Veteran Senate Legislation

28 June 08

Of the 3223 Senate bills introduced in the 110th Congress to date, following are those of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. Support of these bills by other legislators is critical if they are ever going to move through the legislative process for a floor vote to become law.  A good indication on that likelihood is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. A cosponsor is a member of Congress who has joined one or more members in his/her chamber (i.e. House or Senate) to sponsor a bill or amendment. The member who introduces the bill is considered the sponsor.  Members subsequently signing on are called cosponsors. Any number of members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At http://thomas.loc.gov you can also review a copy of each bill, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it.  To determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d110/sponlst.html.  The key to increasing cosponsorship is letting our representatives know of veterans feelings on issues.  At the end of some listed bills is a web link that can be used to do that. Otherwise, you can locate on http://thomas.loc.gov who your representative is and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making:

Senate Bills

S.0022: Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (57). Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9242071 or  http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=11232976&type=CU&azip=92517

S.0038: A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [NM] (introduced 5/23/07).  Cosponsors (15). Companion Bill is H.R.0025. Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Status: Hearings held.

S.0057:  Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  Sponsor: Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (15). Companion bill H.R.0760. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0066:  A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II. Sponsor: Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0067:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft. Sponsor: Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07).  Cosponsors (8). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0071:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize certain disabled former prisoners of war (POWs) to use DoD commissary and exchange stores. Sponsor: Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0117: Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the GWOT, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 1/4/07).  Cosponsors (15). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0161:  Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans.
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [SD] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9568626&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.0207:  Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act.  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate part or all of any income tax refund to support reservists and National Guard members. Sponsor: Sen. Coleman, Norm [MN] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (2).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.0225:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. It would expand retroactive payments of traumatic injury insurance to servicemembers injured outside a combat area between 10 OCT 01 and 1 DEC 05. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (3).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to

http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9242246

S.0326:  Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2007.  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special period of limitation when uniformed services retirement pay is reduced as result of award of disability compensation. Sponsor: Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 1/17/07). Cosponsors (29). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9294921

S.0383:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0415:  Veterans' Memorials … Protection Act of 2007.  A bill to amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that among other things will stop the award of taxpayer dollars in legal fees to groups filing lawsuits against veterans’ memorials and public displays of religion. Sponsor: Sen. Brownback, Sam [KS] (introduced 1/29/07). Cosponsors (21). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.0423:  Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007.  A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2007, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/29/07). Cosponsors (10). 7/24/07 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 283. For further action, see H.R.1284, which became Public Law 110-111 on 11/5/2007.

S.0439:  Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the VA for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation. Sponsor: Sen. Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/31/07). Cosponsors (31). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0479:  Veterans Suicide Prevention Act.  A bill to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Sponsor: Sen. Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 2/1/07). Cosponsors (31). Status: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar 7/23/07 under General Orders. Calendar No. 279. For further action, see H.R.327, which became Public Law 110-110 on 11/5/2007.

S.0604:  Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to limit increases in the certain costs of health care services under the health care programs of DoD, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (21). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9388371&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]. 

S.0617:  Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act.  A bill to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans. Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [OR] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (15). Status: 6/16/2008 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 782.

S.0643:  Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007.  A bill to amend section 1922A of title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of supplemental insurance available for totally disabled veterans. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0644:  Total Force Montgomery GI Bill.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to re-codify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0648:  National Guard and Reserve Retirement Modernization Act.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the eligibility age for receipt of non-regular military service retired pay for members of the Ready Reserve in active federal status or on active duty for significant periods. Sponsor: Sen. Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (17). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0659:  A bill to amend section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, to provide for the payment of the death gratuity with respect to members of the Armed Forces without a surviving spouse who are survived by a minor child. Sponsor: Sen. Hagel, Chuck [NE] (introduced 2/16/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Companion Bill is H.R.1115. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9423746&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.0671:  Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act.  A bill to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/16/07). Cosponsors (11). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.0713:  Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act.  A bill to ensure dignity in care for members of the Armed Forces recovering from injuries. Sponsor: Sen. Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 2/28/07). Cosponsors (34). Companion Bill is H.R.1268. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.  To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to

http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9454946&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.0723:  Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007.  A bill to provide certain enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Hagel, Chuck [NE] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.0773:  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. Sponsor: Sen Warner, John [VA] (introduced 3/6/07). Cosponsors (61). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Companion bill to H.R.1110. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=9598891&type=CO

S.0793:  Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.  A bill to provide for the expansion and improvement of traumatic brain injury programs. Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [UT] (introduced 3/7/07). Cosponsors (20). Companion bill to H.R.1418. Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 110-206

S.0815:  Veterans Health Care Empowerment Act of 2007.  A bill to provide health care benefits to veterans with a service-connected disability at non-DVA medical facilities that receive payments under the Medicare program or the TRICARE program. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 3/8/07). Cosponsors (3). Companion bill to H.R.1416. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0847: A bill to extend the period of time during which a veteran's multiple sclerosis is to be considered to have been incurred in, or aggravated by, military service during a period of war. Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 3/13/07). Cosponsors (2).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0848:  Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war. Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 3/13/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0882:  A bill to require a pilot program on the facilitation of the transition of members of the Armed Forces to receipt of veterans health care benefits upon completion of military service, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [NJ] (introduced 3/14/07). Cosponsors (7). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.0935:  A bill to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 3/20/07). Cosponsors (45). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9549971&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.0961:  Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/22/07). Cosponsors (59). Companion bill H.R.0023. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.0986:  Combat-Related Special Compensation Act of 2007.  A bill to expand eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) paid by the uniformed services in order to permit certain additional retired members who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the DVA for that disability and Combat-Related Special Compensation by reason of that disability. Sponsor: Sen. Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 3/26/07). Cosponsors (4). Companion bill H.R.0089.  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9581151&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.0994:  Disabled Veterans Fairness Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the deductible and change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate under the beneficiary travel program administered by the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [MT] (introduced 3/27/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1005:  Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007.  A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve programs for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 3/28/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

S.1065:  Heroes at Home Act of 2007.  A bill to improve the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in members and former members of the Armed Forces, to review and expand telehealth and tele-mental health programs of the DoD and the DVA. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 3/29/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1084: Homes for Heroes Act of 2007.  A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans. Sponsor: Sen. Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 4/10/07). Cosponsors (10). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1096:  Veterans Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain housing benefits to disabled members of the Armed Forces, to expand certain benefits for disabled veterans with severe burns, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [TX] (introduced 4/12/07). Cosponsors (5). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1097: Cold War Medal Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War era. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 4/12/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1146: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Salazar, Ken [CO] (introduced 4/18/07). Cosponsors (27).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=10064941&queueid=1314882681.

S.1147: Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority 8"). Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 4/18/07). Cosponsors (4). Companion Bill H.R.0463. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1163:  Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation and specially adapted housing for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes, and to provide for the use of the National Directory of New Hires for income verification purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/19/2007). Cosponsors (6). Status: Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 328. Note: For further action, see H.R.797, which became Public Law 110-157 on 12/26/2007.

S.1196:  Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act.  A bill to improve mental health care for wounded members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] (introduced 4/24/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1205:  A bill to require a pilot program on assisting veterans service organizations and other veterans groups in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [OR] (introduced 4/25/07). Cosponsors (5).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1233:  Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007.  A bill to provide and enhance intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and services to veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/26/07). Cosponsors (12). Status: 8/29/2007 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 335.

S.1243:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 years of age to 55 years of age. Sponsor: Sen. Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/26/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1252:  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for uniformity in the awarding of disability ratings for wounds or injuries incurred by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/30/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.  To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9769981&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.1265:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forced receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 5/2/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1266:  Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase assistance for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 5/2/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1283:  Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status, and for other purposes.  Sponsor: Sen. Pryor, Mark L. [AR] (introduced 5/3/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Companion Bill H.R.1538. Passed by Senate and referred to a Senate/House compromise committee. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9835221

S.1293:  Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for members and former members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 5/3/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1314:  Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1315:  Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (1). Companion bill H.R.2026. Status: Status: Measure laid before Senate by motion. Latest Major Action: 4/24/2008 Held at the desk.

S.1326:  Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance compensation and pension, health care, housing, burial, and other benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Bernard Sanders [I-VT] (introduced 5/8/07). Cosponsors (none). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to

http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=10072701&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]. 

S.1349:  Military and Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act.  A bill to ensure that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs provide to members of the Armed Forces and veterans with traumatic brain injury the services that best meet their individual needs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 5/9/07). Cosponsors (9). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1363:  Bridging the Gap for Wounded Warriors Act.  A bill to improve health care for severely injured members and former members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 5/10/07). Cosponsors (7). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1409:  21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007.  A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 5/16/07). Cosponsors (2).  Companion bill H.R.2385. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1441:  State Veterans Home Modernization Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify authorities for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to accept new applications for grants for State home construction projects to authorize the Secretary to award grants for construction of facilities used in non-institutional care programs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [ID] (introduced 5/21/07). Cosponsors (None).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1444:  Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007.  A bill to provide for free mailing privileges for personal correspondence and parcels sent to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 5/22/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/naus/issues/alert/?alertid=9933621&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id

S.1454:  Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] (introduced 5/23/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1468:  Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] (introduced 5/23/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1480:  Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of a monthly stipend to the surviving parents (known as "Gold Star parents") of members of the Armed Forces who die during a period of war. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (None).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1481:  Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act.  A bill to restore fairness and reliability to the medical justice system and promote patient safety by fostering alternatives to current medical tort litigation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Baucus, Max [MT] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1569:  Veterans Advocacy Act of 2007.  A bill to establish a pilot program on the provision of legal services to assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces receive health care, benefits and services, and for other purposes.  Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 6/7/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1606:  Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act.  A bill to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors in order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation, transition from care by the Department of Defense to care by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and transition from military service to civilian life, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Levin, Carl [MI] (introduced 6/13/07). Cosponsors (46). 6/18/07 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 203.

S.1645:  Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. An original bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack [RI] (introduced 6/18/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar 6/18/07 under General Orders. Calendar No. 205. Note: For further action, see H.R. 2764, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.

S.1670:  Service members' Healthcare Benefits and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care for members of the Armed Forces, to improve the speed and efficiency of the physical disability evaluation system of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] (introduced 6/20/07).Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1688:  Higher Education Opportunity for Our National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Act.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend the time limit for the use of education assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve component supporting contingency operations and certain other operations. Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA] (introduced 6/25/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1718:  VETS Act.  A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for reimbursement to servicemembers of tuition for programs of education interrupted by military service, for deferment of students loans and reduced interest rates for servicemembers during periods of military service, and for other purposes.  Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 6/27/07). Cosponsors (14). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1719:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 6/27/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1757:  Veterans' Authorities Expansion Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend or make permanent certain authorities for veterans' benefits, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (by request) (introduced 7/10/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1763:  Cold War Medal Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War era. Sponsor: Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] (introduced 7/11/2007). Cosponsors (2). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

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S.1784:  Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2007.  A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve programs for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 7/12/07). Cosponsors (6).  Latest Major Action: 12/19/07 Ordered placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 550. Note: For further action, see H.R.4253, which became Public Law 110-186 on 2/14/08.

S.1822:  Interest Relief Act.  A bill to amend the Federal Direct Loan Program to provide that interest shall not accrue on Federal Direct Loans for active duty service members and their spouses. Sponsor: Sen. Bayh, Evan [IN] (introduced 7/19/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1877:  A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag. Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [OK] (introduced 7/25/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

S.1879:  A bill to amend titles 10 and 37, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age of retirement for years of non-regular service for reserves who serve on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, to increase the amount of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve, and to provide certain other benefits relating to service in the reserve components of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 7/26/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2004:  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish epilepsy centers of excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (9). Latest Major Action: 12/12/07 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540.

S.2026:  Agent Orange Equitable Compensation Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, chapter 11, to clarify that an award of benefits based on a regulatory presumption established pursuant to 28 U.S.C. section 1116 after September 30, 2002, cannot be made effective earlier than the date the regulatory presumption was established; and to clarify that the presumption of herbicide exposure provided by 38 U.S.C. section 1116(f) applies only to veterans who served in Vietnam on land or on Vietnam's inland waterways and not to those who served only in waters offshore or in airspace above. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (by request) (introduced 9/6/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2027:  Veterans' Pride Initiative Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, chapter 5, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and promote programs and activities honoring veterans and to authorize the next of kin of a deceased veteran to wear the veteran's awards and decorations under certain circumstances. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (by request) (introduced 9/6/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2089: Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices. Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 9/25/07). Cosponsors (10).   Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

S.2119:  American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act.  A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Tim [SD] (introduced 10/1/07).  Cosponsors (74). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.2142:  Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for such treatment until such veterans are transferred to Department facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 10/4/07). Cosponsors (1). Latest Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 579. Companion bill H.R.3819.   To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11407326&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id].

S.2160:  Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a pain care initiative in health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 10/15/07).  Cosponsors (6). Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Latest Major Action: 2/28/2008 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 586.

S.2162:  Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007.  A bill to improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 10/15/07). Cosponsors (11). Status: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 632.

S.2218:  Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007. A bill to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in a test of atomic weapons. Sponsor: Sen. Roberts, Pat [KS] (introduced 10/23/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2309:  Compensation for Combat Veterans Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the service treatable as service engaged in combat with the enemy for utilization of non-official evidence for proof of service-connection in a combat-related disease or injury. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 11/6/07). Cosponsors (None).  Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2330