[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1402 Engrossed Amendment House (EAH)]
2d Session
S. 1402
_______________________________________________________________________
AMENDMENTS
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
May 23, 2000.
Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 1402) entitled ``An Act to amend
title 38, United States Code, to enhance programs providing education benefits
for veterans, and for other purposes'', do pass with the following
AMENDMENTS:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES TO TITLE 38,
UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans and
Dependents Millennium Education Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references to title 38, United
States Code.
Sec. 2. Increase in rates of basic educational assistance under
Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 3. Additional opportunity for certain VEAP participants to enroll
in basic educational assistance under
Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 4. Increase in rates of survivors and dependents educational
assistance.
Sec. 5. Adjusted effective date for award of survivors' and
dependents' educational assistance.
Sec. 6. Revision of educational assistance interval payment
requirements.
Sec. 7. Availability of education benefits for payment for licensing
or certification tests.
Sec. 8. Extension of certain temporary authorities.
Sec. 9. Codification of recurring provisions in annual Department of
Veterans Affairs appropriations Acts.
Sec. 10. Preservation of certain reporting requirements.
(c) 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.
SEC. 2. INCREASE IN RATES OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER
MONTGOMERY GI BILL.
(a) Active Duty Educational Assistance.--(1) Section 3015 is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``$528'' and
inserting ``$720''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``$429'' and
inserting ``$585''.
(2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance
allowances paid for months after September 2002.
(3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid for a
month after September 2000, and before October 2002 under section 3015
of such title--
(A) subsection (a)(1) of such section shall be applied by
substituting ``$600'' for ``$528''; and
(B) subsection (b)(1) of such section shall be applied by
substituting ``$487'' for ``$429''.
(b) CPI Adjustment.--No adjustment in rates of educational
assistance shall be made under section 3015(g) of title 38, United
States Code, for fiscal years 2001 and 2003.
SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CERTAIN VEAP PARTICIPANTS TO ENROLL
IN BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL.
(a) Special Enrollment Period.--Section 3018C is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(e)(1) A qualified individual (described in paragraph (2)) may
make an irrevocable election under this subsection, during the 1-year
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection, to
become entitled to basic educational assistance under this chapter.
Such an election shall be made in the same manner as elections made
under subsection (a)(5).
``(2) A qualified individual referred to in paragraph (1) is an
individual who meets the following requirements:
``(A) The individual was a participant in the educational
benefits program under chapter 32 of this title on or before
October 9, 1996.
``(B) The individual has continuously served on active duty
since October 9, 1996 (excluding the periods referred to in
section 3202(1)(C) of this title), through at least April, 1,
2000.
``(C) The individual meets the requirements of subsection
(a)(3).
``(D) The individual is discharged or released from active
duty with an honorable discharge.
``(3)(A) Subject to succeeding provisions of this paragraph, with
respect to a qualified individual who makes an election under paragraph
(1) to become entitled to basic education assistance under this
chapter--
``(i) the basic pay of the qualified individual shall be
reduced (in a manner determined by the Secretary concerned)
until the total amount by which such basic pay is reduced is
$2,700; and
``(ii) to the extent that basic pay is not so reduced
before the qualified individual's discharge or release from
active duty as specified in subsection (a)(4), at the election
of the qualified individual--
``(I) the Secretary concerned shall collect from
the qualified individual; or
``(II) the Secretary concerned shall reduce the
retired or retainer pay of the qualified individual by,
an amount equal to the difference between $2,700 and the total
amount of reductions under clause (i), which shall be paid into
the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.
``(B)(i) The Secretary concerned shall provide for an 18-month
period, beginning on the date the qualified individual makes an
election under paragraph (1), for the qualified individual to pay that
Secretary the amount due under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed as modifying the
period of eligibility for and entitlement to basic education assistance
under this chapter applicable under section 3031 of this title.
``(C) The provisions of subsection (c) shall apply to individuals
making elections under this subsection in the same manner as they
applied to individuals making elections under subsection (a)(5).
``(4) With respect to qualified individuals referred to in
paragraph (3)(A)(ii), no amount of educational assistance allowance
under this chapter shall be paid to the qualified individual until the
earlier of the date on which--
``(A) the Secretary concerned collects the applicable
amount under subparagraph (I) of such paragraph; or
``(B) the retired or retainer pay of the qualified
individual is first reduced under subparagraph (II) of such
paragraph.
``(5) The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense,
shall provide for notice to participants in the educational benefits
program under chapter 32 of this title of the opportunity under this
section to elect to become entitled to basic educational assistance
under this chapter.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3018C(b) is amended by striking
``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a) or (e)''.
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN RATES OF SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance.--(1) Section
3532 is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) by striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720'';
(ii) by striking ``$365'' and inserting ``$540'';
and
(iii) by striking ``$242'' and inserting ``$360'';
(B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``$485'' and
inserting ``$720'';
(C) in subsection (b), by striking ``$485'' and inserting
``$720''; and
(D) in subsection (c)(2)--
(i) by striking ``$392'' and inserting ``$582'';
(ii) by striking ``$294'' and inserting ``$436'';
and
(iii) by striking ``$196'' and inserting ``$291''.
(2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance
allowances paid for months after September 2002.
(3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid for a
month after September 2000 and before October 2002 under section 3532
of such title--
(A) subsection (a)(1) of such section shall be applied by
substituting--
(i) ``$600'' for ``$485'';
(ii) ``$450'' for ``$365''; and
(iii) ``$300'' for ``$242'';
(B) subsection (a)(2) of such section shall be applied by
substituting ``$600'' for ``$485'';
(C) subsection (b) of such section shall be applied by
substituting ``$600'' for ``$485''; and
(D) subsection (c)(2) of such section shall be applied by
substituting--
(i) ``$485'' for ``$392'';
(ii) ``$364'' for ``$294''; and
(iii) ``$242'' for ``$196''.
(b) Correspondence Course.--(1) Section 3534(b) is amended by
striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720''.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance
allowances paid under section 3534(b) of title 38, United States Code,
for months after September 2002.
(3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid for a
month after September 2000 and before October 2002 under section 3534
of such title, subsection (b) of such section shall be applied by
substituting ``$600'' for ``$485''.
(c) Special Restorative Training.--(1) Section 3542(a) is amended--
(A) by striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720'';
(B) by striking ``$152'' each place it appears and
inserting ``$225''; and
(C) by striking ``$16.16'' and inserting ``$24''.
(2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance
allowances paid under section 3542(a) of title 38, United States Code,
for months after September 2002.
(3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid for a
month after September 2000 and before October 2002 under section 3542
of such title, subsection (a) of such section shall be applied by
substituting--
(A) ``$600'' for ``$485'';
(B) ``$188'' for ``$152'' each place it appears; and
(C) ``$20'' for ``$16.16''.
(d) Apprenticeship Training.--(1) Section 3687(b)(2) is amended--
(A) by striking ``$353'' and inserting ``$524'';
(B) by striking ``$264'' and inserting ``$392'';
(C) by striking ``$175'' and inserting ``$260''; and
(D) by striking ``$88'' and inserting ``$131''.
(2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance
allowances paid under section 3687(b)(2) of title 38, United States
Code, for months after September 2002.
(3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid for a
month after September 2000 and before October 2002 under section 3687
of such title, subsection (b)(2) of such section shall be applied by
substituting--
(A) ``$437'' for ``$353'';
(B) ``$327'' for ``$264'';
(C) ``$216'' for ``$175''; and
(D) ``$109'' for ``$88''.
(e) Provision for Annual Adjustments to Amounts of Assistance.--
(1) Chapter 35.--(A) Subchapter VI of chapter 35 is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3564. Annual adjustment of amounts of educational assistance
``With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide a
percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the rates
payable under sections 3532, 3534(b), and 3542(a) of this title equal
to the percentage by which--
``(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States
city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30
preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the
increase is made, exceeds
``(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period
preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).''.
(B) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 35 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3563
the following new item:
``3564. Annual adjustment of amounts of educational assistance.''.
(2) Chapter 36.--Section 3687 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(d) With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide
a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the rates
payable under subsection (b)(2) equal to the percentage by which--
``(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States
city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30
preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the
increase is made, exceeds
``(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period
preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal
year beginning on or after October 1, 2003.
SEC. 5. ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AWARD OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS'
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 5113 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (b) of this
section'' and inserting ``subsections (b) and (c)''; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsection:
``(b)(1) When determining the effective date of an award of
survivors' and dependents' educational assistance under chapter 35 of
this title for an individual described in paragraph (2) based on an
original claim, the Secretary shall consider the individual's
application (under section 3513 of this title) as having been filed on
the effective date from which the Secretary, by rating decision,
determines that the individual is entitled to such educational
assistance (such entitlement being based on the total service-connected
disability evaluated as permanent in nature, or the service-connected
death, of the spouse or parent from whom the individual's eligibility
is derived) if that date is more than 1 year before the date such
rating decision is made.
``(2) An individual referred to in paragraph (1) is a person who is
eligible for educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title by
reason of subparagraph (A)(i), (A)(ii), (B), or (D) of section
3501(a)(1) of this title who--
``(A) submits to the Secretary an original application
under such section 3513 for such educational assistance within
1 year of the date that the Secretary issues the rating
decision referred to in paragraph (1);
``(B) claims such educational assistance for an approved
program of education for months preceding the 1-year period
ending on the date on which the individual's application under
such section was received by the Secretary; and
``(C) would have been entitled to such educational
assistance for such course pursuit for such months, without
regard to this subsection, if the individual had submitted such
an application on the effective date from which the Secretary
determined the individual was eligible for such educational
assistance.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to applications first made under section 3513 of title 38, United
States Code, that--
(1) are received on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act; or
(2) on the date of the enactment of this Act, are pending
(A) with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or (B) exhaustion of
available administrative and judicial remedies.
SEC. 6. REVISION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE INTERVAL PAYMENT
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Subclause (C) of the third sentence of section
3680(a) is amended to read as follows:
``(C) during periods between school terms where the
educational institution certifies the enrollment of the
eligible veteran or eligible person on an individual term basis
if: (i) the period between such terms does not exceed 8 weeks;
and (ii) both the terms preceding and following the period are
not shorter in length than the period.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to payments of educational assistance under title
38, United States Code, for months beginning on or after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 7. AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR PAYMENT FOR LICENSING OR
CERTIFICATION TESTS.
(a) In General.--Sections 3452(b) and 3501(a)(5) are each amended
by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Such term also
includes licensing or certification tests, the successful completion of
which demonstrates an individual's possession of the knowledge or skill
required to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a
predetermined and identified vocation or profession, provided such
tests and the licensing or credentialing organizations or entities that
offer such tests are approved by the Secretary in accordance with
section 3689 of this title.''.
(b) Amount of Payment.--
(1) Chapter 30.--Section 3032 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(g) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--(1)
Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational assistance payable
under this chapter for a licensing or certification test described in
section 3452(b) of this title is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee
charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for such licensing or certification test is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the
full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance which,
except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such individual would
otherwise be paid under subsection (a)(1), (b)(1), (d), or (e)(1) of
section 3015 of this title, as the case may be.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of the individual's
available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(2) Chapter 32.--Section 3232 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(c) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--(1)
Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational assistance payable
under this chapter for a licensing or certification test described in
section 3452(b) of this title is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee
charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for such licensing or certification test is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
paid to such individual for such test by the full-time monthly
institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance which,
except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such individual would
otherwise be paid under this chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of the individual's
available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(3) Chapter 34.--Section 3482 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(h) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--(1)
Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational assistance payable
under this chapter for a licensing or certification test described in
section 3452(b) of this title is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee
charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for such licensing or certification test is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
paid to such individual for such test by the full-time monthly
institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance which,
except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such individual would
otherwise be paid under this chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of the individual's
available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(4) Chapter 35.--Section 3532 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(f) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--(1)
Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational assistance payable
under this chapter for a licensing or certification test described in
section 3452(b) of this title is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee
charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for such licensing or certification test is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
paid to such individual for such test by the full-time monthly
institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance which,
except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such individual would
otherwise be paid under this chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of the individual's
available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(c) Requirements for Licensing and Credentialing Testing.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after
section 3688 the following new section:
``Sec. 3689. Approval requirements for licensing and certification
testing
``(a) In General.--(1) No payment may be made for a licensing or
certification test described in section 3452(b) or section 3501(a)(5)
of this title unless the Secretary determines that the requirements of
this section have been met with respect to such test and the
organization or entity offering the test. The requirements of approval
for tests and organizations or entities offering tests shall be in
accordance with the relevant provisions of this part and with such
regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this section.
``(2) To the extent that the Secretary determines practicable,
State approving agencies may, in lieu of the Secretary, approve
licensing and certification tests, and organizations and entities
offering such tests, under this section.
``(b) Requirements for Tests.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a
licensing or certification test is approved for purposes of this
section only if--
``(A) the test is required under Federal, State, or local
law or regulation for an individual to enter into, maintain, or
advance in employment in a predetermined and identified
vocation or profession; or
``(B) the Secretary determines that the test is generally
accepted, in accordance with relevant government, business, or
industry standards, employment policies, or hiring practices,
as attesting to a level of knowledge or skill required to
qualify to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a
predetermined and identified vocation or profession.
``(2) A licensing or certification test offered by a State, or a
political subdivision of the State, is deemed approved by the
Secretary.
``(c) Requirements for Organizations or Entities Offering Tests.--
(1) Each organization or entity that is not an entity of the United
States, a State, or political subdivision of a State, that offers a
licensing or certification test for which payment may be made under
this part, and that meets the following requirements shall be approved
by the Secretary to offer such test:
``(A) The organization or entity certifies to the Secretary
that each licensing or certification test offered by the
organization or entity is required to obtain the license or
certificate required to enter into, maintain, or advance in
employment in a predetermined and identified vocation or
profession.
``(B) The organization or entity is licensed, chartered, or
incorporated in a State and has offered such tests for a
minimum of 2 years before the date on which the organization or
entity first submits to the Secretary an application for
approval under this section.
``(C) The organization or entity employs, or consults with,
individuals with expertise or substantial experience with
respect to all areas of knowledge or skill that are measured by
the test and that are required for the license of certificate
issued.
``(D) The organization or entity has no direct financial
interest in--
``(i) the outcome of a test; or
``(ii) organizations that provide the education or
training of candidates for licenses or certificates
required for vocations or professions.
``(E) The organization or entity maintains appropriate
records with respect to all candidates who take such a test for
a period prescribed by the Secretary, but in no case for a
period of less than 3 years.
``(F)(i) The organization or entity promptly issues notice
of the results of the test to the candidate for the license or
certificate.
``(ii) The organization or entity has in place a process to
review complaints submitted against the organization or entity
with respect to a test the organization or entity offers or the
process for obtaining a license or certificate required for
vocations or professions.
``(G) The organization or entity furnishes to the Secretary
such information with respect to a licensing or certification
test offered by the organization or entity as the Secretary
requires to determine whether payment may be made for the test
under this part, including personal identifying information,
fee payment, and test results. Such information shall be
furnished in the form prescribed by the Secretary.
``(H) The organization or entity furnishes to the Secretary
the following information:
``(i) A description of each licensing or
certification test offered by the organization or
entity, including the purpose of each test, the
vocational, professional, governmental, and other
entities that recognize the test, and the license of
certificate issued upon successful completion of the
test.
``(ii) The requirements to take such a test,
including the amount of the fee charged for the test
and any prerequisite education, training, skills, or
other certification.
``(iii) The period for which the license or
certificate awarded upon successful completion of such
a test is valid, and the requirements for maintaining
or renewing the license or certificate.
``(I) Upon request of the Secretary, the organization or
entity furnishes such information to the Secretary that the
Secretary determines necessary to perform an assessment of--
``(i) the test conducted by the organization or
entity as compared to the level of knowledge or skills
that a license or certificate attests; and
``(ii) the applicability of the test over such
periods of time as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(2) With respect to each organization or entity that is an entity
of the United States, a State, or political subdivision of a State,
that offers a licensing or certification test for which payment may be
made under this part, the following provisions of paragraph (1) shall
apply to the entity: subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (H).
``(d) Administration.--(1) Except as otherwise specifically
provided in this section or part, in implementing this section and
making payment under this part for a licensing or certification test,
the test is deemed to be a `course' and the organization or entity that
offers such test is deemed to be an `institution' or `educational
institution', respectively, as those terms are applied under and for
purposes of sections 3671, 3673, 3674, 3678, 3679, 3681, 3682, 3683,
3685, 3690, and 3696 of this title.
``(2) The Secretary shall use amounts appropriated to the
Department in fiscal year 2001 for readjustment benefits to develop the
systems and procedures required to make payments under this part for a
licensing or certification test, such amounts not to exceed $3,000,000.
``(e) Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory
Committee.--(1) There is established within the Department a committee
to be known as the Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory
Committee (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Committee').
``(2) The Committee shall advise the Secretary with respect to the
requirements of organizations or entities offering licensing and
certification tests to individuals for which payment for such tests may
be made under this part, and such other related issues as the Committee
determines to be appropriate.
``(3)(A) The Secretary shall appoint five individuals with
expertise in matters relating to licensing and certification tests to
serve as members of the Committee, of whom--
``(i) one shall be a representative of the Coalition for
Professional Certification;
``(ii) one shall be a representative of the Council on
Licensure and Enforcement; and
``(iii) one shall be a representative of the National Skill
Standards Board (established under section 503 of the National
Skill Standards Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 5933)).
``(B) The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Defense shall
serve as ex-officio members of the Committee.
``(C) A vacancy in the Committee shall be filled in the manner in
which the original appointment was made.
``(4)(A) The Secretary shall appoint the chairman of the Committee.
``(B) The Committee shall meet at the call of the chairman.
``(C)(i) Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation.
``(ii) Members of the Committee shall be allowed reasonable and
necessary travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence,
at rates authorized for persons serving intermittently in the
Government service in accordance with the provisions of subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5 while away from their homes or regular places of
business in the performance of the responsibilities of the Committee.
``(5) The Committee shall terminate December 31, 2006.''.
(2) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 36 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3688 the following new item:
``3689. Approval requirements for licensing and certification
testing.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2000, and apply with respect to licensing and
certification tests approved by the Secretary on or after such date.
SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY AUTHORITIES.
(a) Enhanced Loan Asset Sale Authority.--Section 3720(h)(2) is
amended by striking ``December 31, 2002'' and inserting ``December 31,
2008''.
(b) Home Loan Fees.--Section 3729(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(B)--
(A) by striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2008'';
and
(B) by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2009'';
and
(2) in paragraph (5)(C), by striking ``October 1, 2002''
and inserting ``October 1, 2008''.
(c) Procedures Applicable to Liquidation Sales on Defaulted Home
Loans Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.--Section
3732(c)(11) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2002'' and inserting
``October 1, 2008''.
(d) Income Verification Authority.--Section 5317(g) is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2002'' and inserting ``September 30, 2008''.
(e) Limitation on Pension for Certain Recipients of Medicaid-
covered Nursing Home Care.--Section 5503(f)(7) is amended by striking
``September 30, 2002'' and inserting ``September 30, 2008''.
SEC. 9. CODIFICATION OF RECURRING PROVISIONS IN ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACTS.
(a) Codification of Recurring Provisions.--(1) Section 313 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) Compensation and Pension.--Funds appropriated for
Compensation and Pensions are available for the following purposes:
``(1) The payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf
of veterans as authorized by section 107 and chapters 11, 13,
51, 53, 55, and 61 of this title.
``(2) Pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as
authorized by chapters 15, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of this title and
section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement
Act of 1978.
``(3) The payment of benefits as authorized under chapter
18 of this title.
``(4) Burial benefits, emergency and other officers'
retirement pay, adjusted-service credits and certificates,
payments of premiums due on commercial life insurance policies
guaranteed under the provisions of article IV of the Soldiers'
and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (50 U.S.C. App. 540 et
seq.), and other benefits as authorized by sections 107, 1312,
1977, and 2106 and chapters 23, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of this
title and the World War Adjusted Compensation Act (43 Stat.
122, 123), the Act of May 24, 1928 (Public Law No. 506 of the
70th Congress; 45 Stat. 735), and Public Law 87-875 (76 Stat.
1198).
``(d) Medical Care.--Funds appropriated for Medical Care are
available for the following purposes:
``(1) The maintenance and operation of hospitals, nursing
homes, and domiciliary facilities.
``(2) Furnishing, as authorized by law, inpatient and
outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the
Department, including care and treatment in facilities not
under the jurisdiction of the Department.
``(3) Furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and
equipment.
``(4) Funeral and burial expenses and other expenses
incidental to funeral and burial expenses for beneficiaries
receiving care from the Department.
``(5) Administrative expenses in support of planning,
design, project management, real property acquisition and
disposition, construction, and renovation of any facility under
the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department.
``(6) Oversight, engineering, and architectural activities
not charged to project cost.
``(7) Repairing, altering, improving, or providing
facilities in the medical facilities and homes under the
jurisdiction of the Department, not otherwise provided for,
either by contact or by the hire of temporary employees and
purchase of materials.
``(8) Uniforms or uniform allowances, as authorized by
sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5.
``(9) Aid to State homes, as authorized by section 1741 of
this title.
``(10) Administrative and legal expenses of the Department
for collecting and recovering amounts owed the Department as
authorized under chapter 17 of this title and Public Law 87-
693, popularly known as the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act
(42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.).
``(e) Medical Administration and Miscellaneous Operating
Expenses.--Funds appropriated for Medical Administration and
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses are available for the following
purposes:
``(1) The administration of medical, hospital, nursing
home, domiciliary, construction, supply, and research
activities authorized by law.
``(2) Administrative expenses in support of planning,
design, project management, architectural work, engineering,
real property acquisition and disposition, construction, and
renovation of any facility under the jurisdiction or for the
use of the Department, including site acquisition.
``(3) Engineering and architectural activities not charged
to project costs.
``(4) Research and development in building construction
technology.
``(f) General Operating Expenses.--Funds appropriated for General
Operating Expenses are available for the following purposes:
``(1) Uniforms or allowances therefor.
``(2) Hire of passenger motor vehicles.
``(3) Reimbursement of the General Services Administration
for security guard services.
``(4) Reimbursement of the Department of Defense for the
cost of overseas employee mail.
``(5) Administration of the Service Members Occupational
Conversion and Training Act of 1992 (10 U.S.C. 1143 note).
``(g) Construction.--Funds appropriated for Construction, Major
Projects, and for Construction, Minor Projects, are available, with
respect to a project, for the following purposes:
``(1) Planning.
``(2) Architectural and engineering services.
``(3) Maintenance or guarantee period services costs
associated with equipment guarantees provided under the
project.
``(4) Services of claims analysts.
``(5) Offsite utility and storm drainage system
construction costs.
``(6) Site acquisition.
``(h) Construction, Minor Projects.--In addition to the purposes
specified in subsection (g), funds appropriated for Construction, Minor
Projects, are available for--
``(1) repairs to any of the nonmedical facilities under the
jurisdiction or for the use of the Department which are
necessary because of loss or damage caused by a natural
disaster or catastrophe; and
``(2) temporary measures necessary to prevent or to
minimize further loss by such causes.''.
(2)(A) Chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 116. Definition of cost of direct and guaranteed loans
``For the purpose of any provision of law appropriating funds to
the Department for the cost of direct or guaranteed loans, the cost of
any such loan, including the cost of modifying any such loan, shall be
as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2
U.S.C. 661a).''.
(B) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``116. Definition of cost of direct and guaranteed loans.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsections (c) through (h) of section 313 of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), and
section 116 of such title, as added by subsection (a)(2), shall take
effect with respect to funds appropriated for fiscal year 2002.
SEC. 10. PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Inapplicability of Prior Reports Termination Provision to
Certain Reports of the Department of Veterans Affairs.--Section
3003(a)(1) of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995
(31 U.S.C. 1113 note) does not apply to any report required to be
submitted under any of the following: sections 503(c), 529, 541(c),
542(c), 3036, and 7312(d) of title 38, United States Code.
(b) Repeal of Reporting Requirements Terminated by Prior Law.--
Sections 8111A(f) and 8201(h) are repealed.
(c) Sunset of Certain Reporting Requirements.--
(1) Annual report on equitable relief cases.--Section
503(c) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``No report shall be required under this subsection
after December 31, 2004.''.
(2) Biennial report of advisory committee on former
prisoners of war.--Section 541(c)(1) is amended by inserting
``through 2003'' after ``each odd-numbered year''.
(3) Biennial report of advisory committee on women
veterans.--Section 542(c)(1) is amended by inserting ``through
2004'' after ``each even-numbered year''.
(4) Biennial reports on montgomery gi bill.--Subsection (d)
of section 3036 is amended to read as follows:
``(d) No report shall be required under this section after January
1, 2005.''.
(5) Annual report of special medical advisory group.--
Section 7312(d) is amended by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``No report shall be required under this
subsection after December 31, 2004.''.
(d) Cost Information To Be Provided With Each Report Required by
Congress.--
(1) In general.--(A) Chapter 1, as amended by section
9(2)(A), is further amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``Sec. 117. Reports to Congress: cost information
``Whenever the Secretary submits to Congress, or any committee of
Congress, a report that is required by law or by a joint explanatory
statement of a committee of conference of the Congress, the Secretary
shall include with the report--
``(1) a statement of the cost of preparing the report; and
``(2) a brief explanation of the methodology used in
preparing that cost statement.''.
(B) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter,
as amended by section 9(2)(B), is further amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``117. Reports to Congress: cost information.''.
(2) Effective Date.--Section 117 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection, shall apply
with respect to any report submitted by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs after the end of the 90-day period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Amend the title so as to read ``An Act to amend title 38,
United States Code, to increase amounts of educational
assistance for veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill and to
enhance programs providing educational benefits under that
title, and for other purposes.''.
Attest:
Clerk.