“Did you know that the 8th District has close to 100,000 veterans? I knew there were lots around, but I never thought about adding it all up before. That's about one-fifth of all the folks in our District that our own Congressman Larry Kissell represents. I learned that when I called his constituent services office in Rockingham for some help. The nice young lady there is helping me move my veteran records from the VA in Salisbury to the new clinic in Hamlet so I don't have to drive as far. Let me tell you, I sure appreciate the shorter drive as well as the help getting around all that red tape. I highly encourage anyone that needs help with the Federal government, veteran or otherwise, to make a new friend in one of Kissell's constituent services offices. They know the ropes and are happy to help. And now knowing just how many veterans and other folks Congressman Kissell has to look out for, I sure appreciate all he does even more. I trust Larry Kissell to help us, because I know how he was raised and how important we are to him”.  
  
- S.L. Parsons, WWII veteran and POW  
Montgomery Herald, 11/4/2009

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Working Hard to Secure Military Funding:

• Procured $88 million in funds for Warrior in Transition Complex, including barracks, administration offices, a dining facility, a soldier family assistance center and other essential facilities to help wounded soldiers transition back to active duty or a return to civilian life.
• Secured $111 million in Stimulus funding for Fort Bragg (105.7 million for Bragg) and Pope Air Force Base ($5.9 for Pope) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
• Passed the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, including nearly $31 million in appropriations for Fort Bragg, the North Carolina National Guard and defense contractors in the 8^th District. Included 1.6 million for North Carolina National Guard Family Assistance Centers in Asheville, Concord, Raleigh and Wilmington.

Looking out for our Active Duty Troops:

• Sponsored amendment to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, H.R. 627, to protect military personnel from receiving unfair credit rating while deployed (Teague/Nye/Boccieri/Kissell amendment to Credit Card Holders bill of rights)
• Supported the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which included funding for Stop Loss payments to military personnel who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 due to Stop Loss.
• Authored an amendment to the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act that directs Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report that evaluates the force structure at Pope Airfield to see if it is adequately able to support the command.
• Waste TKO Act signed into law – forces more oversight and accountability to the procurement of weapons systems to control overages and make sure the systems get to the field more efficiently.
• Member of Army, Special Forces, National Guard and Reserve Caucuses.

Fighting to Protect Quality Care for our Veterans:

• Passed Military Construction-Veterans Administration Spending Bill, HR 3082, which:
  • Provided $109 billion for veterans medical care, claims processors and facility improvements.
  • $53 billion to provide quality health care for our 5 million veterans.
  • $4.6 billion for mental health care to support troops with PTSD.
  • Improves rural health care for veterans; addresses backlog of benefit claims and provides assistance to combat veteran homelessness.
• Passed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, H.R. 1172, to approve Department of Veterans Affairs medical care appropriations one year in advance to help ensure sufficient, timely and reliable funding
• Passed the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, H.R. 1211, which expands and improves health care services for women veterans.
• Passed the Web Site for VA Scholarship, H.R. 1172, which directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to list the organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors on the VA Web Site. This makes information about available opportunities for veterans and their survivors readily accessible and certain to reach those in need.
• Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment signed into law, June 30 – applies the same cost of living increase to veterans with service-connected disabilities as the cost-of-living increase administered to Social Security recipients. This includes the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled-veterans. 
• Hosted ceremony honoring the 30th Infantry Division, known as the "Old Hickory" – a predecessor to the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team-- on Aug. 20, 2009 at the Old House Chamber in the State Capitol in Raleigh.
• Introduced House Resolution 494 to honor the 30th Infantry Division’s efforts in World War II. Passed House 415-0 on Dec. 2, 2009.

Staying in touch with our Brave Men and Women, Both Here and Abroad:

• Toured Iraq and Afghanistan during a week-long Congressional delegation to speak with commanders on the ground, assess operations, and provide support to our troops serving bravely on the front lines, April 6-10.
• Traveled to Afghanistan during a Congressional delegation visit Oct. 29 – Nov. 2 for an operational assessment of Operation Enduring Freedom.
• Hosted Veterans Clinics in Fayetteville to advocate for on-going medical and emotional care for returned troops and their families.
• Formed Veterans Council
• Toured Fort Bragg and spoke with members of the Warrior Transition Battalion
• Visited Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Medical Facility to hear from soldiers, as well as family members, about their commitments and sacrifices for our country and to ensure service members are receiving the best in medical treatment.
• Visited Fayetteville VA Medical Center to assess VA’s response to constituent concerns.

Military and Veterans Bills Sponsored

H.R.24 - To redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps: Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. Cosponsor 4/2/09 (1 of 309)

H.R.32 - Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Cosponsor 1/6/09 (1 of 39)

H.CON.RES.64 - Urging the President to designate 2009 as the "Year of the Military Family": Latest Major Action: 3/12/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Cosponsor 2/26/09 (1 of 62)

H.CON.RES.199 - Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the activation of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry, and the sacrifice of the soldiers and families in support of the United States: Latest Major Action: 10/28/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 11/2/09 (1 of 52)

H.RES.203 - Expressing support for designation of a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”: Latest Major Action: 3/31/2009 Referred to House subcommittee.  Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 3/3/09 (1 of 38)

H.R.207 - To amend the National Guard Youth Challenge Program under title 32, United States Code, to exclude nondefense funds made available by other Federal agencies for the Program from the matching requirements of the Program: Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 2/10/09 (1 of 29)

H.RES.291 - Recognizing the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans live more independent lives, expressing gratitude to The Tower of Hope, and supporting the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day: Latest Major Action: 3/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Cosponsor 3/26/09 (1 of 48)

H.RES.330 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee: Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces.  Cosponsor 6/12/09 (1 of 29)

H.R.333 - Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act: To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50 percent to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans' disability compensation, to eliminate the phase-in period for concurrent receipt, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 4/22/09 (1 of 117)

H.RES.339 - Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives regarding the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the rescue of Captain Phillips by United States Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, and for other purposes: Latest Major Action: 4/22/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 88)

H.R.347 - To grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II: Latest Major Action: 5/18/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 297)

H.RES.377 - Recognizing Armed Forces Day and the exemplary service of the members of the United States Armed Forces: Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Cosponsor 4/30/09 (1 of 70)

H.R.442 - Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2009: To provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register certain firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 2/9/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Cosponsor 4/30/09 (1 of 129)

H.R.482 - Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act: To authorize the rededication of the District of Columbia War Memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial to honor the sacrifices made by American veterans of World War I. Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 34)

H.RES.491 - Encouraging each institution of higher education in the country to seek membership in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium: Latest Major Action: 9/23/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. Cosponsor 6/19/09 (1 of 48)

H.R.707 - Home Front to Heroes Postal Benefits Act: To provide monthly vouchers to members of the Armed Forces serving in overseas operations, or hospitalized due to a disease or injury incurred as a result of service in such operations, that a member may transfer to another person to permit the person to mail, without charge, correspondence and small parcels to members of the Armed Forces. Latest Major Action: 2/17/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 1/27/09 (1 of 241)

H.R.775 - Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act: To repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans dependency and indemnity compensation. Latest Major Action: 2/17/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 3/19/09 (1 of 294)

H.R.816 - Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act: To amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit certain increases in fees for military health care. Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee of Military Personnel. Cosponsor 6/24/09 (1 of 191)

H.R.1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009: Latest Major Action: 10/16/2009 Signed by President. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 125)

H.R.1182 - Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to guarantee the equity of spouses of military personnel with regard to matters of residency, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 10/8/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote. Cosponsor 9/15/09 (1 of 199)

H.R.1209 - Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009: To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861. Latest Major Action: 5/18/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Cosponsor 4/28/09 (1 of 302)

H.R.1211 - Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act: To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Cosponsor 3/6/09 (1 of 51)

H.R.1223 - Sustain, Support and Defend Act of 2009: To require the Secretary of the Army to expand the First Sergeants Barracks Initiative (FSBI) throughout the Army in order to improve the quality of life and living environments for single soldiers. Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness. Cosponsor 2/26/09 (1 of 7)

H.R.1335 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled: Latest Major Action: 3/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Cosponsor 3/5/09 (1 of 39)

H.R.1474 - Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 28)

H.R.1701 - PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review For Heroes Act: To amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a special review board for certain former members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Cosponsor 5/14/09 (1 of 11)

H.R.1849 - Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009: To designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Memorial, to establish the World War I centennial commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia. Cosponsor 10/15/09 (1 of 101)

H.R.2014 - To award a congressional gold medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP"): Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Cosponsor 4/21/09 (1 of 335)

H.R.2017 - To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes: Latest Major Action: 5/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. Cosponsor 7/9/09 (1 of 138)

H.R.2101 - Weapons Acquisition System Reform Through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009: To promote reform and independence in the oversight of weapons system acquisition by the Department of Defense. Status: Signed into law – May 22. Latest Major Action: 5/13/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 432, H.R. 2101 is considered passed House as amended. Cosponsor 5/4/09 (1 of 23)

H.R.2193 - Affordable Reloaded Munitions Supply (ARMS) Act of 2009: To prohibit the Secretary of Defense from implementing any policy to prevent or place undue restriction on the sale of intact spent military small arms ammunition casings to domestic manufacturers of small arms ammunition that are approved under trade security controls. Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. Cosponsor 6/19/09 (1 of 44)

H.R.2254 - Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009: To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam. Latest Major Action: 5/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Cosponsor 10/21/09 (1 of 180)

H.R.2593 - Military Children's School Investment Act: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a discretionary grant program for school construction for local educational agencies affected by base closures and realignments, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness. Latest Major Action: 10/22/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. Cosponsor 9/23/09 (1 of 18)

H.R.3337 - Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the use of entitlement under Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program for the pursuit of apprenticeships and on-job training. Latest Major Action: 7/31/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. Cosponsor 7/24/09 (1 of 16)

H.R.3885 - Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy. Latest Major Action: 10/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote. Cosponsor 10/26/09 (1 of 11)