Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7909-7910)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health disorders, to enhance the capacity of mental health providers to assist such veterans and members, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008 - Establishes a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health disorders caused by military service. Requires the commission to: (1) oversee the monitoring and treatment of veterans and members with such disorders; and (2) conduct a study of the long-term adverse consequences of such disorders for such veterans and members. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out a program, to be known as the Heroes-to-Healers Program, to assist veterans and members separating from service to: (1) obtain [...]

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Latest Action: 09/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the dollar limitation on contributions to funeral trusts, and for other purposes. 8/29/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision [...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a comprehensive interagency response to reduce lung cancer mortality in a timely manner. 6/25/2008--Introduced. Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to implement a comprehensive program to achieve a 50% reduction in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2015. Includes within such program: (1) a strategic review and prioritization of research grants; (2) an expansion of research programs, such as on predispositions to lung cancer; and (3) the expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to provide incentives for the development of chemoprevention drugs for precancerous conditions of the lung, drugs for targeted therapeutic treatments and vaccines for lung cancer, and new agents to curtail or prevent nicotine [...]

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Latest Action: 07/02/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes. 6/12/2008--Introduced. Honoring Our Nation's Obligation to Returning Warriors Act or HONOR Warriors Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Makes any Armed Forces member who serves in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4627)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month.

5/21/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children.

Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced hearing and speech deficiencies as a result of traumatic brain injury.

Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

Latest Action: 05/15/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committ

Bill Text
To expand and improve mental health care and reintegration programs for members of the National Guard and Reserve, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. National Guard and Reserve Mental Health Access Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide for the implementation of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for members of the National Guard and reserves and their families required by section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) report to the congressional defense committees on that Program's implementation. Directs the Secretary to carry out a joint psychological health program to: (1) increase access to and the provision of psychological health care and related services for members of the National Guard following their deployment, and their families; (2) improve coordination among DOD components in the provision of such care during [...]

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Latest Action: 05/16/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month, and for other purposes.

5/15/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month; and (2) the efforts of speech and hearing professionals to improve the speech and hearing development of children.

Urges increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for soldiers, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced traumatic brain injury.

Encourages the people of the United States to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Commends the 46 states that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn.

Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for defense-wide procurement.Subtitle B: Army Programs - (Sec. 111) Provides that, if the Secretary of the Army certifies to Congress the operational effectiveness of the Stryker Mobile Gun System, or the Secretary [...]

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Latest Action: 10/14/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement.(Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for defense-wide procurement.Subtitle B: Army Programs - (Sec. 111) Provides that, if the Secretary of the Army certifies to Congress [...]

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Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes. 5/12/2008--Introduced. Honoring Our Nation's Obligation to Returning Warriors Act or HONOR Warriors Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Makes any Armed Forces member who serves in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment [...]

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Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military construction, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - (Sec. 2002) Terminates all authorizations contained in Titles XXI through XXVI, and Title XXIX of this Act on October 1, 2011, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2012, whichever is later, with exceptions. (Sec. 2003) Makes the effective date of Titles XXI through XXVII, and Title XXIX, of this Division the later of October 1, 2008, or the date of enactment of this Act.Title XXI [sic]: Army - (Sec. 2101) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified [...]

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Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee conc

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Clean Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2008 appropriations for specified activities related to the war on terror, international affairs, and national defense matters to the Departments of Agriculture (including food relief to certain foreign countries), of Justice, of Defense (military, including funds for Afghan and Iraqi security forces), of Defense (military construction), and of State (including international peacekeeping activities). Rescinds certain funds made available in: (1) the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 for the Defense Health Program; and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. Makes additional supplemental appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 05/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase loan repayment limits for health professionals serving in the Armed Forces.

5/8/2008--Introduced.

Amends provisions authorizing educational loan repayment in exchange for service as a health professional in the Selected Reserved of an armed force and determined to be needed critically in order to meet identified wartime combat medical skill shortages to limit payment amounts to $60,000 (currently, $20,000) per year of service. Eliminates provisions limiting the total amount that may be repaid on behalf of any person to $50,000.

Latest Action: 05/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a National Trauma Institute Research Program.

5/8/2008--Introduced.

National Trauma Institute Research Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a National Trauma Institute Research Program at the National Trauma Institute as a military-civilian public-private partnership to nationally fund trauma research.

Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3596)

Bill Text
A bill to expand and improve mental health care and reintegration programs for members of the National Guard and Reserve, and for other purposes. 4/30/2008--Introduced. National Guard and Reserve Mental Health Access Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide for the implementation of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for members of the National Guard and reserves and their families required by section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) report to the congressional defense committees on that Program's implementation. Directs the Secretary to carry out a joint psychological health program to: (1) increase access to and the provision of psychological health care and related services for members of the National Guard following their deployment, and their families; (2) improve coordination among DOD components in the provision of such [...]

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Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3445)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for a three-year extension of the Senior Oversight Committee on wounded warrior matters, and for other purposes.

4/28/2008--Introduced.

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.

Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require pilot programs on training and certification for family caregiver personal care attendants for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, to require a pilot program on provision of respite care to such veterans and members, and for other purposes. 4/28/2008--Introduced. Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out up to three pilot programs to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing training and certification for family caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Requires each pilot program to be carried out in a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to develop curricula for the training of such caregivers as personal care attendants. Makes a family caregiver who receives certification as a personal care attendant eligible for compensation from the VA for the care provided.[...]

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Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To authorize programs to increase the number of nurses within the Armed Forces through assistance for service as nurse faculty or education as nurses, and for other purposes. 4/23/2008--Introduced. Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under which commissioned officers of the nurse corps: (1) serve as full-time faculty of accredited schools of nursing in exchange for additional service or in exchange for scholarships provided by the school to those accepting commissions in the nurse corps; (2) receive scholarships leading to a graduate degree in nurs