Legis Daily

Deborah Sampson Act

USA116th CongressHR-3224| House 
| Updated: 11/13/2019
Julia Brownley

Julia Brownley

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (36)
Tim Ryan (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Chris Pappas (Democratic)David N. Cicilline (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Jackie Speier (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Debra A. Haaland (Democratic)Max Rose (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Bobby L. Rush (Democratic)Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Collin C. Peterson (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Vicente Gonzalez (Democratic)Ann M. Kuster (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Peter J. Visclosky (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Henry Cuellar (Democratic)Antonio Delgado (Democratic)Conor Lamb (Democratic)Tulsi Gabbard (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Susie Lee (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Susan Wild (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)

Health Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Deborah Sampson Act This bill implements or expands various programs related to health care and benefits for women veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). TITLE I--VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (Sec. 101) The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) must establish the Office of Women's Health for the purpose of providing a central office for monitoring and encouraging the activities of VHA with respect to the provision, evaluation, and improvement of women veterans' health care services. At a minimum, this section requires at least one designated women's health primary care provider at each medical center and at each community-based outpatient clinic. The Office of Women's Health must ensure that each VA medical facility holds a public forum for women veterans at least biannually. Additionally, each VA medical facility must convene a focus group of women veterans at least quarterly to discuss harassment at such facilities. (Sec. 102) This section requires the VA to expand the capabilities of the Women Veterans Call Center by including a text messaging capability. (Sec. 103) The VA must publish a website providing information for women veterans about the benefits and services available to them. (Sec. 104) This section requires the VA to report on requirements to retrofit existing VA medical facilities with fixtures, materials, and other outfitting measures to support the provision of care to women veterans. (Sec. 105) The VA must establish a policy under which the environment of care standards and inspections at VA medical centers include certain elements, including a requirement for the frequency of inspections and a remediation plan. (Sec. 106) This section authorizes an appropriation for the VA Women Veterans Health Care Mini-Residency Program to provide opportunities for participation in such program for primary care and emergency clinicians. (Sec. 107) The VA must establish a training module for community providers (non-VA health care providers) that is specific to women veterans. TITLE II--MEDICAL CARE (Sec. 201) This section requires the VA to ensure that women's health primary care services are available at every VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic during regular business hours. Additionally, the VA must conduct a study, interviewing women veterans and employees, to assess the need for and use of extended hours as a means of reducing barriers to care. (Sec. 202) This section expands eligibility for the treatment program for veterans with psychological trauma caused by sexual abuse or harassment that occurred during active military service. Specifically, the section expands eligibility to former members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released from service under a condition that is not honorable, but is not dishonorable or a discharge by court-martial. Additionally, such former members and veterans are eligible for trauma that occurred while on duty, regardless of their duty status or the line of duty determination (determination made regarding whether the member was assaulted while in the line of duty). (Sec. 203) The Readjustment Counseling Service of the VHA must implement a program to provide reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to specified individuals (e.g., veterans and dependents), including cohorts of certain women veterans who are eligible for readjustment counseling services. (Sec. 204) This section increases from 7 to 14 the number of days that the VA may furnish health care services, including post-delivery care, to the newborn child of a woman veteran who delivered the child in a VA facility, another facility pursuant to a VA contract for such services, or another location if the child is delivered prior to arrival at a facility. Additionally, the section provides that the VA is authorized to furnish transportation (e.g., via ambulance or air ambulance) for the newborn to receive such health care services. If the child is in need of additional care, the VA may furnish such care and transportation for more than 14 days. The VA must directly reimburse an entity for such health care services or transportation services, unless such services are covered by an established agreement or contract. Where appropriate, the VA is authorized to provide reimbursement for the 14 day allotment of health care or transportation services furnished to a newborn child between May 5, 2010, and the date of enactment of this bill. TITLE III--REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS Subtitle A--Reports This subtitle requires the VA to report on and study various issues related to the provision of health care and other benefits for women veterans. Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans must include in its biennial report an assessment of the effects of intimate partner violence on women veterans. Subtitle B--Other Matters (Sec. 321) This section requires the VA to establish a policy to end harassment and sexual assault, including sexual and gender-based harassment, at its facilities. The VA must also designate points of contact to receive reports of harassment and sexual assault at each VA facility, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), National Cemetery Administration locations, regional benefits offices, and at the Central Office of the VA. Additionally, the VA must establish a policy for addressing harassment and sexual assault at facilities and the VISN. The intake process for veterans at VA medical facilities must include a survey regarding whether such veterans feels safe in the facility. (Sec. 322) This section authorizes an appropriation for FY2020 under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program to provide assistance to organizations that focus on assisting very low-income women veterans and their families who are occupying permanent housing. (Sec. 323) This section requires the VA to complete an analysis of programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to identify areas for improvement in such programs. (Sec. 324) This section requires the VA to establish a partnership with at least one nongovernmental organization to provide legal services to women veterans. The partnership must focus on the 10 highest unmet needs of women veterans as identified by the Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) survey. (Sec. 325) This section requires the VA to implement a program to assist veterans who have experienced or are experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual assault in accessing VA benefits. (Sec. 326) The VA must consult with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of intimate partner violence and sexual assault among veterans and spouses or intimate partners of veterans. In addition, the VA must consult with DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national task force to develop a comprehensive national program to address intimate partner violence and sexual assault among veterans by integrating VA facilities, services, and benefits into existing networks of community-based intimate partner violence and sexual assault services.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 12, 2019
Introduced in House
Jun 12, 2019
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Jun 25, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Sep 11, 2019
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Oct 29, 2019
Subcommittee on Health Discharged.
Oct 29, 2019
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Oct 29, 2019
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Nov 12, 2019
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226.
Nov 12, 2019
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 116-281.
Nov 12, 2019
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Nov 12, 2019
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8763-8773)
Nov 12, 2019
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3224.
Nov 12, 2019
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.
Nov 13, 2019
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8774-8775)
Nov 13, 2019
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 11 (Roll no. 611). (text: CR H8763-8769)
View Vote
Nov 13, 2019
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Nov 13, 2019
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sep 15, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-514
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  • June 12, 2019
    Introduced in House


  • June 12, 2019
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • June 25, 2019
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.


  • September 11, 2019
    Subcommittee Hearings Held.


  • October 29, 2019
    Subcommittee on Health Discharged.


  • October 29, 2019
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.


  • October 29, 2019
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.


  • November 12, 2019
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226.


  • November 12, 2019
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 116-281.


  • November 12, 2019
    Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.


  • November 12, 2019
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8763-8773)


  • November 12, 2019
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3224.


  • November 12, 2019
    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.


  • November 13, 2019
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8774-8775)


  • November 13, 2019
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 11 (Roll no. 611). (text: CR H8763-8769)
    View Vote


  • November 13, 2019
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • November 13, 2019
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • September 15, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-514
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 116-3636: Caring For Our Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-3189: Improving Legal Services for Female Veterans Act
  • HR 116-2982: Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act
  • HR 116-2972: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the communications of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to services available for women veterans, and for other purposes.
  • HR 116-2798: Building Supportive Networks for Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-4554: To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a comprehensive anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • HR 116-2681: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the availability of prosthetic items for women veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • HR 116-3867: Violence Against Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-4165: Improving Benefits for Underserved Veterans Act
  • S 116-2915: Supporting Veteran Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2019
Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsVeterans' medical careWomen's health

Deborah Sampson Act

USA116th CongressHR-3224| House 
| Updated: 11/13/2019
Deborah Sampson Act This bill implements or expands various programs related to health care and benefits for women veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). TITLE I--VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (Sec. 101) The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) must establish the Office of Women's Health for the purpose of providing a central office for monitoring and encouraging the activities of VHA with respect to the provision, evaluation, and improvement of women veterans' health care services. At a minimum, this section requires at least one designated women's health primary care provider at each medical center and at each community-based outpatient clinic. The Office of Women's Health must ensure that each VA medical facility holds a public forum for women veterans at least biannually. Additionally, each VA medical facility must convene a focus group of women veterans at least quarterly to discuss harassment at such facilities. (Sec. 102) This section requires the VA to expand the capabilities of the Women Veterans Call Center by including a text messaging capability. (Sec. 103) The VA must publish a website providing information for women veterans about the benefits and services available to them. (Sec. 104) This section requires the VA to report on requirements to retrofit existing VA medical facilities with fixtures, materials, and other outfitting measures to support the provision of care to women veterans. (Sec. 105) The VA must establish a policy under which the environment of care standards and inspections at VA medical centers include certain elements, including a requirement for the frequency of inspections and a remediation plan. (Sec. 106) This section authorizes an appropriation for the VA Women Veterans Health Care Mini-Residency Program to provide opportunities for participation in such program for primary care and emergency clinicians. (Sec. 107) The VA must establish a training module for community providers (non-VA health care providers) that is specific to women veterans. TITLE II--MEDICAL CARE (Sec. 201) This section requires the VA to ensure that women's health primary care services are available at every VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic during regular business hours. Additionally, the VA must conduct a study, interviewing women veterans and employees, to assess the need for and use of extended hours as a means of reducing barriers to care. (Sec. 202) This section expands eligibility for the treatment program for veterans with psychological trauma caused by sexual abuse or harassment that occurred during active military service. Specifically, the section expands eligibility to former members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released from service under a condition that is not honorable, but is not dishonorable or a discharge by court-martial. Additionally, such former members and veterans are eligible for trauma that occurred while on duty, regardless of their duty status or the line of duty determination (determination made regarding whether the member was assaulted while in the line of duty). (Sec. 203) The Readjustment Counseling Service of the VHA must implement a program to provide reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to specified individuals (e.g., veterans and dependents), including cohorts of certain women veterans who are eligible for readjustment counseling services. (Sec. 204) This section increases from 7 to 14 the number of days that the VA may furnish health care services, including post-delivery care, to the newborn child of a woman veteran who delivered the child in a VA facility, another facility pursuant to a VA contract for such services, or another location if the child is delivered prior to arrival at a facility. Additionally, the section provides that the VA is authorized to furnish transportation (e.g., via ambulance or air ambulance) for the newborn to receive such health care services. If the child is in need of additional care, the VA may furnish such care and transportation for more than 14 days. The VA must directly reimburse an entity for such health care services or transportation services, unless such services are covered by an established agreement or contract. Where appropriate, the VA is authorized to provide reimbursement for the 14 day allotment of health care or transportation services furnished to a newborn child between May 5, 2010, and the date of enactment of this bill. TITLE III--REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS Subtitle A--Reports This subtitle requires the VA to report on and study various issues related to the provision of health care and other benefits for women veterans. Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans must include in its biennial report an assessment of the effects of intimate partner violence on women veterans. Subtitle B--Other Matters (Sec. 321) This section requires the VA to establish a policy to end harassment and sexual assault, including sexual and gender-based harassment, at its facilities. The VA must also designate points of contact to receive reports of harassment and sexual assault at each VA facility, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), National Cemetery Administration locations, regional benefits offices, and at the Central Office of the VA. Additionally, the VA must establish a policy for addressing harassment and sexual assault at facilities and the VISN. The intake process for veterans at VA medical facilities must include a survey regarding whether such veterans feels safe in the facility. (Sec. 322) This section authorizes an appropriation for FY2020 under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program to provide assistance to organizations that focus on assisting very low-income women veterans and their families who are occupying permanent housing. (Sec. 323) This section requires the VA to complete an analysis of programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to identify areas for improvement in such programs. (Sec. 324) This section requires the VA to establish a partnership with at least one nongovernmental organization to provide legal services to women veterans. The partnership must focus on the 10 highest unmet needs of women veterans as identified by the Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) survey. (Sec. 325) This section requires the VA to implement a program to assist veterans who have experienced or are experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual assault in accessing VA benefits. (Sec. 326) The VA must consult with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of intimate partner violence and sexual assault among veterans and spouses or intimate partners of veterans. In addition, the VA must consult with DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national task force to develop a comprehensive national program to address intimate partner violence and sexual assault among veterans by integrating VA facilities, services, and benefits into existing networks of community-based intimate partner violence and sexual assault services.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 12, 2019
Introduced in House
Jun 12, 2019
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Jun 25, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Sep 11, 2019
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Oct 29, 2019
Subcommittee on Health Discharged.
Oct 29, 2019
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Oct 29, 2019
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Nov 12, 2019
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226.
Nov 12, 2019
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 116-281.
Nov 12, 2019
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Nov 12, 2019
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8763-8773)
Nov 12, 2019
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3224.
Nov 12, 2019
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.
Nov 13, 2019
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8774-8775)
Nov 13, 2019
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 11 (Roll no. 611). (text: CR H8763-8769)
View Vote
Nov 13, 2019
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Nov 13, 2019
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sep 15, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-514
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  • June 12, 2019
    Introduced in House


  • June 12, 2019
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • June 25, 2019
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.


  • September 11, 2019
    Subcommittee Hearings Held.


  • October 29, 2019
    Subcommittee on Health Discharged.


  • October 29, 2019
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.


  • October 29, 2019
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.


  • November 12, 2019
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226.


  • November 12, 2019
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 116-281.


  • November 12, 2019
    Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.


  • November 12, 2019
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8763-8773)


  • November 12, 2019
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3224.


  • November 12, 2019
    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.


  • November 13, 2019
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8774-8775)


  • November 13, 2019
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 11 (Roll no. 611). (text: CR H8763-8769)
    View Vote


  • November 13, 2019
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • November 13, 2019
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • September 15, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-514
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Julia Brownley

Julia Brownley

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (36)
Tim Ryan (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Chris Pappas (Democratic)David N. Cicilline (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Jackie Speier (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Debra A. Haaland (Democratic)Max Rose (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Bobby L. Rush (Democratic)Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Collin C. Peterson (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Vicente Gonzalez (Democratic)Ann M. Kuster (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Peter J. Visclosky (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Henry Cuellar (Democratic)Antonio Delgado (Democratic)Conor Lamb (Democratic)Tulsi Gabbard (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Susie Lee (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Susan Wild (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)

Health Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 116-3636: Caring For Our Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-3189: Improving Legal Services for Female Veterans Act
  • HR 116-2982: Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act
  • HR 116-2972: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the communications of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to services available for women veterans, and for other purposes.
  • HR 116-2798: Building Supportive Networks for Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-4554: To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a comprehensive anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • HR 116-2681: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the availability of prosthetic items for women veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • HR 116-3867: Violence Against Women Veterans Act
  • HR 116-4165: Improving Benefits for Underserved Veterans Act
  • S 116-2915: Supporting Veteran Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2019
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsVeterans' medical careWomen's health