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H.R.6599
Title: Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] (introduced 7/24/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Related Bills: H.RES.1384, S.3301
Latest Major Action: 9/8/2008 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.
House Reports: 110-775
Jump to: Summary, Major Actions, All Actions, Titles, Cosponsors, Committees, Related Bill Details, Amendments
SUMMARY AS OF:
8/1/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries)

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005.

Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title and in other military construction appropriations Acts.

(Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

(Sec. 118) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other members of NATO, Japan, South Korea, and U.S. allies bordering the Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States.

(Sec. 121) Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at least 60 days prior to issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the appropriations committees of any guarantees (including the making of mortgage or rental payments) proposed to be made to the private party in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which the housing is provided; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation.

(Sec. 122) Authorizes the transfer of DOD funds for expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program under the Metropolitan Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966.

(Sec. 125) Places specified restrictions and limitations on the obligation or expenditure of funds made available in this title or in any other military construction appropriations Act to carry out a military construction, land acquisition, or family housing project at or for a military installation approved for closure, or for supporting a function that has been approved for realignment to another installation, in 2005 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

(Sec. 126) Provides for the transfer of lapsed unobligated military construction and family housing funds into the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense account.

(Sec. 127) Prohibits this Act's funds from being used for any action that relates to or promotes the expansion of the boundaries or size of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado.

Title II: Department of Veterans Affairs - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration (including for medical and prosthetic research and information technology systems); (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of the Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries.

Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title.

(Sec. 210) Makes funds from this title available to reimburse expenses of the Office of Resolution Management and the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, within specified limits.

(Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans eligible under existing VA medical care requirements and who reside in Alaska to obtain medical services from facilities supported by the Indian Health Service or tribal organizations.

(Sec. 218) Prohibits the VA from using funds available in this or any other Act to replace the current system by which the Veterans Integrated Service Networks select and contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment.

(Sec. 220) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report quarterly to the appropriations committees on the financial status of the Veterans Health Administration.

(Sec. 224) Extends through FY2009: (1) certain daily copayment limits for veterans receiving hospital or nursing home care; and (2) VA authority to recover from third party insurers the cost of care provided to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability.

Title III: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Title IV: General Provisions - Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act, including prohibitions on the use of funds: (1) to enforce a provision of a VHA policy directive concerning voter registration at patient facilities; (2) to take private property for public use without just compensation; or (3) for a project or program named for an individual serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the U.S. Congress.

MAJOR ACTIONS:

7/24/2008 Introduced in House
7/24/2008 The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-775, by Mr. Edwards (TX).
8/1/2008 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 409 - 4 (Roll no. 563).
9/8/2008 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.
ALL ACTIONS:
7/24/2008 6:32pm:
The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-775, by Mr. Edwards (TX).
7/24/2008 6:33pm:
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 494.
7/29/2008 8:03pm:
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1384 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6599 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. Notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated July 30, 2008, or earlier and except pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.
7/31/2008 4:09pm:
Rule H. Res. 1384 passed House.
7/31/2008 7:58pm:
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1384. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7709-7775; text of Title I as introduced in House: CR 8/1/2008 H7722, H7744, H7745, H7745-7748; text of Title II as introduced in House: CR 8/1/2008 H7748-7749, H7749, H7750-7751, H7754-7754; text of Title III as introduced in House: CR 8/1/2008 H7761; text of Title IV as introduced in House: CR 8/1/2008 H7761, H7799)
7/31/2008 7:58pm:
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6599 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. Notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated July 30, 2008, or earlier and except pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.
7/31/2008 7:58pm:
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1384 and Rule XVIII.
7/31/2008 7:58pm:
The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl Pomeroy to act as Chairman of the Committee.
7/31/2008 7:58pm:
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6599.
7/31/2008 8:16pm:
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the committee rise.
7/31/2008 8:17pm:
On motion that the committee rise. Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 8:18pm:
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
7/31/2008 8:19pm:
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on H.R. 6599.
7/31/2008 9:10pm:
The Committee of the Whole rose informally.
7/31/2008 9:11pm:
The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
7/31/2008 9:17pm:
H.AMDT.1150 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Bishop (UT). (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7724-7742; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7724-7740)
Amendment sought to insert a new Division B entitled "American Energy Act".
7/31/2008 9:17pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (UT) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 9:35pm:
H.AMDT.1150 Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the Bishop (UT) amendment (A001). Mr. Edwards of Texas stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7742)
7/31/2008 9:36pm:
H.AMDT.1151 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Burgess. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7742-7744; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7743)
An amendment numbered 35 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding in the bill, by transfer, for design and construction of petroleum refineries for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
7/31/2008 9:36pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 9:44pm:
H.AMDT.1151 By unanimous consent, the Burgess amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7744)
7/31/2008 9:59pm:
The Committee of the Whole rose informally.
7/31/2008 10:00pm:
The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
7/31/2008 10:01pm:
H.AMDT.1152 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Garrett (NJ). (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7749-7750; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7749)
Amendment sought to reduce administrative expenses by $18.018 million and apply that amount as an increase in funds for State veterans homes.
7/31/2008 10:01pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment.
7/31/2008 10:10pm:
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Garrett (NJ) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7/31/2008 10:11pm:
H.AMDT.1153 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Buyer. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7751-7752; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7751)
An amendment numbered 28 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $7 million of appropriated funds shall be for the installation of alternative fueling stations at 35 medical facility campuses.
7/31/2008 10:11pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment.
7/31/2008 10:16pm:
H.AMDT.1153 On agreeing to the Buyer amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 10:25pm:
H.AMDT.1154 Amendment (A005) offered by Mr. Buyer. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7752-7754; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7752)
An amendment numbered 29 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $150 million of appropriated funds shall be for the installation of appropriate solar electric energy roof applications.
7/31/2008 10:25pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 10:41pm:
H.AMDT.1154 Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the Buyer amendment (A005). Mr. Edwards of Texas stated that the Buyer amendment sought to provide funds for programs not yet authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7754)
7/31/2008 10:44pm:
H.AMDT.1155 Amendment (A006) offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee (TX). (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7755-7757; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7755-7756)
An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of medical centers specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder in underserved urban areas.
7/31/2008 10:44pm:
The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 10:50pm:
H.AMDT.1155 By unanimous consent, the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7757)
7/31/2008 10:51pm:
EN BLOC CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS - Mr. Filner asked unanimous consent that the amendments numbered 18 and 19 printed in the Congressional Record be considered en bloc. Agreed to without objection.
7/31/2008 10:51pm:
H.AMDT.1156 Amendments (A007) offered by Mr. Filner. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7757-7758; text CR 8/1/2008 H7757)
Amendment consisting of amendments numbered 18 and 19 printed in the Congressional Record and offered en bloc to increase funding in an amount not to exceed $250 million for rehabilitative services to veterans and servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder and to increase funding in an amount not to exceed $10 million to establish a heroes' homecoming pilot program to evaluate effectiveness of offering compulsory screening, evaluation, and treatment for mental health conditions to servicemembers.
7/31/2008 10:52pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendments en bloc pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 10:56pm:
H.AMDT.1156 By unanimous consent, the Filner amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7760)
7/31/2008 10:56pm:
H.AMDT.1157 Amendment (A008) offered by Mr. Filner. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7758-7761; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7758)
An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the payment to veterans who served in the Philippines during World War II.
7/31/2008 10:56pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 11:11pm:
H.AMDT.1157 By unanimous consent, the Filner amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7760)
7/31/2008 11:27pm:
H.AMDT.1158 Amendment (A009) offered by Mr. Terry. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7761-7762; text CR 8/1/2008 H7761)
An amendment numbered 33 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to carry out the construction of any new national veterans' cemetery, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides to Congress a list of six new locations for establishment of national cemeteries that includes Omaha, Nebraska.
7/31/2008 11:27pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Terry amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
7/31/2008 11:31pm:
H.AMDT.1158 By unanimous consent, the Terry amendment was withdrawn. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7762)
7/31/2008 11:33pm:
H.AMDT.1159 Amendment (A010) offered by Mr. Hensarling. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7762-7763; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7762)
Amendment prohibited use of funds in the bill to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Section 526 provided that no federal agencies shall enter into a contract for procurement of an alternative fuel if the "life cycle greenhouse gas emissions" are less or equal to such emissions from an equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources.
7/31/2008 11:33pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hensarling amendment.
7/31/2008 11:39pm:
H.AMDT.1159 On agreeing to the Hensarling amendment (A010) Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 11:40pm:
H.AMDT.1160 Amendment (A011) offered by Mr. Taylor. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7763-7764; text: CR H7763)
Amendment prohibited use of funds for implementation of section 2703 of Public Law 109-234 with respect to specified acreage along Highway 90 in Gulfport, Mississippi.
7/31/2008 11:40pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Taylor amendment.
7/31/2008 11:42pm:
H.AMDT.1160 On agreeing to the Taylor amendment (A011) Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 11:43pm:
H.AMDT.1161 Amendment (A012) offered by Mr. McCaul (TX). (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7764; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7764)
Amendment prohibited funds in the bill from being used for any projects named after a sitting Member of Congress.
7/31/2008 11:43pm:
DEBATE - The Commitee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McCaul (TX) amendment.
7/31/2008 11:46pm:
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the McCaul (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McCaul (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7/31/2008 11:47pm:
H.AMDT.1162 Amendment (A013) offered by Mr. Stupak. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7764-7765; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7764)
Amendment prevented use of funds in the bill for increasing the deductible veterans must pay to receive their mileage reimbursement.
7/31/2008 11:47pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Stupak amendment.
7/31/2008 11:52pm:
H.AMDT.1162 On agreeing to the Stupak amendment (A013) Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 11:53pm:
H.AMDT.1163 Amendment (A014) offered by Mr. Wamp. (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7765; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7765)
Amendment prohibited use of funds to modify the standards applicable to the determination of the entitlement of veterans to special monthly pensions.
7/31/2008 11:53pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Wamp amendment.
7/31/2008 11:55pm:
H.AMDT.1163 On agreeing to the Wamp amendment (A014) Agreed to by voice vote.
7/31/2008 11:56pm:
H.AMDT.1164 Amendment (A015) offered by Mr. Murphy (CT). (consideration: CR 8/1/2008 H7765-7766; text: CR 8/1/2008 H7765)
Amendment prohibited use of funds in the bill to allow the VA to enforce the May 5, 2008 directive which included a policy statement prohibiting nonpartisan vote registration drives on VA property.
7/31/2008 11:56pm:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment.
7/31/2008 11:59pm:
H.AMDT.1164 On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment (A015) Agreed to by voice vote.
8/1/2008 12:01am:
H.AMDT.1165 Amendment (A016) offered by Mr. Flake. (consideration: CR H7766-7772; text: CR H7766-7768)
Amendment sought to insert a new section at the end of the bill for the elimination of military construction congressional earmarks.
8/1/2008 12:01am:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment.
8/1/2008 12:45am:
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8/1/2008 12:46am:
H.AMDT.1166 Amendment (A017) offered by Mr. Gingrey. (consideration: CR H7772-7773; text: CR H7772)
An amendment numbered 20 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to take private property for public use without just compensation.
8/1/2008 12:46am:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gingrey amendment.
8/1/2008 12:51am:
H.AMDT.1166 On agreeing to the Gingrey amendment (A017) Agreed to by voice vote.
8/1/2008 12:52am:
H.AMDT.1167 Amendment (A018) offered by Mr. King (IA). (consideration: CR H7773-7775; text: CR H7773)
Amendment sought to prohibit use of funds in the bill for enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act.
8/1/2008 12:52am:
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment.
8/1/2008 1:03am:
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the King (IA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. King (IA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8/1/2008 1:05am:
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the Committee rise.
8/1/2008 1:05am:
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
8/1/2008 1:06am:
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 6599 as unfinished business.
8/1/2008 9:20am:
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7793-7802)
8/1/2008 9:21am:
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
8/1/2008 9:48am:
H.AMDT.1152 On agreeing to the Garrett (NJ) amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 185 - 227 (Roll no. 558). (consideration: CR H7793-7794)
8/1/2008 9:58am:
H.AMDT.1161 On agreeing to the McCaul (TX) amendment (A012) Agreed to by recorded vote: 329 - 86 (Roll no. 559). (consideration: CR H7794)
8/1/2008 10:05am:
H.AMDT.1165 On agreeing to the Flake amendment (A016) Failed by recorded vote: 63 - 350, 1 Present (Roll no. 560). (consideration: CR H7794-7797)
8/1/2008 10:12am:
H.AMDT.1167 On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment (A018) Failed by recorded vote: 143 - 275 (Roll no. 561). (consideration: CR H7797-7798)
8/1/2008 10:13am:
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 6599.
8/1/2008 10:14am:
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H7799)
8/1/2008 10:14am:
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
8/1/2008 10:15am:
Mr. Lewis (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations. (consideration: CR H7799-7800; text: CR H7799)
8/1/2008 10:16am:
DEBATE - The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Lewis (CA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require to bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a section enacting H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act.
8/1/2008 10:23am:
Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. The provisions of the motion to recommit constitute legislation in an appropriations bill. Sustained by the Chair.
8/1/2008 10:23am:
Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
8/1/2008 10:29am:
Mr. Peterson (PA) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
8/1/2008 10:29am:
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
8/1/2008 10:45am:
On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 - 184 (Roll no. 562).
8/1/2008 10:52am:
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 409 - 4 (Roll no. 563).
8/1/2008 10:52am:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
9/8/2008:
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.
TITLE(S):  (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)
COSPONSOR(S):

***NONE***

COMMITTEE(S):
RELATED BILL DETAILS:  (additional related bills may be indentified in Status)
AMENDMENT(S):

1. H.AMDT.1150 to H.R.6599 Amendment sought to insert a new Division B entitled "American Energy Act".
Sponsor: Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the Bishop (UT) amendment (A001). Mr. Edwards of Texas stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2. H.AMDT.1151 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 35 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding in the bill, by transfer, for design and construction of petroleum refineries for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Sponsor: Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 By unanimous consent, the Burgess amendment was withdrawn.

3. H.AMDT.1152 to H.R.6599 Amendment sought to reduce administrative expenses by $18.018 million and apply that amount as an increase in funds for State veterans homes.
Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Garrett (NJ) amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 185 - 227 (Roll no. 558).

4. H.AMDT.1153 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 28 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $7 million of appropriated funds shall be for the installation of alternative fueling stations at 35 medical facility campuses.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Buyer amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote.

5. H.AMDT.1154 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 29 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $150 million of appropriated funds shall be for the installation of appropriate solar electric energy roof applications.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the Buyer amendment (A005). Mr. Edwards of Texas stated that the Buyer amendment sought to provide funds for programs not yet authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order.

6. H.AMDT.1155 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of medical centers specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder in underserved urban areas.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 By unanimous consent, the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment was withdrawn.

7. H.AMDT.1156 to H.R.6599 Amendment consisting of amendments numbered 18 and 19 printed in the Congressional Record and offered en bloc to increase funding in an amount not to exceed $250 million for rehabilitative services to veterans and servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder and to increase funding in an amount not to exceed $10 million to establish a heroes' homecoming pilot program to evaluate effectiveness of offering compulsory screening, evaluation, and treatment for mental health conditions to servicemembers.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 By unanimous consent, the Filner amendment was withdrawn.

8. H.AMDT.1157 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the payment to veterans who served in the Philippines during World War II.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 By unanimous consent, the Filner amendment was withdrawn.

9. H.AMDT.1158 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 33 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to carry out the construction of any new national veterans' cemetery, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides to Congress a list of six new locations for establishment of national cemeteries that includes Omaha, Nebraska.
Sponsor: Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 By unanimous consent, the Terry amendment was withdrawn.

10. H.AMDT.1159 to H.R.6599 Amendment prohibited use of funds in the bill to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Section 526 provided that no federal agencies shall enter into a contract for procurement of an alternative fuel if the "life cycle greenhouse gas emissions" are less or equal to such emissions from an equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources.
Sponsor: Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Hensarling amendment (A010) Agreed to by voice vote.

11. H.AMDT.1160 to H.R.6599 Amendment prohibited use of funds for implementation of section 2703 of Public Law 109-234 with respect to specified acreage along Highway 90 in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Sponsor: Rep Taylor, Gene [MS-4] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Taylor amendment (A011) Agreed to by voice vote.

12. H.AMDT.1161 to H.R.6599 Amendment prohibited funds in the bill from being used for any projects named after a sitting Member of Congress.
Sponsor: Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the McCaul (TX) amendment (A012) Agreed to by recorded vote: 329 - 86 (Roll no. 559).

13. H.AMDT.1162 to H.R.6599 Amendment prevented use of funds in the bill for increasing the deductible veterans must pay to receive their mileage reimbursement.
Sponsor: Rep Stupak, Bart [MI-1] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Stupak amendment (A013) Agreed to by voice vote.

14. H.AMDT.1163 to H.R.6599 Amendment prohibited use of funds to modify the standards applicable to the determination of the entitlement of veterans to special monthly pensions.
Sponsor: Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Wamp amendment (A014) Agreed to by voice vote.

15. H.AMDT.1164 to H.R.6599 Amendment prohibited use of funds in the bill to allow the VA to enforce the May 5, 2008 directive which included a policy statement prohibiting nonpartisan vote registration drives on VA property.
Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Christopher S. [CT-5] (introduced 7/31/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment (A015) Agreed to by voice vote.

16. H.AMDT.1165 to H.R.6599 Amendment sought to insert a new section at the end of the bill for the elimination of military construction congressional earmarks.
Sponsor: Rep Flake, Jeff [AZ-6] (introduced 8/1/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Flake amendment (A016) Failed by recorded vote: 63 - 350, 1 Present (Roll no. 560).

17. H.AMDT.1166 to H.R.6599 An amendment numbered 20 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to take private property for public use without just compensation.
Sponsor: Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] (introduced 8/1/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Gingrey amendment (A017) Agreed to by voice vote.

18. H.AMDT.1167 to H.R.6599 Amendment sought to prohibit use of funds in the bill for enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act.
Sponsor: Rep King, Steve [IA-5] (introduced 8/1/2008)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment (A018) Failed by recorded vote: 143 - 275 (Roll no. 561).