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LEGISLATION/H.R. 6961

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

117-HR-6961117th CongressIntroduced Mar 7, 2022Armed Forces and National Security
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Became Public Law No: 117-300.

Sponsor

Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1](D-IN-1)
4 cosponsors

Summary

This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Subjects

Administrative remediesAssault and harassment offensesCrime victimsDepartment of Veterans AffairsEmergency medical services and trauma careGovernment studies and investigationsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsSex offensesVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation

Actions (27)

Became Public Law No: 117-300.
Dec 27, 2022Library of Congress
Became Public Law No: 117-300.
Dec 27, 2022Library of Congress
Signed by President.
Dec 27, 2022Library of Congress
Signed by President.
Dec 27, 2022Library of Congress
Presented to President.
Dec 23, 2022House floor actions
Presented to President.
Dec 23, 2022Library of Congress
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Dec 20, 2022Senate
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)
Dec 19, 2022Senate
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Dec 19, 2022Library of Congress
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Dec 19, 2022Senate
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Dec 19, 2022Library of Congress
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
May 19, 2022Senate
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 18, 2022House floor actions
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216). (text: CR H5107)
May 18, 2022House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216).
May 18, 2022Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142)
May 18, 2022House floor actions
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
May 18, 2022House floor actions
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961.
May 18, 2022House floor actions
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108)
May 18, 2022House floor actions
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 18, 2022House floor actions
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Apr 6, 2022House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Apr 6, 2022House committee actions
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
Apr 6, 2022House committee actions
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Mar 28, 2022House committee actions
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Mar 7, 2022House floor actions
Introduced in House
Mar 7, 2022Library of Congress
Introduced in House
Mar 7, 2022Library of Congress
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