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H O U S E & S E N A T E L
E G I S L A T I O N
For more on Legislation: Go to Thomas Legislative Information on the internet from the Library of Congress or The Senate & House Committees: thomas.loc.gov - House Committee on Veterans Affairs - The Senate Veterans Committee
H O U S E
Jun 14, 2011
Committee Explores Mental Health Treatment Incentives
Issues: Health Care, Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard testimony concerning the apparent disconnect between Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health programs and disability compensation in helping veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. Witnesses were called to bring forth a diversity of suggestions to better assist veterans seeking mental health treatment, while examining the coordination of that treatment between the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) towards a goal of recovery and wellness.
Jun 13, 2011
VA Officials Fail to Act to Protect Veterans Against Sexual Assault
Issues: Health Care, Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Subcommittee on Health questioned members of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and several veterans service organizations (VSO) regarding the recent GAO report on sexual assaults at VA facilities. Although VA has formed a work group to begin to address the recommendations set forth by the GAO, it has not yet implemented a system-wide safeguard to protect veterans and VA employees from sexual assault.
Jun 7, 2011
Miller, Buerkle Statement on VA Sexual Assault Report
Issues: Health Care, Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report entitled, “VA Health Care: Actions Needed to Prevent Sexual Assaults and Other Safety Incidents.”
Jun 3, 2011
Committee Demands Higher Quality at VA Regional Offices
Issues: Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC–Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled, “How to Improve Underperforming Regional Offices.” The oversight hearing focused on the performance of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional offices in adjudicating veterans claims for disability compensation.
Jun 1, 2011
Committee Looks to Put America’s Veterans Back to Work
Issues: Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC–Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs met to discuss how to put America’s veterans back to work. With witnesses from both the private and public sectors, the Committee heard testimony that focused on measuring the effectiveness of current veteran job-training programs, bridging the gap between employers and veterans, and how to improve the system to help veterans find meaningful employment.
Jun 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC–Yesterday and today, the House of
Representatives passed new legislation to support veterans. Legislation
included a bill to help cut down on the bureaucracy experienced by veterans
with pending claims by eliminating unwanted duplication of review of claims
(H.R. 1484—as amended, 418-1), as well as the implementation of a recognition
program in the Department of Veterans Affairs to highlight businesses that
hire veterans, the “VetStar Award Program” (H.R. 802—as amended, 408-11). The
legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.
S E N A T E
6/8/2011
Senator Murray Applauds New Housing Opportunities for Homeless Veterans in
Vancouver
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded an announcement made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric K. Shinseki that a supportive housing project for homeless veterans and their families will be developed in Vancouver. Through the Building Utilization Review and Repurposing (BURR) initiative, the VA was able to identify unused and underused buildings at VA properties in Vancouver that will be developed into new housing opportunities for veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan and homeless veterans and their families.
“I’m so pleased that veterans and their families in Vancouver will have new opportunities to get off the streets and into safe and stable homes,” said Senator Murray. “This is an important step forward in our effort to end veteran homelessness and will greatly assist veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan make a smoother transition home.”
A recent joint report published by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and VA, estimates that there are nearly 2,000 homeless veterans in Washington state, and over 75,000 nationwide.