Summary:
U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Energy to notify Congress within five days after receiving an application to transfer nuclear technology to China.

A request for authorization to transfer U.S.-origin technology from China, or with the significant participation of Chinese persons not located in the United States, to a country other than the United States or China, shall be: (1) subject to authorization requirements specified in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (2) denied unless the applicant demonstrates significant participation by U.S. persons in the transfer, significant U.S. content involved in the transfer in the case of nuclear reactors and components, and timely reimbursement for grants or loans provided by the U.S. government to entities involved in the technology's development.

The bill states that it is U.S. policy to:

 oppose China's provision of assistance in the construction of any additional nuclear reactors in Pakistan, and assist Pakistan in acquiring and developing sufficient electrical power through means other than nuclear power. The President shall determine if China has:

 violated the U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; re-transferred U.S. nuclear items without U.S. permission; stolen or diverted U.S. nuclear items to military use; failed to prevent transfer of proliferation-sensitive items pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act; or failed to enforce sanctions against North Korea. The President shall, if such violations occur, suspend nuclear cooperation with China until a corrective plan of action is implemented.

It is the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage countries in East Asia to forgo new spent fuel reprocessing activities.

The President shall not agree to the reprocessing, recycling, or other alteration of nuclear material at any individual facility to which International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards are not applied, unless, for each proposed facility at which such activity will take place, the President certifies that the nuclear material will be adequately safeguarded and available for inspection.

bill directs department_of_energy notify congress days receiving application transfer nuclear technology china request authorization transfer technology china significant participation chinese persons located united_states country united_states china shall subject authorization requirements specified atomic energy act denied applicant demonstrates significant participation persons transfer significant content involved transfer case nuclear reactors components timely reimbursement grants loans provided government entities involved technology development bill states policy oppose china provision assistance construction additional nuclear reactors pakistan assist pakistan acquiring developing sufficient electrical power means nuclear power president shall determine china violated transferred nuclear items permission stolen diverted nuclear items military use failed prevent transfer proliferation sensitive items pursuant iran north_korea syria nonproliferation act failed enforce sanctions north_korea president shall violations occur suspend nuclear cooperation china corrective plan action implemented sense congress united_states encourage countries forgo new spent fuel reprocessing activities president shall agree reprocessing recycling alteration nuclear material individual facility international_atomic_energy_agency safeguards applied proposed facility activity place president certifies nuclear material adequately safeguarded available inspection


Summary: This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain consent from relevant nonfederal agencies and Indian tribes before granting a permit, easement, or other right-of-way for a pipeline transporting oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels, or any refined product produced from those materials on land associated with a civil works project of the Corps of Engineers or an associated flowage easement, if the construction or operation of the pipeline has the potential to impair the beneficial uses of the surface water or groundwater used by the nonfederal agency or the Indian tribe.

bill requires obtain consent relevant nonfederal agencies indian tribes granting permit easement right way pipeline transporting oil natural gas synthetic liquid gaseous fuels refined product produced materials land associated civil works project corps_of_engineers associated flowage easement construction operation pipeline potential impair beneficial uses surface water groundwater nonfederal agency indian tribe


Summary: Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 - 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 and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit before October 1, 2009; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012. 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 contract property united_states requires individuals apply benefit october received benefits authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 requires secretary include annual budget documents submitted congress detailed information fund operation


Summary: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 - 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 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. Requires each participating agency to submit annually to the Secretary a three-year plan for the use of such funds. Authorizes appropriations.

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 requires participating agency submit annually secretary year plan use funds authorizes appropriations


Summary: Bartlett Montgomery GI Bill Act - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to allow an individual who has completed six years of service in the Armed Forces and enters into an agreement to serve at least four more years to transfer their educational assistance entitlement to their spouse, child, or a combination thereof. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a percentage annual increase in the rates of such educational assistance based on the average monthly costs of higher education. Authorizes reimbursement of reductions in basic pay for educational assistance coverage in the case of extended active-duty service. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years. Provides educational assistance eligibility credit for cumulative active-duty service in the Selected Reserve. Increases the rates of educational assistance under the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill. Applies an annual adjustment to the rates of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance.

montgomery bill educational assistance program allow individual completed years service armed_forces enters agreement serve years transfer educational assistance entitlement spouse child combination thereof directs secretary veterans_affairs provide percentage annual increase rates educational assistance based average monthly costs higher education authorizes reimbursement reductions basic pay educational assistance coverage case extended active duty service provides similar eligibility transfer educational assistance members selected_reserve completed years service enter agreement remain member reserve years provides educational assistance eligibility credit cumulative active duty service selected_reserve increases rates educational assistance reserve montgomery bill applies annual adjustment rates survivors dependents educational assistance


Summary: Combat-Related Special Compensation Act - Authorizes monthly combat-related special compensation pay to any military retiree who is entitled to retired pay and has a combat-related disability. (Currently, a retiree must meet those requirements and also have completed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service.) Provides a special compensation rule with respect to retirees with less than 20 years of service.

monthly combat related special compensation pay military retiree entitled retired pay combat related disability currently retiree meet requirements completed years retirement creditable military service provides special compensation rule respect retirees years service


Summary: Disabled Veteran Small Business Eligibility Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to make small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans eligible for the award by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of small business development grants in the same manner as small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

disabled veteran small business eligibility expansion act amends small business act small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans eligible award small_business_administration sba small business development grants manner small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals


Summary: Fallen Heroes Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions exempting deceased members of the Armed Forces who die from wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in a combat zone from income tax to extend the tax exemption to the last taxable year ending before such wounds, disease, or injury were incurred.

fallen heroes tax fairness act amends internal revenue code revise provisions exempting deceased members armed_forces die wounds disease injury incurred serving combat zone income tax extend tax exemption taxable year ending wounds disease injury incurred


Summary: Amends veterans' benefit provisions to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of veterans rated totally disabled at the time of death who were former prisoners of war (currently, to the survivors of such veterans who died after September 30, 1999).

amends veterans benefit provisions provide payment dependency indemnity compensation survivors veterans rated totally disabled time death prisoners war currently survivors veterans died september


Summary: Establishes the American Veterans Congressional Internship Program, under which each Member of the House of Representatives may hire for a maximum 12-month period, one additional employee who meets specified eligibility criteria to serve as the American Veteran Congressional Intern. Provides that such employment by a Member and the payment of the Intern's salary shall be in addition to all personnel and allowances otherwise made available to Members under other provisions of law, rule, or other authority.

establishes american veterans congressional internship program member house_of_representatives hire maximum month period additional employee meets specified eligibility criteria serve provides employment member payment intern salary shall addition personnel allowances available members provisions law rule authority


Summary: Depleted Uranium Screening and Testing Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish procedures for the predeployment notification to members of the Armed Forces of any known or likely use of depleted uranium in the theater of operation and any health risks associated with exposure to depleted uranium; (2) provide for training deploying members on the safe handling of depleted uranium contamination; (3) carry out a program to identify individuals exposed to depleted uranium during active service in the Armed Forces; (4) provide such individuals with bioassay testing and notification of test results; and (5) identify specified depleted uranium exposure events. Requires the Secretary of each military department to establish procedures for collecting, tracking, and maintaining information on the health status of individuals tested under this Act to assess long-term health consequences of exposure to depleted uranium. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct an independent review of bioassay types and contamination thresholds for purposes of required testing. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide appropriate treatment for any illness of an individual resulting from depleted uranium contamination or exposure. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a survey of radioisotope identification equipment used by the Department of Defense (DOD) to assess the capability of DOD facilities to identify concentrations of different radioisotopes in naturally occurring levels of uranium and to report survey findings to Congress.

testing act directs secretary defense establish procedures notification members armed_forces known likely use depleted uranium theater operation health risks associated exposure depleted uranium provide training deploying members safe handling depleted uranium contamination carry program identify individuals exposed depleted uranium active service armed_forces provide individuals testing notification test results identify specified depleted uranium exposure events requires secretary military department establish procedures collecting tracking maintaining information health status individuals tested act assess long term health consequences exposure depleted uranium requires director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention conduct independent review types contamination thresholds purposes required testing requires secretary military department concerned provide appropriate treatment illness individual resulting depleted uranium contamination exposure directs comptroller general conduct survey identification equipment department_of_defense dod assess capability dod facilities identify concentrations different naturally occurring levels uranium report survey findings congress


Summary: Combat Military Medically Retired Veteran's Fairness Act - Authorizes the payment of special compensation to members of the Armed Forces retired due to disability with less than 20 years of active service who were awarded the Purple Heart. States that such payments shall be made without regard to special rules applicable to other disability retirees which require offsetting reductions.

fairness act authorizes payment special compensation members armed_forces retired disability years active service awarded purple heart states payments shall regard special rules applicable disability retirees require offsetting reductions


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 (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent 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 currently disability rated percent 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: Border Patrol Agent Recruitment Act of 2007 - Amends federal employee provisions to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to fix at 45 the maximum age limit for an original appointment to a border patrol position (position) for any individual who is a retired member of the Armed Forces at the time of appointment. Makes eligible for retirement under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) any such individual who serves in the position for 15 years after such appointment.

border patrol agent recruitment act amends federal employee provisions direct secretary homeland_security fix maximum age limit original appointment border patrol position position individual retired member armed_forces time appointment makes eligible retirement civil_service_retirement_system csrs fers individual serves position years appointment


Summary: Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2007 - Requires executive agencies to furnish a U.S. flag to drape the casket of a civilian federal employee who dies in a combat zone, upon request of the deceased's next of kin or a close associate of the deceased. Requires notification of federal civilian employees who are located or stationed in a combat zone to perform one or more functions in support of military operations of the flag ceremony benefit provided for under this Act.

recognition act requires executive agencies furnish flag casket civilian federal employee dies combat zone request deceased kin close associate deceased requires notification federal civilian employees located stationed combat zone perform functions support military operations flag ceremony benefit provided act


Summary: Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in developing and implementing the comprehensive program outlined in this Act, should take into consideration the special needs of such veterans and of elderly veterans who are at high risk for depression and experience high rates of suicide. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who interact with veterans; (2) mental health assessments of veterans; (3) designation of a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility; (4) research on best practices for suicide prevention; (5) mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service; (6) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; (7) a toll-free hotline; and (8) outreach and education for veterans and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and carry a peer support counseling program as part of such program. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the program.

joshua veterans suicide prevention act expresses sense congress suicide veterans suffering post traumatic stress disorder ptsd problem secretary veterans_affairs developing implementing comprehensive program outlined act consideration special needs veterans elderly veterans high risk depression experience high rates suicide directs secretary develop carry comprehensive program designed reduce incidence suicide veterans requires program include mandatory training appropriate staff contractors department_of_veterans_affairs interact veterans mental health assessments veterans designation suicide prevention counselor department medical facility research best practices suicide prevention mental health care veterans experienced sexual trauma military service hour veterans mental health care availability toll free hotline outreach education veterans families authorizes secretary develop carry peer support counseling program program requires secretary report congress program


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study and report to Congress on the accuracy and possible extension of expiration dates on certain prescription drugs maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

directs secretary veterans_affairs study report congress accuracy possible extension expiration dates certain prescription drugs maintained department_of_veterans_affairs


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 claim 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) provide a special reduction rule with respect to the concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation in the case of disability retirees with less than 20 years of creditable service; and (4) extend combat-related special compensation to certain veterans with less than 20 years of service who have a combat-related disability.

disabled federal military retired pay provisions permit veterans service connected disability claim retired pay disability compensation eliminate provisions requiring phase january december concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation provide special reduction rule respect concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation case disability retirees years creditable service extend combat related special compensation certain veterans years service combat related disability


Summary: Military Families Financial Security Act - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act, with respect to income eligibility for SSI, to provide for the treatment of cash military compensation other than basic pay as earned income, and of certain housing payments as in-kind support and maintenance.

military families financial security act amends title xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act respect income eligibility ssi provide treatment cash military compensation basic pay earned income certain housing payments kind support maintenance


Summary: Redesignates the: (1) Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to Department Assistant Secretaries and the General Counsel.

redesignates department navy department_of_the_navy marine_corps secretary navy secretary navy marine_corps makes similar respect


Summary: Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to make permanent (currently, terminates on December 31, 2006) the authority for the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of government markers or memorial headstones for the marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries. Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make eligible for such markers or headstones certain veterans dying on or after November 1, 1990 (currently, September 11, 2001).

amends federal veterans benefits provisions permanent currently terminates december authority provision secretary veterans_affairs government markers memorial headstones marked graves veterans buried private cemeteries amends veterans education benefits expansion act eligible markers headstones certain veterans dying november currently september


Summary: Universal National Service Act of 2007 - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform a two-year period of national service, unless exempted, either as a member of an active or reserve component of the armed forces or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense. Requires induction into national service by the President. Allows persons to be inducted only: (1) under a declaration of war or national emergency; or (2) when members of the Armed Forces are engaged in a contingency operation. Requires each person, before induction, to be examined physically and mentally for classification for fitness to perform. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from combatant training and military service; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit combat pay otherwise excluded from gross income to be treated as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit.

declares obligation citizen person residing united_states ages perform year period national service exempted member active reserve component armed forces civilian capacity promotes national defense requires induction national service president allows persons declaration war national emergency members armed_forces engaged contingency operation requires person induction examined physically mentally classification fitness perform sets forth provisions governing induction deferments exemptions including exemption conscientious combatant training military service discharge following national service amends military_selective_service act authorize military registration females amends internal revenue code permit combat pay excluded gross income treated earned income purposes earned income tax credit


Summary: Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

cola act requires increase benefit amounts payable title survivors disability insurance social security act secretary veterans_affairs shall increase percentage amounts payable veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children


Summary: Amends federal armed forces provisions to prohibit a person from being appointed as Secretary of Defense within three (currently, ten) years after active-duty service as a commissioned officer in a regular component of the Armed Forces.

amends federal armed forces provisions prohibit person appointed secretary defense currently years active duty service commissioned officer regular component armed_forces


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts, health savings and Archer medical savings accounts, and Coverdell education savings accounts.

amends internal revenue code allow tax free rollovers military death gratuities roth individual retirement accounts health savings archer medical savings accounts coverdell education savings accounts


Summary: Repeals the Military Selective Service Act.Prohibits the Office of Selective Service Records from being reestablished upon such repeal. Transfers the assets, property, and records held by the Selective Service System (SSS), as well as unexpended balances, to the Administrator of General Services. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to assist officers and employees of the SSS to transfer to other positions in the executive branch.Prohibits any person from being denied a right, privilege, benefit, or employment position under Federal law on the grounds that the person failed to register under the Military Selective Service Act before its repeal.

repeals military_selective_service_act prohibits repeal transfers assets property records held selective_service_system unexpended balances administrator general_services requires director office_of_personnel_management assist officers employees transfer positions executive branch prohibits person denied right privilege benefit employment position federal law grounds person failed register military_selective_service act repeal


Summary: Prohibits any funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being obligated or expended to increase the number of U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq at any time in excess of the number serving there as of January 1, 2007, unless a specific authorization for the increase is enacted into law.

prohibits funds available department_of_defense dod obligated expended increase number serving iraq time excess number serving january specific authorization increase enacted law


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services, and authorizes the Secretary to furnish nursing home care, as needed to any veteran who was awarded the Mariners Medal (currently, only the Purple Heart).

directs secretary veterans_affairs furnish hospital care medical services authorizes secretary furnish nursing home care needed veteran awarded mariners medal currently purple heart


Summary: Protect the Troops and Bring Them Home Act of 2007 - Allows funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) to be obligated or expended within the Republic of Iraq only for providing: (1) the continued protection of members of the Armed Forces in Iraq pending their withdrawal; and (2) the safe and orderly withdrawal of such troops pursuant to a schedule that provides for withdrawal commencement no later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act and withdrawal completion no later than December 31, 2007. Prohibits any DOD funds from being obligated or expended to increase the number of Armed Forces serving in Iraq at any time. Permits the obligation or expenditure of funds to ensure the security of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule through specified consultations, financial or equipment assistance, or economic or reconstruction assistance.

protect troops bring home act allows funds available department_of_defense dod obligated expended republic_of_iraq providing continued protection members armed_forces iraq pending withdrawal safe orderly withdrawal troops pursuant schedule provides withdrawal commencement later days enactment act withdrawal completion later december prohibits dod funds obligated expended increase number armed_forces serving iraq time permits obligation expenditure funds ensure security iraq transition democratic rule specified consultations financial equipment assistance economic reconstruction assistance


Summary: Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer the health care enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to enroll any eligible veteran who applies. (This directive in effect terminates an administrative freeze on the enrollment of veterans in the lowest priority enrollment category.)

honor commitment veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs administer health care enrollment system department_of_veterans_affairs enroll eligible veteran applies directive effect terminates administrative freeze enrollment veterans lowest priority enrollment category


Summary: Children of Fallen Soldiers Pell Grant Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Educaton Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution used in determining Pell Grant eligibility in the case of a student applicant whose parent or guardian was killed while performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.

children fallen soldiers pell grant act amends higher act eliminate expected family contribution determining pell_grant eligibility case student applicant parent guardian killed performing military service iraq afghanistan september


Summary: Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend the period during which members of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, or Iraqi Freedom may request and receive reimbursement for purchasing protective helmet pads.

amends national defense authorization act fiscal year extend period members armed_forces deployed connection enduring_freedom iraqi_freedom request receive reimbursement purchasing protective helmet pads


Summary: Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007 - Extends, for veterans who served in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, from two to five years the period of elgibility for hospital care, medical services, or nursing home care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs following discharge or release for such veterans, or, for veterans who were discharged or released more than five years before the enactment of this Act and who did not enroll before such enactment, enrollment must be within three years of such enactment.

returning extends veterans served theater combat operations period war persian_gulf_war period hostilities november years period hospital care medical services nursing home care provided secretary veterans_affairs following discharge release veterans veterans discharged released years enactment act enroll enactment enrollment years enactment


Summary: Blind Veterans Fairness Act - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to disregard state paid annuities for blind veterans and their spouses in determining SSI benefits.

blind veterans fairness act amends title xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act disregard state paid annuities blind veterans spouses determining ssi benefits


Summary: Joseph I. Hoover Combat Veteran Affidavit Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation and benefits, to accept the sworn affidavit of a veteran who served on or before July 27, 1953, as proof of a service connection of a disease or injury alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, if there is no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

veteran directs secretary veterans_affairs purposes eligibility veterans disability compensation benefits accept sworn affidavit veteran served july proof service connection disease injury alleged incurred aggravated service clear convincing evidence contrary


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: Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

reduces minimum age receipt military retired pay non regular service


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


Summary: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Repeals certain provisions discounting such service as qualifying service.

filipino veterans equity act deems certain service performed july organized military forces philippines philippine_scouts active military service purposes eligibility veterans benefits department_of_veterans_affairs repeals certain provisions discounting service qualifying service


Summary: Amends federal provisions relating to the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to change from October 1, 2008, to October 1, 2007, the effective date on or after which no reduction may be made in the retired pay of an SBP participant for any month after the later of: (1) the 360th month for which such pay was so reduced; and (2) the month during which the participant attains 70 years of age.

amends federal provisions relating military survivor benefit plan sbp change october october effective date reduction retired pay sbp participant month later month pay reduced month participant attains years age


Summary: Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007 - Title I: Low-Vision Benefits Matters - (Sec. 101) Modifies the standard for awarding disability compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of compensation for impairment of vision due to a service-connected disability resulting in 20/200 (currently, 5/200) visual acuity or less. (Sec. 102) Modifies the above standard in the case of impairment of vision (currently, blindness) involving both eyes due to a service-connected disability in one eye and a non-service-connected disability in the other eye to require payment in the case of impairment resulting in a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field of 20 degrees or less in each eye. Title II: Matters Relating to Burial and Memorial Affairs - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker for the grave of certain individuals buried in a private cemetery, to furnish a medallion or other device to signify the deceased's status as a veteran, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense. (Sec. 202) Repeals, as of October 1, 2006, the time limit for a state's filing of a request for reimbursement for interment costs for veterans buried in cemeteries other than national cemeteries. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a state for operating and maintaining a veterans' cemetery owned by such state. Limits to $5 million the amount of such grants awarded in a fiscal year. (Sec. 203) Makes permanent the authority of the Secretary to furnish government headstones or markers for the burial of veterans at private cemeteries. Title III: Other Matters - (Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information for comparison with the National Directory of New Hires for income verification purposes in order to determine eligibility for certain veteran benefits and services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) seek only the minimum information necessary to make such determination; (2) receive prior written consent of the individual before seeking, using, or disclosing any such information; (3) independently verify any information received prior to terminating, denying, or reducing a benefit or service; and (4) allow an opportunity for an individual to contest negative findings. Terminates such authority at the end of FY2011. (Sec. 302) Extends, through June 30, 2010, the Secretary's authority to provide an educational allowance to persons performing qualifying work-study activities.

veteran vision equity act title low vision benefits matters sec modifies standard awarding disability compensation veterans loss vision require payment compensation impairment vision service connected disability resulting currently visual acuity sec modifies standard case impairment vision currently blindness involving eyes service connected disability eye non service connected disability eye require payment case impairment resulting visual acuity peripheral field degrees eye title matters relating burial memorial affairs sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs lieu furnishing headstone marker grave certain individuals buried private cemetery furnish medallion device signify deceased status veteran attached headstone marker furnished private expense sec repeals october time limit state filing request reimbursement interment costs veterans buried cemeteries national cemeteries authorizes secretary grant state operating maintaining veterans cemetery owned state limits million grants awarded fiscal year sec makes permanent authority secretary furnish government headstones markers burial veterans private cemeteries title iii matters sec requires secretary provide secretary health_and_human_services information comparison national_directory_of_new_hires income verification purposes order determine eligibility certain veteran benefits services requires secretary seek minimum information necessary determination receive prior written consent individual seeking disclosing information independently verify information received prior terminating denying reducing benefit service allow opportunity individual contest negative findings terminates authority end fy2011 sec extends june secretary authority provide educational allowance persons performing qualifying work study activities


Summary: Veterans Employment and Respect Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a work opportunity tax credit for hiring veterans of Afghanistan or Iraq who served after October 6, 2001, in the Operation Iraqi Freedom Area or the Operation Enduring Freedom Area.

amends internal revenue code allow employers work opportunity tax credit hiring veterans afghanistan iraq served october operation iraqi freedom area operation enduring freedom area


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Secretary of Homeland Security, to assign regular and reserve members of the Armed Forces to assist the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security in: (1) preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens into the United States; and (2) the inspection of cargo, vehicles, and aircraft at U.S. points of entry to prevent the entry of weapons of mass destruction and their components, prohibited narcotics or drugs, or other terrorist or drug trafficking items. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to certify that such request is necessary to respond to a threat to national security. Requires the Secretaries to establish a training program that must be completed by military personnel serving in such capacity. Requires any member so serving to be accompanied by a civilian law enforcement officer from the agency concerned. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish ongoing joint task forces to respond to threats to national security posed by the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, or illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the governor and local governments of the state involved of the deployment of such members and the types of tasks to be performed.

authorizes secretary defense request secretary homeland_security assign regular reserve members armed_forces assist bureau_of_customs_and_border_protection preventing entry terrorists drug traffickers illegal aliens united_states inspection cargo vehicles aircraft points entry prevent entry weapons mass destruction components prohibited narcotics drugs terrorist drug trafficking items requires secretary homeland_security certify request necessary respond threat national security requires secretaries establish training program completed military personnel serving capacity requires member serving accompanied civilian law enforcement officer agency concerned authorizes secretary homeland_security establish ongoing joint task forces respond threats national security posed entry terrorists drug traffickers illegal aliens directs secretary homeland_security notify governor local governments state involved deployment members types tasks performed


Summary: Forgotten Military Widows Annuity Act of 2007 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to make eligible under a Department of Defense (DOD) survivor annuity program that currently allows a survivor annuity to be paid to the unremarried surviving spouses of certain members of the Armed Forces who died before October 1, 1978, those surviving spouses who: (1) remarried after age 55; or (2) remarried at any age, but whose subsequent marriage was terminated due to death, annulment, or divorce.

amends national defense authorization act fiscal year eligible department_of_defense dod survivor annuity program currently allows survivor annuity paid unremarried surviving spouses certain members armed_forces died october surviving spouses remarried age remarried age subsequent marriage terminated death divorce


Summary: Veterans Travel Fairness Act - Makes the rate of reimbursement for private motor vehicle travel under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel program the same as that for private vehicle travel for federal employees.

veterans_travel fairness act makes rate reimbursement private motor vehicle travel department_of_veterans_affairs beneficiary travel program private vehicle travel federal employees


Summary: Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2007 - Establishes the: (1) Agent Orange Illness Compensation Program to provide compensation for federal employees or employees of contractors of the Department of Defense (DOD) who contracted an Agent Orange illness while employed during the Vietnam conflict and suffered injury or death by reason of that illness; and (2) Agent Orange Illness Compensation Fund to make such payments. Fixes the compensation amount at $100,000, payable either to the employee or his or her eligible survivor. Offsets such payment by any payment made on a claim based on the same illness, injury, or death on account of exposure to Agent Orange herbicides.

civilian agent orange act establishes agent orange illness compensation program provide compensation federal employees employees contractors department_of_defense dod contracted agent orange illness employed vietnam conflict suffered injury death reason illness agent orange illness compensation fund payments fixes compensation payable employee eligible survivor offsets payment payment claim based illness injury death account exposure agent orange herbicides


Summary: Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from employment taxes combat zone compensation of members of the Armed Forces which is excludable from gross income. Appropriates amounts to cover Social Security trust fund deficits resulting from such tax exemption.

amends internal revenue code exempt employment taxes combat zone compensation members armed_forces excludable gross income appropriates amounts cover social_security trust fund deficits resulting tax exemption


Summary: Strengthening America's Military Families Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow spouses of members of the Armed Forces to exclude from their gross income an amount equal to that amount which such members are able to exclude as combat zone compensation.

strengthening_america military families act amends internal revenue code allow spouses members armed_forces exclude gross income equal members able exclude combat zone compensation


Summary: Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty or inactive duty for training, and who dies without a surviving spouse but with one or more children under age 18 who will be in the custody of a parent, brother, or sister, the death gratuity for such member shall be payable to such parent, brother, or sister as designated by the member.

provides case member armed_forces dies serving active duty inactive duty training dies surviving spouse children age custody parent brother sister death gratuity member shall payable parent brother sister designated member


Summary: Increases from $1,000 to $2,000 the monthly special pension paid to Medal of Honor recipients. Provides for payment of such pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased recipient as long as the surviving spouse was married to the recipient: (1) for one year or more; or (2) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage.

increases monthly special pension paid medal honor recipients provides payment pension surviving spouse deceased recipient long surviving spouse married recipient year period time child born marriage born marriage


Summary: Fairness to All Vietnam Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress: (1) to identify veterans who died after October 31, 1955, as a result of military operations in southeast Asia whose names are not eligible for inscription on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and (2) on the feasibility and equitability of revising the eligibility requirements to be more inclusive of such veterans or of creating an alternative means for recognizing them, including alternatives involving an education center at the Memorial.

fairness vietnam veterans act directs secretary defense study report congress identify veterans died october result military operations southeast asia names eligible vietnam veterans memorial feasibility revising eligibility requirements inclusive veterans creating alternative means recognizing including alternatives involving education center memorial


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, subject to the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary, to pay the amount owed to the subcontractors of Pacific General, Inc.(PGI), for work performed at the Grand Canyon National Park between FY2002-FY2003 under a General Services Administration (GSA) indefinite deliver/indefinite quantity contract (IDIQ), provided that: (1) the primary contract between PGI and the National Park Service is terminated; (2) the amount owed to the subcontractors is verified; (3) all reasonable legal avenues or recourse have been exhausted by the subcontractors to recoup amounts owed directly from PGI; and (4) the subcontractors provide a written statement that payment of the amount verified represents payment in full by the United States for all work performed at the Park under the IDIQ with PGI between FY2002-FY2003.

authorizes secretary interior subject appropriation funds necessary pay owed subcontractors work performed grand canyon national park fy2003 general_services_administration gsa indefinite deliver indefinite quantity contract provided primary contract national_park_service terminated owed subcontractors verified reasonable legal avenues recourse exhausted subcontractors recoup amounts owed directly subcontractors provide written statement payment verified represents payment united_states work performed park fy2003


Summary: Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POW) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds the following diseases to the above listed diseases diabetes (type 2) and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

prisoner war benefits act amends federal veterans benefits provisions respect prisoners war pow repeal currently required day minimum period internment prior presumption service connection certain listed diseases purposes payment veterans disability compensation adds following diseases listed diseases diabetes type osteoporosis requires presumption respect disease secretary veterans_affairs determines warrants presumption reason having positive association experience prisoner war secretary determination days recommendation presumption established non listed disease


Summary: Veterans' Survivors Education Enhancement Act - Revises provisions concerning educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to terminate the 45-month limitation on: (1) the use of such assistance for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents; and (2) the use of such assistance for special restorative training. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for educational assistance until their 30th (currently 26th) birthday. Makes the aggregate amount of educational assistance $80,000. (Currently, there are monthly limits for full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time educational pursuit.) Includes within authorized educational pursuits in such amounts: (1) a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training; and (2) a correspondence course. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for tutorial assistance.

provisions concerning educational assistance montgomery bill terminate month limitation use assistance eligible veterans survivors dependents use assistance special restorative training makes survivors dependents eligible educational assistance 30th currently 26th birthday makes aggregate educational assistance currently monthly limits time quarter time half time educational pursuit includes authorized educational amounts program apprenticeship job training correspondence course makes survivors dependents eligible tutorial assistance


Summary: Expands the eligibility of certain commissioned officers of the Armed Forces for the basic educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

expands eligibility certain commissioned officers armed_forces basic educational assistance program department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Sets a maximum age limit of 40 years for an original appointment to a position as a federal law enforcement officer in the case of individuals who have been discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. Increases the age at which such an individual must be separated from service as an officer to 60 years of age, with an authorized exemption until age 63.

sets maximum age limit years original appointment position federal law enforcement officer case individuals discharged released active duty armed forces honorable conditions increases age individual separated service officer years age authorized exemption age


Summary: Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 - Requires each recovering servicemember who is assigned to a military barracks or dormitory to be assigned to one that is maintained at the highest service standard in effect for enlisted members of the Armed Forces. Requires at least semiannual inspections of, and appropriate repairs to, any such quarters, as well as alternate housing during periods of unremedied housing deficiencies. Outlines requirements to be implemented for recovering servicemembers and their families, including: (1) physical disability evaluation system changes; (2) supervising officer and caseworker support; (3) increased training for caseworkers and social workers on particular servicemember conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (4) increased support services, including an Ombudsman for Recovering Servicemembers; (5) a prohibition on discrimination in employment of family members caring for such servicemembers; and (6) meal benefits for recovering servicemembers and family members caring for such servicemembers. Establishes the Oversight Board for the Wounded.

dignity wounded warriors act requires recovering servicemember assigned military barracks assigned maintained highest service standard effect enlisted members armed_forces requires semiannual inspections appropriate repairs quarters alternate housing periods housing deficiencies outlines requirements implemented recovering servicemembers families including physical disability evaluation system changes supervising officer caseworker support increased training social workers particular servicemember conditions including post traumatic stress disorder ptsd increased support services including ombudsman recovering servicemembers prohibition discrimination employment family members caring servicemembers meal benefits recovering servicemembers family members caring servicemembers establishes


Summary: Veterans' Pension Improvement Act of 2007 - Increases pension rates for: (1) veterans of a period of war for non-service-connected disability; and (2) surviving spouses and children of veterans.

increases pension rates veterans period war non service connected disability surviving spouses children veterans


Summary: Makes eligible for a $300 plot allowance for burial in a cemetery other than a national cemetery a veteran who is eligible for burial in a national cemetery and who: (1) was discharged from active service for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; or (2) is a veteran of any war. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker for an individual so entitled, to reimburse the person entitled to request such headstone or marker for acquiring a non-government headstone or marker for placement in any cemetery other than a national cemetery in connection with the burial or memorialization of the deceased individual.

makes eligible plot allowance burial cemetery national cemetery veteran eligible burial national cemetery discharged active service disability incurred aggravated line duty veteran war authorizes secretary veterans_affairs lieu furnishing headstone marker individual entitled reimburse person entitled request headstone marker acquiring non government headstone marker placement cemetery national cemetery connection burial deceased individual


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2007, the rates of veterans' wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance [OASDI]) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

directs secretary veterans_affairs increase december rates veterans wartime disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children requires increase percentage increase benefits provided title survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act effective date


Summary: Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas.

filipino veterans family reunification act amends immigration nationality act exempt sons daughters filipino world war veterans naturalized immigration act worldwide numerical limitations immigrant visas


Summary: Requires officers on the active-duty list of the Army or Air Force to complete a tour of duty of at least one year in a Guard or Reserve duty assignment (other than a Reserve Officers Training Corps unit) in order to be eligible for promotion to brigadier general. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to waive this requirement: (1) when necessary for the good of the service; (2) in cases where the proposed promotion is based primarily upon scientific and technical qualifications for which Guard or Reserve requirements do not exist; (3) in the case of specified medical, chaplaincy, or judge advocate positions; or (4) if the officer selected for appointment to brigadier general by a promotion board had completed at least 180 days of a Guard or Reserve duty assignment on the date such board was convened. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act that specifically identify those categories of officers for whom the waiver applicable to scientific and technical qualifications is available.

requires officers active duty list army air_force complete tour duty year duty assignment reserve officers training corps unit order eligible promotion brigadier general authorizes secretary defense waive requirement necessary good service cases proposed promotion based primarily scientific technical qualifications requirements exist case specified medical judge advocate positions officer selected appointment brigadier general promotion board completed days guard reserve duty assignment date board convened requires secretary prescribe regulations carry act specifically identify categories officers waiver applicable scientific technical qualifications available


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide specially adaptive housing assistance for disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member if such military member suffers from a disability which is permanent and total in nature and is the result of an injury incurred or disease contracted or aggravated in the line of duty in active military service. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the country. Outlines eligibility requirements, including being a full- or part-time student in such fields of education or training. Requires: (1) full-time scholarship recipients to serve full-time in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in such field of clinical practice for three years during the six-year period following completion of such education or training; and (2) part-time recipients to serve a proportionately reduced period, but not less than one year. Limits to $15,000 per academic year the maximum scholarship for full-time participants. Requires pro rata repayment for unserved periods of obligated service. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to include, within a currently-required annual report concerning veterans' reemployment rights: (1) the number of cases reviewed by the Secretary of Defense under the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense; and (2) an indication of which of the reported cases are disability-related. (Sec. 5) Increases from 15 to 16 the number of members on the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach.

veterans benefits improvement act sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide specially adaptive housing assistance disabled members armed_forces residing temporarily housing owned family member military member suffers disability permanent total nature result injury incurred disease contracted aggravated line duty active military service sec directs secretary carry department_of_veterans_affairs visual impairment orientation mobility professionals scholarship program increase supply qualified blind rehabilitation specialists department_of_veterans_affairs country outlines eligibility requirements including time student fields education training requires time scholarship recipients serve time veterans_health_administration vha field clinical practice years year period following completion education training time recipients serve proportionately reduced period year limits academic year maximum scholarship time participants requires pro rata repayment unserved periods obligated service sec requires secretary include currently required annual report concerning veterans reemployment rights number cases reviewed secretary defense indication reported cases disability related sec increases number members advisory_committee training


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Protection Act - Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe qualifications and standards of, and to set fees charged by, agents or attorneys representing veterans in claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes the Secretary to require that such individuals show that they are of good moral character, and qualified and competent to assist claimants. Removes some instances under which the Secretary may suspend or exclude an agent or attorney from such representation.Repeals the Secretary's authority to review and order a reduction in the fee charged to a claimant by an agent or attorney.Imposes fines and criminal penalties for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any part of a benefit or claim allowed to a claimant (or attempting such acts).

veterans benefits protection act repeals authority secretary veterans_affairs prescribe qualifications standards set fees charged agents attorneys representing veterans claims department_of_veterans_affairs authorizes secretary require individuals good moral character qualified competent assist claimants removes instances secretary suspend exclude agent attorney representation repeals secretary authority review order reduction fee charged claimant agent attorney imposes fines criminal penalties soliciting contracting charging receiving benefit claim allowed claimant attempting acts


Summary: Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend the period during which members of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, or Iraqi Freedom may request and receive reimbursement for purchasing protective helmet pads.

amends national defense authorization act fiscal year extend period members armed_forces deployed connection enduring_freedom iraqi_freedom request receive reimbursement purchasing protective helmet pads


Summary: Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes a veteran who served on active duty during a period of war eligible for a mental health evaluation and hospital care, medical services, nursing home care, and family and marital counseling for any identified mental health condition, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the condition is attributable to such service. Requires: (1) post-deployment medical and mental health screenings to be conducted within 30 days after a deployment; (2) each member, upon discharge, to be provided an electronic copy of all military records of such member; and (3) the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate outreach to members of the National Guard and reserves concerning benefits and services available upon discharge or deactivation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a Global War on Terrorism Veterans Information System. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Defense on the effects on veterans and on each such department of participation in the Global War on Terrorism.

benefits improvement act makes veteran served active duty period war eligible mental health evaluation hospital care medical services nursing home care family marital counseling identified mental health condition notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence conclude condition attributable service requires post deployment medical mental health screenings conducted days deployment member discharge provided electronic copy military records member secretary defense ensure appropriate outreach members national_guard reserves concerning benefits services available discharge directs secretary veterans_affairs establish maintain global war terrorism veterans information system requires quarterly reports secretaries veterans_affairs labor defense effects veterans department participation global war terrorism


Summary: Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to establish, carry out, and promote programs for the participation of disabled veterans in approved sporting and other events. Authorizes the Director to provide a monthly assistance allowance to service-connected disabled veterans participating in an event sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) or residing at a USOC training center. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the USOC to provide support and reimbursement for USOC expenditures for the military paralympic program.

disabled special events promotion act establishes department_of_veterans_affairs headed director establish carry promote programs participation disabled veterans approved sporting events authorizes director provide monthly assistance allowance service connected disabled veterans participating event sanctioned residing training center directs secretary veterans_affairs enter memorandum understanding provide support reimbursement expenditures military paralympic program


Summary: Homeland Security Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) require homeland security grant recipients to submit quarterly reports describing the nature and amount of each expenditure made using grant funds; and (2) publish such information and make it publicly available on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Internet website.

homeland security transparency act amends homeland security act direct secretary homeland_security require homeland security grant recipients submit quarterly reports describing nature expenditure grant funds publish information publicly available department_of_homeland_security dhs internet website


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in a combat zone for 90 days or more (including hospitalizations due to wounds, disease, or injury incurred while in combat) a tax deduction from gross income for two percent of their adjusted gross income up to $2,000.

amends internal revenue code allow members armed_forces served active duty combat zone days including hospitalizations wounds disease injury incurred combat tax deduction gross income percent adjusted gross income


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income 2% of the compensation of members of the Armed Forces for active service and inactive-duty training.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income compensation members armed_forces active service inactive duty training


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a three-year pilot program to reduce the backlog of claims for benefits pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct the pilot program with County Veterans Service Officers in California, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas; and (2) refer certain claims requiring further development to such Officers. Requires such Officers to: (1) act as claimant advocates in developing such claims; and (2) have access to client information contained in the VA's Benefits Delivery Network.

department_of_veterans_affairs claims backlog reduction act directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot program reduce backlog claims benefits pending department_of_veterans_affairs requires secretary conduct pilot program officers california florida ohio south_carolina texas refer certain claims requiring development officers requires officers act claimant advocates developing claims access client information contained benefits delivery network


Summary: Retired Pay Restoration Act - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent or more). Makes the 2004 through 2013 phase-in limitations for the concurrent receipt of such pay for qualified retirees with service-connected disabilities rated as total applicable: (1) only during 2004 for retirees with a 100 percent disability; and (2) only during 2004 through 2007 for retirees with a total disability by reason of unemployability. 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 allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability currently disability rated percent makes phase limitations concurrent receipt pay qualified retirees service connected disabilities rated total applicable retirees percent disability retirees total disability reason unemployability makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007 - 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: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay an interim benefit of $500 per month when a claim for veterans' benefits is remanded by either the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the Secretary does not make a decision on the matter within 180 days of the date of the remand.

requires secretary veterans_affairs pay interim benefit month claim veterans benefits remanded veterans claims secretary decision matter days date remand


Summary: Disabled Veterans Fairness Act - Eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for beneficiaries providing transportation for veterans to obtain medical care). Directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business.

disabled veterans fairness act eliminates round trip deductible charged secretary veterans_affairs connection veterans beneficiary travel program program authorizing travel allowance reimbursement beneficiaries providing transportation veterans obtain medical care directs secretary determining allowance reimbursement use mileage reimbursement rates use privately owned vehicles government employees traveling official business


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: Presumes a claimant presenting a claim for veterans' benefits with respect to a service-connected disability or death to have presented a valid claim of service-connectedness, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines there is positive evidence to the contrary. Requires the claimant to support the claim with proof of service in a conflict referred to in the claim, as well as a brief description of the nature, including service-connection, of the disability or claim. Directs the Secretary to redeploy, for the purpose of assisting veterans applying for benefits, those employees involved with processing claims that are no longer needed to evaluate claims due to the above presumption.

presumes claimant presenting claim veterans benefits respect service connected disability death presented valid claim service secretary veterans_affairs determines positive evidence contrary requires claimant support claim proof service conflict referred claim brief description nature including service connection disability claim directs secretary purpose assisting veterans applying benefits employees involved processing claims longer needed evaluate claims presumption


Summary: Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income all compensation received for active service as a member of the Armed Forces, not including pensions and retirement pay. (Terminates the current limited exclusion from gross income for combat pay.)

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income compensation received active service member armed_forces including pensions retirement pay terminates current limited exclusion gross income combat pay


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 armed forces world war captured peninsula island philippines japanese forces participated survived death march allows survivor payment nearest surviving relative individual


Summary: Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Navigators Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Department of Defense (DOD)-wide patient navigator program and assign responsibility for overseeing the program to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Requires patient navigators to be assigned as representatives to medical holdover patients and their families in order to improve health care outcomes. Prohibits the ratio of navigators to patients from being higher than one to ten.

wounded warriors joint health care patient navigators act directs secretary defense establish patient navigator program assign responsibility overseeing program assistant secretary defense_for_health_affairs requires patient navigators assigned representatives medical holdover patients families order improve health care outcomes prohibits ratio navigators patients higher


Summary: Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Performance Metrics and Transparency Act - Assigns the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs responsibility for establishing performance standards for each step of the medical holdover patient process. Defines "medical holdover patient" as a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or other reserve component, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or who is otherwise in medical hold or holdover status, for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty.Directs the Secretary of Defense to require each military medical installation to perform a quarterly inspection based on the performance standards established by this Act. Requires the Assistant Secretary to provide reports on such inspections to the Secretary, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and other military officials. Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop and enforce standards for: (1) security and medical personnel to perform daily rounds of each medical inpatient and outpatient facility, including a requirement for 24-hour access for patients with medical emergencies or needs; (2) responding to patient questions and scheduling medical appointments; and (3) in-processing and out-processing, counseling, and information for patients and family members. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) submit monthly reports to the Secretary and the Inspector General on military service performance in all categories of medical holdover patient care; and (2) meet semi-annually with the Secretaries of the military departments to address medical holdover program execution issues.Requires the Inspector General to audit and review the medical holdover system and the performance standards developed by this Act.

wounded warriors joint health care performance metrics assistant secretary defense_for_health_affairs responsibility establishing performance standards step medical holdover patient process defines medical holdover patient member armed_forces including member national_guard reserve component undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold holdover status injury illness disease incurred aggravated active duty directs secretary defense require military medical installation perform quarterly inspection based performance standards established act requires assistant secretary provide reports inspections secretary military officials requires assistant secretary develop enforce standards security medical personnel perform daily rounds medical inpatient outpatient facility including requirement hour access patients medical emergencies needs responding patient questions scheduling medical appointments processing processing counseling information patients family members requires assistant secretary submit monthly reports secretary inspector general military service performance categories medical holdover patient care meet semi annually secretaries military departments address medical holdover program execution issues requires inspector general audit review medical holdover system performance standards developed act


Summary: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals, as of the later of October 1, 2007, or the date of enactment of this Act, 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 pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Provides for the recoupment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to waive the recoupment requirement in certain cases. 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 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 later october date enactment act certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military pay entitled retired pay years age provides recoupment certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund authorizes secretary defense waive recoupment requirement certain cases repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member


Summary: Servicemembers Credit Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to direct the Secretary of Defense, in case of the deployment of a servicemember away from their usual duty station to duty for which the servicemember is entitled to special pay, to notify each consumer reporting agency (agency): (1) of the deployment of such servicemember within 30 days after the deployment; and (2) within 30 days after the end of such deployment. Requires the Secretary, in providing such notice, to take measures to ensure agency compliance with provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the servicemember. Increases penalties for consumer credit reporting violations involving servicemembers deployed to an overseas combat zone. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require each agency that receives a combat zone duty alert from the Secretary with respect to a servicemember to: (1) include the alert in the file of that consumer and provide such alert along with any credit score, until notified by the Secretary that the consumer no longer qualifies for such alert; and (2) during the period of the alert, exclude the consumer from any list provided to a third party to offer credit or insurance to such consumer as part of a transaction not initiated by the consumer. Requires the combat zone duty alert included in any consumer's file to include a summary of the consumer's rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the duties of creditors and other persons to the consumer.

act amends servicemembers civil relief act direct secretary defense case deployment servicemember away usual duty station duty servicemember entitled special pay notify consumer reporting agency agency deployment servicemember days deployment days end deployment requires secretary providing notice measures ensure agency compliance provisions fair credit reporting act respect servicemember increases penalties consumer credit reporting violations involving servicemembers deployed overseas combat zone amends fair_credit_reporting_act require agency receives combat zone duty alert secretary respect servicemember include alert file consumer provide alert credit score notified secretary consumer longer qualifies alert period alert exclude consumer list provided party offer credit insurance consumer transaction initiated consumer requires combat zone duty alert included consumer file include summary consumer rights servicemembers civil relief act duties creditors persons consumer


Summary: Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Labor to include, in a currently-required annual report to Congress concerning the enforcement of veterans' reemployment rights: (1) the number of cases reviewed by the Secretary of Defense under the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense; and (2) the number of cases which are disability-related. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the information required to be submitted is categorized in a uniform way; and (2) also submit all reported information to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Office of Special Counsel.

requires secretary labor include currently required annual report congress concerning enforcement veterans reemployment rights number cases reviewed secretary defense number cases disability related directs secretary ensure information required submitted categorized uniform way submit reported information attorney general office_of_special_counsel


Summary: Requires that, in case of a review conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of a member of the Armed Forces who is killed in action by weapon fire other than as the result of an act of an enemy (friendly fire death), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a summary of review results are provided to the primary next of kin at least 24 hours before such results are released to the public. Authorizes the primary next of kin to waive the notice requirement to expedite the public release of such results.

requires case review conducted department_of_defense dod circumstances surrounding death member armed_forces killed action weapon fire result act enemy friendly fire death secretary defense shall ensure summary review results provided primary kin hours results released public authorizes primary kin waive notice requirement expedite public release results


Summary: Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to increase the amount of back pay received by members of the Navy and Marine Corps selected for promotion while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to reflect increases in the cost of living since basic pay was paid to or for that person.

amends fiscal year increase pay received members navy marine_corps selected promotion interned prisoners war world war reflect increases cost living basic pay paid person


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a regular or reserve member of the Armed Forces with a combat-related disability who is entitled to monthly retired pay, to permit such member to elect an alternative retired pay rate based on $2,917, the average monthly salary for high school graduates in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to veterans with service-connected disabilities, to permit such veterans to elect to receive a monthly compensation of $2,917 (in the case of a service-connected disability rated as total) or a percentage of such amount (depending on the percentage rating of the disability).

directs secretary military department concerned case regular reserve member armed_forces combat related disability entitled monthly retired pay permit member elect alternative retired pay rate based average monthly salary high school graduates united_states directs secretary veterans_affairs respect veterans service connected disabilities permit veterans elect receive monthly compensation case service connected disability rated total percentage depending percentage rating disability


Summary: Veterans' Care Advocate Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within each Department of Defense (DOD) military medical treatment facility an Ombudsman for Recovering Servicemembers to act as a liaison for recovering servicemembers and their families with respect to their evaluation and care under the physical disability evaluation systems. Defines as "recovering servicemembers" those in a medical hold or holdover status due to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty.

advocate act directs secretary defense establish department_of_defense dod military medical treatment facility ombudsman recovering servicemembers act liaison recovering servicemembers families respect evaluation care physical disability evaluation systems defines recovering servicemembers medical hold holdover status injury illness disease incurred aggravated active duty


Summary: Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.

amends servicemembers civil relief act extend days year period following release active duty member armed_forces shall protected mortgage foreclosure


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a two-year pilot program in three states to use a mobile processing unit to conduct outreach, take applications from veterans for benefits, and determine the status of veterans' benefits claims.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot program states use mobile processing unit conduct outreach applications veterans benefits determine status veterans benefits claims


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a rules-based expert system to automate the adjudication of veterans' disability compensation claims. Requires such system to: (1) provide a disability rating recommendation based on the applicable rate of disability compensation; and (2) be implemented at no less than two regional offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within four years after the enactment of this Act.

directs secretary veterans_affairs develop rules based expert system adjudication veterans disability compensation claims requires system provide disability rating recommendation based applicable rate disability compensation implemented regional offices department_of_veterans_affairs years enactment act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the state of Texas the Thomas T. Conally Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marlin, Texas.

directs secretary veterans_affairs convey state texas thomas department veterans affairs medical center marlin texas


Summary: Redefines the term "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to include any period of active military, naval, or air service not specifically referenced for which a veteran received an expeditionary medal.

redefines term period war purposes eligibility veterans pension benefits include period active military naval air service specifically referenced veteran received expeditionary medal


Summary: Amends the definition of "period of war" to extend eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to those veterans who served during specified time periods in the Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Granada, or Panama.

amends definition period war extend eligibility veterans pension benefits veterans served specified time periods republic_of_korea lebanon panama


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a separate Veterans Affairs Service Network for the Gulf Coast region of the United States, which shall include specified counties in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish separate gulf_coast region united_states shall include specified counties florida alabama mississippi