Stand Down Authorization Act
Latest action (30 Jul 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4362, the Stand Down Authorization Act, would amend title 38 of the U.S. Code to formally authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to organize or participate in "Stand Down" events. These events, defined in the bill, offer homeless, unemployed, or otherwise struggling veterans one to three days of access to food, shelter, clothing, benefits certification, health care, and other assistance. The Secretary could carry out these events directly or with other government or outside organizations, use surplus Department of Veterans Affairs property, and provide other appropriate VA benefits or services at such events. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program guaranteeing at least one Stand Down event in every state each year, starting in 1999, with an annual report to Congress on the program's implementation and any recommended legislative changes.
The bill primarily affects veterans facing homelessness, unemployment, or health and social challenges, as well as the VA, military branches, National Guard units, and veterans' organizations that support these outreach events.
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Vento on July 30, 1998, during the 105th Congress, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of that Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Stand Down Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (1) to carry out Stand Down events (events to provide veterans who are without a home, unemployed, experiencing health or social adjustment challenges, or otherwise in need with one to three days of safety and security and access to food, shelter, clothing, benefits certification, health care, or any other appropriate form of assistance); and (2) in connection with such events, to provide outreach services, use Department of Veterans Affairs personal property, and provide any other appropriate benefit or service. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a pilot program under which the Secretary shall carry out a single Stand Down event in each State in each calendar year, beginning in 1999. Requires an annual report to the Congress on pilot program implementation and recommendations for legislation.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4362 do?
- H.R. 4362, the Stand Down Authorization Act, would amend title 38 of the U.S. Code to formally authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to organize or participate in "Stand Down" events. These events, defined in the bill, offer homeless, unemployed, or otherwise struggling veterans one to three days of access to food, shelter, clothing, benefits certification, health care, and other assistance. The Secretary could carry out these events directly or with other government or outside organizations, use surplus Department of Veterans Affairs property, and provide other appropriate VA benefits or services at such events. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program guaranteeing at least one Stand Down event in every state each year, starting in 1999, with an annual report to Congress on the program's implementation and any recommended legislative changes. The bill primarily affects veterans facing homelessness, unemployment, or health and social challenges, as well as the VA, military branches, National Guard units, and veterans' organizations that support these outreach events. Introduced by Rep. Bruce Vento on July 30, 1998, during the 105th Congress, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of that Congress.
- Has H.R. 4362 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 1998, H.R. 4362 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4362?
- H.R. 4362 was sponsored by Rep. Bruce Vento [D-MN4, 1977-2000] (Democrat-MN), with 39 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4362?
- Introduced (30 Jul 1998).
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