Summary:
VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2018 the work opportunity tax credit for hiring a qualified veteran (defined as an unemployed veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving food stamp assistance and who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability), (2) revise tax credit eligibility requirements for documenting the status of veterans and their receipt of unemployment compensation, and (3) extend the payroll tax offset for such credit to certain for-profit employers.

Directs the Internal Revenue Service, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to make annual reports on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this Act in increasing the employment of veterans.

Requires the Department of the Treasury to pay: (1) each U.S. possession (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to such possession due to this Act; and (2) each U.S. possession without such a tax system an amount estimated to equal the loss to such possession that would have occurred due to this Act if such a tax system had been in effect in that possession.

hire heroes extension act amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend work opportunity tax credit hiring qualified veteran defined unemployed veteran certified member family receiving food stamp assistance entitled compensation service connected disability revise tax credit eligibility requirements documenting status veterans receipt unemployment compensation extend payroll tax offset credit certain profit employers directs internal_revenue_service consultation department_of_labor annual reports effectiveness cost effectiveness act increasing employment veterans requires department_of_the_treasury pay possession american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands commonwealth_of_puerto_rico virgin_islands code tax system amounts equal loss possession act possession tax system estimated equal loss possession occurred act tax system effect possession


Summary:
Veterans Court of Appeals Support Act of 2015

This bills makes permanent the maximum number of judges presiding over the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges.

veterans court_of_appeals support act bills makes permanent maximum number judges presiding court_of_appeals veterans claims judges


Summary:
World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act

Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accept additional documentation for verifying that an individual performed honorable service as a coastwise merchant seaman during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires such documentation to include Social Security Administration records and validated testimony in the case of the absence of Coast Guard shipping or discharge forms, ship logbooks, documents, or other official employment records.

Requires DHS, when determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during such period, to recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other command officers who were authorized to document an individual for purposes of hiring for or discharging from the merchant marine.

Considers any service so recognized as active-duty service for purposes of veterans' burial benefits. Makes such veterans eligible for any appropriate military medals, ribbons, and decorations. Requires DHS to verify that an individual performed such service under honorable conditions without regard to their sex, age, or disability during the service period.

world war merchant mariner service act requires department_of_homeland_security dhs accept additional documentation verifying individual performed honorable service coastwise merchant seaman period beginning december ending december purposes eligibility veterans benefits bill improvement act requires documentation include social_security_administration records validated testimony case absence coast_guard shipping discharge forms ship documents official employment records requires dhs determining recognize service allegedly performed period recognize masters vessels command officers authorized document individual purposes hiring discharging merchant marine considers service recognized active duty service purposes veterans burial benefits makes veterans eligible appropriate military medals decorations requires dhs verify individual performed service honorable conditions regard sex age disability service period


Summary:
Connect with Veterans Act of 2015

Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to facilitate VA outreach to veterans, primary state agencies for the administration of veterans' benefits and services, political subdivisions of states, and Indian tribes.

Requires the VA, to carry out such program, to: (1) establish a national veterans directory, and (2) share directory information with any such entities from which a participating individual has expressed interest in receiving information.

Prohibits: (1) the VA from selling information collected under this Act, (2) the VA or any participating entity from sharing such information with a non-participating entity, or (3) any participating entity from using any such information for any political communication or from requiring any participating individual to purchase any product or service.

Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) provide to each member of the Armed Forces separating from service a form for the collection of information to be included in the directory, (2) ensure that completion of the form is voluntary, and (3) take steps to protect the privacy of individuals and the security of information.

Directs DOD and the Department of Labor jointly to take steps to integrate the collection of information under this Act into the Transition Assistance Program.

connect veterans act requires department_of_veterans_affairs establish program facilitate outreach veterans primary state agencies administration veterans benefits services political subdivisions states indian tribes requires carry program establish national veterans directory share directory information entities participating individual expressed interest receiving information prohibits selling information collected act participating entity sharing information non participating entity participating entity information political communication requiring participating individual purchase product service requires department_of_defense dod provide member armed_forces separating service form collection information included directory ensure completion form voluntary steps protect privacy individuals security information directs dod department_of_labor jointly steps integrate collection information act transition_assistance_program


Summary:
Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out certain leases at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, for: (1) supportive housing; (2) health, education, family support, vocational training, and other services that principally benefit veterans and their families; and (3) a lease of real property to a California institution that has had a long-term medical affiliation with the VA at such Campus.

los_angeles homeless veterans leasing act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs carry certain leases west los_angeles campus los_angeles california supportive housing health education family support vocational training services principally benefit veterans families lease real property california institution long term medical affiliation campus


Summary:
This bill increases the special monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall not make an annual pension increase for such recipients, effective December 1, 2016, if the increased monthly pension under this Act takes effect before such date. If the VA does not make the December 1, 2016 increase, however, annual increases shall resume as of December 1, 2017.

bill increases special monthly pension living medal honor recipients department_of_veterans_affairs shall annual pension increase recipients effective december increased monthly pension act takes effect date december increase annual increases shall resume december


Summary: This bill extends for five years the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicides, including Agent Orange, with respect to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.

bill extends years department_of_veterans_affairs presumption service connection diseases associated exposure certain herbicides including agent orange respect veterans served republic_of_vietnam january


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

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015

This bill extends specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.

TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE

(Sec. 101) Authority for collection of copayments for hospital care and nursing home care is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 102) The requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 103) The authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 104) Authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 105) Authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 106) Authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 107) Authority for the Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 108) Authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund is extended through FY2017.

(Sec. 109) Authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service is extended through December 31, 2016.

TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS

(Sec. 201) Authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 202) Specified housing loan provisions and definitions, including the calculation of net value of real property at time of foreclosure, are extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 203) Authority relating to vendee loans is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 204) Authority for rehabilitation and vocational benefits at VA facilities to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses is extended through December 31, 2016.

TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS

(Sec. 301) Authority for homeless veterans reintegration programs is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 302) Authority for the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 303) Authority for housing assistance for homeless veterans is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 304) Authority for financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 305) Authority for the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 306) Authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 307) Authority for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations, is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 308) Authority for referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness is extended through FY2016.

TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY

(Sec. 401) Authority for transportation of individuals to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, counseling, treatment, or care is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 402) Authority for monthly assistance allowances under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 403) Authority for operation of the VA regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 404) The requirement to provide annual reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 405) The authorization for appropriations for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 406) Authority for the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 407) Authority for temporary eligibility expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 408) Authority to enter into agreement with the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 409) Authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians is extended through December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 410) The current multipliers used in calculating the fees the VA may pay to educational institutions and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or training programs and the interruption or termination of their participation in such programs is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 411) The requirement for an annual report on the DOD-VA Interagency Program Office is extended through FY2016.

(Sec. 412) Funding authority is modified to provide for constructing a new bed tower at the VA medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center.

(Sec. 413) The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects (with each project not to exceed specified amounts):

 construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER

(Sec. 501) The amount authorized for the replacement of the existing VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, is increased.

It is the sense of Congress that the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2016 authorizes the VA to transfer discretionary unobligated balances appropriated for FY2015 and discretionary advance appropriations for FY2016 to fund such increase.

The VA may not transfer amounts from the Veterans Choice Fund to carry out this medical facility construction project.

(Sec. 502) The VA shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-VA federal entity to provide full project management services for any super construction project, including management over the project design, acquisition, construction, and contract changes. Such agreement shall require reimbursement to the federal entity for project management service costs.

TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS

(Sec. 601) Various technical and clerical amendments are made.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated department_of_veterans_affairs expiring authorities act bill extends specified department_of_veterans_affairs programs title extensions authority relating health_care sec authority collection copayments hospital care nursing home care extended fy2016 sec requirement provide nursing home care certain veterans service connected disabilities extended december sec authorization appropriations assistance support services caregivers extended fy2016 sec authority recovery parties cost care services furnished veterans health plan contracts non service connected disability extended fy2016 sec authority pilot program assistance child care certain veterans receiving health_care extended december sec authority grants veterans service organizations transportation highly rural veterans extended fy2016 sec authority department_of_defense health_care sharing incentive fund extended fy2016 sec authority joint dod demonstration fund extended fy2017 sec authority pilot program counseling retreat settings women veterans newly separated service extended december title extensions authority relating benefits sec authority veterans advisory_committee_on_education extended december sec specified housing loan provisions definitions including calculation net value real property time foreclosure extended fy2016 sec authority relating loans extended fy2016 sec authority rehabilitation vocational benefits facilities members armed_forces severe injuries illnesses extended december title iii extensions authority relating homelessness sec authority homeless veterans reintegration programs extended fy2016 sec authority homeless women veterans homeless veterans children reintegration program extended fy2016 sec authority housing assistance homeless veterans extended fy2016 sec authority financial assistance supportive services low income veteran families permanent housing extended fy2016 sec authority grant program homeless veterans special needs extended fy2016 sec authority advisory_committee homeless veterans extended december sec authority treatment rehabilitation services seriously mentally ill homeless veterans including program provide homeless veterans benefits services certain locations extended fy2016 sec authority referral counseling services certain veterans risk homelessness extended fy2016 title extensions modifications authority sec authority transportation individuals facilities vocational rehabilitation counseling treatment care extended december sec authority monthly assistance allowances office national veterans sports programs special events extended december sec authority operation regional office republic_of_the_philippines extended fy2016 sec requirement provide annual reports congress equitable relief case administrative error extended december sec authorization appropriations adaptive sports programs disabled veterans members armed_forces extended fy2016 sec authority advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans extended december sec authority temporary eligibility expansion specially adapted housing assistance certain veterans disabilities causing difficulty extended fy2016 sec authority enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences associations diseases exposure chemical compounds herbicides extended december sec authority performance medical disabilities examinations contract physicians extended december sec current calculating fees pay educational institutions apprenticeship providers reports eligible individual enrollment veterans education training programs interruption termination participation programs extended fy2016 sec requirement annual report dod interagency program_office extended fy2016 sec funding authority modified provide constructing new bed tower medical center florida lieu providing bed tower upgrades medical center sec carry following major medical facility projects project exceed specified amounts construction community living center outpatient clinic domiciliary renovation existing buildings new_york seismic corrections mental health community living center long_beach california seismic correction buildings west los_angeles california construction spinal cord injury building seismic corrections san_diego california title matters relating medical facility project denver sec authorized replacement existing medical center denver colorado increased sense congress continuing_appropriations_resolution authorizes transfer discretionary unobligated balances appropriated fy2015 discretionary advance appropriations fy2016 fund increase transfer amounts veterans choice fund carry medical facility construction project sec shall enter agreement appropriate non-va federal entity provide project management services super construction project including management project design acquisition construction contract changes agreement shall require reimbursement federal entity project management service costs title matters sec technical clerical amendments


Summary:
Wounded Warrior Employment Improvement Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and publish an action plan for improving the training and rehabilitation services and assistance provided by the 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 VA regional offices, 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 department_of_veterans_affairs develop publish action plan improving training rehabilitation services assistance provided 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 Justice Outreach Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program to support veterans in contact with the criminal justice system by discouraging unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and other nonviolent crimes.

The program shall be carried out in partnership with local law enforcement, judicial, and community-based treatment and legal assistance organizations.

 The VA shall establish coordinators to provide program outreach.

veterans justice outreach act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs carry program support veterans contact criminal justice system discouraging unnecessary mental illness nonviolent crimes program shall carried partnership local law enforcement judicial community based treatment legal assistance organizations shall establish coordinators provide program outreach


Summary:
Save Oak Flat Act

This bill amends the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to repeal the authorization and requirement for a land exchange between the Department of Agriculture and Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. under which 2,422 acres of Forest Service land located in Pinal County, Arizona, are to be exchanged for various parcels of land owned by Resolution Copper.

save oak flat act bill amends carl national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year repeal authorization requirement land exchange department_of_agriculture resolution_copper_mining llc acres forest_service land located pinal_county arizona exchanged parcels land owned resolution_copper


Summary: This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Charles S. Kettles for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.

bill authorizes president award medal honor charles acts valor vietnam war


Summary:
Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2015 or the HIRE Vets Act

This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to solicit voluntary information from employers for purposes of recognizing, by the award of a HIRE Vets Medallion, verified efforts by these employers to: (1) recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and (2) provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community.

honoring investments recruiting employing american military veterans act hire vets act bill directs department_of_labor establish hire vets medallion program solicit voluntary information employers purposes recognizing award hire vets medallion verified efforts employers recruit employ retain veterans provide community charitable services supporting veteran community


Summary:
VA Patient Protection Act of 2015

 This bill establishes an additional method for filing whistle blower complaints in which a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee may file such complaints with his or her immediate and next-level supervisors, and ultimately with the VA after having properly filed a complaint at each supervisory level.

If a supervisor makes a positive determination regarding such complaint the VA shall: (1) inform the employee of the ability to volunteer for a transfer, and (2) give preference to such transfer.

The VA may not exempt any employee from such whistle blower coverage.

The central whistle blower office shall be responsible for investigating all VA whistle blower complaints, regardless of whether such complaints are made by or against an employee who is not a Senior Executive Service member.

The VA shall carry out specified adverse actions against a supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action relating to a whistle blower complaint.

 A supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action shall not be paid any award or bonus for a one-year period, and any award or bonus paid during that period shall be recouped.

VA employees shall receive annual whistle blower complaint training.

Congressional testimony by a VA employee in his or her official capacity shall be considered official duty, and the VA shall provide any such employee with travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, during the period when the employee is so testifying.

patient_protection act bill establishes additional method filing whistle blower complaints department_of_veterans_affairs employee file complaints immediate level supervisors ultimately having properly filed complaint supervisory level supervisor makes positive determination complaint shall inform employee ability volunteer transfer preference transfer exempt employee whistle blower coverage central whistle blower office shall responsible investigating whistle blower complaints regardless complaints employee senior_executive_service member shall carry specified adverse actions supervisor commits prohibited personnel action relating whistle blower complaint supervisor commits prohibited personnel action shall paid award bonus year period award bonus paid period shall employees shall receive annual whistle blower complaint training congressional testimony employee official capacity shall considered official duty shall provide employee travel expenses including diem lieu subsistence period employee


Summary:
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reissue veterans benefits to a beneficiary in all cases of fiduciary misuse.

The VA shall pay the beneficiary or the successor fiduciary an amount equal to the misused benefits.

 VA access to fiduciary-held financial accounts shall be increased by requiring any fiduciary to authorize the VA to obtain any financial record held by an institution regarding the fiduciary or the beneficiary whenever the VA determines that such record is necessary:

 for the administration of a VA program; or to safeguard the beneficiary's benefits against neglect, misappropriation, embezzlement, or fraud.

bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs reissue veterans benefits beneficiary cases fiduciary misuse shall pay beneficiary successor fiduciary equal misused benefits access fiduciary held financial accounts shall increased requiring fiduciary authorize obtain financial record held institution fiduciary beneficiary determines record necessary administration program safeguard beneficiary benefits neglect misappropriation embezzlement fraud


Summary:
Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2015

 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to:

 adopt the unique device identification system developed for medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or implement a comparable standard identification system, for identifying biological implants intended for use in VA medical facilities; permit a vendor to use any of the accredited entities identified by the FDA as an issuing agency; implement a compatible system for tracking implants from human donor or animal source to implantation; and implement inventory controls compatible with such tracking system so that patients who have received a biological implant in a VA medical facility subject to FDA recall can be appropriately notified. The bill also prescribes requirements for vendors from which the VA may procure biological implants of human origin, and for vendors from which the VA may procure biological implants of non-human origin. Such a vendor must:

 use the standard identification system adopted or implemented by VA under this Act; be registered as required by FDA procedures; consent to periodic VA inspections and audits regarding records and product handling; agree to cooperate with all biological implant recalls conducted on the vendor's own initiative, on the initiative of the original product manufacturer used by the vendor, or by FDA request or statutory order; agree to notify the VA within 60 days of any adverse event report it provides to the FDA, or of any FDA warning letter issued to the vendor; and agree to retain all records associated with the procurement of a biological implant by the VA for at least 10 years. The VA shall: (1) procure such implants under General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules if they are available under such Schedules, (2) accommodate reasonable vendor requests to undertake specified outreach efforts to educate VA medical professionals about the use and efficacy of implants, and (3) procure biological implants that are unavailable under such Schedules using competitive procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

 Any VA procurement employee responsible for a biological implant procurement transaction with intent to avoid, or with reckless disregard of, the requirements of this Act shall be ineligible to hold a certificate of appointment as a contracting officer or to serve as the representative of an ordering officer, contracting officer, or purchase card holder.

 Certain biological implants may be temporarily procured by the VA without relabeling under the standard identification system.

biological tracking veteran safety act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs adopt unique device identification system developed medical devices food_and_drug_administration fda implement comparable standard identification system identifying biological intended use medical facilities permit vendor use accredited entities identified fda issuing agency implement compatible system tracking human donor animal source implement inventory controls compatible tracking system patients received biological medical facility subject fda recall appropriately notified bill prescribes requirements vendors procure biological human origin vendors procure biological non human origin vendor use standard identification system adopted implemented act registered required fda procedures consent periodic inspections audits records product handling agree cooperate biological recalls conducted vendor initiative initiative original product manufacturer vendor fda request statutory order agree notify days adverse event report provides fda fda warning letter issued vendor agree retain records associated procurement biological years shall procure general_services_administration federal supply schedules available schedules accommodate reasonable vendor requests undertake specified outreach efforts educate medical professionals use efficacy procure biological unavailable schedules competitive procedures accordance federal_acquisition_regulation procurement employee responsible biological procurement transaction intent avoid reckless disregard requirements act shall ineligible hold certificate appointment contracting officer serve representative ordering officer contracting officer purchase card holder certain biological temporarily procured standard identification system


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act

(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the following major medical facility projects (each with specified maximum authorized funds):

 seismic corrections to buildings, including retrofitting and replacement of high-risk buildings, in San Francisco, California; seismic corrections to facilities, including facilities to support homeless veterans, at the medical center in West Los Angeles, California; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; construction of an outpatient clinic, administrative space, cemetery, and columbarium in Alameda, California; realignment of medical facilities in Livermore, California; construction of a medical center in Louisville, Kentucky; construction of a replacement community living center in Perry Point, Maryland; and seismic corrections and other renovations to several buildings and construction of a specialty care building in American Lake, Washington. A specified amount is authorized to be appropriated to the VA for such projects for FY2016 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account.

 Such projects may only be carried out using:

 funds appropriated for FY2016 pursuant to such authorization; funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before, or a fiscal year after, FY2016 that remain available for obligation; funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for FY2016 for a category of activity not specific to a project; and funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before, or a fiscal year after, FY2016 for a category of activity not specific to a project.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure fiscal year department_of_veterans_affairs seismic safety construction authorization act sec bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs carry following major medical facility projects specified maximum authorized funds seismic corrections buildings including retrofitting replacement high risk buildings san_francisco california seismic corrections facilities including facilities support homeless veterans medical center west los_angeles california seismic corrections mental health community living center long_beach california construction outpatient clinic administrative space cemetery california realignment medical facilities california construction medical center kentucky construction replacement community living center perry point maryland seismic corrections renovations buildings construction specialty care building american lake washington specified authorized appropriated projects fy2016 year funds appropriated construction major projects account projects carried funds appropriated fy2016 pursuant authorization funds available construction major projects fiscal year fiscal year fy2016 remain available obligation funds appropriated construction major projects fy2016 category activity specific project funds appropriated construction major projects fiscal year fiscal year fy2016 category activity specific project


Summary:
Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of the Army to ensure that the cremated remains of persons who served as Women's Air Forces Service Pilots are eligible for inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

women service pilot arlington restoration act bill directs department_of_the_army ensure remains persons served women air forces service pilots eligible arlington national cemetery military honors


Summary:
Express Appeals Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) carry out a five-year pilot program to provide the option of an alternative appeals process to determine appeals of claims for disability compensation more quickly, and (2) inform claimants about such program.

Appeals filed under the pilot program are described as "fully developed appeals."

A claimant may elect to file a fully developed appeal by filing with the VA: (1) a notice of disagreement along with the claimant's written election to have the appeal determined under the pilot program, (2) all evidence that the claimant believes is needed for the appeal, and (3) a statement of the argument in support of the claim.

 A claimant who elects the pilot program may elect to revert to the standard appeals process at any time. Such reversion, however, shall be final.

 Such a claimant or an electing claimant who is later determined to be ineligible for the pilot program shall revert to the standard appeals process without any penalty other than the loss of docket number.

The VA shall transfer jurisdiction over a fully developed appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board shall:

 maintain fully developed appeals on a separate docket; hear fully developed appeals in the order received; decide not more than one fully developed appeal for each four traditional appeals decided, though this ratio may be adjusted for fairness purposes beginning one year after the pilot program begins; and decide each fully developed appeal within one year of a claimant's filing the notice of disagreement. A claimant may not submit or identify to the Board any new evidence relating to a fully developed appeal after filing such appeal unless the claimant reverts to the standard appeals process.

The Board shall establish an office to develop necessary federal records, independent medical opinions, and new medical exams.

The Board may not provide hearings for fully developed appeals.

express appeals act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs carry year pilot program provide option alternative appeals process determine appeals claims disability compensation quickly inform claimants program appeals filed pilot program described fully developed appeals claimant elect file fully developed appeal filing notice disagreement claimant written election appeal determined pilot program evidence claimant believes needed appeal statement argument support claim claimant elects pilot program elect revert standard appeals process time reversion shall final claimant electing claimant later determined ineligible pilot program shall revert standard appeals process penalty loss docket number shall transfer jurisdiction fully developed appeal directly board veterans appeals board shall maintain fully developed appeals separate docket hear fully developed appeals order received decide fully developed appeal traditional appeals decided ratio adjusted fairness purposes beginning year pilot program begins decide fully developed appeal year claimant filing notice disagreement claimant submit identify board new evidence relating fully developed appeal filing appeal claimant reverts standard appeals process board shall establish office develop necessary federal records independent medical opinions new medical exams board provide hearings fully developed appeals


Summary:
Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act of 2016

This bill requires the payment of a Medal of Honor special pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient if that person was married to the recipient for: (1) at least one year; or (2) any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.

The special pension for a living Medal of Honor recipient is increased to $1,299.61 per month.

medal honor surviving spouses recognition_act bill requires payment medal honor special pension surviving spouse deceased medal honor recipient person married recipient year period time child born marriage born marriage special pension living medal honor recipient increased month


Summary:
Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act or the Military SAVE Act

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make eligible for treatment in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity any veteran who was the victim of a sexual trauma which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.

military sexual_assault victims empowerment act military save act bill amends veterans access choice accountability_act eligible treatment non-department_of_veterans_affairs entity veteran victim sexual trauma occurred veteran serving active duty active duty training inactive duty training


Summary:
This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the continental United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total.

 In establishing space-available transportation priorities under the travel program, DOD shall provide transportation on the same basis as such transportation is provided to members of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

bill directs department_of_defense dod provide transportation scheduled unscheduled military flights continental united_states scheduled overseas flights space available basis veterans service connected permanent disability rated total establishing space available transportation priorities travel program dod shall provide transportation basis transportation provided members armed_forces entitled retired retainer pay


Summary:
Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act

 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and other environmental exposures in Afghanistan or Iraq.

The VA shall, in selecting the center's site, consider entities that:

 are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to study, diagnose, and treat health conditions relating to such exposure; have a publication track record of post-deployment health exposures among veterans who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; have collaborated with a geosciences department that has a medical geology division; have developed animal models and in vitro models of dust immunology and lung injury consistent with the injuries of members of the Armed Forces who served in support of such operations; and have expertise in allergy and immunology, pulmonary diseases, and industrial and management engineering. The VA shall ensure that the center collaborates with the Department of Defense (DOD), institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities to:

 provide for dissemination within the VA of best practices for the treatment of such conditions and the training of health professionals; provide guidance for the VA and DOD health systems in determining the personnel required to provide quality health care for members of the Armed Forces and veterans with such conditions; establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive program to train VA and DOD health professionals in the treatment of such conditions; facilitate advancements in the study of the short-term and long-term effects of such exposure; conduct basic science and translational research on such conditions for the purposes of understanding the etiology of such conditions and developing preventive interventions and new treatments; and provide medical treatment to all veterans identified as part of the burn pits registry established under the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. The center shall have access to and make use of the data accumulated by such registry.

helping veterans exposed burn pits act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs establish center_of_excellence prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment rehabilitation health conditions relating exposure open burn pits environmental exposures afghanistan iraq shall selecting center site consider entities equipped specialized equipment needed study diagnose treat health conditions relating exposure publication track record post deployment health exposures veterans served support operation iraqi_freedom operation enduring_freedom geosciences department medical geology division developed animal models vitro models dust lung injury consistent injuries members armed_forces served support operations expertise allergy pulmonary diseases industrial management engineering shall ensure center department_of_defense dod institutions higher education appropriate public private entities provide dissemination best practices treatment conditions training health professionals provide guidance dod health systems determining personnel required provide quality health_care members armed_forces veterans conditions establish implement oversee comprehensive program train dod health professionals treatment conditions facilitate advancements study short term long term effects exposure conduct basic science translational research conditions purposes understanding conditions developing preventive interventions new treatments provide medical treatment veterans identified burn pits registry established dignified burial veterans benefits improvement act center shall access use data accumulated registry


Summary:
Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify:

 certain severance payments to veterans with combat-related injuries paid after January 17, 1991, from which DOD withheld amounts for tax purposes, and the individuals to whom such severance payments were made. DOD shall provide each such veteran with:

 notice of the amount of improperly withheld severance payments, and instructions for filing amended tax returns to recover such amount. The period for filing a related claim with the Internal Revenue Service for a credit or refund is extended beyond the three-year limitation to the date that is one year after DOD provides the veteran with the information required by this Act.

DOD shall ensure that amounts are not withheld for tax purposes from DOD severance payments to individuals when such payments are not considered gross income.

combat injured veterans tax fairness act bill directs department_of_defense dod identify certain severance payments veterans combat related injuries paid january dod withheld amounts tax purposes individuals severance payments dod shall provide veteran notice improperly withheld severance payments instructions filing amended tax returns recover period filing related claim internal_revenue_service credit refund extended year limitation date year dod provides veteran information required act dod shall ensure amounts withheld tax purposes dod severance payments individuals payments considered gross income


Summary: This bill authorizes the Department of the Army to award the Distinguished Service Cross to Chaplain (First Lieutenant) Joseph Verbis LaFleur for acts of valor during World War II.

bill authorizes department_of_the_army award distinguished service cross chaplain lieutenant joseph acts valor world war


Summary: This bill allows amounts authorized to be appropriated for FY2017 for the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance that are available as foreign currency fluctuation savings to be made available for repair, recapitalization, and certification of dry docks at naval shipyards.

bill allows amounts authorized appropriated fy2017 department_of_defense operation maintenance available foreign currency savings available repair recapitalization certification dry docks naval shipyards


Summary:
Guardians of America's Freedom Medal Act

This bill requires each military department to carry out a program to award medals or other commendations to military working dogs and their handlers to recognize valor or meritorious achievement.

guardians america freedom medal act bill requires military department carry program award medals military working dogs handlers recognize valor meritorious achievement


Summary:
Second Division Memorial Modification Act

This bill authorizes the Second Indianhead Division Association, Inc. Scholarship and Memorials Foundation to place three benches honoring the members of the Second Infantry Division killed in the Cold War in Korea, the War in Iraq, and the War in Afghanistan at the Second Division Memorial located in President's Park in the District of Columbia.

No federal funds may be used for these modifications or augmentations.

second division memorial modification act bill authorizes second division association scholarship memorials foundation place honoring members second division killed cold war korea war iraq war afghanistan second division memorial located president park district_of_columbia federal funds modifications


Summary:
(Sec. 1) This bill authorizes the Army, in the case of a military manufacturing arsenal, depot, or plant (a government-owned, government-operated defense plant of the Army that manufactures weapons, weapon components, or both), to authorize leases of and contracts for non-excess military property for a term of up to 25 years if it determines that such a lease or contract will promote the national defense or be in the public interest for the purpose of:

 helping to maintain the viability of such arsenal, depot, or plant and any military installations on which it is located; eliminating, or at least reducing, the cost of government ownership of the arsenal, depot, or plant; and leveraging private investment at the arsenal, depot, or plant through long-term facility use contracts, property management contracts, leases, or other agreements that support and advance the preceding purposes. The Army may delegate such authority to the commander of the major subordinate command of the Army responsible for the arsenal, depot, or plant, or if part of a larger military installation, the installation as a whole. The commander may approve such a lease or contract on a case-by-case or class basis. Any lease or contract approved utilizing such authority is subject to a 90-day hold period so that the Army real property manager may review it. If such manager disapproves of it, the agreement shall be null and void upon transmittal to the delegating authority of a written disapproval, including a justification, within the hold period. If no such disapproval is transmitted within such period, the agreement shall be deemed approved.

 If, by 60 days after receiving a disapproval, the delegating authority submits a new contract or lease that addresses the manager's concerns, it shall be deemed approved unless the manager transmits a disapproval within 30 days of submission.

 The authority under this bill shall terminate at the close of September 30, 2019.

sec bill authorizes army case military manufacturing depot plant government owned government operated defense plant army manufactures weapons weapon components authorize leases contracts non excess military property term years determines lease contract promote national defense public interest purpose helping maintain viability depot plant military installations located eliminating reducing cost government ownership depot plant leveraging private investment depot plant long term facility use contracts property management contracts leases agreements support advance preceding purposes army delegate authority commander major subordinate command army responsible depot plant larger military installation installation commander approve lease contract case case class basis lease contract approved utilizing authority subject day hold period army real property manager review manager disapproves agreement shall null void transmittal delegating authority written disapproval including justification hold period disapproval transmitted period agreement shall deemed approved days receiving disapproval delegating authority submits new contract lease addresses manager concerns shall deemed approved manager transmits disapproval days submission authority bill shall terminate close september


Summary: Voter Bounty Registration Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prescribe standards for paid distribution of voter registration application forms.Prohibits any individual from distributing a voter registration application form for federal elections in a state if the individual: (1) is not registered to vote in such elections; (2) has been convicted of a felony under any state or federal law; (3) does not sign and print legibly the individual's name on the form; or (4) does not provide identifying information to the election official to whom the form will be submitted.Excepts from this prohibition the distribution of a voter registration application form by an individual who is not compensated directly or indirectly for it.Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) individuals not meeting such standards; and (2) anyone who employs such an individual knowingly, or who should reasonably be expected to know the individual is ineligible.

voter registration act amends help_america_vote_act prescribe standards paid distribution voter registration application forms prohibits individual distributing voter registration application form federal elections state individual registered vote elections convicted felony state federal law sign print individual form provide identifying information election official form submitted excepts prohibition distribution voter registration application form individual compensated directly indirectly establishes criminal penalties individuals meeting standards employs individual knowingly reasonably expected know individual ineligible


Summary: Amends the short title of the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 to add the names of Cesar E. Chavez and Barbara C. Jordan.

amends short title rosa parks scott king voting rights act reauthorization amendments act add names jordan


Summary: Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2007 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual: (1) is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility; or (2) is on parole or probation for a felony offense. Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act.Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

offenders voting rights act declares right citizen vote election federal office shall denied individual convicted criminal offense time election individual serving felony sentence correctional institution facility parole probation felony offense provides enforcement remedies violations act specifies act shall construed prohibit state enacting state law affords right vote election federal office terms restrictive terms established act rights remedies established act shall addition rights remedies provided law shall supersede restrict limit application voting rights act national voter registration act


Summary: Voting Enhancement and Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to direct the Technical Guidelines Development Committee to develop for the Election Assistance Commission specific guidelines, meeting certain criteria, for the operation of electronic voting equipment in federal elections. Requires states to comply with such guidelines. Requires states to: (1) administer audits of the results of federal elections held in the state in accordance with a state audit plan; and (2) develop and implement election security protocols for protecting the voting equipment and contingency plans for addressing voting system failures and other emergencies.

voting enhancement security act amends help_america_vote_act direct technical guidelines development committee develop election_assistance_commission specific guidelines meeting certain criteria operation electronic voting equipment federal elections requires states comply guidelines requires states administer audits results federal elections held state accordance state audit plan develop implement election security protocols protecting voting equipment contingency plans addressing voting system failures emergencies


Summary: Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to include within the elections covered under such Act elections for the governor, and member of the House of Representatives of the legislature, of American Samoa.

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act include elections covered act elections governor member house_of_representatives legislature american_samoa


Summary: Know Your Vote Counts Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to revise voting system standards to require the voting system used in an election for federal office to provide the voter with an auditable paper record showing how the vote will be recorded by the system after the voter enters it. Requires the voter to use such record to verify that the vote shown is the vote the voter intends to cast. Requires the system, if the voter does not verify his or her vote, to provide the voter with: (1) the opportunity to change the ballot and correct any error, and (2) a new auditable paper record that reflects the change or correction made by the voter. Makes a vote final once a voter verifies that the vote shown on a paper record is the vote the voter intends to cast. Makes the paper record serve as a permanent paper record of the vote. Prohibits the removal of such record from the polling place except for purposes related to a recount. Requires voluntary voting system guidelines to include guidelines to ensure security of electronic data.

know vote counts act amends help_america_vote_act revise voting system standards require voting system election federal office provide voter paper record showing vote recorded system voter enters requires voter use record verify vote shown vote voter intends cast requires system voter verify vote provide voter opportunity change ballot correct error new paper record reflects change correction voter makes vote final voter verifies vote shown paper record vote voter intends cast makes paper record serve permanent paper record vote prohibits removal record polling place purposes related recount requires voluntary voting system guidelines include guidelines ensure security electronic data


Summary: Voter Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that an individual shall have the right to be placed as a candidate on, and to have his or her political party, body, or group affiliation in connection with such candidacy placed on, a ballot or similar voting materials to be used in a congressional election. Requires the individual to file a petition with at least 1,000 signatures of registered voters in the congressional district (or 1,000 eligible voters in the district if the state does not provide for voter registration). Specifies the period during which such a petition must be circulated.

voter freedom act declares individual shall right placed candidate political party body group affiliation connection candidacy placed ballot similar voting materials congressional election requires individual file petition signatures registered voters congressional district eligible voters district state provide voter registration specifies period petition


Summary: Overseas Voting Education and Reform, Safeguarding Every American's Vote Act, or OVERSEAS Vote Act - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to prohibit a state from refusing to accept or process any otherwise valid absentee ballot submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the envelope in which the ballot is submitted is not notarized or witnessed by a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths. Repeals the requirement to apply for state absentee ballot as a condition for use of a federal write-in absentee ballot. Permits voters to request absentee ballots in all subsequent elections. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to establish and operate a program of grants to eligible nonpartisan organizations for activities to: (1) assist overseas civilian voters in voting in federal elections; and (2) increase turnout by providing them with information in advance of an election on how to cast absentee ballots. Requires the head of each office of the federal government with employees whose designated post of duty is outside the United States to notify them of the rights provided by UOCAVA to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that each passport issued after enactment of this Act describes such rights. Extends application of UOCAVA to certain individuals who have never resided in the United States.

overseas voting education reform safeguarding american vote act overseas vote act_-_amends uniformed overseas citizen absentee voting act uocava prohibit state refusing accept process valid absentee ballot submitted absent uniformed_services voter overseas voter grounds envelope ballot submitted notarized witnessed public official authorized administer oaths repeals requirement apply state absentee ballot condition use federal write absentee ballot permits voters request absentee ballots subsequent elections directs election_assistance_commission eac establish operate program grants eligible nonpartisan organizations activities assist overseas civilian voters voting federal elections increase providing information advance election cast absentee ballots requires head office federal_government employees designated post duty outside united_states notify rights provided uocava absent uniformed_services voters overseas voters directs secretary state ensure passport issued enactment act describes rights extends application uocava certain individuals resided united_states


Summary: Military Voting Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Uniformed Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the Presidential designee) to establish procedures for collecting absentee ballots of military overseas voters in elections for federal office, and for delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; (2) carry out delivery requirements through a contract with a private provider of air transportation, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking; and (3) take steps to ensure that such voters are able to cast their votes in a private and independent manner, and that vote contents remain secret until tabulated by the state election officials.

military voting protection act amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act direct secretary defense presidential designee establish procedures collecting absentee ballots military overseas voters elections federal office delivering ballots appropriate state election officials requires secretary ensure ballots delivered prior time established closing polls date election carry delivery requirements contract private provider air transportation shall include mechanism ballot tracking steps ensure voters able cast votes private independent manner vote contents remain secret tabulated state election officials


Summary: American Elections Act of 2008 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require, except as provided for under this Act, that all ballots and balloting material used in federal elections be only in the English language. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise the requirement that certain jurisdictions provide ballots and other voting materials in languages other than English. Restricts such requirement to certain political subdivisions with populations of American Indians or Alaska Natives.

american elections act amends help_america_vote_act require provided act ballots balloting material federal elections english language amends voting rights act revise requirement certain jurisdictions provide ballots voting materials languages english restricts requirement certain political subdivisions populations american indians alaska_natives


Summary: Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2008 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility. Requires the chief correctional officer of each state to inform convicted felons within 30 days after their release of their right to vote in elections for federal office and the date of the next election in which they are eligible to vote. Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

offenders voting rights act declares right citizen vote election federal office shall denied individual convicted criminal offense time election individual serving felony sentence correctional institution facility requires chief correctional officer state inform convicted felons days release right vote elections federal office date election eligible vote provides enforcement remedies violations act specifies act shall construed prohibit state enacting state law affords right vote election federal office terms restrictive terms established act rights remedies established act shall addition rights remedies provided law shall supersede restrict limit application voting rights act national voter registration act


Summary: Protecting Voters in Foreclosure Act of 2008 - Amends the Help America Vote Act to consider any individual who resides in a household located in a jurisdiction in which a federal election is held, and which is subject to foreclosure proceedings at the time of the election, to reside in that same jurisdiction for purposes of determining the individual's eligibility to vote in the election. Requires such an individual to be permitted to cast a nonprovisional ballot in the election. Applies this requirement also with respect to an individual who resided in a household which was: (1) located in such a jurisdiction; and (2) subject to foreclosure proceedings at any time during the three-year period ending on the date of the election.

protecting voters foreclosure act amends help_america_vote_act consider individual resides household located jurisdiction federal election held subject foreclosure proceedings time election reside jurisdiction purposes determining individual eligibility vote election requires individual permitted cast ballot election applies requirement respect individual resided household located jurisdiction subject foreclosure proceedings time year period ending date election


Summary: Democracy Restoration Act of 2008 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility. Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Prohibits any state, unit of local government, or other person from receiving or using any federal grant amounts to construct or improve a place of incarceration unless that person has a program to notify each U.S. citizen incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction, on release from such incarceration, of that individual's rights under this Act.

democracy restoration act declares right citizen vote election federal office shall denied individual convicted criminal offense time election individual serving felony sentence correctional institution facility provides enforcement remedies violations act specifies act shall construed prohibit state enacting state law affords right vote election federal office terms restrictive terms established act rights remedies established act shall addition rights remedies provided law shall supersede restrict limit application voting rights act national voter registration act prohibits state unit local government person receiving federal grant amounts construct improve place incarceration person program notify citizen incarcerated person jurisdiction release incarceration individual rights act


Summary: Amends the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 to change the short title to the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.

amends rosa parks scott king voting rights act reauthorization amendments act change short title rosa parks scott king jordan william voting rights act reauthorization amendments act


Summary: Voting Opportunity and Technology Enhancement Rights Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to permit any person who is otherwise qualified to vote in a federal election in a state to use the national federal write-in absentee ballot prescribed by the Election Assistance Commission to cast a vote in such an election.Directs the Commission to prescribe a national federal write-in absentee ballot for use in elections for federal office. Requires the voting system to provide for an independent means of voter verification, allowing each voter to verify the ballot before it is cast and counted.Requires the state to: (1) count such ballot if the individual who cast it is otherwise eligible to vote; and (2) provide for the minimum required number of voting systems and poll workers for each polling place on the day of any federal election, and on any days during which such state allows early voting. Directs the Commission to issue standards regarding the minimum number of voting systems and poll workers.Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require each state, with certain exceptions, to permit any individual on the day of a federal election to: (1) register to vote at the polling place; and (2) cast a vote in such election.Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require: (1) the Commission to develop an election day registration form for elections for federal office; (2) each state to provide public notice of all names which have been removed from the voter registration list since the later of the most recent federal election or the day of the most recent previous public notice; (3) each state to allow individuals to vote in a federal election at least 15 days before the day scheduled for it in the same manner as voting on such day (early voting); (4) each polling place which allows early voting to allow it for at least a uniform four hours each day; and (5) the Commission to issue standards for the administration of early voting.Accelerates the study on election day as a public holiday.Requires mail voter registration forms to include, in lieu of mandatory questions and statements, an affidavit to be signed by the registrant attesting both to citizenship and age.Directs each state to establish a program under which individuals may access voter registration forms electronically through the Internet. Provides for establishing voter identification with respect to in person voting and voting by mail.Outlines election administration requirements.

voting opportunity technology enhancement rights act amends help_america_vote_act permit person qualified vote federal election state use national federal write absentee ballot prescribed election_assistance_commission cast vote election directs commission prescribe national federal write absentee ballot use elections federal office requires voting system provide independent means voter verification allowing voter verify ballot cast counted requires state count ballot individual cast eligible vote provide minimum required number voting systems poll workers polling place day federal election days state allows early voting directs commission issue standards minimum number voting systems poll workers amends national voter registration act require state certain exceptions permit individual day federal election register vote polling place cast vote election amends help_america_vote_act require commission develop election day registration form elections federal office state provide public notice names removed voter registration list later recent federal election day recent previous public notice state allow individuals vote federal election days day scheduled manner voting day early voting polling place allows early voting allow uniform hours day commission issue standards administration early voting accelerates study election day public holiday requires mail voter registration forms include lieu mandatory questions statements affidavit signed registrant attesting citizenship age directs state establish program individuals access voter registration forms electronically internet provides establishing voter identification respect person voting voting mail outlines election administration requirements


Summary: Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the presidential designee) to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of military overseas voters in elections for federal office; and (2) delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the designee to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; and (2) carry out delivery requirements through a contract with one or more providers of express mail services, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking. Provides a special rule for voters in jurisdictions using post office boxes for the collection of such ballots. Prohibits states from refusing to accept such ballots on the grounds that they were not delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the designee to: (1) provide outreach to absentee military voters on the procedures established under this Act; (2) report, after each general election, to the congressional defense and appropriations committees on the utilization of such procedures; and (3) submit a one-time report to such committees on the status of implementation of this Act. Prohibits states from refusing to accept voter registration and absentee ballot applications and write-in ballots for failure to meet nonessential requirements (requirements not clearly necessary to prevent fraud in the conduct of elections).

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act direct secretary defense presidential designee establish procedures collecting marked absentee ballots military overseas voters elections federal office delivering ballots appropriate state election officials requires designee ensure ballots delivered prior time established closing polls date election carry delivery requirements contract providers express mail services shall include mechanism ballot tracking provides special rule voters jurisdictions post_office boxes collection ballots prohibits states refusing accept ballots grounds delivered postal_service authorizes appropriations directs designee provide outreach absentee military voters procedures established act report general election congressional defense appropriations committees utilization procedures submit time report committees status implementation act prohibits states refusing accept voter registration absentee ballot applications write ballots failure meet nonessential requirements requirements clearly necessary prevent fraud conduct elections


Summary: Voting Opportunities and Integrity in the Conduct of Elections Act of 2008 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to: (1) allow individuals to vote in an election before the date of the regularly scheduled election; (2) require the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to issue standards for administration of such voting; and (3) require each state to permit any person otherwise qualified to vote in a federal election to vote in a manner other than in person, and impose no conditions or restrictions on absentee voting other than a reasonable deadline for requesting and returning the ballot.Directs the EAC to establish a Vote by Mail grant program. Requires each federal election voting system to require the use of or produce an individual, durable, voter-verified, paper ballot of the voter's vote, available for voter inspection and verification before the vote is cast and counted. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to study, test, and develop best practices to enhance the accessibility of ballot verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, for voters whose primary language is not English, and for voters with difficulties in literacy.Prohibits the use of: (1) uncertified election dedicated voting system technologies; and (2) any voting system unless its manufacturer and the election officials using it meet applicable security requirements. Provides for mandatory availability of paper ballots at polling places.Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to make research grants for development of election-dedicated voting system software. Requires states to make unannounced random hand counts of the voter-verified paper ballots in a federal election.Directs the EAC to establish: (1) a pre-registration implementation grant program; (2) an automatic re-registration grant program; and (3) a computerized system capable of communicating and exchanging data among participating states (interoperability).Prohibits voter caging practices (those preventing voting or registration through the reliance by officials on certain non-forwardable or non-returned documents).

voting opportunities integrity conduct elections act amends help_america_vote_act allow individuals vote election date regularly scheduled election require election_assistance_commission eac issue standards administration voting require state permit person qualified vote federal election vote manner person impose conditions restrictions absentee voting reasonable deadline requesting returning ballot directs eac establish vote mail grant program requires federal election voting system require use produce individual durable voter verified paper ballot voter vote available voter inspection verification vote cast counted directs director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology study test develop best practices enhance accessibility ballot verification mechanisms individuals disabilities voters primary language english voters difficulties literacy prohibits use uncertified election dedicated voting system technologies voting system manufacturer election officials meet applicable security requirements provides mandatory availability paper ballots polling places requires director national_science_foundation research grants development election dedicated voting system software requires states unannounced random hand counts voter verified paper ballots federal election directs eac establish pre registration implementation grant program automatic registration grant program computerized system capable communicating exchanging data participating states voter practices preventing voting registration reliance officials certain non non returned documents


Summary: Veteran Voting Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit a state to designate facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) located in the state as voter registration agencies under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Requires any VA facility designated as a voter registration agency to: (1) provide information relating to the opportunity to request an absentee ballot; (2) make available absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots upon request, as well as assistance in completing them; and (3) work with local election officials to ensure the proper delivery of such applications and ballots. Directs the Secretary to permit a meaningful opportunity for nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information and assistance at VA facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from banning any election administration official, whether state or local, party-affiliated or non-party affiliated, or elected or appointed, from providing nonpartisan voting information to veterans at any VA facility. Directs the Secretary to provide reasonable access to VA facilities to state and local election officials for the purpose of providing nonpartisan voter registration services to individuals.

veteran voting support act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs permit state designate facilities department_of_veterans_affairs located state voter registration agencies national voter registration act requires facility designated voter registration agency provide information relating opportunity request absentee ballot available absentee ballot applications absentee ballots request assistance completing work local election officials ensure proper delivery applications ballots directs secretary permit meaningful opportunity nonpartisan organizations provide voter registration information assistance facilities prohibits secretary banning election administration official state local party affiliated non party affiliated elected appointed providing nonpartisan voting information veterans facility directs secretary provide reasonable access facilities state local election officials purpose providing nonpartisan voter registration services individuals


Summary: Voting Opportunity and Technology Enhancement Rights Act of 2009 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with respect to: (1) use of a national federal write-in absentee ballot; (2) verified ballots; (3) preservation of voting records; (4) requirements for counting provisional ballots; (5) minimum required voting systems and poll workers in polling places; (6) standards for establishing the minimum required voting systems and poll workers; (7) election day registration; (8) removal from voter registration list; (9) early voting; (10) voting systems and voter registration; (11) Internet registration; (12) voter identification; (13) election administration requirements; (15) required use of publicly available open source software in voting machines; (16) standards for conducting recounts; and (17) standards for prohibiting conflicts of interest of entities involved in manufacture, distribution, or other activities relating to voting machines. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit deceptive practices in federal elections; (2) modify the penalty for voter intimidation; and (3) prohibit voter caging and other questionable challenges. States that the right of an individual citizen of the United States to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense, unless such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election. Treats election day in the same manner as a legal public holiday for purposes of federal employment. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress and the President on the impact of such treatment on voter participation. Expresses the sense of Congress that private employers in the United States should give their employees a day off on the Tuesday after the first Monday in 2010 and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable them to cast votes in the elections held on that day.

voting opportunity technology enhancement rights act amends help_america_vote_act respect use national federal write absentee ballot verified ballots preservation voting records requirements counting provisional ballots minimum required voting systems poll workers polling places standards establishing minimum required voting systems poll workers election day registration removal voter registration list early voting voting systems voter registration internet registration voter identification election administration requirements required use publicly available open source software voting machines standards conducting standards prohibiting conflicts interest entities involved manufacture distribution activities relating voting machines amends federal criminal code prohibit deceptive practices federal elections modify penalty voter intimidation prohibit voter challenges states right individual citizen united_states vote election federal office shall denied individual convicted criminal offense individual serving felony sentence correctional institution facility time election treats election day manner legal public holiday purposes federal employment directs comptroller_general study report congress president impact treatment voter participation expresses sense congress private employers united_states employees day tuesday monday numbered year enable cast votes elections held day


Summary: American Elections Act of 2009 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require, except as provided for under this Act, that all ballots and balloting material used in federal elections be only in the English language. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise the requirement that certain jurisdictions provide ballots and other voting materials in languages other than English. Restricts such requirement to certain political subdivisions with populations of American Indians or Alaska Natives.


Summary: Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the presidential designee) to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled general elections for federal office; and (2) delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the designee to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; (2) carry out delivery requirements by utilizing the express mail delivery services of the U.S. Postal Service, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking; (3) inform individuals who are anticipated to be absent overseas uniformed services voters in such an election of the procedures for collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots established pursuant to this Act; and (4) take steps to ensure that such voters are able to cast their votes in a private and independent manner, and that vote contents remain private while in the designee's possession or control.

military voting protection act amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act direct secretary defense presidential designee establish procedures collecting marked absentee ballots absent overseas uniformed_services voters regularly scheduled general elections federal office delivering ballots appropriate state election officials requires designee ensure ballots delivered prior time established closing polls date election carry delivery requirements utilizing express mail delivery services postal_service shall include mechanism ballot tracking inform individuals anticipated absent overseas uniformed_services voters election procedures collection delivery marked absentee ballots established pursuant act steps ensure voters able cast votes private independent manner vote contents remain private designee possession control


Summary: Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to direct the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make a payment to reimburse a state for the costs incurred in establishing, if the state so chooses, an absentee ballot tracking program for federal elections.

absentee ballot track receive confirm act_-_amends help_america_vote_act direct election_assistance_commission eac payment reimburse state costs incurred establishing state chooses absentee ballot tracking program federal elections


Summary: Democracy Restoration Act of 2009 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility. Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Prohibits any state, unit of local government, or other person from receiving or using any federal grant amounts to construct or improve a place of incarceration unless that person has a program to notify each U.S. citizen incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction, on release from such incarceration, of that individual's rights under this Act.


Summary: Directs the Presidential designee under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to carry out a series of pilot programs to test the feasibility of using alternative methods, including advanced electronic technologies and the Internet, to enable absent uniformed services voters to register to vote and vote in federal. Specifies criteria for a state to be eligible to participate in such a pilot program.

directs presidential designee uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act carry series pilot programs test feasibility alternative methods including advanced electronic technologies internet enable absent uniformed_services voters register vote vote federal specifies criteria state eligible participate pilot program


Summary: Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2009 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility or is on parole or probation for a felony offense. Authorizes the Attorney General or private individuals to bring civil actions to remedy violations of this Act. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

offenders voting rights act declares right citizen vote election federal office shall denied individual convicted criminal offense time election individual serving felony sentence correctional institution facility parole probation felony offense authorizes attorney general private individuals bring civil actions remedy violations act specifies act shall construed prohibit state enacting state law affords right vote election federal office terms restrictive terms established act rights remedies established act shall addition rights remedies provided law shall supersede restrict limit application voting rights act national voter registration act


Summary: Protection Against Wrongful Voter Purges Act - Amends the National Voter Registration Act to establish notice and review requirements for removal of individuals from a list of eligible voters by reason other than death or a change of residence, including removal by reason of mental incapacity. Requires the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to adopt voluntary guidance with respect to audits of the statewide computerized voter registration list so that each state will be able to ensure that the list: (1) reflects an accurate and complete count of all individuals validly registered to vote in federal elections; and (2) is secure against unauthorized uses. Revises requirements for removal of individuals from the official list of eligible voters by reason of change of residence. Permits removal upon state verification that the registrant has registered in a new jurisdiction. Specifies requirements for verification procedures. Declares that, if any registrant who is subject to removal from the official list of eligible voters requests that the appropriate election official review the removal, the removal shall not take effect unless the official demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the registrant was properly removed. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state from refusing to register any applicant who has completed the national voter registration application form. Prohibits delay or denial of registration on grounds of failure to match the applicant's driver's license or Social Security information with related information in the databases of state or federal governmental entities.

protection wrongful voter act_-_amends national voter registration act establish notice review requirements removal individuals list eligible voters reason death change residence including removal reason mental incapacity requires federal_election_commission fec adopt voluntary guidance respect audits statewide computerized voter registration list state able ensure list reflects accurate complete count individuals validly registered vote federal elections secure unauthorized uses revises requirements removal individuals official list eligible voters reason change residence permits removal state verification registrant registered new jurisdiction specifies requirements verification procedures declares registrant subject removal official list eligible voters requests appropriate election official review removal removal shall effect official demonstrates clear convincing evidence registrant properly removed amends help_america_vote_act prohibit state refusing register applicant completed national voter registration application form prohibits delay denial registration grounds failure match applicant driver license social_security information related information databases state federal governmental entities