All Roll Calls
Yes: 422 • No: 0
118-s-112118th CongressWALLET
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Senator Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Became Law
Summary
Guarantees lifetime VA health care and benefits for children of Vietnam veterans and certain other veterans. It creates permanent program rules, dedicated care teams, and advisory and reporting structures to find and support those children across the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lifetime VA care for children with spina bifida
The law guarantees VA health care and benefits for a covered child for life. Benefits stay in place even if a parent dies first. A “covered child” means a child who is eligible under this program. Families can count on care and support for the child’s lifetime.
VA care teams and regular outreach
The VA sets up care and coordination teams within one year. Teams contact each covered child at least every 180 days and help with any care changes. They also reach out as soon as possible after listed health conditions are found. Within 90 days, VA leaders sign an agreement to better assist children and set those conditions. Within 180 days, the VA reports which conditions trigger fast outreach.
Advisory council and reports on children
The VA creates an advisory council within 270 days. It is made up of Federal employees and gathers feedback from covered children and veterans for the VA Secretary. At least every two years, the VA reports to Congress how many children get care or benefits, how many have a VA-paid social worker, and outreach metrics.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Braun, Mike [R-IN]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 1/26/2023
Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
FL • R
Sponsored 1/26/2023
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 1/26/2023
Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
GA • D
Sponsored 2/15/2023
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
FL • R
Sponsored 2/15/2023
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 2/15/2023
Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 2/15/2023
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 3/28/2023
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 9/19/2023
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 422 • No: 0