House Committee on Veterans` Affairs Chairman congratulates colleagues,
foresees bipartisan progress for veterans
(November 8, 2006)
Washington, D.C.
In connection with the results of yesterday's elections, House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) made the following statement
today.
Honoring Our Veterans
Veterans Day, November 11, 2006
(November 7, 2006)
Chairman Steve Buyer:
Veterans Day reminds us of our commitment and the obligation we have to care for those who faithfully served us in times of war and peace.
Veterans to receive annual cost-of-living adjustment
S. 2562, as amended, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006
(October 19, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
On October 16, 2006, President Bush signed into law S. 2562, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006. S. 2562 passed the House on September 30, 2006.
Congress passes veterans’ cost-of-living adjustment legislation
S. 2562, as amended, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006
(October 3, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
The House passed S. 2562, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006. S. 2562 will provide, effective December 1, 2006, a cost-of-living adjustment to the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to certain spouses and dependent children of service-disabled veterans.
Subcommittee on Health reviews latest trends and treatment for mental healthcare
(September 28, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
At a Subcommittee on Health oversight hearing today on research, treatments and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), Chairman Henry Brown (R-S.C) and subcommittee members expressed concern that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had not spent all of the mental health care dollars appropriated for it in Fiscal Year 2005.
Chairman Brown disappointed not all FY05 mental health funds spent; promises more oversight
(September 28, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Subcommittee on Health Chairman Henry Brown (R-S.C.) made this statement in response to a Government Accountability Office statement for the record for today’s subcommittee oversight hearing on post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury:
Chairmen McHugh and Boozman assess educational benefits for Selected Reserve
(September 27, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services
Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a joint hearing to discuss expanded educational benefits for members of
the Selected Reserve.
Benefits subcommittee identifies potential improvements for pension decisions
(September 27, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs received testimony on the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Pension Program.
Second day of veterans hearings highlights claims and seamless transition issues
(September 21, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard the views of nine
veterans’ and military service organizations (VSOs and MSOs) in the second of a
two-day series of “Look Back, Look Ahead” hearings which Committee Chairman
Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) termed “the opening of the Fiscal Year 2008 VA budget
process.”
More Pictures
Buyer commends GAO report on VA budget, praises VA Secretary for acting
(September 20, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report issued today supports conclusions by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs that projected veterans’ health care funding shortfalls from last summer were caused by a flawed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget model.
Committee hears legislative views of millions of veterans
(September 20, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, in the first of two “Look Back, Look Ahead” legislative hearings, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard the issues and concerns of 11 veterans’ and military service organizations (VSOs and MSOs) in what Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) termed “the opening of the Fiscal Year 2008 VA budget process.”
More Pictures
Buyer introduces legislation to increase education
benefits for dependents of veterans
H.R. 6096, The Disabled Warriors’ Family Education Act of 2006
(September 19, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) introduced the Disabled Warriors’
Family Education Act of 2006. This bill will allow spouses and dependent
children to access their Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance, under
chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code, prior to the severely injured
servicemember being discharged from active duty.
Legislation offers veterans’ new and enhanced medical facilities
(September 13, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the House unanimously passed H.R. 5815, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2006.
Chairman Miller seeks to assure ‘timely and accurate’ claims for veterans
(September 13, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) held an oversight hearing to assess the training and claims procedures of VA’s claims adjudicators.
Buyer
delegation visits troops, inspects U.S. military health care in Middle East
theater
(August 24, 2006)
Washington, D.C.
Leading a congressional delegation to U.S. military
facilities in Kuwait, Iraq and Germany, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) and delegation members found the morale of troops
and commanders high. The delegation also saw profound strengths and troubling
weaknesses in the military’s provision of seamless medical and dental care for
servicemembers returning from combat.
Buyer: Senator Reid off-target, should join to help Nicholson reform VA
(August 8, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today issued the following statement in connection with a call by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson.
Buyer: VA data arrests ‘good news’, but progress on VA info management essential
(August 6, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, made the following statement in connection with the August 4 arrests of two Maryland men believed to have stolen the computer and hard drive that contained personal data belonging to as many as 26.5 million veterans, as well as servicemembers and family members.
NASA extends contract proposal deadline for service-disabled
veteran-owned small businesses
(August 3, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.)
today expressed his appreciation to the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) for coordinating efforts to ensure that
service-disabled veteran-owned businesses have an opportunity to
bid on the upcoming NASA Scientific and Engineering Workstation
Procurement (SEWP)-IV contract.
GAO seamless transition report
released today
(July 31, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on
seamless transition initiatives between the Department of Defense (DoD) and
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) servicemembers and veterans. The report,
“VA and DoD Health Care: Efforts to Provide Seamless Transition of Care for
OEF and OIF Servicemembers and Veterans,” was done at the request of
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.)
as a follow-up to testimony before the Committee on Veterans Affairs in
September 2005.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Boozman lauds new
online job training program
Military
Order of Purple Heart Launches Veterans Business Training Center
(July 27, 2006)
Washington, D.C.
-
Today, The
Military
Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation held a press
conference on the recently launched Veterans Business Training
Center that was created to meet the needs of returning
combat-wounded and disabled veterans with challenges they may
encounter as they seek employment. The Veterans Business
Training Center provides virtual job training for at-home
combat-wounded and disabled veterans.
On the passing of Carl M. Brashear,
Chairman Buyer commemorates the legacy of the first black U.S. Navy diver
(July 26, 2006)
Chairman Buyer:
Master Chief Carl Brashear has set the bar high for all of us. At a time
when Black Americans had limited opportunities in the military service, Carl
Brashear transformed himself from a sharecropper’s son to become a Master
Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. He proved to the world that a
Black American was equal to any task the nation asked of him. His passing
leaves a legacy demonstrating the value of courage and persistence in the
face of great odds. On behalf of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I
wish Master Chief Brashear fair winds and following seas.
House passes omnibus bill to improve benefits for veterans
H.R. 3082, as amended, the Veterans Small Business and
Memorial Affairs Act of 2006
(July 25, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the House passed H.R. 3082, as amended, the Veterans
Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. The bill
increases benefits for America’s veterans by establishing the
annual contracting goals for VA to include a greater number of
veteran-owned small businesses, clarifying the rules regarding
contracts, prohibiting bonus payments to senior executives who
do not meet veteran and disabled veteran contracting goals, and
provisions to extend veteran business status to the spouses when
the veteran dies.
Congress advocates support for ‘Hire a Veteran Week’ and
commends those caring for our veterans in state veterans homes
H. Con. Res. 125,
expressing support for the creation and purpose of “Hire a
Veteran Week,” and
H. Con. Res. 345, honoring the National Association of State
Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing
long-term care to veterans, passed the House
(July 25, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the House passed Concurrent Resolution 125, which
expresses support for the designation and goals of “Hire a
Veteran Week” by encouraging employers across the country to
hire veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. The bill also seeks a presidential proclamation in
support of the event.
Veterans’ Affairs Committee considers legislation to protect veterans from data theft, authorizes new VA medical centers, promotes 'Hire a Veteran' week
(July 20, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
After two months of hearings on the data theft of sensitive information from the nation’s 26.5 million veterans, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs considered H.R. 5835, the Veterans Identity and Credit Security Act of 2006. At a markup today, the committee reported favorably H.R. 5835, as well as several other pieces of legislation, including H.R. 5815, as amended, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization Act.
Subcommittee holds hearing on national, state, and county efforts to assist veterans filing compensation and pension claims
(July 19, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Witnesses at a Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs hearing today told subcommittee members that the growing
backlog of disability compensation claims awaiting decisions at the
Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Administration
(VBA) could be reduced with more effective use of resources offered
by veterans’ groups and state and local veterans’ service officers.
75th anniversary of VA’s establishment held in Capitol rotunda
(July 19, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) made the
following remarks at a ceremony held today in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to
celebrate the 75th anniversary of the VA, established in 1930 as the Veterans
Administration and now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. Buyer was
joined by Speaker Dennis Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senate
Minority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of
Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson. Among honored guests at the ceremony were
veterans of every war in which Americans have served since World War I.
Bipartisan bill secures personal information, bolsters VA’s IT ‘backbone’
(July 18, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Bipartisan legislation to improve information security at the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) received broad approval in testimony today from former VA
chief information officers, veterans’ advocates and legislators who had
previously submitted their own proposals. The legislation requires prompt,
veteran-friendly responses to data breaches that include free credit monitoring
and insurance and ultimately strengthens VA’s information management backbone.
Plan to enhance sharing between MUSC and VA in Charleston moves forward
(July 14, 2006)
Charleston, S.C. -
Meeting today with Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Henry Brown (R-S.C.) discussed progress on options being considered for enhanced collaboration between MUSC and VA, which could include a co-located, joint-use facility in Charleston.
Committee passes omnibus bill to improve benefits for veterans
H.R. 3082, as amended, the Veterans Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006
(July 13, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the full House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs marked up and passed H.R. 3082, as amended, the Veterans Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. Among other things, the bill would increase benefits for America’s veterans by; establishing the annual contracting goals for VA to include a greater number of veteran owned small businesses, clarifying the rules regarding contracts, prohibiting bonus payments to senior executives who do not meet veteran and disabled veteran contracting goals, and provisions to extend veteran business status to the spouses when the veteran dies.
Statement by Chairman Steve Buyer on the departure of VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Jonathan Perlin
(July 12, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
On behalf of the committee, I extend appreciation to Dr. Jonathan Perlin for his record of service to America’s veterans and their families, which culminated in his appointment by President Bush as under secretary for health at the Department of Veterans Affairs and his service as chief executive officer of the nation’s largest health care system.
Committee backs IG’s recommendations for reform of VA IT management
IG report findings parallel testimony from seven recent committee hearings
(July 11, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today the IG released its report, “Review of issues related to the
loss of VA information involving the identity of millions of
veterans.” The report detailed weaknesses in IT management and
information security at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that
led to one of the largest data breaches in history.
Stolen laptop recovered, Committee lauds VA secretary’s efforts to change culture, improve security
(June 29, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
In response to concerns lodged by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information and Technology will now have broad authority over the department’s information resources and security.
Stolen laptop has been recovered
(June 29, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Today VA Secretary Nicholson
announced that the laptop storing the sensitive information of over
26 million veterans and military personnel was recovered and is
undergoing forensic investigations to determine whether or not the
information was duplicated. The Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) has said that it appears that data was not accessed.
Marine Corps to explore helmet redesign for improved blast
protection
(June 29, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Chairman of the House Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today commended a
decision by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to study the issue of
how best to protect the heads all Marines and servicemembers from
traumatic brain injuries from blasts caused by improvised explosive
devices (IEDs).
Chairman Buyer calls for VA CIO to be under secretary
(June 28, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
At today’s oversight hearing on the recent data theft at the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), committee members heard a
familiar refrain: testimony about the culture of resistance to
change and opposition to centralized authority over the department’s
information technology system. Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) seeks
to elevate the chief information officer (CIO) to the level of under
secretary, giving VA greater control over its IT resources.
VA challenged to keep pace for rural veterans healthcare
(June 27, 2006)
Washington, D.C. -
Today, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health heard testimony from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin on efforts to provide high quality health care to remote veterans in rural communities. One in five veterans who enroll to receive health care through VA lives in a rural area, and the health subcommittee is exploring ways to improve health care access for these veterans.
Buyer urges VA secretary to include insurance in credit monitoring services for veterans
(June 22, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
During a full
committee hearing today on Department on Veterans Affairs (VA)
information security
and VA’s data loss, Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) called
for the VA to insure veterans against loss from fraud, amid
testimony from academic and private-sector experts that reinforced
the image of an agency whose entrenched culture of bureaucracy had
stalled information management reform and invited disaster in the
compromise of sensitive information.
Chairman Steve Buyer and Ranking Member Lane Evans honored
for service to veterans
(June 21, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Last
night, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) and Ranking Member Lane Evans
(D-Ill.) were the guests of honor at the weekly summer “Sunset
Parade,” held at the Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as
the Iwo Jima memorial for its subject, the 1945 raising of the
national colors at Mount Suribachi.
Oversight Hearing on Safeguarding Veterans' Medical Records within the Veterans Health Administration
(June 21, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Today, the Subcommittee on Health held an oversight
hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) efforts
to maintain the security and integrity of the electronic health
records of enrolled veterans, while safeguarding personal veteran
information from internal and external security threats.
Veterans Benefits Administration’s data security procedures examined
(June 21, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Commanders of four leading
national veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) met today with
Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve
Buyer (R-Ind.) and will accompany him as his guests to the United
States Marine Corps Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial
this evening.
Buyer secures support to direct funds to improve servicemembers
protective helmets
(June 21, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Today, on the
floor of the House of
Representatives, House Committee on Veterans’
Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), secured support to direct
funds to conduct a series of tests and evaluations on combat helmets
to improve the helmet and force protections for servicemembers.
National VSO commanders engage in positive dialogue with Chairman
Buyer
(June 20, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
Commanders of four leading
national veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) met today with
Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve
Buyer (R-Ind.) and will accompany him as his guests to the United
States Marine Corps Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial
this evening.
VA patient safety eroded by unclear package labeling, inadequate protocols, and failures to adopt GAO recommendations
(June 16, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
At a hearing yesterday of the Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations on patient safety at Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) medical centers, testimony indicated inadequate
coordination between top levels within the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and VA, showed how unclear package labeling
and instructions contributed to patient safety errors and
revealed a lack of standard protocols for safe operating room
procedures at VA.
Buyer to work with House Armed Services Committee on helmet improvements
(June 15, 2006) Washington, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) participated in a hearing held by Congressman Curt Weldon (R-Penn.), Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. This hearing was the third in a series held this year regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom force protection issues. The hearing detailed existing combat helmet programs of the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Committee highlights repeated failures of VA’s IT system and management
(June 14, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Vulnerabilities in the
Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology
Department (VA IT) were exposed and made worse when cyber
security recommendations went unheeded, House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) assessed
during a Full Committee Oversight hearing.
Majority Leader
Boehner meets with veterans, Chairman Buyer broaches special claims
process for data theft
(June 9, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
At a lunch meeting yesterday arranged by Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.),
to introduce House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) to leaders of
national veterans’ and military service organizations, the majority
leader told representatives of 15 VSOs and MSOs that he appreciated
their service to country and the leadership that they provide.
Committee to hold five hearings in June on VA IT Security
(June 9,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
As Chairman Steve Buyer
pushes for answers and solutions from the Department of Veterans
Affairs, the committee will continue its oversight responsibility to
investigate the pervasive problems and vulnerabilities within VA’s IT
architecture.
Industry experts in roundtable advise Chairman Buyer on VA information security
(June 8,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Steve
Buyer (R-Ind.), joined by Chairman of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs James
Walsh (R-N.Y.) and other members of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,
today held a roundtable with information technology experts from
private-sector companies, including Goldman, Sachs & Company, EMC
Corporation, VISA, Citigroup, TriWest, and American Bankers Association,
all of whom essentially agreed with the importance of centralized
management of sensitive information.
Buyer: Veterans’ Committee pursuing answers, solutions to veterans’ data loss
(June 8,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Responding to the theft of personal data
on millions of veterans and servicemembers from the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) in May, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
is moving quickly on a bipartisan basis with plans to consider
legislation.
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Assesses VBA Fiduciary Program
(June 8,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Today the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
held an oversight hearing on the Veterans Benefits Administration’s
(VBA) fiduciary program. Testimony was received on VBA’s
implementation of Title 5 of Public Law 108-454, a law to improve
fiduciary accountability and enhance protections for the beneficiary.
Dignity at military
funerals secured on Memorial Day
Chairman Buyer joins President Bush as Respect for
America's Fallen Heroes Act signed into law
(May
29,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
America's military families
today secured their peace while mourning the loss of a loved one with
the enactment of H.R. 5037, as amended, the Respect for America's Fallen
Heroes Act, which prohibits disruptions of military funerals in national
cemeteries. The bill was signed into law by President Bush minutes
before he attended the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National
Cemetery.
On our
most important holiday: a Memorial Day message from Chairman Buyer
(May
26,
2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Memorial Day is our
most important national holiday.
In 1971, Congress established what began shortly after the Civil War as
Decoration Day, a day when flowers were placed on the grave of fallen
soldiers of both sides of America’s bloodiest conflict, as a day to
remember those who made the fullest measure of sacrifice in all our
conflicts.
Chairman Buyer cites
meltdown in VA information management
Catastrophic failure to safeguard sensitive personal data
(May
25, 2006)
Washington, DC –
“We have a meltdown in VA’s information
management,” House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer
(R-Ind.) said today in his opening statement at a full committee hearing
convened to examine the recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loss
of personal data belonging to as many as 26.5 million veterans and some
spouses.
Chairman Buyer’s Statement on the
VA data leak
(May
22, 2006)
Washington, DC - “I am
deeply concerned that nearly 27 million veterans may be affected by a
security breach that could compromise sensitive, personal information. I
expect VA’s inspector general and the FBI to work closely together so
that we can identify and eliminate the flaws that allowed this leak and
prosecute any criminal acts. I know that VA is taking steps to notify
veterans and provide help on consumer identity protection. The committee
will examine this incident in the context of previous data compromises,
to ensure that veterans’ information is safeguarded,” said Chairman
Steve Buyer, who was notified of the incident by Secretary of Veterans
Affairs R. James Nicholson.
Links To:
VA Statement
VA Letter to
Veterans
VA Frequently Asked
Questions
Statement by Chairman Steve Buyer on the departure of VA Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, Robert N. McFarland
(May
19, 2006)
Washington, DC - Chairman Buyer on Thursday
attended a farewell ceremony at the Department of Veterans Affairs
in honor of the Honorable Robert N. McFarland, who as assistant
secretary for information and technology was instrumental in helping
VA move toward a more efficient centralization of its IT
infrastructure. Chairman Buyer released this statement:
House passes funding bill for Department of Veterans Affairs
(May
19, 2006)
Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 5385, the Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2007. The bill funds significant increases for veterans’ mental health programs.
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations concludes inquiry into VA’s contracted Compensation and Pension exams
(May
18, 2006)
Washington, DC - On April 27, 2006, the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the Honorable Steve Buyer, initiated a bipartisan preliminary inquiry into contracts the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded to QTC Management, Inc., and the role of former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi, in QTC and any of its contracts with VA. The Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted the preliminary inquiry.
Chairman Buyer invites American
Legion, VFW, DAV and AMVETS commanders to 'work in a positive manner'
(May
15, 2006)
Washington, DC - Text of
Chairman Buyer's letter to the national commanders of The American
Legion, VFW, DAV and AMVETS, including a committee memo enclosed with
the letter. (pdf version)
Nancy Pelosi’s claims disingenuous to America’s veterans
(May
12, 2006)
Washington, DC -
“How unfortunate that Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader, chose to play politics on the day of Sonny Montgomery’s death—one of America’s patriots, who dedicated his life to the men and women who serve in uniform and to our veterans. It is disingenuous that Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Democrats who sought to strip Sonny of his chairmanship in the 102nd Congress now claim to champion his causes.
Sonny Montgomery’s life and work a magnificent chronicle of service
(May
12, 2006)
Washington, DC -
With the passing Friday of Chairman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, the nation
has lost a great patriot, but has gained through his life a greater
example of patriotism.
Committee evaluates VA infrastructure and construction projects
(May
11, 2006)
Washington, DC -
The full committee held a hearing today to assess the VA’s major
construction projects and leases as well as the process by which their
projects are chosen and executed. Collaboration efforts between medical
universities and VA hospitals were also discussed in regards to new
national construction efforts.
Dignity of America’s military families protected
(May 9, 2006)
Washington, DC -
Today, the House passed H.R.5037, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, which prohibits demonstrations at national cemeteries, as well as restricts any demonstration within 500 feet during the military funeral or memorial service, sixty minutes before and after the event. Families suffering the loss of a loved one will be protected from intrusive demonstrations such as protests, as they grieve. Military funerals at America’s national cemeteries will now be assured the respect and honor they deserve with this legislation.
Buyer lauds top 25 corporations hiring veterans
(April 26, 2006)
Washington, DC - House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) held a full committee hearing today on American corporations’ commitment to hiring veterans. The committee examined private sector practices in recruiting, employing and advancing employment opportunities for veterans, while underscoring the skills and abilities today’s military personnel offer.
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Bilirakis
to hold hearing on patient safety
(April 10, 2006)
Washington, DC -
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Michael Bilirakis
(R-Fla.) released this statement in response to today’s report from the
VA’s Office of Inspector General which identified failures in patient
safety standards at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center (VAMC).
Surgeons at the Haley VAMC implanted an unsterilized cranial plate in a
patient in February 2006 and nearly duplicated the mistake a week later.
Subcommittee hears testimony on several pending bills
(April 7, 2006)
Washington, DC - Today
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held
a legislative hearing on seven bills. The purpose of this hearing
was to receive testimony from congressional members who sponsored
these bills, VA officials, and veterans’ representatives.
Committee
learns details of VA Project HERO
(March 29, 2006)
Washington, DC –
Veterans, especially those living in rural areas, may benefit from a
demonstration project to be conducted by the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) as heard today by the House Committee on Veterans’
Affairs. The oversight hearing was held for members to learn about
Project Healthcare Effectiveness through Resource Optimization
(HERO), a series of demonstration projects seeking to improve and
enhance health care for veterans.
Buyer
announces legislation to restrict protests at funerals
Works with Rogers, Reyes
to draft legislation protecting servicemembers, families
(March 29, 2006)
Washington, DC –
Military funerals at America’s national cemeteries will now be
assured the respect and honor they deserve with legislation
introduced by Congressman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), Chairman of the
House Committee on Veterans Affairs, along with Congressmen Mike
Rogers (R-Mich.), Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) and Silvestre Reyes
(D-Texas.).
Chairman Buyer lauds Lane Evans’ commitment to
veterans
(March 28, 2006)
Washington, DC –
Today Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, made the following statement on the retirement of Congressman Lane Evans (D-Ill.), the committee’s ranking member:
Chairman Buyer acclaims valor marked by National Medal of Honor Day
(March 25, 2006)
Washington, DC –
Saturday, March 25, is National Medal of Honor Day, a day to reflect on the uncompromising valor demonstrated by American patriots at war, often at the cost of their lives.
Chairman Buyer applauds VA and DoD strides in sharing electronic
medical data
(March 16, 2006)
Washington, DC –
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and
Department of Defense (DoD) today showed committee staff long-sought
progress in achieving a capability to fully share electronic patient
records, an essential component of seamless transition for
servicemembers entering the VA system.
Chairman Buyer commends VA CIO, Bob
McFarland for his leadership and service
(March
16, 2006) “On behalf of the
Committee, I thank Bob McFarland for tackling a difficult and
challenging assignment as chief information officer at VA. His
resignation should be a wake-up call to Congress that essential
reforms are not progressing well. I call upon Secretary Nicholson
to execute and implement the plans of his federated model as
recommended by Gartner Consulting.
Chairman
Buyer Seeks Improved GI Benefit Bill for Guard & Reserve, Full
Committee Hearing Held
(March
15, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
With the goal to modernize the GI Bill, Chairman Buyer heard
testimony today from representatives of the National Guard and
Reserves on education benefits for the total military force.
Committee members were questioning whether the current GI Bill
education and training programs are meeting the needs of
servicemembers and veterans transitioning back to civilian life and
the workforce, as well as maintaining the recruiting and retention
goals of both active duty and reserve forces.
Chairman Buyer continues leadership
to protect the dignity of military families
(March
15, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
American families suffering the
loss of a loved one will be protected as they grieve by legislation
soon to be introduced by Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN), Representative
Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). Chairman Buyer and
Congressman Rogers have been working on draft language to restrict
protests at funerals at national cemeteries for 60 minutes before or
after a funeral. This bill also restricts protesters to 500 feet or
more from the grave site or individuals they are protesting.
Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee stresses continuing need for improved
cooperation between VA and Labor departments
(March
9, 2006) Citing concerns
about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment (VR&E) program and the progress towards closer
collaboration between VR&E and the Department of Labor’s Veterans
Employment and Training Service (VETS), Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) heard today from
representatives of the VA, VETS and veterans’ service
organizations.
Collaboration hearing
shows opportunities for efficiencies, improved care
(March
8, 2006)
Washington, D.C. — Seeking to broaden access and enhance the
efficiency with which health care is provided to America’s veterans,
the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs full committee held an
oversight hearing on collaboration opportunities among the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), state affiliated medical
institutions and the Department of Defense (DoD).
VA
IT reorganization and
budget ‘of concern’
(March
3, 2006) Washington, D.C. —
On Thursday, March 2, 2006, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Information Technology (IT) budget. The
hearing focused on the FY 2007 budget request and reviewed funding
for some FY 2006 IT projects.
Chairman Buyer, on the House floor
today, denounces “crimes and perversions” committed against family of
Army Sergeant Rickey Jones, killed in Baghdad:
(March
2, 2006) My colleagues, I come
to the House to address a national virtue—the proper tone and tenor of a
nation. It is outrageous, appalling and indecent for an American citizen
to commit crimes and perversions against a family grieving at the loss
of their son.
CHAIRMAN BUYER’S NEW MONTHLY COLUMN NOW
ON COMMITTEE WEBSITE
(February
28, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Chairman Steve Buyer announces a new
monthly feature on the Committee’s website. This monthly column,
“Veterans Affairs Review,” will provide information on the Committee’s
legislation, changes to the agenda, as well as accomplishments. This
column will also include developments on the budget process.
Chairman Buyer credits increased
input, accountability for improved VA budget
(February
24, 2006) Washington,
D.C. — Speaking at the Indiana War Memorial in
Indianapolis today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve
Buyer (R-Ind.) discussed the Committee’s Budget Views and Estimates for
the Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget.
These Views and Estimates give the
House Budget Committee recommendations for its formulation of the FY
2007 VA budget.
Chairman Buyer Holds
Annual Legislative
Hearing; 19 Veterans Organizations Testify Over Two Days
(February
16, 2006) Washington,
D.C. - Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today held the second of two
full committee legislative hearings, where veterans’ and military
service organizations (VSOs and MSOs, listed below) presented their
annual legislative
views and priorities for Fiscal Year 2007. These VSO representatives
reiterated concerns about proposals to increase co-pays and enact an
enrollment fee for Priority Group 7 and 8 veterans (those who do not
have service-connected disabilities and also presumably have other
health care options).
Chairman
Buyer Holds Annual Hearings; Veterans’ Priorities Presented Committee to hold four hearings this week
(February
15, 2006) Washington, D.C. — Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today held a full
committee legislative hearing where veterans’ and military service
organizations (VSOs and MSOs, listed below) presented their
annual legislative views and
priorities for Fiscal Year 2007. Some representatives of these
organizations expressed measured praise for the Administration’s FY2007
budget request as a good start. Concerns were also voiced about
proposals to increase co-pays and enact an enrollment fee for Priority
Group 7 and 8 veterans (those who do not have service-connected
disabilities and also presumably have other health care options).
Buyer Pushes Larger Role For VA In National
Response Plan Lack of role highlighted in Katrina Report to Congress
(February
15, 2006) Washington, D.C. —Today,
with the release of the report by the House of Representatives Select
Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to
Hurricane Katrina, Chairman Buyer (R-IN) issued the following statement:
CHAIRMAN
BUYER LAUDS VA's EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BUDGET PROCESS;
Announces Support for modernized GI Bill Initiative
Pleased with VA's $80.6 billion budget request
(February
8, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today held a
full committee oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) budget request for Fiscal Year 2007. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
R. James Nicholson
detailed the Administration’s $80.6 billion request, the largest dollar
increase in discretionary funding for VA ever requested by a president.
Chairman Buyer announces initial GAO
findings:
A flawed VA budget process
(February
2, 2006)Washington,
D.C.—The Government
Accountability Office (GAO), reporting initial findings from an
investigation requested by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman
Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), and members of the Senate, has found that
unrealistic assumptions, errors in estimates, insufficient data, and an
unresponsive budget model contributed to health care funding shortfalls
at the Department of Veterans Affairs in fiscal years 2005 and 2006.
Chairman Buyer Applauds President’s
Resolve, VFW’s Support of War on Terror
(January
11, 2006)
Washington, D.C. —
Yesterday in Washington, President Bush
addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars, caregivers from the military’s
medical facilities, and others who faithfully serve our nation’s
veterans and servicemembers. He praised their stewardship. He asked
America to stand firm in the global war on terror.
Chairman Buyer
hails veterans exemption from across-the-board budget reduction
(December
19, 2005) Washington, D.C.—
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R- Ind.)
today hailed the decision by Congress to exempt the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) budget from the 1 percent across-the-board
reduction that was applied to other fiscal year 2006 discretionary
spending.
Chairman Buyer
Announces Budget And Legislative Hearing Schedule for 2006
Veterans will have a greater voice
(December
16, 2005) Washington,
DC – Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), today
announced the 2006 schedule for the annual budget and legislative
presentations of national veterans’ service organizations (VSOs). These
full committee hearings will occur in February and will provide veterans
groups and military organizations (MSOs) the opportunity to present
their budget and legislative views prior to the Committee’s 2007 budget
views and estimates submission to the Budget Committee.
Evans holiday season scare tactic rings hollow
(December
15, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
According to Congressman Lane Evans (D-Ill.), Halloween and April Fool’s
Day have been rolled into one holiday this year. An attempt to pull a
prank and scare this nation’s 25 million veterans backfired. Yesterday,
the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs released
as fact a scary tale of fictitious cuts to veterans healthcare funding.
Assessing Preparedness for Possible Flu
Pandemic Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigation to Hold Hearing
(December
13, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
This Thursday, December 15, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigation will hold a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’
annual flu vaccination program and its preparedness in the event of flu
pandemic. This hearing will address VA’s efforts in planning, budgeting
and administering its annual flu vaccination program.
VA-MUSC
Shared Facilities Report Presented To
Chairman Buyer and Subcommittee Chairman Brown
Meeting Unveiled Report Details For Possible Facility Sharing
(December
13, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Yesterday, Chairman Steve Buyer and
Subcommittee on Health Chairman Henry Brown met with Medical University
of South Carolina (MUSC) and VA officials to receive the preliminary
report detailing the possibility of MUSC and the VA building a joint-use
hospital together in Charleston, SC. This facility could provide a
model for the federal government to consider when replacing aging VA
hospitals.
Chairman Buyer Foresees Additional
Claims Staff For VA
(December
8, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Yesterday, at a full Veterans’ Committee
oversight hearing on claims processing at the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) heard testimony of excessive
wait times for claims decisions and clear indications that VA needs more
claims adjudicators.
NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
(December 7, 2005)
“Today, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we take time to remember
those who valiantly defended their nation against the surprise attack on
Pearl Harbor, and to memorialize the more than 2,400 American lives lost
in that attack, 64 years ago this day. In doing so, we honor all of
America’s veterans of that war, every one of them a member of the
“Greatest Generation,” who selflessly devoted themselves to protecting
our cherished liberty that fateful Sunday morning and for over 1300
subsequent days of bloody fighting. Their sacrifice and that of the men
and women who followed in their valiant footsteps, remains emblematic of
America's commitment to freedom.
HOUSE PASSES $70 BILLION IN VA
FUNDING FOR FY 06
(November
18, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, the house passed H.R.
2528, the Military Quality
of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year
2006, which appropriates $70.038 billon for the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Funding
for Veterans medical care has increased
by 18% over the last two years. For the first time ever, this bill
allocates $2.2 billion solely for mental healthcare and doubles
funding for mental health research.
BUYER PRAISES OLYMPIC PARTNERSHIP
FOR VETERANS
Introduces legislation to codify
(November
17, 2005)
Washington, D.C.—Flanked
by Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA)
and United States Olympic Committee (USOC) President Jim Scherr,
Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN), praised the unveiling of a new
partnership designed to promote the involvement of disabled veterans
in U.S. Paralympic sports.
HOUSE PASSES
COST-OF-LIVING-ADJUSTMENT FOR VETERANS
S. 1234, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment Act
of 2005
(November
17, 2005)
Washington, D.C. –
Yesterday, by unanimous consent, the
House passed S. 1234, the Veterans’ Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005. S. 1234 will
provide, effective
December 1, 2005, a cost-of-living adjustment to the rates of
disability compensation
for veterans with service-connected
disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation
paid to certain spouses and dependent children of service-disabled
veterans. S. 1234 will be sent to the President for his signature.
BUYER AGREES WITH VA DECISION TO
CONCLUDE PTSD REVIEW BASED ON CURRENT FINDINGS
(November
10, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today the Department of
Veterans Affairs announced their decision to conclude the review of
72,000 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases after
gathering
enough information from the completed review of 2,100 claims. Very
few claims were found to be fraudulent. "The problems with these
files appear to be administrative in nature, such as missing
documents, and not fraud,” said the Honorable R. James Nicholson,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs supports the VA’s decision
to end the review based on sufficient data collected to date.
Chairman Buyer
holds Veterans Summit announcing new hearing schedule
Hearing reform gives veterans’ groups a greater voice
(November
8, 2005)
Washington, DC –
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), announced that he will hold full
committee hearings starting in February during which veterans’
groups can present their priorities and offer guidance earlier in
the budget process. Calling on veterans’ groups to play a more
influential role in developing the annual Department of Veterans
Affairs budget, Buyer presented his plan to engage them early in the
annual budget process.
Veterans Day: Their precious service; our renewed obligation
By House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer
(November
4, 2005)America’s
veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than
229 years ago. Since the Revolution, eight generations of America’s
veterans have established an unbroken commitment to freedom.
House Unanimously Passes Legislation
to Streamline VA IT
First step to creating a “seamless transition” for America’s
Veterans
(November
3, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Yesterday, by a vote of 408-0, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed H.R. 4061, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005. After
years of cost overruns, mismanagement and lack of accountability at
the Department of Veterans Affairs, this legislation will make the
VA Chief Information Officer (CIO) accountable for the VA’s entire
IT infrastructure, with authority over its budget, as well as
control over IT policies, procedures, personnel and assets. The VA
has historically funded IT efforts in the general administration
accounts of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans
Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration,
essentially spending billions of dollars on three separate IT
infrastructures within the Department.
CIO AUTHORITY
LEGISLATION PASSES FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP
Markup of H.R. 4061, H.R. 3665 and H.R. 1691
(October
20, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a markup of
H.R. 4061, the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Information Technology Management
Improvement Act, which will improve the management of IT within VA.
The bill will give the VA Chief Information Officer (CIO) authority
over the VA’s IT budget, as well as control in the oversight of
policies, procedures, personnel and assets. H.R. 4061 will also
require the VA Secretary to submit a report to Congress that details
the IT funds requested by the Administration in any fiscal year
budget submitted to Congress.
CHAIRMAN BUYER HOLDS IT SUMMIT TO
ADDRESS CHANGING TECH NEEDS IN VA
(October
5, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — On
Thursday, September 29, 2005, Chairman Buyer held a summit on
information technology (IT) with 36 corporations and consulting
firms in attendance to discuss the reorganization of the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) IT infrastructure. Chairman Buyer
and Ranking
Member Evans,
along with other
distinguished members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs will
be introducing the “Department of Veterans Affairs Information
Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005,” which will provide
the VA Chief Information Officer (CIO) with authority
over budget, personnel and assets.
Companies in attendance
offered their suggestions and commentary on the draft legislation
to restructure VA IT authority.
CHAIRMAN
BUYER FIGHTS FOR SEAMLESS TRANSITION OF SERVICEMEMBERS FROM DoD TO
VA
(September
28, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — The Committee on
Wednesday held its first in a series of anticipated full-committee
oversight hearings focused on progress by the Departments of Defense
(DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) in the seamless transition of
servicemembers from active duty to veteran status.
TODAY HOUSE
PASSES H.R. 3200 AS AMENDED
SERVICEMEMBERS TO RECEIVE GREATER INSURANCE COVERAGE
(September
28, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the House
passed H.R. 3200, as amended, which will allow for the maximum
coverage for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to be permanently increased to
$400,000.
HEALTH
SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES HEALTHCARE SHARING BETWEEN VA & MEDICAL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
(September
27, 2005)
Charleston, S.C.—
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held
a hearing Monday in Charleston to assess progress made by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Medical University of South
Carolina (MUSC) as they jointly examine the possibility of
developing shared facilities.
JOINT
LEGISLATIVE HEARING HELD TODAY
Chairman Buyer heard testimony from Legionnaires
(September
20, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today the House
and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs held a joint hearing to
receive The American Legion’s Legislative Presentation for 2006.
The hearing gave the Legion's newly elected National Commander,
Thomas L. Bock, of Colorado, an opportunity to present Congress with
the Legion's top legislative priorities for the fiscal year
beginning October 1, 2005.
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL
GUARD DISCUSSED DURING HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING AT PEASE
N.H.
National Guard program a model for other states
(September
19, 2005)
Pease ANG Base, NH –
Today, the House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a field
hearing on transition assistance for servicemembers returning from
recent tours of duty. The Subcommittee, chaired by Congressman John
Boozman (R-Ark.), received testimony on the New Hampshire National
Guard’s model of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which
offers career assistance and related services to separating
servicemembers during their transition to civilian life. Four
members of the N.H. National Guard who have participated in the
program testified at the hearing, held at Pease Air National Guard
Base.
CHAIRMAN BUYER
DEMANDS CHANGE IN INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE
IMMEDIATELY
HEARING ON VA’S IT INFRASTRUCTURE REORGANIZATION
(September
14, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — The Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing today on VA’s information and
technology (IT) reorganization and potential legislative solutions.
The Congressional Research Service provided general background and
the legislative history of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at
the federal level. Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified
that the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 mandated that federal departments
establish the position of CIO. However, VA did not appoint a
permanent CIO position until August 2001. Gartner Consulting, a
private contractor hired by VA to assess the department’s IT
infrastructure testified on its findings and its recommendations
regarding several reorganization possibilities.
Chairman Buyer, VA Secretary visit
veterans and VA facilities hit by Katrina
Successful
evacuation and strong response shows VA readiness
(September
8, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
“We are in the relief effort, a moment that defines our
heart and our leadership. We encourage able Americans to open their
hearts and homes. These are people who are feeling great pain and
need our help,” said House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman
Steve Buyer during a conference call this morning with leaders of
the nation’s veterans groups, military associations, and veterans
agencies of state and local governments.
CHAIRMAN BUYER
LAUDS VFW AND VVA FOR THEIR RELIEF EFFORTS TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE
KATRINA
Congress Provides $10.5 billion in emergency funds
(September
2, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
As Congress
reconvened today to pass H.R. 3645, to provide $10.5 billion in
emergency funds in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane
Katrina, other organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars and
Vietnam Veterans of America are collecting donations to buy basic
supplies such as clothing, food and building materials.
CHAIRMAN BUYER
COMMEMORATES 60th ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II VICTORY
(September 2, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today
marks the 60th anniversary of the signal achievement of
America’s greatest generation. On this day in Tokyo Bay, 1945, the
forces of Imperial Japan signed the surrender that ended six years
of the global cataclysm known by history as World War II.
CHAIRMAN STEVE BUYER AND RANKING
MEMBER LANE EVANS RECOGNIZE THE 223rd ANNIVERSARY OF THE
PURPLE HEART
(August 5, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Sunday, August 7, is the anniversary
of the Purple Heart, which is awarded in the name of the President
of the United States to
members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded in conflict with an
enemy force or while held by an enemy force as a prisoner of war.
The Purple Heart is also awarded posthumously to the next of kin of
members of our armed forces who are killed in conflict with an enemy
force or die of a wound received in conflict with an enemy force.
CHAIRMAN BUYER CONFIRMS QUALITY CARE
FOR COMBAT WOUNDED
Buyer Visits Minnesota Polytrauma Center
(August 4, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Chairman Steve
Buyer and Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.) on Tuesday inspected the care
being provided to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom recovering from combat wounds at the VA
Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) in Minneapolis, Minn.
CHAIRMAN
BUYER CALLS FOR ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS & EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF PTSD
Full Committee Held Hearing on PTSD
(July 27, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Opening
with the tragic story of an Army captain's suicide, the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing today to assess how
effectively the Department of Veterans Affairs identifies veterans
at risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chairman Steve
Buyer (R-IN) asked widow, Stefanie Pelkey of Spring, Texas, to share
her family's story in an effort to focus the hearing on what must be
done for those soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom
and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
HOUSE PASSES H.R. 3200
SERVICEMEMBERS TO RECEIVE GREATER INSURANCE COVERAGE
(July 26, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the
House passed H.R. 3200 unanimously, which will allow for the maximum
coverage for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to be permanently increased to
$400,000.
CHAIRMAN BUYER SAYS WAIT TIMES FOR VETERANS TO
RECEIVE HEALTHCARE ARE UNACCEPTABLE
(July 26, 2005)
Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Steve Buyer
today expressed concern over findings in a recent report on
outpatient scheduling procedures, issued by the Department of
Veterans Affairs inspector general. The findings reinforced
evidence of rising waiting times for health care appointments that
was discussed at a Committee hearing on VA health care funding
shortfalls Thursday.
BUYER
SEEKS RESOLVE ON VA BUDGET SHORTFALL
(July 21, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
At a hearing of the full
committee, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer
(R-IN) sought answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
regarding its request for an additional $1.9 billion for FY 06 to
fund higher-than-expected veteran’s health care needs.
VETERANS TO RECEIVE GREATER
INSURANCE COVERAGE
(July 14, 2005) The maximum
coverage for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will be permanently boosted to
$400,000 by a bill marked up in the House Committee on Veterans’
Affairs today.
ROUDEBUSH VA HOSPITAL IN
INDIANAPOLIS TO RECEIVE
$20 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION
Improved access to top-quality care for Hoosier veterans
(July 11, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (IN-04)
hailed today’s announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) of a $20 million construction contract at the Richard L.
Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. The contract will add
inpatient beds and an inpatient pharmacy.
HOUSE PASSES OF H.R. 3130, THE
VETERANS’ HEALTHCARE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Congress will keep its promise to America’s Veterans
(June 30, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Tonight, the House
passed H.R. 3130, the Veterans’ Healthcare Supplemental
Appropriations Act. This bill will provide the necessary $975
million to fund the VA for fiscal year 2005. At a House Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs hearing earlier today, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Jim Nicholson notified Congress that the administration is
requesting $975 million in additional funds for veterans’
healthcare. In response, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) called on
Congress to pass a fiscal year 2005 veterans’ funding supplemental.
CHAIRMAN
BUYER TO PUSH CONGRESS FOR IMMEDIATE VETERANS SUPPLEMENTAL
(June 30, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) called on Congress for
immediate action to pass a fiscal year 2005 veterans’ funding
supplemental. At a hearing called by the House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson
notified Congress that the administration is requesting $975 million
in additional funds for veterans’ healthcare.
CHAIRMAN BUYER ADDRESSES FY05
BUDGET
We will
provide what is needed for America’s veterans
(June 29, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN)
joined today with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson;
James Walsh (R-NY), Chairman of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs;
and Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC), Chairman of the House
Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health to discuss solutions to
the shortfall in veterans healthcare funding for fiscal years
2005 and 2006. Secretary Nicholson asked for supplemental
funding for FY 2005 and thanked Chairman Buyer and the Congress
for “responsiveness and leadership” in moving quickly to ensure
funding for veterans healthcare.
Audio
Coverage
CHAIRMAN BUYER SUPPORTS FUNDING
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT
H.R. 3010, Department of Labor Appropriations Bill Passes House
(June 27, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, Chairman
Steve Buyer of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs urged
colleagues to recognize the importance of getting veterans good jobs
by supporting two programs that have proven beneficial to our
returning servicemembers and homeless veterans.
COMMITTEE
ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS HEARING FINDS FLAWS IN VA HEALTHCARE COST
MODELING
Hearing determines VA healthcare forecasting led to funding gaps
(June 23, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — In a
Committee hearing today on veterans’ healthcare cost forecasting,
Chairman Buyer uncovered key weaknesses in the processes used by the
Department of Veterans Affairs to predict healthcare demand and
shape budgets. Testifying before the Committee, VA officials said
that largely because of flaws in its forecasting model, VA must
conduct workarounds in the Fiscal Year 2005 veterans’ healthcare
budget, using $400 million in carryover funds intended for FY2006.
Further, VA has moved $600 million in FY2005 non-recurring
maintenance and equipment accounts to pay for FY2005 healthcare
services, thus creating a gap in these accounts for next year.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
HELD MARKUP OF H.R. 1220 AS AMENDED
H.R. 1220, the
Veterans’ Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005
(June 23, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs marked up the Veterans’ Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005. H.R. 1220, as amended, which
would provide,
effective December 1, 2005, a cost-of-living adjustment to the rates
of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected
disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation
paid to certain spouses and dependent children of service-disabled
veterans. The bill would also codify the 2005 dollar amounts for
disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation.
This bill was passed by the Committee by a voice vote. Floor action
is anticipated in July.
IN MEMORY OF
GENERAL LOUIS H. WILSON, JR., USMC
(June 22, 2005) Chairman
Steve Buyer: Yesterday, America lost a great patriot and a brave
Marine. General Louis H. Wilson, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, Retired,
was the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He received the Medal
of Honor for heroism during the battle of Guam in July 1944. He
passed on June 21, 2005.
HOUSE VETERANS’
AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS HELD MARKUP ON
H.R. 2988
H.R. 2988, the Veterans Medical Care Revenue Enhancement Act of 2005
(June 21, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the
House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight &
Investigations held a markup of the Veterans Medical Care Revenue
Enhancement Act of 2005, which authorizes a two year demonstration
project to improve business practices within the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) relating to third-party billing collections and
by voice vote, reported the bill favorably to full committee for
markup this Thursday.
BUYER DEMANDS
APOLOGY FROM ILLINOIS SENATOR
“Comparison of U.S. Soldiers to the Nazis is irresponsible and
dangerous”
(June 16, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Sparked by recent
comments from Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Congressman Steve Buyer
(IN-04), Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called
on the Senator to apologize to U.S. servicemembers for comparing
them to Nazis.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
AFFAIRS HELD HEARING
(June 16, 2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the
House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs, Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL-01) held a hearing to
consider draft legislation to amend the Servicemembers’ Group Life
Insurance (SGLI) program; the Traumatic Injury Protection provisions
in PL 109-13; and H.R. 1618, the Wounded Warrior Servicemembers
Group Disability Insurance Act of 2005.
HOUSE VETERANS’
AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
HELD MARKUP
(June 9, 2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today,
Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL-01) of the House Veterans’ Affairs
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a
markup of H.R. 1220, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living
Adjustment Act of 2005.
The bill would also codify the 2005
dollar amounts for disability compensation and dependency and
indemnity compensation.
CHAIRMAN
BUYER TELLS NORMANDY MEMORIAL DAY AUDIENCE, ‘THESE ARE THE LIVES WE
MUST CELEBRATE’
(May
30,
2005)
Normandy, France,
May 30, 2005 – Chairman Steve Buyer and Veterans Health Subcommittee
Chairman Henry Brown (R-SC) addressed an international audience in
the 2005 Normandy Memorial Day ceremony held Sunday at the American
Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Omaha Beach, site of D-Day’s
heaviest fighting, on June 6, 1944.
HOUSE PASSES
APPROPRIATIONS BILL H.R. 2528, WITH VETERANS HEALTHCARE, INCREASE OF
$1.64 BILLION
(May
26,
2005)
Today by a vote of 425-1, the
House passed H.R. 2528, the Fiscal Year 2006 Military Quality of
Life Appropriations Act. The bill provides an increase of $1.64
billion over FY05 funding levels for veterans healthcare.
CHAIRMAN
BUYER MEMORIALIZES NATION’S HEROES
Buyer to Lead Congressional Delegation to Normandy, France, in
honor of fallen soldiers and 60th Anniversary of Victory In Europe
(May
26,
2005)
Yesterday, Chairman Steve Buyer joined leadership and fellow members
of Congress on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol to recognize the
sacrifice of our men and women in military uniform who paid the
ultimate price in the name of freedom. On hand were veterans of
previous wars, many of whom served in World War II. Speaking at the
event were Speaker Dennis Hastert (IL-14), Majority Leader Tom Delay
(TX-22), Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (OH-15), Majority Whip Roy
Blunt (MO-07), and Chairman Steve Buyer.
CHAIRMAN BUYER
HONORED TO LEAD CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO NORMANDY & SURESNES TO
ATTEND MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES
(May
26,
2005)
Chairman Steve Buyer of the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Subcommittee on Health Chairman
Henry Brown will attend Memorial Day ceremonies at overseas American
military cemeteries such as Normandy, France. The ceremonies will
take place on May 28th, 29th and 30th
Chairman Buyer, Subcommittee Chairman Henry Brown
and Lieutenant General Ricardo S. Sanchez, V Corps Commanding
General, US Army will speak at the event.
HOUSE PASSAGE OF H.R. 2046
H.R.
2046, The Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005
(May
23,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
This evening, the House passed
H.R. 2046,
The
Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection (SHIP) Act of 2005.
The bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
to limit premium increases on reinstated health insurance coverage
of servicemembers who are released from active duty after
mobilization. It also preserves employer-sponsored health plan
coverage for certain reserve-component members who acquire TRICARE
coverage in replacement of their health insurance prior to
activation. There are a total of 30 cosponsors on this bill.
Statement From
Chairman Buyer
(May
19,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Statement from Rep. Steve Buyer,
Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, in connection with
release of the VA Inspector General's May 19, 2005, "Review of State
Variances in VA Disability Compensation Payments":
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATION HOLDS
HEARING
(May
19,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, the House
Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held a
hearing on the efforts by the Department of Defense and the
Department Veterans’ Affairs in assisting military service personnel
transitioning from active military service to veterans’ status – a
concept generally referred to as Seamless Transition. The hearing
focused on the timely transfer of service members from military
hospitals to VA medical centers, a review of the Benefits Delivery
at Discharge Program, and service specific initiatives.
HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE
ON HEALTH HOLDS HEARING
(May
18,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, Chairman
Henry Brown, held a hearing to receive the testimony of VA doctors
and specialists in telemedicine. Testimony was provided by doctors
from the Department of Veterans Affairs; Care Coordination,
Education, Telemental Health, and Rehabilitation programs.
The hearing explored the use and development
of telemedicine technologies in VA, particularly in the areas of
mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and care in rural
areas.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HOLDS HEARING
(May
13,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Yesterday,
The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a hearing to examine the performance of the Department
of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) in
administering its several programs, its resource needs, and review the
state grant program that funds Disabled Veteran Outreach Program
Specialists (DVOPS) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER).
HOUSE
VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HELD MARK UP
H.R. 2046, The Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005
(May
11,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today,
Chairman Buyer of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs marked up
H.R. 2046,
The Servicemembers
Health Insurance Protection (SHIP) Act of 2005. The
approved bill should go to the house floor before Memorial Day. The
bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to limit
premium increases on reinstated health insurance coverage of
servicemembers who are released from active duty after mobilization. It
also preserves employer-sponsored health plan coverage for certain
reserve-component members who acquire TRICARE coverage in replacement of
their health insurance prior to activation.
VETERANS’
AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS HOLDS
HEARING
(May
5,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs, chaired by Representative Jeff Miller
(R-FL-01), held a hearing to examine the policy and operational issues
facing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
and the Department’s Appeals Management Center (AMC). The Subcommittee
explored the Board’s performance goals and plans for increasing the
accuracy and timeliness of appeals.
HOUSE VETERANS' AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HELD MARK UP
(May
5,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Subcommittee
on Economic Opportunity, chaired by Representative John Boozman (R-AR)
marked up H.R. 2046,
The
Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection (SHIP) Act of 2005.
This bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and
the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
to limit premium increases on reinstated health insurance coverage of
servicemembers who are released from active duty; and preserve
employer-sponsored health plan coverage for certain Reserve-component
members who acquire TRICARE eligibility prior to activation. This bill
should be taken up by the full committee for mark up next week.
CHAIRMAN BUYER OF THE HOUSE VETERANS
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE INTRODUCES H.R. 2046, THE SERVICEMEMBERS’ HEALTH
INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005
(May
4,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Chairman Steve
Buyer introduced H.R. 2046, the Servicemembers’ Health Insurance
Protection Act of 2005. This bill will strengthen the rights of men and
women serving in the Reserve components of our armed forces when they
seek to have their health insurance reinstated upon release from active
military duty. This measure would prohibit a premium increase upon
reinstatement if it affects only the individual servicemember, but it
would not change the ability of an insurance company to create a general
increase in premiums if they apply to persons with similar coverage.
HOUSE BUDGET CONFERENCE REPORT PASSES WITH A VETERANS AFFAIRS
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING INCREASE OF NEARLY $1 BILLION
(April
28,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Tonight, the House of
Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 95, The Concurrent Resolution on the
Budget for Fiscal Year 2006, which included an increase in discretionary
spending of nearly $1 billion to fund veterans programs.
House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer on Caring for Veterans: ‘A sacred
duty’
A Letter from Chairman Buyer
(April
22,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — America is the most
generous nation in the world in its support to military veterans. With
our Greatest Generation World War II and Korean War veterans seeking
health care in their twilight years, our Vietnam veterans now in their
fifties and sixties, and a new generation of veterans returning from the
global war on terror, that support has never been more important.
HOUSE
AND SENATE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEES HOLD JOINT HEARING
(April
21,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, House Veterans’
Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Indiana) and Senate Veterans’
Affairs Committee Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) hosted a joint hearing
to receive the testimony of veterans’ service organizations. Testimony
was provided by the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants
Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Gold Star Wives.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HOLDS HEARING
(April
20,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today,
Subcommittee Chairman John Boozman held a hearing to receive testimony
from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The purpose of the hearing was
to examine the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program since
the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Task Force Report. The
Subcommittee also explored ways to achieve closer integration between
the Department’s VR&E program and the Department of Labor’s Veterans
Employment and Training Service.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
AFFAIRS HOLDS HEARING
(April
20,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Subcommittee
Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL-01) held a hearing to receive testimony on
the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the policy and operational
issues facing NCA, including short- and long-term goals with respect to
new cemetery construction, and what efforts NCA is taking to address the
928 restoration and repair projects identified in 2002 by the Logistics
Management Institute. The Subcommittee also took testimony on the State
Cemetery Grants Program.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS JOINT HEARING
(April
14,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, House Veterans’
Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Indiana) and Senate Veterans’
Affairs Committee Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) hosted a joint hearing
to receive the testimony of veterans service organizations. Providing
testimony were the Military Officers Association of America, the
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, the
American Ex-Prisoners of War, and Vietnam Veterans of America provided
testimony on the budget Congress is now considering, as well as other
issues of importance to America’s veterans.
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REVIEWS
HEALTHeVET SYSTEM
(April
14,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — As part of its annual
budget review, the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs has recommended
withholding $311 million for the HealtheVet
healthcare processing system from the Department of Veterans Affairs
proposed 2006 budget. The funds are being withheld until questions
about potentially serious interoperability problems between it and the
legacy VistA system are resolved.
House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs
Committees To Hold Joint Hearing This Thursday
Another joint hearing will be held a week later
(April
13,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Indiana) and Senate Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) announced their
committees will hold a joint hearing this Thursday, April 14. Veterans’
organizations will provide testimony on the budget Congress is now
considering, as well as other issues of importance to America’s
veterans.
HOUSE
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HOSTS
SERVICE-DISABLED
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
(April
7,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Today, at the request of
the Association of Service-Disabled Veterans, the House Veterans Affairs
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, in cooperation with the Small
Business Committee, hosted a roundtable to discuss progress towards
implementing recent veteran-owned small business legislation.
Congressional
Delegation Attends Ceremonies For 60th Anniversary of Iwo
Jima
(March 23,
2005) Iwo Jima, Japan
– A Congressional delegation including
Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), Representative Lane Evans (D-IL),
Representative Madeleine Bordallo – Guam, attended ceremonies held in
Japan to honor the 60th anniversary of Iwo Jima.
CHAIRMAN BUYER OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
INTRODUCES VETERANS’ COLA BILL
H.R. 1220, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-living Adjustment Act of
2005
(March 11,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Chairman
Steve Buyer of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs introduced the
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005. Veterans’
Affairs Committee Ranking Member Lane Evans, as well as Jeff Miller of
Florida and Shelley Berkley, Chairman and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs,
respectively, joined as original cosponsors of the bill.
HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ADOPTS SLIDING SCALE FOR ENROLLMENT
FEES
Rejects doubling co-pays
(February 23,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Ensuring that disabled, injured, low income and special needs veterans
are given the highest priority, Chairman Steve Buyer (IN-04), on behalf
of the majority of House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (IN-04) submitted
its views and estimates of the President’s FY 2006 budget submission to
the Committee on the Budget. Of the President’s proposals, the Committee
rejected the doubling of prescription drug co-payments and adopted
enrollment fees of Priority 7 and 8 veterans on a sliding scale based on
means. In total, medical services is increased by $317.2 million over
the President’s budget.
VETERANS
BUDGET CONTINUES TO INCREASE UNDER PRESIDENT BUSH
(February 16,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — A core group of veterans,
those with service-connected disabilities, lower incomes and those
with special needs, will receive greater focus under the President’s
FY 2006 budget proposal for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Secretary Jim Nicholson gave testimony on the FY 2006 VA budget to
the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee that highlighted a 2.7 percent
increase in discretionary programs over last year’s funding level.
VETERANS'
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ORGANIZES FOR THE 109TH CONGRESS
New Subcommittees to focus on veterans transition to civilian life
(February 11,
2005)
Washington, D.C. — The House Veterans'
Affairs Committee has organized for the 109th Congress,
with four new subcommittee chairmen and the addition of a new
subcommittee to focus on veterans' transition to civilian life.
Chairman Steve Buyer (IN-04) also welcomes two new members to the
Committee.
BUYER
STATEMENT ON NICHOLSON CONFIRMATION
(January 26,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Jim Nicholson as
the new Secretary of the Department Of Veterans Affairs. Chairman
Steve Buyer (R-IN) issues the following statement: “We are a nation
at war with new heroes accessing the VA system every day; thereby
joining the ranks of yesterday’s heroes. Secretary Nicholson is
extremely qualified to honor our nation’s commitments to America’s
veterans.
STATEMENT
BY CONGRESSMAN BUYER ON HIS SELECTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE VETERANS
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
(January 6,
2005)
Washington, D.C. —
This
morning the House Republican Conference ratified the Steering
Committee’s selection of Congressman Steve Buyer (IN-04) as the Chairman
of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Buyer, a decorated Gulf War
veteran, currently serves with the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army
Reserves, has been a member of the Committee for twelve years, since he
was first elected to Congress. Most recently, he has chaired the
Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
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