Summary: Authorizes the provision by the Secretary of the military department concerned of a travel and transportation allowance for up to three family members of a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized in a military medical facility in the United States for a serious psychiatric condition, as long as such transportation is provided pursuant to travel orders issued upon the recommendation of a physician that the family's presence would be helpful and beneficial to the member's treatment and recovery.

authorizes provision secretary military department concerned travel transportation allowance family members member armed_forces hospitalized military medical facility united_states psychiatric condition long transportation provided pursuant travel orders issued recommendation physician family presence helpful beneficial member treatment recovery


Summary: American Braille Flag Memorial Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to approve an appropriate design and site within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial.

secretary army place arlington national cemetery flag honoring blind members armed_forces veterans americans grants secretary exclusive authority approve appropriate design site arlington national cemetery memorial


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in eastern Nebraska to serve the needs of veterans and their families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish national cemetery eastern nebraska serve needs veterans families eastern nebraska western iowa


Summary: Veterans' Rating Schedule Review Act - Authorizes the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review whether, and the extent to which, the schedule of ratings for veterans' disabilities complies with statutory requirements applicable to entitlement to veterans' disability compensation for service-connected disability or death.

veterans rating schedule court_of_appeals veterans claims review extent schedule ratings veterans disabilities complies statutory requirements applicable entitlement veterans disability compensation service connected disability death


Summary: Amends federal armed forces law to add provisions concerning investigations of suicides committed by members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a member's suicide, to establish a board, made up of commissioned officers serving on active duty, to investigate the causes contributing to the suicide, including preventive actions that could have been taken. Requires: (1) the protection of confidentiality with respect to such investigations; (2) the investigation to be completed within 30 days after the suicide; and (3) an interim and final board report to the Secretary concerned. Directs the Secretary concerned to make public the investigation results, while protecting the confidentiality of the member. Requires all reports received by the Secretary concerned to be transmitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, who shall take appropriate actions to reduce the incidence of suicide among members.

amends federal armed forces law add provisions concerning investigations suicides committed members armed_forces members directs secretary military department concerned case member suicide establish board commissioned officers serving active duty investigate causes contributing suicide including preventive actions taken requires protection confidentiality respect investigations investigation completed days suicide interim final board report secretary concerned directs secretary concerned public investigation results protecting confidentiality member requires reports received secretary concerned transmitted assistant secretary defense_for_health_affairs shall appropriate actions reduce incidence suicide members


Summary: Armed Forces Mental Health Professionals Recruitment and Retention Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal military pay provisions to provide: (1) a bonus of up to $25,000 per year for officers who agree to remain on active duty as clinical psychologists; (2) an accession bonus of up to $400,000 to clinical psychologists with a critically short wartime specialty who agree to accept a commission and remain on active duty for at least four years; and (3) special pay for officers serving as clinical psychologists for at least one year. Provides: (1) an accession bonus of up to $30,000 for social workers in critically short wartime specialties agreeing to serve as officers on active duty for at least three years; and (2) special pay for officers serving as social workers for at least one year. Provides special pay for officers serving as mental health nurses for at least one year. Includes psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health nurses under Department of Defense (DOD) authority to provide retention incentives for members of the Armed Forces qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units. Includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other behavioral health professionals as eligible health professions under the DOD health professions scholarship and financial assistance program. Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to use the authorities in this Act to facilitate the recruitment and retention in the reserve components of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health nurses.

amends federal military pay provisions provide bonus year officers agree remain active duty clinical psychologists accession bonus clinical psychologists critically short wartime specialty agree accept commission remain active duty years special pay officers serving clinical psychologists year provides accession bonus social workers critically short wartime specialties agreeing serve officers active duty years special pay officers serving social workers year provides special pay officers serving mental health nurses year includes psychiatrists social workers mental health nurses department_of_defense dod authority provide retention incentives members armed_forces qualified critical military skills assigned high priority units includes psychiatrists clinical psychologists social workers mental health nurses behavioral health professionals eligible health professions dod health professions scholarship financial assistance program authorizes secretary military department use authorities act facilitate recruitment retention reserve components psychiatrists clinical psychologists social workers mental health nurses


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain an electronic database on the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide among members of the Armed Forces on active duty, as well as members of the National Guard and reserves who are demobilized from active duty. Requires: (1) regular reports from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees; and (2) such reports to be made available to the public (absent personally-identifying information).

directs secretary defense establish maintain electronic database incidence suicide attempted suicide members armed_forces active duty members national_guard reserves demobilized active duty requires regular reports secretary congressional defense committees reports available public absent personally identifying information


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Equity Act of 2008 - Requires that, for each veteran requiring continuous medication or the use of one or more adaptive devices (such as a hearing aid) prescribed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other licensed health care provider for the treatment of a service-connected disability, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign a disability rating of not less than 10%.

requires veteran requiring continuous medication use adaptive devices hearing aid prescribed department_of_veterans_affairs licensed health care provider treatment service connected disability secretary veterans_affairs shall assign disability rating


Summary: National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

amends national defense authorization act fiscal year date september period active duty performed active service support contingency operation emergency situations members ready_reserve components armed forces shall receive credit determining eligibility early receipt non regular service retired pay


Summary: Training and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Enhancement Act of 2008 - Allows services and assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to include services necessary to improve a veteran's quality of life. Entitles a veteran determined not capable of achieving a vocational goal to a program that improves such veteran's quality of life, in addition to other services currently provided. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide programs of independent living services and assistance to such veterans.Removes provisions limiting the initiation of programs of independent living services to no more than 2,500 veterans each fiscal year.

training allows services assistance veterans service connected disabilities include services necessary improve veteran quality life entitles veteran determined capable achieving vocational goal program improves veteran quality life addition services currently provided directs current law authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide programs independent living services assistance veterans removes provisions limiting initiation programs independent living services veterans fiscal year


Summary: Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) 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, 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: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.

act amends federal employment armed forces military pay veterans benefits law authorize provision following benefits member armed_forces discharged member request pursuant department_of_defense dod policy permitting early discharge member surviving child family father mother siblings served armed_forces incident service killed died result wounds accident disease captured missing action status permanently disabled continued payment original agreed service period bonus incentive similar benefit member entitled service separation pay member completed years active service discharge transitional health care basis active duty member days discharge transitional commissary exchange benefits basis active duty member years discharge veterans housing loan employment training basic educational assistance federal unemployment compensation veteran preference federal employment purposes makes act effective respect discharge granted september


Summary: Authorizes payment of the expense of presenting a U.S. flag to the children of members of the Armed Forces who die in service.

authorizes payment expense presenting flag children members armed_forces die service


Summary: 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.

senior oversight committee extension act directs secretary defense secretary veterans_affairs jointly actions appropriate including allocation appropriate personnel funding resources continue september operations jointly established secretaries address concerns related treatment wounded ill injured members armed_forces veterans report congress advisability continuing committee date


Summary: Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal provisions concerning the establishment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities of nonprofit research and education corporations (NRECs) to allow an NREC to facilitate the conduct of research or education, or both, at more than one VA medical center. States that such an NREC shall be known as a multi-medical center research corporation (MCRC). Allows an NREC to act as a MCRC if: (1) the NREC board of directors approve a resolution permitting that NREC to act as a MCRC; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves the resolution. Requires each NREC and MCRC to be established in accordance with the nonprofit laws of the state in which the VA medical center which it supports is located. States that either such corporation shall not be considered to be owned by, or an agent or instrumentality of, the United States. Expands the authorized areas of experience or expertise with respect to non-VA members of boards of directors of NRECs and MCRCs. Increases authorized corporate powers of NRECs and MCRCs to include entering into contracts and setting fees for education and training facilitated through such corporation.

amends federal provisions concerning establishment department_of_veterans_affairs medical facilities nonprofit research education corporations nrecs allow nrec facilitate conduct research education medical center states nrec shall known multi medical center research corporation mcrc allows nrec act mcrc nrec board directors approve resolution permitting nrec act mcrc secretary veterans_affairs approves resolution requires nrec mcrc established accordance nonprofit laws state medical center supports located states corporation shall considered owned agent instrumentality united_states expands authorized areas experience expertise respect non members boards directors nrecs mcrcs increases authorized corporate powers nrecs mcrcs include entering contracts setting fees education training facilitated corporation


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $300 plot allowance to a state for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in state cemeteries.

directs secretary veterans_affairs pay plot allowance state spouses children certain veterans buried state cemeteries


Summary: Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan on the coordination of current Department of Defense (DOD) educational assistance programs and the development of additional programs to enable members of the Armed Forces (members) to attain a bachelor's degree while pursuing a military career. Increases rates of educational assistance: (1) under the Montgomery GI Bill; (2) for members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) for Selected Reserve members with extended (more than 12 years) service who provide support for contingency operations and other operations. Provides an annual stipend for individuals receiving basic educational assistance and pursuing a program of education at an approved institution of higher education. Allows a member who has completed six years of service (current law allows only members who have completed six years of service and have a military skill designated as critical) to transfer to one or more dependents any unused portion of the member's educational assistance entitlement. Provides similar authority for members of the Selected Reserve. Authorizes a member on active duty and entitled to basic educational assistance to use all or a portion thereof to repay any outstanding federal student loan. Makes eligible for educational assistance an individual who, after September 30, 2009, receives a commission upon graduation of a service academy or completion of Senior Reserve Officers' Training, and completes at least five years of continuous active duty. Makes eligible for enrollment under the Montgomery GI Bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a supplemental educational grant program under which a participating institution of higher education provides certain veterans with the non-federal share of a percentage of such veteran's unmet educational financial need.

readjustment education act directs secretary defense develop plan coordination current department_of_defense dod educational assistance programs development additional programs enable members armed_forces members attain bachelor degree pursuing military career increases rates educational assistance montgomery bill members selected_reserve selected_reserve members extended years service provide support contingency operations operations provides annual stipend individuals receiving basic educational assistance pursuing program education approved institution higher education allows member completed years service current law allows members completed years service military skill designated critical transfer dependents unused portion member educational assistance entitlement provides similar authority members selected_reserve authorizes member active duty entitled basic educational assistance use portion thereof repay outstanding federal student loan makes eligible educational assistance individual september receives commission graduation service academy completion senior reserve officers training completes years continuous active duty makes eligible enrollment montgomery bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled veterans educational assistance program requires secretary veterans_affairs carry supplemental educational grant program participating institution higher education provides certain veterans non federal share percentage veteran unmet educational financial need


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report annually to the congressional veterans affairs committees on the progress in addressing the causes of variances in compensation payments for veterans for service-connected disabilities.

directs secretary veterans_affairs report annually congressional veterans affairs committees progress addressing causes variances compensation payments veterans service connected disabilities


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility and advisability of including severe and acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the conditions covered by traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.

directs secretary veterans_affairs report specified congressional committees feasibility advisability including severe acute post traumatic stress disorder ptsd conditions covered traumatic injury protection coverage


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army to implement the First Sergeants Barracks Initiative (FSBI) throughout the Army. (The FSBI transfers responsibility for daily maintenance operations of barracks from their occupying units to a maintenance team working for the post command.)

directs secretary army implement sergeants barracks initiative army transfers responsibility daily maintenance operations barracks occupying units maintenance team working post command


Summary: Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 - Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Prohibits collecting a fee from a veteran for a housing loan, unless the loan is used to refinance indebtedness. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming limit limitation determined for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process of guaranteeing home loans for the purchase of a condominium. Increases the maximum guaranty amount for certain refinanced loans or other liens. Sets, for a veteran whose income is below an amount set by the Secretary, the maximum amount of guaranty entitlement available for a home loan in any amount at the greater of: (1) the guaranty amount for veterans whose income is not below such amount set by the Secretary; or (2) 30% of the loan.

helping veterans homes act increases reasonable value veteran dwelling farm residence loan guaranteed case loan refinance certain loans prohibits collecting fee veteran housing loan loan refinance indebtedness changes loan fee loans total loan guaranteed insured case loan assumption unpaid principal balance loan date transfer property extends demonstration projects involving adjustable rate mortgages fy2018 hybrid adjustable rate fy2012 increases maximum loan guaranty federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac conforming limit limitation determined single family residence adjusted year involved directs secretary veterans_affairs review streamline process guaranteeing home loans purchase condominium increases maximum guaranty certain refinanced loans liens sets veteran income set secretary maximum guaranty entitlement available home loan greater guaranty veterans income set secretary loan


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a dental insurance plan for any veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system, as well as their survivors and dependents. Provides for: (1) the payment of premiums for plan enrollment; and (2) voluntary plan disenrollment.

directs secretary veterans_affairs provide dental insurance plan veteran enrolled department_of_veterans_affairs annual patient enrollment system survivors dependents provides payment premiums plan enrollment voluntary plan disenrollment


Summary: Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any U.S. agent or attorney, in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, including any form of administrative proceeding or adjudication, from: (1) demanding or requesting that an organization, or a current or former employee or agent of such organization, waive the protections of the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product doctrine; (2) offering to reward or actually rewarding an organization, or current or former employee or agent, for waiving such protections; or (3) threatening adverse treatment or penalizing an organization, or current or former employee or agent, for declining to waive those protections. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, including any form of administrative proceeding or adjudication, from considering specified conduct in: (1) making a civil or criminal charging or enforcement decision relating to an organization, or one of its current or former employees or agents; or (2) determining whether an organization, or a current or former employee or agent, is cooperating with the government. Numbers among the actions a U.S. agent or attorney may not use as a charging decision condition or a cooperation-determining factor: (1) any valid assertion of the protection of the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product doctrine; (2) the provision of counsel to, or contribution to the legal defense fees or expenses of, a current or former employee or agent of an organization; (3) entry into, or existence of, a valid joint-defense, information-sharing, or common-interest agreement between an organization and a current or former employee or agent, or among its current or former employees; (4) the sharing of relevant information in anticipation of or in response to an investigation or enforcement matter between an organization and a current or former employee or agent, or among its current or former employees, unless shuch sharing is itself an offense; or (5) the failure to terminate the employment or affiliation of or otherwise sanction any employee or agent of the organization because of the employee's or agent's decision to exercise personal constitutional rights or other legal protections in response to a government request. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from demanding or requesting that an organization or an affiliated person not take any such action.

attorney client privilege protection act amends federal criminal code prohibit agent attorney federal investigation criminal civil enforcement matter including form administrative proceeding adjudication demanding requesting organization current employee agent organization waive protections attorney client privilege attorney work product doctrine offering reward actually rewarding organization current employee agent waiving protections threatening adverse treatment penalizing organization current employee agent declining waive protections prohibits agent attorney federal investigation criminal civil enforcement matter including form administrative proceeding adjudication considering specified conduct making civil criminal charging enforcement decision relating organization current employees agents determining organization current employee agent cooperating government numbers actions agent attorney use charging decision condition cooperation determining factor valid assertion protection attorney client privilege attorney work product doctrine provision counsel contribution legal defense fees expenses current employee agent organization entry existence valid joint defense information sharing common interest agreement organization current employee agent current employees sharing relevant information anticipation response investigation enforcement matter organization current employee agent current employees sharing offense failure terminate employment affiliation sanction employee agent organization employee agent decision exercise personal constitutional rights legal protections response government request prohibits agent attorney demanding requesting organization affiliated person action


Summary: Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 4) States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) support the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan; (2) build a long-term relationship with Pakistan; (3) further the economic development of Pakistan by expanding bilateral engagement with the government of Pakistan; (4) work with Pakistan and the countries bordering Pakistan to facilitate regional peace; (5) work with the government of Pakistan to prevent Pakistani territory from being used as a base or conduit for terrorist attacks; and (6) expand people-to-people engagement between the United States and Pakistan through increased educational, technical, and cultural exchanges. (Sec. 5) Authorizes FY2009-FY2013 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for projects to benefit the people of Pakistan, including projects that promote: (1) democratic governance; (2) economic freedom and growth; and (3) investments in people, and particularly, women and children. Encourages the utilization of Pakistani firms and community and local nongovernmental organizations in Pakistan to provide such assistance. Authorizes the use of funds for operational and audit expenses. Sets forth notification and reporting requirements. (Sec. 6) Limits certain military assistance (as of FY2010) and arms transfers (as of FY2012) to Pakistan until the Secretary of State certifies that Pakistan's security forces: (1) are making concerted efforts to prevent al Qaeda and the Taliban from operating in Pakistan's territory; and (2) are not materially interfering in Pakistan's political or judicial processes. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) coalition support funds are critical components of the global fight against terrorism and the primary support for military operations of the government of Pakistan to destroy the terrorist threat and close terrorist safe havens; (2) the Pakistan reimbursement claims process for coalition support funds requires increased oversight and accountability; and (3) more specific guidance should be generated for officials associated with counterterrorism program oversight within the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, the United States Central Command, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive, cross-border strategy for working with the government of Pakistan, the government of Afghanistan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other allies to implement effective counterterrorism and counterinsurgency measurers along the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

pakistan act sec defines specified terms sec states policy support consolidation democracy pakistan build long term relationship pakistan economic development pakistan expanding bilateral engagement government pakistan work pakistan countries bordering pakistan facilitate regional peace work government pakistan prevent pakistani territory base conduit terrorist attacks expand people people engagement united_states pakistan increased educational technical cultural exchanges sec authorizes fy2009 fy2013 appropriations assistance pakistan foreign assistance act projects benefit people pakistan including projects promote democratic governance economic freedom growth investments people particularly women children encourages utilization pakistani firms community local nongovernmental organizations pakistan provide assistance authorizes use funds operational audit expenses sets forth notification reporting requirements sec limits certain military assistance fy2010 arms transfers fy2012 pakistan secretary state certifies pakistan security forces making concerted efforts prevent al_qaeda taliban operating pakistan territory materially interfering pakistan political judicial processes sec expresses sense congress coalition support funds critical components global fight terrorism primary support military operations government pakistan destroy terrorist threat close terrorist safe havens pakistan reimbursement claims process coalition support funds requires increased oversight accountability specific guidance generated officials associated counterterrorism program oversight pakistan department_of_defense dod department_of_state office_of_management_and_budget omb sec directs secretary state develop comprehensive cross border strategy working government pakistan government afghanistan north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato allies implement effective counterterrorism counterinsurgency border areas pakistan afghanistan


Summary: Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2008 or PRO-VETS Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications. Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.

providing real outreach veterans act pro vets act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary enter agreement secretary defense transfer data secretary providing members armed_forces veterans individualized information concerning veterans benefits member veteran eligible requires secretary receiving data compile list benefits member veteran eligible notify member veteran legal representative benefits provide second notification member veteran apply listed benefit days annual notifications requires additional notifications based changed circumstances allows member veteran option decline notifications directs secretary use transferred data reduce information member veteran provide applying benefits requires secretary defense provide member veteran opportunity decline authorization transfer information act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide uncharged leave or a monetary benefit to any member or former member of the Armed Forces who, on any day beginning on January 19, 2007, and ending on the date of implementation of the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, would have qualified for a day of administrative absence under such program had it been in effect. Makes such benefit: (1) an amount not to exceed $200 for each day, in the case of a former member; and (2) either one day of administrative absence or an amount not to exceed $200, in the case of a current member. Excludes from such benefit any members discharged or released under other than honorable conditions. Sets at 40 the maximum number of days for which such benefit may be provided.

directs secretary military department concerned provide uncharged leave monetary benefit member member armed_forces day beginning january ending date implementation program qualified day administrative absence program effect makes benefit exceed day case member day administrative absence exceed case current member excludes benefit members discharged released honorable conditions sets maximum number days benefit provided


Summary: ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the term "disability," including by defining "major life activities" and "being regarded as having such an impairment." Sets forth rules of construction regarding the definition of "disability," including that: (1) such term shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under the Act; (2) an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be a disability; (3) an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active; and (4) the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of specified mitigating measures. (Sec. 5) Prohibits employment discrimination against a qualified individual on the basis of disability. (Current law prohibits employment discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability.) Prohibits the use of qualification standards, employment tests, or other selection criteria based on an individual's uncorrected vision unless the standard, test, or other selection criteria, as used by the covered entity, is shown to be related to the position and is consistent with business necessity. (Sec. 6) Declares that nothing in the Act: (1) alters the standards for determining eligibility for benefits under state worker's compensation laws or under state and federal disability benefit programs; (2) alters the requirement to make reasonable modifications in policies or procedures, unless such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations involved; or (3) provides the basis for a claim by an individual without a disability that the individual was subject to discrimination because of the individual's lack of disability. Declares that the authority of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations includes the authority to issue regulations implementing the definitions of this Act. (Sec. 7) Makes conforming amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

ada amendments act sec amends americans disabilities act ada redefine term disability including defining major life activities regarded having impairment sets forth rules construction definition disability including term shall construed favor broad coverage individuals act impairment substantially limits major life activity need limit major life activities order disability impairment remission disability substantially limit major life activity active determination impairment substantially limits major life activity shall regard ameliorative effects specified mitigating measures sec prohibits employment discrimination qualified individual basis disability current law prohibits employment discrimination qualified individual disability disability prohibits use qualification standards employment tests selection criteria based individual vision standard test selection criteria covered entity shown related position consistent business necessity sec declares act alters standards determining eligibility benefits state worker compensation laws state federal disability benefit programs alters requirement reasonable modifications policies procedures modifications fundamentally alter nature goods services facilities accommodations involved provides basis claim individual disability individual subject discrimination individual lack disability declares authority equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc attorney general secretary transportation issue regulations includes authority issue regulations implementing definitions act sec makes conforming amendments rehabilitation act


Summary: Authorizes a unit commander in grade O-5 or higher to accept charitable gifts on behalf of certain individuals who incur a wound, injury, or illness in the line of duty.

authorizes unit commander grade higher accept charitable gifts behalf certain individuals incur wound injury illness line duty


Summary: Superior National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, after consideration of specified public interest factors, to sell certain lands in Superior National Forest in Minnesota. Requires: (1) consideration for a sale of lands to be not less than the appraised market value of those lands; and (2) the first offer for the sale of the lands under this Act to be made to Poly Met Mining, Inc.

authorizes secretary agriculture consideration specified public interest factors sell certain lands minnesota requires consideration sale lands appraised market value lands offer sale lands act


Summary: Access for All America Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to public or nonprofit entities certified as federally qualified health centers to operate community health centers and provide basic health and support services to medically underserved populations. Provides for the conversion of existing family medical practices to federally qualified health centers. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants relating to accessibility of services to underserved populations, quality assurance, standard fee and discount schedules, nondenial of services, and cultural awareness.Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2015 the authorization of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program.

access america act directs secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator health_resources_and_services_administration award grants public nonprofit entities certified federally qualified health centers operate community health centers provide basic health support services medically underserved populations provides conversion existing family medical practices federally qualified health centers sets forth requirements grant applicants relating accessibility services underserved populations quality assurance standard fee discount schedules services cultural awareness amends public_health_service_act extend fy2015 authorization appropriations national_health_service_corps scholarship loan repayment program


Summary: Visa Efficiency and E-Verify Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY2002-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 minus the number of certain aliens not subject to direct numerical limitations plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY2002-FY2007. (States that such annual level shall not be less than 226,000.) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program through June 1, 2013. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue final regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud in the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program by no later than December 31, 2008. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the special immigrant program for non-minister religious workers until October 1, 2011. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs (which includes the E-Verify basic pilot program) for five years. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary, for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, to enter into a fiscal year agreement which shall: (1) provide funds to the Commissioner for such programs' full costs in quarterly advances; and (2) require an annual accounting and reconciliation of costs incurred and funds provided. Provides for interim funding continuation (based upon the latest agreement) if an agreement has not been reached by October 1 of a fiscal year. Requires that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct studies regarding: (1) erroneous tentative nonconfirmations under the E-Verify program; and (2) such program's effects on small entities.

verify extension act amends immigration nationality act establish fiscal year worldwide level employment based immigrants plus previous year unused visas number unused visas establishes fiscal year worldwide level family sponsored immigrants minus number certain aliens subject direct numerical limitations plus previous year unused visas number unused visas states annual level shall amends extend j-1 visa waiver conrad state medical services underserved areas program june directs secretary homeland_security issue final regulations eliminate reduce fraud special immigrant non minister religious worker program later december amends immigration nationality act extend special immigrant program non minister religious workers october amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act extend employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs includes verify basic pilot program years directs commissioner social_security secretary fiscal years beginning october enter fiscal year agreement shall provide funds commissioner programs costs quarterly advances require annual accounting reconciliation costs incurred funds provided provides interim funding continuation based latest agreement agreement reached october fiscal year requires government_accountability_office gao conduct studies erroneous tentative verify program program effects small entities


Summary: Federal Aviation Administration Employee Retention Act - Revises requirements for the dispute resolution process of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding negotiations with the exclusive bargaining representative of FAA employees over proposed changes to the FAA personnel management system. Requires submission of issues in controversy to the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP) for binding arbitration if the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS, required by current law) have led to an impasse between the FAA and its employees in reaching an agreement. Prescribes a procedure for the appointment of a three-member arbitration board by the FSIP Executive Director. Repeals the current requirement that, if the services of the FMCS do not lead to an agreement, the Administrator's proposed change to the personnel management system shall not take effect until 60 days have elapsed after the Administrator has transmitted the proposed changes, along with the objections of the employees to the changes, and the reasons for such objections, to Congress. Provides a dispute resolution process alternative to the existing requirement to use FMCS services. Authorizes the FAA Administrator and the exclusive bargaining representative of FAA employees, by mutual agreement, to adopt alternative procedures for the resolution of disputes or impasses arising in the negotiation of a collective-bargaining agreement.

federal_aviation_administration employee retention act revises requirements dispute resolution process federal_aviation_administration faa negotiations exclusive bargaining representative faa employees proposed changes faa personnel management system requires submission issues controversy federal_service_impasses_panel binding arbitration services federal_mediation_and_conciliation_service fmcs required current law led impasse faa employees reaching agreement prescribes procedure appointment member arbitration board executive director repeals current requirement services fmcs lead agreement administrator proposed change personnel management system shall effect days elapsed administrator transmitted proposed changes objections employees changes reasons objections congress provides dispute resolution process alternative existing requirement use fmcs services authorizes faa administrator exclusive bargaining representative faa employees mutual agreement adopt alternative procedures resolution disputes impasses arising negotiation collective bargaining agreement


Summary: Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for 50% of the cost of placing in service any qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system. Defines "qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system" as a manufacturer-certified brake stroke monitoring system, lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or vehicle stability system identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as significantly enhancing the safety or security of commercial drivers, vehicles, or passengers. Terminates such credit after 2013.

amends internal revenue code allow general business tax credit cost placing service qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system defines qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system manufacturer certified brake stroke monitoring system lane departure warning system collision warning system vehicle stability system identified federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration national_highway_traffic_safety_administration significantly enhancing safety security commercial drivers vehicles passengers terminates credit


Summary: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes. Prohibits: (1) any statute of limitations from applying to USERRA proceedings; and (2) wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations.

servicemembers access justice act waives state sovereign immunity respect enforcement uniformed services members employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra makes unenforceable agreements employer employee requiring arbitration disputes arising userra provides exceptions requires validity enforceability agreement determined court opposed arbitrator provides increased liquidated damages authorizes punitive damages state private employer violations userra provides right jury trial cases requires current law authorizes award attorney fees actions enforce userra defines successor interest userra purposes prohibits statute limitations applying userra proceedings wage discrimination members covered userra requires current law authorizes court use equitable relief including injunctions restraining orders appropriate userra violations


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to adjust to permanent resident status certain alien family members of specified Armed Forces members or veterans who are serving or have served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, in the National Guard, the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in active-duty status.

authorizes secretary homeland_security attorney general adjust permanent resident status certain alien family members specified armed_forces members veterans serving served honorably october national_guard selected_reserve ready reserve active duty status


Summary: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act of 2008 - Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.

reform act requires beginning fy2010 fiscal year budget authority following accounts department_of_veterans_affairs medical facilities requires comptroller general conduct study adequacy accuracy baseline model projections health care expenditures


Summary: Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" with "Food Stamp Act of 1977" in a provision reauthorizing grant funds to assist eligible private nonprofit entities to establish and carry out community food projects. Makes such grant funds for FY2008 available until September 30, 2009, to fund proposals solicited in FY2008.

amends energy act replace food nutrition act food stamp act provision reauthorizing grant funds assist eligible private nonprofit entities establish carry community food projects makes grant funds fy2008 available september fund proposals solicited fy2008


Summary: Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.

revises tricare department_of_defense dod managed health care program authorize secretary defense provide extended health care services treatment way contract private providers dependent autism diagnosed children military retirees entitled hospital insurance benefits title xviii medicare social security act enrolled title


Summary: Military Child Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance to ensure access to, and affordability of, respite care with respect to children under the age of 13 for: (1) spouses of members of the Armed Forces deployed to a combat zone, and for caregivers with respect to such members; and (2) survivors of members who are killed during such deployment.

military child care act directs secretary defense issue guidance ensure access affordability respite care respect children age spouses members armed_forces deployed combat zone caregivers respect members survivors members killed deployment


Summary: Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), upon the conclusion of a resource-sharing agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Navy ambulatory care center, parking structure, supporting facilities, and related medical personal property and equipment in Great Lakes, Illinois. Designates such facility and supporting facilities as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (Center). Provides a reversionary interest to the Secretary if the property is not used in accordance with the resource-sharing agreement or in the event of lack of facilities integration. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the VA functions necessary for Center operation. Extends through FY2020 a joint Department of Defense (DOD)-VA program to identify, implement, and evaluate creative health care coordination and sharing initiatives at the facility, intraregional, and nationwide levels. Deems the Center a military facility for purposes of the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces to receive care and services there.

captain authorizes secretary defense secretary conclusion resource sharing agreement secretary secretary veterans_affairs transfer department_of_veterans_affairs navy ambulatory care center parking structure supporting facilities related medical personal property equipment great_lakes illinois designates facility supporting facilities captain provides reversionary interest secretary property accordance resource sharing agreement event lack facilities integration authorizes secretary transfer functions necessary center operation extends fy2020 joint program identify implement evaluate creative health care coordination sharing initiatives facility nationwide levels deems center military facility purposes eligibility members armed_forces receive care services


Summary: Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, serving the Armed Forces, and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit within one year after the enactment of this Act; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to include, in annual budget documents submitted to Congress, detailed information on the Fund's operation.

merchant mariners world war act establishes treasury merchant mariner equity compensation fund payments secretary veterans_affairs monthly benefit individual december december documented member merchant marine including army_transport_service naval_transport_service serving crewmember vessel operated waters serving armed_forces contract property united_states requires individuals apply benefit year enactment act received benefits authorizes appropriations requires secretary include annual budget documents submitted congress detailed information fund operation


Summary: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) between and among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to give priority to state and county outreach assistance in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to state or county veterans agencies for state and local outreach services.

veterans outreach improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish maintain modify necessary procedures ensuring effective coordination outreach activities department_of_veterans_affairs office_of_the_secretary office_of_public_affairs veterans_health_administration veterans_benefits_administration national_cemetery_administration directs secretary priority state county outreach assistance locations relatively large concentrations veterans experiencing growth veteran populations authorizes secretary grants state county veterans agencies state local outreach services


Summary: Military Success in Iraq and Diplomatic Surge for National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2009 - Makes specified declarations of policy, including that: (1) the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (the Iraq Resolution) is the sole basis of authority under which the President launched the invasion of Iraq in 2003; (2) Congress authorized the use of such force to defend U.S. national security and to enforce all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and (3) Congress has the ultimate authority to determine whether such objectives have been achieved. Repeals the Iraq Resolution. Requires the withdrawal, by the earlier of October 1, 2009, or 90 days after the enactment of this Act, of all units and members of U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Iraq, as well as all security forces under federal contract and working in Iraq. Provides exceptions. States as the policy of the United States to pursue regional and international initiatives to assist Iraq in achieving certain security, political, and economic milestones. Sets forth presidential actions to implement such policy.

military success iraq diplomatic surge national political reconciliation iraq act makes specified declarations policy including authorization use military force iraq resolution iraq resolution sole basis authority president launched invasion iraq congress authorized use force defend national security enforce relevant united_nations security_council resolutions iraq congress ultimate authority determine objectives achieved repeals iraq resolution requires withdrawal earlier october days enactment act units members deployed iraq security forces federal contract working iraq provides exceptions states policy united_states pursue regional international initiatives assist iraq achieving certain security political economic milestones sets forth presidential actions implement policy


Summary: Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

disabled veterans commissary exchange store benefits act permits veteran compensable service connected disability veteran dependents use commissary exchange stores basis member armed_forces entitled retired retainer pay


Summary: Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act - Allows a veteran who is eligible to receive financial educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to elect to use (with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) any such assistance to establish and operate a business that the veteran will own and operate as his or her primary source of income.

veteran eligible receive financial educational assistance montgomery bill elect use approval secretary veterans_affairs assistance establish operate business veteran operate primary source income


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund and to allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns $3.00 of income taxes ($6.00 in the case of joint returns) to be paid over to such Fund to provide assistance to homeless veterans.

amends internal revenue code establish treasury homeless_veterans_assistance_fund allow individual taxpayers designate tax returns income taxes case joint returns paid fund provide assistance homeless veterans


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in El Paso County, Colorado. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on such establishment.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish national cemetery el_paso_county colorado requires report secretary congress establishment


Summary: National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

reservists parity patriots act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year date september period active duty performed active service support contingency operation emergency situations members ready_reserve components armed forces shall receive credit determining eligibility early receipt non regular service retired pay


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee for three years within the first six years after program completion. Sets maximum assistance amounts of $15,000 per academic year and $45,000 total. Requires pro rate repayment for failure to satisfy education or service requirements, while allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend such repayment whenever noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant, or when waiver or suspension is in the best interests of the United States.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish carry scholarship program financial assistance individuals accepted currently enrolled program study leading degree certificate visual impairment orientation mobility enter agreement serve program completion time department_of_veterans_affairs employee years years program completion sets maximum assistance amounts academic year total requires pro rate repayment failure satisfy education service requirements allowing secretary waive suspend repayment noncompliance circumstances control participant waiver suspension best interests united_states


Summary: Authorizes a military chaplain, if called upon to lead a prayer outside of a religious service, to close the prayer according to the dictates of the chaplain's conscience.

authorizes military chaplain called lead prayer outside religious service close prayer according chaplain conscience


Summary: Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009 - Reinstates (under current law, terminated as of the end of FY1986) the veteran-owned small business loan program, under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide loans to veteran-owned small businesses for: (1) financing plant construction, conversion, or expansion; (2) financing the acquisition of equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or materials; or (3) supplying working capital. Makes eligible for such loans small business owners who are veterans and have a disability rated at 10% (under current law, 30%) or more, and includes all veterans (under current law, limited to Vietnam era veterans and veterans discharged or released due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty). Repeals the authority to make direct loans under the program (thereby allowing only loan guaranties). Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the maximum loan guaranty amount. Authorizes the Secretary to subsidize a loan lender in order to reduce by up to 1/2% the interest rate paid by the veteran-owned small business. Includes under a loan preference members of the National Guard and reserves activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Limits performance bond requirements of veteran-owned small businesses with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair of any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) public building or public work. Treats a small business owned and controlled by veterans as a socially and economically disadvantaged small business for purposes of contracts awarded to the latter businesses under provisions of the Small Business Act.

reinstates current law terminated end veteran owned small business loan program secretary veterans_affairs provide loans veteran owned small businesses financing plant construction conversion expansion financing acquisition equipment facilities machinery supplies materials supplying working capital makes eligible loans small business owners veterans disability rated current law includes veterans current law limited vietnam era veterans veterans discharged released disability incurred aggravated line duty repeals authority direct loans program allowing loan increases maximum loan guaranty authorizes secretary subsidize loan lender order reduce interest rate paid veteran owned small business includes loan preference members national_guard reserves activated support global war terrorism limits performance bond requirements veteran owned small businesses respect construction alteration repair department_of_veterans_affairs public building public work treats small business owned controlled veterans socially economically disadvantaged small business purposes contracts awarded businesses provisions small_business_act


Summary: More Training for Veterans Act of 2009 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for veterans' workforce investment programs.

training veterans act amends workforce investment act authorize appropriations veterans workforce investment programs


Summary: Armed Forces Disability Retirement Enhancement Act - Adds new federal provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) retiring one year or more after the enactment of this Act. Allows members who retire on or after October 7, 2001, but before the one-year period after the enactment of this Act, as well as members on the temporary retired list up to such date, to elect to retire under the new provisions in lieu of the current provisions. Makes such elections irrevocable. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned, under the new provisions, to retire a member if: (1) the disability is of a permanent nature, or of uncertain permanency such that a temporary disability retirement is appropriate; (2) the injury, illness, or disease rendering the member unfit was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; and (3) such injury, illness, or disease was not the result of intentional misconduct or willful neglect, or incurred during an unauthorized absence. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) qualifications for placement on the temporary disability retired list; and (2) determinations of unfitness for duty for disability retirement purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Provides for expanded availability and use by separating members (and their dependents) of Department of Labor transition assistance programs.

adds new federal provisions concerning retirement disability members armed_forces members retiring year enactment act allows members retire october year period enactment act members temporary retired list date elect retire new provisions lieu current provisions makes elections irrevocable authorizes secretary military department concerned new provisions retire member disability permanent nature uncertain permanency temporary disability retirement appropriate injury illness disease rendering member unfit incurred aggravated line duty injury illness disease result intentional misconduct willful neglect incurred unauthorized absence outlines provisions concerning qualifications placement temporary disability retired list determinations unfitness duty disability retirement purposes authorizes secretary defense continue discharge separation active duty respite care aid extended care benefits members incur injury illness serving duty provides expanded availability use separating members dependents department_of_labor transition assistance programs


Summary: Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases the amount of monthly subsistence allowance payable to veterans participating in the veterans' vocational rehabilitation program (a program of training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a veteran who has reached a point of employability and is participating only in a program of employment services, to pay such veteran a subsistence allowance for three months while the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.

employment subsistence allowance improvement act increases monthly subsistence allowance payable veterans participating veterans vocational rehabilitation program program training rehabilitation veterans service connected disabilities directs secretary veterans_affairs case veteran reached point employability participating program employment services pay veteran subsistence allowance months veteran satisfactorily pursuing program


Summary: Retired Pay Restoration Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability. Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013. Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

retired pay restoration act expresses sense congress military retired pay reduced military retiree eligible veterans disability compensation awarded service connected disability allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated repeals provisions phasing concurrent receipt pay december makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act - Amends federal military retired pay provisions to: (1) permit veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation; (2) eliminate provisions requiring a phase in between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation; (3) eliminate the four-year phase-in of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation for disabled veterans determined to be individually unemployable; and (4) require a limited reduction in retired pay for combat-related disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service.

disabled federal military retired pay provisions permit veterans service connected disability concurrently receive retired pay disability compensation eliminate provisions requiring phase january december concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation eliminate year phase concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation disabled veterans determined individually require limited reduction retired pay combat related disability retirees years retirement creditable service


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend the limitation period for filing refund claims for overpayments of tax for any veteran whose overpayment relates to a determination by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that such veteran was entitled to service-connected disability compensation. Provides that the suspension period begins on the date a veteran submits a claim for compensation and ends on the date the Secretary makes a determination. Permits a veteran to file a refund claim for overpayment of tax (relating to benefit determinations made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs after 1995) even if the claim is barred by law, if the claim is filed before the end of one year after enactment of this Act.

amends internal revenue code suspend limitation period filing refund claims overpayments tax veteran overpayment relates determination secretary veterans_affairs veteran entitled service connected disability compensation provides suspension period begins date veteran submits claim compensation ends date secretary makes determination permits veteran file refund claim overpayment tax relating benefit determinations secretary veterans_affairs claim barred law claim filed end year enactment act


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by up to $1,000 a month the rate of the Medal of Honor special pension.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs subject availability appropriations increase month rate medal honor special pension


Summary: Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March Compensation Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay certain compensation to individuals (or their survivors) who, as members of the Armed Forces during World War II: (1) were captured on the peninsula of Bataan or the island of Corregidor in the Philippines by Japanese forces; and (2) participated in and survived the Bataan Death March. Allows a survivor payment to be made to the nearest surviving relative of such individual.

march compensation act directs secretary military department concerned pay certain compensation individuals survivors members captured peninsula island philippines japanese forces participated survived death march allows survivor payment nearest surviving relative individual


Summary: Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2009 - Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States. Grants such an individual limited immunity under the federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration. Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession.Requires the Attorney General to: (1) transfer each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it; and (2) publish information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum. Prohibits the Attorney General from destroying any such firearm which has been forfeited until five years after the forfeiture. Requires that any firearm transferred to a qualified museum be registered to the transferee.Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to a transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable state law.

provides day amnesty period veterans family members register firearm acquired october veteran member armed_forces stationed outside continental united_states grants individual limited immunity federal criminal code internal revenue code respect acquisition possession transportation alteration firearm concurrent registration extends immunity veteran attempts register qualifying firearm outside amnesty period veteran firearm days notified potential criminal liability continued possession requires attorney general transfer firearm qualifying forfeited united_states qualified museum requests publish information identifying firearm available transferred museum prohibits attorney general destroying firearm forfeited years forfeiture requires firearm transferred qualified museum registered transferee makes prohibition transfer possession machine gun inapplicable transfer possession museum open public incorporated profit corporation applicable state law


Summary: Health Care for America's Heroes Act - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 200% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)

heroes act makes eligible health care department_of_veterans_affairs patient enrollment system veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family currently veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family eligible


Summary: Wounded Veteran Job Security Act - Entitles a person who is absent from employment by reason of the receipt of medical treatment for a service-connected disability (absent employee) to: (1) be retained by the person's employer; (2) the seniority and other rights and benefits determined by seniority that the person had on the commencement of such treatment plus the additional seniority and rights and benefits that the person would have attained if the person had remained continuously employed; and (3) be considered on furlough or leave of absence during such treatment and therefore entitled to other rights and benefits not determined by seniority as are other persons of similar seniority, status, and pay who are on furlough or leave of absence. Terminates such entitlement when a person knowingly provides written notice of the intent not to return to such position following treatment. Allows the absent employee to use any vacation, annual, medical, or similar leave with pay accrued before the commencement of the treatment. Provides that an employer shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this Act if: (1) the employer's circumstances have so changed as to make such compliance impossible or unreasonable; (2) such compliance would pose an undue hardship on the employer; or (3) the employment in question is for a brief, nonrecurring period without a reasonable expectation of continuing indefinitely or for a significant period. Applies health insurance continuation requirements to absences from employment described in this Act. Prohibits any employer discrimination or acts of reprisal against an absent employee.

wounded veteran job security act entitles person absent employment reason receipt medical treatment service connected disability absent employee retained person employer seniority rights benefits determined seniority person commencement treatment plus additional seniority rights benefits person attained person remained continuously employed considered furlough leave absence treatment entitled rights benefits determined seniority persons similar seniority status pay furlough leave absence terminates entitlement person knowingly provides written notice intent return position following treatment allows absent employee use vacation annual medical similar leave pay accrued commencement treatment provides employer shall required comply requirements act employer circumstances changed compliance impossible unreasonable compliance pose undue hardship employer employment question brief nonrecurring period reasonable expectation continuing indefinitely significant period applies health insurance continuation requirements employment described act prohibits employer discrimination acts reprisal absent employee


Summary: Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without approval of the director of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (Network) in which the individual will serve. Directs the Secretary to encourage directors to hire physicians who are board-eligible or board-certified. Requires: (1) the VHA's Under Secretary of Health to designate a National Quality Assurance Officer for the VHA quality assurance program; (2) each Network regional director to appoint a quality assurance officer; and (3) the director of each VHA medical facility to appoint a quality assurance officer. Directs the Secretary to review VA policies for maintaining health care quality and patient safety at VA medical facilities. Requires the Secretary, in order to recruit and retain VHA physicians in hard-to-fill positions, to: (1) repay certain educational loans for individuals who agree to serve for at least three years as a VHA physician; (2) reimburse tuition for medical students who agree to serve as a VHA physician after such education; and (3) enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program an individual who agrees to serve as a VHA physician for at least five days per month. Encourages the Secretary to undertake additional incentives to encourage individuals to serve or practice as VHA physicians.

improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs prescribe standards appointment practice physician veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs requires applicants provide certain information including lawsuit civil action claim individual medical malpractice negligence results appointee disclose judgments individual medical malpractice negligence payments physicians employed vha disclose information prohibits new appointment approval director individual serve directs secretary encourage directors hire physicians board eligible board certified requires vha secretary health designate vha quality assurance program network regional director appoint quality assurance officer director vha medical facility appoint quality assurance officer directs secretary review policies maintaining health care quality patient safety medical facilities requires secretary order recruit retain vha physicians hard fill positions repay certain educational loans individuals agree serve years vha physician reimburse tuition medical students agree serve vha physician education enroll federal_employees_health_benefits_program individual agrees serve vha physician days month encourages secretary undertake additional incentives encourage individuals serve practice vha physicians


Summary: Extends the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense (DOD) and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include all veterans with a combat-related disability. (Under current law, such concurrent receipt is limited to those veterans who incur a disability in the line of duty in a combat zone or during the performance of duty in combat-related operations.) Makes such amendment effective as of January 28, 2008 (the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008).

extends authorized concurrent receipt disability severance pay department_of_defense dod compensation disability law administered department_of_veterans_affairs include veterans combat related disability current law concurrent receipt limited veterans incur disability line duty combat zone performance duty combat related operations makes amendment effective january date enactment national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year


Summary: Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2009 - Increases from $20,000 to $40,000 the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans.

disabled veterans insurance act increases maximum supplemental service disabled veterans insurance totally disabled veterans


Summary: Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act - Requires the United States to forgive any overpayment of military retired or retainer pay for any period after the death of the recipient through the last day of the month in which such death occurs, if such payment is electronically deposited to a joint account bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary. Provides a special effective date for the first annuity payment to a survivor under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when an overpayment is so forgiven.

military retiree survivor comfort act requires united_states forgive overpayment military retired retainer pay period death recipient day month death occurs payment electronically deposited joint account bearing decedent decedent designated beneficiary provides special effective date annuity payment survivor survivor benefit plan sbp overpayment forgiven


Summary: Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increased work opportunity tax credit for the hiring in 2009 or 2010 of veterans discharged or released from active military duty after September 11, 2001.

jobs veterans act amends internal revenue code allow increased work opportunity tax credit hiring veterans discharged released active military duty september


Summary: Military Valor Roll of Honor Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a publicly available database.

military valor roll honor act directs secretary defense establish registry shall contain names citations members armed_forces members merchant marine including army_transport_service naval_transport_service civilians affiliated armed_forces awarded medal honor medal authorized congress armed_forces merchant marine affiliated civilians publicly available database


Summary: Military Environmental Responsibility Act - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related agencies (the Department of Energy [DOE], the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC], the Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors, and any others as designated by the President) to fully comply with designated federal and state environmental laws, including those related to public health and safety, to the same extent as any other entities subject to such laws. Waives any immunity of the United States with respect to such laws as applied to DOD and any defense-related agency. Provides for administrative enforcement actions. Requires the Secretary of Defense, for each weapon system for which congressional budget justification is required, to ensure that all development and procurement decisions comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Repeals: (1) a federal provision prohibiting the use of certain military appropriation accounts for the payment of fines and penalties for environmental noncompliance; and (2) a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 which prohibits the use of defense funds to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal activities at sites designated under the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program.

military environmental responsibility act requires department defense dod defense related agencies department_of_energy doe nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc designated president fully comply designated federal state environmental laws including related public health safety extent entities subject laws waives immunity united_states respect laws applied dod defense related agency provides administrative enforcement actions requires secretary defense weapon system congressional budget justification required ensure development procurement decisions comply national_environmental_policy_act repeals federal provision prohibiting use certain military appropriation accounts payment fines penalties environmental noncompliance provision national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year prohibits use defense funds conduct treatment storage disposal activities sites designated utilized site remedial action program


Summary: Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings.

supply soldiers act directs secretary defense provide program postal benefits provided member armed_forces active duty serving iraq afghanistan hospitalized military medical facility result service provides postal benefits form coupons evidence credit vouchers use postal free mailings


Summary: Home Front to Heroes Postal Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefit vouchers are provided during FY2010 for members of the Armed Forces who are serving in overseas operations or who are hospitalized due to a disease or injury incurred as a result of such service. Permits the vouchers to be transferred to another person to allow that person to mail correspondence and small parcels to the member. Limits vouchers to one per month. Allows a voucher earned during FY2010 to be used after the end of that fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Postal Service an amount representing the amount of the vouchers used.

benefits act_-_directs secretary defense provide program postal benefit vouchers provided fy2010 members armed_forces serving overseas operations hospitalized disease injury incurred result service permits vouchers transferred person allow person mail correspondence small parcels member limits vouchers month allows voucher earned fy2010 end fiscal year directs secretary transfer postal_service representing vouchers


Summary: Treats the service as a member of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II of any individual who was honorably discharged therefrom as active service for purposes of eligibility for, and the computation of, retired pay for members of the Armed Forces. Makes such provision applicable for retired pay for months beginning on or after August 9, 2000.

treats service member world war individual honorably discharged therefrom active service purposes eligibility computation retired pay members armed_forces makes provision applicable retired pay months beginning august


Summary: Authorizes the burial in a national cemetery of a parent of a deceased veteran who, at the time of the parent's death, does not have a spouse, surviving spouse, or child who has been interred, or who, if deceased, would be eligible to be interred, in a national cemetery.

authorizes burial national cemetery parent deceased veteran time parent death spouse surviving spouse child interred deceased eligible interred national cemetery


Summary: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits requiring repayment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

military surviving spouses equity act repeals certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military retired pay entitled retired pay years age prohibits requiring repayment certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary concerned restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member


Summary: Reduces from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse. Prohibits payment of retroactive benefits. Permits eligibility for such benefits by an individual who but for having remarried would be eligible for such benefits by reason such age reduction and whose remarriage was before the date of the enactment of this Act and after the individual had attained age 57 only if the individual submits an application for such benefits within one year of enactment.

reduces age age age remarriage surviving spouse deceased veteran shall result termination dependency indemnity compensation payable surviving spouse prohibits payment retroactive benefits permits eligibility benefits individual having remarried eligible benefits reason age reduction remarriage date enactment act individual attained age individual submits application benefits year enactment