From: Mark Sutton, Director of Government Affairs, National Veterans Development Council
Subject: Washington, D.C. Report – Bills signed on November 30, 2021
President Joe Biden signed the following bills connected to Veterans into law.
- S. 796 – PL 117-69 – Protecting Moms who served Act 2021.
Who does this law affect? This bill focuses on women veterans’ care during and after pregnancies, at VA Medical Centers, and outside of the VA system. “GAO Report.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available, a report on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among pregnant and postpartum veterans, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes for veterans.”
- S. 894 – PL 117-67 – Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021.
Who does this law affect? Current members of the Armed Forces who have one year or less until discharge from active duty and works in a health care specialty.
If a member of the Armed Forces identified under subsection (a) expresses an interest in working in a health care occupation within the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall refer the member to a recruiter of the Department for consideration of open positions in the specialty and geography of interest to the member.
- S. 1031 – PL 117-66 – Government accountability office study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
What should you know about this law? The initial brief by the GAO is due no later than one year from the law’s enactment. A final report is due 240 days after the initial brief is given. Look for a hearing before November 30, 2022, on the initial brief.
- S. 1095 – PL 117-68 – Department of Veterans Affairs disapproval of courses offered by public institutions of higher learning that do not charge veterans the in-state tuition rate for purposes of survivors’ and dependents’ educational assistance program.
Who should be aware of this bill? – Veterans using their VA approve educational benefits.
