Summary:
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from paying any Senior Executive Service employee an award or bonus until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the backlog of disability claims within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been resolved. Establishes a commission or task force within the VA to: (1) study the backlog of veterans' disability compensation claims, including possible improvements to the claims process, and the anticipated increase in appeals of those claims, including possible improvements to the appeals process; (2) submit to the Secretary, the Chairman of the Board of Veteran's Appeals, and the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Veterans Claims remedies and solutions to the backlog of such claims and appeals; and (3) submit initial, interim, and final reports to the President and Congress regarding its findings and recommendations. Requires the Secretary, Chairman, or Chief Judge to implement the remedies and solutions he or she deem appropriate.

 Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress, within 60 days after this Act's enactment and every 120 days thereafter until May 25, 2015, a supplemental report on the VA's implementation of the Strategic Plan to Eliminate the Compensation Claims Backlog, including verification that during the period covered by the report each claim was approved or denied within 125 days with a 98% accuracy rate.

Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements to ensure that the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) transfer to the VA, within 30 days of the Secretary's request, disability or medical records that the VA Secretary will use to evaluate a disability compensation claim. Requires the VA and Defense Secretaries to submit to Congress and implement a plan to reduce to 30 days the time needed to provide members of the National Guard and the Secretary with the medical records of Guard members.

 Requires the VA Secretary to establish a two-year training program for newly-hired VA claims processors.

 Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the Secretary's progress in improving the timeliness of claims processing and eliminating the claims backlog. Requires the report to include any recommendations the Comptroller General has to improve the Secretary's progress.

 Directs the Secretary, in processing veterans' disability compensation claims, to provide priority to veterans:

 who have attained age 70; who are terminally ill; with life-threatening illnesses; who are homeless; who were awarded the Medal of Honor; who are former prisoners of war; whose claims are being re-reviewed in relation to a previously denied claim relating to military sexual trauma; and whom the Secretary determines, on a case-by-case basis, either are seriously or very seriously injured or should be given priority based on an application for good cause established by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to maintain on the VA's website publicly accessible information concerning pending and completed claims of compensation for a veteran's service-connected disability or death, including the number of claims pending and completed, and the average number of days between submission and completion, for certain periods. Requires the information provided to be updated at least every seven days.

 Directs the Secretary to include in the VA's annual report to Congress on its activities and costs information on:

 the automatic processing of veterans disability compensation claims, the performance of any regional office that fails to meet its administrative goals regarding timeliness and accuracy in the processing of such claims, and the timeliness with which the Secretary receives information requested from other federal agencies that the Secretary requires in adjudicating claims for compensation regarding a veteran's service-connected disability or death. Directs the Secretary to post notices of average times for the processing of veterans' disability compensation claims, as well as the percentage of claims approved, in a conspicuous place in each VA regional office and claims intake facility and on the VA's website. Requires the Secretary to notify each person submitting a claim of such information and of the person's eligibility to receive up to an extra year of benefit payments upon filing an original claim that is fully developed. Requires the notice information to be updated at least quarterly.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs paying senior_executive_service employee award bonus secretary certifies congress backlog disability claims department_of_veterans_affairs resolved establishes commission task_force study backlog veterans disability compensation claims including possible improvements claims process anticipated increase appeals claims including possible improvements appeals process submit secretary chairman board veteran appeals chief judge court veterans claims remedies solutions backlog claims appeals submit initial interim final reports president congress findings recommendations requires secretary chairman chief judge implement remedies solutions deem appropriate directs secretary submit congress days act enactment days supplemental report implementation strategic plan eliminate compensation claims backlog including verification period covered report claim approved denied days accuracy rate directs secretary enter agreements ensure commissioner social_security_administration secretary defense dod transfer days secretary request disability medical records secretary use evaluate disability compensation claim requires defense secretaries submit congress implement plan reduce days time needed provide members national_guard secretary medical records guard members requires secretary establish year training program newly hired claims processors directs comptroller_general gao report congress secretary progress improving timeliness claims processing eliminating claims backlog requires report include recommendations comptroller_general improve secretary progress directs secretary processing veterans disability compensation claims provide priority veterans attained age terminally ill life threatening illnesses homeless awarded medal honor prisoners war claims reviewed relation previously denied claim relating military sexual trauma secretary determines case case basis seriously seriously injured given priority based application good cause established secretary directs secretary maintain website publicly accessible information concerning pending completed claims compensation veteran service connected disability death including number claims pending completed average number days submission completion certain periods requires information provided updated seven days directs secretary include annual report congress activities costs information automatic processing veterans disability compensation claims performance regional office fails meet administrative goals timeliness accuracy processing claims timeliness secretary receives information requested federal agencies secretary requires adjudicating claims compensation veteran service connected disability death directs secretary post notices average times processing veterans disability compensation claims percentage claims approved conspicuous place regional office claims intake facility website requires secretary notify person submitting claim information person eligibility receive extra year benefit payments filing original claim fully developed requires notice information updated quarterly


Summary: Veterans Involved in Police Services Act of 2014 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow public safety and community policing grants to be used, during the three-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, to hire former honorably-discharged members of the Armed Forces to serve as career law enforcement officers for community-oriented policing, particularly in jurisdictions in which the violent crime rate is higher than the national violent crime rate, according to the uniform crime report compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

veterans involved police services act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act allow public safety community policing grants year period beginning date act enactment hire honorably discharged members armed_forces serve career law enforcement officers community oriented policing particularly jurisdictions violent crime rate higher national violent crime rate according uniform crime report compiled federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi


Summary:
Veterans' Health Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a voucher for the market price of the needed service for use at a non-VA facility for any veteran who has been denied health care at any VA facility on a timely basis (defined as one day for procedures and seven calendar days for tests).

Makes all veterans eligible for VA-paid care from non-VA facilities, and directs the Secretary of the VA to immediately prepare for the privatization of all VA facilities within one calendar year, if more than 10% of the Veterans Health Administration's budget goes toward such health vouchers.

veterans health accountability act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs provide voucher market price needed service use non-va facility veteran denied health_care facility timely basis defined day procedures seven calendar days tests makes veterans eligible paid care non-va facilities directs secretary immediately prepare privatization facilities calendar year veterans_health_administration budget goes health vouchers


Summary: Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) design and produce a military service medal, to be known as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal, to honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who participated in a radiation-risk activity while serving on active duty; and (2) issue the Medal to such veterans or their next-of-kin.

atomic veterans service medal act_-_directs secretary defense dod design produce military service medal known atomic veterans service medal honor retired members armed_forces participated radiation risk activity serving active duty issue medal veterans kin


Summary:
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991), (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period, or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense (DOD) may prescribe.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the DOD Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.

cold war service medal act authorizes secretary military department concerned issue cold war service medal members armed_forces discharged released honorable conditions having served active duty consecutive months cold war september december deployed outside continental united_states days period performed cold war service secretary defense dod prescribe expresses sense congress dod secretary expedite design medal issuance eligible members


Summary:
Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to:

 select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center (Center) for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure; establish an advisory board to advise the center, to determine which health conditions result from exposure to toxic substances, and to study and evaluate cases of exposure of current and former members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances; and establish an Office of Extramural Research to conduct research on wounds, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions suffered by active members of the Armed Forces resulting from exposure to toxic substances and to assist the Advisory Board in considering claims of exposure to toxic substances. Requires the Center, in coordination with the National Birth Defect Registry, to track and research the genetic link between individuals who are exposed to Agent Orange and the medical conditions of their children.

Extends eligibility for medical care and caregiver assistance to descendants of a veteran who was exposed to toxic substances while serving as a member of the Armed Forces if: (1) the descendant has a health condition resulting from exposure to toxic substances and is homebound due to such condition, and (2) the veteran has or had the same health condition.

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to declassify documents (other than documents that would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to any known incident in which not less than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of disability.

Directs the VA Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure.

toxic exposure research military family support act directs secretary veterans_affairs select medical center department_of_veterans_affairs serve national center center diagnosis treatment research health conditions descendants biological child grandchild great grandchild individuals exposed toxic substances serving members armed_forces related exposure establish advisory_board advise center determine health conditions result exposure toxic substances study evaluate cases exposure current members armed_forces toxic substances establish office extramural research conduct research wounds illnesses injuries conditions suffered active members armed_forces resulting exposure toxic substances assist advisory_board considering claims exposure toxic substances requires center coordination national birth defect registry track research genetic link individuals exposed agent orange medical conditions children extends eligibility medical care caregiver assistance descendants veteran exposed toxic substances serving member armed_forces descendant health condition resulting exposure toxic substances homebound condition veteran health condition authorizes secretary defense dod documents documents materially immediately threaten national security related known incident members armed_forces exposed toxic substance resulted case disability directs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs dod secretary jointly conduct national outreach education campaign directed members armed_forces veterans family members communicate information incidents exposure toxic substances health conditions resulting form exposure potential long term effects exposure


Summary: Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a veteran receiving hospital care or medical services for a service-connected disabililty is not disqualified from participating in or contributing to a tax-preferred health savings account (HSA).

helping veterans save health_care act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide veteran receiving hospital care medical services service connected disqualified participating contributing tax preferred health savings account hsa


Summary: Help Employ and Recruit Our Excellent Servicemembers Grant Act of 2014 or the HEROES Grant Act of 2014 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of public safety and community policing (COPS ON THE BEAT) grants to hire veterans and other individuals as employees of law enforcement agencies for positions that do not require sworn authority.

help employ recruit excellent servicemembers grant act heroes grant act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize use public safety community policing cops beat grants hire veterans individuals employees law enforcement agencies positions require sworn authority


Summary:
Veterans' Assistance to Lower Unemployment and Enhance VA Services Act or the VALUES Act - Entitles disabled veterans and the mothers or spouses of certain deceased or disabled veterans to receive an additional 15 points on their examination for entrance into the competitive service at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Entitles certain veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces to receive an additional 10 points on their examination for entrance into the competitive service at the VA.

veterans assistance lower unemployment enhance services act values act entitles disabled veterans mothers spouses certain deceased disabled veterans receive additional points examination entrance competitive service department_of_veterans_affairs entitles certain veterans served active duty armed_forces receive additional points examination entrance competitive service


Summary:
Wounded Warrior Employment Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and publish an action plan for improving the training and rehabilitation services and assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Requires such plan to include:

 a comprehensive analysis of, and recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for remedying, workload management challenges at regional offices of the VA, including steps to reduce counselor case loads of veterans participating in a rehabilitation program; a comprehensive analysis of the reasons for the disproportionately low percentage of veterans with service-connected disabilities who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, who opt to participate in a VA rehabilitation program relative to the percentage of such veterans who use their entitlement to VA educational assistance; recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for encouraging more veterans with service-connected disabilities who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, to participate in VA rehabilitation programs; and a national staff training program for vocational rehabilitation counselors, that includes the provision of training to assist counselors in understanding the very profound disorientation experienced by warriors because of their injury, training to assist counselors in working in partnership with veterans on individual rehabilitation plans, and training on post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and on moderate to severe traumatic brain injury that is designed to improve the ability of such counselors to assist veterans with such conditions.

wounded warrior employment improvement act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs develop publish action plan improving training rehabilitation services assistance provided department_of_veterans_affairs veterans service connected disabilities requires plan include comprehensive analysis recommendations proposed implementation plan workload management challenges regional offices including steps reduce counselor case loads veterans participating rehabilitation program comprehensive analysis reasons disproportionately low percentage veterans service connected disabilities served armed_forces september opt participate rehabilitation program relative percentage veterans use entitlement educational assistance recommendations proposed implementation plan encouraging veterans service connected disabilities served armed_forces september participate rehabilitation programs national staff training program vocational rehabilitation counselors includes provision training assist counselors understanding experienced warriors injury training assist counselors working partnership veterans individual rehabilitation plans training post traumatic stress disorder mental health conditions moderate severe traumatic brain injury designed improve ability counselors assist veterans conditions


Summary:
Veterans Small Business Support Act - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from assessing a guarantee fee in connection with a loan made under the SBA Express Program to a veteran or spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2014.

Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of providing financial planning and counseling to owners of small business concerns who are members of a reserve component prior to deployment; (2) the level of outreach to and consultation with female veterans by women's business centers and veterans business outreach centers; and (3) the Military Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which shall include a discussion of SBA outreach efforts to increase participation, the number of loans made, and an analysis of the effectiveness of, and recommendations for improving, the Program.

veterans small business support act_-_amends small_business_act prohibit administrator small_business_administration sba assessing guarantee fee connection loan sba express program veteran spouse veteran october directs administrator report congress feasibility providing financial planning counseling owners small business concerns members reserve component prior deployment level outreach consultation female veterans women business centers veterans business outreach centers military reservists economic injury disaster loan program shall include discussion sba outreach efforts increase participation number loans analysis effectiveness recommendations improving program


Summary:
Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) work with federal agencies, states, and such experts as the Secretary considers appropriate to develop and implement federal and state standards that protect individuals who are eligible for increased pension for a non-service-connected disability or death or for service on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance from dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices; and (2) submit such standards to specified congressional committees not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Requires the Comptroller General: (1) within one year after enactment of this Act, to report standards that would be effective in protecting such individuals if the Secretary fails to submit such standards within such 180 days; and (2) not later than 540 days after enactment of this Act, to complete a study on standards implemented under this Act and report the findings to such committees.

veterans care financial protection act requires secretary veterans_affairs work federal agencies states experts secretary considers appropriate develop implement federal state standards protect individuals eligible increased pension non service connected disability death service basis need regular aid attendance predatory unlawful practices submit standards specified congressional committees later days date enactment act requires comptroller_general year enactment act report standards effective protecting individuals secretary fails submit standards days later days enactment act complete study standards implemented act report findings committees


Summary:
Veterans' Whistleblower and Patient Protection Act of 2014 - Establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of Whistleblower and Patient Protection.

Requires the Director of such Office to establish a dedicated Internet website and toll-free telephone number for any individual to file a complaint regarding an alleged prohibited personnel practice committed by a VA officer or employee or the safety of a patient at a VA medical facility.

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to refer to the Director for investigation any such complaint the Secretary receives directly. Prohibits the Secretary from referring any such complaint to any other element of the VA.

Requires the Secretary to ensure that VA employees located at a medical facility are able to efficiently refer any such complaints received to the Director. Prohibits the Director from disclosing the identity of any individual who files such a complaint without the individual's consent, except when necessary because of an imminent danger to public health or safety or imminent violation of any criminal law.

Requires the Director to: (1) investigate each complaint to determine whether there is a substantial likelihood that it discloses a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety; (2) make such determination within 240 days after its receipt; (3) notify the Secretary upon making a positive determination and refer the complaint, as appropriate, to the head of the appropriate federal department or agency; and (4) coordinate with the VA's Inspector General and Special Counsel to avoid duplicative actions.

veterans whistleblower patient_protection act establishes department_of_veterans_affairs office whistleblower patient_protection requires director office establish dedicated internet website toll free telephone number individual file complaint alleged prohibited personnel practice committed officer employee safety patient medical facility directs secretary veterans_affairs refer director investigation complaint secretary receives directly prohibits secretary referring complaint element requires secretary ensure employees located medical facility able efficiently refer complaints received director prohibits director disclosing identity individual files complaint individual consent necessary imminent danger public health safety imminent violation criminal law requires director investigate complaint determine substantial likelihood discloses violation law rule regulation gross mismanagement gross waste funds abuse authority substantial specific danger public health safety determination days receipt notify secretary making positive determination refer complaint appropriate head appropriate federal department agency coordinate inspector_general special_counsel avoid duplicative actions


Summary: Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to exclude loans made to veterans from the definition of a "member business loan," thus excluding them from the limit on the total amount of member business loans a credit union may have outstanding.

amends federal_credit_union_act exclude loans veterans definition member business loan excluding limit total member business loans credit union outstanding


Summary:
Responsive and Efficient Appeals Courts for Heroes Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, acting as a panel or en banc, to hear class action appeals in accordance with specified procedures.

Allows one or more appellants to bring such a class action as the representative party on behalf of all members of such class if:

 there is at least one question of law or fact common to the class, the class is likely to consist of at least 50 members, the resolution of the common questions of law or fact is likely to have a material effect on the claims of the members of the class, and the representative party will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. Gives an appellant 60 days after filing an appeal to file a motion with the Court to certify the appeal as a class action with respect to an issue that the appellant intends to raise. Allows the Court to waive such 60-day period for good cause shown.

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon the filing of such motion, to: (1) make reasonable efforts to determine the approximate number of individuals with pending claims for benefits for whom class certification is sought, and (2) file a response.

Requires the Court, after the Secretary has filed such response, to determine by order whether to grant class certification with respect to an issue considered under the appeal and allow the appellant to act as the representative party of the class. Requires that order, if certification is granted, to: (1) define the class and issue for which the class is certified, and (2) appoint counsel for the class. Authorizes the Court, acting as a panel or en banc, to alter or amend an order before final judgement.

Requires the Court to include in the class only individuals who have, as of the date of the Court's entry of judgment on the class action, filed a claim that has not been finally resolved.

Allows the Court to stay the individual claims of class members during the period the Court is considering the class action.

 Requires the Court to allow a veterans' organization to intervene in a class action appeal if the organization has an interest in the common questions of law or fact in the class action.

Requires the Court's permission before the appeal and a common issue of law or fact may be settled, voluntarily dismissed, compromised, or remanded by agreement.

Allows any member of the class, or an individual who would have been a member of the class if certification was granted, to appeal any decision of the Court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Sets the salary of the Court's judges at the rate applicable to federal appellate court judges. (Currently, their salary is set at the rate applicable to federal district court judges.)

responsive efficient appeals courts heroes act authorizes court_of_appeals veterans claims acting panel banc hear class action appeals accordance specified procedures allows bring class action representative party behalf members class question law fact common class class likely consist members resolution common questions law fact likely material effect claims members class representative party fairly adequately protect interests class gives appellant days filing appeal file motion court certify appeal class action respect issue appellant intends raise allows court waive day period good cause shown requires secretary veterans_affairs filing motion reasonable efforts determine approximate number individuals pending claims benefits class certification sought file response requires court secretary filed response determine order grant class certification respect issue considered appeal allow appellant act representative party class requires order certification granted define class issue class certified appoint counsel class authorizes court acting panel banc alter amend order final requires court include class individuals date court entry judgment class action filed claim finally resolved allows court stay individual claims class members period court considering class action requires court allow veterans organization intervene class action appeal organization interest common questions law fact class action requires court permission appeal common issue law fact settled voluntarily dismissed compromised remanded agreement allows member class individual member class certification granted appeal decision court court_of_appeals federal_circuit sets salary court judges rate applicable federal appellate court judges currently salary set rate applicable federal district_court judges


Summary:
(Sec. 1) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue an order directing a VA employee to repay the amount, or a portion of the amount, of an award or bonus paid to the employee if: (1) the Secretary determines that such repayment is appropriate, and (2) the employee is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Makes the Secretary's repayment decisions final and unreviewable by any other agency or any court.

(Sec. 2) Extends subcontracting limitations that apply to certain small businesses awarded contracts under various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans with or without service-connected disabilities who are awarded VA contracts.

Requires, for purposes of applying such subcontracting limitations to veterans with small businesses awarded such VA contracts, that: (1) small businesses owned and controlled by veterans be treated in the same manner as small businesses owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities, and (2) "similarly situated entities" include subcontractors for small businesses owned and controlled by a veteran with or without a service-connected disability (contract amounts expended by small businesses on subcontractors that are similarly situated entities are not considered toward subcontracting limits).

Directs the Secretary, before awarding such a contract, to obtain a certification from the offeror: (1) specifying and promising to comply with the subcontracting performance requirements applicable to such offeror, and (2) acknowledging that the certification is subject to criminal laws concerning false or fraudulent statements or representations. Subjects small businesses to fines, imprisonment, or both for not acting in good faith.

Requires the VA's Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and the VA's Chief Acquisition Officer to: (1) establish a process to monitor the subcontracting requirement compliance of veterans' small businesses that are awarded VA contracts, and (2) refer violations to the VA's Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General to submit annual reports to Congress regarding such violations. (Sec. 3) Requires: (1) the Secretary to review the prisoner of war (POW) lists of the VA and the Department of Defense to identify any discrepancies; and (2) the VA's Inspector General to review the process by which the Secretary determines that a veteran is a former prisoner of war. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the VA's POW list, including information on: (1) such discrepancies, and (2) the results of the Inspector General's review.

(Sec. 4) Prohibits the Secretary from expanding the dialysis pilot program (established by the Secretary in 2009 to provide dialysis care to patients at certain VA outpatient facilities) or creating any new VA dialysis capability in any facility other than an initial facility (one of four outpatient facilities the Secretary identified to participate in the program) until after:

 the Secretary has implemented the pilot program at each initial facility for at least two years, an independent analysis of the program has been conducted at each initial facility, and the Secretary has submitted a report on such analysis to Congress. Requires the Secretary, in order to increase veterans' access to dialysis care and decrease the travel time required to receive such care, to fully use existing VA dialysis resources, including any community dialysis provider with which the Secretary has entered into a contract or agreement to provide such care.

sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs issue order directing employee repay portion award bonus paid employee secretary determines repayment appropriate employee afforded notice opportunity hearing makes secretary repayment decisions final agency court sec extends subcontracting limitations apply certain small businesses awarded contracts small_business_administration sba programs small business concerns owned controlled veterans service connected disabilities awarded contracts requires purposes applying subcontracting limitations veterans small businesses awarded contracts small businesses owned controlled veterans treated manner small businesses owned controlled veterans service connected disabilities similarly situated entities include subcontractors small businesses owned controlled veteran service connected disability contract amounts expended small businesses subcontractors similarly situated entities considered subcontracting limits directs secretary awarding contract obtain certification offeror specifying promising comply subcontracting performance requirements applicable offeror acknowledging certification subject criminal laws concerning false fraudulent statements representations subjects small businesses fines imprisonment acting good faith requires director office_of_small disadvantaged_business_utilization chief acquisition officer establish process monitor subcontracting requirement compliance veterans small businesses awarded contracts refer violations inspector_general directs inspector_general submit annual reports congress violations sec requires secretary review prisoner war pow lists department_of_defense identify discrepancies inspector_general review process secretary determines veteran prisoner war requires secretary report congress pow list including information discrepancies results inspector_general review sec prohibits secretary expanding dialysis pilot program established secretary provide dialysis care patients certain outpatient facilities creating new dialysis capability facility initial facility outpatient facilities secretary identified participate program secretary implemented pilot program initial facility years independent analysis program conducted initial facility secretary submitted report analysis congress requires secretary order increase veterans access dialysis care decrease travel time required receive care fully use existing dialysis resources including community dialysis provider secretary entered contract agreement provide care


Summary:
Requires service in the United States Merchant Marine of an individual who served as a crew member of a vessel that was in oceangoing service during the Vietnam Era in the Southeast Asia theater of operations and who receives a certificate of honorable discharge under this Act to be considered to be active duty in determining the individual's eligibility for veterans benefits.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), upon application, to issue a certificate of honorable discharge to such an individual who engaged in service of a nature and duration that warrants such certificate in accordance with standards under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977.

requires service united_states merchant marine individual served crew member vessel service vietnam era southeast asia theater operations receives certificate honorable discharge act considered active duty determining individual eligibility veterans benefits directs secretary defense dod application issue certificate honorable discharge individual engaged service nature duration warrants certificate accordance standards bill improvement act


Summary: Rural Veteran Access to Care Act - Provides for the reimbursement of the travel expenses a veteran with a service-connected disability incurs for the examination, treatment, or care for which the veteran is eligible. (Currently, that disability must be rated at 30% or more, unless the travel is in connection with the treatment or care of the disability or the veteran qualifies for such reimbursement on other grounds.)

rural veteran access care act provides reimbursement travel expenses veteran service connected disability incurs examination treatment care veteran eligible currently disability rated travel connection treatment care disability veteran qualifies reimbursement grounds


Summary:
POW Accountability Act - Requires: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to review the list maintained by the Secretary of veterans the Secretary determines are former prisoners of war (VA POW list) and the list maintained by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), acting through the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, of members of the Armed Forces who were prisoners of war (DOD POW list) to identify any discrepancies in such lists; and (2) the VA's Inspector General to review the process by which the Secretary determines that a veteran is a former prisoner of war.

Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the VA POW list, including information on such discrepancies and the results of the Inspector General's review.

pow accountability act_-_requires secretary veterans_affairs review list maintained secretary veterans secretary determines prisoners war pow list list maintained secretary defense dod acting defense prisoner war missing personnel office members armed_forces prisoners war dod pow list identify discrepancies lists inspector_general review process secretary determines veteran prisoner war requires secretary report congress pow list including information discrepancies results inspector_general review


Summary:
Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2014 - Entitles any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period.

Requires such employee to submit to the head of the employing agency certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider.

wounded warriors federal leave act entitles federal employee veteran service connected disability rated month period beginning day employment hours leave loss reduction pay purposes undergoing medical treatment disability sick leave regularly requires forfeiture leave month period requires employee submit head employing agency certification employee leave purposes furnished treatment disability health_care provider


Summary: Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the interagency task force that is responsible for coordinating federal efforts to improve the business development and federal contracting opportunities available to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans to coordinate administrative and regulatory activities and develop proposals to provide access to, and manage the distribution of, excess or surplus U.S. property to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate state agency.

veterans small business enhancement_act amends small_business_act require interagency_task_force responsible coordinating federal efforts improve business development federal contracting opportunities available small business concerns owned controlled veterans coordinate administrative regulatory activities develop proposals provide access manage distribution excess surplus property small business concerns owned controlled veterans pursuant memorandum understanding appropriate state agency


Summary:
Creating Opportunities for Military Members to Use Transportation Efficiently Act of 2014 or the COMMUTE Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office of Economic Adjustment, to establish a Military Community Infrastructure Program to provide grants to a state or political subdivision, a public transportation owner or operator, a local governmental authority, a metropolitan planning organization (MPO), or a regional transportation planning organization for transportation infrastructure improvement projects in military communities.

Directs the Secretary to conduct a traffic impact study for any urbanized area that expects a significant increase in traffic due to a military installation within or abutting such area.

creating opportunities military members use transportation efficiently act commute act directs secretary defense acting director office economic adjustment establish military community infrastructure program provide grants state political subdivision public transportation owner operator local governmental authority metropolitan planning organization mpo regional transportation planning organization transportation infrastructure improvement projects military communities directs secretary conduct traffic impact study urbanized area expects significant increase traffic military installation abutting area


Summary: Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Command Sergeant Major Ramon Rodriguez of the U.S. Army for acts of valor, sacrifice, and courage at the risk of his own life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War.

authorizes president award medal honor command sergeant major army acts valor sacrifice risk life duty vietnam war


Summary:
Medical Leave for Veterans Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue regulations to entitle any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period.

Requires such employee to submit to the Secretary certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider. .

medical leave veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs issue regulations entitle federal employee veteran service connected disability rated month period beginning day employment hours leave loss reduction pay purposes undergoing medical treatment disability sick leave regularly requires forfeiture leave month period requires employee submit secretary certification employee leave purposes furnished treatment disability health_care provider


Summary: VA Appeals Backlog Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office certifies a VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals, submitted by a veteran to appeal a decision relating to a claim, by not later than one year after receiving such form.

appeals backlog relief act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure department_of_veterans_affairs regional office certifies form appeal board veterans appeals submitted veteran appeal decision relating claim later year receiving form


Summary: Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act of 2014 - Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to waive the application fee for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more who apply to participate in TSA's Pre-check program, and (2) the Administrator and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a system to verify such a veteran's disability rating and whether such veteran's disability is service-connected.

veterans air travel streamlining act requires administrator transportation_security_administration tsa waive application fee veterans service connected disability rated apply participate tsa pre check program administrator secretary veterans_affairs establish system verify veteran disability rating veteran disability service connected


Summary:
Veterans Dignified Burial Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) upon confirming the veteran status of a deceased veteran in the custody of a local medical examiner, funeral director, county service group, or other similar entity, to request from such entity the specific date of the scheduled interment of such veteran; and (2) during each 30-day period following such request, to repeat the request until such entity confirms that such veteran has been interred.

Requires the Secretary, by January 31 of each year, to submit to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees a report on deceased veterans who were interred after the 30-day period following the date on which the Secretary made such request. Requires the report to include: (1) the number of deceased veterans who were not interred in such 30-day period during the prior year, (2) the number of such deceased veterans who are not interred as of the date of the report, and (3) the entity with custody of each such deceased veteran.

veterans dignified burial act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs confirming veteran status deceased veteran custody local medical examiner funeral director county service group similar entity request entity specific date scheduled interment veteran day period following request repeat request entity confirms veteran interred requires secretary january year submit house senate veterans affairs committees report deceased veterans interred day period following date secretary request requires report include number deceased veterans interred day period prior year number deceased veterans interred date report entity custody deceased veteran


Summary:
Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit for up to 10% of the first $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. Sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) compensates at least 90% of its employees at a level that is 150% of the federal poverty level for a family of three and provides 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (4) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, and (5) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States.

Sets forth a rule for the deferral of the tax deduction for foreign-related interest expense.

patriot employer tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow patriot employer business related tax credit wages paid employee taxable year sets forth criteria designation patriot employer including requirements employer maintains headquarters united_states avoid payment income taxes complies employer mandate provide minimum essential health_care coverage employees patient_protection affordable care act compensates employees level federal poverty level family provides employees basic level retirement benefits provides differential wage payments employees members uniformed_services increases number employees performing substantially services inside united_states offset number employees work outside united_states sets forth rule deferral tax deduction foreign related interest expense


Summary:
Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2014 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).

Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator).

Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases.

Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA.

Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations.

 Requires federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations.

Requires a Comptroller General (GAO) study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

servicemembers access justice act waives state sovereign immunity respect enforcement uniformed_services members employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra makes unenforceable agreements employer employee requiring arbitration disputes arising userra provides exceptions requires validity enforceability agreement determined court opposed arbitrator provides increased liquidated damages authorizes punitive damages state private employer violations userra provides right jury trial cases requires current law authorizes award attorney fees actions enforce userra requires current law authorizes court use equitable relief including injunctions restraining orders appropriate userra violations requires federal procurement contracts include notice contractor userra obligations requires comptroller_general gao study effectiveness federal education outreach programs employer obligations userra


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 16, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 - Title I: Extensions of Authority Relating to Health Care - (Sec. 101) Amends veterans' health benefit provisions to extend through 2015:

 the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide nursing home care to veterans who are in need of such care for a service-connected disability or who have a service-connected disability rated at 70% or higher; the pilot program, under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of providing reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to women veterans who are recently separated from the Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment (reauthorizes appropriations); the pilot program, under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing child care assistance to veterans who are receiving regular or intensive mental health services or other intensive health care services from the VA or who need such mental health services (reauthorizes appropriations); the requirement, under the Wounded Warrior Act, for the Director of the Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office to report to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the VA, and Congress on Office activities during the preceding calendar year; and the VA's authority, under the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003, to use physicians other than VA employees to conduct medical disability evaluations of VA benefit applicants. Extends through FY2015:

 the authorization of appropriations, under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, for the grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas; the requirement that veterans make copayments of $10 for each day they receive hospital care and $5 for each day they receive nursing home care from the VA; and the federal government's authority to recover from third parties the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health insurance contracts for non-service-connected disabilities. Title II: Extensions of Authority Relating to Homelessness - (Sec. 201) Extends:

 the current funding level for Comprehensive Service Programs for veterans for FY2015 and each subsequent fiscal year; the authorization of appropriations for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs, through FY2015; the authority of the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the provision of referral and counseling services to veterans who are residents of a penal institution or a long-term facility for the mentally ill and who are at risk of homelessness, through FY2015; the Secretary's authority to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, through FY2015; the Secretary's authority to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations, states, or localities to provide housing assistance to homeless veterans, through FY2015; funding for the provision of financial assistance to private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, through FY2015; funding for the grant program for veterans with special needs, through FY2015; and the authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, through 2015. Title III: Extensions of Authority Relating to Benefits - (Sec. 301) Extends:

 the authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, through 2015; to loans closed before FY 2015, the method by which the Secretary is to calculate the net value of real property at foreclosure for which there is a veteran's loan, guaranteed by the VA, for the purchase or construction of a home; and the upper percentage of the purchases of such foreclosed property that may be financed by a loan from the Secretary, through FY2015. Title IV: Other Extensions of Authority and Other Matters - (Sec. 401) Extends:

 the Secretary's authority to transport individuals to and from VA facilities or any other place in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or health care that is covered by the VA, through 2015; the Secretary's authority to maintain a regional office in the Philippines, through FY2015; the requirement that the Secretary report to Congress on the disposition of each case recommended to the Secretary for equitable relief from the denial of VA benefits due to administrative error, through 2015; the authority for the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, through 2015; the Secretary's authority to provide specially adapted housing assistance to veterans who served in the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, and who are entitled to compensation for a permanent service-connected disability due to the loss of the use of one or both of their lower extremities, through FY2015; and the Secretary's authority to enter into an agreement with National Academy of Sciences (NAS), under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, for a study of the associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides, through 2015. (Sec. 406) Increases the multipliers used in calculating the fees the Secretary is authorized to pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for the reports they are required to submit to the Secretary regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs.

(Sec. 408) Provides that payments under the Education Debt Reduction Program may be made to the holders of educational loans to cover the principal and interest VA health care personnel owe on such loans.

(Sec. 409) Makes miscellaneous and technical amendments to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, including those involving:

 veterans' access to health care from VA and non-VA facilities; collaboration between the VA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) to increase access to, and the quality and coordination of, health care services; and the care provided by the VA's mobile vet centers and mobile medical centers. Directs the Secretary, at the election of a veteran who attempts but is unable to schedule an appointment for the receipt of VA hospital care or medical services within the VA's wait-time goals, to provide such veteran with an appointment at a VA facility that exceeds such goals.

Provides that an agreement between the Secretary and a non-VA provider to furnish care to veterans is not subject to any legal provision governing federal contracts for the acquisition of goods or services.

Requires the Secretary and the Director of the IHS to jointly establish and implement performance metrics to increase access to, and the quality and coordination of, health care services. Includes in the Secretary's and Director's joint report to Congress, the effect their collaboration has on the availability and quality of the care provided to Indians.

Includes readjustment counseling in the care provided by the VA's mobile vet centers and mobile medical centers. Requires the standardized requirements for the operation of such centers to include the number of: (1) events each center is expected to visit each year, and (2) outreach contacts each center is expected to conduct each year.

Requires the Secretary, for purposes of veterans' educational benefits, to disapprove courses of education provided by a public institution of higher learning if the institution charges veterans living in the state higher tuition and fees than it charges in-state residents, regardless of the veteran's state of residence.

measure amended passed house september summary version repeated department_of_veterans_affairs expiring authorities act title extensions authority relating health_care sec amends veterans health benefit provisions extend requirement secretary veterans_affairs provide nursing home care veterans need care service connected disability service connected disability rated higher pilot program caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act evaluate feasibility advisability providing reintegration readjustment services group retreat settings women veterans recently separated armed_forces prolonged deployment reauthorizes appropriations pilot program caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act assess feasibility advisability providing child care assistance veterans receiving regular intensive mental health services intensive health_care services need mental health services reauthorizes appropriations requirement wounded warrior act director department_of_defense department_of_veterans_affairs interagency program_office report secretary defense dod congress office activities preceding calendar year authority veterans benefits act use physicians employees conduct medical disability evaluations benefit applicants extends fy2015 authorization appropriations caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans highly rural areas requirement veterans copayments day receive hospital care day receive nursing home care federal_government authority recover parties cost care services furnished veterans health insurance contracts non service connected disabilities title extensions authority relating homelessness sec extends current funding level comprehensive service programs veterans fy2015 subsequent fiscal year authorization appropriations homeless veterans reintegration programs fy2015 authority secretary secretary labor grants provision referral counseling services veterans residents penal institution long term facility mentally ill risk homelessness fy2015 secretary authority provide treatment rehabilitation services seriously mentally ill homeless veterans fy2015 secretary authority enter agreements nonprofit organizations states localities provide housing assistance homeless veterans fy2015 funding provision financial assistance private nonprofit organizations consumer cooperatives supportive services low income veteran families permanent housing fy2015 funding grant program veterans special needs fy2015 authority advisory_committee homeless veterans title iii extensions authority relating benefits sec extends authority veterans advisory_committee_on_education loans closed method secretary calculate net value real property foreclosure veteran loan guaranteed purchase construction home upper percentage purchases foreclosed property financed loan secretary fy2015 title extensions authority matters sec extends secretary authority transport individuals facilities place connection vocational rehabilitation counseling health_care covered secretary authority maintain regional office philippines fy2015 requirement secretary report congress disposition case recommended secretary equitable relief denial benefits administrative error authority advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans secretary authority provide specially adapted housing assistance veterans served armed_forces september entitled compensation permanent service connected disability loss use lower fy2015 secretary authority enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas agent orange act study associations diseases exposure chemical compounds herbicides sec increases calculating fees secretary authorized pay educational institutions apprenticeship providers reports required submit secretary eligible individual enrollment veterans education training programs interruption termination participation programs sec provides payments education debt reduction program holders educational loans cover principal interest health_care personnel owe loans sec makes miscellaneous technical amendments veterans access choice accountability_act including involving veterans access health_care non-va facilities collaboration indian_health_service ihs increase access quality coordination health_care services care provided mobile vet_centers mobile medical centers directs secretary election veteran attempts unable schedule appointment receipt hospital care medical services wait time goals provide veteran appointment facility exceeds goals provides agreement secretary non-va provider furnish care veterans subject legal provision governing federal contracts acquisition goods services requires secretary director ihs jointly establish implement performance metrics increase access quality coordination health_care services includes secretary director joint report congress effect collaboration availability quality care provided indians includes readjustment counseling care provided mobile vet_centers mobile medical centers requires standardized requirements operation centers include number events center expected visit year outreach contacts center expected conduct year requires secretary purposes veterans educational benefits disapprove courses education provided public institution higher learning institution charges veterans living state higher tuition fees charges state residents regardless veteran state residence


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to describe the organization as a national association of veterans (currently, an association of men) who, as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters.

Expands its purpose of assisting widows to that of assisting surviving spouses.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated amends federal charter veterans foreign wars united_states describe organization national association veterans currently association men soldiers airmen served nation wars campaigns foreign soil hostile waters expands purpose assisting widows assisting surviving spouses


Summary: Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson for acts of valor during World War I for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

authorizes president award medal honor henry johnson acts valor world war previously awarded distinguished service cross


Summary:
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure.

Requires the national research center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate the access of individuals to appropriate federal, state, and local social and health care programs and to handle case management.

Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to: (1) advise the national research center, (2) determine which health conditions in the descendants of individuals who were exposed to toxic substances while serving in the Armed Forces result from such exposure for purposes of determining those descendants' eligibility for VA medical care, and (3) study and evaluate claims of service-related exposure to toxic substances by current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to declassify documents (other than documents that would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to any known incident in which not less than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of disability.

Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure; and (2) the national research center.

toxic exposure research_act directs secretary veterans_affairs select medical center department_of_veterans_affairs serve national center research diagnosis treatment health conditions descendants biological child grandchild great grandchild individuals exposed toxic substances serving members armed_forces related exposure requires national research_center employ licensed clinical social worker coordinate access individuals appropriate federal state local social health_care programs handle case management directs secretary establish advisory_board advise national research_center determine health conditions descendants individuals exposed toxic substances serving armed_forces result exposure purposes determining descendants eligibility medical care study evaluate claims service related exposure toxic substances current members armed_forces authorizes secretary defense dod documents documents materially immediately threaten national security related known incident members armed_forces exposed toxic substance resulted case disability directs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs dod secretary jointly conduct national outreach education campaign directed members armed_forces veterans family members communicate information incidents exposure toxic substances health conditions resulting form exposure potential long term effects exposure national research_center


Summary: Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of a specified veteran who works in a field of renewable energy. Defines "specified veteran" as any veteran who is certified as: (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense (DOD) of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering; (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy; or (3) having completed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification with the United States Green Building Council.

incentives nation veterans energy sustainability technologies invest act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow work opportunity tax credit hiring specified veteran works field renewable energy defines specified veteran veteran certified having received credential certification department_of_defense dod military occupational specialty skill field renewable energy respect advanced manufacturing engineering having completed vocational degree field renewable energy having completed leed leadership energy environmental design certification united_states green building council


Summary:
Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014 - Amends the disabled veterans' outreach program to authorize the Secretary of Labor to establish an order of priority for furnishing program services if state disabled veterans' outreach program specialists are unable to assist every eligible veteran seeking assistance.

Requires that priority order to be consistent with the program's purposes and the existing priority order of special disabled veterans, other disabled veterans, and other eligible veterans.

Allows a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist to perform an initial intake and assessment of each veteran who seeks program services.

Authorizes local veterans' employment representatives to provide employment, training, and placement services directly to eligible veterans and eligible persons.

Requires those representatives to spend a majority of their time carrying out their principal duties of: (1) conducting outreach to local employers to assist veterans in gaining employment; and (2) facilitating the provision of state employment, training, and placement services to veterans.

Prohibits the Secretary from imposing restrictions on the duties that a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative may perform or the individuals they may assist other than those set forth in the law providing veterans with job counseling, training, and placement services.

protect veterans employment training services act amends disabled veterans outreach program authorize secretary labor establish order priority furnishing program services state disabled veterans outreach program specialists unable assist eligible veteran seeking assistance requires priority order consistent program purposes existing priority order special disabled veterans disabled veterans eligible veterans allows state disabled veterans outreach program specialist perform initial intake assessment veteran seeks program services authorizes local veterans employment representatives provide employment training placement services directly eligible veterans eligible persons requires representatives spend majority time carrying principal duties conducting outreach local employers assist veterans gaining employment facilitating provision state employment training placement services veterans prohibits secretary imposing restrictions duties state disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative perform individuals assist set forth law providing veterans job counseling training placement services


Summary: Helping Wounded Warriors Cover Medical Expenses Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax-free distributions from a qualified tuition program account (529 tuition plans) for payment of the medical expenses of veterans with disability ratings of more than 50%; and (2) exclude such distributions from gross income, for income tax purposes.

helping wounded warriors cover medical expenses act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax free distributions qualified tuition program account tuition plans payment medical expenses veterans disability ratings exclude distributions gross income income tax purposes


Summary:
Honoring the Hiring of Heroes Act - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) jointly establish a program to award nonmonetary Employment Salute Awards to employers for veteran-friendly employment practices; and (2) establish criteria, in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Commerce, for determining award recipients.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish different categories of employers eligible for the awards based on the number of employees they have, and (2) publicize the award recipients by listing them in a separate section of the Department of Labor's website.

Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to assess a reasonable application fee on employers seeking such an award. Establishes an Employment Salute Award Fund into which those fees are to be deposited for use in carrying out the award program.

honoring hiring heroes act_-_directs secretaries labor veterans_affairs jointly establish program award nonmonetary employment salute awards employers veteran friendly employment practices establish criteria coordination secretaries_of_defense dod commerce determining award recipients directs secretary labor establish different categories employers eligible awards based number employees publicize award recipients listing separate section department_of_labor website authorizes secretary labor assess reasonable application fee employers seeking award establishes employment salute award fund fees deposited use carrying award program


Summary:
Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2014 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for: (1) national security reviews of transactions involving the construction of a new facility in the United States by any foreign person (currently, national security reviews are conducted only for certain mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person); and (2) net benefit reviews of new construction, mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person to determine whether the transaction is of net benefit to the United States.

Makes net benefit reviews mandatory for transactions that meet specified requirements under the Clayton Act.

Directs the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, to consider the effect of the proposed or pending transaction on: (1) employment, resource processing, the utilization of parts and services produced in or imported into the United States, and U.S. exports; (2) industrial efficiency, technological development, technology transfers, and product innovation in the United States; (3) competition within any U.S. industry or between the United States and other countries; (4) compatibility with national industrial, economic, and cultural policies; and (5) public health, safety, and well-being of U.S. consumers.

Requires the Committee, in the case of a net benefit determination concerning a foreign government-influenced transaction, to consider additional factors including:

 the governance and commercial orientation of the foreign person engaging in such transaction; the extent to which the foreign person is owned, controlled, or influenced by the foreign government; and adherence to U.S. law and corporate governance standards, engagement of the foreign country with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the likelihood of operation on a commercial basis. Requires final determinations of the Committee to be certified to Congress.

Requires the Committee to refer to the President any of the Committee's final determinations that a transaction will not be of net benefit to the United States. Requires the President to announce the determination regarding such transactions.

Prohibits transactions that the President determines are not of net benefit to the United States. Requires the President to direct the Attorney General (DOJ) to seek appropriate relief in U.S. district courts to implement and enforce this Act. Bars judicial review of such determinations.

Revises, for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, the composition of the Committee.

foreign investment economic security act amends defense production act provide national security reviews transactions involving construction new facility united_states foreign person currently national security reviews conducted certain mergers acquisitions foreign person net benefit reviews new construction mergers acquisitions foreign person determine transaction net benefit united_states makes net benefit reviews mandatory transactions meet specified requirements clayton act directs committee foreign investment united_states purposes carrying net benefit determinations consider effect proposed pending transaction employment resource processing utilization parts services produced imported united_states exports industrial efficiency technological development technology transfers product innovation united_states competition industry united_states countries compatibility national industrial economic cultural policies public health safety consumers requires committee case net benefit determination concerning foreign government influenced transaction consider additional factors including governance commercial orientation foreign person engaging transaction extent foreign person owned controlled influenced foreign government adherence law corporate governance standards engagement foreign country securities_and_exchange_commission sec public_company_accounting_oversight_board likelihood operation commercial basis requires final determinations committee certified congress requires committee refer president committee final determinations transaction net benefit united_states requires president announce determination transactions prohibits transactions president determines net benefit united_states requires president direct attorney general doj seek appropriate relief district_courts implement enforce act bars judicial review determinations revises purposes carrying net benefit determinations composition committee


Summary:
Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act - Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) conduct a five-year management review of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on the matters reviewed, including recommendations for improving the VHA's management.

Directs the Secretary of the VA to establish a five-year pilot program to improve the VHA's management and accountability that:

 gives VHA employees an opportunity to learn, implement, and identify successful means of advancing the VHA's management and the delivery of care and services; and improves the management and delivery of care and services at VA medical facilities by implementing the GAO's recommendations, and any other appropriate recommendations, regarding the VHA's planning and evaluation capabilities. Requires the Secretary, during such pilot program, to: (1) establish an annual performance plan that uses logic modeling and risk assessment to coordinate the VA's operations with its goals; and (2) prepare an annual organization evaluation plan for the VHA that is informed by the GAO's recommendations.

Establishes an Office of the Management and Accountability Ombudsman within the VA to:

 assist the Secretary in conducting the pilot program; conduct inspections of VHA medical facilities, including non-VA facilities that provide VA contract care; and work with the Secretary and VHA employees in identifying and resolving problems with the VHA's management, administration, and delivery of care. Directs the GAO to review each budget the President submits to Congress during 2015-2020 to evaluate the proposed budget for VA health care.

Establishes a Veterans' Bill of Rights regarding health care, which is to be prominently displayed in each VA medical facility and about which the Secretary shall conduct outreach to veterans and ensure that VA employees receive training.

veterans_health_administration management improvement act_-_directs comptroller_general gao conduct year management review veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs submit annual reports congress matters reviewed including recommendations improving vha management directs secretary establish year pilot program improve vha management accountability gives vha employees opportunity learn implement identify successful means advancing vha management delivery care services improves management delivery care services medical facilities implementing gao recommendations appropriate recommendations vha planning evaluation capabilities requires secretary pilot program establish annual performance plan uses modeling risk assessment coordinate operations goals prepare annual organization evaluation plan vha informed gao recommendations establishes office management accountability ombudsman assist secretary conducting pilot program conduct inspections vha medical facilities including non-va facilities provide contract care work secretary vha employees identifying resolving problems vha management administration delivery care directs gao review budget president submits congress evaluate proposed budget health_care establishes veterans bill rights health_care prominently displayed medical facility secretary shall conduct outreach veterans ensure employees receive training


Summary:
Veterans' Toxic Wounds Research Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a master registry of veterans who experienced toxic exposures while serving in the Armed Forces. Includes in the master registry the registries for:

 Agent Orange; exposure to toxins relating to a deployment during the Persian Gulf War; exposure to toxins relating to a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, or the Global War on Terror; exposure to toxins relating to a deployment to Bosnia, Somalia, or the Philippines; and exposure to toxins relating to being stationed at a military installation potentially contaminated by toxic substances. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review published scientific information and studies, and make recommendations for future research, on the health effects: (1) of the toxic exposures covered in those registries, and (2) on the children and grandchildren of veterans who had a toxic exposure covered in those registries. Requires those reviews to inform the Secretary's selection of research to be conducted or funded by the VA.

Establishes a presumption of a service connection, for the purpose of veterans' disability and survivor benefits, for an illness that:

 the Secretary determines warrants such a presumption by reason of having a positive association with exposure to a toxic substance covered in the master registry; and becomes manifest, within the period the Secretary prescribes, in a veteran who experienced such exposure while serving in the Armed Forces. Requires the Secretary's service connection determinations to be based on sound medical and scientific evidence that a positive association exists between: (1) the exposure of humans or animals to a toxic substance covered in the master registry, and (2) the occurrence of a diagnosed or undiagnosed illness in humans or animals.

Directs the Secretary, in implementing the VA's electronic health record system, to include specified information in each individual's electronic health record, including whether the individual served in the Armed Forces and, if so, the locations and dates of such service.

veterans toxic wounds research_act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish master registry veterans experienced toxic exposures serving armed_forces includes master registry registries agent orange exposure toxins relating deployment persian_gulf_war exposure toxins relating deployment operation iraqi_freedom operation new dawn operation enduring_freedom global war terror exposure toxins relating deployment somalia philippines exposure toxins relating stationed military installation potentially contaminated toxic substances directs secretary enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas review published scientific information studies recommendations future research health effects toxic exposures covered registries children grandchildren veterans toxic exposure covered registries requires reviews inform secretary selection research conducted funded establishes presumption service connection purpose veterans disability survivor benefits illness secretary determines warrants presumption reason having positive association exposure toxic substance covered master registry manifest period secretary prescribes veteran experienced exposure serving armed_forces requires secretary service connection determinations based sound medical scientific evidence positive association exists exposure humans animals toxic substance covered master registry occurrence diagnosed illness humans animals directs secretary implementing electronic health record system include specified information individual electronic health record including individual served armed_forces locations dates service


Summary:
Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) work with federal agencies, states, and such experts as the Secretary considers appropriate to develop and implement federal and state standards that protect individuals who are eligible for increased pension for a non-service-connected disability or death or for service on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance from dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices; and (2) submit such standards to specified congressional committees not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Requires the Comptroller General (GAO): (1) within one year after enactment of this Act, to report standards that would be effective in protecting such individuals if the Secretary fails to submit such standards within such 180 days; and (2) not later than 540 days after enactment of this Act, to complete a study on standards implemented under this Act and report the findings to such committees.

veterans care financial protection act requires secretary veterans_affairs work federal agencies states experts secretary considers appropriate develop implement federal state standards protect individuals eligible increased pension non service connected disability death service basis need regular aid attendance predatory unlawful practices submit standards specified congressional committees later days date enactment act requires comptroller_general gao year enactment act report standards effective protecting individuals secretary fails submit standards days later days enactment act complete study standards implemented act report findings committees


Summary:
Commends the veterans of the Korean Constabulary and thanks them for their support during the difficult times leading to the establishment of South Korea. (The Korean Constabulary undertook internal security tasks on behalf of the U.S. military government in Korea and the South Korean people from November 1945 to January 1949.)

Requires the Secretary of State to urge the South Korean government to: (1) reexamine Article 16-9 of South Korea's Military Pension Act, and (2) expeditiously locate the records and remains of 7,235 combat dead of the Korean Constabulary. (Article 16-9 of South Korea's Military Pension Act denies veterans of the Korean Constabulary coverage for their service prior to the establishment of South Korea.)

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to submit a report that: (1) describes potential awards and recognition for officers and enlisted men of the Korean Constabulary, and (2) examines the possibility of establishing new awards and recognition for those individuals if no awards or recognition currently apply.

Includes among persons who are eligible for interment in national cemeteries any veteran of the Korean Constabulary who, at the time of death, resided in the United States and was a citizen of, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in, the United States.

veterans korean support difficult times leading establishment south_korea korean internal security tasks behalf military government korea south korean people november january requires secretary state urge south korean government article south_korea military pension act expeditiously locate records remains combat dead korean article south_korea military pension act denies veterans korean coverage service prior establishment south_korea directs secretary defense dod submit report describes potential awards recognition officers enlisted men korean examines possibility establishing new awards recognition individuals awards recognition currently apply includes persons eligible interment national cemeteries veteran korean time death resided united_states citizen alien lawfully admitted permanent residence united_states


Summary: Funeral Honors for World War II Veterans Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to include seven person firing parties in the funeral honors details for World War II veterans.

funeral honors world war veterans act_-_authorizes secretary defense dod include seven person firing parties funeral honors details world war veterans


Summary:
Revamping the Education of our Veterans to Align Manufacturing through Partnerships with Community Colleges Act of 2014 or the REVAMP with Community Colleges Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges to: (1) analyze the demand for trained employees in their locality and the skills possessed by veterans who receive federal educational assistance and seek local employment, (2) provide those veterans with training that addresses local demand for trained employees, and (3) facilitate the establishment of an advisory board to provide guidance to the training program and assist trained veterans in their pursuit of local employment.

Requires the advisory board to be composed of local business representatives and an employee from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

education veterans align manufacturing partnerships community colleges act revamp community colleges act directs secretary labor award grants community colleges analyze demand trained employees locality skills possessed veterans receive federal educational assistance seek local employment provide veterans training addresses local demand trained employees facilitate establishment advisory_board provide guidance training program assist trained veterans pursuit local employment requires advisory_board composed local business representatives employee department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the work opportunity tax credit, to: (1) make such credit permanent, and (2) allow the transfer of credit amounts to an individual other than the employer for computer services performed by a qualified veteran (i.e. an unemployed veteran with a service-connected disability).

amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect work opportunity tax credit credit permanent allow transfer credit amounts individual employer computer services performed qualified veteran unemployed veteran service connected disability