THE AMERICAN LEGION for AMERICAN LEGION
What was lobbied
8 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Defense DEF
HR 2642, [Public Law 110-252]--Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008--Supplemental appropriations to allow DoD to continue prosecution of the Global War on Terror, specifically to continue combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. HR 2721--Amend title 10, USC, to require the VA Secretary to develop and the DoD Secretary to distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty, information in a compact disk read-only memory format that lists and explains the health, education and other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the VA Secretary--Specific Lobbying Issue the same as Bill Title. HR 5868--Caleb Martin - Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act--Amend title 10, USC, to provide for the retention of members of the Armed Forces on active service or in an active status who would otherwise be retired or separated for a combat-related disability, but who are still medically able to perform noncombat-related military occupational specialties or duties. HR 6070--Military Spouses Residency Relief Act--Amend the service members Civil Relief Act to guarantee the residency of spouses of military personnel. HR 6331--Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008--Amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access and for other purposes. {Reduced Medicare payments would reduce TRICARE payments} S 2674--America's Wounded Warriors Act--Amend titles 10, USC, to improved and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEC PETKOFF | — |
| PHILIP DENNIS RILEY | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| MARK SEAVEY | — |
| JOHN SOMMER | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
HR 5823--Assist homeless veterans and their families with income tax LETTER--Allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax to provide assistance to homeless veterans and other purposes.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| MARK SEAVEY | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
HR 3298--21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act--Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow individuals called to military service to terminate or suspend certain service contracts entered into before the individual receives notice of a permanent change of station or deployment orders and to provide penalties for violations of interest rate limitations. HR 3393--Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to improve veterans' reemployment rights under chapter 43 of such title, to exempt claims brought under that chapter from arbitration under chapter 1 of title 9 of such Code. HR 3467--Second Chance for America's Veterans Act--Expand and extend counseling and referral programs that minimize recidivism by reintegrating at-risk veterans into meaningful employment. HR 3646--To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study on the fields of employment for which the greatest need for employment exists in various geographic areas--Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study on the fields of employment for which the greatest need for employment exists in various geographic areas. HR 3798--National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to provide for employment and reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty. HR 3889--Amends title 38, USC, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary--Amends title 38, USC, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary. HR 6225--Injunctive Relief for Veterans Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, relating to equitable relief with respect to a State or private employer. HR 6272--SMOCTA Reauthorization Act of 2008--Authorize discretionary appropriations to carry out the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992. S 2471--USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. S 1919, S 2831--Encourages removal of seriously flawed and illegal provisions in the hiring process of veterans LETTERS--In the hiring process of Federal employees, Congress determine that giving fully qualified Veterans a slight edge over their competition was appropriate.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| PETER GAYTAN | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| JOSEPH CLARENCE SHARPE | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
| MARK WALKER New | — |
Veterans VET
S 2525--Veterans Compensation Equity Act of 2008--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide a minimum disability rating for veterans receiving medical treatment for a service-connected disability. S 2683--Amend title 38, USC, to modify certain authorities relating to educational assistance benefits for veterans and for other purposes--Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance program. S 2273--Enhanced Opportunities for Formerly Homeless Veterans Residing in Permanent Housing Act of 2007--A bill to enhance the functioning and integration of formerly homeless veterans who reside in permanent housing and for other purposes. S 2768--Provide a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs--Provides a temporary increase, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2011, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony to House Committee on Veterans' Affairs--Ending Homelessness for Our Nations' Veterans--The American Legion supports various VA and DoD initiatives and urges greater support to end homelessness. Testimony to House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation--VA and DoD Cooperation in Reintegration of National Guard and Reserves--The American Legion supports greater VA and Dod Cooperation and outreach to ensure a proper transition back to American home military and civilian life for all veterans. Testimony to House Veterans Affairs' Committee Subcommittee--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment and Research--The American Legion supports greater funding, treatment, and research against PTSD. Testimony to House Veterans Affairs' Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs--Examining the Effectiveness of VBA Outreach Efforts--The American Legion support greater quality assurance, and greater intensity, of VBA outreach efforts. Public Law 101-510--Enhanced services could improve transition Assistance for Reserve and National Guard--To assist service members who possessed certain critical military specialties that could not be easily transferred to civilian work environment and to assist others with educational and career choices.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| PETER GAYTAN | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| MARK SEAVEY | — |
| JOSEPH CLARENCE SHARPE | — |
| STEVE SMITHSON | — |
| JOHN SOMMER | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
| MARK WALKER New | — |
| JOSEPH WILSON | — |
Small Business SMB
HR 6221--Veteran-Owned Small Business Protection and Clarification Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to require the VA Secretary to include in each contract the Secretary enters for the acquisition of goods and services a provision that requires the contractee to comply with the contracting goals and preferences for small business concerns owned or controlled by veterans.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| PETER GAYTAN | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| JOSEPH CLARENCE SHARPE | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
| MARK WALKER New | — |
Housing HOU
S 2617--Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008--A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2008, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. S 2377--Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities and for other purposes. S 2273--Enhanced Opportunities for Formerly Homeless Veterans Residing in Permanent Housing Act of 2007--Enhance the functioning and integration of formerly homeless veterans who reside in permanent housing. HR 4883--Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the servicemember's period of military service--Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure. HR 4884--Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008--Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008. Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Repeals the current fee schedule with respect to veterans' housing and small business loans. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY 2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY 2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount from 25% to 150% of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming limit limitation determined for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved. Provides for an annual inflation increase in home loan guaranty amounts. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process of guaranteeing home loans for the purchase of a condominium. HR 4539--Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007--Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act 2007. Increases the maximum guarantee amount regarding home purchase or construction loans to certain veterans. Permits guaranteeing certain refinancing loans for 100% (currently, 90%) of reasonable value. Modifies requirements regarding the fees veterans pay for the loan guarantees. Sets the maximum guarantee amount if the dwelling is determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be affordable housing and the veteran is the first owner-occupant. Allows amounts deposited in the existing Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund that are not used for loan guarantees to be used to reduce loan closing costs. HR 5664--Title 38, veterans housing--Amend title 38, USC, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary. HR 3467--Second Chance for America's Veterans Act--Second Chance for America's Veterans Act. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a three-year workforce reentry program for veterans who are residents of a penal institution or an institution that provides long-term care for mental illness and are at-risk referral and counseling services. Makes available under the program job referral, counseling and other services deemed necessary to minimize recidivism and improve job placement. Requires the program to be carried out in at least 24 locations equitably distributed throughout the United States. S 2768--Provide a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs--Provides a temporary increase, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2011, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. View on homeless veterans--Aid homeless veterans and their families--End homelessness for our nations' veterans. VA Home Loan Guaranty Program--The Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) and Hybrid ARM Program authorizations are due to expire LETTERS--Strongly recommends reauthorization of both the ARM and Hybrid ARM home loans and the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program continues to provide veterans with sound mortgage options and services.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| PETER GAYTAN | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| JOSEPH CLARENCE SHARPE | — |
| JOHN SOMMER | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
| MARK WALKER New | — |
| JOSEPH WILSON | — |
Education EDU
HR 2642, [Public Law 110-252]--Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008--Changes to Montgomery GI Bill educational program. HR 4889--The Guard and Reserves Are Fighting Too Act of 2008--Recodifies under federal veterans' benefits provisions former federal armed forces provisions relating to educational assistance programs for members of the Ready Reserve ordered to active duty by reason of war or national emergency. Revises the amount of assistance available for licensing or certification tests. Includes under such recodification provisions concerning an educational assistance allowance for members of the Ready Reserve for flight training. Repeals the authority for accelerated payment of such assistance. Provides for program administration through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY 2010 and thereafter (with transition provisions). Extends the time limitation for the use of the Ready Reserve educational assistance entitlement to ten years after separation from the Ready Reserve. HR 5684--Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to make certain improvements in the basic educational assistance program administered by the VA Secretary. HR 5740, S 22--Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assist Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. HR 6224--Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2008--Direct the VA Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of certain qualifying work-study activities under title 38, USC. S 1718--Veterans Education Tuition Support Act--Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for reimbursement to servicemembers of tuition for programs of education interrupted by military service, for deferment of students loans and reduced interest rates for servicemembers during periods of military service. S 2139--National Guard and Reserve Educational Benefits Fairness Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, provide educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the National Guard and Reserve who serve extended period of continuous active duty that include a prolonged period of service in certain theaters of operation. S 2683--Amend title 38, USC, to modify certain authorities relating to educational assistance benefits for veterans and for other purposes--Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance programs. S 2926--Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to modify and update provisions of law relating to nonprofit research and education corporations. S 2938--Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008--A bill to amend title 10 and 38, USC, to improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces. S 2864--Training and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Enhancement Act of 2008--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to include improvement in quality of life in the objectives of training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and for other purposes. HR 3008--Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act--Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to make competitive grants to provide financial assistance to state departments of veterans affairs for the training of rural county veteran service officers in order to improve outreach and assistance to veterans, as well as their spouses, children and parents, who may be eligible to receive veterans' or veterans-related benefits and who are residing in rural counties. Limits each grant to $1 million. Requires grants to be made on an annual basis. S 2864--Training and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Enhancement Act of 2008--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to include improvement in quality of life in the objectives of training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and for other purposes. S 2273--Enhanced Opportunities for Formerly Homeless Veterans Residing in Permanent Housing Act of 2007--A bill to enhance the functioning and integration of formerly homeless veterans who reside in permanent housing and for other purposes. HR 3889--Amend title 38, USC, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary--Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study for at least 20 years of the veterans who begin participating a vocational rehabilitation program during FY 2008. HR 5684--Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to make certain improvements in the basic educational assistance program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and for other purposes. S 1718--Veterans Tuition Support Act--A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for reimbursement to servicemembers of tuition for programs of education interrupted by military service, for deferment of students loans and reduced interest rates for servicemembers during periods of military service and for other purposes. S 2471--USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and for other purposes. S 2273--Enhanced Opportunities for Formerly Homeless Veterans Residing in Permanent Housing Act of 2007--A bill to enhance the functioning and integration of formerly homeless veterans who reside in permanent housing and for other purposes. HR 6272--SMOCTA Reauthorization Act of 2008--Authorize discretionary appropriations to carry out the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992. HR 6224--Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2008--Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of certain qualifying work-study activities under title 38, USC. HR 6221--Veteran-Owned Small Business Protection and Clarification Act of 2008--Amend title 38, USC, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in each contract the Secretary enters for the acquisition of goods and services a provision that requires the contracted to comply with the contracting goals and preferences for small business concerns owned or controlled by veterans and for other purposes. Various Bills--View on pending Legislations--Ensure that veterans who sacrifice their lives continue to receive the support of their country.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| PETER GAYTAN | — |
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| MARK SEAVEY | — |
| JOSEPH CLARENCE SHARPE | — |
| JOHN SOMMER | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
| MARK WALKER New | — |
Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice LAW
S 2090--To protect privacy and security concerns in court records--Protect privacy and security concerns in court records. S 2091--A bill to increase the number of the court's active judges--Amends federal veterans' benefit law to increase from seven to nine the maximum number of judges on the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. HR 6070--Military Spouses Residency Relief Act--Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to guarantee the residency of spouses of military personnel.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| STEVE ALLEN ROBERTSON | — |
| MARK SEAVEY | — |
| DEAN STOLINE | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.