sponsors.
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Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act (S 2243):
(Also HR 4892 in the House) To expand eligibility for the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand benefits available to participants under such program, to enhance special compensation for members of the uniformed services who require assistance in everyday life.
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.
