[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6416 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.6416
One Hundred Fourteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday,
the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Jeff Miller and
Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of
2016''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS
Sec. 101. Expedited payment of survivors' benefits.
Sec. 102. Board of Veterans' Appeals video hearings.
Sec. 103. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs publish the
average time required to adjudicate early-filed and later-
filed appeals.
Sec. 104. Comptroller General review of claims processing performance of
regional offices of Veterans Benefits Administration.
Sec. 105. Report on staffing levels at regional offices of Department of
Veterans Affairs under National Work Queue.
Sec. 106. Inclusion in annual budget submission of information on
capacity of Veterans Benefits Administration to process
benefits claims.
Sec. 107. Report on plans of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reduce
inventory of non-rating workload; sense of Congress regarding
Monday Morning Workload Report.
Sec. 108. Annual report on progress in implementing Veterans Benefits
Management System.
Sec. 109. Improvements to authority for performance of medical
disabilities examinations by contract physicians.
Sec. 110. Independent review of process by which Department of Veterans
Affairs assesses impairments that result from traumatic brain
injury for purposes of awarding disability compensation.
Sec. 111. Reports on claims for disability compensation.
Sec. 112. Sense of Congress regarding American veterans disabled for
life.
Sec. 113. Sense of Congress on submittal of information relating to
claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military
sexual trauma.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
Sec. 201. Extension of temporary increase in number of judges on United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 202. Life insurance program relating to judges of United States
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 203. Voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors' annuity.
Sec. 204. Selection of chief judge of United States Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims.
TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 301. Expansion of eligibility for headstones, markers, and
medallions.
Sec. 302. Expansion of Presidential Memorial Certificate program.
Sec. 303. Department of Veterans Affairs study on matters relating to
burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national
cemeteries.
Sec. 304. Study on provision of interments in veterans' cemeteries
during weekends.
Sec. 305. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in
the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Sec. 401. Clarification of eligibility for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John
David Fry Scholarship.
Sec. 402. Approval of courses of education and training for purposes of
the vocational rehabilitation program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 403. Authority to prioritize vocational rehabilitation services
based on need.
Sec. 404. Reports on progress of students receiving Post-9/11
Educational Assistance.
Sec. 405. Recodification and improvement of election process for Post-9/
11 Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 406. Work-study allowance.
Sec. 407. Centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups,
districts, and consortiums of educational institutions.
Sec. 408. Role of State approving agencies.
Sec. 409. Modification of requirements for approval for purposes of
educational assistance provided by Department of Veterans
Affairs of programs designed to prepare individuals for
licensure or certification.
Sec. 410. Criteria used to approve courses.
Sec. 411. Compliance surveys.
Sec. 412. Modification of reductions in reporting fee multipliers for
payments by Secretary of Veterans Affairs to educational
institutions.
Sec. 413. Composition of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 414. Survey of individuals using their entitlement to educational
assistance under the educational assistance programs
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 415. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of information on
articulation agreements between institutions of higher
learning.
Sec. 416. Retention of entitlement to educational assistance during
certain additional periods of active duty.
Sec. 417. Technical amendment relating to in-state tuition rate for
individuals to whom entitlement is transferred under all-
volunteer force educational assistance program and post-9/11
educational assistance.
Sec. 418. Study on the effectiveness of veterans transition efforts.
TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
Sec. 501. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and
preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement
service for veterans.
Sec. 503. Limitation on administrative leave for employees of Department
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 504. Required coordination between Directors for Veterans'
Employment and Training with State departments of labor and
veterans affairs.
TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS
Subtitle A--Medical Care
Sec. 601. Requirement for advance appropriations for the Medical
Community Care account of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 602. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans.
Sec. 603. Priority of medal of honor recipients in health care system of
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 604. Requirement that Department of Veterans Affairs collect
health-plan contract information from veterans.
Sec. 605. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified
missions.
Sec. 606. Examination and treatment by Department of Veterans Affairs
for emergency medical conditions and women in labor.
Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration
Sec. 611. Time period covered by annual report on Readjustment
Counseling Service.
Sec. 612. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and furnishing
of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care.
Sec. 613. Expansion of qualifications for licensed mental health
counselors of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include
doctoral degrees.
Sec. 614. Modification of hours of employment for physicians employed by
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 615. Repeal of compensation panels to determine market pay for
physicians and dentists.
Sec. 616. Clarification regarding liability for breach of agreement
under Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Incentive
Scholarship Program.
Sec. 617. Extension of period for increase in graduate medical education
residency positions at medical facilities of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 618. Report on public access to research by Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 619. Authorization of certain major medical facility projects of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure
Sec. 631. Definitions.
Sec. 632. National Academy of Medicine assessment on research relating
to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
Sec. 633. Advisory board on research relating to health conditions of
descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in
the Armed Forces.
Sec. 634. Research relating to health conditions of descendants of
veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the Armed
Forces.
TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS
Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits
Sec. 701. Expansion of definition of homeless veteran for purposes of
benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 702. Authorization to furnish certain benefits to homeless veterans
with discharges or releases under other than honorable
conditions.
Sec. 703. Waiver of minimum period of continuous active duty in Armed
Forces for certain benefits for homeless veterans.
Sec. 704. Training of personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs
and grant recipients.
Sec. 705. Regulations.
Sec. 706. Effective date.
Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters
Sec. 711. Increased per diem payments for transitional housing
assistance that becomes permanent housing for homeless
veterans.
Sec. 712. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless
veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
Sec. 713. Establishment of National Center on Homelessness Among
Veterans.
Sec. 714. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs to assess
comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 715. Report on outreach relating to increasing the amount of
housing available to veterans.
TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 801. Department of Veterans Affairs construction reforms.
Sec. 802. Technical and clerical amendments.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States
Code.
TITLE I--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS
SEC. 101. EXPEDITED PAYMENT OF SURVIVORS' BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--Section 5101(a)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``A specific'' and inserting ``(A) Except as
provided in subparagraph (B), a specific''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B)(i) The Secretary may pay benefits under chapters 13 and 15
and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of this title to a survivor of a
veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the Secretary determines
that the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the
entitlement of the survivor to such benefits.
``(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph and section 5110 of this
title, the earlier of the following dates shall be treated as the date
of the receipt of the survivor's application for benefits described in
clause (i):
``(I) The date on which the survivor of a veteran (or the
representative of such a survivor) notifies the Secretary of the
death of the veteran through a death certificate or other relevant
evidence that establishes entitlement to survivors' benefits
identified in clause (i).
``(II) The head of any other department or agency of the
Federal Government notifies the Secretary of the death of the
veteran.
``(iii) In notifying the Secretary of the death of a veteran as
described in clause (ii)(I), the survivor (or the representative of
such a survivor) may submit to the Secretary additional documents
relating to such death without being required to file a formal
claim.''.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on benefits paid pursuant to covered claims.
(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include the
following:
(A) The number of covered claims adjudicated during the 1-
year period preceding the date of the report, disaggregated by
the following:
(i) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to
benefits under chapters 13 or 15 or sections 2302, 2307, or
5121 of title 38, United States Code, on the basis of the
claimant's status as the spouse of a deceased veteran.
(ii) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such
benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the child
of a deceased veteran.
(iii) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such
benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the
parent of a deceased veteran.
(B) The number of covered claims during such period for
which such benefits were not awarded, disaggregated by clauses
(i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
(C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of covered
claims adjudicated during such period with noncovered claims
filed by survivors of a veteran.
(D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to
adjudicating covered claims.
(E) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for
legislative or administrative action to improve the
adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for benefits
under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of
title 38, United States Code.
(3) Covered claim defined.--In this subsection, the term
``covered claim'' means a claim covered by section 5101(a)(1)(B) of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to claims for benefits based on a death occurring on
or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 102. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS VIDEO HEARINGS.
Section 7107 is amended--
(1) in subsection (d), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(1)(A)(i) Upon request for a hearing, the Board shall determine,
for purposes of scheduling the hearing for the earliest possible date,
whether a hearing before the Board will be held at its principal
location or at a facility of the Department or other appropriate
Federal facility located within the area served by a regional office of
the Department.
``(ii) The Board shall also determine whether to provide a hearing
through the use of the facilities and equipment described in subsection
(e)(1) or by the appellant personally appearing before a Board member
or panel.
``(B)(i) The Board shall notify the appellant of the determinations
of the location and type of hearing made under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Upon notification, the appellant may request a different
location or type of hearing as described in such subparagraph.
``(iii) If so requested, the Board shall grant such request and
ensure that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest possible date
without any undue delay or other prejudice to the appellant.''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2) to read as
follows:
``(2) Any hearing provided through the use of the facilities and
equipment described in paragraph (1) shall be conducted in the same
manner as, and shall be considered the equivalent of, a personal
hearing.''.
SEC. 103. REQUIREMENT THAT SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PUBLISH
THE AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED TO ADJUDICATE EARLY-FILED AND LATER-
FILED APPEALS.
(a) Publication Requirement.--
(1) In general.--On an ongoing basis, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall make available to the public the following:
(A) The average length of time to adjudicate an early-filed
appeal.
(B) The average length of time to adjudicate a later-filed
appeal.
(2) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the
date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall apply until the date that is 3 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 39 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on whether
publication pursuant to subsection (a)(1) has had an effect on the
number of early-filed appeals filed.
(2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were
filed during the 1-year period ending on the effective date
specified in subsection (a)(2).
(B) The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were
filed during the 1-year period ending on the date that is 2
years after the effective date specified in subsection (a)(2).
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appeal.--The term ``appeal'' means a notice of disagreement
filed pursuant to section 7105(a) of title 38, United States Code,
in response to notice of the result of an initial review or
determination regarding a claim for a benefit under a law
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Early-filed.--The term ``early-filed'' with respect to an
appeal means that the notice of disagreement was filed not more
than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result
of the initial review or determination described in paragraph (1).
(3) Later-filed.--The term ``later-filed'' with respect to an
appeal means the notice of disagreement was filed more than 180
days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result of the
initial review or determination described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 104. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF CLAIMS PROCESSING
PERFORMANCE OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF VETERANS BENEFITS
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Review Required.--Not later than 15 months after the effective
date specified in subsection (e), the Comptroller General of the United
States shall complete a review of the regional offices of the Veterans
Benefits Administration to help the Veterans Benefits Administration
achieve more consistent performance in the processing of claims for
disability compensation.
(b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An identification of the following:
(A) The factors, including management practices, that
distinguish higher performing regional offices from other
regional offices with respect to claims for disability
compensation.
(B) The best practices employed by higher performing
regional offices that distinguish the performance of such
offices from other regional offices.
(C) Such other management practices or tools as the
Comptroller General determines could be used to improve the
performance of regional offices.
(2) An assessment of the effectiveness of communication with
respect to the processing of claims for disability compensation
between the regional offices and veterans service organizations and
caseworkers employed by Members of Congress.
(c) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the effective date
specified in subsection (e), the Comptroller General shall submit to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the
results of the review completed under subsection (a).
(d) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization
recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under
section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
(e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date
that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 105. REPORT ON STAFFING LEVELS AT REGIONAL OFFICES OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER NATIONAL WORK QUEUE.
Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report on the criteria and procedures
that the Secretary will use to determine appropriate staffing levels at
the regional offices of the Department under the National Work Queue
for the distribution of the claims processing workload.
SEC. 106. INCLUSION IN ANNUAL BUDGET SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION ON
CAPACITY OF VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION TO PROCESS BENEFITS
CLAIMS.
(a) In General.--Along with the supporting information included in
the budget submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the President shall include
information on the capacity of the Veterans Benefits Administration to
process claims for benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including information described in
subsection (b), during the fiscal year covered by the budget with which
the information is submitted.
(b) Information Described.--The information described in this
subsection is the following:
(1) An estimate of the average number of claims for benefits
under the laws administered by the Secretary, excluding such claims
completed during mandatory overtime, that a single full-time
equivalent employee of the Administration should be able to process
in a year, based on the following:
(A) A time and motion study that the Secretary shall
conduct on the processing of such claims.
(B) Such other information relating to such claims as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) A description of the actions the Secretary will take to
improve the processing of such claims.
(3) An assessment of the actions identified by the Secretary
under paragraph (2) in the previous year and an identification of
the effects of those actions.
(c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to any
budget submitted as described in subsection (a) with respect to any
fiscal year after fiscal year 2018.
SEC. 107. REPORT ON PLANS OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO
REDUCE INVENTORY OF NON-RATING WORKLOAD; SENSE OF CONGRESS
REGARDING MONDAY MORNING WORKLOAD REPORT.
(a) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that
details the plans of the Secretary to reduce the inventory of work
items listed in the Monday Morning Workload Report under End Products
130, 137, 173, 290, 400, 600, 607, 690, 930, and 960.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs should include in each Monday Morning
Workload Report published by the Secretary the following:
(1) With respect to each regional office of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, the following:
(A) The number of fully developed claims for benefits under
the laws administered by the Secretary that have been received.
(B) The number of claims described in subparagraph (A) that
are pending a decision.
(C) The number of claims described in subparagraph (A) that
have been pending a decision for more than 125 days.
(2) Enhanced information on appeals of decisions relating to
claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary
that are pending, including information contained in the reports of
the Department entitled ``Appeals Pending'' and ``Appeals Workload
By Station''.
SEC. 108. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING VETERANS
BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Not later than each of 1 year, 2 years, and 3
years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the progress of the Secretary in
implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System.
(b) Contents.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An assessment of the current functionality of the Veterans
Benefits Management System.
(2) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by employees of
the Department of Veterans Affairs who are involved in processing
claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary,
including veterans service representatives, rating veterans service
representatives, and decision review officers, for such legislative
or administrative action as the employees consider appropriate to
improve the processing of such claims.
(3) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by veterans
service organizations who use the Veterans Benefits Management
System for such legislative or administrative action as the
veterans service organizations consider appropriate to improve such
system.
(c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization
recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under
section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 109. IMPROVEMENTS TO AUTHORITY FOR PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL
DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.
(a) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
(1) Temporary authority.--Section 704 of the Veterans Benefits
Act of 2003 (38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection (d):
``(d) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any law regarding the
licensure of physicians, a physician described in paragraph (2) may
conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered into under
subsection (b) at any location in any State, the District of
Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United
States, so long as the examination is within the scope of the
authorized duties under such contract.
``(2) Physician described.--A physician described in this
paragraph is a physician who--
``(A) has a current unrestricted license to practice the
health care profession of the physician;
``(B) is not barred from practicing such health care
profession in any State, the District of Columbia, or a
Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States;
and
``(C) is performing authorized duties for the Department of
Veterans Affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under
subsection (b).''.
(2) Pilot program.--Section 504 of the Veterans' Benefits
Improvement Act of 1996 (38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection (c):
``(c) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any law regarding the
licensure of physicians, a physician described in paragraph (2) may
conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered into under
subsection (a) at any location in any State, the District of
Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United
States, so long as the examination is within the scope of the
authorized duties under such contract.
``(2) Physician described.--A physician described in this
paragraph is a physician who--
``(A) has a current unrestricted license to practice the
health care profession of the physician;
``(B) is not barred from practicing such health care
profession in any State, the District of Columbia, or a
Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States;
and
``(C) is performing authorized duties for the Department of
Veterans Affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under
subsection (a).''.
SEC. 110. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROCESS BY WHICH DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS ASSESSES IMPAIRMENTS THAT RESULT FROM TRAUMATIC
BRAIN INJURY FOR PURPOSES OF AWARDING DISABILITY COMPENSATION.
(a) Agreement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek
to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine to perform the services covered by this
section.
(2) Timing.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into the
agreement described in paragraph (1) not later than 9 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Comprehensive Review.--
(1) In general.--Under an agreement between the Secretary and
the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under
this section, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine shall conduct a comprehensive review of examinations
furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs to individuals who
submit claims to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of
title 38, United States Code, for traumatic brain injury to assess
the impairments of such individuals relating to such injury.
(2) Elements.--The comprehensive review carried out pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) A determination of the adequacy of the tools and
protocols used by the Department to provide examinations
described in paragraph (1).
(B) A determination of which credentials are necessary for
health care specialists and providers to perform such portions
of such examinations that relate to an assessment of all
disabling effects.
(3) Group of experienced health care providers.--In carrying
out the comprehensive review pursuant to paragraph (1), the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall
convene a group of relevant experts, including experts in clinical
neuropsychology, psychiatry, physiatry, neurosurgery, and
neurology.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the date on
which the Secretary enters into an agreement under subsection
(a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the
comprehensive review conducted under this section.
(2) Elements.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The findings of the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine with respect to the comprehensive
review conducted under this section.
(B) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative
action as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine may have for the improvement of the adjudication of
claims described in subsection (b)(1).
(d) Alternate Contract Organization.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within the period
prescribed in subsection (a)(2) to enter into an agreement
described in subsection (a)(1) with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on terms acceptable to the
Secretary, the Secretary shall seek to enter into such an agreement
with another appropriate organization that--
(A) is not part of the Government;
(B) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
(C) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the
Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
(2) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an agreement with
another organization as described in paragraph (1), any reference
in this section to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine shall be treated as a reference to the other
organization.
SEC. 111. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION.
(a) Report on Reasonably Raised Claims.--Not later than 540 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives a report on the policies of the
Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to processing reasonably
raised unrelated claims. Such report shall include--
(1) any statistics on how frequently such unrelated claims are
identified by the Secretary;
(2) how frequently the Secretary notifies claimants about
potential unrelated claims; and
(3) how often the claimant later submits a claim for the
condition described by the unrelated claim.
(b) Annual Reports on Complete and Incomplete Claims.--During the
5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives annual reports on complete and
incomplete claims for disability compensation submitted to the
Secretary. Each such report shall include, for the 1-year period
covered by the report--
(1) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary;
(2) the total number of incomplete claims submitted to the
Secretary;
(3) the total number of complete claims submitted to the
Secretary;
(4) the total number of forms indicating an intent to file a
claim for benefits submitted to the Secretary;
(5) the total number of electronically filed claims submitted
to the Secretary;
(6) the total number of fully developed claims submitted to the
Secretary;
(7) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary that
are not complete claims but that the Secretary treats as a request
by the claimant for a form to file a claim; and
(8) of the total number of claims identified under paragraph
(7), the percent for which the Secretary notified the claimant of
the need to file a complete claim.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``claimant'' has the meaning given such term in
section 5100 of title 38, United States Code, and includes a
representative of a claimant.
(2) The term ``reasonably raised unrelated claim'' means a
claim for disability compensation under the laws administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that, in addition to the
condition for which such claim is made, includes evidence of a
separate condition that is not specifically identified as part of
the claim but may be inferred or logically placed at issue upon a
sympathetic reading of the claim and the record developed with
respect to that claim.
SEC. 112. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED
FOR LIFE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) There are at least 4,200,000 veterans currently living with
service-connected disabilities.
(2) As a result of their service, many veterans are permanently
disabled throughout their lives and in many cases must rely on the
support of their families and friends when these visible and
invisible burdens become too much to bear alone.
(3) October 5, which is the anniversary of the dedication of
the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, has been
recognized as an appropriate day on which to honor American
veterans disabled for life each year.
(b) Sense of Congress.--Congress--
(1) expresses its appreciation to the men and women left
permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of their service
in the Armed Forces;
(2) supports the annual recognition of American veterans
disabled for life each year; and
(3) encourages the American people to honor American veterans
disabled for life each year with appropriate programs and
activities.
SEC. 113. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUBMITTAL OF INFORMATION RELATING TO
CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES INCURRED OR AGGRAVATED BY MILITARY SEXUAL
TRAUMA.
(a) In General.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs should submit to Congress information on the covered
claims submitted to the Secretary during each fiscal year, including
the information specified in subsection (b).
(b) Elements.--The information specified in this subsection with
respect to each fiscal year is the following:
(1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered by
the Secretary during such fiscal year.
(2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number and
percentage of such claims--
(A) submitted by each sex;
(B) that were approved, including the number and percentage
of such approved claims submitted by each sex; and
(C) that were denied, including the number and percentage
of such denied claims submitted by each sex.
(3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were
approved, the number and percentage, listed by each sex, of claims
assigned to each rating percentage of disability.
(4) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were
denied--
(A) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary
under section 5104(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, for
such denials; and
(B) the number of denials that were based on the failure of
a veteran to report for a medical examination.
(5) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of such
fiscal year, are pending and, separately, the number of such claims
on appeal.
(6) The average number of days that covered claims take to
complete beginning on the date on which the claim is submitted.
(7) A description of the training that the Secretary provides
to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration specifically
with respect to covered claims, including the frequency, length,
and content of such training.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered claims'' means claims for disability
compensation submitted to the Secretary based on a mental health
condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military
sexual trauma.
(2) The term ``military sexual trauma'' shall have the meaning
specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section and shall
include ``sexual harassment'' (as so specified).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY INCREASE IN NUMBER OF JUDGES ON
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.
(a) In General.--Section 7253(i)(2) is amended by striking
``January 1, 2013'' and inserting ``January 1, 2021''.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than June 30, 2020, the chief judge
of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on the temporary expansions of the Court under section 7253
of title 38, United States Code.
(2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) An assessment of the effect of the expansions on
ensuring appeals are handled in a timely manner.
(B) A description of the ways in which the complexity
levels of the appeals acted on by the Court may have changed
based on service during recent conflicts compared to those
based on service from previous eras.
(C) A recommendation on whether the number of judges should
be adjusted at the end of the temporary expansion period,
including statistics, projections, trend analyses, and other
information to support the recommendation.
SEC. 202. LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM RELATING TO JUDGES OF UNITED
STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.
(a) In General.--Section 7281 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(j) For purposes of chapter 87 of title 5, a judge who is in
regular active service and a judge who is retired under section 7296 of
this title or under chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 shall be treated as an
employee described in section 8701(a)(5) of title 5.
``(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Court may pay
on behalf of its judges, who are age 65 or older, any increase in the
cost of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after April 24,
1999, including any expenses generated by such payments, as authorized
by the chief judge of the Court in a manner consistent with such
payment authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States
pursuant to section 604(a)(5) of title 28.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to any payment made on or after the first day of the
first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENLARGE SURVIVORS' ANNUITY.
Section 7297 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(p)(1) A covered judge who makes an election under subsection (b)
may purchase, in 3-month increments, up to an additional year of
service credit for each year of Federal judicial service completed,
under the terms set forth in this section.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered judge' means any of the
following:
``(A) A judge in regular active service.
``(B) A retired judge who is a recall-eligible retired judge
pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 of this title.
``(C) A retired judge who would be a recall-eligible retired
judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 but for--
``(i) meeting the aggregate recall service requirements
under subsection (b)(3) of such section; or
``(ii) being permanently disabled as described by
subsection (b)(4) of such section.''.
SEC. 204. SELECTION OF CHIEF JUDGE OF UNITED STATES COURT OF
APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.
(a) In General.--Section 7253(d) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph (B):
``(B) have at least 3 years remaining in term of office; and'';
and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2)(A) In any case in which there is no judge of the Court in
regular active service who meets the requirements under paragraph (1),
the judge of the Court in regular active service who is senior in
commission and meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of
paragraph (1) shall act as the chief judge.
``(B) In any case under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph in which
there is no judge of the Court in regular active service who meets
subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), the
judge of the Court in regular active service who is senior in
commission and meets subparagraph (C) shall act as the chief judge.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to the selection of a chief judge occurring on or
after January 1, 2020.
TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEADSTONES, MARKERS, AND
MEDALLIONS.
Section 2306(d) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new
paragraph:
``(4)(A) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker under this
subsection to a deceased individual described in subparagraph (B), the
Secretary may furnish, upon request, a medallion or other device of a
design determined by the Secretary to signify the deceased individual's
status as a veteran, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished
at private expense.
``(B) A deceased individual described in this subsection is an
individual who--
``(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; and
``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under
paragraph (1) (or would be so eligible but for the date of the
death of the individual).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5)(A) In carrying out this subsection with respect to a deceased
individual described in subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall furnish,
upon request, a headstone or marker under paragraph (1) or a medallion
under paragraph (4) that signifies the deceased's status as a medal of
honor recipient.
``(B) If the Secretary furnished a headstone, marker, or medallion
under paragraph (1) or (4) for a deceased individual described in
subparagraph (C) that does not signify the deceased's status as a medal
of honor recipient, the Secretary shall, upon request, replace such
headstone, marker, or medallion with a headstone, marker, or medallion,
as the case may be, that so signifies the deceased's status as a medal
of honor recipient.
``(C) A deceased individual described in this subparagraph is a
deceased individual who--
``(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917;
``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under
paragraph (1) or a medallion furnished under paragraph (4) (or
would be so eligible for such headstone, marker, or medallion but
for the date of the death of the individual); and
``(iii) was awarded the medal of honor under section 3741,
6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14 (including
posthumously).
``(D) In this paragraph, the term `medal of honor recipient' means
an individual who is awarded the medal of honor under section 3741,
6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14.''.
SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 112(a) is amended by striking
``veterans,'' and all that follows through ``service,'' and inserting
the following: ``persons eligible for burial in a national cemetery by
reason of any of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of
this title,''.
(b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to the death of a person eligible for burial in a national
cemetery by reason of paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (7) of section
2402(a) of title 38, United States Code, occurring before, on, or after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 303. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STUDY ON MATTERS RELATING
TO BURIAL OF UNCLAIMED REMAINS OF VETERANS IN NATIONAL
CEMETERIES.
(a) Study and Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the
effective date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall--
(1) complete a study on matters relating to the interring of
unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the
control of the National Cemetery Administration; and
(2) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary with
respect to the study required under paragraph (1).
(b) Matters Studied.--The matters studied under subsection (a)(1)
shall include the following:
(1) Determining the scope of issues relating to unclaimed
remains of veterans, including an estimate of the number of
unclaimed remains of veterans.
(2) Assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for working with persons or entities
having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate interment of
unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the
control of the National Cemetery Administration.
(3) Assessing State and local laws that affect the ability of
the Secretary to inter unclaimed remains of veterans in national
cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery
Administration.
(4) Developing recommendations for such legislative or
administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Methodology.--
(1) Number of unclaimed remains.--In estimating the number of
unclaimed remains of veterans under subsection (b)(1), the
Secretary may review such subset of applicable entities as the
Secretary considers appropriate, including a subset of funeral
homes and coroner offices that possess unclaimed veterans remains.
(2) Assessment of state and local laws.--In assessing State and
local laws under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may assess such
sample of applicable State and local laws as the Secretary
considers appropriate in lieu of reviewing all applicable State and
local laws.
(d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date
that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 304. STUDY ON PROVISION OF INTERMENTS IN VETERANS' CEMETERIES
DURING WEEKENDS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
conduct a study on the feasibility and the need for providing
increased interments in veterans' cemeteries on Saturdays and
Sundays to meet the needs of surviving family members to properly
honor the deceased.
(2) Matters included.--The study under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The number of requests made for interments in veterans'
cemeteries on a Saturday or a Sunday since January 1, 2007.
(B) The number of requests identified under subparagraph
(A) that were granted.
(C) An estimate of the number of families that, since
January 1, 2007, would have selected a weekend interment if
such an interment would have been offered.
(D) A review of the practices relating to weekend
interments among non-veterans' cemeteries, including private
and municipal cemeteries.
(E) A comparison of the costs to veterans' cemeteries with
respect to providing regular interments only during weekdays
and such costs for providing regular interments during the
weekdays and at least 1 weekend day.
(F) Any other information the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out the study under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall consult with the following:
(A) Veterans who are eligible to be interred in a veterans'
cemetery.
(B) Family members of a deceased individual interred in a
veterans' cemetery.
(C) Veterans service organizations.
(D) Associations representing cemetery and funeral home
professionals.
(E) The heads of agencies of State governments relating to
veterans affairs.
(F) The directors of the veterans' cemeteries.
(G) Any other person the Secretary determines appropriate.
(b) Submission.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a
report on the study conducted under subsection (a).
(c) Veterans' Cemeteries Defined.--In this section, the term
``veterans' cemeteries'' means the cemeteries of the National Cemetery
Administration, veterans' cemeteries owned by a State, and veterans'
cemeteries owned by a tribal organization.
SEC. 305. HONORING AS VETERANS CERTAIN PERSONS WHO PERFORMED
SERVICE IN THE RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, United
States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, but for age,
would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for nonregular
service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any
benefit by reason of this honor.
TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT
JOHN DAVID FRY SCHOLARSHIP.
(a) In General.--Section 701(d) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 128 Stat. 1796; 38
U.S.C. 3311 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Applicability.--
``(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable,
commencing on or after January 1, 2015.
``(2) Deaths that occurred between september 11, 2001, and
december 31, 2005.--For purposes of section 3311(f)(2) of title 38,
United States Code, any member of the Armed Forces who died during
the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December
31, 2005, is deemed to have died on January 1, 2006.''.
(b) Election on Receipt of Certain Benefits.--Section 3311(f) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``A surviving spouse'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), a surviving
spouse'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) Exception for certain elections.--
``(A) In general.--An election made under paragraph (3) by
a spouse described in subparagraph (B) may not be treated as
irrevocable if such election occurred before the date of the
enactment of this paragraph.
``(B) Eligible surviving spouse.--A spouse described in
this subparagraph is an individual--
``(i) who is entitled to assistance under subsection
(a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b); and
``(ii) who was the spouse of a member of the Armed
Forces who died during the period beginning on September
11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2005.''.
(c) Technical Amendment.--Paragraph (5) of subsection (f) of
section 3311, as redesignated by subsection (b)(2), is amended by
striking ``that paragraph'' and inserting ``paragraph (9) of subsection
(b)''.
SEC. 402. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR
PURPOSES OF THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 3104(b) is amended by adding at the end
the following new sentences: ``To the maximum extent practicable, a
course of education or training may be pursued by a veteran as part of
a rehabilitation program under this chapter only if the course is
approved for purposes of chapter 30 or 33 of this title. The Secretary
may waive the requirement under the preceding sentence to the extent
the Secretary determines appropriate.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to a course of education or training pursued by a
veteran who first begins a program of rehabilitation under chapter 31
of title 38, United States Code, on or after the date that is 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 403. AUTHORITY TO PRIORITIZE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
SERVICES BASED ON NEED.
Section 3104, as amended by section 402, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c)(1) The Secretary shall have the authority to administer this
chapter by prioritizing the provision of services under this chapter
based on need, as determined by the Secretary. In evaluating need for
purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall consider disability
ratings, the severity of employment handicaps, qualification for a
program of independent living, income, and any other factor the
Secretary determines appropriate.
``(2) Not later than 90 days before making any changes to the
prioritization of the provision of services under this chapter as
authorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a plan describing such changes.''.
SEC. 404. REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF STUDENTS RECEIVING POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33 is amended--
(1) in section 3325(c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph (3):
``(3) the information received by the Secretary under section
3326 of this title; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3326. Report on student progress
``As a condition of approval under chapter 36 of this title of a
course offered by an educational institution (as defined in section
3452 of this title), each year, each educational institution (as so
defined) that received a payment in that year on behalf of an
individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall
submit to the Secretary such information regarding the academic
progress of the individual as the Secretary may require.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``3326. Report on student progress.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 405. RECODIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTION PROCESS FOR
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33, as amended by
section 404, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 3327. Election to receive educational assistance
``(a) Individuals Eligible To Elect Participation in Post-9/11
Educational Assistance.--An individual may elect to receive educational
assistance under this chapter if such individual--
``(1) as of August 1, 2009--
``(A) is entitled to basic educational assistance under
chapter 30 of this title and has used, but retains unused,
entitlement under that chapter;
``(B) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter
107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and has used, but retains
unused, entitlement under the applicable chapter;
``(C) is entitled to basic educational assistance under
chapter 30 of this title but has not used any entitlement under
that chapter;
``(D) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter
107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but has not used any entitlement
under such chapter;
``(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who is eligible for
receipt of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of
this title and is making contributions toward such assistance
under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title; or
``(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who is not entitled
to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title
by reason of an election under section 3011(c)(1) or 3012(d)(1)
of this title; and
``(2) as of the date of the individual's election under this
paragraph, meets the requirements for entitlement to educational
assistance under this chapter.
``(b) Cessation of Contributions Toward GI Bill.--Effective as of
the first month beginning on or after the date of an election under
subsection (a) of an individual described by paragraph (1)(E) of that
subsection, the obligation of the individual to make contributions
under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as applicable, shall
cease, and the requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no
longer applicable to the individual.
``(c) Revocation of Remaining Transferred Entitlement.--
``(1) Election to revoke.--If, on the date an individual
described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(C) of subsection (a) makes an
election under that subsection, a transfer of the entitlement of
the individual to basic educational assistance under section 3020
of this title is in effect and a number of months of the
entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, the individual may
elect to revoke all or a portion of the entitlement so transferred
that remains unutilized.
``(2) Availability of revoked entitlement.--Any entitlement
revoked by an individual under this subsection shall no longer be
available to the dependent to whom transferred, but shall be
available to the individual instead for educational assistance
under chapter 33 of this title in accordance with the provisions of
this section.
``(3) Availability of unrevoked entitlement.--Any entitlement
described in paragraph (1) that is not revoked by an individual in
accordance with that paragraph shall remain available to the
dependent or dependents concerned in accordance with the current
transfer of such entitlement under section 3020 of this title.
``(d) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and except as
provided in subsection (e), an individual making an election under
subsection (a) shall be entitled to educational assistance under
this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this chapter,
instead of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this
title, or educational assistance under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607
of title 10, as applicable.
``(2) Limitation on entitlement for certain individuals.--In
the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a)
who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection, the number
of months of entitlement of the individual to educational
assistance under this chapter shall be the number of months equal
to--
``(A) the number of months of unused entitlement of the
individual under chapter 30 of this title, as of the date of
the election, plus
``(B) the number of months, if any, of entitlement revoked
by the individual under subsection (c)(1).
``(e) Continuing Entitlement to Educational Assistance Not
Available Under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.--
``(1) In general.--In the event educational assistance to which
an individual making an election under subsection (a) would be
entitled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, or
1607 of title 10, as applicable, is not authorized to be available
to the individual under the provisions of this chapter, the
individual shall remain entitled to such educational assistance in
accordance with the provisions of the applicable chapter.
``(2) Charge for use of entitlement.--The utilization by an
individual of entitlement under paragraph (1) shall be chargeable
against the entitlement of the individual to educational assistance
under this chapter at the rate of 1 month of entitlement under this
chapter for each month of entitlement utilized by the individual
under paragraph (1) (as determined as if such entitlement were
utilized under the provisions of chapter 30 of this title, or
chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable).
``(f) Additional Post-9/11 Assistance for Members Having Made
Contributions Toward GI Bill.--
``(1) Additional assistance.--In the case of an individual
making an election under subsection (a) who is described by
subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that subsection,
the amount of educational assistance payable to the individual
under this chapter as a monthly stipend payable under paragraph
(1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this title, or under paragraphs (2)
through (7) of that section (as applicable), shall be the amount
otherwise payable as a monthly stipend under the applicable
paragraph increased by the amount equal to--
``(A) the total amount of contributions toward basic
educational assistance made by the individual under section
3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as of the date of the
election, multiplied by
``(B) the fraction--
``(i) the numerator of which is--
``(I) the number of months of entitlement to basic
educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title
remaining to the individual at the time of the
election; plus
``(II) the number of months, if any, of entitlement
under chapter 30 of this title revoked by the
individual under subsection (c)(1); and
``(ii) the denominator of which is 36 months.
``(2) Months of remaining entitlement for certain
individuals.--In the case of an individual covered by paragraph (1)
who is described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the number of months of
entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining to the
individual for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) shall be 36
months.
``(3) Timing of payment.--The amount payable with respect to an
individual under paragraph (1) shall be paid to the individual
together with the last payment of the monthly stipend payable to
the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this
title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as
applicable), before the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement
to educational assistance under this chapter.
``(g) Continuing Entitlement to Additional Assistance for Critical
Skills or Specialty and Additional Service.--An individual making an
election under subsection (a)(1) who, at the time of the election, is
entitled to increased educational assistance under section 3015(d) of
this title, or section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental
educational assistance under subchapter III of chapter 30 of this
title, shall remain entitled to such increased educational assistance
or supplemental educational assistance in the utilization of
entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter, in an amount
equal to the quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, equivalent of
the monthly amount of such increased educational assistance or
supplemental educational assistance payable with respect to the
individual at the time of the election.
``(h) Alternative Election by Secretary.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual who, on or
after January 1, 2017, submits to the Secretary an election under
this section that the Secretary determines is clearly against the
interests of the individual, or who fails to make an election under
this section, the Secretary may make an alternative election on
behalf of the individual that the Secretary determines is in the
best interests of the individual.
``(2) Notice.--If the Secretary makes an election on behalf of
an individual under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify the
individual by not later than seven days after making such election
and shall provide the individual with a 30-day period, beginning on
the date of the individual's receipt of such notice, during which
the individual may modify or revoke the election made by the
Secretary on the individual's behalf. The Secretary shall include,
as part of such notice, a clear statement of why the alternative
election made by the Secretary is in the best interests of the
individual as compared to the election submitted by the individual.
The Secretary shall provide the notice required under this
paragraph by electronic means whenever possible.
``(i) Irrevocability of Elections.--An election under subsection
(a) or (c)(1) is irrevocable.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter, as amended by section 404, is further amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``3327. Election to receive educational assistance.''.
(c) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 5003 of the Post-
9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252;
38 U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby repealed.
SEC. 406. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.
Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``June 30, 2013'' each
place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2013, or the period beginning
on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022''.
SEC. 407. CENTRALIZED REPORTING OF VETERAN ENROLLMENT BY CERTAIN
GROUPS, DISTRICTS, AND CONSORTIUMS OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 3684(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``32, 33,'' after ``31,'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term `educational
institution' may include a group, district, or consortium of separately
accredited educational institutions located in the same State that are
organized in a manner that facilitates the centralized reporting of the
enrollments in such group, district, or consortium of institutions.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to reports submitted on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 408. ROLE OF STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.
(a) Approval of Certain Courses.--Section 3672(b)(2)(A) is amended
by striking ``the following'' and all that follows through the colon
and inserting the following: ``a program of education is deemed to be
approved for purposes of this chapter if a State approving agency, or
the Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving agency,
determines that the program is one of the following programs:''.
(b) Approval of Other Courses.--Section 3675 of such title is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary or a State approving
agency'' and inserting ``A State approving agency, or the
Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving
agency,''; and
(B) by striking ``offered by proprietary for-profit
educational institutions'' and inserting ``not covered by
section 3672 of this title''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``the Secretary or the State approving agency'' and inserting
``the State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in
the role of a State approving agency,''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Secretary or the
State approving agency'' and inserting ``the State approving
agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of a State
approving agency''.
SEC. 409. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL FOR PURPOSES OF
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO PREPARE INDIVIDUALS FOR LICENSURE OR
CERTIFICATION.
(a) Approval of Nonaccredited Courses.--Subsection (c) of section
3676 is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (16); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following new
paragraphs:
``(14) In the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure or certification in a State, the course--
``(A) meets all instructional curriculum licensure or
certification requirements of such State; and
``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is
accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized
by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of
title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).
``(15) In the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a
board or agency of a State in an occupation that requires approval,
licensure, or certification, the course--
``(A) meets such standards; and
``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is
accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized
by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of
title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1099b).''.
(b) Exceptions.--Such section is further amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(f)(1) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (14)
or (15) of subsection (c) in the case of a course of education offered
by an educational institution (either accredited or not accredited) if
the Secretary determines all of the following:
``(A) The educational institution is not accredited by an
agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education.
``(B) The course did not meet the requirements of such
paragraph at any time during the 2-year period preceding the date
of the waiver.
``(C) The waiver furthers the purposes of the educational
assistance programs administered by the Secretary or would further
the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance
under such programs.
``(D) The educational institution does not provide any
commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or
indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to
any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or
admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of
student financial assistance, except for the recruitment of foreign
students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to
receive Federal student assistance.
``(2) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary
issues a waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to
Congress notice of such waiver and a justification for issuing such
waiver.''.
(c) Approval of Accredited Courses.--Section 3675(b)(3) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and (3)'' and inserting ``(3), (14), (15),
and (16)''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``(or, with respect to such paragraphs (14) and (15), the
requirements under such paragraphs are waived pursuant to
subsection (f)(1) of section 3676 of this title)''.
(d) Approval of Accredited Standard College Degree Programs Offered
at Public or Not-For-Profit Educational Institutions.--Section
3672(b)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``An accredited'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an
accredited''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) A course that is described in both subparagraph (A)(i) of
this paragraph and in paragraph (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this
title shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter
unless--
``(i) a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in
the role of a State approving agency, determines that the course
meets the applicable criteria in such paragraphs; or
``(ii) the Secretary issues a waiver for such course under
section 3676(f)(1) of this title.''.
(e) Disapproval of Courses.--Section 3679 is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the
Secretary or the applicable State approving agency shall disapprove a
course of education described in paragraph (14) or (15) of section
3676(c) of this title unless the educational institution providing the
course of education--
``(1) publicly discloses any conditions or additional
requirements, including training, experience, or examinations,
required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for
which the course of education is designed to provide preparation;
and
``(2) makes each disclosure required by paragraph (1) in a
manner that the Secretary considers prominent (as specified by the
Secretary in regulations prescribed for purposes of this
subsection).''.
(f) Applicability.--If after enrollment in a course of education
that is subject to disapproval by reason of an amendment made by this
section, an individual pursues one or more courses of education at the
same educational institution while remaining continuously enrolled
(other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses,
semesters, or terms) at that institution, any course so pursued by the
individual at that institution while so continuously enrolled shall not
be subject to disapproval by reason of such amendment.
SEC. 410. CRITERIA USED TO APPROVE COURSES.
(a) Nonaccredited Courses.--Paragraph (16) of section 3676(c), as
redesignated by section 409, is amended by inserting before the period
the following: ``if the Secretary, in consultation with the State
approving agency and pursuant to regulations prescribed to carry out
this paragraph, determines such criteria are necessary and treat
public, private, and proprietary for-profit educational institutions
equitably''.
(b) Accredited Courses.--Section 3675(b)(3) is amended by striking
``and (3)'' and inserting ``(3), and (14)''.
(c) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to--
(1) criteria developed pursuant to paragraph (16) of subsection
(c) of section 3676 of title 38, United States Code, on or after
January 1, 2013; and
(2) an investigation conducted under such subsection that is
covered by a reimbursement of expenses paid by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to a State pursuant to section 3674 of such title
on or after October 1, 2015.
SEC. 411. COMPLIANCE SURVEYS.
(a) In General.--Section 3693 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new
subsection (a):
``(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall
conduct an annual compliance survey of educational institutions and
training establishments offering one or more courses approved for the
enrollment of eligible veterans or persons if at least 20 such veterans
or persons are enrolled in any such course. The Secretary shall--
``(A) design the compliance surveys to ensure that such
institutions or establishments, as the case may be, and approved
courses are in compliance with all applicable provisions of
chapters 30 through 36 of this title;
``(B) survey each such educational institution and training
establishment not less than once during every 2-year period; and
``(C) assign not fewer than 1 education compliance specialist
to work on compliance surveys in any year for each 40 compliance
surveys required to be made under this section for such year.
``(2) The Secretary, in consultation with the State approving
agencies, shall--
``(A) annually determine the parameters of the surveys required
under paragraph (1); and
``(B) not later than September 1 of each year, make available
to the State approving agencies a list of the educational
institutions and training establishments that will be surveyed
during the fiscal year following the date of making such list
available.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) In this section, the terms `educational institution' and
`training establishment' have the meanings given such terms in section
3452 of this title.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (b) of such section is
amended--
(1) by striking ``subsection (a) of this section for an annual
compliance survey'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1) for a
compliance survey'';
(2) by striking ``institution'' and inserting ``educational
institution or training establishment''; and
(3) by striking ``institution's demonstrated record of
compliance'' and inserting ``record of compliance of such
institution or establishment''.
SEC. 412. MODIFICATION OF REDUCTIONS IN REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS
FOR PAYMENTS BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Through September 25, 2017.--During the period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 25, 2017, the
second sentence of section 3684(c) of title 38, United States Code,
shall be applied--
(1) by substituting ``$6'' for ``$12''; and
(2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.
(b) September 26, 2017, Through September 25, 2026.--During the
period beginning on September 26, 2017, and ending on September 25,
2026, the second sentence of such section shall be applied--
(1) by substituting ``$7'' for ``$12''; and
(2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 406 of the Department of
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-175;
38 U.S.C. 3684 note), as amended by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Expiring Authorities Act of 2016, is amended by striking ``During the
three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act''
and inserting ``During the period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this Act and ending on the day before the date of the
enactment of the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health
Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016''.
SEC. 413. COMPOSITION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
Section 3692(a) is amended in the second sentence by striking
``veterans representative of World War II'' and all that follows
through the period at the end of that sentence and inserting the
following: ``a representative sample of veterans and other individuals
who have used, or may in the future use, educational assistance
benefits administered by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 414. SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS USING THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Survey Required.--By not later than 270 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
enter into a contract with a non-government entity for the conduct of a
survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or
are using their entitlement to educational assistance under chapters
30, 32, 33, and 35 of title 38, United States Code, to pursue a program
of education or training. The contract shall provide that--
(1) not later than 1 month before the collection of data under
the survey begins, the survey shall be submitted to the Committees
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives;
(2) the non-government entity shall complete the survey and
submit to the Secretary the results of the survey by not later than
180 days after entering into the contract; and
(3) the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and by
any other means the non-government entity determines appropriate.
(b) Information To Be Collected.--The contract under subsection (a)
shall provide that the survey shall be designed to collect the
following types of information about each individual surveyed, where
applicable:
(1) Demographic information, including the highest level of
education completed by the individual, the military occupational
specialty or specialties of the individual while serving on active
duty as a member of the Armed Forces or as a member of the National
Guard or of a Reserve Component of the Armed Forces, and whether
the individual has a service-connected disability.
(2) The opinion of the individual regarding participation in
the transition assistance program under section 1144 of title 10,
United States Code, and the effectiveness of the program, including
instruction on the use of the benefits under laws administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(3) The resources the individual used to help the individual--
(A) decide to use the individual's entitlement to
educational assistance to enroll in a program of education or
training; and
(B) choose the program of education or training the
individual pursued.
(4) The individual's goal when the individual enrolled in the
program of education or training.
(5) The nature of the individual's experience with the
education benefits processing system of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
(6) The nature of the individual's experience with the school
certifying official of the educational institution where the
individual pursued the program of education or training who
processed the individual's claim.
(7) Any services or benefits the educational institution or
program of education or training provided to veterans while the
individual pursued the program of education or training.
(8) The type of educational institution at which the individual
pursued the program of education or training.
(9) Whether the individual completed the program of education
or training or the number of credit hours completed by the
individual as of the time of the survey, and, if applicable, any
degree or certificate obtained by the individual for completing the
program.
(10) The employment status of the individual and whether such
employment status differs from the employment status of the
individual prior to enrolling in the program of education or
training.
(11) Whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program of
education on a full-time or part-time basis.
(12) The opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of the
educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs under which the individual was entitled to educational
assistance.
(13) Whether the individual was ever entitled to a
rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code,
and whether the individual participated in such a program.
(14) A description of any circumstances that prevented the
individual from using the individual's entitlement to educational
assistance to pursue a desired career path or degree.
(15) Whether the individual is using the individual's
entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a program of
education or training or has transferred such an entitlement to a
dependent.
(16) Such other matters as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the results of
the survey required under this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the results of the survey and any
recommendations of the Secretary relating to such results. Such report
shall also include an unedited version of the results of the survey
submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the survey.
SEC. 415. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF INFORMATION
ON ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
LEARNING.
(a) Information.--Department of Veterans Affairs counselors who
provide educational or vocational counseling services pursuant to
section 3697A of title 38, United States Code, shall provide to any
eligible individual who requests such counseling services information
about the articulation agreements of each institution of higher
learning in which the individual is interested.
(b) Certification of Eligibility.--When the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs provides to an individual a certification of eligibility for
educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
the Secretary shall also include detailed information on such
educational assistance, including information on requesting education
counseling services and on articulation agreements.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``institution of higher learning'' has the meaning
given such term in section 3452(f) of title 38, United States Code.
(2) The term ``articulation agreement'' has the meaning given
such term in section 486A of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(Public Law 89-329; 20 U.S.C. 1093a).
(d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall implement this section not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 416. RETENTION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE DURING
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PERIODS OF ACTIVE DUTY.
(a) Educational Assistance Allowance.--Section 16131(c)(3)(B)(i) of
title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``or 12304'' and
inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
(b) Expiration Date.--Section 16133(b)(4) of such title is amended
by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
SEC. 417. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR
INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM ENTITLEMENT IS TRANSFERRED UNDER ALL-
VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Technical Amendment.--Subparagraph (B) of section 3679(c)(2) is
amended to read as follows:
``(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under--
``(i) section 3311(b)(9) of this title; or
``(ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of the
individual's relationship to--
``(I) a veteran described in subparagraph (A); or
``(II) a member of the uniformed services described
in section 3319(b) of this title who is serving on
active duty.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to a course, semester, or term that begins after
July 1, 2017.
SEC. 418. STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERANS TRANSITION
EFFORTS.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with
the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out a
study to evaluate programs to assist veterans of the Armed Forces in
their transition to civilian life. Such study shall be designed to
determine the effectiveness of current programs, especially in regards
to the unique challenges faced by women veterans, veterans with
disabilities, Native American veterans (including Alaska Native
veterans and Native Hawaiian veterans), veterans who are residents of a
territory of the United States, veterans who are part of the indigenous
population of a territory of the United States, and other groups of
minority veterans identified by the Secretaries, including whether such
programs--
(1) effectively address the challenges veterans face in
pursuing higher education, especially the challenges faced by such
groups of minority veterans;
(2) effectively address the challenges such veterans face
entering the civilian workforce and in translating experience and
skills from military service to the job market; and
(3) effectively address the challenges faced by the families of
such veterans transitioning to civilian life.
(b) Report.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report regarding the findings and recommendations of
the study required under subsection (a).
(c) Prohibition on Authorization of Appropriations.--No additional
funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this section.
Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise
authorized.
TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
SEC. 501. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS AND
PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (h) of section 8127 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``rated as'' and all that
follows through ``disability.'' and inserting a period; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as
follows:
``(C) The date that--
``(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a
service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling or
who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 10
years after the date of the veteran's death; or
``(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with
a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent
disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected
disability, is 3 years after the date of the veteran's
death.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to contracts awarded
on or after such date.
SEC. 502. LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF JOB COUNSELING, TRAINING, AND
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and
placement service for veterans
``(a) Study Required.--(1) The Secretary shall enter into a
contract with a non-government entity to conduct a longitudinal study
of a statistically valid sample of each of the groups of individuals
described in paragraph (2). The contract shall provide for the study of
each such group over a period of at least 5 years.
``(2) The groups of individuals described in this paragraph are the
following:
``(A) Veterans who have received intensive services.
``(B) Veterans who did not receive intensive services but who
otherwise received services under this chapter.
``(C) Veterans who did not seek or receive services under this
chapter.
``(3) The study required by this subsection shall include the
collection of the following information for each individual who
participates in the study:
``(A) The average number of months such individual served on
active duty.
``(B) The disability ratings of such individual.
``(C) Any unemployment benefits received by such individual.
``(D) The average number of months such individual was employed
during the year covered by the report.
``(E) The average annual starting and ending salaries of any
such individual who was employed during the year covered by the
report.
``(F) The average annual income of such individual.
``(G) The average total household income of such individual for
the year covered by the report.
``(H) The percentage of such individuals who own their
principal residences.
``(I) The employment status of such individual.
``(J) In the case of such an individual who received services
under this chapter, whether the individual believes that any
service provided by a disabled veterans' outreach program
specialist or local veterans' employment representative helped the
individual to become employed.
``(K) In the case of such an individual who believes such a
service helped the individual to become employed, whether--
``(i) the individual retained the position of employment
for a period of 1 year or longer; and
``(ii) the individual believes such a service helped the
individual to secure a higher wage or salary.
``(L) The conditions under which such individual was discharged
or released from the Armed Forces.
``(M) Whether such individual has used any educational
assistance to which the individual is entitled under this title.
``(N) Whether such individual has participated in a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title.
``(O) Whether such individual had contact with a One-Stop
Career Center employee while attending a workshop or job fair under
the Transition GPS Program of the Department of Defense.
``(P) Demographic information about such individual.
``(Q) Such other information as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(b) Annual Report.--(1) By not later than July 1 of each year
covered by the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the outcomes of the study during the preceding year.
``(2) The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under
paragraph (1) the following:
``(A) Information with respect to job fairs attended by One-
Stop Career Center employees at which the employees had contact
with a veteran, including, for the year preceding the year in which
the report is submitted, the following:
``(i) The number of job fairs attended by One-Stop Career
Center employees at which the employees had contact with a
veteran.
``(ii) The number of veterans contacted at each such job
fair.
``(B) Such information as the Secretary determines is necessary
to determine the long-term outcomes of the individuals in the
groups described in subsection (a)(2).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement
service for veterans.''.
SEC. 503. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Limitation.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 7 is amended by inserting after
section 715 the following new section:
``Sec. 717. Limitation on administrative leave
``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary may not place any covered individual on administrative leave,
or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave, for
more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day period.
``(b) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation under
subsection (a) and extend the administrative leave or other paid non-
duty status without charge to leave of a covered individual placed on
such leave or status under subsection (a) if the Secretary submits to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a detailed explanation of the reasons the individual
was placed on administrative leave or other paid non-duty status
without charge to leave and the reasons for the extension of such leave
or status. Such explanation shall include the job title and grade of
the covered individual and the location where the individual is
employed.
``(c) Covered Individual.--In this section, the term `covered
individual' means an employee of the Department--
``(1) who is subject to an investigation for purposes of
determining whether such individual should be subject to any
disciplinary action under this title or title 5; or
``(2) against whom any disciplinary action is proposed or
initiated under this title or title 5.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 715 the following new item:
``717. Limitation on administrative leave.''.
(b) Application.--Section 717 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply with respect to any 365-day
period beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 504. REQUIRED COORDINATION BETWEEN DIRECTORS FOR VETERANS'
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 4103 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(c) Coordination With State Departments of Labor and Veterans
Affairs.--Each Director for Veterans' Employment and Training for a
State shall coordinate the Director's activities under this chapter
with the State department of labor and the State department of veterans
affairs.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of such section, as added by
subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS
Subtitle A--Medical Care
SEC. 601. REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MEDICAL
COMMUNITY CARE ACCOUNT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 117(c) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(7) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community
Care.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1105(a)(37) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community
Care.''.
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply
to fiscal years beginning on and after October 1, 2017.
SEC. 602. IMPROVED ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR
VETERANS.
(a) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations as Medical
Services.--
(1) Covered benefit.--Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) is
amended to read as follows:
``(F) immunizations against infectious diseases, including
each immunization on the recommended adult immunization
schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that
schedule;''.
(2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--Section
1701 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) The term `recommended adult immunization schedule' means
the schedule established (and periodically reviewed and, as
appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services
and delegated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.''.
(b) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations in Annual
Report.--Section 1704(1)(A) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:
``(iii) to provide veterans each immunization on the
recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such
immunization is indicated on that schedule.''.
(c) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on the development and implementation by the Department of
Veterans Affairs of quality measures and metrics, including targets
for compliance, to ensure that veterans receiving medical services
under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, receive each
immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the
time such immunization is indicated on that schedule.
(2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--In this
subsection, the term ``recommended adult immunization schedule''
has the meaning given that term in section 1701(10) of title 38,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2).
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the
amendments made by this section may be construed to require a veteran
to receive an immunization that the veteran does not want to receive.
SEC. 603. PRIORITY OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS IN HEALTH CARE
SYSTEM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Enrollment Priority.--
(1) In general.--Section 1705(a) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``and veterans who were awarded the
medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or
section 491 of title 14.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``veterans who were
awarded the medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of
title 10 or section 491 of title 14,''.
(2) Application.--The priority of enrollment of medal of honor
recipients in the system of annual patient enrollment established
and operated under section 1705(a) of such title, as amended by
paragraph (1), shall apply to each such recipient, regardless of
the date on which the medal is awarded.
(b) Eligibility.--Section 1710(a)(2)(D) is amended by inserting
after ``war'' the following: ``, who was awarded the medal of honor
under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14,''.
(c) Extended Care Services.--Section 1710B(c)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under
section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14.''.
(d) Copayment for Medications.--Section 1722A(a)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under
section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14.''.
SEC. 604. REQUIREMENT THAT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COLLECT
HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACT INFORMATION FROM VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by inserting
after section 1705 the following new section:
``Sec. 1705A. Management of health care: information regarding health-
plan contracts
``(a) In General.--(1) Any individual who seeks hospital care or
medical services under this chapter shall provide to the Secretary such
current information as the Secretary may require to identify any
health-plan contract under which such individual is covered.
``(2) The information required to be provided to the Secretary
under paragraph (1) with respect to a health-plan contract shall
include, as applicable, the following:
``(A) The name of the entity providing coverage under the
health-plan contract.
``(B) If coverage under the health-plan contract is in the name
of an individual other than the individual required to provide
information under this section, the name of the policy holder of
the health-plan contract.
``(C) The identification number for the health-plan contract.
``(D) The group code for the health-plan contract.
``(b) Action To Collect Information.--The Secretary may take such
action as the Secretary considers appropriate to collect the
information required under subsection (a).
``(c) Effect on Services From Department.--The Secretary may not
deny any services under this chapter to an individual solely due to the
fact that the individual fails to provide information required under
subsection (a).
``(d) Health-Plan Contract Defined.--In this section, the term
`health-plan contract' has the meaning given that term in section
1725(f) of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1705 the following new item:
``1705A. Management of health care: information regarding health-plan
contracts.''.
SEC. 605. MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED IN
CLASSIFIED MISSIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that veterans
who experience combat-related mental health wounds should have
immediate, appropriate, and consistent access to comprehensive mental
health care.
(b) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in
classified missions
``(a) Establishment of Standards.--(1) The Secretary shall
establish standards and procedures to ensure that each eligible veteran
may access mental health care furnished by the Secretary in a manner
that fully accommodates the obligation of the veteran to not improperly
disclose classified information.
``(2) In establishing standards and procedures under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Defense to ensure
that such standards and procedures are consistent with the policies on
classified information of the Department of Defense.
``(3) The Secretary shall disseminate guidance to employees of the
Veterans Health Administration, including mental health professionals,
on the standards and procedures established under paragraph (1) and how
to best engage eligible veterans during the course of mental health
treatment with respect to classified information.
``(b) Identification.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall ensure that a veteran may elect to identify as an eligible
veteran on an appropriate form.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `classified information' means any information
or material that has been determined by an official of the United
States pursuant to law to require protection against unauthorized
disclosure for reasons of national security.
``(2) The term `eligible veteran' means a veteran who--
``(A) is eligible to receive health care furnished by the
Department under this title;
``(B) is seeking mental health treatment; and
``(C) in the course of serving in the Armed Forces,
participated in a sensitive mission or served in a sensitive
unit.
``(3) The term `sensitive mission' means a mission of the Armed
Forces that, at the time at which an eligible veteran seeks
treatment, is classified.
``(4) The term `sensitive unit' has the meaning given that term
in section 130b(c)(4) of title 10.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1720G the following new item:
``1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified
missions.''.
SEC. 606. EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND WOMEN IN LABOR.
(a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended by
inserting after section 1784 the following new section:
``Sec. 1784A. Examination and treatment for emergency medical
conditions and women in labor
``(a) In General.--In the case of a hospital of the Department that
has an emergency department, if any individual comes to the hospital or
the campus of the hospital and a request is made on behalf of the
individual for examination or treatment for a medical condition, the
hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening examination
within the capability of the emergency department, including ancillary
services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine
whether or not an emergency medical condition exists.
``(b) Necessary Stabilizing Treatment for Emergency Medical
Conditions and Labor.--(1) If any individual comes to a hospital of the
Department that has an emergency department or the campus of such a
hospital and the hospital determines that the individual has an
emergency medical condition, the hospital must provide either--
``(A) within the staff and facilities available at the
hospital, for such further medical examination and such treatment
as may be required to stabilize the medical condition; or
``(B) for transfer of the individual to another medical
facility in accordance with subsection (c).
``(2) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph
(1)(A) with respect to an individual if the hospital offers the
individual the further medical examination and treatment described in
that paragraph and informs the individual (or a person acting on behalf
of the individual) of the risks and benefits to the individual of such
examination and treatment, but the individual (or a person acting on
behalf of the individual) refuses to consent to the examination and
treatment. The hospital shall take all reasonable steps to secure the
written informed consent of the individual (or person) to refuse such
examination and treatment.
``(3) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph
(1)(B) with respect to an individual if the hospital offers to transfer
the individual to another medical facility in accordance with
subsection (c) and informs the individual (or a person acting on behalf
of the individual) of the risks and benefits to the individual of such
transfer, but the individual (or a person acting on behalf of the
individual) refuses to consent to the transfer. The hospital shall take
all reasonable steps to secure the written informed consent of the
individual (or person) to refuse such transfer.
``(c) Restricting Transfers Until Individual Stabilized.--(1) If an
individual at a hospital of the Department has an emergency medical
condition that has not been stabilized, the hospital may not transfer
the individual unless--
``(A)(i) the individual (or a legally responsible person acting
on behalf of the individual), after being informed of the
obligations of the hospital under this section and of the risk of
transfer, requests, in writing, transfer to another medical
facility;
``(ii) a physician of the Department has signed a certification
that, based upon the information available at the time of transfer,
the medical benefits reasonably expected from the provision of
appropriate medical treatment at another medical facility outweigh
the increased risks to the individual and, in the case of labor, to
the unborn child from effecting the transfer; or
``(iii) if a physician of the Department is not physically
present in the emergency department at the time an individual is
transferred, a qualified medical person (as defined by the
Secretary for purposes of this section) has signed a certification
described in clause (ii) after a physician of the Department, in
consultation with the person, has made the determination described
in such clause, and subsequently countersigns the certification;
and
``(B) the transfer is an appropriate transfer to that facility.
``(2) A certification described in clause (ii) or (iii) of
paragraph (1)(A) shall include a summary of the risks and benefits upon
which the certification is based.
``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an appropriate transfer to
a medical facility is a transfer--
``(A) in which the transferring hospital provides the medical
treatment within its capacity that minimizes the risks to the
health of the individual and, in the case of a woman in labor, the
health of the unborn child;
``(B) in which the receiving facility--
``(i) has available space and qualified personnel for the
treatment of the individual; and
``(ii) has agreed to accept transfer of the individual and
to provide appropriate medical treatment;
``(C) in which the transferring hospital sends to the receiving
facility all medical records (or copies thereof) available at the
time of the transfer relating to the emergency medical condition
for which the individual has presented, including--
``(i) observations of signs or symptoms;
``(ii) preliminary diagnosis;
``(iii) treatment provided;
``(iv) the results of any tests; and
``(v) the informed written request or certification (or
copy thereof) provided under paragraph (1)(A);
``(D) in which the transfer is effected through qualified
personnel and transportation equipment, including the use of
necessary and medically appropriate life support measures during
the transfer; and
``(E) that meets such other requirements as the Secretary
considers necessary in the interest of the health and safety of the
individual or individuals transferred.
``(d) Payment to the Department.--The Secretary shall charge for
any care or services provided under this section in accordance with
billing and reimbursement authorities available to the Secretary under
other provisions of law.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `campus' means, with respect to a hospital of
the Department--
``(A) the physical area immediately adjacent to the main
buildings of the hospital;
``(B) other areas and structures that are not strictly
contiguous to the main buildings but are located not more than
250 yards from the main buildings; and
``(C) any other areas determined by the Secretary to be
part of the campus of the hospital.
``(2) The term `emergency medical condition' means--
``(A) a medical condition manifesting itself by acute
symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such
that the absence of immediate medical attention could
reasonably be expected to result in--
``(i) placing the health of the individual (or, with
respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her
unborn child) in serious jeopardy;
``(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions; or
``(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or
part; or
``(B) in the case of a pregnant woman, a stage of labor
that a medical provider determines indicates--
``(i) that there is inadequate time to effect a safe
transfer to another hospital before delivery; or
``(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the health or
safety of the woman or the unborn child.
``(3)(A) The term `to stabilize' means--
``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(A), to provide such medical
treatment of the condition as may be necessary to assure,
within reasonable medical probability, that no material
deterioration of the condition is likely to result from or
occur during the transfer of the individual from a facility; or
``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(B), to deliver (including the
placenta).
``(B) The term `stabilized' means--
``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(A), that no material deterioration
of the condition is likely, within reasonable medical
probability, to result from or occur during the transfer of the
individual from a facility; or
``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(B), that the woman has delivered
(including the placenta).
``(4) The term `transfer' means the movement (including the
discharge) of an individual outside the facilities of a hospital of
the Department at the direction of any person employed by (or
affiliated or associated, directly or indirectly, with) the
hospital, but does not include such a movement of an individual
who--
``(A) has been declared dead; or
``(B) leaves the facility without the permission of any
such person.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1784 the following new item:
``1784A. Examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and
women in labor.''.
Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration
SEC. 611. TIME PERIOD COVERED BY ANNUAL REPORT ON READJUSTMENT
COUNSELING SERVICE.
Section 7309(e)(1) is amended by striking ``calendar year'' and
inserting ``fiscal year''.
SEC. 612. ANNUAL REPORT ON VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND
FURNISHING OF HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL SERVICES, AND NURSING HOME
CARE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330B. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and
furnishing of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home
care
``(a) Report Required.--Not later than March 1 of each of years
2018 through 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report on, for the calendar year
preceding the calendar year during which the report is submitted--
``(1) the furnishing of hospital care, medical services, and
nursing home care under the laws administered by the Secretary; and
``(2) the administration of the furnishing of such care and
services by the Veterans Health Administration.
``(b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall
include each of the following for the year covered by the report:
``(1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans Health
Administration in increasing the access of veterans to hospital
care, medical services, and nursing home care furnished by the
Secretary for which such veterans are eligible.
``(2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans Health
Administration in improving the quality of health care provided to
veterans, without increasing the costs incurred for such health
care by the Federal Government or veterans, including relevant
information for each medical center and Veterans Integrated Service
Network of the Department set forth separately.
``(3) An assessment of--
``(A) the workload of physicians and other employees of the
Veterans Health Administration;
``(B) patient demographics and utilization rates;
``(C) physician compensation;
``(D) the productivity of physicians and other employees of
the Veterans Health Administration;
``(E) the percentage of hospital care, medical services,
and nursing home care provided to veterans in facilities of the
Department and in non-Department facilities and any changes in
such percentages compared to the year preceding the year
covered by the report;
``(F) pharmaceutical prices; and
``(G) third-party health billings owed to the Department,
including the total amount of such billings and the total
amount collected by the Department, set forth separately for
claims greater than $1,000 and for claims equal to or less than
$1,000.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `hospital care',
`medical services', `nursing home care', `facilities of the
Department', and `non-Department facilities' have the meanings given
those terms in section 1701 of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
7330A the following new item:
``7330B. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and furnishing
of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care.''.
SEC. 613. EXPANSION OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH
COUNSELORS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO INCLUDE
DOCTORAL DEGREES.
Section 7402(b)(11)(A) is amended by inserting ``or doctoral
degree'' after ``master's degree''.
SEC. 614. MODIFICATION OF HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR PHYSICIANS
EMPLOYED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 7423(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) The hours'' and inserting ``(a)(1) Except
as provided in paragraph (2), the hours''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) Upon the advance written request of a covered physician,
the Secretary may modify the hours of employment for a physician
appointed in the Administration under any provision of this chapter on
a full-time basis to be more or less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay
period, subject to the requirements in subparagraph (B). For the
purpose of determining pay, such a physician shall be deemed to have a
biweekly schedule of 80 hours of employment.
``(B) A physician with an irregular work schedule established under
subparagraph (A) shall be obligated to account for at least 2,080 hours
of employment (through performance of work or use of leave or paid time
off) in a calendar year.
``(C) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to implement this
paragraph, including regulations making adjustments to address the
annual hours requirement for physicians who are covered by this
paragraph for only a portion of a calendar year.''.
SEC. 615. REPEAL OF COMPENSATION PANELS TO DETERMINE MARKET PAY FOR
PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS.
Section 7431(c) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs
(4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking ``under
paragraph (6)'' and inserting ``under paragraph (5)''.
SEC. 616. CLARIFICATION REGARDING LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF AGREEMENT
UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 7675(b)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``In the case of a
participant who is a part-time student, the'' and inserting ``The''.
SEC. 617. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR INCREASE IN GRADUATE MEDICAL
EDUCATION RESIDENCY POSITIONS AT MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 301(b) of the Veterans
Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38
U.S.C. 7302 note) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Five-year'' and
inserting ``Ten-year''; and
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``5-year period'' and
inserting ``10-year period''.
(b) Report.--Paragraph (3)(A) of such section is amended by
striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2024''.
SEC. 618. REPORT ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH BY DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than each of 180 days and 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on increasing public access to scientific
publications and digital data from research funded by the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(b) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) An identification of the location or locations in which the
public will be able to access the results of research funded by the
Department, whether on an Internet website of the Department or
through another source.
(2) A description of the progress made by the Department in
meeting public access requirements set forth in the notice entitled
``Policy and Implementation Plan for Public Access to Scientific
Publications and Digital Data from Research Funded by the
Department of Veterans Affairs'' (80 Fed. Reg. 60751), including
the following:
(A) Compliance of Department investigators with
requirements relating to ensuring that research funded by the
Department is accessible by the public.
(B) Ensuring data management plans of the Department
include provisions for long-term preservation of the scientific
data resulting from research funded by the Department.
(3) An explanation of the factors used to evaluate the merit of
data management plans of research funded by the Veterans Health
Administration.
(4) An explanation of the process of the Department in effect
that enables stakeholders to petition a change to the embargo
period for a specific field and the factors considered during such
process.
SEC. 619. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out
the following major medical facility projects, with each project to be
carried out in an amount not to exceed the amount specified for that
project:
(1) Seismic, life safety, and utilities upgrades and expansion
of clinical services in Reno, Nevada, in an amount not to exceed
$213,800,000.
(2) Seismic corrections to the mental health and community
living center in Long Beach, California, in an amount not to exceed
$317,300,000.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2017
or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major
Projects, account $531,100,000 for the projects authorized in
subsection (a).
(c) Limitation.--The projects authorized in subsection (a) may only
be carried out using--
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2017 or the year in
which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects,
account pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in
subsection (b);
(2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 that remain available for
obligation;
(3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 that remain available for
obligation;
(4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity not specific to a
project;
(5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity not
specific to a project; and
(6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity not
specific to a project.
Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure
SEC. 631. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Armed forces.--The term ``Armed Forces'' means the United
States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
(2) Descendant.--The term ``descendant'' means, with respect to
an individual, the biological child or grandchild of that
individual.
(3) Toxic exposure.--The term ``toxic exposure'' means a
condition in which an individual inhaled or ingested an agent
determined to be hazardous to the health of the individual or the
agent came in contact with the skin or eyes of the individual in a
manner that could be hazardous to the health of the individual.
(4) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 632. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE ASSESSMENT ON RESEARCH
RELATING TO THE DESCENDANTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE.
(a) In General.--
(1) Agreement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek
to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Medicine
under which the National Academy of Medicine conducts an assessment
on scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals
with toxic exposure.
(2) Alternate organization.--
(A) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within the
period prescribed in paragraph (1) to enter into an agreement
described in such paragraph with the National Academy of
Medicine on terms acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary
shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another
appropriate organization that--
(i) is not part of the Federal Government;
(ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
(iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that
of the National Academy of Medicine.
(B) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an agreement
with another organization as described in subparagraph (A), any
reference in this section to the National Academy of Medicine
shall be treated as a reference to the other organization.
(b) Elements.--The assessment conducted pursuant to the agreement
entered into under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) A scientific review of the scientific literature regarding
toxicological and epidemiological research on descendants of
individuals with toxic exposure.
(2) An assessment of areas requiring further scientific study
relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure.
(3) An assessment of the scope and methodology required to
conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of
individuals with toxic exposure, including--
(A) the types of individuals to be studied, including
veterans with toxic exposure and the descendants of those
veterans;
(B) the number of veterans and descendants described in
subparagraph (A) to be studied;
(C) the potential alternatives for participation in such a
study, including whether it would be necessary for participants
to travel in order to participate;
(D) the approximate amount of time and resources needed to
prepare and conduct the research; and
(E) the appropriate Federal agencies to participate in the
research, including the Department of Defense and the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4) The establishment of categories, including definitions for
each such category, to be used in assessing the evidence that a
particular health condition is related to toxic exposure, such as--
(A) sufficient evidence of a causal relationship;
(B) sufficient evidence of an association;
(C) limited or suggestive evidence of an association;
(D) inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine
whether an association exists; and
(E) limited or suggestive evidence of no association.
(5) An analysis of--
(A) the feasibility of conducting scientific research to
address the areas that require further study as described under
paragraph (2);
(B) the value and relevance of the information that could
result from such scientific research; and
(C) for purposes of conducting further research, the
feasibility and advisability of accessing additional
information held by a Federal agency that may be sensitive.
(6) An identification of a research entity or entities with--
(A) expertise in conducting research on health conditions
of descendants of individuals with toxic exposure; and
(B) an ability to conduct research on those health
conditions to address areas requiring further scientific study
as described under paragraph (2).
(c) Report.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall
require the National Academy of Medicine to submit, not later than 2
years after entering into such agreement, to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives--
(1) the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to such
agreement, including such recommendations as the National Academy
of Medicine considers appropriate regarding the scope and
methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research
relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure; and
(2) a determination regarding whether the results of such
assessment indicate that it is feasible to conduct further research
regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic
exposure, including an explanation of the basis for the
determination.
(d) Certification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the
results of the assessment and determination under subsection (c),
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a certification of the understanding of the
Secretary, based on such results and determination, regarding the
feasibility of conducting further research regarding health
conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure that is
expressed by such results and determination.
(2) Basis for certification.--The certification submitted under
paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of the basis for the
certification.
SEC. 633. ADVISORY BOARD ON RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH CONDITIONS
OF DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN
THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) Establishment.--Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
certifies under section 632(d) that the results of the assessment and
determination under section 632(c) indicate that it is not feasible to
conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of
veterans with toxic exposure, not later than 180 days after receiving
such results and determination, the Secretary shall establish an
advisory board (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory Board'')
to advise the Secretary in the selection of a research entity or
entities under section 634, advise such entity or entities in
conducting research under such section, and advise the Secretary with
respect to the activities of such entity or entities under such
section.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
National Academy of Medicine, the Director of the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and such other heads of
Federal agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate--
(A) shall select not more than 13 voting members of the
Advisory Board, of whom--
(i) not less than two shall be members of organizations
exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(ii) not less than two shall be descendants of veterans
with toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed
Forces; and
(iii) not less than seven shall be health
professionals, scientists, or academics who are not
employees of the Federal Government and have expertise in--
(I) birth defects;
(II) developmental disabilities;
(III) epigenetics;
(IV) public health;
(V) the science of environmental exposure or
environmental exposure assessment;
(VI) the science of toxic substances; or
(VII) medical and research ethics; and
(B) may select not more than two nonvoting members who are
employees of the Federal Government and who are otherwise
described in subparagraph (A)(iii).
(2) Chair.--The Secretary shall select a Chair from among the
members of the Advisory Board selected under paragraph (1)(A).
(3) Terms.--
(A) In general.--Each member of the Advisory Board shall
serve a term of 2 or 3 years as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Reappointment.--At the end of the term of a member of
the Advisory Board, the Secretary may reselect the member for
another term, except that no member may serve more than 4
consecutive terms.
(c) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
(1) advise the Secretary in the selection of a research entity
or entities to conduct research under section 634 from among those
identified under section 632(b)(6);
(2) advise such entity or entities and assess the activities of
such entity or entities in conducting such research;
(3) develop a research strategy for such entity or entities
based on, but not limited to, the results of the assessment
conducted under section 632;
(4) advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of such
entity or entities under section 634;
(5) submit recommendations to be included by such entity or
entities in the report under section 634(d)(2)(C); and
(6) not less frequently than semiannually, meet with the
Secretary and representatives of such entity or entities on the
research conducted by such entity or entities under section 634.
(d) Meetings.--The Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the
Chair, but not less frequently than semiannually.
(e) Compensation.--The members of the Advisory Board shall serve
without compensation.
(f) Expenses.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine
the appropriate expenses of the Advisory Board.
(g) Personnel.--
(1) In general.--The Chair may, without regard to the civil
service laws and regulations, appoint an executive director of the
Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian employee of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, and such other personnel as may be necessary
to enable the Advisory Board to perform its duties.
(2) Approval.--The appointment of an executive director under
paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the Advisory Board.
(3) Compensation.--The Chair may fix the compensation of the
executive director and other personnel without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title
5, United States Code, except that the rate of pay for the
executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate
payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
such title.
SEC. 634. RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH CONDITIONS OF DESCENDANTS OF
VETERANS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) In General.--Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies
under section 632(d) that the results of the assessment and
determination under section 632(c) indicate that it is not feasible to
conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of
veterans with toxic exposure, not later than 1 year after receiving
such results and determination, the Secretary shall (in consultation
with the advisory board established under section 633 (in this section
referred to as the ``Advisory Board'')) enter into an agreement with
one or more research entities identified under section 632(b)(6)
(excluding an entity of the Department of Veterans Affairs) to conduct
research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic
exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces (in this section
referred to as the ``research entity or entities'').
(b) Research.--
(1) In general.--To the extent included in the research
strategy developed by the Advisory Board under section 633(c)(3),
the research entity or entities shall conduct research on health
conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while
serving as members of the Armed Forces.
(2) Studies.--In conducting research under paragraph (1), the
research entity or entities may study any veteran, at the election
of the veteran, identified under section 632(b)(3)(A) as a type of
individual to be studied in order to conduct adequate scientific
research relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic
exposure.
(3) Categorization.--In conducting research under paragraph
(1), the research entity or entities shall assess, using the
categories established under section 632(b)(4), the extent to which
a health condition of a descendant of a veteran is related to the
toxic exposure of the veteran while serving as a member of the
Armed Forces.
(c) Availability of Records.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and the head of each Federal agency identified
under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall make available to the research
entity or entities records held by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces, that Federal
agency, or any other source under the jurisdiction of any such
Federal agency or the Armed Forces, as appropriate, that the
research entity or entities determine are necessary to carry out
this section.
(2) Mechanism for access.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
the Secretary of Defense, and the head of each Federal agency
identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall jointly establish a
mechanism for access by the research entity or entities to records
made available under paragraph (1).
(d) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the
conduct of research under this section, and not later than
September 30 each year thereafter, each research entity with which
the Secretary has entered into an agreement under subsection (a)
shall, in consultation with the Advisory Board, submit to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House
of Representatives a report on the functions of such entity under
this section during the year preceding the submittal of the report.
(2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A summary of the research efforts that have been
completed during the year preceding the submittal of the report
and that are ongoing as of the date of the submittal of the
report.
(B) A description of any findings made during such year in
carrying out such research efforts.
(C) Recommendations for administrative or legislative
action made by the Advisory Board based on such findings, which
may include recommendations for further research under this
section.
(3) Upon request.--Upon the request of any organization exempt
from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may transmit to such
organization a copy of a report received by the Secretary under
paragraph (1).
TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS
Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits
SEC. 701. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF HOMELESS VETERAN FOR PURPOSES
OF BENEFITS UNDER THE LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 2002 is amended--
(1) by striking ``In this chapter'' and inserting ``(a) In
General.--In this chapter'';
(2) by striking ``in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a))'' and inserting ``in
subsection (a) or (b) of section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Veteran Defined.--(1) Notwithstanding section 101(2) of this
title and except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of sections
2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, and 2061 of this title, the term `veteran'
means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air
service, regardless of length of service, and who was discharged or
released therefrom.
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `veteran' excludes a
person who--
``(A) received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces;
or
``(B) was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces by
reason of the sentence of a general court-martial.''.
SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION TO FURNISH CERTAIN BENEFITS TO HOMELESS
VETERANS WITH DISCHARGES OR RELEASES UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE
CONDITIONS.
Section 5303(d) is amended--
(1) by striking ``not apply to any war-risk insurance,
Government (converted) or National Service Life Insurance policy.''
and inserting the following: ``not apply to the following:
``(1) Any war-risk insurance, Government (converted) or
National Service Life Insurance policy.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 2061 of
this title (except for benefits for individuals discharged or
dismissed from the Armed Forces by reason of the sentence of a
general court-martial).''.
SEC. 703. WAIVER OF MINIMUM PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS ACTIVE DUTY IN
ARMED FORCES FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 5303A(b)(3) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as subparagraphs
(G) and (H), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph (F):
``(F) to benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 2061
of this title;''.
SEC. 704. TRAINING OF PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS AND GRANT RECIPIENTS.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a program of
training and education to ensure that the following persons are aware
of and implement this title and the amendments made by this subtitle:
(1) Personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are
supporting or administering a program under chapter 20 of title 38,
United States Code.
(2) Recipients of grants or other amounts for purposes of
carrying out such a program.
SEC. 705. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations,
including such modifications to section 3.12 of title 38, Code of
Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), as the Secretary
considers appropriate, to ensure that the Department of Veterans
Affairs is in full compliance with this title and the amendments made
by this subtitle.
SEC. 706. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply
to individuals seeking benefits under chapter 20 of title 38, United
States Code, before, on, and after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters
SEC. 711. INCREASED PER DIEM PAYMENTS FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
ASSISTANCE THAT BECOMES PERMANENT HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 2012(a)(2) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as
subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
(2) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated, by striking ``in
subparagraph (D)'' and inserting ``in subparagraph (E)'';
(3) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by striking ``under
subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``under subparagraph (C)'';
(4) in subparagraph (E), as redesignated, by striking ``in
subparagraphs (B) and (C)'' and inserting ``in subparagraphs (C)
and (D)'';
(5) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except as
otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), the rate''; and
(B) by striking ``under subparagraph (B)'' and all that
follows and inserting ``under subparagraph (C).''; and
(6) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph (B):
``(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), in no case may the rate
determined under this paragraph exceed the rate authorized for State
homes for domiciliary care under subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741
of this title, as the Secretary may increase from time to time under
subsection (c) of that section.
``(ii) In the case of services furnished to a homeless veteran who
is placed in housing that will become permanent housing for the veteran
upon termination of the furnishing of such services to such veteran,
the maximum rate of per diem authorized under this section is 150
percent of the rate authorized for State homes for domiciliary care
under subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as the
Secretary may increase from time to time under subsection (c) of that
section.''.
SEC. 712. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE RETENTION OF HOUSING BY FORMERLY
HOMELESS VETERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS.
(a) Program Required.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 20 is amended--
(A) by redesignating section 2013 as section 2014; and
(B) by inserting after section 2012 the following new
section 2013:
``Sec. 2013. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly
homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless
``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
under which the Secretary shall provide case management services to
improve the retention of housing by veterans who were previously
homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who
are at risk of becoming homeless.
``(b) Grants.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out the program
through the award of grants.
``(2)(A) In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall give priority to organizations that demonstrate a capability to
provide case management services as described in subsection (a),
particularly organizations that are successfully providing or have
successfully provided transitional housing services using amounts
provided by the Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title.
``(B) In giving priority under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall give extra priority to an organization described in such
subparagraph that--
``(i) voluntarily stops receiving amounts provided by the
Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title; and
``(ii) converts a facility that the organization used to
provide transitional housing services into a facility that the
organization uses to provide permanent housing that meets housing
quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)).
``(C) In any case in which a facility, with respect to which a
person received a grant for construction, rehabilitation, or
acquisition under section 2011 of this title, is converted as described
in subparagraph (B)(ii), such conversion shall be considered to have
been carried out pursuant to the needs of the Department and such
person shall not be considered in noncompliance with the terms of such
grant by reason of such conversion.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section
2013 and inserting the following new items:
``2013. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless
veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
``2014. Authorization of appropriations.''.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
prescribe regulations to carry out section 2013 of such title, as added
by subsection (a)(1)(B).
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than June 1, 2020, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the program required by section 2013 of
such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include assessments of the following:
(A) The percentage of veterans who received case management
services under the program who were able to retain permanent
housing by the end of the program, disaggregated by each
recipient of a grant under such section.
(B) The percentage of veterans who received case management
services under the program who were not in permanent housing at
the end of the program, disaggregated by housing status and
reason for failing to retain permanent housing under the
program.
(C) The use by veterans, who received case management
services under the program, of housing assistance furnished by
the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a comparison of
the use of such assistance by such veterans before and after
receiving such services.
(D) An assessment of the employment status of veterans who
received case management services under the program, including
a comparison of the employment status of such veterans before
and after receiving such services.
SEC. 713. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS AMONG
VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter VII of chapter 20 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2067. National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans
``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary shall establish and operate a
center to carry out the functions described in subsection (b).
``(2) The center established under paragraph (1) shall be known as
the `National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans'.
``(3) To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall operate the
center established under paragraph (1) independently of the other
programs of the Department that address homelessness among veterans.
``(b) Functions.--The functions described in this subsection are as
follows:
``(1) To carry out and promote research into the causes and
contributing factors to veteran homelessness.
``(2) To assess the effectiveness of programs of the Department
to meet the needs of homeless veterans.
``(3) To identify and disseminate best practices with regard to
housing stabilization, income support, employment assistance,
community partnerships, and such other matters as the Secretary
considers appropriate with respect to addressing veteran
homelessness.
``(4) To integrate evidence-based and best practices, policies,
and programs into programs of the Department for homeless veterans
and veterans at risk of homelessness and to ensure that the staff
of the Department and community partners can implement such
practices, policies, and programs.
``(5) To serve as a resource center for, and promote and seek
to coordinate the exchange of information regarding, all research
and training activities carried out by the Department and by other
Federal and non-Federal entities with respect to veteran
homelessness.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter 20 is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 2066 the following new item:
``2067. National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans.''.
SEC. 714. REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ASSESS
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(1) assess and measure the capacity of programs for which
entities receive grants under section 2011 of title 38, United
States Code, or per diem payments under section 2012 or 2061 of
such title; and
(2) assess such programs with respect to--
(A) how well they achieve their stated goals at a national
level;
(B) placements in permanent housing;
(C) placements in employment; and
(D) increases in the regular income of participants in the
programs.
(b) Assessment at National and Local Levels.--In assessing and
measuring under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall develop and use
tools to examine the capacity of programs described in such subsection
at both the national and local level in order to assess the following:
(1) Whether sufficient capacity exists to meet the needs of
homeless veterans in each geographic area.
(2) Whether existing capacity meets the needs of the
subpopulations of homeless veterans located in each geographic
area.
(3) The amount of capacity that recipients of grants under
sections 2011 and 2061 and per diem payments under section 2012 of
such title have to provide services for which the recipients are
eligible to receive per diem under section 2012(a)(2)(B)(ii) of
title 38, United States Code, as added by section 711(6).
(c) Consideration of Other Resources.--In assessing and measuring
programs under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall consider the
availability to such programs of resources made available to such
programs and to homeless veterans, including resources provided by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and by entities other than the
Department.
(d) Use of Information.--The Secretary shall use the information
collected under this section as follows:
(1) To set specific goals to ensure that programs described in
subsection (a) are effectively serving the needs of homeless
veterans.
(2) To assess whether programs described in subsection (a) are
meeting goals set under paragraph (1).
(3) To inform funding allocations for programs described in
subsection (a).
(4) To improve the referral of homeless veterans to programs
described in subsection (a).
(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the
assessment required by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on such assessment and such recommendations for legislative and
administrative action as the Secretary may have to improve the programs
and per diem payments described in subsection (a).
SEC. 715. REPORT ON OUTREACH RELATING TO INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF
HOUSING AVAILABLE TO VETERANS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a
report describing and assessing the outreach conducted by the Secretary
to realtors, landlords, property management companies, and developers
to educate them about the housing needs of veterans and the benefits of
having veterans as tenants.
TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 801. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONSTRUCTION REFORMS.
(a) Application of Industry Standards; Assistance.--Section 8103 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(f) To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use
industry standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying
out the construction of medical facilities.
``(g) The Secretary shall ensure that each employee of the
Department with responsibilities, as determined by the Secretary,
relating to the infrastructure construction or alteration of medical
facilities, including such construction or alteration carried out
pursuant to contracts or agreements, undergoes a program of ongoing
professional training and development. Such program shall be designed
to ensure that employees maintain adequate expertise relating to
industry standards and best practices for the acquisition of design and
construction services. The Secretary may provide the program under this
subsection directly or through a contract or agreement with a non-
Federal entity or with a non-Department Federal entity.''.
(b) Forensic Audits of Certain Projects.--Subsection (c) of section
8104 is amended--
(1) by striking ``Not less than 30 days'' and inserting ``(1)
Not less than 30 days''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Secretary shall--
``(A) enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate
non-department Federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic
audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external
forensic audit of the expenditures relating to any major medical
facility or super construction project for which the total
expenditures exceed the amount requested in the initial budget
request for the project submitted to Congress under section 1105 of
title 31 by more than 25 percent; and
``(B) enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate
non-department Federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic
audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external
audit of the medical center construction project in Aurora,
Colorado.''.
(c) Use of Amounts From Bid Savings.--Subsection (d)(2)(B) of such
section is amended--
(1) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii)
and (iv), respectively;
(2) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause
(ii):
``(ii) If the major construction project that is the source of
the bid savings is not complete--
``(I) the amount already obligated by the Department or
available in the project reserve for such project;
``(II) the percentage of such project that has been
completed; and
``(III) the amount available to the Department to complete
such project.''; and
(3) in clauses (iii) and (iv), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), strike ``amounts'' and inserting ``bid savings amounts'' both
places it appears.
(d) Quarterly Report on Super Construction Projects.--
(1) In general.--At the end of subchapter I of chapter 81 add
the following new section:
``Sec. 8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects
``(a) Quarterly Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the
last day of each fiscal quarter the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the super construction projects carried out
by the appropriate non-Department Federal entity described in section
8103(e)(1) of this title during such quarter. Each such report shall
include, for each such project--
``(1) the budgetary and scheduling status of the project, as of
the last day of the quarter covered by the report; and
``(2) the actual cost and schedule variances of the project, as
of such day, compared to the planned cost and schedules for the
project.
``(b) Super Construction Project Defined.--In this section, the
term `super construction project' has the meaning given such term in
section 8103(e)(3) of this title.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items
relating to such subchapter the following new item:
``8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects.''.
SEC. 802. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.
Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In section 735(a)(5), by striking ``(Public Law 104-191)''
and inserting ``(Public Law 104-191; 42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 note)''.
(2) In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17, by
striking the items relating to sections 1710D and 1710E and
inserting the following new items:
``1710D. Traumatic brain injury: comprehensive program for long-term
rehabilitation.
``1710E. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department facilities for
rehabilitation.''.
(3) In section 1710(e)(1)(F), by inserting a comma after
``1953''.
(4) In section 7412(b), by striking ``under paragraph (1)'' and
inserting ``under subsection (a)''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.