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H.R. 6599 110th Congress House

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009

Official title: Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 24, 2008 See on congress.gov
Armed Forces and National Security Air forceAlaskaAmerican Battle Monuments CommissionAppellate courts
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AppropriationsArab countriesArmed forces reservesArmyBoundariesBuilding constructionBuy AmericanCemeteries and funeralsChemical warfareCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesColoradoCommemorationsCommerceCongressCongress and military policyCongressional oversightCongressional reporting requirementsCost plus contractsCourts of special jurisdictionDefense budgetsDefense burdensharingDefense contractsDefense procurementDepartment of DefenseDepartment of Veterans AffairsDiabetesDisabledEast AsiaEconomics and Public FinanceElectronic commerceEminent domainEuropeFamiliesFederal aid to health facilitiesFederally-guaranteed loansFinance and Financial SectorForeign Trade and International FinanceGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment contractorsGovernment insuranceGovernment procurementGovernment trust fundsHealthHome ownershipHome repair and improvementHomelessHousing and Community DevelopmentIndian housingIndian medical careInformation technologyInfrastructureInspectors generalIron and steel industryJapanJoint venturesLabor and EmploymentLand transfersLawLeasesLobbyingMarinesMarshall IslandsMedical researchMedical suppliesMembers of CongressMiddle East and North AfricaMilitary base closuresMilitary basesMilitary construction operationsMilitary dependentsMilitary housingMilitary maneuversMinoritiesMortgagesNATO military forcesNamesNational GuardNative AmericansNavyNursing homesOceaniaProperty taxProsthesisPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesReprogramming of appropriated fundsResearch and developmentRoad constructionRural healthScience, Technology, CommunicationsSoldiers' homesSteelSurvivors' benefitsTaxationTransportation and Public WorksVeterans' benefitsVeterans' hospitalsVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensionsVeterans' rehabilitationVocational rehabilitation
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This bill died when the 110th Congress ended
It never became law before the 110th Congress (2007–2008) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been Latest 49 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 8, 2008
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.
Aug 1, 2008
Mr. Lewis (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations. (consideration: CR H7799-7800; text: CR H7799)
Aug 1, 2008
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 1, 2008
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 409 - 4 (Roll no. 563).
Aug 1, 2008
On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 - 184 (Roll no. 562).
Aug 1, 2008
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
Aug 1, 2008
Mr. Peterson (PA) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
Aug 1, 2008
Mr. Edwards (TX) raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. The provisions of the motion to recommit constitute legislation in an appropriations bill. Sustained by the Chair.
Aug 1, 2008
Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
Aug 1, 2008
DEBATE - The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Lewis (CA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require to bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a section enacting H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act.
Aug 1, 2008
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Aug 1, 2008
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H7799)
Aug 1, 2008
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 6599.
Aug 1, 2008
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Aug 1, 2008
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7793-7802)
Aug 1, 2008
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 6599 as unfinished business.
Aug 1, 2008
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Aug 1, 2008
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the Committee rise.
Aug 1, 2008
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the King (IA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. King (IA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Aug 1, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gingrey amendment.
Aug 1, 2008
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Aug 1, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment.
Aug 1, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Wamp amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Stupak amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the McCaul (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McCaul (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Commitee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McCaul (TX) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Taylor amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hensarling amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Terry amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Filner amendments en bloc pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
EN BLOC CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS - Mr. Filner asked unanimous consent that the amendments numbered 18 and 19 printed in the Congressional Record be considered en bloc. Agreed to without objection.
Jul 31, 2008
The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Buyer amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Garrett (NJ) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment.
Jul 31, 2008
The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
Jul 31, 2008
The Committee of the Whole rose informally.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (UT) amendment pending reservation of a point of order.
Jul 31, 2008
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on H.R. 6599.
Jul 31, 2008
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Jul 31, 2008
On motion that the committee rise. Agreed to by voice vote.
Jul 31, 2008
Mr. Edwards (TX) moved that the committee rise.
Jul 31, 2008
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6599.
Jul 31, 2008
The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl Pomeroy to act as Chairman of the Committee.

Older steps are on congress.gov: full list of actions

 Votes taken on this bill 2
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Aug 1, 2008 House · vote #563 On Passage Passed 409–4 See who voted →
Aug 1, 2008 House · vote #562 On Motion to Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair Passed 230–184 See who voted →
 Amendments to this bill 18

Amendments propose changes to this bill. Members vote on amendments separately before the final bill vote. An agreed amendment becomes part of the bill; a failed amendment does not.

8 agreed to 3 failed 2 with no recorded outcome 5 withdrawn or other

AmendmentSponsorPurposeStatusLatest action
HAMDT 1,167 – An amendment numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce subchapte… Failed Aug 1, 2008
HAMDT 1,166 – An amendment numbered 20 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to take private pro… Agreed to Aug 1, 2008
HAMDT 1,165 – An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section at the end of the bill fo… Failed Aug 1, 2008
HAMDT 1,161 McCaul, Michael T. An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for a project or pro… Agreed to Aug 1, 2008
HAMDT 1,152 – An amendment numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding, by transfer, for the grants… Failed Aug 1, 2008
HAMDT 1,164 Murphy, Christopher An amendment numbered 37 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds in the bill to enforce … Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,163 – An amendment numbered 36 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to modify the stand… Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,162 – An amendment numbered 16 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to carry out sectio… Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,160 – An amendment numbered 30 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to implement sectio… Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,159 – An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 5… Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,158 – An amendment numbered 33 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to carry out the co… Withdrawn Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,157 – An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the p… Withdrawn Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,156 – Amendment consisting of amendments numbered 18 and 19 printed in the Congressional Record and offered en bloc… Withdrawn Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,155 – An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new section under title II for the Se… Withdrawn Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,154 – An amendment numbered 29 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $150 million of appropriated fun… No recorded outcome Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,153 – An amendment numbered 28 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that $7 million of appropriated funds… Agreed to Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,151 – An amendment numbered 35 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding in the bill, by transfer, fo… Withdrawn Jul 31, 2008
HAMDT 1,150 – An amendment numbered 24 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new Division B entitled "American En… No recorded outcome Jul 31, 2008
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 Latest action September 8, 2008

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005.

Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title and in other military construction appropriations Acts.

(Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

(Sec. 118) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other members of NATO, Japan, South Korea, and U.S. allies bordering the Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States.

(Sec. 121) Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at least 60 days prior to issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the appropriations committees of any guarantees (including the making of mortgage or rental payments) proposed to be made to the private party in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which the housing is provided; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation.

(Sec. 122) Authorizes the transfer of DOD funds for expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program under the Metropolitan Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966.

(Sec. 125) Places specified restrictions and limitations on the obligation or expenditure of funds made available in this title or in any other military construction appropriations Act to carry out a military construction, land acquisition, or family housing project at or for a military installation approved for closure, or for supporting a function that has been approved for realignment to another installation, in 2005 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

(Sec. 126) Provides for the transfer of lapsed unobligated military construction and family housing funds into the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense account.

(Sec. 127) Prohibits this Act's funds from being used for any action that relates to or promotes the expansion of the boundaries or size of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado.

Title II: Department of Veterans Affairs - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration (including for medical and prosthetic research and information technology systems); (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of the Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries.

Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title.

(Sec. 210) Makes funds from this title available to reimburse expenses of the Office of Resolution Management and the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, within specified limits.

(Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans eligible under existing VA medical care requirements and who reside in Alaska to obtain medical services from facilities supported by the Indian Health Service or tribal organizations.

(Sec. 218) Prohibits the VA from using funds available in this or any other Act to replace the current system by which the Veterans Integrated Service Networks select and contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment.

(Sec. 220) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report quarterly to the appropriations committees on the financial status of the Veterans Health Administration.

(Sec. 224) Extends through FY2009: (1) certain daily copayment limits for veterans receiving hospital or nursing home care; and (2) VA authority to recover from third party insurers the cost of care provided to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability.

Title III: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Title IV: General Provisions - Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act, including prohibitions on the use of funds: (1) to enforce a provision of a VHA policy directive concerning voter registration at patient facilities; (2) to take private property for public use without just compensation; or (3) for a project or program named for an individual serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the U.S. Congress.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • HRES 1384 Procedurally related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6599) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of …
  • S 3301 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009
 Bill text 3 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 6599: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009. 110th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6599/
MLA
"H.R. 6599: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009." 110th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6599/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 6599, 110th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6599/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 6599: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009](https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6599/)
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