H.R. 4255 would amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to the Paralympic Program of the United States Olympic Committee.
Detailed Summary
United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make a grant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to plan, develop, manage, and implement the Paralympic Program (Program) for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the USOC to use a grant to recruit, support, encourage, schedule, facilitate, supervise, and implement paralympic instruction and competition activities, training and technical assistance, and coordination and program development activities for such disabled veterans and members.
Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct an outreach program to inform eligible veterans and separating members about the Program; and (2) a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement between the Secretary and the USOC regarding Program implementation.
Authorizes appropriations.
Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to carry out qualifying programs and events for disabled veterans and members. Authorizes the Director to provide an allowance for a disabled veteran for each month in which the veteran is training or competing in a USOC-sanctioned event or residing at a USOC training center. Authorizes appropriations.
Requires the Secretary to direct the VA's Under Secretary for Health to: (1) make VA medical staff available to facilitate veteran participation in USOC sporting events; (2) allow such personnel to participate in the Program without requiring the use of personal leave; and (3) support other similar activities or events.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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