Yesterday the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved a measure (S 2483) sponsored by committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) to provide an annual cost-of-living increase in benefits for disabled veterans and survivors of deceased veterans. The House debated a similar bill (HR 4175) yesterday which is expected to easily pass today. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index, which is expected to increaes 1.7% this year. This increase applies to the benefits and payments received by more than 2.5 million veterans, 300,000 spouses, and 29,000 children of deceased veterans.

Three other bills sponsored by Specter were approved by the Senate panel, including a bill (S 2482) which would simplify payment rules for physicians working at VA facilities and control the work schedules and pay for registered nurses. A second bill (S 2486) would allow service personnel to increase their GI Bill education benefits. A manager’s amendment was added to this bill authorizing the VA to guarantee adjustable rate home mortgage loans and increase the amount of the loan. S 2485 would authorize leases and property transfers. A manager’s amendment added to this bill would require the VA to report annually on the waiting time for appointments and allow them to provide up to 2 weeks of treatment for the newborn of a female veteran. The panel also approved a measure allowing Medicare-eligible veterans to get cheaper prescription drugs from the VA.

Yesterday the House passed a bill (HR 3936) authorizing the move of the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to a new Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center located on Pentagon land.