Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009

Fact Sheet API

Bill Number

HR 6599

Introduced

Jul 24, 2008

Latest Action

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

Topics

Air force Alaska American Battle Monuments Commission Appellate courts Appropriations Arab countries Armed Forces and National Security Armed forces reserves Army Boundaries Building construction Buy American Cemeteries and funerals Chemical warfare Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Colorado Commemorations Commerce Congress Congress and military policy Congressional oversight Congressional reporting requirements Cost plus contracts Courts of special jurisdiction Defense budgets Defense burdensharing Defense contracts Defense procurement Department of Defense Department of Veterans Affairs Diabetes Disabled East Asia Economics and Public Finance Electronic commerce Eminent domain Europe Families Federal aid to health facilities Federally-guaranteed loans Finance and Financial Sector Foreign Trade and International Finance Government contractors Government insurance Government Operations and Politics Government procurement Government trust funds Health Home ownership Home repair and improvement Homeless Housing and Community Development Indian housing Indian medical care Information technology Infrastructure Inspectors general Iron and steel industry Japan Joint ventures Labor and Employment Land transfers Law Leases Lobbying Marines Marshall Islands Medical research Medical supplies Members of Congress Middle East and North Africa Military base closures Military bases Military construction operations Military dependents Military housing Military maneuvers Minorities Mortgages Names National Guard Native Americans NATO military forces Navy Nursing homes Oceania Property tax Prosthesis Public Lands and Natural Resources Reprogramming of appropriated funds Research and development Road construction Rural health Science, Technology, Communications Soldiers' homes Steel Survivors' benefits Taxation Transportation and Public Works Veterans' benefits Veterans' hospitals Veterans' medical care Veterans' pensions Veterans' rehabilitation Vocational rehabilitation

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Votes

Summary

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.

Actions

Sep 8, 2008

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.
Aug 1, 2008

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 1, 2008

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 409 - 4 (Roll no. 563).
Aug 1, 2008

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 409 - 4 (Roll no. 563).
Aug 1, 2008

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 - 184 (Roll no. 562).
Aug 1, 2008

Mr. Edwards (TX) moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
Aug 1, 2008

Mr. Peterson (PA) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
Aug 1, 2008

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.
Aug 1, 2008

Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
Aug 1, 2008

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.
Aug 1, 2008

Mr. Lewis (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations. (consideration: CR H7799-7800; text: CR H7799)
Aug 1, 2008

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.
Aug 1, 2008

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H7799)
Aug 1, 2008

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 6599.
Aug 1, 2008

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Aug 1, 2008

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7793-7802)
Aug 1, 2008

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 6599 as unfinished business.
Aug 1, 2008

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Aug 1, 2008

Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the Committee rise.
Aug 1, 2008

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.
Aug 1, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment.
Aug 1, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gingrey amendment.
Aug 1, 2008

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.
Aug 1, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Wamp amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Stupak amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

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.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Commitee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McCaul (TX) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Taylor amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hensarling amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Terry amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendments en bloc pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

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.
Jul 31, 2008

The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

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.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008

The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
Jul 31, 2008

The Committee of the Whole rose informally.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (UT) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on H.R. 6599.
Jul 31, 2008

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Jul 31, 2008

On motion that the committee rise. Agreed to by voice vote.
Jul 31, 2008

Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the committee rise.
Jul 31, 2008

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6599.
Jul 31, 2008

The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl Pomeroy to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Jul 31, 2008

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1384 and Rule XVIII.
Jul 31, 2008

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.
Jul 31, 2008

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)
Jul 31, 2008

Rule H. Res. 1384 passed House.
Jul 29, 2008

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.
Jul 24, 2008

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 494.
Jul 24, 2008

The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-775, by Mr. Edwards (TX).
Jul 24, 2008

Introduced in House

Amendments

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