PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 108-422.
Congressional Research Service
Version 28 · Reported to House without amendment, Part I · Jun 25, 2004
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Amends Federal veterans' administrative provisions to require the principal office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) to be in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. (Currently, such office must be in the District of Columbia.)
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a dedicated Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center (Center) should be provided for such Court; and (2) the Secretary of Defense should determine the feasibility of locating the Center at an appropriate site owned by the United States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon Reservation in Arlington, Virginia.
Requires a joint report from the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs and the Administrator of General Services to the congressional defense and veterans' committees on the feasibility of locating the Center at such a site.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 108-422.
Became Public Law No: 108-422.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3936.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H9772-9787; text as House agreed to Senate amendments: CR H9772-9777)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
See also S. 2485.
Passed Senate in lieu of S. 2485 with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 2485 with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
Senate struck all after the Enacting Clause and substituted the language of S. 2485 amended.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S11007)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6076-6077)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6076-6077)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3936.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6076-6078)
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 336.
Committee on Armed Services discharged.
Committee on Armed Services discharged.
House Committee on Armed Services Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than June 25, 2004.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 108-574, Part I.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 108-574, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E355)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3936 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.3936 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.3936 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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