[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2642 Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)]
Calendar No. 207
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2642
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 18, 2007
Received; read twice and placed on the calendar
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of
Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following sums
are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, for military construction, the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2008, and for other purposes, namely:
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Military Construction, Army
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, military installations,
facilities, and real property for the Army as currently authorized by
law, including personnel in the Army Corps of Engineers and other
personal services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation, and
for construction and operation of facilities in support of the
functions of the Commander in Chief, $4,070,959,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2012: Provided, That of this amount, not
to exceed $481,468,000 shall be available for study, planning, design,
architect and engineer services, and host nation support, as authorized
by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional
obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and
the reasons therefor.
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
(including rescission of funds)
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, naval installations, facilities,
and real property for the Navy and Marine Corps as currently authorized
by law, including personnel in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command
and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this
appropriation, $2,125,138,000, to remain available until September 30,
2012: Provided, That of this amount, not to exceed $110,167,000 shall
be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer
services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense
determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes
and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided
further, That of the funds appropriated for ``Military Construction,
Navy and Marine Corps'' under Public Law 108-132, $5,862,000 are hereby
rescinded.
Military Construction, Air Force
(including rescission of funds)
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, military installations,
facilities, and real property for the Air Force as currently authorized
by law, $927,428,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012:
Provided, That of this amount, not to exceed $51,587,000 shall be
available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer
services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense
determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes
and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided
further, That of the funds appropriated for ``Military Construction,
Air Force'' under Public Law 108-324, $5,319,000 are hereby rescinded.
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
(including transfer and rescission of funds)
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, installations, facilities, and
real property for activities and agencies of the Department of Defense
(other than the military departments), as currently authorized by law,
$1,806,928,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012: Provided,
That such amounts of this appropriation as may be determined by the
Secretary of Defense may be transferred to such appropriations of the
Department of Defense available for military construction or family
housing as the Secretary may designate, to be merged with and to be
available for the same purposes, and for the same time period, as the
appropriation or fund to which transferred: Provided further, That of
the amount appropriated, not to exceed $154,728,000 shall be available
for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as
authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that
additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the
determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the
funds appropriated for ``Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' under
Public Law 110-5, $7,592,000 are hereby rescinded.
Military Construction, Army National Guard
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the
Army National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by
chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $439,291,000, to remain available until September
30, 2012.
Military Construction, Air National Guard
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air
National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by chapter
1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $95,517,000, to remain available until September
30, 2012.
Military Construction, Army Reserve
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the
Army Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States
Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $154,684,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2012.
Military Construction, Navy Reserve
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the
reserve components of the Navy and Marine Corps as authorized by
chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $69,150,000, to remain available until September
30, 2012.
Military Construction, Air Force Reserve
(including rescission of funds)
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air
Force Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States
Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $39,628,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2012: Provided, That of the funds
appropriated for ``Military Construction, Air Force Reserve'' under
Public Law 109-114, $3,069,000 are hereby rescinded.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Security Investment Program
For the United States share of the cost of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization Security Investment Program for the acquisition and
construction of military facilities and installations (including
international military headquarters) and for related expenses for the
collective defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Area as authorized by
section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $201,400,000, to remain available until expended.
Family Housing Construction, Army
For expenses of family housing for the Army for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration, as authorized by law, $419,400,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2012.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation and
maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction,
principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized
by law, $742,920,000.
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for
construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion,
extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, $298,329,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2012.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps
For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for
operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums,
as authorized by law, $371,404,000.
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration, as authorized by law, $362,747,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2012.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for operation and
maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction,
principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized
by law, $688,335,000.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
For expenses of family housing for the activities and agencies of
the Department of Defense (other than the military departments) for
operation and maintenance, leasing, and minor construction, as
authorized by law, $48,848,000.
Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund
For the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund,
$500,000, to remain available until expended, for family housing
initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United
States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring and improving
military family housing and supporting facilities.
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
(including transfer of funds)
For expenses of construction, not otherwise provided for, necessary
for the destruction of the United States stockpile of lethal chemical
agents and munitions in accordance with the provisions of section 1412
of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521),
and for the destruction of other chemical warfare materials that are
not in the chemical weapon stockpile, as currently authorized by law,
$86,176,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012: Provided,
That such amounts of this appropriation as may be determined by the
Secretary of Defense may be transferred to such appropriations of the
Department of Defense available for military construction as the
Secretary may designate, to be merged with and to be available for the
same purposes, and for the same time period, as the appropriation to
which transferred.
Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990
For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account
1990, established by section 2906(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), $270,689,000, to remain
available until expended.
Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005
For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account
2005, established by section 2906A(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure
and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), $8,174,315,000, to
remain available until expended.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 101. None of the funds made available in this title shall be
expended for payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for
construction, where cost estimates exceed $25,000, to be performed
within the United States, except Alaska, without the specific approval
in writing of the Secretary of Defense setting forth the reasons
therefor.
Sec. 102. Funds made available in this title for construction shall
be available for hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Sec. 103. Funds made available in this title for construction may
be used for advances to the Federal Highway Administration, Department
of Transportation, for the construction of access roads as authorized
by section 210 of title 23, United States Code, when projects
authorized therein are certified as important to the national defense
by the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 104. None of the funds made available in this title may be
used to begin construction of new bases in the United States for which
specific appropriations have not been made.
Sec. 105. None of the funds made available in this title shall be
used for purchase of land or land easements in excess of 100 percent of
the value as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval
Facilities Engineering Command, except: (1) where there is a
determination of value by a Federal court; (2) purchases negotiated by
the Attorney General or the designee of the Attorney General; (3) where
the estimated value is less than $25,000; or (4) as otherwise
determined by the Secretary of Defense to be in the public interest.
Sec. 106. None of the funds made available in this title shall be
used to: (1) acquire land; (2) provide for site preparation; or (3)
install utilities for any family housing, except housing for which
funds have been made available in annual Acts making appropriations for
military construction.
Sec. 107. None of the funds made available in this title for minor
construction may be used to transfer or relocate any activity from one
base or installation to another, without prior notification to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 108. None of the funds made available in this title may be
used for the procurement of steel for any construction project or
activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, and
manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such
steel procurement.
Sec. 109. None of the funds available to the Department of Defense
for military construction or family housing during the current fiscal
year may be used to pay real property taxes in any foreign nation.
Sec. 110. None of the funds made available in this title may be
used to initiate a new installation overseas without prior notification
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 111. None of the funds made available in this title may be
obligated for architect and engineer contracts estimated by the
Government to exceed $500,000 for projects to be accomplished in Japan,
in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member country, or in
countries bordering the Arabian Sea, unless such contracts are awarded
to United States firms or United States firms in joint venture with
host nation firms.
Sec. 112. None of the funds made available in this title for
military construction in the United States territories and possessions
in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries bordering the
Arabian Sea, may be used to award any contract estimated by the
Government to exceed $1,000,000 to a foreign contractor: Provided, That
this section shall not be applicable to contract awards for which the
lowest responsive and responsible bid of a United States contractor
exceeds the lowest responsive and responsible bid of a foreign
contractor by greater than 20 percent: Provided further, That this
section shall not apply to contract awards for military construction on
Kwajalein Atoll for which the lowest responsive and responsible bid is
submitted by a Marshallese contractor.
Sec. 113. The Secretary of Defense is to inform the appropriate
committees of both Houses of Congress, including the Committees on
Appropriations, of the plans and scope of any proposed military
exercise involving United States personnel 30 days prior to its
occurring, if amounts expended for construction, either temporary or
permanent, are anticipated to exceed $100,000.
Sec. 114. Not more than 20 percent of the funds made available in
this title which are limited for obligation during the current fiscal
year shall be obligated during the last two months of the fiscal year.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 115. Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for
construction in prior years shall be available for construction
authorized for each such military department by the authorizations
enacted into law during the current session of Congress.
Sec. 116. For military construction or family housing projects that
are being completed with funds otherwise expired or lapsed for
obligation, expired or lapsed funds may be used to pay the cost of
associated supervision, inspection, overhead, engineering and design on
those projects and on subsequent claims, if any.
Sec. 117. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funds
made available to a military department or defense agency for the
construction of military projects may be obligated for a military
construction project or contract, or for any portion of such a project
or contract, at any time before the end of the fourth fiscal year after
the fiscal year for which funds for such project were made available,
if the funds obligated for such project: (1) are obligated from funds
available for military construction projects; and (2) do not exceed the
amount appropriated for such project, plus any amount by which the cost
of such project is increased pursuant to law.
Sec. 118. The Secretary of Defense is to provide the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress with an annual report by
February 15, containing details of the specific actions proposed to be
taken by the Department of Defense during the current fiscal year to
encourage other member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization, Japan, Korea, and United States allies bordering the
Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of
such nations and the United States.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 119. In addition to any other transfer authority available to
the Department of Defense, proceeds deposited to the Department of
Defense Base Closure Account established by section 207(a)(1) of the
Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act
(10 U.S.C. 2687 note) pursuant to section 207(a)(2)(C) of such Act, may
be transferred to the account established by section 2906(a)(1) of the
Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note),
to be merged with, and to be available for the same purposes and the
same time period as that account.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 120. Subject to 30 days prior notification to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, such additional amounts
as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense may be transferred to:
(1) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund from
amounts appropriated for construction in ``Family Housing'' accounts,
to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes and for the
same period of time as amounts appropriated directly to the Fund; or
(2) the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing
Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction of military
unaccompanied housing in ``Military Construction'' accounts, to be
merged with and to be available for the same purposes and for the same
period of time as amounts appropriated directly to the Fund: Provided,
That appropriations made available to the Funds shall be available to
cover the costs, as defined in section 502(5) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, of direct loans or loan guarantees issued by the
Department of Defense pursuant to the provisions of subchapter IV of
chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, pertaining to alternative
means of acquiring and improving military family housing, military
unaccompanied housing, and supporting facilities.
Sec. 121. None of the funds made available in this title may be
obligated for Partnership for Peace Programs in the New Independent
States of the former Soviet Union.
Sec. 122. (a) Not later than 60 days before issuing any
solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family
housing the Secretary of the military department concerned shall submit
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the
notice described in subsection (b).
(b)(1) A notice referred to in subsection (a) is a notice of any
guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments)
proposed to be made by the Secretary to the private party under the
contract involved in the event of--
(A) the closure or realignment of the installation for
which housing is provided under the contract;
(B) a reduction in force of units stationed at such
installation; or
(C) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at
such installation.
(2) Each notice under this subsection shall specify the nature of
the guarantee involved and assess the extent and likelihood, if any, of
the liability of the Federal Government with respect to the guarantee.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 123. In addition to any other transfer authority available to
the Department of Defense, amounts may be transferred from the accounts
established by sections 2906(a)(1) and 2906A(a)(1) of the Defense Base
Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), to the fund
established by section 1013(d) of the Demonstration Cities and
Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 3374) to pay for
expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program. Any amounts
transferred shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes
and for the same time period as the fund to which transferred.
Sec. 124. Notwithstanding this or any other provision of law, funds
made available in this title for operation and maintenance of family
housing shall be the exclusive source of funds for repair and
maintenance of all family housing units, including general or flag
officer quarters: Provided, That not more than $35,000 per unit may be
spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or flag
officer quarters without 30 days prior notification to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, except that an after-the-
fact notification shall be submitted if the limitation is exceeded
solely due to costs associated with environmental remediation that
could not be reasonably anticipated at the time of the budget
submission: Provided further, That the Under Secretary of Defense
(Comptroller) is to report annually to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress all operation and maintenance expenditures
for each individual general or flag officer quarters for the prior
fiscal year.
Sec. 125. Whenever the Secretary of Defense or any other official
of the Department of Defense is requested by the subcommittee on
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives or the
subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate to respond to
a question or inquiry submitted by the chairman or another member of
that subcommittee pursuant to a subcommittee hearing or other activity,
the Secretary (or other official) shall respond to the request, in
writing, within 21 days of the date on which the request is transmitted
to the Secretary (or other official).
Sec. 126. Amounts contained in the Ford Island Improvement Account
established by subsection (h) of section 2814 of title 10, United
States Code, are appropriated and shall be available until expended for
the purposes specified in subsection (i)(1) of such section or until
transferred pursuant to subsection (i)(3) of such section.
Sec. 127. None of the funds made available in this title, or in any
Act making appropriations for military construction which remain
available for obligation, may be obligated or expended to carry out a
military construction, land acquisition, or family housing project at
or for a military installation approved for closure, or at a military
installation for the purposes of supporting a function that has been
approved for realignment to another installation, in 2005 under the
Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX
of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note), unless such a project at a
military installation approved for realignment will support a
continuing mission or function at that installation or a new mission or
function that is planned for that installation, or unless the Secretary
of Defense certifies that the cost to the United States of carrying out
such project would be less than the cost to the United States of
cancelling such project, or if the project is at an active component
base that shall be established as an enclave or in the case of projects
having multi-agency use, that another Government agency has indicated
it will assume ownership of the completed project. The Secretary of
Defense may not transfer funds made available as a result of this
limitation from any military construction project, land acquisition, or
family housing project to another account or use such funds for another
purpose or project without the prior approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. This section shall not apply
to military construction projects, land acquisition, or family housing
projects for which the project is vital to the national security or the
protection of health, safety, or environmental quality: Provided, That
the Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense
committees within seven days of a decision to carry out such a military
construction project.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 128. During the 5-year period after appropriations available
in this Act to the Department of Defense for military construction and
family housing operation and maintenance and construction have expired
for obligation, upon a determination that such appropriations will not
be necessary for the liquidation of obligations or for making
authorized adjustments to such appropriations for obligations incurred
during the period of availability of such appropriations, unobligated
balances of such appropriations may be transferred into the
appropriation ``Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense'',
to be merged with and to be available for the same time period and for
the same purposes as the appropriation to which transferred.
Sec. 129. None of the funds in this title shall be used for any
activity related to the construction of an Outlying Landing Field in
Washington County, North Carolina.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
compensation and pensions
(including transfer of funds)
For the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of
veterans and a pilot program for disability examinations as authorized
by section 107 and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38,
United States Code; pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as
authorized by chapters 15, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United
States Code; and burial benefits, the Reinstated Entitlement Program
for Survivors, emergency and other officers' retirement pay, adjusted-
service credits and certificates, payment of premiums due on commercial
life insurance policies guaranteed under the provisions of title IV of
the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 541 et seq.) and
for other benefits as authorized by sections 107, 1312, 1977, and 2106,
and chapters 23, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code,
$41,236,322,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That not
to exceed $25,033,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
shall be reimbursed to ``General operating expenses'' and ``Medical
administration'' for necessary expenses in implementing the provisions
of chapters 51, 53, and 55 of title 38, United States Code, the funding
source for which is specifically provided as the ``Compensation and
pensions'' appropriation: Provided further, That such sums as may be
earned on an actual qualifying patient basis, shall be reimbursed to
``Medical care collections fund'' to augment the funding of individual
medical facilities for nursing home care provided to pensioners as
authorized.
readjustment benefits
For the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits to or
on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 21, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36,
39, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code, $3,300,289,000,
to remain available until expended: Provided, That expenses for
rehabilitation program services and assistance which the Secretary is
authorized to provide under subsection (a) of section 3104 of title 38,
United States Code, other than under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11)
of that subsection, shall be charged to this account.
veterans insurance and indemnities
For military and naval insurance, national service life insurance,
servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled veterans insurance, and
veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by title 38, United
States Code, chapters 19 and 21, $41,250,000, to remain available until
expended.
veterans housing benefit program fund program account
(including transfer of funds)
For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the program, as authorized by subchapters I
through III of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code: Provided,
That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be
as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
Provided further, That during fiscal year 2008, within the resources
available, not to exceed $500,000 in gross obligations for direct loans
are authorized for specially adapted housing loans.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct
and guaranteed loan programs, $154,562,000, which may be transferred to
and merged with the appropriation for ``General operating expenses''.
vocational rehabilitation loans program account
(including transfer of funds)
For the cost of direct loans, $71,000, as authorized by chapter 31
of title 38, United States Code: Provided, That such costs, including
the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That funds made
available under this heading are available to subsidize gross
obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed
$3,287,000.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the
direct loan program, $311,000, which may be transferred to and merged
with the appropriation for ``General operating expenses''.
native american veteran housing loan program account
(including transfer of funds)
For administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan program
authorized by subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United States
Code, $628,000, which may be transferred to and merged with the
appropriation for ``General operating expenses'': Provided, That no new
loans in excess of $30,000,000 may be made in fiscal year 2008.
guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans program
account
For the administrative expenses to carry out the guaranteed
transitional housing loan program authorized by subchapter VI of
chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, not to exceed $750,000 of
the amounts appropriated by this Act for ``General operating expenses''
and ``Medical administration'' may be expended.
Veterans Health Administration
medical services
(including transfer of funds)
For necessary expenses for furnishing, as authorized by law,
inpatient and outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the
Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans described in section
1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, including care and treatment
in facilities not under the jurisdiction of the Department, and
including medical supplies and equipment, food services, and salaries
and expenses of health-care employees hired under title 38, United
States Code, and aid to State homes as authorized by section 1741 of
title 38, United States Code; $28,906,400,000 (increased by
$125,000,000), plus reimbursements, of which not less than
$2,900,000,000 shall be expended for specialty mental health care; not
less than $130,000,000 shall be expended for the homeless grants and
per diem program; not less than $428,873,754 shall be expended for the
substance abuse program; and not less than $100,275,000 shall be
expended for blind rehabilitation services: Provided, That of the funds
made available under this heading, not to exceed $1,100,000,000 shall
be available until September 30, 2009: Provided further, That,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall establish a priority for the provision of medical
treatment for veterans who have service-connected disabilities, lower
income, or have special needs: Provided further, That, notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
give priority funding for the provision of basic medical benefits to
veterans in enrollment priority groups 1 through 6: Provided further,
That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs may authorize the dispensing of prescription drugs
from Veterans Health Administration facilities to enrolled veterans
with privately written prescriptions based on requirements established
by the Secretary: Provided further, That the implementation of the
program described in the previous proviso shall incur no additional
cost to the Department of Veterans Affairs: Provided further, That for
the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section
8111(d) of title 38, United States Code, a minimum of $15,000,000, to
remain available until expended, for any purpose authorized by section
8111 of title 38, United States Code.
medical administration
For necessary expenses in the administration of the medical,
hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, construction, supply, and research
activities, as authorized by law; administrative expenses in support of
capital policy activities; and administrative and legal expenses of the
Department for collecting and recovering amounts owed the Department as
authorized under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, and the
Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.);
$3,635,600,000 (increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)
(reduced by $125,000,000), plus reimbursements, of which $250,000,000
shall be available until September 30, 2009.
medical facilities
For necessary expenses for the maintenance and operation of
hospitals, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities, and other
necessary facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; for
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; for oversight, engineering, and architectural
activities not charged to project costs; for repairing, altering,
improving, or providing facilities in the several hospitals and homes
under the jurisdiction of the Department, not otherwise provided for,
either by contract or by the hire of temporary employees and purchase
of materials; for leases of facilities; and for laundry services,
$4,100,000,000, plus reimbursements, of which $250,000,000 shall be
available until September 30, 2009: Provided, That $300,000,000 for
non-recurring maintenance provided under this heading shall be
allocated in a manner not subject to the Veterans Equitable Resource
Allocation.
medical and prosthetic research
For necessary expenses in carrying out programs of medical and
prosthetic research and development as authorized by chapter 73 of
title 38, United States Code, $480,000,000, plus reimbursements, to
remain available until September 30, 2009.
Departmental Administration
general operating expenses
For necessary operating expenses of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, not otherwise provided for, including administrative expenses
in support of Department-Wide capital planning, management and policy
activities, uniforms, or allowances therefor; not to exceed $25,000 for
official reception and representation expenses; hire of passenger motor
vehicles; and reimbursement of the General Services Administration for
security guard services and the Department of Defense for the cost of
overseas employee mail, $1,598,500,000: Provided, That expenses for
services and assistance authorized under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and
(11) of section 3104(a) of title 38, United States Code, that the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines are necessary to enable
entitled veterans: (1) to the maximum extent feasible, to become
employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment; or (2) to
achieve maximum independence in daily living, shall be charged to this
account: Provided further, That the Veterans Benefits Administration
shall be funded at not less than $1,324,957,000: Provided further, That
of the funds made available under this heading, not to exceed
$75,000,000 shall be available for obligation until September 30, 2009:
Provided further, That from the funds made available under this
heading, the Veterans Benefits Administration may purchase (on a one-
for-one replacement basis only) up to two passenger motor vehicles for
use in operations of that Administration in Manila, Philippines:
Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading,
$2,000,000 is for the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans under
section 542 of title 38, United States Code.
information technology systems
For necessary expenses for information technology systems and
telecommunications support, including developmental information systems
and operational information systems and pay and associated cost for
operations and maintenance associated staff; for the capital asset
acquisition of information technology systems, including management and
related contractual costs of said acquisitions, including contractual
costs associated with operations authorized by chapter 3109 of title 5,
United States Code, $1,859,217,000, to remain available until September
30, 2009: Provided, That none of these funds may be obligated until the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and such Committees approve,
a plan for expenditure that: (1) meets the capital planning and
investment control review requirements established by the Office of
Management and Budget; (2) complies with the Department of Veterans
Affairs enterprise architecture; (3) conforms with an established
enterprise life cycle methodology; and (4) complies with the
acquisition rules, requirements, guidelines, and systems acquisition
management practices of the Federal Government: Provided further, That
within 30 days of the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress a reprogramming base letter which provides, by
project, the costs included in this appropriation.
national cemetery administration
For necessary expenses of the National Cemetery Administration for
operations and maintenance, not otherwise provided for, including
uniforms or allowances therefor; cemeterial expenses as authorized by
law; purchase of one passenger motor vehicle for use in cemeterial
operations; and hire of passenger motor vehicles, $170,000,000, of
which not to exceed $7,800,000 shall be available until September 30,
2009.
office of inspector general
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in
carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5
U.S.C. App.), $76,500,000, of which $3,630,000 shall remain available
until September 30, 2009.
construction, major projects
For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities, including parking projects, under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or for any of the
purposes set forth in sections 316, 2404, 2406, 8102, 8103, 8106, 8108,
8109, 8110, and 8122 of title 38, United States Code, including
planning, architectural and engineering services, construction
management services, maintenance or guarantee period services costs
associated with equipment guarantees provided under the project,
services of claims analysts, offsite utility and storm drainage system
construction costs, and site acquisition, where the estimated cost of a
project is more than the amount set forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of
title 38, United States Code, or where funds for a project were made
available in a previous major project appropriation, $1,410,800,000, to
remain available until expended, of which $2,000,000 shall be to make
reimbursements as provided in section 13 of the Contract Disputes Act
of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 612) for claims paid for contract disputes:
Provided, That except for advance planning activities, including needs
assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments, and other
capital asset management related activities, including portfolio
development and management activities, and investment strategy studies
funded through the advance planning fund and the planning and design
activities funded through the design fund, including needs assessments
which may or may not lead to capital investments, none of the funds
appropriated under this heading shall be used for any project which has
not been approved by the Congress in the budgetary process: Provided
further, That funds provided in this appropriation for fiscal year
2008, for each approved project shall be obligated: (1) by the awarding
of a construction documents contract by September 30, 2008; and (2) by
the awarding of a construction contract by September 30, 2009: Provided
further, That the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall promptly submit
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
written report on any approved major construction project for which
obligations are not incurred within the time limitations established
above: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated in this or
any other Act may be used to reduce the mission, services, or
infrastructure, including land, of the 18 facilities on the Capital
Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) list requiring further
study, as specified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, without prior
approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress.
construction, minor projects
For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities, including parking projects, under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including planning and
assessments of needs which may lead to capital investments,
architectural and engineering services, maintenance or guarantee period
services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the
project, services of claims analysts, offsite utility and storm
drainage system construction costs, and site acquisition, or for any of
the purposes set forth in sections 316, 2404, 2406, 8102, 8103, 8106,
8108, 8109, 8110, 8122, and 8162 of title 38, United States Code, where
the estimated cost of a project is equal to or less than the amount set
forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States Code,
$615,000,000, to remain available until expended, along with
unobligated balances of previous ``Construction, minor projects''
appropriations which are hereby made available for any project where
the estimated cost is equal to or less than the amount set forth in
such section: Provided, That funds in this account shall be 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 any natural disaster or
catastrophe; and (2) temporary measures necessary to prevent or to
minimize further loss by such causes: Provided further, That within 30
days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
reprogramming base letter which provides, by project, the costs
included in this appropriation.
grants for construction of state extended care facilities
For grants to assist States to acquire or construct State nursing
home and domiciliary facilities and to remodel, modify, or alter
existing hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary facilities in State
homes, for furnishing care to veterans as authorized by sections 8131
through 8137 of title 38, United States Code, $165,000,000, to remain
available until expended.
grants for the construction of state veterans cemeteries
For grants to assist States in establishing, expanding, or
improving State veterans cemeteries as authorized by section 2408 of
title 38, United States Code, $37,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
Administrative Provisions
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 201. Any appropriation for fiscal year 2008 for ``Compensation
and pensions'', ``Readjustment benefits'', and ``Veterans insurance and
indemnities'' may be transferred as necessary to any other of the
mentioned appropriations: Provided, That before a transfer may take
place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority
to make the transfer and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a
response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.
Sec. 202. Appropriations available in this title for salaries and
expenses shall be available for services authorized by section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code, hire of passenger motor vehicles; lease of
a facility or land or both; and uniforms or allowances therefore, as
authorized by sections 5901 through 5902 of title 5, United States
Code.
Sec. 203. No appropriations in this title (except the
appropriations for ``Construction, major projects'', and
``Construction, minor projects'') shall be available for the purchase
of any site for or toward the construction of any new hospital or home.
Sec. 204. No appropriations in this title shall be available for
hospitalization or examination of any persons (except beneficiaries
entitled to such hospitalization or examination under the laws
providing such benefits to veterans, and persons receiving such
treatment under sections 7901 through 7904 of title 5, United States
Code, or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)), unless reimbursement of the
cost of such hospitalization or examination is made to the ``Medical
services'' account at such rates as may be fixed by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 205. Appropriations available in this title for ``Compensation
and pensions'', ``Readjustment benefits'', and ``Veterans insurance and
indemnities'' shall be available for payment of prior year accrued
obligations required to be recorded by law against the corresponding
prior year accounts within the last quarter of fiscal year 2007.
Sec. 206. Appropriations available in this title shall be available
to pay prior year obligations of corresponding prior year
appropriations accounts resulting from sections 3328(a), 3334, and
3712(a) of title 31, United States Code, except that if such
obligations are from trust fund accounts they shall be payable only
from ``Compensation and pensions''.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 207. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during fiscal
year 2008, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, from the National
Service Life Insurance Fund (38 U.S.C. 1920), the Veterans' Special
Life Insurance Fund (38 U.S.C. 1923), and the United States Government
Life Insurance Fund (38 U.S.C. 1955), reimburse the ``General operating
expenses'' account for the cost of administration of the insurance
programs financed through those accounts: Provided, That reimbursement
shall be made only from the surplus earnings accumulated in such an
insurance program during fiscal year 2008 that are available for
dividends in that program after claims have been paid and actuarially
determined reserves have been set aside: Provided further, That if the
cost of administration of such an insurance program exceeds the amount
of surplus earnings accumulated in that program, reimbursement shall be
made only to the extent of such surplus earnings: Provided further,
That the Secretary shall determine the cost of administration for
fiscal year 2008 which is properly allocable to the provision of each
such insurance program and to the provision of any total disability
income insurance included in that insurance program.
Sec. 208. Amounts deducted from enhanced-use lease proceeds to
reimburse an account for expenses incurred by that account during a
prior fiscal year for providing enhanced-use lease services, may be
obligated during the fiscal year in which the proceeds are received.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 209. Funds available in this title or funds for salaries and
other administrative expenses shall also be available to reimburse the
Office of Resolution Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs
and the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication
under section 319 of title 38, United States Code, for all services
provided at rates which will recover actual costs but not exceed
$32,067,000 for the Office of Resolution Management and $3,148,000 for
the Office of Employment and Discrimination Complaint Adjudication:
Provided, That payments may be made in advance for services to be
furnished based on estimated costs: Provided further, That amounts
received shall be credited to ``General operating expenses'' for use by
the office that provided the service.
Sec. 210. No appropriations in this title shall be available to
enter into any new lease of real property if the estimated annual
rental is more than $300,000 unless the Secretary submits a report
which the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
approve within 30 days following the date on which the report is
received.
Sec. 211. No funds of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be
available for hospital care, nursing home care, or medical services
provided to any person under chapter 17 of title 38, United States
Code, for a non-service-connected disability described in section
1729(a)(2) of such title, unless that person has disclosed to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in such form as the Secretary may
require, current, accurate third-party reimbursement information for
purposes of section 1729 of such title: Provided, That the Secretary
may recover, in the same manner as any other debt due the United
States, the reasonable charges for such care or services from any
person who does not make such disclosure as required: Provided further,
That any amounts so recovered for care or services provided in a prior
fiscal year may be obligated by the Secretary during the fiscal year in
which amounts are received.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 212. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, at the
discretion of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, proceeds or revenues
derived from enhanced-use leasing activities (including disposal) may
be deposited into the ``Construction, major projects'' and
``Construction, minor projects'' accounts and be used for construction
(including site acquisition and disposition), alterations, and
improvements of any medical facility under the jurisdiction or for the
use of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such sums as realized are in
addition to the amount provided for in ``Construction, major projects''
and ``Construction, minor projects''.
Sec. 213. Amounts made available under ``Medical services'' are
available--
(1) for furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and
equipment; and
(2) for funeral expenses, burial expenses, and other
expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries
receiving care in the Department.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 214. Such sums as may be deposited to the Medical Care
Collections Fund pursuant to section 1729A of title 38, United States
Code, may be transferred to ``Medical services'', to remain available
until expended for the purposes of that account.
Sec. 215. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall allow veterans who are eligible under
existing Department of Veterans Affairs medical care requirements and
who reside in Alaska to obtain medical care services from medical
facilities supported by the Indian Health Service or tribal
organizations. The Secretary shall: (1) limit the application of this
provision to rural Alaskan veterans in areas where an existing
Department of Veterans Affairs facility or Veterans Affairs-contracted
service is unavailable; (2) require participating veterans and
facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and regulations, as
established by the Secretary; (3) require this provision to be
consistent with Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services
activities; and (4) result in no additional cost to the Department of
Veterans Affairs or the Indian Health Service.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 216. Such sums as may be deposited to the Department of
Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund pursuant to section 8118 of title
38, United States Code, may be transferred to the ``Construction, major
projects'' and ``Construction, minor projects'' accounts, to remain
available until expended for the purposes of these accounts.
Sec. 217. None of the funds available to the Department of Veterans
Affairs, in this or any other Act, may be used to replace the current
system by which the Veterans Integrated Service Networks select and
contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment.
Sec. 218. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
to implement any policy prohibiting the Directors of the Veterans
Integrated Service Networks from conducting outreach or marketing to
enroll new veterans within their respective Networks.
Sec. 219. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a quarterly
report on the financial status of the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 220. Amounts made available for the ``Information technology
systems'' account may be reprogrammed between projects: Provided, That
no project may be increased or decreased by more than $1,000,000 of
cost before the Secretary submits to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress a reprogramming request and the Committees
issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has
elapsed.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 221. Any balances in prior year accounts established for the
payment of benefits under the Reinstated Entitlement Program for
Survivors shall be transferred to and merged with amounts available
under the ``Compensation and pensions'' account, and receipts that
would otherwise be credited to the accounts established for the payment
of benefits under the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors
program shall be credited to amounts available under the ``Compensation
and pensions'' account.
Sec. 222. Amounts made available for the ``Construction, minor
projects'' account may be reprogrammed between projects: Provided, That
no project may be increased or decreased by more than $1,000,000 of
cost before the Secretary submits to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress a reprogramming request and the Committees
issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has
elapsed.
TITLE III
RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American
Battle Monuments Commission, including the acquisition of land or
interest in land in foreign countries; purchases and repair of uniforms
for caretakers of national cemeteries and monuments outside of the
United States and its territories and possessions; rent of office and
garage space in foreign countries; purchase (one-for-one replacement
basis only) and hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed $7,500
for official reception and representation expenses; and insurance of
official motor vehicles in foreign countries, when required by law of
such countries, $43,470,000, to remain available until expended.
foreign currency fluctuations account
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American
Battle Monuments Commission, $11,000,000, to remain available until
expended, for purposes authorized by section 2109 of title 36, United
States Code.
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses for the operation of the United States Court
of Appeals for Veterans Claims as authorized by sections 7251 through
7298 of title 38, United States Code, $21,397,000, of which $1,300,000
shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance as
described, and in accordance with the process and reporting procedures
set forth, under this heading in Public Law 102-229.
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses, as authorized by law, for maintenance,
operation, and improvement of Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers'
and Airmen's Home National Cemetery, including the purchase of two
passenger motor vehicles for replacement only, and not to exceed $1,000
for official reception and representation expenses, $30,592,000, to
remain available until expended. In addition, such sums as may be
necessary for parking maintenance, repairs and replacement, to be
derived from the Lease of Department of Defense Real Property for
Defense Agencies account.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
trust fund
For expenses necessary for the Armed Forces Retirement Home to
operate and maintain the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Washington,
District of Columbia and the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Gulfport,
Mississippi, to be paid from funds available in the Armed Forces
Retirement Home Trust Fund, $55,724,000.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Federal Fund Payment
For payment to the ``Armed Forces Retirement Home'', $800,000, to
remain available until expended.
TITLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall
remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly so provided herein.
Sec. 402. Such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 pay
raises for programs funded by this Act shall be absorbed within the
levels appropriated in this Act.
Sec. 403. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
for any program, project, or activity, when it is made known to the
Federal entity or official to which the funds are made available that
the program, project, or activity is not in compliance with any Federal
law relating to risk assessment, the protection of private property
rights, or unfunded mandates.
Sec. 404. No part of any funds appropriated in this Act shall be
used by an agency of the executive branch, other than for normal and
recognized executive-legislative relationships, for publicity or
propaganda purposes, and for the preparation, distribution or use of
any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television, or film
presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before
Congress, except in presentation to Congress itself.
Sec. 405. All departments and agencies funded under this Act are
directed, within the limits of the existing statutory authorities and
funding, to expand their use of ``E-Commerce'' technologies and
procedures in the conduct of their business practices and public
service activities.
Sec. 406. None of the funds made available in this Act may be
transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United
States Government except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer
authority provided in, this or any other appropriations Act.
Sec. 407. Unless stated otherwise, all reports and notifications
required by this Act shall be submitted to the Subcommittee on Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Subcommittee
on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
Sec. 408. The Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall,
not later than February 1, 2008, submit to the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report
projecting annual appropriations necessary for the Department of
Veterans Affairs to continue providing necessary health care to
veterans for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
Sec. 409. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
to purchase light bulbs unless the light bulbs have the ``ENERGY STAR''
designation.
Sec. 410. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available in this Act may be used for any action that is related to or
promotes the expansion of the boundaries or size of the Pinon Canyon
Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado.
This Act may be cited as the ``Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008''.
Passed the House of Representatives June 15, 2007.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.
Calendar No. 207
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2642
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of
Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
June 18, 2007
Received; read twice and placed on the calendar