[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2486 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        S.2486

                       One Hundred Eighth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
           the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four


                                 An Act


 
 To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and extend housing, 
    education, and other benefits under 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 ``Veterans Benefits 
Improvement Act of 2004''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Reference to title 38, United States Code.

                  TITLE I--VETERANS EARN AND LEARN ACT

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Modification of benefit entitlement charges for certain on-job 
          training programs.
Sec. 103. Increase in benefit for individuals pursuing apprenticeship or 
          on-job training.
Sec. 104. Authority for competency-based apprenticeship programs.
Sec. 105. Ten-year extension of delimiting period for survivors' and 
          dependents' educational assistance for spouses of members who 
          die on active duty.
Sec. 106. Availability of education benefits for payment for national 
          admissions exams and national exams for credit at institutions 
          of higher education.
Sec. 107. Requirement for coordination of data among the Departments of 
          Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Labor with respect to on-job 
          training.
Sec. 108. Pilot program to provide on-job benefits to train Department 
          of Veterans Affairs' claims adjudicators.
Sec. 109. Collection of payment for educational assistance under 
          Montgomery GI Bill from members of the Selected Reserve called 
          to active duty.
Sec. 110. Technical and conforming amendments.

                      TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

             Subtitle A--Employment and Reemployment Rights

Sec. 201. Two-year period of continuation of employer-sponsored health 
          care coverage.
Sec. 202. Reinstatement of reporting requirements.
Sec. 203. Requirement for employers to provide notice of rights and 
          duties under USERRA.
Sec. 204. Demonstration project for referral of USERRA claims against 
          Federal agencies to the Office of Special Counsel.

                        Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 211. Report of employment placement, retention, and advancement of 
          recently separated servicemembers.

                       TITLE III--BENEFITS MATTERS

Sec. 301. Additional dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving 
          spouses with dependent children.
Sec. 302. Offset of veterans' disability compensation and dependency and 
          indemnity compensation from awards under radiation exposure 
          compensation program.
Sec. 303. Exclusion of life insurance proceeds from consideration as 
          income for veterans' pension purposes.
Sec. 304. Certain service-connected disability benefits authorized for 
          persons disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation 
          provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 305. Effective date of death pension.
Sec. 306. Codification of administrative actions relating to 
          presumptions of service connection for veterans exposed to 
          ionizing radiation.
Sec. 307. Codification of cost-of-living adjustment provided in Public 
          Law 
          108-47.
Sec. 308. Cross-reference amendments relating to concurrent payment of 
          retired pay and veterans' disability compensation.

                        TITLE IV--HOUSING MATTERS

Sec. 401. Authority to provide specially adapted housing to certain 
          disabled veterans.
Sec. 402. Transitional housing amendments.
Sec. 403. Increase in maximum amount of home loan guaranty for 
          construction and purchase of homes and annual indexing of 
          amount.
Sec. 404. Extension of authority for guarantee of adjustable rate 
          mortgages.
Sec. 405. Extension and improvement of authority for guarantee of hybrid 
          adjustable rate mortgages.
Sec. 406. Termination of collection of loan fees from veterans rated 
          eligible for compensation at pre-discharge rating 
          examinations.
Sec. 407. Three-year extension of Native American veteran housing loan 
          pilot program.

                TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO FIDUCIARIES

Sec. 501. Definition of fiduciary.
Sec. 502. Inquiry, investigations, and qualification of fiduciaries.
Sec. 503. Misuse of benefits by fiduciaries.
Sec. 504. Additional protections for beneficiaries with fiduciaries.
Sec. 505. Annual report.
Sec. 506. Annual adjustment in benefits thresholds.
Sec. 507. Effective dates.

                   TITLE VI--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS MATTERS

Sec. 601. Designation of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National 
          Memorial, Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.
Sec. 602. Lease of certain National Cemetery Administration property.
Sec. 603. Exchanges of real property for national cemeteries.

       TITLE VII--IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

Sec. 701. Clarification of meaning of ``judgment'' as used in the Act.
Sec. 702. Requirements relating to waiver of rights under the Act.
Sec. 703. Right of servicemember plaintiffs to request stay of civil 
          proceedings.
Sec. 704. Termination of leases.

                        TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 801. Principal office of United States Court of Appeals for 
          Veterans Claims.
Sec. 802. Technical amendments relating to the United States Court of 
          Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 803. Extension of biennial report of Advisory Committee on Former 
          Prisoners of War.
Sec. 804. Availability of administrative and judicial redress for 
          certain veterans denied opportunity to compete for Federal 
          employment.
Sec. 805. Report on servicemembers' and veterans' awareness of benefits 
          and services available under laws administered by Secretary of 
          Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 2. REFERENCE 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--VETERANS EARN AND LEARN ACT

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Veterans Earn and Learn Act of 
2004''.
    SEC. 102. MODIFICATION OF BENEFIT ENTITLEMENT CHARGES FOR CERTAIN 
      ON-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS.
    (a) In General.--Section 3687 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(e)(1) For each month that an individual (as defined in paragraph 
(3)) is paid a training assistance allowance under subsection (a), the 
entitlement of the individual shall be charged at a percentage rate 
(rounded to the nearest percent) that is equal to the ratio of--
        ``(A) the training assistance allowance for the month involved, 
    to
        ``(B) the monthly educational assistance allowance otherwise 
    payable for full-time enrollment in an educational institution.''.
    ``(2) For any month in which an individual fails to complete 120 
hours of training, the entitlement otherwise chargeable under paragraph 
(1) shall be reduced in the same proportion as the monthly training 
assistance allowance payable is reduced under subsection (b)(3).
    ``(3) In this section, the term `individual' means--
        ``(A) an eligible veteran who is entitled to monthly 
    educational assistance allowances payable under section 3015(e) of 
    this title, or
        ``(B) an eligible person who is entitled to monthly educational 
    assistance allowances payable under section 3532(a) of this title,
as the case may be.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to months beginning after September 30, 2005.
    SEC. 103. INCREASE IN BENEFIT FOR INDIVIDUALS PURSUING 
      APPRENTICESHIP OR ON-JOB TRAINING.
    (a) Montgomery GI Bill.--For months beginning on or after October 
1, 2005, and before January 1, 2008, subsection (c)(1) of section 3032 
of title 38, United States Code, shall be applied as if--
        (1) the reference to ``75 percent'' in subparagraph (A) were a 
    reference to ``85 percent'';
        (2) the reference to ``55 percent'' in subparagraph (B) were a 
    reference to ``65 percent''; and
        (3) the reference to ``35 percent'' in subparagraph (C) were a 
    reference to ``45 percent''.
    (b) Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance.--For months 
beginning on or after October 1, 2005, and before January 1, 2008, 
subsection (a) of section 3233 of title 38, United States Code, shall 
be applied as if--
        (1) the reference to ``75 percent'' in paragraph (1) were a 
    reference to ``85 percent'';
        (2) the reference to ``55 percent'' in paragraph (2) were a 
    reference to ``65 percent''; and
        (3) the reference to ``35 percent'' in paragraph (3) were a 
    reference to ``45 percent''.
    (c) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance.--(1) For 
months beginning on or after October 1, 2005, and before January 1, 
2008, subsection (b)(2) of section 3687 of title 38, United States 
Code, shall be applied as if--
        (A) the reference to ``$574 for the first six months'' were a 
    reference to ``$650 for the first six months'';
        (B) the reference to ``$429 for the second six months'' were a 
    reference to ``$507 for the second six months''; and
        (C) the reference to ``$285 for the third six months'' were a 
    reference to ``$366 for the third six months''.
    (2) Subsection (d) of such section 3687 shall not apply with 
respect to the provisions of paragraph (1) for months occurring during 
fiscal year 2006.
    (3) For months beginning on or after January 1, 2008, the Secretary 
shall carry out subsection (b)(2) of such section 3687 as if paragraphs 
(1) and (2) were not enacted into law.
    (d) Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill.--For months beginning on 
or after October 1, 2005, and before January 1, 2008, subsection (d)(1) 
of section 16131 of title 10, United States Code, shall be applied as 
if--
        (1) the reference to ``75 percent'' in subparagraph (A) were a 
    reference to ``85 percent'';
        (2) the reference to ``55 percent'' in subparagraph (B) were a 
    reference to ``65 percent''; and
        (3) the reference to ``35 percent'' in subparagraph (C) were a 
    reference to ``45 percent''.
    SEC. 104. AUTHORITY FOR COMPETENCY-BASED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
    (a) In General.--Section 3672(c) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``(1)'' and ``(2)'' and inserting ``(A)'' and 
    ``(B)'', respectively;
        (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
    ``(2) The period of a program of apprenticeship may be determined 
based upon a specific period of time (commonly referred to as a `time-
based program'), based upon the demonstration of successful mastery of 
skills (commonly referred to as a `competency-based program'), or based 
upon a combination thereof.
    ``(3)(A) In the case of a competency-based program of 
apprenticeship, State approving agencies shall determine the period for 
which payment may be made for such a program under chapters 30 and 35 
of this title and chapter 1606 of title 10. In determining the period 
of such a program, State approving agencies shall take into 
consideration the approximate term of the program recommended in 
registered apprenticeship program standards recognized by the Secretary 
of Labor.
    ``(B) The sponsor of a competency-based program of apprenticeship 
shall provide notice to the State approving agency involved of any such 
standards that may apply to the program and the proposed approximate 
period of training under the program.
    ``(4) The sponsor of a competency-based program of apprenticeship 
shall notify the Secretary upon the successful completion of a program 
of apprenticeship by an individual under chapter 30 or 35 of this 
title, or chapter 1606 of title 10, as the case may be.''.
    (b) Increased Use of Apprenticeships.--Section 3672(d)(1) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The 
Secretary of Labor shall provide assistance and services to the 
Secretary, and to State approving agencies, to increase the use of 
apprenticeships.''.
    (c) Funding for Department Computer System Modifications.--From 
amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal 
year 2005 for readjustment benefits, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall use an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 to modify computer systems 
and to develop procedures required to carry out the amendments made by 
subsection (a) and sections 102 and 103.
    SEC. 105. TEN-YEAR EXTENSION OF DELIMITING PERIOD FOR SURVIVORS' 
      AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPOUSES OF MEMBERS WHO 
      DIE ON ACTIVE DUTY.
     Section 3512(b)(1) is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``in subparagraph (B)'' 
    and inserting ``in subparagraph (B) or (C)''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an eligible person referred 
to in that subparagraph who is made eligible under section 
3501(a)(1)(B) of this title by reason of the death of a person on 
active duty may be afforded educational assistance under this chapter 
during the 20-year period beginning on the date (as determined by the 
Secretary) such person becomes an eligible person within the meaning of 
such section.''.
    SEC. 106. AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR PAYMENT FOR 
      NATIONAL ADMISSIONS EXAMS AND NATIONAL EXAMS FOR CREDIT AT 
      INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
    (a) Covered Exams.--Sections 3452(b) and 3501(a)(5) are each 
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Such term 
also includes national tests for admission to institutions of higher 
learning or graduate schools (such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test 
(SAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE), 
and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)) and national tests 
providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher 
learning (such as the Advanced Placement (AP) exam and College-Level 
Examination Program (CLEP)).''.
    (b) Amount of Payment.--
        (1) Chapter 30.--Section 3032 is amended by adding at the end 
    the following new subsection:
    ``(g)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission 
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at 
institutions of higher learning described in section 3452(b) of this 
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
    ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of 
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) 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, except 
for paragraph (1), 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 a test described in paragraph (1) 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:
    ``(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission 
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at 
institutions of higher learning described in section 3452(b) of this 
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
    ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of 
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) 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, except 
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under this 
chapter.
    ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under 
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount 
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
        (3) Chapter 35.--Section 3532 is amended by adding at the end 
    the following new subsection:
    ``(g)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission 
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at 
institutions of higher learning described in section 3501(a)(5) of this 
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
    ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of 
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) 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, except 
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under this 
chapter.
    ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under 
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount 
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
    SEC. 107. REQUIREMENT FOR COORDINATION OF DATA AMONG THE 
      DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEFENSE, AND LABOR WITH RESPECT 
      TO ON-JOB TRAINING.
     Section 3694 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``In carrying out'' and inserting ``(a) In 
    General.--In carrying out''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) Coordination of Information Among the Departments of Veterans 
Affairs, Defense, and Labor With Respect to On-Job Training.--At the 
time of a servicemember's discharge or release from active duty 
service, the Secretary of Defense shall furnish to the Secretary such 
pertinent information concerning each registered apprenticeship pursued 
by the servicemember during the period of active duty service of the 
servicemember. The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of 
Labor, shall encourage and assist States and private organizations to 
give credit to servicemembers for the registered apprenticeship program 
so pursued in the case of any related apprenticeship program the 
servicemember may pursue as a civilian.''.
    SEC. 108. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ON-JOB BENEFITS TO TRAIN 
      DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS' CLAIMS ADJUDICATORS.
     Section 3677 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(d)(1) The Secretary may conduct a pilot program under which the 
Secretary operates a program of training on the job under this section 
for a period (notwithstanding subsection (c)(2)) of up to three years 
in duration to train employees of the Department to become qualified 
adjudicators of claims for compensation, dependency and indemnity 
compensation, and pension.
    ``(2)(A) Not later than three years after the implementation of the 
pilot project, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an initial report 
on the pilot project. The report shall include an assessment of the 
usefulness of the program in recruiting and retaining of personnel of 
the Department as well as an assessment of the value of the program as 
a training program.
    ``(B) Not later than 18 months after the date on which the initial 
report under subparagraph (A) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit 
to Congress a final report on the pilot project. The final report shall 
include recommendations of the Secretary with respect to continuation 
of the pilot project and with respect to expansion of the types of 
claims for which the extended period of on the job training is 
available to train such employees.''.
    SEC. 109. COLLECTION OF PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER 
      MONTGOMERY GI BILL FROM MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE CALLED TO 
      ACTIVE DUTY.
    (a) Active Duty Program.--Section 3011(b) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``The basic pay'' and inserting ``(1) Except as 
    provided in paragraph (2), the basic pay'';
        (2) by designating the second sentence as paragraph (3) and in 
    that paragraph by striking ``this chapter'' and inserting ``this 
    subsection''; and
        (3) by inserting after paragraph (1), as so designated, the 
    following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In the case of an individual covered by paragraph (1) who is 
a member of the Selected Reserve, the Secretary of Defense shall 
collect from the individual an amount equal to $1,200 not later than 
one year after completion by the individual of the two years of service 
on active duty providing the basis for such entitlement. The Secretary 
of Defense may collect such amount through reductions in basic pay in 
accordance with paragraph (1) or through such other method as the 
Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.''.
    (b) Selected Reserve Program.--Section 3012(c) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``The basic pay'' and inserting ``(1) Except as 
    provided in paragraph (2), the basic pay'';
        (2) by designating the second sentence as paragraph (3) and in 
    that paragraph by striking ``this chapter'' and inserting ``this 
    subsection''; and
        (3) by inserting after paragraph (1), as so designated, the 
    following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In the case of an individual covered by paragraph (1) who is 
a member of the Selected Reserve, the Secretary of Defense shall 
collect from the individual an amount equal to $1,200 not later than 
one year after completion by the individual of the two years of service 
on active duty providing the basis for such entitlement. The Secretary 
of Defense may collect such amount through reductions in basic pay in 
accordance with paragraph (1) or through such other method as the 
Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.''.

SEC. 110. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Definition of Training Establishment.--Section 3452(e), as 
amended by section 301 of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public Law 
108-183; 117 Stat. 2658), is amended in paragraph (5) to read as 
follows:
        ``(5) The sponsor of a program of apprenticeship.''.
    (b) Clarification of Applicable Apprenticeship Standards.--(1) 
Section 3672(c), as amended by section 105(a), is amended in 
subparagraph (A) by inserting ``apprenticeship'' before ``standards''.
    (2) Section 3672(d)(1) is amended by striking ``of programs of 
training on the job (including programs of apprenticeship)'' and 
inserting ``of apprenticeship and on the job training programs''.
    (c) Record-Keeping Requirements for Qualified Providers of 
Entrepreneurship Courses.--(1) Section 3675(c) is amended by adding at 
the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a qualified provider of 
entrepreneurship courses shall maintain such records as the Secretary 
determines to be necessary to comply with reporting requirements that 
apply under section 3684(a)(1) of this title with respect to eligible 
persons and veterans enrolled in an entrepreneurship course offered by 
the provider.''.
    (2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if 
included in the enactment of section 305(a) of the Veterans Benefits 
Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-183; 117 Stat. 2660).
    (d) Authority To Pay Reporting Fee.--Section 3684(c) is amended by 
striking ``or to any joint apprenticeship training committee acting as 
a training establishment'' and inserting ``or to the sponsor of a 
program of apprenticeship''.

                      TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
             Subtitle A--Employment and Reemployment Rights

    SEC. 201. TWO-YEAR PERIOD OF CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED 
      HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.
    (a) Improvement in Period of Coverage.--Subsection (a)(1)(A) of 
section 4317 is amended by striking ``18-month period'' and inserting 
``24-month period''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to elections made under section 4317 of title 38, United States 
Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 202. REINSTATEMENT OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
    Section 4332 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
striking ``no later than February 1, 1996, and annually thereafter 
through 2000'' and inserting ``no later than February 1, 2005, and 
annually thereafter''.
    SEC. 203. REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND 
      DUTIES UNDER USERRA.
    (a) Notice.--Chapter 43 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``Sec. 4334. Notice of rights and duties

    ``(a) Requirement To Provide Notice.--Each employer shall provide 
to persons entitled to rights and benefits under this chapter a notice 
of the rights, benefits, and obligations of such persons and such 
employers under this chapter. The requirement for the provision of 
notice under this section may be met by the posting of the notice where 
employers customarily place notices for employees.
    ``(b) Content of Notice.--The Secretary shall provide to employers 
the text of the notice to be provided under this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``4334. Notice of rights and duties.''.

    (c) Implementation.--(1) Not later than the date that is 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor 
shall make available to employers the notice required under section 
4334 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
    (2) The amendments made by this section shall apply to employers 
under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, on and after the 
first date referred to in paragraph (1).
    SEC. 204. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR REFERRAL OF USERRA CLAIMS 
      AGAINST FEDERAL AGENCIES TO THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL.
    (a) Establishment of Project.--The Secretary of Labor and the 
Office of Special Counsel shall carry out a demonstration project under 
which certain claims against Federal executive agencies under the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act under chapter 
43 of title 38, United States Code, are referred to, or otherwise 
received by, the Office of Special Counsel for assistance, including 
investigation and resolution of the claim as well as enforcement of 
rights with respect to the claim.
    (b) Referral of All Prohibited Personnel Action Claims to the 
Office of Special Counsel.--(1) Under the demonstration project, the 
Office of Special Counsel shall receive and investigate all claims 
under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 
with respect to Federal executive agencies in cases where the Office of 
Special Counsel has jurisdiction over related claims pursuant to 
section 1212 of title 5, United States Code.
    (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a related claim is a claim 
involving the same Federal executive agency and the same or similar 
factual allegations or legal issues as those being pursued under a 
claim under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights 
Act.
    (c) Referral of Other Claims Against Federal Executive Agencies.--
(1) Under the demonstration project, the Secretary--
        (A) shall refer to the Office of Special Counsel all claims 
    described in paragraph (2) made during the period of the 
    demonstration project; and
        (B) may refer any claim described in paragraph (2) filed before 
    the demonstration project that is pending before the Secretary at 
    the beginning of the demonstration project.
    (2) A claim referred to in paragraph (1) is a claim under chapter 
43 of title 38, United States Code, against a Federal executive agency 
by a claimant with a social security account number with an odd number 
as its terminal digit, or, in the case of a claim that does not contain 
a social security account number, a case number assigned to the claim 
with an odd number as its terminal digit.
    (d) Administration of Demonstration Project.--(1) The Office of 
Special Counsel shall administer the demonstration project. The 
Secretary shall cooperate with the Office of Special Counsel in 
carrying out the demonstration project.
    (2) In the case of any claim referred, or otherwise received by, to 
the Office of Special Counsel under the demonstration project, any 
reference to the ``Secretary'' in sections 4321, 4322, and 4326 of 
title 38, United States Code, is deemed a reference to the ``Office of 
Special Counsel''.
    (3) In the case of any claim referred to, or otherwise received by, 
the Office of Special Counsel under the demonstration project, the 
Office of Special Counsel shall retain administrative jurisdiction over 
the claim.
    (e) Period of Project.--The demonstration project shall be carried 
out during the period beginning on the date that is 60 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and ending on September 30, 2007.
    (f) Evaluations and Report.--(1) The Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct periodic evaluations of the demonstration 
project under this section.
    (2) Not later than April 1, 2007, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to Congress a report on the evaluations conducted under 
paragraph (1). The report shall include the following information and 
recommendations:
        (A) A description of the operation and results of the 
    demonstration program, including--
            (i) the number of claims described in subsection (c) 
        referred to, or otherwise received by, the Office of Special 
        Counsel, and the number of such claims referred to the 
        Secretary of Labor; and
            (ii) for each Federal executive agency, the number of 
        claims resolved, the type of corrective action obtained, the 
        period of time for final resolution of the claim, and the 
        results obtained.
        (B) An assessment of whether referral to the office of special 
    counsel of claims under the demonstration project--
            (i) improved services to servicemembers and veterans; or
            (ii) significantly reduced or eliminated duplication of 
        effort and unintended delays in resolving meritorious claims of 
        those servicemembers and veterans.
        (C) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
    referring all claims under chapter 43 of title 38, United States 
    Code, against Federal executive agencies to the Office of Special 
    Counsel for investigation and resolution.
        (D) Such other recommendations for administrative action or 
    legislation as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) The term ``Office of Special Counsel'' means the Office of 
    Special Counsel established by section 1211 of title 5, United 
    States Code.
        (2) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor.
        (3) The term ``Federal executive agency'' has the meaning given 
    that term in section 4303(5) of title 38, United States Code.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

    SEC. 211. REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT, RETENTION, AND 
      ADVANCEMENT OF RECENTLY SEPARATED SERVICEMEMBERS.
    (a) Contract for Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct a study of and 
prepare a report on the employment histories of recently separated 
servicemembers.
    (b) Content of Report.--(1) The study conducted pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall consist of an analysis of employment-related data 
that have been collected with respect to recently separated 
servicemembers.
    (2) In conducting the study, the qualified entity shall--
        (A) determine whether the employment obtained by recently 
    separated servicemembers is commensurate with training and 
    education of those servicemembers;
        (B) determine whether recently separated servicemembers 
    received educational assistance or training and rehabilitation 
    under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
    under chapter 30 or 31 of title 38, United States Code, or under 
    chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code;
        (C) determine whether transition assistance services provided 
    to recently separated servicemembers assisted those servicemembers 
    in obtaining civilian employment;
        (D) analyze trends in hiring of veterans by the private sector; 
    and
        (E) identify recently separated servicemembers who have reached 
    senior level management positions.
    (c) Use of Data.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the 
qualified entity shall review data compiled and reported by the Bureau 
of Labor Statistics and shall collect additional data on the employment 
histories of recently separated servicemembers available from such 
other sources as the qualified entity determines to be appropriate.
    (d) Contract Requirements.--(1) The contract entered into under 
subsection (a) shall contain such terms and conditions as the Secretary 
may require. The contract shall require that the report on the study be 
submitted to the Secretary not later than 2 years after the date on 
which the contract was entered into.
    (2) The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the 
findings and conclusions of the qualified entity on the study and 
specific recommendations to improve employment opportunities for 
veterans recently separated from service in the Armed Forces, 
including, if appropriate, recommendations for--
        (A) the establishment of networks of contacts for employment of 
    such veterans in the private sector;
        (B) outreach to private sector leaders on the merits and sound 
    business practice of hiring such veterans; and
        (C) additional methods to facilitate communication between 
    private sector employers and such veterans who are seeking 
    employment.
    (e) Funding.--Payment by the Secretary for the contract entered 
into under subsection (a)--
        (1) shall be made from the Department of Veterans Affairs 
    appropriations account from which payments for readjustment 
    benefits are made; and
        (2) may not exceed $490,000.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) The term ``qualified entity'' means an entity or 
    organization that meets the following requirements:
            (A) Demonstrated experience in conducting employment 
        surveys of recently separated servicemembers, including 
        Internet-based surveys, that meet such quality assurance 
        requirements as the Secretary determines appropriate.
            (B) Demonstrated familiarity with veteran employment 
        matters.
            (C) Demonstrated ability in developing plans to market 
        veterans as employment assets.
            (D) Demonstrated ability to acquire services at no cost 
        from other organizations, such as technology, staff services, 
        and advertising services.
            (E) Demonstrated ability to develop relationships, 
        establish employment networks, and facilitate interaction 
        between private and public sector leaders and veterans.
        (2) The term ``employment history'' means, with respect to a 
    recently separated servicemember, training, placement, retention, 
    and advancement in employment of that servicemember.
        (3) The term ``recently separated servicemember'' means any 
    veteran (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States 
    Code) discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces 
    of the United States during the 16-year period beginning on January 
    1, 1990.

                      TITLE III--BENEFITS MATTERS

    SEC. 301. ADDITIONAL DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR 
      SURVIVING SPOUSES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
    (a) Additional Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.--Section 1311 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e)(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), if there is a surviving 
spouse with one or more children below the age of 18, the dependency 
and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the surviving spouse shall 
be increased by $250, regardless of the number of such children.
    ``(2) Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be increased 
under this subsection only for months occurring during the two-year 
period beginning on the date on which entitlement to dependency and 
indemnity compensation commenced.
    ``(3) The increase in dependency and indemnity compensation of a 
surviving spouse under this subsection shall cease beginning with the 
first month commencing after the month in which all children of the 
surviving spouse have attained the age of 18.
    ``(4) Dependency and indemnity compensation under this subsection 
is in addition to any other dependency and indemnity compensation 
payable under this chapter.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (e) of section 1311 of title 38, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect with 
respect to payments for the first month beginning after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 302. OFFSET OF VETERANS' DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND 
      DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FROM AWARDS UNDER RADIATION 
      EXPOSURE COMPENSATION PROGRAM.
    (a) Offset in Lieu of Forfeiture From Disability Compensation.--
Subsection (c) of section 1112 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
    ``(4) A radiation-exposed veteran who receives a payment under the 
provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 (42 
U.S.C. 2210 note) shall not be deprived, by reason of the receipt of 
that payment, of receipt of compensation to which that veteran is 
entitled by reason of paragraph (1), but there shall be deducted from 
payment of such compensation the amount of the payment under that 
Act.''.
    (b) Offset in Lieu of Forfeiture From Dependency and Indemnity 
Compensation.--Section 1310 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
    ``(c) A person who receives a payment under the provisions of the 
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) shall 
not be deprived, by reason of the receipt of that payment, of receipt 
of dependency and indemnity compensation to which that person is 
otherwise entitled, but there shall be deducted from payment of such 
dependency and indemnity compensation the amount of the payment under 
that Act.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--Paragraph (4) of section 1112(c) of title 38, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect with 
respect to compensation payments for months beginning after March 26, 
2002. Subsection (c) of section 1310 of such title, as added by 
subsection (b), shall take effect with respect to dependency and 
indemnity compensation payments for months beginning after March 26, 
2002.
    SEC. 303. EXCLUSION OF LIFE INSURANCE PROCEEDS FROM CONSIDERATION 
      AS INCOME FOR VETERANS' PENSION PURPOSES.
     Section 1503(a) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9);
        (2) by striking the period at the end of the paragraph (10) and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
        ``(11) lump-sum proceeds of any life insurance policy on a 
    veteran, for purposes of pension under subchapter III of this 
    chapter.''.
    SEC. 304. CERTAIN SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY BENEFITS AUTHORIZED 
      FOR PERSONS DISABLED BY TREATMENT OR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 
      PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    (a) Authorized Benefits.--Section 1151 is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) A qualifying additional disability under this section shall 
be treated in the same manner as if it were a service-connected 
disability for purposes of the following provisions of this title:
        ``(1) Chapter 21, relating to specially adapted housing.
        ``(2) Chapter 39, relating to automobiles and adaptive 
    equipment.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of section 1151 of title 38, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with 
respect to eligibility for benefits and services provided by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.
    (c) Administration of Offset Provision.--Subsection (b) of section 
1151 is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)'';
        (2) by inserting ``(except as otherwise provided in paragraph 
    (2))'' after ``service-connected, then''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In the case of a judgment, settlement, or compromise covered 
by paragraph (1) that becomes final on or after the date of the 
enactment of this paragraph and that includes an amount that is 
specifically designated for a purpose for which benefits are provided 
under chapter 21 or 39 of this title (hereinafter in this paragraph 
referred to as the `offset amount'), if such judgment, settlement, or 
compromise becomes final before the date of the award of benefits under 
chapter 21 or 39 for the purpose for which the offset amount was 
specifically designated--
        ``(A) the amount of such award shall be reduced by the offset 
    amount; and
        ``(B) if the offset amount is greater than the amount of such 
    award, the excess amount received pursuant to the judgment, 
    settlement or compromise, shall be offset against benefits 
    otherwise payable under this chapter.''.
    SEC. 305. EFFECTIVE DATE OF DEATH PENSION.
     Section 5110(d) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``(1)'';
        (2) by striking ``death compensation or dependency and 
    indemnity compensation'' and inserting ``death compensation, 
    dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension''; and
        (3) by striking paragraph (2).
    SEC. 306. CODIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS RELATING TO 
      PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR VETERANS EXPOSED TO 
      IONIZING RADIATION.
    (a) Covered Diseases.--Subsection (c)(2) of section 1112 is amended 
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
        ``(Q) Cancer of the bone.
        ``(R) Cancer of the brain.
        ``(S) Cancer of the colon.
        ``(T) Cancer of the lung.
        ``(U) Cancer of the ovary.''.
    (b) Covered Radiation-Risk Activities.--Subsection (c)(3)(B) of 
such section is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
            ``(iv) Service in a capacity which, if performed as an 
        employee of the Department of Energy, would qualify the 
        individual for inclusion as a member of the Special Exposure 
        Cohort under section 3621(14) of the Energy Employees 
        Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 
        U.S.C. 7384l(14)).''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect as of March 26, 2002.
    SEC. 307. CODIFICATION OF COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT PROVIDED IN 
      PUBLIC LAW 108-47.
    (a) Veterans' Disability Compensation.--Section 1114 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$104'' in subsection (a) and inserting 
    ``$106'';
        (2) by striking ``$201'' in subsection (b) and inserting 
    ``$205'';
        (3) by striking ``$310'' in subsection (c) and inserting 
    ``$316'';
        (4) by striking ``$445'' in subsection (d) and inserting 
    ``$454'';
        (5) by striking ``$633'' in subsection (e) and inserting 
    ``$646'';
        (6) by striking ``$801'' in subsection (f) and inserting 
    ``$817'';
        (7) by striking ``$1,008'' in subsection (g) and inserting 
    ``$1,029'';
        (8) by striking ``$1,171'' in subsection (h) and inserting 
    ``$1,195'';
        (9) by striking ``$1,317'' in subsection (i) and inserting 
    ``$1,344'';
        (10) by striking ``$2,193'' in subsection (j) and inserting 
    ``$2,239'';
        (11) in subsection (k)--
            (A) by striking ``$81'' both places it appears and 
        inserting ``$82''; and
            (B) by striking ``$2,728'' and ``$3,827'' and inserting 
        ``$2,785'' and ``$3,907'', respectively;
        (12) by striking ``$2,728'' in subsection (l) and inserting 
    ``$2,785'';
        (13) by striking ``$3,010'' in subsection (m) and inserting 
    ``$3,073'';
        (14) by striking ``$3,425'' in subsection (n) and inserting 
    ``$3,496'';
        (15) by striking ``$3,827'' each place it appears in 
    subsections (o) and (p) and inserting ``$3,907'';
        (16) by striking ``$1,643'' and ``$2,446'' in subsection (r) 
    and inserting ``$1,677'' and ``$2,497'', respectively; and
        (17) by striking ``$2,455'' in subsection (s) and inserting 
    ``$2,506''.
    (b) Additional Compensation for Dependents.--Section 1115(1) is 
amended--
        (1) by striking ``$125'' in subparagraph (A) and inserting 
    ``$127'';
        (2) by striking ``$215'' and ``$64'' in subparagraph (B) and 
    inserting ``$219'' and ``$65'', respectively;
        (3) by striking ``$85'' and ``$64'' in subparagraph (C) and 
    inserting ``$86'' and ``$65'', respectively;
        (4) by striking ``$101'' in subparagraph (D) and inserting 
    ``$103'';
        (5) by striking ``$237'' in subparagraph (E) and inserting 
    ``$241''; and
        (6) by striking ``$198'' in subparagraph (F) and inserting 
    ``$202''.
    (c) Clothing Allowance for Certain Disabled Veterans.--Section 1162 
is amended by striking ``$588'' and inserting ``$600''.
    (d) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Surviving Spouses.--
(1) Section 1311(a) is amended--
        (A) by striking ``$948'' in paragraph (1) and inserting 
    ``$967''; and
        (B) by striking ``$204'' in paragraph (2) and inserting 
    ``$208''.
    (2) The table in section 1311(a)(3) is amended to read as follows:


 
                                           Monthly                                                       Monthly
                Pay grade                   rate                                     Pay grade            rate
 
E-1.....................................      $967  ......................   W-4......................    $1,157
 E-2....................................      $967  ......................  O-1.......................    $1,022
 E-3....................................      $967  ......................   O-2......................    $1,056
 E-4....................................      $967  ......................   O-3......................    $1,130
E-5.....................................      $967  ......................   O-4......................    $1,195
 E-6....................................      $967  ......................   O-5......................    $1,316
 E-7....................................    $1,000  ......................   O-6......................    $1,483
E-8.....................................    $1,056  ......................  O-7.......................    $1,602
 E-9....................................   $1,1021  ......................  O-8.......................    $1,758
W-1.....................................    $1,022  ......................   O-9......................    $1,881
W-2.....................................    $1,063  ......................  O-10......................   $2,0632
W-3.....................................    $1,094  ......................  ..........................  ........
1 If the veteran served as sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master
  sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast
  Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse's rate shall be
  $1,189.
2 If the veteran served as Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army,
  Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine Corps, or Commandant of
  the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse's rate
  shall be $2,213.

        (3) Section 1311(b) is amended by striking ``$237'' and 
    inserting ``$241''.
        (4) Section 1311(c) is amended by striking ``$237'' and 
    inserting ``$241''.
        (5) Section 1311(d) is amended by striking ``$113'' and 
    inserting ``$115''.
    (e) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Children.--(1) 
Section 1313(a) is amended--
        (A) by striking ``$402'' in paragraph (1) and inserting 
    ``$410'';
        (B) by striking ``$578'' in paragraph (2) and inserting 
    ``$590'';
        (C) by striking ``$752'' in paragraph (3) and inserting 
    ``$767''; and
        (D) by striking ``$752'' and ``$145'' in paragraph (4) and 
    inserting ``$767'' and ``$148'', respectively.
    (2) Section 1314 is amended--
        (A) by striking ``$237'' in subsection (a) and inserting 
    ``$241'';
        (B) by striking ``$402'' in subsection (b) and inserting 
    ``$410''; and
        (C) by striking ``$201'' in subsection (c) and inserting 
    ``$205''.
    SEC. 308. CROSS-REFERENCE AMENDMENTS RELATING TO CONCURRENT PAYMENT 
      OF RETIRED PAY AND VETERANS' DISABILITY COMPENSATION.
    (a) Prohibition Against Duplication of Benefits.--Section 
5304(a)(1) is amended by inserting ``as provided in section 1414 of 
title 10 or'' after ``Except''.
    (b) Waiver of Retired Pay.--Section 5305 is amended by striking 
``Any'' in the first sentence and inserting ``Except as provided in 
section 1414 of title 10, any''.

                       TITLE IV--HOUSING MATTERS

    SEC. 401. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING TO CERTAIN 
      DISABLED VETERANS.
     The text of section 2101 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Acquisition of Housing With Special Features.--(1) Subject to 
paragraph (3), the Secretary may assist a disabled veteran described in 
paragraph (2) in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special 
fixtures or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of the 
veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor.
    ``(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran is 
entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this title for a permanent 
and total service-connected disability that meets any of the following 
criteria:
        ``(A) The disability is due to the loss, or loss of use, of 
    both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the 
    aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
        ``(B) The disability is due to--
            ``(i) blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, 
        plus
            ``(ii) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.
        ``(C) The disability is due to the loss or loss of use of one 
    lower extremity together with--
            ``(i) residuals of organic disease or injury; or
            ``(ii) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity,
    which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to 
    preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or 
    a wheelchair.
        ``(D) The disability is due to the loss, or loss of use, of 
    both upper extremities such as to preclude use of the arms at or 
    above the elbows.
    ``(3) The regulations prescribed under subsection (c) shall require 
that assistance under paragraph (1) may be provided to a veteran only 
if the Secretary finds that--
        ``(A) it is medically feasible for the veteran to reside in the 
    proposed housing unit and in the proposed locality;
        ``(B) the proposed housing unit bears a proper relation to the 
    veteran's present and anticipated income and expenses; and
        ``(C) the nature and condition of the proposed housing unit are 
    such as to be suitable to the veteran's needs for dwelling 
    purposes.
    ``(b) Adaptations to Residence of Veteran.--(1) Subject to 
paragraph (3), the Secretary shall assist any disabled veteran 
described in paragraph (2) (other than a veteran who is eligible for 
assistance under subsection (a))--
        ``(A) in acquiring such adaptations to such veteran's residence 
    as are determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary 
    because of such disability; or
        ``(B) in acquiring a residence already adapted with special 
    features determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary for 
    the veteran because of such disability.
    ``(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran is 
entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this title for a permanent 
and total service-connected disability that meets either of the 
following criteria:
        ``(A) The disability is due to blindness in both eyes with 5/
    200 visual acuity or less.
        ``(B) The disability includes the anatomical loss or loss of 
    use of both hands.
    ``(3) Assistance under paragraph (1) may be provided only to a 
veteran who the Secretary determines--
        ``(A) is residing in and reasonably intends to continue 
    residing in a residence owned by such veteran or by a member of 
    such veteran's family; or
        ``(B) if the veteran's residence is to be constructed or 
    purchased, will be residing in and reasonably intends to continue 
    residing in a residence owned by such veteran or by a member of 
    such veteran's family.
    ``(c) Regulations.--Assistance under this section shall be provided 
in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.''.
    SEC. 402. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AMENDMENTS.
    (a) Use of Veteran Volunteers.--Section 2051 is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a multifamily 
transitional housing project that is funded by a loan guaranteed under 
this subchapter may accept uncompensated voluntary services performed 
by any eligible entity (as that term is defined in section 2011(d) of 
this title) in connection with the construction, alteration, or repair 
of such project.''.
    (b) Authorization for Commercially-Leased Space.--Section 
2052(c)(1) is amended by striking ``services'' and inserting 
``services, other commercial activities,''.
    SEC. 403. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF HOME LOAN GUARANTY FOR 
      CONSTRUCTION AND PURCHASE OF HOMES AND ANNUAL INDEXING OF AMOUNT.
    (a) Maximum Loan Guaranty Based on 100 Percent of Freddie Mac 
Conforming Loan Rate.--Section 3703(a)(1) is amended by striking 
``$60,000'' each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(IV) and (B) 
and inserting ``the maximum guaranty amount (as defined in subparagraph 
(C))''.
    (b) Definition.--Such section is further amended by adding at the 
end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(C) In this paragraph, the term `maximum guaranty amount' means 
the dollar amount that is equal to 25 percent of the Freddie Mac 
conforming loan limit limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of 
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2)) 
for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved.''.
    SEC. 404. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GUARANTEE OF ADJUSTABLE RATE 
      MORTGAGES.
     Section 3707(a) is amended by striking ``during fiscal years 1993, 
1994, and 1995'' and inserting ``during fiscal years 1993 through 
2008''.
    SEC. 405. EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF AUTHORITY FOR GUARANTEE OF 
      HYBRID ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES.
    (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 3707A is 
amended by striking ``during fiscal years 2004 and 2005'' and inserting 
``during fiscal years 2004 through 2008''.
    (b) Modification of Interest Rate Adjustment Requirements.--
Subsection (c) of such section is amended--
        (1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
        (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new 
    paragraphs:
        ``(3) in the case of the initial contract interest rate 
    adjustment--
            ``(A) if the initial contract interest rate remained fixed 
        for less than 5 years, be limited to a maximum increase or 
        decrease of 1 percentage point; or
            ``(B) if the initial contract interest rate remained fixed 
        for 5 years or more, be limited to a maximum increase or 
        decrease of such percentage point or points as the Secretary 
        may prescribe;
        ``(4) in the case of any single annual interest rate adjustment 
    after the initial contract interest rate adjustment, be limited to 
    a maximum increase or decrease of 1 percentage point; and''; and
        (3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ``5 
    percentage points'' and all that follows and inserting ``such 
    number of percentage points as the Secretary shall prescribe for 
    purposes of this section.''.
    (c) No Effect on Guarantee of Loans Under Hybrid Adjustable Rate 
Mortgage Guarantee Demonstration Project.--The amendments made by this 
section shall not be construed to affect the force or validity of any 
guarantee of a loan made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the 
demonstration project for the guarantee of hybrid adjustable rate 
mortgages under section 3707A of title 38, United States Code, as in 
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 406. TERMINATION OF COLLECTION OF LOAN FEES FROM VETERANS 
      RATED ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION AT PRE-DISCHARGE RATING 
      EXAMINATIONS.
     Section 3729(c) is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``A fee''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) A veteran who is rated eligible to receive compensation as a 
result of a pre-discharge disability examination and rating shall be 
treated as receiving compensation for purposes of this subsection as of 
the date on which the veteran is rated eligible to receive compensation 
as a result of the pre-discharge disability examination and rating 
without regard to whether an effective date of the award of 
compensation is established as of that date.''.
    SEC. 407. THREE-YEAR EXTENSION OF NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING 
      LOAN PILOT PROGRAM.
    Section 3761(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2005'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2008''.

                TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO FIDUCIARIES

SEC. 501. DEFINITION OF FIDUCIARY.

    (a) In General.--(1) Chapter 55 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``Sec. 5506. Definition of `fiduciary'

    ``For purposes of this chapter and chapter 61 of this title, the 
term `fiduciary' means--
        ``(1) a person who is a guardian, curator, conservator, 
    committee, or person legally vested with the responsibility or care 
    of a claimant (or a claimant's estate) or of a beneficiary (or a 
    beneficiary's estate); or
        ``(2) any other person having been appointed in a 
    representative capacity to receive money paid under any of the laws 
    administered by the Secretary for the use and benefit of a minor, 
    incompetent, or other beneficiary.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``5506. Definition of `fiduciary'.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments to Section 5502.--Section 5502 is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``other person'' and 
        inserting ``other fiduciary''; and
            (B) in the second sentence of paragraph (2), by inserting 
        ``for benefits under this title'' after ``in connection with 
        rendering fiduciary services'';
        (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``guardian, curator, 
    conservator, or other person'' each place it appears and inserting 
    ``fiduciary''; and
        (3) in subsection (d), by striking ``guardian, curator, or 
    conservator'' and inserting ``fiduciary''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment to Section 6101.--Section 6101(a) is 
amended by striking ``guardian, curator,'' and all that follows through 
``beneficiary,'' and inserting ``fiduciary (as defined in section 5506 
of this title) for the benefit of a minor, incompetent, or other 
beneficiary under laws administered by the Secretary,''.
    SEC. 502. INQUIRY, INVESTIGATIONS, AND QUALIFICATION OF 
      FIDUCIARIES.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 55, as amended by section 501(a)(1), is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 5507. Inquiry, investigations, and qualification of fiduciaries

    ``(a) Any certification of a person for payment of benefits of a 
beneficiary to that person as such beneficiary's fiduciary under 
section 5502 of this title shall be made on the basis of--
        ``(1) an inquiry or investigation by the Secretary of the 
    fitness of that person to serve as fiduciary for that beneficiary, 
    such inquiry or investigation--
            ``(A) to be conducted in advance of such certification;
            ``(B) to the extent practicable, to include a face-to-face 
        interview with such person; and
            ``(C) to the extent practicable, to include a copy of a 
        credit report for such person issued within one year of the 
        date of the proposed appointment;
        ``(2) adequate evidence that certification of that person as 
    fiduciary for that beneficiary is in the interest of such 
    beneficiary (as determined by the Secretary under regulations); and
        ``(3) the furnishing of any bond that may be required by the 
    Secretary.
    ``(b) As part of any inquiry or investigation of any person under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall request information concerning 
whether that person has been convicted of any offense under Federal or 
State law which resulted in imprisonment for more than one year. If 
that person has been convicted of such an offense, the Secretary may 
certify the person as a fiduciary only if the Secretary finds that the 
person is an appropriate person to act as fiduciary for the beneficiary 
concerned under the circumstances.
    ``(c)(1) In the case of a proposed fiduciary described in paragraph 
(2), the Secretary, in conducting an inquiry or investigation under 
subsection (a)(1), may carry out such inquiry or investigation on an 
expedited basis that may include waiver of any specific requirement 
relating to such inquiry or investigation, including the otherwise 
applicable provisions of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of such 
subsection. Any such inquiry or investigation carried out on such an 
expedited basis shall be carried out under regulations prescribed for 
purposes of this section.
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a proposed fiduciary 
who is--
        ``(A) the parent (natural, adopted, or stepparent) of a 
    beneficiary who is a minor;
        ``(B) the spouse or parent of an incompetent beneficiary;
        ``(C) a person who has been appointed a fiduciary of the 
    beneficiary by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
        ``(D) being appointed to manage an estate where the annual 
    amount of veterans benefits to be managed by the proposed fiduciary 
    does not exceed $3,600, as adjusted pursuant to section 5312 of 
    this title.
    ``(d) Temporary Fiduciaries.--When in the opinion of the Secretary, 
a temporary fiduciary is needed in order to protect the assets of the 
beneficiary while a determination of incompetency is being made or 
appealed or a fiduciary is appealing a determination of misuse, the 
Secretary may appoint one or more temporary fiduciaries for a period 
not to exceed 120 days. If a final decision has not been made within 
120 days, the Secretary may not continue the appointment of the 
fiduciary without obtaining a court order for appointment of a 
guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary under the authority provided 
in section 5502(b) of this title.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding after the item added by section 
501(a)(2) the following new item:
``5507. Inquiry, investigations, and qualification of fiduciaries.''.
    SEC. 503. MISUSE OF BENEFITS BY FIDUCIARIES.
    (a) Protection of Veterans Benefits When Administered by 
Fiduciaries.--(1) Chapter 61 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new sections:

``Sec. 6106. Misuse of benefits by fiduciaries

    ``(a) Fee Forfeiture in Case of Benefit Misuse by Fiduciaries.--A 
fiduciary may not collect a fee from a beneficiary for any month with 
respect to which the Secretary or a court of competent jurisdiction has 
determined that the fiduciary misused all or part of the individual's 
benefit, and any amount so collected by the fiduciary as a fee for such 
month shall be treated as a misused part of the individual's benefit.
    ``(b) Misuse of Benefits Defined.--For purposes of this chapter, 
misuse of benefits by a fiduciary occurs in any case in which the 
fiduciary receives payment, under any of laws administered by the 
Secretary, for the use and benefit of a beneficiary and uses such 
payment, or any part thereof, for a use other than for the use and 
benefit of such beneficiary or that beneficiary's dependents. Retention 
by a fiduciary of an amount of a benefit payment as a fiduciary fee or 
commission, or as attorney's fees (including expenses) and court costs, 
if authorized by the Secretary or a court of competent jurisdiction, 
shall be considered to be for the use or benefit of such beneficiary.
    ``(c) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe by regulation the 
meaning of the term `use and benefit' for purposes of this section.

``Sec. 6107. Reissuance of benefits

    ``(a) Negligent Failure by Secretary.--(1) In any case in which the 
negligent failure of the Secretary to investigate or monitor a 
fiduciary results in misuse of benefits by the fiduciary, the Secretary 
shall pay to the beneficiary or the beneficiary's successor fiduciary 
an amount equal to the amount of benefits that were so misused.
    ``(2) There shall be considered to have been a negligent failure by 
the Secretary to investigate and monitor a fiduciary in the following 
cases:
        ``(A) A case in which the Secretary failed to review a 
    fiduciary's accounting within 60 days of the date on which that 
    accounting is scheduled for review.
        ``(B) A case in which the Secretary was notified of allegations 
    of misuse, but failed to act within 60 days of the date of such 
    notification to terminate the fiduciary.
        ``(C) In any other case in which actual negligence is shown.
    ``(b) Reissuance of Misused Benefits in Other Cases.--(1) In any 
case in which a fiduciary described in paragraph (2) misuses all or 
part of an individual's benefit paid to such fiduciary, the Secretary 
shall pay to the beneficiary or the beneficiary's successor fiduciary 
an amount equal to the amount of such benefit so misused.
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) applies to a fiduciary that--
        ``(A) is not an individual; or
        ``(B) is an individual who, for any month during a period when 
    misuse occurs, serves 10 or more individuals who are beneficiaries 
    under this title.
    ``(3) In any other case in which the Secretary obtains recoupment 
from a fiduciary who has misused benefits, the Secretary shall promptly 
remit payment of the recouped amounts to the beneficiary or the 
beneficiary's successor fiduciary as the case may be.
    ``(c) Limitation on Total Amount Paid.--The total of the amounts 
paid to a beneficiary (or a beneficiary's successor fiduciary) under 
this section may not exceed the total benefit amount misused by the 
fiduciary with respect to that beneficiary.
    ``(d) Recoupment of Amounts Reissued.--In any case in which the 
Secretary reissues a benefit payment (in whole or in part) under 
subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary shall make a good faith effort to 
obtain recoupment from the fiduciary to whom the payment was originally 
made.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new items:
``6106. Misuse of benefits by fiduciaries.
``6107. Reissuance of benefits.''.
    SEC. 504. ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR BENEFICIARIES WITH 
      FIDUCIARIES.
    (a) Onsite Reviews and Required Accountings.--(1) Chapter 55, as 
amended by section 502(a), is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new sections:

``Sec. 5508. Periodic onsite reviews of institutional fiduciaries

    ``In addition to such other reviews of fiduciaries as the Secretary 
may otherwise conduct, the Secretary shall provide for the periodic 
onsite review of any person or agency located in the United States that 
receives the benefits payable under laws administered by the Secretary 
to another individual pursuant to the appointment of such person or 
agency as a fiduciary under section 5502(a)(1) of this title in any 
case in which the fiduciary is serving in that capacity with respect to 
more than 20 beneficiaries and the total annual amount of such benefits 
exceeds $50,000, as adjusted pursuant to section 5312 of this title.

``Sec. 5509. Authority to require fiduciary to receive payments at 
            regional offices of the Department when failing to provide 
            required accounting

    ``(a) Required Reports and Accountings.--The Secretary may require 
a fiduciary to file a report or accounting pursuant to regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary.
    ``(b) Actions Upon Failure To File.--In any case in which a 
fiduciary fails to submit a report or accounting required by the 
Secretary under subsection (a), the Secretary may, after furnishing 
notice to such fiduciary and the beneficiary entitled to such payment 
of benefits, require that such fiduciary appear in person at a regional 
office of the Department serving the area in which the beneficiary 
resides in order to receive such payments.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by adding after the item added by section 502(b) the following 
new items:
``5508. Periodic onsite reviews of institutional fiduciaries.
``5509. Authority to require fiduciary to receive payments at regional 
          offices of the Department when failing to provide required 
          accounting.''.

    (b) Judicial Orders of Restitution.--(1) Chapter 61, as amended by 
section 503(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following 
new section:

``Sec. 6108. Authority for judicial orders of restitution

    ``(a) Any Federal court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of 
an offense arising from the misuse of benefits under this title, may 
order, in addition to or in lieu of any other penalty authorized by 
law, that the defendant make restitution to the Department.
    ``(b) Sections 3612, 3663, and 3664 of title 18 shall apply with 
respect to the issuance and enforcement of orders of restitution under 
subsection (a). In so applying those sections, the Department shall be 
considered the victim.
    ``(c) If the court does not order restitution, or orders only 
partial restitution, under subsection (a), the court shall state on the 
record the reasons therefor.
    ``(d) Amounts received in connection with misuse by a fiduciary of 
funds paid as benefits under laws administered by the Secretary shall 
be paid to the individual whose benefits were misused. If the Secretary 
has previously reissued the misused benefits, the amounts shall be 
treated in the same manner as overpayments recouped by the Secretary 
and shall be deposited to the credit of the applicable revolving fund, 
trust fund, or appropriation.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by adding after the item added by section 503(b) the following 
new item:
``6108. Authority for judicial orders of restitution.''.

SEC. 505. ANNUAL REPORT.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 55, as amended by section 504(a)(1), is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 5510. Annual report

    ``The Secretary shall include in the Annual Benefits Report of the 
Veterans Benefits Administration or the Secretary's Annual Performance 
and Accountability Report information concerning fiduciaries who have 
been appointed to receive payments for beneficiaries of the Department. 
As part of such information, the
Secretary shall separately set forth the following: --
        ``(1) The number of beneficiaries in each category (veteran, 
    surviving spouse, child, adult disabled child, or parent).
        ``(2) The types of benefit being paid (compensation, pension, 
    dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension or benefits 
    payable to a disabled child under chapter 18 of this title).
        ``(3) The total annual amounts and average annual amounts of 
    benefits paid to fiduciaries for each category and type of benefit.
        ``(4) The number of fiduciaries who are the spouse, parent, 
    legal custodian, court-appointed fiduciary, institutional 
    fiduciary, custodian in fact, and supervised direct payees.
        ``(5) The number of cases in which the fiduciary was changed by 
    the Secretary because of a finding that benefits had been misused.
        ``(6) How such cases of misuse of benefits were addressed by 
    the Secretary.
        ``(7) The final disposition of such cases of misuse of 
    benefits, including the number and dollar amount of any benefits 
    reissued to beneficiaries.
        ``(8) The number of fiduciary cases referred to the Office of 
    the Inspector General and the nature of the actions taken by the 
    Inspector General.
        ``(9) The total amount of money recovered by the government in 
    cases arising from the misuse of benefits by a fiduciary.
        ``(10) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
    appropriate.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding after the items added by the 
amendment made by section 504(a)(2) the following new item:
``5510. Annual report.''.
    SEC. 506. ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT IN BENEFITS THRESHOLDS.
    Section 5312(b)(1) is amended by inserting ``and the annual benefit 
amount limitations under sections 5507(c)(2)(D) and 5508 of this 
title,'' after ``(d)(3) of such section,''.

SEC. 507. EFFECTIVE DATES.

    (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided, this title and the 
amendments made by this title shall take effect on the first day of the 
seventh month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (b) Special Rules.--(1) Section 5510 of title 38, United States 
Code, as added by section 505(a), shall take effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
    (2) Sections 6106 and 6107 of title 38, United States Code, as 
added by section 503(a), shall apply with respect to any determinations 
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs made after the date of the 
enactment of this Act of misuse of funds by a fiduciary.

                   TITLE VI--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS MATTERS

    SEC. 601. DESIGNATION OF PRISONER OF WAR/MISSING IN ACTION NATIONAL 
      MEMORIAL, RIVERSIDE NATIONAL CEMETERY, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.
    (a) Designation.--The memorial to former prisoners of war and 
members of the Armed Forces listed as missing in action that is under 
construction at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, 
is hereby designated: ``Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National 
Memorial''.
    (b) Effect of Designation.--Such national memorial designated by 
subsection (a) is not a unit of the National Park System, and the 
designation of the national memorial shall not be construed to require 
Federal funds to be expended for any purpose related to the national 
memorial.
    SEC. 602. LEASE OF CERTAIN NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION 
      PROPERTY.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 24 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``Sec. 2412. Lease of land and buildings

    ``(a) Lease Authorized.--The Secretary may lease any undeveloped 
land and unused or underutilized buildings, or parts or parcels 
thereof, belonging to the United States and part of the National 
Cemetery Administration.
    ``(b) Term.--The term of a lease under subsection (a) may not 
exceed 10 years.
    ``(c) Lease to Public or Nonprofit Organizations.--(1) A lease 
under subsection (a) to any public or nonprofit organization may be 
made without regard to the provisions of section 3709 of the Revised 
Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
    ``(2) Notwithstanding section 1302 of title 40 or any other 
provision of law, a lease under subsection (a) to any public or 
nonprofit organization may provide for the maintenance, protection, or 
restoration of the leased property by the lessee, as a part or all of 
the consideration for the lease.
    ``(d) Notice.--Before entering into a lease under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall give appropriate public notice of the intention of 
the Secretary to enter into the lease in a newspaper of general 
circulation in the community in which the lands or buildings concerned 
are located.
    ``(e) National Cemetery Administration Facilities Operation Fund.--
(1) There is established on the book of the Treasury an account to be 
known as the `National Cemetery Administration Facilities Operation 
Fund' (in this section referred to as the `Fund').
    ``(2) The Fund shall consist of the following:
        ``(A) Proceeds from the lease of land or buildings under this 
    section.
        ``(B) Proceeds of agricultural licenses of lands of the 
    National Cemetery Administration.
        ``(C) Any other amounts appropriated to or otherwise authorized 
    for deposit in the Fund by law.
    ``(3) Amounts in the Fund shall be available to cover costs 
incurred by the National Cemetery Administration in the operation and 
maintenance of property of the Administration.
    ``(4) Amounts in the Fund shall remain available until expended.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``2412. Lease of land and buildings.''.
    SEC. 603. EXCHANGES OF REAL PROPERTY FOR NATIONAL CEMETERIES.
    Section 2406 is amended by inserting ``exchange,'' after 
``agencies,''.

       TITLE VII--IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

    SEC. 701. CLARIFICATION OF MEANING OF ``JUDGMENT'' AS USED IN THE 
      ACT.
     Section 101 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 
511) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
        ``(9) Judgment.--The term `judgment' means any judgment, 
    decree, order, or ruling, final or temporary.''.
    SEC. 702. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO WAIVER OF RIGHTS UNDER THE ACT.
     Section 107 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 
517) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after the first sentence 
    the following new sentence: ``Any such waiver that applies to an 
    action listed in subsection (b) of this section is effective only 
    if it is in writing and is executed as an instrument separate from 
    the obligation or liability to which it applies.'';
        (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
        (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
    subsection (c):
    ``(c) Prominent Display of Certain Contract Rights Waivers.--Any 
waiver in writing of a right or protection provided by this Act that 
applies to a contract, lease, or similar legal instrument must be in at 
least 12 point type.''.
    SEC. 703. RIGHT OF SERVICEMEMBER PLAINTIFFS TO REQUEST STAY OF 
      CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.
     Section 202(a) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 
App. 522(a)) is amended by inserting ``plaintiff or'' before 
``defendant''.

SEC. 704. TERMINATION OF LEASES.

    (a) Joint Leases.--Subsection (a) of section 305 of the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 535) is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(a) Termination by Lessee.--
        ``(1) In general.--The lessee on a lease described in 
    subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at 
    any time after--
            ``(A) the lessee's entry into military service; or
            ``(B) the date of the lessee's military orders described in 
        paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B) of subsection (b), as the case may 
        be.
        ``(2) Joint leases.--A lessee's termination of a lease pursuant 
    to this subsection shall terminate any obligation a dependent of 
    the lessee may have under the lease.''.
    (b) Motor Vehicles Leases.--
        (1) Applicability to pcs orders from states outside conus.--
    Subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(2) of such section is amended by 
    striking ``military orders for'' and all that follows through ``or 
    to deploy'' and inserting ``military orders--
                ``(i) for a change of permanent station--

                    ``(I) from a location in the continental United 
                States to a location outside the continental United 
                States; or
                    ``(II) from a location in a State outside the 
                continental United States to any location outside that 
                State; or

                ``(ii) to deploy''.
        (2) Definitions.--Such section is further amended by adding at 
    the end the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Definitions.--
        ``(1) Military orders.--The term `military orders', with 
    respect to a servicemember, means official military orders, or any 
    notification, certification, or verification from the 
    servicemember's commanding officer, with respect to the 
    servicemember's current or future military duty status.
        ``(2) Conus.--The term `continental United States' means the 48 
    contiguous States and the District of Columbia.''.
    (c) Coverage of Individual Deployments.--Subsection (b) of such 
section is further amended in paragraph (1)(B) and paragraph (2)(B)(ii) 
(as designated by subsection (b) of this section) by inserting ``, or 
as an individual in support of a military operation,'' after ``deploy 
with a military unit''.

                       TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

    SEC. 801. PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR 
      VETERANS CLAIMS.
     Section 7255 is amended by striking ``District of Columbia'' and 
inserting ``Washington, D.C., metropolitan area''.
    SEC. 802. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE UNITED STATES COURT 
      OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.
    (a) Restoration of Prior Provision Relating to Chief Judge.--
Section 7253(d)(1) is amended by inserting after ``(1)'' the following: 
``The chief judge of the Court is the head of the Court.''.
    (b) Capitalization Amendments.--Section 7253(d)(4)(A) is amended by 
striking ``court'' in clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting ``Court''.
    (c) Date of Enactment Reference.--Section 7253(h)(4) is amended by 
striking ``the date of the enactment of this subsection'' and inserting 
``December 27, 2001,''.
    SEC. 803. EXTENSION OF BIENNIAL REPORT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
      FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR.
     Section 541(c)(1) is amended by striking ``2003'' and inserting 
``2009''.
    SEC. 804. AVAILABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL REDRESS FOR 
      CERTAIN VETERANS DENIED OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE FOR FEDERAL 
      EMPLOYMENT.
    (a) Administrative Redress.--Section 3330a(a)(1) of title 5, United 
States Code, is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(B) A veteran described in section 3304(f)(1) who alleges that an 
agency has violated such section with respect to such veteran may file 
a complaint with the Secretary of Labor.''.
    (b) Judicial Redress.--Section 3330b(a) is amended by inserting ``, 
or a veteran described by section 3330a(a)(1)(B) with respect to a 
violation described by such section,'' after ``a preference eligible''.
    SEC. 805. REPORT ON SERVICEMEMBERS' AND VETERANS' AWARENESS OF 
      BENEFITS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY 
      SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    (a) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report setting forth a detailed description of (1) the 
outreach efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as of the date 
of the enactment of this Act, to inform members of the uniformed 
services and veterans (and their family members and survivors) of the 
benefits and services to which they are entitled under laws 
administered by the Secretary, and (2) the current level of awareness 
of those members and veterans (and family members and survivors) of 
those benefits and services.
    (b) Matters To Be Included.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
        (1) A description of the outreach activities conducted by the 
    Secretary in each of the three Administrations of the Department of 
    Veterans Affairs and outreach activities conducted by other 
    entities within the Department.
        (2) The results of a national survey, conducted as described in 
    subsection (c), to ascertain servicemembers' and veterans' level of 
    awareness of benefits and services referred to in subsection (a) 
    and whether servicemembers and veterans know how to access those 
    benefits and services.
        (3) Recommendations by the Secretary on how outreach and 
    awareness activities to veterans and servicemembers may be 
    improved.
    (c) Conduct of Survey.--The survey conducted for purposes of 
subsection (b)(2) shall be conducted in a manner to include a 
statistically valid sample of persons in each of the following groups:
        (1) World War II veterans.
        (2) Korean conflict era veterans.
        (3) Vietnam era veterans.
        (4) Persian Gulf era veterans.
        (5) Active duty servicemembers.
        (6) National Guard and Reserve members activated under title 
    10, United States Code.
        (7) Family members and survivors.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.