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Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom or subscribe to receive the brief in your inbox each morning at www.iava.org/dailynewsbrief.

 MUST READS

1) Broad new bill would fight vet unemployment

Concerned that the unemployment rate for veterans is high and heading higher, a bipartisan group of senators and two Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America spokespeople introduced a bill to improve job training and placement services. Building mostly on current transition assistance, vocational training and education programs, the Veterans Employment Act of 2010 is aimed at addressing the staggering unemployment rate facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

2) Government Officials, Vets Groups Suggest Ways To Fix VA Claims Backlog

After noting VA Secretary Eric Shinseki promised to break the back of a the disability claims backlog, the National Journal consulted with government officials and veterans groups about solutions to tackle the backlog. Click here to read IAVA's latest issue report on the “Red Tape” obstacles facing veterans.

3) Volcanic ash leads to troops in Afghanistan being evacuated to Iraq

The U.S. military has diverted the medical evacuations of about 20 servicemembers wounded in Afghanistan to a hospital in Iraq because of a volcanic ash plume preventing usual air travel into Germany. Meanwhile, Air Force planes at bases in Germany and Italy remained on the ground.

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban gunned down the deputy mayor of Kandahar, perhaps the city’s most effective and admired public official, demonstrating their ability to kill almost anyone in a region where security continues to worsen ahead of a planned offensive.

A Marine Warrant Officer has been leading an effort to bring water polo to Afghanistan. Thus far he has lined up several dozen players, mostly Afghan soldiers.

IRAQ

The oldest brother of the Iraq war veteran who committed suicide at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center Friday, said he is satisfied with the care his brother received at the hospital's emergency room hours before his death.

An Iraqi court ordered a partial recount of votes in last month’s national election, deepening the political turmoil that many here feared could turn violent when the United States begins to withdraw most of its combat troops this summer.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

The IAVA bike, a 2006 Suzuki Hayabusa that was made to honor Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America will be on display at the Joshua T. Harris Memorial Ride and Veterans Festival in honor of the Armed Forces.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates outlined plans on Tuesday for reforming U.S. export controls on weapons and commercial goods with potential military uses, saying the current system was outdated.

From solar-powered water purification systems in Afghanistan to a Navy jet fueled in part by biofuel, the US military is taking a lead role in shrinking the US carbon "boot print", an independent report said Tuesday.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is being honored by Virginia Military Institute for her work in advancing U.S. interests through diplomacy.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE

THE SENATE

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.

SENATE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

No issues today

COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

April 21, 2010: Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing: Oversight Hearing: Implementation of the New Post-9/11 GI Bill – Looking Back and Moving Forward 9:30 a.m.; 418 Russell

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

May 5, 2010: Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing: VA Disability

May 19 2010 Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing: Pending Legislation 9:30 a.m.; 418 Russell

THE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES 



The House will convene at 10:00 a.m.

HOUSE FLOOR ACTIVITY of INTEREST

S. 1963 - Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (Sen. Akaka - Veterans' Affairs)

HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST 



No issues

FUTURE HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST 



April 22, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing: Examining VA’s Fiduciary Program: How Can VA Better Protect Vulnerable Veterans and Their Families? 2:00 p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB

May 5, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing: Status Update on the National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study 10:00 a.m.; 334 Cannon House Office Building

May 6, 2010 House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing: Quality vs. Quantity: Examining the Veterans Benefits Administration‚s Employee Work Credit and Management Systems 2:00 p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB

A wide-range of views, positions, and publications are represented in these articles. These views, positions and publications are not endorsed by nor do they necessarily represent the views of IAVA .