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H.R. 6342: Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

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H.R. 6342: Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

109th Congress · introduced 2006-12-05 · Armed Forces and National Security · Latest: Became Public Law No: 109-444.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2006-12-05 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Buyer, Steve [R-IN-4] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 109-444. (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 - (Sec. 2) Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend through 2007: (1) the authority for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care for veteran participants in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological warfare testing; (2) VA treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill homeless veterans; (3) additional VA services for homeless and seriously mentally ill veterans; (4) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; and (5) VA authority for the purchase of grave markers to be placed at the graves of veterans in private cemeteries. Extends through: (1) FY2007 a grant and per diem assistance program for homeless veterans; and (2) June 30, 2007, an educational assistance allowance program for veterans pursuing work-study. (Sec. 3) Expands eligibility under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program to include the spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces who: (1) is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care; (2) has a total permanent disability incurred in the line of duty; and (3) is likely to be discharged or released due to such disability. (Sec. 4) Provides a deadline of six months after the enactment of this Act for biennial reports by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense on educational assistance programs provided to members and veterans. Makes such reporting requirement permanent (currently ends on January 1, 2005). (Sec. 5) Extends through 2008 (currently, 2004) required biennial reports from the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to designate at least six VA health-care facilities as centers of Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical activities. Requires appropriate geographic distribution of such facilities. Requires the VA's Under Secretary for Health to establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted for participation as such a center. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to designate at least two VA health-care facilities as multiple sclerosis centers of excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health to establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted for participation as such a center. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases in FY2006 and FY2007. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9) Codifies recently enacted VA cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Buyer, Steve [R-IN-4] · 1 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (1)
Appropriation
Money a legislature sets aside by law for a specific purpose. Government agencies may spend public money only as it has been appropriated.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong109-hr6342 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong109 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong109