Find pending and passed military and veterans benefits legislation. There are many types of legislation introduced that directly affect active duty military, Guard and Reservists, retirees, veterans, dependent children, and spouses of military members. Legislation Watch includes recently introduced bills/resolutions, those which have had significant action, and those which have or are about to become law.
There are various stages of legislation including bills and resolutions which have been recently introduced, referred to committee, “ordered reported,” scheduled “for the floor,” and Presidential action.
The journey from concept to law is not always a straightforward one. Many bills or resolutions are introduced only to stall later in one of the various stages. Others may go through quickly and wind up becoming law much faster than other measures.
Executive Orders
EO 14004-Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform
Issued by: President Joseph R. Biden
Signed Into Law: Jan. 25, 2021
In January of 2021, President Joseph R. Biden issued an executive order undoing the previous administration’s ban on transgendered troops. Following the signature of that executive action, the Department of Defense undertook a two-month long review process to develop guidelines and policy for military members following that executive order.
At the end of March 2021, DoD officials announced policy that allows transgender troops to serve using their “self-identified gender”. Medically required transition care is authorized under the executive order.
Key Bills Introduced
Considered the first stage of the legislative process, a bill that is introduced may be referred to a committee for review before it is sent on to the House or Senate. Bills are sorted by most recent date first.
H.R. 2910
Introduced: April 30, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona (R)
This House Resolution, the “Veterans Healthcare Freedom Act,” proposes to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to “carry out a pilot program to improve the ability of veterans to access medical care in medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs”. This Resolution seeks to give veterans ”the ability to choose health care providers”. This Resolution has gone to committee–the House Veterans Affairs Committee will review it before sending it on for further consideration.
H.R. 2281
Introduced: March 29, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Derek Kilmer, Washington (D)
This House Resolution proposes to award a collective Congressional Gold Medal to members of Army “Dust Off crews” who served during the Vietnam War. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services and House Committee on House Administration where it will be reviewed prior to moving to the House floor for consideration.
H.R. 2192: To Provide For Recovery By Individuals Who Were Stationed, Lived, Or Worked At Camp Lejeune, For Certain Actions Of Omissions By The United States
Introduced: March 26, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Matthew Cartwright, Pennsylvania (D)
This House Resolution proposes to allow those who worked at Camp Lejeune between dates in 1953 and 1987 for 30 days or longer to “bring an action in the United States District Court” to seek relief from issues related to contaminated water at the Marine Corps base. At press time the Resolution has not been sent to committee for further consideration.
H.R. 333: Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., Georgia (D)
This law would amend title 10, United States Code, to permit concurrent receipt of both military retirement pay and VA compensation for service-connected medical issues for those who are VA-rated as 50% or less service-connected disabled. The House Resolution would extend eligibility “for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service” and other purposes. This bill is currently under review by the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committees on Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 324: To Specify The Federal Share Of The Costs Of Certain Duty Of The National Guard In Connection With The Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Rep. Cheri Bustos, Illinois (D)
This House Resolution seeks specification of the actual Federal share to be paid for activation of the National Guard during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee for review.
H.R. 303: Retired Pay Restoration Act
Introduced: Jan. 13, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Florida (R)
This Resolution seeks to allow “additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability” to qualify for both VA disability pay and military retirement pay “by reason of their years of military service or combat-related special compensation”. The Resolution has been referred to two committees–the House Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee where it goes under review pending further action.
H.R. 335
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Adam Smith, Washington (D)
This is a House Resolution seeking an exception to a requirement that appointments to the Secretary of Defense be restricted to those who have left military service as a “regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces” for more than seven years prior to the appointment. The resolution is currently under review by the House Armed Services Committee.
H.R. 333
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., Georgia (D)
This law would amend title 10, United States Code, to permit concurrent receipt of both military retirement pay and VA compensation for service-connected medical issues for those who are VA-rated as 50% or less service-connected disabled. The House Resolution would extend eligibility “for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service” and other purposes. This bill is currently under review by the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committees on Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 324:
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Rep. Cheri Bustos, Illinois (D)
This House Resolution seeks specification of the actual Federal share to be paid for activation of the National Guard during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee for review.
H.R. 303:
Introduced: Jan. 13, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Florida (R)
This Resolution seeks to allow “additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability” to qualify for both VA disability pay and military retirement pay “by reason of their years of military service or combat-related special compensation”. The Resolution has been referred to two committees–the House Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee where it goes under review pending further action.
H.R. 249
Introduced: Jan. 11, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep Derek Kilmer, Washington (D)
This bill addresses “certain Executive Orders” related to federal employees, collective bargaining, and workplace rights. While this is not directly addressing issues related to military service, federal employees who work for the DoD could be affected by the passage of this bill. It is currently under review in multiple committees including the House Armed Services Committee.
H.R. 148
Introduced: Jan. 4, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep Donald Norcross, New Jersey (D)
This legislation would, if passed, provide a work opportunity tax credit for military spouses. This law would also offer flexible spending arrangements for those who need military childcare services. This bill has been sent to committee; it is under review by the House Armed Services Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
H.R. 147
Introduced: Jan. 4, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep Donald Norcross, New Jersey (D)
This legislation proposes to amend portions of the United States Code (Title 10 and Title 38) to improve transition services for military members separating from the United States military. It proposes to require the Department of Labor to provide information about apprenticeship programs to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from active duty.
This was introduced in January 2021 and is under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee as well as the House Armed Services Committee. In April 2021, it went under consideration by an Economic Opportunity committee.
H.R. 196
Introduced: Jan. 5, 2021
Sponsored by: Rep. Michael Burgess, Texas (R)
This law seeks to remove authority from the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct drone strikes or “other deliberately lethal action”. This authority would, under the new law, be transferred to the Department of Defense instead. The measure is under review by multiple committees including the House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee before it goes to the floor for further consideration.
H.R. 185
Introduced Jan. 4, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Robert Wittman, Virginia (R)
This House Resolution would, if passed, amend title 10, United States Code, to create a requirement for a single disability exam “as part of the required Department of Defense physical examination for separating members of the Armed Forces”. This measure is under review by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Agreed To (Simple Resolutions)
S.Res. 148
Introduced: April 12, 2021
Agreed To: April 14, 2021
Sponsored by: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts (D)
This Senate Resolution emphasizes, “the importance of paying tribute to those individuals who have faithfully served and retired from the Armed Forces of the United States”. The measure names April 18, 2021, as “Military Retiree Appreciation Day”. The Resolution is designed to encourage Americans to remember the past service of military retirees. It was passed with unanimous consent. This Senate Resolution does not have the force of law, as is common with such legislation.
S.Res. 143
Introduced: March 25, 2021
Agreed To: April 21, 2021
Sponsored by: Sen. Margaret Hassan, New Hampshire (D)
This Senate Resolution was introduced to honor “the patriotism and service to the United States provided by Veterans Service Organizations” during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Resolution was passed in the Senate and was not voted on in the other chamber, as per usual with this type of Resolution. The measure “does not have the force of law”, but was passed by unanimous consent.
S.Res. 617: A resolution recognizing The American Legion for 100 years of service to veterans and members of the Armed Forces in the United States and their families.
Introduced Aug. 23, 2018
Sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota (D)
Agreed To (Simple Resolution) on Aug 28, 2018
This Simple Resolution honors a century of service by the American Legion to veterans and their families. The American Legion, according to the text of the resolution, deserves recognition thanks to important “legislative achievements” including the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known to many as the Montgomery GI Bill. This resolution also designates Aug. 24 through Aug. 30, 2018 as “American Legion Week”.
The agreement to the Simple Resolution means this legislation has passed and no further action is required.
Ordered Reported
In the “ordered reported” phase, a bill or resolution is released from committee. There is a report which details the bill, and it is put on a House calendar to be considered. It then makes its’ way to the Senate for further review and consideration.
963: Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2021
Introduced: March 25, 2021
Sponsored By: Sen. Richard Durbin, Illinois (D)
Ordered Reported: March 26, 2021
This Senate bill is designed to bill to authorize dedicated domestic terrorism offices within the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The purpose of these offices is “to analyze and monitor domestic terrorist activity” as well as establishing guidelines that require the Federal Government to “take steps to prevent domestic terrorism, and for other purposes”.
Some may wonder why a bill on domestic terrorism finds its way into a page about military-specific programs, but lest we forget, the Department of Homeland Security is the agency that governs the United States Coast Guard, and any such legislation may have implications for those who serve as uniformed members of the USCG.
None to report. A new Congress has begun and the bill process starts all over again.
Passed The House or Passed The Senate
These pieces of legislation have passed from the House to the Senate, or vice-versa.
H.R. 2911
Introduced: April 30, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Mike Bost, Illinois (R)
Passed the House (Senate Next): May 17, 2021
This House Resolution would, if passed, direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs “to submit to Congress a plan for obligating and expending Coronavirus pandemic funding” provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for “other purposes” including congressional oversight of Coronavirus pandemic funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 2911 was sent to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and has since passed in the House and goes to the Senate next for consideration.
Senate Next
The items listed here have been passed by the House and head to the Senate for further consideration.
None to report. A new Congress has begun and the bill process starts all over again.
Passed The House And Senate: “President Next” in 2021
The items listed here have been passed by both the House and Senate and await the signature of the President to become law.
None to report. A new Congress has begun and the bill process starts all over again.
Key Bills Signed Into Law / Passed Resolutions
H.R. 2523: THRIVE Act
Introduced: April 14, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Mike Levin, California (D)
Passed House & Senate: May 28, 2021
Signed Into Law: June 8, 2021
This House Resolution seeks to amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to “improve the COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance program” as well as to require “technical corrections” to the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.
This Resolution went under consideration by the House Budget Committee as well as the House committee on Veterans’ Affairs and was reviewed under committee before being referred for further action. The Resolution passed both the House and Senate in May, 2021 and was signed into law by the President on June 8, 2021.
H.R. 335: To Provide For An Exception To A Limitation Against Appointment Of Persons As Secretary Of Defense Within Seven Years Of Relief From Active Duty As A Regular Commissioned Officer Of The Armed Forces
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Adam Smith, Washington (D)
Passed the House: Jan. 21, 2021
Passed the Senate: Jan. 21, 2021
Signed Into Law: Jan. 22, 2021
This is a House Resolution seeking an exception to a requirement that appointments to the Secretary of Defense be restricted to those who have left military service as a “regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces” for more than seven years prior to the appointment.
The resolution went under review by the House Armed Services Committee, it passed the House and Senate in January 2021 and was signed into law Jan. 22nd, 2021.
963: Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2021
Introduced: March 25, 2021
Sponsored By: Sen. Richard Durbin, Illinois (D)
Ordered Reported: March 26, 2021
This Senate bill is designed to bill to authorize dedicated domestic terrorism offices within the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The purpose of these offices is “to analyze and monitor domestic terrorist activity” as well as establishing guidelines that require the Federal Government to “take steps to prevent domestic terrorism, and for other purposes”.
Some may wonder why a bill on domestic terrorism finds its way into a page about military-specific programs, but lest we forget, the Department of Homeland Security is the agency that governs the United States Coast Guard, and any such legislation may have implications for those who serve as uniformed members of the USCG.
H.R. 1276: SAVE LIVES Act
Introduced: Feb. 24, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Mark Takano, California (D)
Passed the House: March 09, 2021
Passed The Senate With Changes: March 17, 2021
House Agrees To Changes: March 19, 2021
Signed Into Law: March 24, 2021
The SAVE LIVES Act authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to supply a COVID-19 vaccine to “covered individuals” during the COVID-19 emergency. Who is considered “covered”? A wide range of people including veterans who are not eligible to enroll in the VA health care system; “specified veterans” eligible for medical care and services overseas; family caregivers approved under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers; and many others.
H.R. 1319: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Introduced: Feb. 24, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. John Yarmuth, Kentucky (D)
Passed the House: Feb. 21, 2021
Passed the Senate with changes: March 6, 2021
House agrees to changes: March 10, 2021
Signed Into Law: March 11, 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was created to provide “additional relief” to Americans during the pandemic. This Act incorporates other pieces of legislation, some of which directly affect veterans, servicemembers, their families, etc. Military-related legislation rolled into this act include H.R. 637, Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2021, and S. 134: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to initiate a retraining assistance program for unemployed veterans.
H.R. 335
Introduced: Jan. 15, 2021
Sponsored By: Rep. Adam Smith, Washington (D)
Passed the House and Senate: Jan. 21, 2021
Signed Into Law: Jan. 22, 2021
This is a House Resolution seeking an exception to a requirement that appointments to the Secretary of Defense be restricted to those who have left military service as a “regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces” for more than seven years prior to the appointment. The resolution passed same-day in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President the following day.
S. 1790: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
Introduced: June 11, 2019
Sponsored by: Sen. James Inhofe, Oklahoma (R)
Signed Into Law by the President, Dec. 20, 2019
This legislation, which prevented a government shutdown showdown on Capitol Hill just before the holiday break, authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2020 for “military activities of the Department of Defense” plus military construction, and “defense activities of the Department of Energy.”
This bill essentially funds the military until the end of the 2020 fiscal year. It passed both the House and Congress and was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019.
H.R. 4285: Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019
Introduced: Sep 11, 2019
Sponsored by: Rep. Anthony Brindisi, New York (D)
Signed by the President/Enacted into law: Sep 30, 2019
This House Resolution was written to extend the authority of certain Department of Veterans Affairs activities including (but not limited to) the following:
- Authority to operate a Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.
- Extension of authority for financial assistance to provide services “for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.”
- Extension of temporary expansion of payments and allowances for veterans who must travel to get care from vet centers.
The measure was passed by both the House and Senate in September 2019, and was signed into law by the President on Sept. 30, 2019.
H.R. 2500: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
Introduced: May 2, 2019
Sponsored by: Rep. Adam Smith, Washington (D)
Ordered Reported: June 12, 2019
Passed the House (Senate Next) July 12, 2019
Incorporated into other measures and Signed Into Law: Aug. 23, 2019 (As H.R. 2938)
The federal budget is approved in a two-stage procedure; one stage is appropriations, the other is authorizations. This House Resolution is the latter, an authorization bill directing the use of federal funds and dictating how they may not be used. Authorization bills like this one are generally made for individual fiscal years.
This resolution addresses a wide range of military concerns including, aircraft and construction projects broken down by military service, funding for overseas contingency operations, and Base Realignment And Closure activities just to name a few. There is also text in the resolution dedicated to research, development, and testing, as well as funding details for Reserve forces.
This legislation was ordered reported on June 12, 2019, passed the House and was due for the Senate next before being incorporated into other measures which were passed into law on Aug. 23, 2019.
S.1195: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
Introduced: April 11, 2019
Sponsored by: Sen Kirsten Gillibrand, New York (D)
Incorporated into H.R. 299: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
Signed into law by the President on Jun 25, 2019.
This bill sought to “clarify presumption” with regards to veteran illnesses or medical conditions which could be associated with service-connected exposure to “herbicide agents” during military service in the Republic of Vietnam.
The text of the bill includes an important detail; “a disease specified (in another section) that becomes manifest as specified (in that section) in a veteran described in paragraph (2) shall be considered to have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service.”
This is an important clarification-it means that there does not need to be a prior medical record of a medical issue that may be related to exposure to “herbicide agents” in Vietnam.
This could pave the way for some veterans to be compensated for exposure who were previously denied because of a lack of evidence in military medical records.
This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, but was later enacted “by other measures” and signed into law by the President on June 25, 2019 as House Resolution 299: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
S. 1215: A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2020
Introduced: April 11, 2019
Passed Into Other Measures July-September 2019
Sponsored by: Sen. James Inhofe, Oklahoma (R)
This Senate bill would permit funding “for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year,” and for “other purposes.” Senator Inhofe went on record at the time of the bill’s introduction stating, “we introduce this bill for the purpose of placing the Administration’s proposals before Congress and the public without expressing our own views on the substance of these proposals.”
Whether this statement was designed to anticipate controversy or not remains to be seen, but the term “military construction” has taken on a more politically charged tone in 2019 with the arguments over funding the proposed border wall with Mexico and related concerns. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services; it was under consideration by the committee before heading to the Senate floor for consideration.
S.1215 was not passed but key portions of it were passed via incorporation into other measures between July and September 2019.
H.R. 1988: Protect Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019
Introduced: March 28, 2019
Passed House (Senate next): Jul 9, 2019 Passed Senate (President Next) Jul 9, 2019
Signed Into Law (as S. 1749 Protect Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019): July 25, 2019
Sponsored by: Rep. David Scott, Georgia (D)
The intent of this House Resolution is to add clarity to federal requirements for “seasoning periods” a VA borrower must wait out after being approved for a mortgage loan before the veteran can refinance that loan. This law, if passed, would require the following seasoning period: “…a loan to a veteran…that is a refinance may not be guaranteed or insured under this chapter until the date that is the later of…the date on which the borrower has made at least six consecutive monthly payments on the loan being refinanced; and…the date that is 210 days after the first payment due date of the loan being refinanced.”
This bill was under review by two committees-the House Financial Services Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Committee. It was passed by the House but did not get signed into law; instead S. 1749 passed with the same title and was signed into law by the President on July 25, 2019.
S. 576: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a presumption of herbicide exposure for certain veterans who served in Korea, and for other purposes.
Introduced Feb. 27, 2019
Incorporated into: H.R. 299, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 Signed Into Law: Jun 25, 2019.
Sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas (R)
This Senate bill seeks a presumption for exposure to damaging chemicals which could be compared to similar, existing presumptions for Vietnam veterans and Agent Orange. The implications of this bill’s passage include possible consideration or reconsideration of veteran medical claims for compensation for service-connected medical issues related to such exposure.
This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where it was under consideration before further action. Eventually portions of S.576 were incorporated into the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. That act was signed by the President and became law on June 25, 2019.
National Initiative to Empower Veterans and End Veterans Suicide
Created By Executive Order
March 5, 2019
On March 5, 2019, the President signed an Executive Order requiring the formation of a Veteran Suicide Task Force tasked with a set of priorities including the creation of a “national public health roadmap”. Also on the agenda; creating grants to local communities designed to deliver and coordinate services to affected veterans. There is also a requirement to create a plan to conduct research on veteran suicide, improve “associated processes” and “set benchmarks”. These are all required within one year of the order. The task force will be staffed by representatives from a wide range of government operations including Health and Human Services, the VA, the Department of Homeland Security and other departments.
H.R. 1726: Coast Guard Improvement and Reform Act of 2017 (incorporated into and passed as S. 140)
Introduced March 27, 2017
Signed into law Dec. 4, 2018
Sponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter Sponsor, California (R)
This resolution reorganizes a variety of provisions found in title 14, United States Code, to expand the responsibilities of “several federal advisory committees that provide advice to the Coast Guard, including the National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee” by creating a mandate that such committees meet a minimum of one time per year, with each committing being required to terminate in 2027.
This law was incorporated into S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 and passed into law.
H.R. 7213: Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018
Introduced Dec. 3, 2018
Signed into law Dec 21, 2018
Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Donovan Jr. New York (R)
This law amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing in the Department of Homeland Security a “Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office,” which the bill intends to be led by an Assistant Secretary. The office “shall coordinate DHS strategy and policy to plan, detect, and protect against the importation, possession, storage, transportation, development, or use” of unauthorized chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials and associated devices or systems.
This House Resolution was signed into law by the President on Dec. 21, 2018, and incorporates portions of other measures including H.R. 6198, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 as well as from H.R. 2825, the DHS Authorization Act.
S. 1050: Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act
Introduced May 4, 2017
Signed into law Dec 20, 2018
Sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois (D)
This law awards a collective Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese-American Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated service during the war. The medal is intended to go on display at the Smithsonian Institution, “which is urged to make the medal available for display at other locations associated with such veterans or with World War II.”
S. 2101: USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act
Introduced Nov. 18, 2017
Signed into law Dec 20, 2018
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Donnelly, Indiana (D)
Similar to S. 1050 also passed the week of Dec. 20, 2018, this bill awards a collective Congressional Gold Medal to the crew of the USS Indianapolis, “in recognition of their perseverance, bravery, and service to the United States” according to the text of the bill. This law incorporates provisions of a similar measure in the House, H.R. 4107 USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act.
3479: Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018
Introduced Sept. 18, 2018
Sponsored by Sen. John Isakson, Georgia (R)
Signed into Law Sept. 29, 2018
This law extends certain provisions of the law that pertain to veteran’s benefits including providing equipment to nursing homes for veteran care, extension of requirements for nursing home facilities to require specific veteran care where applicable, giving permanent authority to collect the costs of care and services from third parties, and more.
This legislation was signed into law by the President on Sept. 29, 2018
H.R. 6157: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019
Introduced June 20, 2018
Sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger, Texas (R)
Signed into law Sept. 29, 2018
This House Resolution provides $674.6 billion in “total discretionary budget authority” for the Department of Defense, applicable in fiscal year 2019.
Of that amount, $606.5 billion is given for the Department of Defense base budget plus another $68.1 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations said to be “consistent with the National Defense Authorization Act” as well as the recently enacted budget agreement.
This legislation was signed into law by the President on Sept. 29, 2018.
H.R. 2147: Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018
Introduced Apr 26, 2017
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman, Colorado (R)
Signed into law Sept. 17, 2018
H.R. 2147 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire at least 50 Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) specialists at eligible VA medical centers. This would assist veterans who have entered the criminal justice system in getting improved access to Veterans Treatment Courts.
The Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act expands a VA program started in 2009; The VA administers the VJO program in all 50 states, putting social workers together with veterans via a Veterans Treatment Court to create a customized rehab program for each veteran in need of the services.
S. 899: Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act
Introduced: April 7, 2017
Sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawaii (D)
Signed into law Sept. 7, 2018
This amends Title 5, United States Code, “to ensure that the requirements that new Federal employees who are veterans with service-connected disabilities are provided leave for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disabilities apply to certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration”.
The intent is to offer new federal hires with military service-connected disabilities time off for medical treatment; extending the policy to “all Veterans Health Administration physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries”.
H.R. 5515: John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019
Introduced April 13, 2018
Sponsored by Rep. Mac Thornberry, Texas (R)
Signed into law Aug. 13, 2018
H.R. 5515 is a funding authorization for the Department of Defense, and military activities. It also defines “personnel strengths for Fiscal Year 2019”. $639.1 billion in base funding is authorized under H.R. 5515, plus another $69 billion for contingency operations. Add $8.9 billion for “mandatory defense spending” for the full total of $717 billion.
Implications for the typical service member include a fully funded 2.6% pay raise for military members, extended special pay, and bonuses to retain military members working in high-demand career fields.
H.R. 1900: National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act
Introduced April 4, 2017
Sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers, Ohio (R)
Signed into law June 21, 2018
This resolution designates the Veterans Memorial and Museum (currently being built in Columbus, Ohio at the time of this writing), as the “National Veterans Memorial and Museum”.
One provision of this resolution requires the Memorial and Museum to submit a report to Congress prior to the redesignation. It also stipulates that the Memorial and Museum would not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Park system.
H.R. 2772: SEA Act of 2018
Introduced June 6, 2017
Sponsored by Rep. Scott Taylor, Virginia (R)
Signed into law June 21, 2018
This House resolution requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to “personally approve of a reassignment of VA’s approximately 350 Senior Executive Service (SES) employees and submit a semiannual report to congress identifying those employees”. The resolution also requires the VA Secretary to identify the costs of such reassignments.
The bill describes SES employees as a “major link between appointees and the rest of the federal workforce” as justification for the personal approval process. Such positions include most managerial, supervisory, and policy positions classified above General Schedule (GS) 15 or equivalent positions in the executive branch.
H.R. 4910: Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act
Introduced Jan. 30, 2018
Sponsored by Rep. Austin Scott, Georgia (R)
Signed into law June 15, 2018
This House resolution (as amended) requires “outer burial receptacles” for veterans to be provided by the Department of the Interior when veterans are buried in areas under Park Service jurisdiction. The resolution also requires these receptacles be used in accordance with VA guidelines and/or the Department of the Army.
Under previous requirements, the VA was required to provide the outer burial receptacle to a veteran buried in a national cemetery under the control of a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs known as the National Cemetery Administration. However, burial sites under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service cemeteries were not covered under the former law that allows such compensation.
S. 2372 VA MISSION Act of 2018
Introduced Feb. 5 2018
Sponsored by Sen. John Isakson, Georgia (R)
Signed into law June 6, 2018
The VA Mission Act of 2018 (as amended by the House) consolidates several VA care programs and extends funding for the Choice Program.
There is also a new Asset and Infrastructure Review process “to recommend actions to modernize and realign VA’s massive medical infrastructure and also expands VA’s Family Caregiver Program” for veterans who served prior to 9/11, among other changes.
The VA is also required under the bill to create contracts in a network of community care providers and expand treatment/coverage options for qualifying veterans.
H.R. 1900: National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act
Introduced April 4, 2017
Sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers, Ohio (R)
Signed into law June 21, 2018
This resolution designates the Veterans Memorial and Museum (currently being built in Columbus, Ohio at the time of this writing), as the “National Veterans Memorial and Museum”.
One provision of this resolution requires the Memorial and Museum to submit a report to Congress prior to the redesignation. It also stipulates that the Memorial and Museum would not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Park system.
H.R. 3218: Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017
Introduced July 13, 2017
Sponsored by Rep. David Roe, Tennessee (R)
Signed into law Aug. 16, 2017
This House Resolution addresses a 2008 law which created the Post-9/11 GI Bill. H.R. 3218 updates/replaces older legislation. The Forever GI Bill, as this law has become known, is designed to expand and enhance the GI Bill program, changing rules for use and transfer of benefits to dependents and creating greater access to certain benefits designed to complement the GI Bill.
Significant changes via this legislation includes the elimination of an expiration date for veterans to use GI Bill benefits once leaving military service. Additionally, more veterans and dependents will be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program to pay for some school expenses not covered by the GI Bill. Now, surviving dependents of deceased service members, and active-duty service members are both eligible to apply to receive Yellow Ribbon benefits.
Bills Sent To Committee
These are bills that have been introduced by have been referred to a special committee for further consideration. Once they leave the committee they may be put to the House or Senate floor for debate or a vote before moving on to the next stage where applicable.
None to report. A new Congress has begun and the bill process starts all over again.
Died In Congress
A bill that is introduced may be allowed to languish in committee, not get a vote, or be voted down depending on circumstances
None to report. A new Congress has begun and the bill process starts all over again.
Executive Orders And Other Activity
Executive Order Extending Student Loan Moratorium Deadline
While not directly related to GI Bill benefits or other veteran education programs, the executive order signed by President Biden in his first week in office extends a moratorium on federal student loan collection until Sept. 21, 2021.
Student loan payments on federally owned loans are suspended, and collection actions against federal student loans are also suspended. This is good news for currently serving military members, veterans, and federal employees who may owe on federal loans.
Suspended Debt Collection For Veterans Who Owe The Department of Veterans Affairs
In April of 2020, the Presidential order directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to suspend VA debt collection in cases where vets owe money to the VA because of overpayments.
These mistakes are often due to errors in computing benefit payments for things like the GI Bill or disability compensation. When those errors result in an overpayment, eventually the Department of Veterans Affairs catches up with the mistake and contacts the veteran to discuss repayment.
In the wake of the Presidential order, the Department of Veterans Affairs placed a notice on its Debt Management Center page urging them to get in touch with the VA about temporary financial relief, requesting that vets wait to render payment if they have not started.
Those who were already making payments were requested to continue doing so until the payer can discuss debt suspension with a VA rep.
The VA later issued a notice on its official site announcing it was “suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department”.
Suspended Payroll Tax Collection
In August of 2020, a Presidential memorandum gave taxpayers the option of having their Social Security taxes deferred for the remainder of the year, conditional on those taxes being paid ultimately before April 30, 2021.
News outlets report that few in the private sector took advantage of this “assistance”; there may have been hopes that the taxes would eventually be forgiven rather than being required to be repaid, but no legislation came to codify this and the taxes are still due by the deadline.
How this affects the DoD? Federal employees and military members were required to accept the Social Security tax suspension and those who face having those monies recouped will see smaller paychecks for the duration of the repayment period.
Legislation To Protect The GI Bill
In March, 2020 multiple bills were considered to protect GI Bill benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. House Resolution 6194 was one attempt written to allow the VA to “treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations”.
This basically meant that, under the proposed law, the student could not be penalized for attending virtually when classes shift to distance learning as opposed to in-person traditional classroom work. Housing stipends for Post 9/11 GI Bill recipients is lower when an all-virtual classroom situation exists, House Resolution 6194 was an attempt to remedy that during the pandemic.
But it was Senate Bill 3503 that eventually made it to the President’s desk to be signed into law. This bill was created for the same reasons–to safeguard GI Bill benefits while students were required to shelter in place, attend classes virtually only, etc.
This was signed into law on March 21, 2020 but more help was needed–in April 2020
The Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 became law, allowing student veterans participating in work-study programs to continue to receive payments under the program even if the student cannot work due to COVID-19.
The Act also protects housing allowance payments in cases where a school closes due to COVID. In such cases students also have additional resources under the Act to apply to have their GI Bill benefits restored or extended in cases where the school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Transgender Troops And Military Service
A Presidential Memorandum dated Aug. 25, 2017 required Defense Secretary Mattis furnish the results of a military study into allowing transgender troops to serve openly.
That report was delivered to the President in February 2018 with a recommendation to allow currently serving transgender sailors and soldiers to serve according to reports by the Associated Press. But that’s not the full story of those recommendations.
In March 2019, the Mattis report was released with the following recommendations:
- “Transgender persons with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria are disqualified from military service, except under the following limited circumstances:
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- 36 consecutive months of stability “in their biological sex prior to accession.”
- For currently serving personnel who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria after accession, “if they do not require a change of gender and remain deployable,” they may continue to serve.
- For currently serving personnel who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria under the previous policy (outlined by Ash Carter) and prior to the effective date of the new policy, they may continue to serve “in their preferred gender and receive medically necessary treatment for gender dysphoria.”
- “Transgender persons who require or have undergone gender transition are disqualified from military service.”
- “Transgender persons without a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria, who are otherwise qualified for service, may serve, like all other Service members, in their biological sex.”
Implementing the policy would include discharging about 13,700 members already serving. The AP notes that there are 14,700 service members who identify as transgender, but not all of them seek treatment.
On March 23, 2018, the Trump administration issued a memorandum on official policy on transgender troops, including the directive that “transgender persons with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria—individuals who the policies state may require substantial medical treatment, including medications and surgery—are disqualified from military service except under certain limited circumstances.”
After April 12, recruits seeking entry into military service will be barred from doing so if they are taking hormones. Anyone who has already transitioned is also barred from enlisting. The policy of the Defense Department at the time of this writing could also result in the involuntary discharge of more than 13 thousand service members already in uniform who identify as transgender.
Not all transgender troops seek medical treatment, so those who are willing to serve and meet the DoD requirement to serve in the so-called “biological gender” the service member was identified with at birth; a service member diagnosed with gender dysphoria can be discharged from the military if they are unwilling or unable to “…adhere to all applicable standards, including the standards associated with his or her biological sex, or seeks transition to another gender.”
This standard is more lenient than President Donald J. Trump’s original declaration posted on Twitter stating that transgender troops would not be permitted to serve “in any capacity.” Opponents of the transgender ban say it is unconstitutional at least in part on the basis that it denies military service to an individual based on their status as transgender rather than their ability to complete the mission.
Policy Changes Affecting The Military Community (non-legislative)
Continuous Credit Monitoring For Military Security Clearances
Announced August 2018
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Military members may be required to pass background checks for security clearance purposes depending on the nature of their military jobs and the Secret, Top Secret, or other required levels. In August 2018 the government website for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a policy change for government security clearances requiring military members to be subject to “continuous credit monitoring”, which means all credit activity may be reviewed at any time.
This is designed to monitor for financial irresponsibility, high debt ratios, or other negatives; those who do not meet their financial obligations or appear to be at risk of potential compromise due to negative credit activity may jeopardize their ability to be deployed, re-enlist, or keep their current security clearance. Details on the specifics of this new credit monitoring are sketchy at press time, but military members are urged to begin more aggressive credit monitoring themselves to avoid having issues in the future with getting or maintaining a security clearance. Some sources report that financial issues made up nearly 50% of all security clearance concerns in 2017.
Bill Glossary
“H.R.” – A bill that originates in the House of Representatives.
“S.” – A bill that originates in the Senate.
“H.J. Res.” – A joint resolution that originates out of the House of Representatives.
“S.J. Res.” – A joint resolution that originates out of the Senate.
Two different bills can have the same number because every two years, at the start of odd-numbered years, the United States Congress recommences numbering from 1.
Difference between a Bill and Joint Resolution – There is no real difference between a joint resolution and a bill. The joint resolution is generally used for continuing or emergency appropriations. Joint resolutions are also used for proposing amendments to the Constitution.
What happens to bills after Congress adjourns?
At the end of a two-year session, Congress adjourns “sine die,” or “without day,” and not reconvene until a new Congress starts some time the next January. When Congress reconvenes, the process starts all over again. All bills are removed and there is no pending business. All of the “H.R.” and “S.” numbered titles that have been discussed and debated for the past two years are archived.
Congressional members can reintroduce bills but no all bills are reintroduced particularly bills that were sponsored by members who do not return to office. These bills need a new sponsor in order to reintroduce.
How To Use This Page
This page is updated as needed or when significant activity is reported. The most recent introduced, ordered reported, items that have passed the House and the Senate and await the signature of the President, and signed-into-law bills and resolutions are listed first.
Older updates follow but may not reflect the current status of the bills or resolutions listed here.
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News
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