MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Thursday, June 12, 2014

12:30 PM

Port of Houston - Pasadena, Texas

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Thursday, June 12, 2014, in the Port of Houston - Pasadena, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair	Senator Wendy Davis
Senator Brian Birdwell, Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator José Rodríguez

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The chair called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair recognized Major General John Nichols with the Texas Military Forces to lead the committee in the United States Pledge of Allegiance

The Chair recognized Marine Robert Pechukas to lead the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of Texas. 

Senator Van de Putte moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on April 15, 2014; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Van de Putte and members of the committee made opening remarks.

The chair called the following individuals to provide invited testimony on interim charge #1: Investigate the impact of federal actions (including the federal government shutdown, sequestration, military force reductions, and potential base closure or realignment) on active-duty service members, the Texas Military Department, veterans, their families, defense-related contractors, small businesses, local governments, and state agencies (see attached witness list).

The chair called the following individuals to provide invited testimony on interim charge #3: Provide an update on the State Strike Force teams' progress and recommendations on any additional steps necessary to ensure that veterans promptly receive all federal disability benefits to which they are entitled (see attached witness list).

The following individuals provided public testimony (see attached witness list).

There being no further business, at 4:13 PM Senator Van de Putte moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair

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Sarah Clemons, Clerk