VoterlyH.R. 299: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2018
115th Congress · Sponsored from California · In progress
What this bill does
This bill extends the presumption of service connection for certain diseases associated with herbicide exposure to veterans who served: (1) in the territorial seas of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or (2) in or near the Korean demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. The bill extends eligibility for health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance to children with spina bifida who have at least one veteran parent who may have been exposed to an herbicide agent while serving in Thailand between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The bill revises the VA's home loan guaranty program to adjust loan fee rates and eliminate the limit on guaranty amount that is based on the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming loan limit. The VA shall permit a VA-approved appraiser to make a housing loan appraisal based solely on information gathered by a person with whom the appraiser has entered into an agreement for such services.
Key facts
- Status In progress
- Introduced 2017-01-05
- Policy area Armed Forces and National Security
- Cosponsors 330
- Latest action Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 115-616.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-21] introduced H.R. 299. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-21]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 299? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-21]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 299 do?
This bill extends the presumption of service connection for certain diseases associated with herbicide exposure to veterans who served: (1) in the territorial seas of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or (2) in or near the Korean demilitarized zone between Septemb…
Who sponsored H.R. 299?
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-21] (R) of California is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 299?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 299 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In progress." See the latest action above for details.