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Bill115th CongressFiled Sep 7, 2017Armed Forces and National Security
H.R. 3705

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed house amended (Nov 8, 2017)

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 7, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options.

The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election.

The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts.

What just happenedNov 9, 2017

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1](D-ME)Sponsor
2 cosponsors1 D1 R
Read on Congress.gov
2cosponsors2committees18actions1related bills7subjects
  1. Nov 9, 2017IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  2. Nov 8, 2017FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Nov 8, 2017FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll no. 621). (text: 11/7/2017 CR H8561)

  4. Nov 8, 2017Floor8000

    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): 422 - 0 (Roll no. 621).(text: 11/7/2017 CR H8561)

  5. Nov 8, 2017FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8643)

  6. Nov 7, 2017FloorH37220

    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.

  7. Nov 7, 2017FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3705.

  8. Nov 7, 2017FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8561-8562)

  9. Nov 7, 2017FloorH30300

    Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  10. Nov 7, 2017CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.

  11. Nov 7, 2017CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-397.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  12. Nov 7, 2017Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-397.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  13. Nov 2, 2017Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  14. Nov 2, 2017Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  15. Sep 7, 2017Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

    Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
  16. Sep 7, 2017IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  17. Sep 7, 2017IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  18. Sep 7, 2017IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House amendedNov 8, 201736

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 7, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options.

The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election.

The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts.

Reported to House with amendment(s)Nov 7, 201717

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options.

The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election.

The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts.

Introduced in HouseSep 7, 2017

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require that certified mail be used: (1) to send a veteran any debt demand or debt information notification concerning collection of debts resulting from the veteran's participation in a VA benefit or home loan program, and (2) by a veteran to request a collection waiver from the VA.

A VA debt demand shall explain in plain language why the debtor owes money to the VA, and a VA debt notification shall include in plain language options available to the debtor.

Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017 — Informed