Summary: Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections.Title I: Benefits for Military - (Sec. 101) Makes permanent the taxpayer election to include combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of computing the earned income tax credit. (Sec. 102) Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. (Sec. 103) Requires tax-qualified pension plans to entitle survivors of plan participants who die while on active military duty to additional benefits and benefit accruals provided under such plans for participants who resume and then terminate employment due to death.(Sec. 104) Treats differential wage payments to an employee as a payment of wages for income tax purposes. Defines "differential wage payment" as any employer payment to an individual serving on active duty in the uniformed services for more than 30 days that represents wages such individual would have received if such individual were performing services for the employer.Treats an individual receiving differential wage payments as an employee and treats such payments as compensation for retirement plan purposes.(Sec. 105) Allows members of the uniformed services whose retired pay in any taxable year is reduced due to an award of disability compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs an extension of the three-year limitation period for filing tax refund claims until one year after the date of a disability determination. Limits the period for which such refund claims may be filed to taxable years beginning more than five years before the date of a disability determination.(Sec. 106) Makes permanent the tax exemption for distributions from retirement plans for individuals ordered or called to active duty after December 31, 2007.(Sec. 107) Makes permanent the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to disclose tax information to the Department of Veterans Affairs for veteran benefit payment purposes.(Sec. 108) Allows a tax-free rollover of any military death gratuity and any group life insurance payment to a survivor's Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) or to an education savings account.(Sec. 109) Allows a Peace Corps volunteer an election to suspend for five years while serving as a volunteer the ownership and use requirements for the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence.(Sec. 110) Allows certain small business employers a tax credit for up to 20% of the differential wage payments made for the benefit of active duty members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 111) Allows an exclusion from gross income for bonus payments made by a state or its political subdivision to current or former members of the uniformed services (or dependents) for service in a combat zone.(Sec. 112) Makes permanent the exclusion from the gross income of certain employees of the intelligence community of gain from the sale of their principal residences without regard to otherwise applicable five-year residential use and holding requirements.(Sec. 113) Allows a tax-free distribution of unused benefits in a health flexible spending arrangement to any member of an Armed Forces reserve component who is ordered or called to active duty.(Sec. 114) Excludes basic military housing allowances as an item of income for determining eligibility for tax-subsidized residential rental housing. Title II: Revenue Provisions - (Sec. 201) Increases the penalties for failure to file partnership tax returns, S corporation tax returns, and individual tax returns. (Sec. 204) Sets forth additional rules for the tax treatment of high-income individuals who relinquish U.S. citizenship or residency to avoid U.S. taxation (expatriates). Treats all property of expatriates as sold for its fair market value on the day before the expatriation date and includes gain (over $600,000) or loss from such sale in the gross income of such expatriates. Allows expatriates to elect to defer payment of any tax resulting from expatriation if adequate security for payment of such tax is given.Requires 30% withholding of tax for certain items of deferred compensation payable to expatriates.Imposes a separate tax on gifts and bequests from expatriates, payable by the recipient of such gift or bequest.(Sec. 205) Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans to permit former members of the uniformed services who were covered under a federal health benefit plan by reason of military service to enroll in such group plans upon meeting certain requirements.Title III: Tax Technical Corrections - Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Makes technical amendments and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; (2) the Pension Protection Act of 2006; (3) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (4) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (5) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (6) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (7) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (8) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (9) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Makes the amendments made by this Act effective as of the effective date of the Acts to which they relate.(Sec. 302) Revises the formula for calculating the alternative minimum tax (AMT) refundable credit amount.(Sec. 303) Revises and expands the exclusion from gross income for distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) made for charitable purposes. Revises the basis rule for contributions of appreciated property by an S corporation. Modifies criteria for charitable contributions of property to tax-exempt organizations to require officers of such organizations to certify that the organization's use of such property was substantial.Eliminates special valuation rules for estate and gift tax purposes.Applies certain tax penalties for substantial and gross valuation misstatements to estates and gifts.Provides for the inclusion of capital gains from appreciation in the tax base of private foundation net investment income. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make public certain tax information relating to the unrelated business income of tax-exempt organizations.(Sec. 304) Revises the tax treatment of dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received by a controlled foreign corporation from a related entity that creates or increases a deficit in subpart F income.Modifies rules for the foreign tax credit relating to the definition of active business income and the tentative minimum tax on nonexcluded income.(Sec. 305) Modifies rules for filing excise tax refund claims for alternative fuel mixtures and the definition of alternative fuels relating to hydrogen and carbon resources.(Sec. 306) Modifies provisions relating to the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate amounts under the tax credit for production of electricity from nuclear power facilities.Revises definitions relating to qualified alternative fuel refueling property for purposes of the tax credit for investment in such property.Limits the type of energy research eligible for the tax credit for increasing research activities.Permits a refund in the amount of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate of additional taxes imposed from the use of dyed fuel. Makes such financing rate applicable to off-highway business use of gasoline. (Sec. 307) Removes certain restrictions relating to basis reduction and deductibility for the tax credit for production of low sulfur diesel fuel.Eliminates the requirement that open-loop biomass be segregated from other waste material in order to be eligible for the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources.Eliminates certain restrictions on tax-exempt use property.Provides additional rules for the treatment of losses on positions in identified straddles (i.e., offsetting positions in actively traded personal property).(Sec. 308) Applies certain tax rules relating to deferral limits and social security taxes for Roth IRA contributions.(Sec. 309) Qualifies certain wind energy facilities placed in service prior to June 30, 1999, for the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources.Revises the definition of "lodging facility" for purposes of tax rules relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs).(Sec. 310) Authorizes redactions to background documents (to the extent permitted by law) used by the Office of the IRS Chief Counsel to provide tax advice or information.(Sec. 311) Makes clerical corrections to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Title IV: Parity in Application of Certain Limits to Mental Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend through 2008 parity rules for the application of mental health benefits in group health benefit plans.

defenders freedom tax relief act amends internal revenue code provide tax relief earnings assistance members uniformed services increase penalties noncompliance tax requirements technical amendments clerical corrections title benefits military sec makes permanent taxpayer election include combat zone compensation earned income purposes computing earned income tax credit sec makes permanent eligibility veterans mortgage bond financing residences regard time homebuyer requirements increases million veterans mortgage bond limitation alaska oregon wisconsin revises definition qualified veteran mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes definition applicable veterans states sec requires tax qualified pension plans entitle survivors plan participants die active military duty additional benefits benefit accruals provided plans participants resume terminate employment treats differential wage payments employee payment wages income tax purposes defines differential wage payment employer payment individual serving active duty uniformed services days represents wages individual received individual performing services employer treats individual receiving differential wage payments employee treats payments compensation retirement plan allows members uniformed services retired pay taxable year reduced award disability compensation department_of_veterans_affairs extension year limitation period filing tax refund claims year date disability determination limits period refund claims filed taxable years beginning years date disability makes permanent tax exemption distributions retirement plans individuals ordered called active duty december makes permanent authority internal_revenue_service irs disclose tax information department_of_veterans_affairs veteran benefit payment allows tax free rollover military death gratuity group life insurance payment survivor roth individual retirement account roth ira education savings allows peace_corps volunteer election suspend years serving volunteer ownership use requirements exclusion gain sale principal allows certain small business employers tax credit differential wage payments benefit active duty members armed_forces sec allows exclusion gross income bonus payments state political subdivision current members uniformed services dependents service combat makes permanent exclusion gross income certain employees intelligence community gain sale principal residences regard applicable year residential use holding allows tax free distribution unused benefits health flexible spending arrangement member armed_forces reserve component ordered called active excludes basic military housing allowances item income determining eligibility tax subsidized residential rental housing title revenue provisions sec increases penalties failure file partnership tax returns corporation tax returns individual tax returns sec sets forth additional rules tax treatment high income individuals relinquish citizenship residency avoid taxation expatriates treats property expatriates sold fair market value day expatriation date includes gain loss sale gross income expatriates allows expatriates elect defer payment tax resulting expatriation adequate security payment tax given requires withholding tax certain items deferred compensation payable expatriates imposes separate tax gifts bequests expatriates payable recipient gift amends internal revenue code employee retirement security act erisa public_health_service_act require group health plans permit members uniformed services covered federal health benefit plan reason military service enroll group plans meeting certain requirements title iii tax technical corrections tax technical corrections act makes technical amendments clerical corrections internal_revenue_code including corrections provisions enacted tax relief health care act pension protection act tax increase prevention reconciliation act safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users energy policy act american_jobs_creation_act economic growth tax relief reconciliation act internal_revenue_service_restructuring reform_act makes amendments act effective effective date acts revises formula calculating alternative minimum tax amt refundable credit revises expands exclusion gross income distributions individual retirement accounts iras charitable purposes revises basis rule contributions appreciated property corporation modifies criteria charitable contributions property tax exempt organizations require officers organizations certify organization use property substantial eliminates special valuation rules estate gift tax purposes applies certain tax penalties substantial gross valuation estates gifts provides inclusion capital gains appreciation tax base private foundation net investment income requires internal_revenue_service irs public certain tax information relating unrelated business income tax exempt revises tax treatment dividends interest rents royalties received controlled foreign corporation related entity creates increases deficit subpart income modifies rules foreign tax credit relating definition active business income tentative minimum tax modifies rules filing excise tax refund claims alternative fuel mixtures definition alternative fuels relating hydrogen carbon modifies provisions relating authority secretary treasury allocate amounts tax credit production electricity nuclear power facilities revises definitions relating qualified alternative fuel refueling property purposes tax credit investment property limits type energy research eligible tax credit increasing research activities permits refund financing rate additional taxes imposed use dyed fuel makes financing rate applicable highway business use gasoline sec removes certain restrictions relating basis reduction deductibility tax credit production low sulfur diesel fuel eliminates requirement open loop biomass segregated waste material order eligible tax credit producing electricity renewable resources eliminates certain restrictions tax exempt use property provides additional rules treatment losses positions identified offsetting positions actively traded personal applies certain tax rules relating deferral limits social security taxes qualifies certain wind energy facilities placed service prior june tax credit producing electricity renewable resources revises definition lodging facility purposes tax rules relating real estate investment trusts authorizes redactions background documents extent permitted law chief counsel provide tax advice makes clerical corrections provisions internal_revenue_code title parity application certain limits mental health benefits amends internal revenue code employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act extend parity rules application mental health benefits group health benefit plans


Summary: Repeals specified exceptions to rights of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to engage in collective bargaining. Requires a final decision of the (VA) with respect to the review of an adverse personnel action against a (VA) employee to be issued not later than 60 days after such action has been appealed. Subjects such decision to judicial review in the appropriate U.S. District Court or, if the decision is made by a labor arbitrator, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

repeals specified exceptions rights certain department_of_veterans_affairs employees engage collective bargaining requires final decision respect review adverse personnel action employee issued later days action appealed subjects decision judicial review appropriate district_court decision labor arbitrator federal_circuit


Summary: Atomic Veterans Relief Act - Includes within the definition of a "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of eligibility criteria for veterans' disability compensation the exposure to ionizing radiation due to residual contamination resulting from participation in a nuclear detonation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in regulations pertaining to the service-connection of veterans' disabilities additional provisions to ensure, in the case of a claim by a radiation-exposed veteran for service-connection of a nonpresumptive disability, that the procedures for establishment of whether the disability is service-connected do not require imputation to the veteran, through a process known as dose reconstruction, of any particular level of exposure to ionizing radiation.

definition radiation risk activity purposes eligibility criteria veterans disability compensation exposure radiation residual contamination resulting participation nuclear detonation directs secretary veterans_affairs include regulations pertaining service connection veterans disabilities additional provisions ensure case claim radiation exposed veteran service connection disability procedures establishment disability service connected require veteran process known dose reconstruction particular level exposure radiation


Summary: Disabled Veterans Right to Commissaries and Space Available Travel Act - Requires veterans with disabilities rated at 30% or more to be permitted to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as members of the Armed Forces eligible for retired or retainer pay. Extends such benefit to dependents on the same basis. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide transportation on Department of Defense aircraft on a space-available basis for any veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more on the same basis as members entitled to retired or retainer pay. Extends such benefit to dependents on the same basis.

disabled veterans right act requires veterans disabilities rated permitted use commissary exchange stores basis members armed_forces eligible retired retainer pay extends benefit dependents basis directs secretary defense provide transportation department_of_defense aircraft space available basis veteran service connected disability rated basis members entitled retired retainer pay extends benefit dependents basis


Summary: Veterans Quality of Life Study Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with the Institute of Medicine, or other appropriate entity, to conduct a study analyzing the extent to which the Department of Veterans Affairs schedule for rating disabilities accounts for or should be amended to account, measure, and compensate for loss of quality of life to veterans due to a disability resulting from a personal injury suffered or disease contracted in the line of duty. Provides that if a veteran who is a claimant dies before completing the submission of a claim for benefits, the person who would receive any accrued benefits due to such veteran shall be treated as the claimant for purposes of completing submission of the claim. Requires an annual report from the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) to the congressional veterans' committees summarizing the Court's workload. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Court should be provided with appropriate office space, without undue disruption, inconvenience, or cost. Requires a report from the Administrator of General Services to the veterans' committees on the feasibility of leasing additional space for the Court, and using the entire building in which the Court is now housed as a Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center.

directs secretary veterans_affairs contract institute_of_medicine appropriate entity conduct study analyzing extent department_of_veterans_affairs schedule rating disabilities accounts amended account measure compensate loss quality life veterans disability resulting personal injury suffered disease contracted line duty provides veteran claimant dies completing submission claim benefits person receive accrued benefits veteran shall treated claimant purposes completing submission claim requires annual report chief judge veterans claims court congressional veterans committees summarizing court workload expresses sense congress court provided appropriate office space undue disruption inconvenience cost requires report administrator general_services veterans committees feasibility leasing additional space court entire building court housed veterans courthouse justice center


Summary: Military Service Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) penalty-free distributions from individual retirement plans to individuals called or ordered to active military duty; and (2) the taxpayer election to include combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of computing the earned income tax credit.

military service tax relief act amends internal revenue code permanent penalty free distributions individual retirement plans individuals called ordered active military duty taxpayer election include combat zone compensation earned income purposes computing earned income tax credit


Summary: Repeals specified exceptions to rights of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to engage in collective bargaining. Requires a final decision of the VA with respect to the review of an adverse personnel action against a VA employee to be issued not later than 60 days after such action has been appealed. Subjects such decision to judicial review in the appropriate U.S. District Court or, if the decision is made by a labor arbitrator, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.


Summary: Requires Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations governing determinations of ineligibility for appointment to a position in an executive agency because of deliberate failure to register with the selective service to provide exceptions for: (1) the appointment of an individual who was discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions; and (2) the appointment or continued employment of an individual who has reached 31 years of age.

requires office personnel management opm regulations governing determinations ineligibility appointment position executive agency deliberate failure register selective service provide exceptions appointment individual discharged released active duty armed forces honorable conditions appointment continued employment individual reached years age


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

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


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

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


Summary: Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Redress Act of 2008 or the FAST Redress Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish: (1) a timely and fair process for individuals who believe they were delayed or prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft because they were wrongly identified as a threat when screened against any terrorist watchlist or database used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or any component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) an Office of Appeals and Redress within DHS to implement, coordinate, and execute the process. Requires the process to include the establishment of a method for maintaining and appropriately disseminating a Comprehensive Cleared List of individuals who: (1) were misidentified; (2) completed an appeal and redress request and provided required information to verify their identity; and (3) permit their personally identifiable information to be shared between DHS components. Directs the Secretary to: (1) transmit information necessary to resolve misidentifications, improve administration of the advanced passenger prescreening system, and reduce false positives to TSA or any other appropriate DHS component, other federal, state, local, and tribal entities, and domestic and foreign air carriers that use any terrorist watchlist or database; and (2) ensure that the List is considered when assessing an individual's security risk. Terminates the transmission of the List to domestic and foreign air carriers on the date the federal government assumes terrorist watchlist or database screening functions. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into memoranda of understanding with federal, state, local, and tribal entities to improve the appeal and redress process and for other purposes, such as to verify an individual's identity and personally identifiable information; and (2) work with other entities that use any terrorist watchlist or database to ensure that the List is considered when assessing an individual's security risk.Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with DHS's Chief Privacy Officer, to: (1) require that DHS employees complete mandatory privacy and security training before being authorized to handle personally identifiable information; (2) ensure that the information maintained is secured by encryption,; (3) limit the information collected from misidentified passengers or other individuals to the minimum amount necessary to resolve an appeal and redress request; (4) ensure that the information maintained is shared or transferred via an encrypted data network that has been audited to ensure that security related software functions perform properly and are updated as necessary; (5) ensure that any DHS employee receiving the information handles it in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and other specified law; (6) retain the information for only as long as needed to assist the individual traveler in the appeal and redress process; (7) engage in cooperative agreements with appropriate federal entities to ensure that legal name changes are properly reflected in any terrorist watchlist or database and the List; and (8) conduct, publish, and report to specified congressional committees on a privacy impact assessment of the process. Requires the Office of Appeals and Redress, at each airport at which: (1) DHS has a presence, to provide written information to air carrier passengers to begin the appeal and redress process; and (2) DHS has a significant presence, to provide that information and ensure the availability of a TSA supervisor who is trained in such process to provide support to air carrier passengers in need of guidance. Sets forth reporting requirements on the status of information sharing among users at DHS of any terrorist watchlist or database.Incorporates the appeals and redress process into the Secure Flight Program.

fair accurate secure timely redress act fast redress act amends homeland security act direct secretary homeland_security establish timely fair process individuals believe delayed prohibited boarding commercial aircraft wrongly identified threat screened terrorist watchlist database transportation_security_administration tsa component department_of_homeland_security dhs redress dhs implement coordinate execute process requires process include establishment method maintaining appropriately disseminating comprehensive cleared list individuals misidentified completed appeal redress request provided required information verify identity permit personally identifiable information shared dhs components directs secretary transmit information necessary resolve improve administration advanced passenger prescreening system reduce false tsa appropriate dhs component federal state local tribal entities domestic foreign air carriers use terrorist watchlist database ensure list considered assessing individual security risk terminates transmission list domestic foreign air carriers date federal government assumes terrorist watchlist database screening functions authorizes secretary enter memoranda understanding federal state local tribal entities improve appeal redress process purposes verify individual identity personally identifiable information work entities use terrorist watchlist database ensure list considered assessing individual security risk directs secretary conjunction dhs chief privacy officer require dhs employees complete mandatory privacy security training authorized handle personally identifiable information ensure information maintained secured encryption limit information collected misidentified passengers individuals minimum necessary resolve appeal redress request ensure information maintained shared transferred encrypted data network audited ensure security related software functions perform properly updated necessary ensure dhs employee receiving information handles accordance privacy_act specified law retain information long needed assist individual traveler appeal redress process engage cooperative agreements appropriate federal entities ensure legal changes properly reflected terrorist watchlist database list conduct publish report specified congressional committees privacy impact assessment process requires airport dhs presence provide written information air carrier passengers begin appeal redress process dhs significant presence provide information ensure availability tsa supervisor trained process provide support air carrier passengers need guidance sets forth reporting requirements status information sharing users dhs terrorist watchlist database incorporates appeals redress process


Summary: Veterans Suicide Study Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who have committed suicide between January 1, 1997, and the date of the enactment of this Act.

secretary veterans_affairs conduct study determine number veterans committed suicide january date enactment act


Summary: Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for purposes of the laws administered by the Secretary and at the request of an eligible member of the Armed Forces who has served on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, to assign to that member a 30% temporary disability rating upon such member's separation from the Armed Forces, or in the case of an eligible member who has received a medical diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, upon receipt of such diagnosis. States that upon assignment of a permanent disability rating to a member who has received such temporary rating: (1) if the permanent rating exceeds 30% payments shall be made for such "temporary rating months" to equal the payments under the higher permanent rating; and (2) if the permanent rating is less than 30% the member shall not be required to repay such amounts. States that disability compensation payments received by a member who receives such temporary disability rating are not subject to offset even though the member also receives separation or disability severance pay.

immediate benefits wounded warriors act directs secretary veterans_affairs purposes laws administered secretary request eligible member armed_forces served active duty support operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom assign member temporary disability rating member separation armed_forces case eligible member received medical diagnosis post traumatic stress disorder traumatic brain injury receipt diagnosis states assignment permanent disability rating member received temporary rating permanent rating exceeds payments shall temporary rating months equal payments higher permanent rating permanent rating member shall required repay amounts states disability compensation payments received member receives temporary disability rating subject offset member receives separation disability severance pay


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Bonus Review Board which shall review proposed ratings, bonuses, and pay adjustments for covered VA employees and make recommendations with respect to the award of such ratings, bonuses, and pay adjustments.

accountability act establishes department_of_veterans_affairs shall review proposed ratings bonuses pay adjustments covered employees recommendations respect award ratings bonuses pay adjustments


Summary: Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 - Title I: Veterans Business Development - (Sec. 101) Increases funding (with an offset), for FY2008-FY2009, for the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Expresses the sense of Congress that excess amounts for such Office should be used to support veterans business outreach centers. (Sec. 102) Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to improve capital and business development opportunities for, and ensure achievement of the pre-established federal contracting goals for, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans and veterans. (Sec. 103) Extends permanently the SBA's Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. (Sec. 104) Directs the SBA's Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development to: (1) ensure that veterans business outreach centers regularly participate in the workshops of the transition assistance program of the Department of Labor; and (2) compile information on existing resources available to women veterans for business training. Allows a veterans business outreach center to provide grants to entities to make presentations on opportunities available from the SBA for recently separating or separated veterans. Requires implementation reports from the Associate Administrator to Congress. (Sec. 105) Increases the number of veterans business outreach centers by at least two for each of FY2008 and FY2009, and by the number considered appropriate by the Administrator for each fiscal year thereafter. (Sec. 106) Requires the Administrator to: (1) sponsor an independent study on gaps in the availability of veterans business outreach centers across the United States; and (2) report to Congress on study results. (Sec. 107) Authorizes a small business development center to apply for a grant to carry out a veterans assistance and services program to: (1) promote awareness of the services of the center that are available to veterans; (2) use online counseling and distance learning technology to overcome impediments to entrepreneurship faced by veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and (3) increase coordination among organizations that assist veterans. Title II: Reservist Programs - (Sec. 201) Extends the date by which a small business that has suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of an essential employee being called or ordered to active duty may apply to the SBA for a disaster loan to one year (current law allows 90 days) after the essential employee is discharged or released from such duty. Authorizes the Administrator, when considered appropriate, to extend such period by up to one additional year. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a loan pre-consideration process for loans to small businesses with key employee reservists; and (2) develop an outreach and technical assistance program with respect to loans and grants made to small businesses employing such reservists. Requires a semiannual report from the Administrator to Congress on the status of the outreach and technical assistance program. (Sec. 202) Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense to develop a joint website and printed materials providing information regarding any program for small businesses that is available to veterans or reservists. Authorizes the Administrator to advertise and market SBA reservist programs. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Administrator to make noncollateralized small business loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses suffering the loss of essential employee reservists. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator to give a priority to loan applications involving essential employee reservists. (Sec. 205) Provides relief from SBA time limits in the case of loans made to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans: (1) called to active duty on or after September 11, 2001; or (2) who became service-disabled due to an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active duty on or after such date. Extends such relief for the period in which the veteran served on active duty. Makes such relief inapplicable to programs subject to the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990. (Sec. 206) Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to report to the small business committees on types of assistance needed by service-disabled veterans who wish to become entrepreneurs. (Sec. 207) Requires the CG to: (1) study options for promoting positive working relations between employers and their reservist employees; and (2) report study results to the defense and small business committees. (Sec. 208) Directs the Administrator to establish and carry out a two-year pilot program under which the Administrator shall reduce by 50% the fees for loans made to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans or reservists (veteran participation loans). Authorizes the Administrator to waive the fee reduction in certain cases. Requires a pilot program report from the CG to the small business committees.

military reservist opportunity act title veterans business development sec increases funding offset fy2008 fy2009 sba expresses sense congress excess amounts office support veterans business outreach centers sec amends small_business_act direct president establish interagency task force coordinate federal efforts improve capital business development opportunities ensure achievement pre established federal contracting goals small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans veterans sec extends permanently sba advisory_committee sec directs sba associate_administrator veterans_business_development ensure veterans business outreach centers regularly participate workshops transition assistance program department_of_labor compile information existing resources available women veterans business training allows veterans business outreach center provide grants entities presentations opportunities available sba recently separating separated veterans requires implementation reports associate_administrator congress sec increases number veterans business outreach centers fy2008 fy2009 number considered appropriate administrator fiscal year sec requires administrator sponsor independent study gaps availability veterans business outreach centers united_states report congress study results sec authorizes small business development center apply grant carry veterans assistance services program promote awareness services center available veterans use online counseling distance learning technology overcome impediments entrepreneurship faced veterans members armed_forces increase coordination organizations assist veterans title reservist programs sec extends date small business suffered likely suffer substantial economic injury result essential employee called ordered active duty apply sba disaster loan year current law allows days essential employee discharged released duty authorizes administrator considered appropriate extend period additional year directs administrator establish loan pre consideration process loans small businesses key employee reservists develop outreach technical assistance program respect loans grants small businesses employing reservists requires semiannual report administrator congress status outreach technical assistance program sec requires administrator secretary defense develop joint website printed materials providing information program small businesses available veterans reservists authorizes administrator advertise market sba reservist programs sec authorizes administrator small business loans small businesses suffering loss essential employee reservists sec directs administrator priority loan applications involving essential employee reservists sec provides relief sba time limits case loans small businesses owned controlled veterans called active duty september service disabled injury illness incurred aggravated active duty date extends relief period veteran served active duty makes relief inapplicable programs subject sec directs comptroller general report small business committees types assistance needed service disabled veterans wish entrepreneurs sec requires study options promoting positive working relations employers reservist employees report study results defense small business committees sec directs administrator establish carry year pilot program administrator shall reduce fees loans small businesses owned controlled veterans reservists veteran participation loans authorizes administrator waive fee reduction certain cases requires pilot program report small business committees


Summary: United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make a grant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to plan, develop, manage, and implement the Paralympic Program (Program) for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the USOC to use a grant to recruit, support, encourage, schedule, facilitate, supervise, and implement paralympic instruction and competition activities, training and technical assistance, and coordination and program development activities for such disabled veterans and members. Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct an outreach program to inform eligible veterans and separating members about the Program; and (2) a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement between the Secretary and the USOC regarding Program implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to carry out qualifying programs and events for disabled veterans and members. Authorizes the Director to provide an allowance for a disabled veteran for each month in which the veteran is training or competing in a USOC-sanctioned event or residing at a USOC training center. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to direct the VA's Under Secretary for Health to: (1) make VA medical staff available to facilitate veteran participation in USOC sporting events; (2) allow such personnel to participate in the Program without requiring the use of personal leave; and (3) support other similar activities or events.

paralympic program act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs grant plan develop manage implement disabled veterans disabled members armed_forces members directs use grant recruit support encourage schedule facilitate supervise implement paralympic instruction competition activities training technical assistance coordination program development activities disabled veterans members requires secretary conduct outreach program inform eligible veterans separating members program memorandum understanding cooperative agreement secretary program implementation authorizes appropriations establishes department_of_veterans_affairs special events headed director carry qualifying programs events disabled veterans members authorizes director provide allowance disabled veteran month veteran training competing sanctioned event residing training center authorizes appropriations requires secretary direct secretary health medical staff available facilitate veteran participation sporting events allow personnel participate program requiring use personal leave support similar activities events


Summary: Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel button as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.

directs secretary defense pay special pension person received lapel button parent member armed_forces died serving


Summary: Prohibits requiring repayment of a bonus or similar benefit, and requires the payment of any portion of such benefit not yet paid, when certain eligibility requirements for the receipt of such benefit are not met due to the death or retirement or separation of the member due to an injury, illness, or other impairment not incurred as a result of the member's own misconduct. Permits, in cases not covered by the above paragraph, additional exceptions to the repayment requirement when it would be contrary to personnel policy, good conscience, or the best interests of the United States. Provides for the retroactive application of this Act beginning on September 11, 2001, as specified.

prohibits requiring repayment bonus similar benefit requires payment portion benefit paid certain eligibility requirements receipt benefit met death retirement separation member injury illness impairment incurred result member misconduct permits cases covered paragraph additional exceptions repayment requirement contrary personnel policy good conscience best interests united_states provides retroactive application act beginning september specified


Summary: Emergency Relief Tax Check-Off for Our Armed Forces Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction (available to taxpayers who do not itemize their tax deductions) for charitable contributions of up to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. Allows taxpayers to designate on their tax returns a portion of any overpayment of tax as a contribution to the Trust or to make a cash contribution to the Trust with their tax returns.Establishes an advisory board to advise the Trust on its operation and on the distribution of contributed funds.

emergency relief tax check armed forces act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction available taxpayers itemize tax deductions charitable contributions case joint return allows taxpayers designate tax returns portion overpayment tax contribution trust cash contribution trust tax returns establishes advisory board advise trust operation distribution contributed funds


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free distributions of amounts from a flexible spending arrangement to members of a military reserve component ordered or called to active duty for at least 180 days or for an indefinite period.

amends internal revenue code allow penalty free distributions amounts flexible spending arrangement members military reserve component ordered called active duty days indefinite period


Summary: In Memory Medal For Forgotten Veterans Act - Establishes the "Jesus (Chuchi) Salgado Medal" to be issued by the Secretary of Defense to a qualifying veteran who died after serving in the Vietnam War but whose death is determined to be a direct result of such service and whose name is not eligible for placement on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

memory medal medal issued secretary defense qualifying veteran died serving vietnam war death determined direct result service eligible placement vietnam veterans memorial


Summary: Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments made to members of the Armed Forces as enlistment and reenlistment bonuses. Requires the Secretary of Defense to continue the payment to members of the Armed Forces who are retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury of certain bonuses to which such members were entitled immediately before retirement or separation and to which such members would continue to be entitled if they were not retired or separated.

tax relief fulfilling obligation patriotic soldiers act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income payments members armed_forces enlistment reenlistment bonuses requires secretary defense continue payment members armed_forces retired separated disability combat related injury certain bonuses members entitled immediately retirement separation members continue entitled retired separated


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from authorizing an honor guard to participate in the funeral of any veteran interred in a national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration unless the honor guard agrees to offer to the family of each veteran in whose funeral the honor guard chooses to participate the option of having it perform one of the 13-fold flag recitations.Expresses the sense of Congress that 13-fold flag recitations are a historical tradition and that it should be the policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize honor guards to participate in the funerals of veterans and proactively offer such a recitation to each veteran's family.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs authorizing honor guard participate funeral veteran interred national cemetery control national_cemetery_administration honor guard agrees offer family veteran funeral honor guard chooses participate option having perform flag expresses sense congress flag historical policy department_of_veterans_affairs authorize honor guards participate funerals veterans proactively offer veteran family


Summary: Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 - Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Repeals the current fee schedule with respect to veterans' housing and small business loans. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming limit limitation determined for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved. Provides for an annual inflation increase in home loan guaranty amounts. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process of guaranteeing home loans for the purchase of a condominium.

helping veterans homes act increases reasonable value veteran dwelling farm residence loan guaranteed case loan refinance certain loans repeals current fee schedule respect veterans housing small business loans changes loan fee loans total loan guaranteed insured case loan assumption unpaid principal balance loan date transfer property extends demonstration projects involving adjustable rate mortgages fy2018 hybrid adjustable rate fy2012 increases maximum loan guaranty federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac conforming limit limitation determined single family residence adjusted year involved provides annual inflation increase home loan guaranty amounts directs secretary veterans_affairs review streamline process guaranteeing home loans purchase condominium


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of funeral honors for a veteran that are provided by a detail consisting solely of members of veterans organizations or other related organizations, to support the provision of such funeral honors through a daily stipend to each detail participant.

directs secretary military department concerned case funeral honors veteran provided detail consisting solely members veterans organizations related organizations support provision funeral honors daily stipend detail participant


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

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


Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to modify the prohibition against destruction of veterans' memorials to include destruction of the grave, headstone, or marker of any person in the Armed Forces and to extend such prohibition to memorials, graves, headstones, or markers on private as well as public property.

amends federal criminal code modify prohibition destruction veterans memorials include destruction grave headstone marker person armed_forces extend prohibition memorials graves headstones markers private public property


Summary: Veterans Disability Reform Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay veterans' disability compensation to each veteran who: (1) is discharged or released from active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, under conditions other than dishonorable; (2) submits to the Secretary the concurring diagnoses of any two physicians stating that the veteran has a compensable service-connected disability. Requires the concurring physicians to assign a rating of such disability. Bases the amount of compensation on the disability rating. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring such a veteran to submit a claim in order to receive such compensation.

veterans disability reform act directs secretary veterans_affairs pay veterans disability compensation veteran discharged released active duty service september conditions dishonorable submits secretary diagnoses physicians stating veteran compensable service connected disability requires physicians assign rating disability bases compensation disability rating prohibits secretary requiring veteran submit claim order receive compensation


Summary: Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 with respect to hours-of-service requirements a spouse, parent, son, or daughter of a covered servicemember must meet to qualify for leave under such Act. Entitles such individual to take such leave in order to care for the covered servicemember if he or she has been employed for at least 625 hours of service with an employer. Defines "covered servicemember" as a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness.

amends family medical leave act respect hours service requirements spouse parent son daughter covered servicemember meet qualify leave act entitles individual leave order care covered servicemember employed hours service employer defines covered servicemember member armed_forces including member national_guard_or_a_reserve undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold medical holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness


Summary: Requires the payment of compound interest by the United States on the payment of any claim in connection with the correction of a military record that involves the setting aside of a conviction by court-martial.

requires payment compound interest united_states payment claim connection correction military record involves setting aside conviction court martial


Summary: Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act - Amends the federal criminal code to modify the prohibition against destruction of veterans' memorials to include destruction of the grave, headstone, or marker of any person in the Armed Forces and to extend such prohibition to memorials, graves, headstones, or markers on private as well as public property.

act amends federal criminal code modify prohibition destruction veterans memorials include destruction grave headstone marker person armed_forces extend prohibition memorials graves headstones markers private public property


Summary: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs collecting debts owed united_states certain members armed forces veterans die result injury incurred aggravated active duty war combat zone september excepts amounts owed united_states federal housing small business loan programs prohibition debt collection


Summary: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs collecting debts owed united_states certain veterans die result service connected disability incurred aggravated active duty war persian_gulf_war combat zone september secretary determines discretion termination collection best interest united_states excepts amounts owed united_states federal housing small business loan programs prohibition debt collection


Summary: Extends the special survivor indemnity allowance to survivors of members of the Armed Forces who die either in the line of duty or while on active duty after: (1) becoming eligible for retired pay; (2) qualifying, but not applying for, retired pay; or (3) completing 20 years of active service but before eligibility for retirement as a commissioned officer because the member has not completed ten years of active commissioned service.

extends special survivor indemnity allowance survivors members armed_forces die line duty active duty eligible retired pay qualifying applying retired pay completing years active service eligibility retirement commissioned officer member completed years active commissioned service


Summary: Full Faith in Veterans Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to accept as sufficient proof of service-connection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military service a diagnosis of PTSD by a mental health professional, together with a written determination that such disorder is related to the veteran's service, if consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of such service, notwithstanding that there is no official record of such incurrence or aggravation during such service. Requires the Secretary to resolve every reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. Allows PTSD service-connection to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence. Directs the Secretary to require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees responsible for rating disabilities, evaluating claims for disability compensation for PTSD, or adjudicating disability compensation ratings to complete a certification program established by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct audits of examinations of veterans who submit claims for disability compensation for PTSD; (2) update the schedule for rating disabilities with respect to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other mental disorders; (3) implement new PTSD criteria; (4) implement a holistic treatment approach for veterans with PTSD; and (5) require VA employees responsible for adjudicating disability compensation ratings to take into consideration veterans' treatment records from readjustment counseling centers and written opinions of mental health professionals.

faith veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs accept sufficient proof service connection post traumatic stress disorder ptsd alleged incurred aggravated active military service diagnosis ptsd mental health professional written determination disorder related veteran service consistent circumstances conditions hardships service notwithstanding official record incurrence service requires secretary resolve reasonable doubt favor veteran allows ptsd service connection rebutted clear convincing evidence directs secretary require department_of_veterans_affairs employees responsible rating disabilities evaluating claims disability compensation ptsd adjudicating disability compensation ratings complete certification program established secretary requires secretary conduct audits examinations veterans submit claims disability compensation ptsd update schedule rating disabilities respect ptsd traumatic brain injury mental disorders implement new ptsd criteria implement holistic treatment approach veterans ptsd require employees responsible adjudicating disability compensation ratings consideration veterans treatment records readjustment counseling centers written opinions mental health professionals


Summary: Presumes to be service-connected, and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis developing a 10% degree of disability or more at any time, in the case of a veteran who served for 90 days or more during a period of war.

presumes service connected compensable veterans disability compensation lateral sclerosis developing degree disability time case veteran served days period war


Summary: Military Pay Improvement Act of 2008 - Waives, during FY2009, the basic military pay adjustment tied to increases in the Employment Cost Index. Increases, effective January 1, 2009, such basic pay by 3.9%.

military pay improvement act waives fy2009 basic military pay adjustment tied increases employment cost index increases effective january basic pay


Summary: Fully-Funded United States Military Redeployment and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2008 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) commence the safe and orderly redeployment of U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq; (2) pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; (3) help preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq and establish a democratic central government there; (4) account for missing U.S. personnel and citizens in Iraq; and (5) turn over all internal security activities and military operations in Iraq to its elected government within one year after the enactment of this Act. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Requires the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq within one year. Prohibits the further use of any funds to continue such deployments. Prohibits the construction of permanent or long-term military installations in Iraq unless explicitly approved by Congress. Authorizes the President to deploy an international stabilization force to Iraq. Requires the closure of U.S. detention centers in Iraq. Permits actions for damages by a citizen or national of Iraq (or of any other foreign country who was imprisoned or detained in Iraq) against the United States for certain acts committed by specified U.S. personnel against prisoners or detainees in Iraq. Limits the total number of U.S. government personnel at the United States Embassy in Iraq. Prohibits U.S. production-sharing agreements for Iraqi petroleum resources. Establishes an Iraqi-American Interparliamentary Group. Authorizes the President of the United States Institute for Peace to provide political reconciliation assistance to Iraq. States that it is the policy of the United States to work with Iraq and the international community to provide for the reconstruction of Iraq. Directs the President to: (1) establish and implement a plan to initiate a diplomatic surge to bring an end to the occupation of Iraq; and (2) deploy U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States to target global terrorism. Establishes the Commission on Funding the Reconstruction of Iraq.

fully funded united states military redeployment sovereignty iraq restoration act 2008_-_states policy united_states commence safe orderly redeployment troops military contractors iraq pursue security stability iraq diplomacy help preserve territorial integrity iraq establish democratic central government account missing personnel citizens iraq turn internal security activities military operations iraq elected government year enactment act repeals authorization use military force iraq resolution requires withdrawal contractor security forces iraq year prohibits use funds continue deployments prohibits construction permanent long term military installations iraq explicitly approved congress authorizes president deploy international stabilization force iraq requires closure detention centers iraq permits actions damages citizen national iraq foreign country imprisoned detained iraq united_states certain acts committed specified personnel prisoners detainees iraq limits total number government personnel iraq prohibits production sharing agreements iraqi petroleum resources establishes authorizes president provide political reconciliation assistance iraq states policy united_states work iraq international community provide reconstruction iraq directs president establish implement plan initiate diplomatic surge bring end occupation iraq deploy outside united_states target global terrorism establishes commission funding reconstruction iraq


Summary: Noble Warrior Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate: (1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and (2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal. Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date. Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities. Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans: (1) at the time of award of the disability compensation; (2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and (3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the: (1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and (2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.

warrior act amends federal armed forces provisions add new provisions concerning retirement disability members armed_forces members following implementation enhanced department_of_veterans_affairs disability compensation system implemented act authorizes secretary defense continue discharge separation active duty respite care aid extended care benefits members incur injury illness serving duty directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary conduct study determine appropriate compensation service connected disability payable veterans assigned rating disability amounts duration transition payments rehabilitation transition allowances payable veterans participating rehabilitation program requires secretary conduct study measures assist encourage veterans completion vocational rehabilitation plans directs secretary submit congress proposal purposes amounts veterans disability compensation veterans transition benefits provides congressional consideration way joint resolution proposal makes effective date implementation enhanced disability compensation system date authority congress disapprove secretary proposal expires long congress disapprove proposal date revises current schedule disability ratings account losses earning capacity quality life result disability provides revised compensation transition payments connection service connected disabilities allows retired veteran entitled compensation service connected disability elect provide monthly supplemental survivor benefit veteran surviving spouse children authorizes election veterans time award disability compensation married time award compensation later marry married time award compensation later remarry allows veteran revoke election benefit surviving spouse provides receipt benefit day month veteran dies requires reduction disability compensation election supplemental survivor benefit offset supplemental survivor benefit dependency indemnity compensation received


Summary: Jenny's Law - Prohibits any person classified as a tier III sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act from interment or memorialization in a cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration or in Arlington National Cemetery.

law prohibits person classified tier iii sex offender sex offender registration notification act interment cemetery national_cemetery_administration arlington national cemetery


Summary: Veteran Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2008 - Requires that, in order to be recognized as an agent or attorney of a veteran in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of veterans' benefit claims, an individual must certify to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that he or she will assist the Secretary with the Secretary's duties to notify claimants of required claim information and evidence and to assist claimants in obtaining evidence. Directs the Secretary to establish a training program to provide training to individuals recognized as veterans' agents, attorneys, or representatives. Requires a claim certified as fully developed and submitted by a veteran and a recognized agent, attorney, or representative who is a training graduate to be considered as fully developed and evaluated on the evidence provided. Directs the Secretary to: (1) at least once every fiscal year, conduct a quality control assessment of 1% of the ratings specialists and veterans service representatives employed by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) carry out a pilot program to develop and maintain a system for processing disability compensation claims using rules-based technology; (3) treat a veteran's beneficiary as a veteran claimant for incomplete claims as of the veteran's death; (4) evaluate training and assessment programs for VBA employees; (5) allow for the electronic monitoring of a veteran's claim status; and (6) carry out a pilot program allowing a veteran to submit a claim to any VA regional office. Establishes in the VA an Executive Management Fellowship Program to provide private sector claims processing training and experience for VBA employees.

requires order recognized agent attorney veteran preparation presentation prosecution veterans benefit claims individual certify secretary veterans_affairs assist secretary secretary duties notify claimants required claim information evidence assist claimants obtaining evidence directs secretary establish training program provide training individuals recognized veterans agents attorneys representatives requires claim certified fully developed submitted veteran recognized agent attorney representative training graduate considered fully developed evaluated evidence provided directs secretary fiscal year conduct quality control assessment ratings specialists veterans service representatives employed veterans_benefits_administration vba department_of_veterans_affairs carry pilot program develop maintain system processing disability compensation claims rules based technology treat veteran beneficiary veteran claimant incomplete claims veteran death evaluate training assessment programs vba employees allow electronic monitoring veteran claim status carry pilot program allowing veteran submit claim regional office establishes executive management fellowship program provide private sector claims processing training experience vba employees


Summary: Provides for the concurrent payment of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for disabilities rated at 50% or higher for a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to voluntary separation incentive payments.

provides concurrent payment military retired pay veterans disability compensation disabilities rated higher member member armed_forces entitled voluntary separation incentive payments


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Prosthetics Employees Standards Act of 2007- Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require that an individual may perform orthotics, pedorthics, or prosthetics services for patients of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an employee of the VA, or as an employee of a contractor of the VA, at a work site in which there is a state licensure requirement applicable to the performance of such services in private practice only if the individual is licensed in accordance with such state requirements.

directs secretary veterans_affairs require individual perform orthotics prosthetics services patients department_of_veterans_affairs employee employee contractor work site state licensure requirement applicable performance services private practice individual licensed accordance state requirements


Summary: Student Veterans' College Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Authorizes the provision of supplemental veterans' educational assistance for additional service above the qualifying amount for basic educational assistance. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program under which colleges and universities can voluntarily contribute a portion of the educational assistance costs for veterans attending such college or university, which contributions shall be matched by the Secretary. Terminates the educational assistance authorized under this Act 15 years after the qualifying individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Bars the duplication of educational assistance benefits. Directs the Secretary to inform individuals of their entitlement to assistance provided under this Act. Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act.

amends federal veterans benefits provisions entitle educational assistance montgomery bill certain individuals serve active duty armed_forces including reserves september establishes duration assistance cases months assistance amounts requires programs education pursued assistance approved secretary veterans_affairs allows pursuit approved program education active duty allows assistance pursuit programs half time basis apprenticeship job training correspondence courses flight training tutorial assistance licensure certification tests authorizes provision supplemental veterans educational assistance additional service qualifying basic educational assistance directs secretary carry program colleges universities voluntarily contribute portion educational assistance costs veterans attending college university contributions shall matched secretary terminates educational assistance authorized act years qualifying individual discharge release active duty bars duplication educational assistance benefits directs secretary inform individuals entitlement assistance provided act allows individuals currently montgomery bill educational assistance program elect participate educational assistance program respect unused entitlement amends higher education act prohibit educational assistance provided specified benefit programs veterans members selected_reserve considered analyses need assistance title student assistance act


Summary: Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for veterans to: (1) increase the rates of basic educational assistance and the time limit for entitlement to and use of such assistance; (2) provide a stipend for individuals using such assistance to pursue a program of education at an institution of higher learning; (3) extend the period for the collection of a fee for the use of such assistance; (4) authorize the use of such assistance for business courses and seminars, courses taken to prepare for licensing or certification tests, and the repayment of federal student loans; (5) allow for withdrawal of the election not to enroll in the program; (6) state that such assistance shall not reduce eligibility for other financial aid; (7) extend the increase in benefits for certain individuals pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training; (8) modify the amount for reimbursement of state and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits; (9) provide educational assistance for veterans discharged under a general discharge; (10) increase the reporting fee payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving assistance; (11) provide additional areas of work-study for veterans; (12) require a five-year pilot program for on-campus work-study positions; (13) increase the number of employees in the Education Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (14) require an action plan for upgrading VA information technology used in the administration of educational benefits; and (15) modify the advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance.

veterans education improvement act amends montgomery bill educational assistance program veterans increase rates basic educational assistance time limit entitlement use assistance provide stipend individuals assistance pursue program education institution higher learning extend period collection fee use assistance authorize use assistance business courses seminars courses taken prepare licensing certification tests repayment federal student loans allow withdrawal election enroll program state assistance shall reduce eligibility financial aid extend increase benefits certain individuals pursuing apprenticeships job training modify reimbursement state local agencies administering veterans education benefits provide educational assistance veterans discharged general discharge increase reporting fee payable educational institutions enroll veterans receiving assistance provide additional areas work study veterans require year pilot program campus work study positions increase number employees require action plan upgrading information technology administration educational benefits modify advance payment initial educational assistance subsistence allowance


Summary: Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct a survey of and report to Congress on the compliance of fire departments in the United States with national consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness; and (2) establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety to develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing compliance with such standards and to consider ways in which the federal government, states, and localities can promote, encourage, or require compliance.

firefighter fatality reduction act directs secretary homeland_security conduct survey report congress compliance fire departments united_states national consensus standards staffing training safe operations personal protective equipment fitness establish task force enhance firefighter safety develop plan enhance firefighter safety increasing compliance standards consider ways federal government states localities promote encourage require compliance


Summary: Veterans Disability Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quality assurance program with respect to the administration of veterans' disability compensation, to ensure the accuracy and consistency across VA offices of the treatment of claims for disability compensation, including disability rating determinations and whether a disability is service-connected. Requires the Secretary to conduct reviews and audits, at least annually, to identify and correct any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in disability ratings and the adjudication of disability compensation claims by VA regional offices and employees responsible for such ratings or adjudications.

veterans disability fairness act directs secretary veterans_affairs order carry department_of_veterans_affairs quality assurance program respect administration veterans disability compensation ensure accuracy consistency offices treatment claims disability compensation including disability rating determinations disability service connected requires secretary conduct reviews audits annually identify correct inaccuracies inconsistencies disability ratings adjudication disability compensation claims regional offices employees responsible ratings adjudications


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights is displayed prominently in each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prosthetic and orthotic clinic. Includes in the Bill of Rights the right to: (1) access the highest quality prosthetic and orthotic care; (2) select the practitioner that best meets their prosthetic and orthotic needs; (3) timely and efficient prosthetic and orthotic care; and (4) transition and readjust to civilian life in an honorable manner, including by having ample access to vocational rehabilitation, employment programs, and housing assistance.

directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure injured amputee veterans bill rights displayed prominently department_of_veterans_affairs prosthetic orthotic clinic includes bill rights right access highest quality prosthetic orthotic care select practitioner best meets prosthetic orthotic needs timely efficient prosthetic orthotic care transition civilian life honorable manner including having access vocational rehabilitation employment programs housing assistance


Summary: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow veterans a deduction from gross income for their travel expenses (e.g., transportation, food, and lodging) to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center for treatment related to a service-connected disability or for an examination related to a claim for disability compensation or a pension.

veterans_travel tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow veterans deduction gross income travel expenses transportation food lodging department_of_veterans_affairs medical center treatment related service connected disability examination related claim disability compensation pension


Summary: Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service.Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs.Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.

amends federal veterans benefits provisions entitle educational assistance montgomery bill individuals certain length service categories commencing september serve active duty armed_forces establishes duration assistance cases months assistance amounts requires programs education pursued assistance approved secretary veterans_affairs allows pursuit approved program education active duty allows assistance pursuit programs half time basis apprenticeship job training correspondence courses flight training tutorial assistance licensure certification tests makes individuals entitled assistance act eligible supplemental educational assistance additional active duty service requires secretary carry program known colleges universities enter agreement secretary cover certain individuals portion established charges covered match contributions costs requires educational assistance act years individual discharge release active duty exceptions allows individuals currently montgomery bill educational assistance program elect participate educational assistance program respect unused entitlement


Summary: Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize a deduction from gross income of up to $500 for amounts paid to provide care packages for members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone.

amends internal revenue code allow taxpayers itemize deduction gross income amounts paid provide care packages members armed forces serving combat zone


Summary: National Guard and Reserve Readiness Act of 2008 - Revises the effective date for being considered on active duty, for purposes of entitlement to active-duty medical and dental care, for members of the reserves receiving an alert order anticipating a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation.

national_guard_and_reserve readiness act revises effective date considered active duty purposes entitlement active duty medical dental care members reserves receiving alert order anticipating order active duty support contingency operation


Summary: Oil Shale Reserve Fund Revenue Act - Requires that any amounts received by the United States, beginning on November 18, 1997, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, from a lease under provisions relating to certain oil shale reserves be deposited in the U.S. Treasury. Requires that 50% of such amounts go to the Secretary of the Interior for the costs of all environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance regarding the remediation of the land transferred under certain existing provisions, including the former Anvil Points oil shale facility in Colorado. Requires that the remaining 50% go to Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Mesa Counties, Colorado, to mitigate the effects of oil and gas development activities within the affected areas. Prohibits counting such funds in calculating payments for the counties under provisions relating to payment for entitlement land.

revenue act requires amounts received united_states beginning november ending date enactment act lease provisions relating certain oil shale reserves deposited requires amounts secretary interior costs environmental restoration waste management environmental compliance remediation land transferred certain existing provisions including oil shale facility colorado requires remaining colorado mitigate effects oil gas development activities affected areas prohibits counting funds calculating payments counties provisions relating payment entitlement land


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

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


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2008, the rates of 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. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

directs secretary veterans_affairs increase december rates veterans 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 social security act effective date


Summary: Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act - Authorizes a member of the Armed Forces who would normally be retired, placed on the temporary disability retired list, or separated as the result of a combat-related disability to elect to instead be retained on active service in an active status, as long as the member: (1) remains medically able to perform noncombat-related military occupational specialties or duties; and (2) is not disqualified from performing such specialties or duties because of performance, mandatory retirement for age, or other reasons. Subjects members placed in such status to periodic physical examinations, as provided to members placed on the temporary disability retired list. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to permit, on a case-by-case basis, the reenlistment or appointment in such status of a member who, during the period beginning on September 1, 2001, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, was retired or separated as the result of a combat-related disability. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the number and types of noncombat-related military occupational specialties in the Armed Forces and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employee positions that would be available for such members.

wounded warrior retention act authorizes member armed_forces normally retired placed temporary disability retired list separated result combat related disability elect instead retained active service active status long member remains medically able perform related military occupational specialties duties disqualified performing specialties duties performance mandatory retirement age reasons subjects members placed status periodic physical examinations provided members placed temporary disability retired list authorizes secretary defense permit case case basis reenlistment appointment status member period beginning september ending date enactment act retired separated result combat related disability requires report secretary congress number types related military occupational specialties dod civilian employee positions available members