From the office of Congressman Walz:

Because of the incredible sacrifice America’s military families and veterans make on behalf of their country, they in return deserve the very best from our government. As ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Congressman Walz is honored to fight for them, every day he serves in Congress.

CONTINUING TO HELP VETERAN’S AND THEIR FAMILY WITH VALUED VA PROGRAMS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Mast (R-FL) introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 (H.R. 3819) to continue valuable programs and services scheduled to sunset in areas of health care, benefits, and homelessness. Signed into law (PL 115-62) on September 29, 2017.

IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS, VETERANS AND FAMILIES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Roe (R-TN) introduced the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (H.R. 3218) to replace the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program with an improved and modernized program. Signed into law (PL 115-48) on August 16, 2017.

BUYING USA FLAGS THAT SUPPORT AMERICAN WORKERS AND AMERICAN GOODS
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Bustos (D-IL) introduced the All American Flag Act (H.R. 3121) to ensure the federal government is purchasing flags of the United States of America that are made with materials grown, produced and manufactured in the United States. Referred to Oversight and Government Reform Committee, awaiting action.

HELPING LINK FORMER SERVICEMEMBERS WITH THEIR BENEFITS AND SERVICES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Brown (D-MD) introduced the DD-214 Modernization Act (H.R. 3036) revise the existing Discharge Certificate to include space for one or more e-mail address. This will help close the communication gap between servicemembers transition and state and county resources available to assist their transition. Referred to Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

HELPING VETERANS FIND CAREERS IN THE TRADES AND EMPLOYERS GROW SKILLED EMPLOYEES
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman McSally (R-AZ) introduced Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act (H.R. 3018) to require the VA to recognize pre-apprenticeship programs for the purpose of educational assistance if it is recognized as compliant with state standards for a post-secondary pre-apprenticeship program. Referred to VA Subcommittee, awaiting action.

REVIEW AND RESTORE HONOR TO SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCHARGES FOR FORMER SERVICEMEMBERS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Pocan (D-WI) introduced Restore Honor to Service Members Act (H.R. 2904) to require military record correction boards or discharge review boards to review the discharge characterization of any former members of the Armed Forces requesting a review who were discharged because of their sexual orientation. Such boards to change a characterization to honorable if such characterization is any characterization except honorable if there were no aggravating circumstances. Referred to Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

ADVISE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON PROPOSED COMMISSARY, EXCHANGE AND MWR REFORMS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Jones (R-NC) introduced the Military Patron Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 2850) to establish a seven member Commission of military or veteran service organizations to advise the Secretary of Defense on military commissaries, exchanges and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) programs use of revenue and its sources. Referred to Armed Services Committee, awaiting action.

ENSURING ALL VOICES ARE HEARD IN THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY VETERANS
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman DelBene (D-WA) introduced the Voices for Veterans Act (H.R. 2827) to include veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender as minority group members of the advisory committee and extend the sunset date from December 2017 to December 2019. Referred to the VA Committee, awaiting action.

ALLOWING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION RETAIL FACILITY AND COMMISSARY PRIVILEGES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Lipinski (D-IL) introduced the Purple Heart Heroes Act (H.R. 2704) to allow servicemembers who received the Purple Heart and their dependents the permission to use the commissary stores and MWR retail facilities. Referred to Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

PROTECTING THE EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN UNIFORM
Congressman Walz and Congressman Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the Justice for Servicemembers Act (H.R. 2631) to amend the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act of 1994 to eliminate arbitration as a condition of future or continued employment but allow its voluntary use after a claim has been filed in court or with the Merit Systems Protection Board. Referred to VA Subcommittee and held hearings, awaiting action.

COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Congressman Walz introduced The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 2519) to pay tribute to 100 years of promoting the importance of and caring for those who served in uniform, including those currently serving and their communities with US minted legal tender in 2019. Passed the House and Senate, awaiting President’s action.

IMPROVING THE BENEFITS AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO WOMEN VETERANS
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Esty (D-CT) introduced the Deborah Sampson Act (H.R. 2452) to provide peer-to-peer assistance for those affected by military sexual trauma, legal and supportive services to prevent homelessness, enhanced newborn care, and elimination of barriers to access for women veterans at VA facilities. Referred to the VA Committee, awaiting action.

RECOGNIZING THE RIGHTS OF ALL VETERANS SPOUSES BY AMENDING THE DEFINITION
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Titus (D-NV) introduced the Veterans Spouses Equal Treatment Act (H.R. 2421) to recognize all marriages, except for polygamy, if they were lawful in the place where they occurred and under the laws of any state. Referred to the VA Committee, awaiting action.

IMPROVING THE RIGHTS OF VETERANS AND MODERNIZING THE APPEALS PROCESSES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Bost, (R-IL) introduced the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (H.R. 2288) to improve veterans rights during an appeal and to implement a modernized appeals system while dealing with the appeals of decisions on legacy claims. Signed into law (PL 115-55) on August 23, 2017.

SUPPORTING MEDICALLY RETIRED SERVICEMEMBERS WITH AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE
Congressman Walz and Congressman Johnson (R-TX) introduced Health Equity and Access for Returning Troops and Servicemembers Act (HEARTS Act) (H.R. 2243) to allow medically retired servicemembers who are eligible for Medicare part A but declined Medicare part B to enroll in TRICARE. This eliminates the higher premium incurred because of late enrollment in Medicare part B. Referred to Committee on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, awaiting action.

IDENTIFYING IF TRAINING AND HANDLING SERVICE DOGS IS APPROPRIATE THERAPY
Congressman Walz and Congressman Stivers (R-OH) introduced Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 2225) to allow the VA to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress by having affected veterans train service dogs for other veterans with disabilities at private training facilities. This legislation would establish a pilot program at up to five locations. Referred to VA Subcommittee, held hearings, awaiting action.

REDUCING THE REASSIGNMENT BURDEN FOR CERTIFIED AND LICENSED MILITARY SPOUSES
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Stefanik (R-NY) introduced Lift the Relocation Burden from Military Spouses Act (H.R. 1796) to authorize military departments to reimburse up to $500 for each change of station or assignment for military spouses who require a new state license or certification because of a military permanent change of station. Referred to House Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

HELPING REDUCE THE VA DISABILITY CLAIMS BACKLOG BY IDENTIFYING WORKABLE SOLUTIONS
Congressman Walz introduced the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2017 (H.R. 1725) to identify workable solutions by requiring the VA to report on the use of private medical evidence, when sufficiently complete, to conserve VA resources. Identifying the effectiveness of private evidence will help guide future legislation. Passed the House, received in the Senate, referred to Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, awaiting action.

PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS NEEDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Roby (R-AL) introduced the Protection and Advocacy for Veterans Act (H.R. 1712) to establish a five-year grant program for a national organization and veteran service organization to improve the monitoring of VA mental health and substance abuse treatment programs in states that have low mental health performance and access scores. Referred to VA Subcommittee, awaiting action.

COMMEMORATING THE EXTRAORDINARY SACRIFICE OF AMERICA’S SERVICEMEMBERS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Maloney (D-NY) introduced the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 1683) to honor the more than 1.7 million US Servicemembers wounded or killed in action from the Revolutionary War to present day with US minted legal tender in 2020. Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, awaiting action.

DELIVERING AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Ruiz (D-CA) introduced Wounded Veterans Recreation Act (H.R. 1622) to allow free access passes to all service connected disabled veterans for all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. Current qualifications require permanent disability (physical, mental, or sensory impairment) that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Referred to Natural Resources and Agriculture Subcommittees, awaiting action.

PROTECTING SERVICEMEMBERS INTIMATE PRIVACY
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Speier (D-CA) introduced the Servicemembers Intimate Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 1588) to amend the Uniformed Code of Military Justice to include the prohibition of nonconsensual distribution of private sexual images. Recent nude photo sharing on social media identified a gap in the UCMJ that requires an act of Congress to amend. Referred to House Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

CARING FOR OUR VETERAN CAREGIVERS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Langevin (D-RI) introduced the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 1472) to ensure all military and veteran caregivers receive support; currently, only those caring for military and veterans who were seriously injured or became ill on active duty after September 11, 2001 are eligible. The bill eliminates the restrictive date and expands some services. Referred to Armed Service; Veteran Affairs; Oversight and Government Reform; and Energy and Commerce, awaiting action.

FAIRNESS FOR DEPLOYED NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE COMPONENT SERVICEMEMBERS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Plazzo (R-MS) introduced Reserve Component Benefits Parity Act (H.R. 1384) to ensure fair treatment on all deployment orders. Reserve and National Guard servicemembers who deploy in support of a combatant commander in areas such as Korea or Sinai Peninsula under the mobilization authority of 12304b do not receive pre or post deployment health care, Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, high deployment allowances, or reduction in age for eligibility for retired pay. Ensuring fairness for those who serve right alongside their Active Component counterparts is the right thing to do. Language included in Sec 401 of H.R. 3218; signed into law (PL 115-48) on August 16, 2017.

ENSURING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS RECEIVE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Peters (D-CA) introduced legislation to provide for the entitlement to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple Heart (H.R. 1379). For some Purple Heart recipients, minimum time in service requirements for GI Bill benefits may not be possible. Language included in Sec 102 of H.R. 3218 and signed into law (PL 115-48) on August 16, 2017.

PREVENTING HUNGER FOR OUR JUNIOR ENLISTED FAMILIES
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Davis (D-CA) introduced Military Hunger Prevention Act (H.R. 1078) which excludes the value of a housing allowance for servicemembers when conducting resource calculations for supplemental nutrition assistance programs. In 2014, more than $84 million worth of supplemental nutrition assistance program (food stamp) benefits were spent at military commissaries. Referred to Armed Services and Agriculture Subcommittees, awaiting action.

REPLACING PROTECTIONS AND ENSURING FAIRNESS FOR VHA EMPLOYEES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Takano (D-CA) introduced VA Employee Fairness Act of 2017 (H.R. 980) to repeal provisions that undermine collective bargaining rights for VHA employees in the areas of professional conduct, or competence, peer review and compensation matters. Altering only VHA employee rights prevents the VA from being an employer of choice for thousands of veterans who continue their service as VHA employees. Referred to VA Subcommittee, awaiting action.

CLARIFYING POST 9/11 EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR RESERVE COMPONENT SERVICEMEMBERS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Calvert (R-CA) introduced an amendment to title 38, United States Code, to clarify the eligibility for monthly stipends paid under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for certain members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces (H.R. 925). The clarification allows reserve component members to receive a prorated monthly stipend for non-active duty time. Currently one day of active duty prevents the receipt of educational monthly stipends during the same month. Language included in Sec 113 of H.R. 3218 and signed into law (PL 115-48) on August 16, 2017.

BRINGING CLOSURE TO MILITARY FAMILIES LONGSTANDING SUFFERING
Congressman Walz offered his full support to Congressman Johnson (R-TX) Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States (H. Res. 129). Rep Walz serves as commissioner on the U.S. Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs and understands the morale obligation to servicemembers and military families alike. Referred to House Foreign Affairs and House Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR OUR VETERANS EXPOSED TO ATOMIC RADIATION IN MARSHALL ISLANDS
Congressman Walz offered his full support to Congressman Meng’s (D-NY) Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act (H.R. 632) which would provide presumption of service connection for radiation exposed veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewatak Atoll from January 1977 until December 1980. Their mission was to relocate radioactive fallout at the Nuclear Test Site and make the area safe from radioactivity. Referred to VA Subcommittee, awaiting action.

REDUCING THE REASSIGNMENT BURDEN FOR CERTIFIED AND LICENSED MILITARY SPOUSES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Cartwright (D-PA) introduced Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2017 (H.R. 488) to amend the IRS code, allowing a tax credit against income tax for military spouses who require a new state license or certification because of a military permanent change of station. This will offer up to $500 for qualified relicensing costs of former state professions. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means, awaiting action.

HONORING THE FAMILY HISTORY AND MILITARY SERVICE OF DISTANT RELATIVES
Congressman Walz offered his full support to Congressman Kind’s (D-WI) Honoring our Heroes Act (H.R. 406) which would allow the defense department to present replacement decorations or awards (other than the medal of honor) to relatives to the fourth degree when not the next of kin of the deceased recipient. Referred to Armed Services Subcommittee, awaiting action.

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR OUR NAVY VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE
Congressman Walz and Congressman Valadao (R-CA) introduced Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 (H.R. 299). This legislation clarifies presumptions related to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam by including its territorial seas for the VA’s service connection to Agent Orange. This is long overdue and the right thing for our Vietnam Veterans who are suffering with Agent Orange but not service connected simply because they did not have boots on the ground. Referred to VA Subcommittee, hearings held, awaiting action.

IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA) introduced Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act (H.R. 95) providing childcare assistance to eligible veterans receiving mental health, intensive mental health and other intensive services that the VA determines would improve the veteran’s access because they are primary caretakers of a child. Passed the House, received in the Senate, referred to Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, awaiting action.

PROTECTING CHILDREN OF VETERANS WHO GAVE UP SO MUCH FOR OUR COUNTRY
Congressman Walz and Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA) introduced CHAMPVA Children’s Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 92) allowing children of veterans eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) to continue coverage up to age 26. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) left a coverage gap for children of eligible veterans from 23 to 26 years of age. Public Law (PL 111-383) allows TRICARE to cover children on their parents’ plan up to age 26. Referred to VA Subcommittee, awaiting action.

MILITARY SERVICE AS A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP
Congressman Walz and Congressman Denham (R-CA) introduced Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act or the ENLIST Act (H.R. 60) allowing unlawfully present aliens in the United States, younger than age 15 on December 31, 2012 and otherwise eligible to enlist on active duty a pathway to citizenship contingent upon completion of military service under honorable conditions. Referred to Armed Services Committee, awaiting action.

HONORING MILITARY RETIREES AND FIGHTING TO GET THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE
Congressman Walz introduced the Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (H.R. 1384) which would grant full “veteran” status to members of the Guard and Reserve components who served at least 20 years but have not been called up for federal active duty. This recognition does not entitle members additional benefits or change their earned benefits; it simply adds their service to the “veteran” definition. Language included in Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R. 6416, Section 305) Signed into law (PL 114-315) on December 16, 2016.

ENSURING OUR VETERANS RECEIVE THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE THEY NEED AND DESERVE
Congressman Walz introduced the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 203) to help our veterans combat the war at home for those contemplating suicide. Many veterans and family members continue to struggle with behavioral health challenges, a dissociative sense of belonging and untimely or unavailable medical care. This bill will help our nation with the ability to turn the tide against this growing epidemic. Signed into law (PL 114-2) on February 12, 2015.

FIGHTING FOR THOSE IMPROPERLY DISCHARGED BY DOD WITH FALSE PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Congressman Walz introduced The Servicemembers Mental Health Review Act (H.R. 975) to force DoD to review and correct improper personality disorder discharges for over 31,000 veterans and ensure those suffering from PTSD get the mental health care they need and benefits they have earned. This legislation gives the Physical Disability Board of Review the authority to correct service records and make things right. Partial inclusion NDAA FY-2015 Subtitle C, Sec. 521 (H.R. 3979). Signed into law (PL 113-291) on December 19, 2014.

INCREASING VETERANS ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Congressman Walz served on the Conference Committee to work through the differences between the Senate (S.2450) and House (H.R. 3230) versions of Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. In the wake of the VA scandal involving falsified appointment records that hid long wait times, the agreement increases veterans’ access to health care, promotes greater accountability, increases capacity by approving 27 new VA Health Facilities, and expedites the hiring of more doctors and nurses. Signed into law (PL 113-146) on August 7, 2014.

RIGHTING A WRONG DONE TO MILITARY RETIREES
Congressman Walz and Congressman Maffei (D-NY) introduced the Military Retirement Restoration Act (H.R. 3793), which repeals the onerous cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) cuts for military retirees under age 62 that was included in the budget agreement and originally proposed by House Budget Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). Congressman Walz opposed this provision from the beginning and has vowed to work with anyone to replace it by finding cuts elsewhere. Included in S. 25 and signed into law (PL 113-82) on February 15, 2014.

HELPING THOSE WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
Congressman Walz introduced the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services’ Improvements Act (H.R. 1855) ensuring the VA sets the goal of maximizing injured veterans independence and quality of life, as well as continuing to support their behavioral and mental health functions. It requires the VA evaluate a comprehensive long-term care program for our veterans with traumatic brain injuries instead of the physical care currently available. Included in Sec 107 of H.R. 1627 and signed into law (PL 112-154) on August 6, 2012.

STREAMLINE FEDERAL CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING FOR MILITARY SKILLS
Congressman Walz and Congressman Denham (R-CA) introduced the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act (H.R. 4155). It allows veterans to use their military skills and training towards federal jobs at home by directing the head of each agency to treat relevant military training as sufficient for federal occupational certifications or licenses. The federal government may be paying twice, once with DoD and again with educational benefits, for veterans to receive federal certificates or licenses. In many cases, military training meets or exceeds the federal requirements. Signed into law (PL 112-147) on July 23, 2012.

PROTECTING THE JOBS THEY ALREADY HAVE WHEN SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOY
Congressman Walz introduced legislation (H.R. 3670) requiring the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). When initially established, TSA was exempt from USERRA laws. Today, there is no reason for the exemption and they must offer our service members who were deployed their jobs back. Signed into law (PL 112-171) on August 16, 2012.

FIGHTING FOR BENEFITS EARNED BY MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
Congressman Walz, Co-Chair of the Guard and Reserve Caucus, garnered support of the full caucus and sent a letter to Secretary Panetta, asking DoD to exempt members whose mobilization and deployment occurred before a recent rule change. Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) benefits service members who deploy beyond the standard DoD rules. The recent rule change, in the middle of the Minnesota Red Bulls deployment, reduces the time our soldiers can spend with their families before returning to their employers. Additionally, he joined in support of legislation (H.R. 4045) to restore these benefits, which became law (PL 112-120) on May 25, 2012.

CONGRESSMAN WALZ’S MEMBERSHIP IN CONGRESSIONAL MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS*

Congressional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Caucus: Ensures EOD technicians across all branches of our military have the tools and resources to protect others by rendering safe every type of ordnance on land and at sea, as well as operating not only in theater abroad but also by partnering with civil authorities and lending their expertise to neutralize domestic threats. Congressman Walz is a Co-Chair.

Congressional National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus: Ensures our National Guard and Reserve components have adequate resources to carry out their missions overseas, defend the homeland and provide crucial support to our nation’s citizens during natural disasters and national emergencies. Congressman Walz is a Co-Chair.

Special Operations Forces Caucus: is committed to advancing the needs of our country’s special operations community and the issues facing armed service members who perform special operations missions. Congressman Walz is the Co-Chair

Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus: In both the House and Senate, the caucus works to decrease the unemployment rate of the nation’s veterans who are currently seeking meaningful employment. The caucus collaborates with private businesses both large and small to commit to hiring veterans. Congressman Walz is a Co-Chair.

*The term “Congressional Member Organization” refers to a group of Members who join in pursuit of common legislative objectives. CMOs exist to affect public policy, either directly through policy advocacy for a region or an issue, or indirectly by attracting media attention, or through the socialization and orientation of their Members. Nearly all CMOs serve as forums for the exchange of information.