{"format":1,"id":"117-hr-3967","congress":117,"number":"H.R. 3967","kind":"bill","group":"bills","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2021","title_source":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","official_title":"To improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes.","titles":[{"type":"Official Title as Introduced","title":"To improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Display Title","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate bill text","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate bill text","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"TEAM Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"COVENANT Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill text","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2021"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"TEAM Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles for portions of a bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Other Short Titles","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed Senate","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans' Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","title":"Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House","title":"Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumptions Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced","title":"Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act"}],"outcome":"passed_different","law_number":null,"introduced":"2021-06-17","chambers":{"house":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2022-03-03","vote":{"id":"117-2022-h57","question":"On Passage","title":"Honoring our PACT Act","result":"Passed","yea":256,"nay":174,"present":0,"not_voting":3,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll057.xml"}},"senate":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2022-06-16","vote":{"id":"117-2022-s230","question":"On Passage of the Bill","title":"H.R. 3967, As Amended","result":"Bill Passed","yea":84,"nay":14,"present":0,"not_voting":2,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00230.xml"}}},"president":{"status":"na","date":null},"vice_president_tie_breaker":null,"latest_action":{"text":"Message on Senate action sent to the House.","date":"2022-06-16"},"nominees":null,"amendments":[{"number":"H.Amdt. 177","sponsor":"Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]","purpose":"   Amendments en bloc comprised of amendments numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28.","result":"Agreed to","date":"2022-03-02","yea":331,"nay":96,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll052.xml"},{"number":"H.Amdt. 178","sponsor":"Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-2]","purpose":"Amendment sought to replace the text of the bill with the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, which expands healthcare eligibility for certain combat veterans exposed to toxic substances to last for ten years after separation instead of five years, to require toxic exposure-related education and training for VA personnel, and to require screenings and studies to better identify potential associations between veteran medical conditions and toxic exposure.","result":"Failed","date":"2022-03-02","yea":203,"nay":223,"present":0,"not_voting":6,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll053.xml"},{"number":"H.Amdt. 179","sponsor":"Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]","purpose":"Amendment ensures toxic exposed veterans have access to mammography screenings.","result":"Agreed to","date":"2022-03-02","yea":425,"nay":0,"present":0,"not_voting":7,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll054.xml"},{"number":"H.Amdt. 181","sponsor":"Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-36]","purpose":"Amendment allows veterans in the burn pits registry to designate a registered individual or an immediate family member to update the registry with the cause of death of the individual.","result":"Agreed to","date":"2022-03-03","yea":425,"nay":0,"present":0,"not_voting":7,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll055.xml"},{"number":"H.Amdt. 182","sponsor":"Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]","purpose":"Amendment adds the text of the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act, which requires the Department of the VA to document, track, and then notify Congress of specified data points to related to exposure cases as reported by veterans to the VA.","result":"Agreed to","date":"2022-03-03","yea":348,"nay":78,"present":0,"not_voting":6,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll056.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 5051","sponsor":"Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]","purpose":"In the nature of a substitute.","result":"Amendment Agreed to","date":"2022-06-15","yea":84,"nay":15,"present":0,"not_voting":1,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00226.xml"}],"other_votes":[{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-03-02","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Agreed to","yea":331,"nay":96,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll052.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-03-02","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Failed","yea":203,"nay":223,"present":0,"not_voting":6,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll053.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-03-02","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Agreed to","yea":425,"nay":0,"present":0,"not_voting":7,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll054.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-03-03","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Agreed to","yea":425,"nay":0,"present":0,"not_voting":7,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll055.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-03-03","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Agreed to","yea":348,"nay":78,"present":0,"not_voting":6,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll056.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-06-07","question":"On the Cloture Motion","title":"Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 3967","result":"Cloture Motion Agreed to","yea":86,"nay":12,"present":0,"not_voting":2,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00215.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-06-13","question":"On the Cloture Motion","title":"Motion to Invoke Cloture: Amdt. No. 5051 to H.R. 3967","result":"Cloture Motion Agreed to","yea":78,"nay":17,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00225.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-06-15","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Tester Amendment No. 5051 to H.R. 3967","result":"Amendment Agreed to","yea":84,"nay":15,"present":0,"not_voting":1,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00226.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-06-15","question":"On the Cloture Motion","title":"Motion to Invoke Cloture: H.R. 3967","result":"Cloture Motion Agreed to","yea":76,"nay":23,"present":0,"not_voting":1,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00227.xml"}],"crs_summary":{"date":"2022-06-16","stage":"Passed Senate","blocks":[{"k":"h","t":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE I--EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY"},{"k":"p","t":"Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022 or the COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"Subtitle A--Toxic-Exposed Veterans"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 103) This section provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (e.g., a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system, such as the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record); (2) served in specified locations on specified dates; or (3) deployed in support of a specified contingency operation."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 104) The VA must complete an assessment to determine (1) the personnel and material resources necessary to implement the expanded provision of care to the veterans specified in Section 103 of this bill (e.g., veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity), and (2) the total number of veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates and receive hospital care or medical services from the VA, disaggregated by priority group."},{"k":"p","t":"Subtitle B--Certain Veterans Of Combat Service And Other Matters"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 111) This section extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are toxic-exposed veterans, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE II--TOXIC EXPOSURE PRESUMPTION PROCESS"},{"k":"p","t":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022 or the TEAM Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 202) This section prescribes the procedures for establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure, including by providing for public notice and comment periods and the establishment of a working group to advise and make recommendations regarding toxic exposures during military service."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 203) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for compensation for a service-connected disability that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 204) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection in relation to dependency and indemnity compensation. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for dependency and indemnity compensation related to service-connected conditions that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE III--IMPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CONNECTION PROCESS FOR TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS"},{"k":"p","t":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 302) This section establishes a presumption that veterans were exposed to certain substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service in specified locations in specified time frames (e.g., on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 303) The VA must provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE IV--PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION"},{"k":"p","t":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 401) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the VA presumption of service-connection for specified cancers."},{"k":"p","t":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 402) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, or in the response effort following the on-board fire and crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in the vicinity of Thule Air Force Base, Greenland, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the presumption of service-connection for specified cancers."},{"k":"p","t":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 403) This section expands the presumption of service-connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Specifically, the bill expands the presumption to cover veterans who served during specified time frames in Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or the waters thereof, or on Johnson Atoll. Under the bill, such veterans are eligible for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care."},{"k":"p","t":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 404) This section provides a presumption of service-connection for hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who performed service specified in Section 403 of this bill (e.g., in Thailand)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 405) This section addresses disability compensation and care issues for Persian Gulf War veterans, including by expanding who qualifies as a Persian Gulf Veteran."},{"k":"p","t":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 406) This section establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to specified substances, chemicals, or airborne hazards becoming manifest in veterans who served in specified locations during specified times (e.g., Iraq on or after August 2, 1990)."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE V--RESEARCH MATTERS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 501) The VA must collaborate with various entities, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), to establish the Toxic Exposure Research Working Group to (1) identify collaborative research activities and resources and conduct such research related to health consequences of toxic exposure during military service, and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for collaborative research activities."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 502) The VA must continually analyze all clinical data obtained in connection with its provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for toxic-exposed veterans that is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association between a veteran's medical condition and a toxic exposure."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 503) The VA must conduct an updated analysis of total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations at specified times, such as in Kuwait on or after August 2, 1990."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 504) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 505) The VA must study the incidence of cancer in veterans to determine trends in the rates of incidence of cancer in veterans."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 506) The VA must enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to study the health trends of veterans who, during active service, participated in activities relating to the Manhattan Project or resided near specified locations proximate to waste arising from activities in connection with the Manhattan Project."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 507) The VA must enter an agreement with NASEM to study possible relationships between toxic exposures experienced during service in the Armed Forces and mental health conditions."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 508) The Government Accountability Office must study the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to veterans in territories and Freely Associated States of the United States."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 509) The VA must establish and maintain a publicly accessible website to serve as a clearinghouse for the publication of all toxic exposure research carried out or funded by the executive branch of the federal government."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 510) The VA must report to Congress on the health effects of jet fuels used by the Armed Forces."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF RESOURCES AND TRAINING REGARDING TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS"},{"k":"p","t":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022 or the FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 602) The VA must publish a list of its resources for toxic-exposed veterans and veterans who report toxic exposure, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits. The VA must also develop an informative outreach program for veterans on illnesses that may be related to toxic exposures."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 603) The VA must incorporate a screening to help determine potential toxic exposures during active military service as part of the health care screening furnished to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 604) The VA must provide its health care personnel with education and training to identify, treat, and assess the impact on veterans of illnesses related to toxic exposures. Additionally, the VA must incorporate an annual training program for processors of claims for disability benefits relating to service-connected disabilities based on toxic exposures."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VII--RESOURCING"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 701) The VA is authorized to use funds appropriated to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to continue the modernization, development, and expansion of capabilities and capacity of information technology systems and infrastructure of the VBA to support expected increased claims processing for newly eligible veterans. The VA must submit a plan to Congress for the modernization of the information technology systems of the VBA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 702) This section authorizes the VA to carry out various medical facility leases at specified amounts in FY2023 (e.g., an outpatient clinic in Allentown, Pennsylvania)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 703) This section prohibits funds from being appropriated, obligated, or expended for any major VA medical facility lease unless the congressional veterans affairs committees each adopt a resolution approving the lease."},{"k":"p","t":"Additionally, this section (1) modifies the requirements for the prospectus that must be submitted regarding a request for funding a major medical facility lease, and (2) authorizes the VA to carry out interim leasing actions as it considers necessary for approved major medical facility leases and replacement leases that do not require approval."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 704) The VA may enter into a lease with an academic affiliate or other specified entity to acquire space for the purpose of providing health care resources to veterans."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 705) This section modifies the enhanced-use lease authority of the VA, including by permanently authorizing such authority and extending the maximum term of such leases from 75 to 99 years. This section also provides appropriations for entering into enhanced-used leases and authorizes the VA to deposit unutilized funds received under an enhanced-use lease in the Medical Facilities or the Construction, Minor Projects accounts."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 706) This section prescribes the authority for joint leasing actions between DOD and the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 707) This section provides specified appropriations for major medical facility leases through FY2031."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VIII--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 801) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served at Fort McClellan at any time between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 802) DOD must brief Congress on the quality of its databases that provide the information presented in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and the usefulness of the record in supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in receiving health care and benefits."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 803) The VA must provide a means for veterans to update their records as necessary to reflect exposures to occupational or environmental hazards in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record."},{"k":"p","t":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 804) This section provides a federal cause of action for individuals who resided, worked, or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) for not less than 30 days to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 805) This section establishes the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund in the Treasury to be administered by the VA to invest in the delivery of veterans' health care and benefits associated with exposures to environmental hazards during military services and medical and other research relating to exposure to environmental hazards."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 806) This section provides appropriations to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to remain available through FY2024. The VA must submit a plan for expending such amounts."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 807) This section authorizes the VA to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 808) The VA must annually submit a report related to veterans who submit a disability claim for a service-connected disability and were deployed at specified locations at specified times. Additionally, the VA must ensure that VA medical professionals inform a veteran of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if a veteran seeks treatment at a VA medical facility for issues related to, or ancillary to, the exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE IX--IMPROVEMENT OF WORKFORCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 901) The VA must develop and implement a national rural recruitment and hiring plan for the VHA to, among other purposes, recruit health care professionals for rural and highly rural community-based outpatient clinics and medical centers."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 902) The VA may buy out a non-VA service contract of certain health care professionals to whom the VA has offered employment in exchange for the individual agreeing to be employed at a rural or highly rural facility for at least four years."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 903) The VA must establish qualifications for each of its human resources positions and establish standardized performance metrics for such positions. The VA must also establish or enhance its systems to monitor human resources actions that occur at local, regional, and national levels to improve performance of those actions. The VA must also submit a plan to Congress for the recruitment and retention of human resources employees within the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 904) This section increases the pay cap for certain employees of the VHA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 905) This section expands employment opportunities for housekeeping aides by removing the requirement that competition for VA housekeeping aide positions is restricted to preference eligibles."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 906) This section modifies the authority of the VA related to hours, conditions and employment, and pay for certain employees of the VHA, specifically certain appointees and Senior Executive Service positions. Additionally, the section authorizes the VA to establish an awards program for certain appointed personnel, such as physicians."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 907) The VA is authorized to waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee of the VHA during the calendar year in which the official duty station of the employee is closed or the office, facility, activity, or organization of the employee is realigned. Similarly, the VA may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee whose primary duties include providing expanded care for veterans exposed to open burn pits."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 908) This section eliminates the limitation on aggregate amounts for awards and bonuses for employees of the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 909) Among other elements, this section provides additional authority for the VA to provide recruitment and relocation bonuses, retention bonuses, merit awards, incentives for critical skills, and student loan repayments. The section increases the cap on the number of college graduates and post-secondary students the VA may hire through an expedited process. The VA may authorize the fixing of the rate of pay for critical positions in the VA, with some limitations. Additionally, the VA may establish a rate for special pay and may waive the limitation on certain payments, such as bonuses."}],"words":2566},"summary":{"main_subject":{"text":"Expands Department of Veterans Affairs health care eligibility and sets presumptions of service connection for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and adds research, training, records and funding provisions on toxic exposure.","cites":[{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA9F8A9ADC2FA4DB0A9760FCEB539D9D5"},{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H0DD6367EED3B4B5787B29A0DA2A30114"},{"label":"Sec. 406","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HF5E38C961F57469FB6627490FA856DDC"}]},"core_areas":["Department of Veterans Affairs health care eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans","Process for establishing and removing presumptions of service connection","Presumptions of service connection for burn pit, herbicide and radiation exposures","Medical examinations and claim reevaluation for toxic exposure claims","Toxic exposure research and studies","Registries and exposure records","Camp Lejeune water exposure lawsuits","Veterans Toxic Exposures Fund"],"what_it_does":[{"text":"Makes veterans who took part in a toxic exposure risk activity, covered veterans, and veterans deployed in listed contingency operations eligible for VA hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for any illness, with start dates phased from October 1, 2024 to October 1, 2032.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA9F8A9ADC2FA4DB0A9760FCEB539D9D5"}},{"text":"Creates a nine-member Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure and sets a process of formal evaluations and regulations for the Secretary to establish or remove presumptions of service connection based on toxic exposure.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H0DD6367EED3B4B5787B29A0DA2A30114"}},{"text":"Requires the Secretary to identify claims denied before a presumption of service connection was established or modified, to allow reevaluation at the veteran's election, and to pay compensation effective from the original claim date if approved.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 203","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H6FEEA35B0AFB49E6BFEA84AA2B1024A1"}},{"text":"Requires the Secretary to presume that covered veterans who served in listed locations, such as Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait on or after August 2, 1990, were exposed to substances on a list the Secretary maintains, unless there is affirmative evidence otherwise.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 302","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HE8DC20FFBB1942D7BF5556507DE90C76"}},{"text":"Requires a medical examination and a medical opinion on a possible nexus when a claim has evidence of a disability and of a toxic exposure risk activity but the evidence is not enough to establish service connection, unless the Secretary finds no indication of an association.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 303","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H687AF2756883422AA6B6BDF2B96A31F6"}},{"text":"Extends the herbicide presumption of service connection beyond Vietnam to service in listed periods in Thailand bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 403","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H8BB7F51088E1407E8D2ADBF6190E1EA6"}},{"text":"Establishes a presumption of service connection for listed diseases in covered veterans, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and several types of cancer.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 406","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HF5E38C961F57469FB6627490FA856DDC"}},{"text":"Lets individuals exposed for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, bring an action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina for harm caused by that exposure.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 706","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H76BFD0F9FA9D42B282A90BBF6190DE1F"}},{"text":"Establishes the Veterans Toxic Exposures Fund in the Treasury, administered through the VA, and authorizes appropriations to it for fiscal year 2023 and each later fiscal year.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 707","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HFB1C9978F5D94177BC899D7CCAF26A87"}},{"text":"Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry of individuals who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous film-forming foam on military installations.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 701","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HC03D3B8ECC8B4D7C8537E823FF2F91C3"}}],"unexpected":[{"category":"off_subject","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 111","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H5BD666DA569545C0BF6188D4C67F852C"},"heading":"Expansion of period of eligibility for health care for certain veterans of combat service","effect":"Changes the enrollment eligibility window for health care for certain combat-service veterans, replacing a five-year period with a 10-year period and opening a one-year enrollment window beginning October 1, 2022.","amount":null,"quote":"who was discharged or released from the active military, naval, air, or space service after September 11, 2001, and before October 1, 2013"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 112","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H6327069B44A146C8BB68B642440F4B0C"},"heading":"Authorization period for emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities","effect":"Requires the Secretary to treat emergency care at a non-Department facility as authorized if an application is made within a period set by the Secretary, which may not be less than 96 hours after admission.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall deem the care or services received by the veteran during such admission to be authorized under subparagraph (A)"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 504","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H2F3135EEAC1349C78A38B1E082B51906"},"heading":"Study on health trends of post 9/11 veterans","effect":"Requires the VA to conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, assessing race, ethnicity, age, service period, occupational specialty, gender and disability status, and to report within two years.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 505","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HAD3844A64D6D471ABFBFCAB0748E14B4"},"heading":"Study on cancer rates among veterans","effect":"Requires the VA to study trends in the incidence of cancer in veterans and available early detection diagnostics, assessing race, ethnicity, age, service period, occupational specialty, gender and cancer type, and to report within two years.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the incidence of cancer in veterans, to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 509","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA12BAEA7B1014AC2A68490DBED486CDE"},"heading":"Study on veterans in Territories of the United States","effect":"Requires the Comptroller General to study access and barriers to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services for veterans in U.S. Territories and report within one year.","amount":null,"quote":"shall conduct a study on the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans in Territories of the United States"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 708","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HD2067522086F42F0A6D1239CA8F97F3E"},"heading":"Authorization of electronic notice in claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs","effect":"Authorizes the VA to send claim and Board of Veterans' Appeals decision notices electronically when a claimant elects it, and amends title 38 provisions on how notices are issued.","amount":null,"quote":"The term notice means a communication issued through means (including electronic means) prescribed by the Secretary."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 710","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H72DC6E814B174A658BBD83A37206019B"},"heading":"Non-applicability of non-Department of Veterans Affairs covenants not to compete to appointment of Veterans Health Administration personnel","effect":"Makes covenants not to compete with non-Department parties have no force or effect for applicants to Veterans Health Administration positions, and requires appointees to agree to a service obligation of at least one year, which the Secretary may waive.","amount":null,"quote":"any covenant not to compete into which the individual has entered with a non-Department facility or party shall have no force or effect with respect to the appointment"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 711","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA9DF1D6667044FC8BC60D87D8EB0888D"},"heading":"Recruitment of physicians on a contingent basis prior to completion of training requirements","effect":"Allows the Secretary to appoint physicians to Veterans Health Administration positions on a contingent basis if they are expected to finish residency within two years, and converts the appointment to permanent upon completion.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary may appoint an individual under subsection (b)(1) on a contingent basis in accordance with this subsection"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 712","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA32989D5A7DF4666B9434087363D6EDE"},"heading":"Authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to States to improve outreach to veterans","effect":"Creates a grant program for States to improve outreach to veterans and hire county or tribal veterans service officers, authorizing $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027, and allows one added full-time employee in the Office of the General Counsel.","amount":"$50,000,000","quote":"There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027, $50,000,000 to carry out this section."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 715","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HE95525C6C1E8406DA3731E1F918C06FF"},"heading":"Authorization of appropriations for expansion of claims automation","effect":"Authorizes $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to modernize and expand the Veterans Benefits Management System for claims processing.","amount":"$150,000,000","quote":"There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to continue the modernization and expansion of capabilities"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 605","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H677582A1EEF24C9095B3C60E08352DEC"},"heading":"Guidelines for active duty military on potential risks and prevention of toxic exposures","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish guidelines, within 90 days, for training active duty members on toxic exposure risks and prevention.","amount":null,"quote":"shall jointly coordinate and establish guidelines to be used during training of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty"}]},{"category":"named_funding","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 714","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H90F1797353EE4C439DC39B44E49E6B3D"},"heading":"Budget information for alternatives to burn pits","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Defense to include a dedicated budget line item for incinerators and waste-to-energy waste disposal alternatives to burn pits in the President's budget submission for fiscal years 2023 through 2027.","amount":null,"quote":"a dedicated budget line item for incinerators and waste-to-energy waste disposal alternatives to burn pits"}]},{"category":"selective_carve_out","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HA9F8A9ADC2FA4DB0A9760FCEB539D9D5"},"heading":"Expansion of health care for specific categories of toxic-exposed veterans and veterans supporting certain overseas contingency operations","effect":"Expands VA health care eligibility to three groups of veterans, with start dates phased in from October 1, 2024 through October 1, 2032 depending on the period in which a veteran was discharged or released.","amount":null,"quote":"October 1, 2024, with respect to a veteran described in such subparagraph (G) or (H) who was discharged or released from the active military, naval, air, or space service"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H0DD6367EED3B4B5787B29A0DA2A30114"},"heading":"Improvements to ability of Department of Veterans Affairs to establish presumptions of service connection based on toxic exposure","effect":"Exempts the newly created Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure from the sunset requirements of section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.","amount":null,"quote":"Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Committee."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 706","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H76BFD0F9FA9D42B282A90BBF6190DE1F"},"heading":"Federal cause of action relating to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina","effect":"Creates a federal cause of action over Camp Lejeune water exposure, but excludes any claim or action arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces.","amount":null,"quote":"This section does not apply to any claim or action arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces."}]},{"category":"process_change","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 709","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H251030A676E6440E9FE7E73C852038AE"},"heading":"Authorization of appropriations for expansion of claims automation","effect":"Authorizes $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 for claims processing automation, self-service features for filing claims, and reducing reliance on the legacy claim system.","amount":"$30,000,000","quote":"There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to support expected increased claims processing for newly eligible veterans"}]},{"category":"unnamed_target","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 713","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H542DF42152EF47929C88E7BEA8D2D3A7"},"heading":"Study and report on herbicide agent exposure in Panama Canal Zone","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Defense to study exposure of service members to herbicide agents in the Panama Canal Zone from January 1, 1958 to December 31, 1999, and report to Congress within one year.","amount":null,"quote":"conduct a study on the exposure of members of the Armed Forces to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange and Agent Purple, in the Panama Canal Zone"}]},{"category":"political_name","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 401","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-H3AB9A50E8C2D4CB685D89FAFEE512405"},"heading":"Treatment of veterans who participated in cleanup of Enewetak Atoll as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of presumption of service connection of certain disabilities by Department of Veterans Affairs","effect":"Gives the section a short title that includes a person's name, and adds cleanup of Enewetak Atoll from January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1980 to the radiation-exposed veteran activities for presumption of service connection.","amount":null,"quote":"This section may be cited as the “Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act”."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 717","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh#toc-HC53A9AB780F44C00BD51FDAA7B8AE871"},"heading":"Burn pit transparency","effect":"Gives the section the short title 'SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act' and requires quarterly and annual reports on reported burn pit exposure cases.","amount":null,"quote":"This section may be cited as the “SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act”."}]}],"version":{"type":"Engrossed in House","date":"2022-03-03","rule":"passed","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text/eh"},"current":true,"model":"claude-sonnet-5-5","approved":"2026-10-15","approved_by":"checks"},"sources":{"congress_gov":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967","text":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text"},"card":{"image":"card/item/117-hr-3967.png","v":"96fd8fd74e0a","alt":"Votes on Record. H.R. 3967, 117th Congress: Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. House: 256 Yea, 174 Nay. Senate: 84 Yea, 14 Nay. Outcome: Passed in two versions, 16 Jun 2022."}}