Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3641

Introduced
5/24/23  
Refer
5/24/23  

Caption

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to rescind guidelines and ensure the removal of signs and guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

The passage of HB3641 could significantly alter the current approach to public health within the Department of Veterans Affairs. By eliminating COVID-19 related guidelines, the bill may affect how veterans receive care and interact with facilities that may have implemented safety measures during the pandemic. Critics may argue that this legislation could lead to increased risks for veterans, especially those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable to respiratory diseases, by removing essential health guidelines.

Summary

House Bill 3641 aims to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to rescind all existing guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the removal of any signs and posted guidance at Veterans Affairs facilities pertaining to COVID-19, including those regarding masking and social distancing. This legislation, introduced on May 24, 2023, is a response to ongoing debates about public health measures and their implications for veterans' care and facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3641 revolve around the balance between public health safety and the perceived overreach of pandemic measures. Supporters of the bill feel it is necessary to return to normalcy and provide veterans with a sense of freedom from ongoing pandemic restrictions. In contrast, opponents may voice concerns regarding the potential health risks posed to veterans and staff at VA facilities, particularly in light of ongoing health threats from emerging variants of COVID-19.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB5153

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to employ veterans in certain wildland firefighting activities.

US HB5152

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to ensure, under certain conditions, that members of the Armed Forces are automatically enrolled in benefits and services under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for which such members are eligible.

US HB5697

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a certain form by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB236

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Battle Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.

US SB2333

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act

US HB3066

PREPARE Act Pandemics Require Evaluating, Planning, and Responding Effectively Act

US SB1090

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update the payment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow for electronic fund transfer of educational assistance, administered by the Secretary, to a foreign institution of higher education, and for other purposes.

US HB271

Restoring Normalcy in America Act This bill provides civil rights and employment protections for individuals based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and addresses other matters concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation and in federally assisted programs based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccine refusal. In addition, the bill prohibits employers from discriminating against such individuals, including discrimination related to hiring, compensation, advancement, or other employment opportunities. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for an employer to fail to offer any employee who was discharged for a COVID-19 vaccine refusal a position at an equal level and rate of pay to the position the employee held prior to discharge. In particular, the bill provides for the reinstatement of any member of the Armed Forces or federal employee who was involuntarily separated because of a COVID-19 vaccine refusal at the request of an affected individual. Any adverse action related to a COVID-19 vaccine refusal must be removed from an affected individual's military record or personnel file. Additionally, the bill (1) terminates the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to authorize under emergency procedures any drugs, biological products, or devices to prevent or treat COVID-19; and (2) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, preparedness for future pandemics, and related matters. The Government Accountability Office must also audit certain federal funding for COVID-19 activities and programs.

US SB1100

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain emblems on headstones and markers furnished for veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB5365

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a lease for a Vet Center in Mankato, Minnesota.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.