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Bill Enacted

This bill was enacted into law on 2022-12-27

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Main Subject: Armed Forces and National Security

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

This bill 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 bill 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 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.

Library of Congress Actions

President
Dec. 27 2022	Became Public Law No: 117-300. Signed by President.
Dec. 23 2022	Presented to President.

BecameLaw
Dec. 27 2022	Became Public Law No: 117-300. Signed by President.

Floor
Dec. 19 2022	Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
May. 18 2022	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).

Committee
Dec. 19 2022	Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

House floor actions Actions

Floor

Dec. 23
2022

Presented to President.

May. 18
2022

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108)
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Senate Actions

Floor
Dec. 20 2022	Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Dec. 19 2022	Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)