[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1627 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.1627
One Hundred Twelfth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twelve
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to furnish hospital care and
medical services to veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina, while the water was contaminated at Camp Lejeune, to improve
the provision of housing assistance to veterans and their families, 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 ``Honoring America's
Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Scoring of budgetary effects.
TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Hospital care and medical services for veterans stationed at
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Sec. 103. Authority to waive collection of copayments for telehealth and
telemedicine visits of veterans.
Sec. 104. Temporary expansion of payments and allowances for beneficiary
travel in connection with veterans receiving care from Vet
Centers.
Sec. 105. Contracts and agreements for nursing home care.
Sec. 106. Comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assault
incidents and other safety incidents.
Sec. 107. Rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain
injury.
Sec. 108. Teleconsultation and telemedicine.
Sec. 109. Use of service dogs on property of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 110. Recognition of rural health resource centers in Office of
Rural Health.
Sec. 111. Improvements for recovery and collection of amounts for
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund.
Sec. 112. Extension of authority for copayments.
Sec. 113. Extension of authority for recovery of cost of certain care
and services.
TITLE II--HOUSING MATTERS
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Temporary expansion of eligibility for specially adapted
housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities
causing difficulty with ambulating.
Sec. 203. Expansion of eligibility for specially adapted housing
assistance for veterans with vision impairment.
Sec. 204. Revised limitations on assistance furnished for acquisition
and adaptation of housing for disabled veterans.
Sec. 205. Improvements to assistance for disabled veterans residing in
housing owned by a family member.
Sec. 206. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loan guarantees for
surviving spouses of certain totally disabled veterans.
Sec. 207. Occupancy of property by dependent child of veteran for
purposes of meeting occupancy requirement for Department of
Veterans Affairs housing loans.
Sec. 208. Making permanent project for guaranteeing of adjustable rate
mortgages.
Sec. 209. Making permanent project for insuring hybrid adjustable rate
mortgages.
Sec. 210. Waiver of loan fee for individuals with disability ratings
issued during pre-discharge programs.
Sec. 211. Modification of authorities for enhanced-use leases of real
property.
TITLE III--HOMELESS MATTERS
Sec. 301. Enhancement of comprehensive service programs.
Sec. 302. Modification of authority for provision of treatment and
rehabilitation to certain veterans to include provision of
treatment and rehabilitation to homeless veterans who are not
seriously mentally ill.
Sec. 303. Modification of grant program for homeless veterans with
special needs.
Sec. 304. Collaboration in provision of case management services to
homeless veterans in supported housing program.
Sec. 305. Extensions of previously fully funded authorities affecting
homeless veterans.
TITLE IV--EDUCATION MATTERS
Sec. 401. Aggregate amount of educational assistance available to
individuals who receive both survivors' and dependents'
educational assistance and other veterans and related
educational assistance.
Sec. 402. Annual reports on Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program and
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.
TITLE V--BENEFITS MATTERS
Sec. 501. Automatic waiver of agency of original jurisdiction review of
new evidence.
Sec. 502. Authority for certain persons to sign claims filed with
Secretary of Veterans Affairs on behalf of claimants.
Sec. 503. Improvement of process for filing jointly for social security
and dependency and indemnity compensation.
Sec. 504. Authorization of use of electronic communication to provide
notice to claimants for benefits under laws administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 505. Duty to assist claimants in obtaining private records.
Sec. 506. Authority for retroactive effective date for awards of
disability compensation in connection with applications that
are fully-developed at submittal.
Sec. 507. Modification of month of death benefit for surviving spouses
of veterans who die while entitled to compensation or pension.
Sec. 508. Increase in rate of pension for disabled veterans married to
one another and both of whom require regular aid and
attendance.
Sec. 509. Exclusion of certain reimbursements of expenses from
determination of annual income with respect to pensions for
veterans and surviving spouses and children of veterans.
TITLE VI--MEMORIAL, BURIAL, AND CEMETERY MATTERS
Sec. 601. Prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or former
members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 602. Codification of prohibition against reservation of gravesites
at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 603. Expansion of eligibility for presidential memorial
certificates to persons who died in the active military,
naval, or air service.
Sec. 604. Requirements for the placement of monuments in Arlington
National Cemetery.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 701. Assistance to veterans affected by natural disasters.
Sec. 702. Extension of certain expiring provisions of law.
Sec. 703. Requirement for plan for regular assessment of employees of
Veterans Benefits Administration who handle processing of
claims for compensation and pension.
Sec. 704. Modification of provision relating to reimbursement rate for
ambulance services.
Sec. 705. Change in collection and verification of veteran income.
Sec. 706. Department of Veterans Affairs enforcement penalties for
misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business
concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small
business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled
veterans.
Sec. 707. Quarterly reports to Congress on conferences sponsored by the
Department.
Sec. 708. Publication of data on employment of certain veterans by
Federal contractors.
Sec. 709. VetStar Award Program.
Sec. 710. Extended period of protections for members of uniformed
services relating to mortgages, mortgage foreclosure, and
eviction.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States
Code.
SEC. 3. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Janey Ensminger Act''.
SEC. 102. HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS STATIONED
AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA.
(a) Hospital Care and Medical Services for Veterans.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 1710(e) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Subject to paragraph (2), a veteran who served on active duty
in the Armed Forces at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for not fewer than
30 days during the period beginning on January 1, 1957, and ending on
December 31, 1987, is eligible for hospital care and medical services
under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any of the following illnesses or
conditions, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence
to conclude that such illnesses or conditions are attributable to such
service:
``(i) Esophageal cancer.
``(ii) Lung cancer.
``(iii) Breast cancer.
``(iv) Bladder cancer.
``(v) Kidney cancer.
``(vi) Leukemia.
``(vii) Multiple myeloma.
``(viii) Myleodysplasic syndromes.
``(ix) Renal toxicity.
``(x) Hepatic steatosis.
``(xi) Female infertility.
``(xii) Miscarriage.
``(xiii) Scleroderma.
``(xiv) Neurobehavioral effects.
``(xv) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.''.
(2) Limitation.--Paragraph (2)(B) of such section is amended by
striking ``or (E)'' and inserting ``(E), or (F)''.
(b) Family Members.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1787. Health care of family members of veterans stationed at
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), a family member of a
veteran described in subparagraph (F) of section 1710(e)(1) of this
title who resided at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for not fewer than
30 days during the period described in such subparagraph or who was in
utero during such period while the mother of such family member resided
at such location shall be eligible for hospital care and medical
services furnished by the Secretary for any of the illnesses or
conditions described in such subparagraph, notwithstanding that there
is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such illnesses or
conditions are attributable to such residence.
``(b) Limitations.--(1) The Secretary may only furnish hospital
care and medical services under subsection (a) to the extent and in the
amount provided in advance in appropriations Acts for such purpose.
``(2) Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished under
subsection (a) for an illness or condition of a family member that is
found, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Under Secretary for
Health, to have resulted from a cause other than the residence of the
family member described in that subsection.
``(3) The Secretary may provide reimbursement for hospital care or
medical services provided to a family member under this section only
after the family member or the provider of such care or services has
exhausted without success all claims and remedies reasonably available
to the family member or provider against a third party (as defined in
section 1725(f) of this title) for payment of such care or services,
including with respect to health-plan contracts (as defined in such
section).''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 1786 the following new item:
``1787. Health care of family members of veterans stationed at Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina.''.
(c) Annual Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than December 31 of each of 2013,
2014, and 2015, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on
the care and services provided under sections 1710(e)(1)(F) and
1787 of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsections (a)
and (b)(1), respectively).
(2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall set forth
the following:
(A) The number of veterans and family members provided
hospital care and medical services under the provisions of law
specified in paragraph (1) during the period beginning on
October 1, 2012, and ending on the date of such report.
(B) The illnesses, conditions, and disabilities for which
care and services have been provided such veterans and family
members under such provisions of law during that period.
(C) The number of veterans and family members who applied
for care and services under such provisions of law during that
period but were denied, including information on the reasons
for such denials.
(D) The number of veterans and family members who applied
for care and services under such provisions of law and are
awaiting a decision from the Secretary on eligibility for such
care and services as of the date of such report.
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The provisions of this section and the
amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(2) Applicability.--Subparagraph (F) of section 1710(e)(1) of
such title, as added by subsection (a), and section 1787 of title
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b)(1), shall apply
with respect to hospital care and medical services provided on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 103. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR
TELEHEALTH AND TELEMEDICINE VISITS OF VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 17 is amended by
inserting after section 1722A the following new section:
``Sec. 1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for
telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
``The Secretary may waive the imposition or collection of
copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under the
laws administered by the Secretary.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1722A the following new item:
``1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth
and telemedicine visits of veterans.''.
SEC. 104. TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF PAYMENTS AND ALLOWANCES FOR
BENEFICIARY TRAVEL IN CONNECTION WITH VETERANS RECEIVING CARE
FROM VET CENTERS.
(a) In General.--Beginning one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence a three-
year initiative to assess the feasibility and advisability of paying
under section 111(a) of title 38, United States Code, the actual
necessary expenses of travel or allowances for travel from a residence
located in an area that is designated by the Secretary as highly rural
to the nearest Vet Center and from such Vet Center to such residence.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
completion of the initiative, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to
the initiative required by subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the individuals who benefitted from
payment under the initiative.
(B) A description of any impediments to the Secretary in
paying expenses or allowances under the initiative.
(C) A description of any impediments encountered by
individuals in receiving such payments.
(D) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of
paying such expenses or allowances.
(E) An assessment of any fraudulent receipt of payment
under the initiative and the recommendations of the Secretary
for legislative or administrative action to reduce such fraud.
(F) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative
action as the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to
the payment of expenses or allowances as described in
subsection (a).
(c) Vet Center Defined.--In this section, the term ``Vet Center''
means a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health
services for veterans under section 1712A of title 38, United States
Code.
SEC. 105. CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS FOR NURSING HOME CARE.
(a) Contracts.--Section 1745(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary shall pay
each State home for nursing home care at the rate determined under
paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall enter into a
contract (or agreement under section 1720(c)(1) of this title) with
each State home for payment by the Secretary for nursing home care
provided in the home''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new
paragraph (2):
``(2) Payment under each contract (or agreement) between the
Secretary and a State home under paragraph (1) shall be based on a
methodology, developed by the Secretary in consultation with the State
home, to adequately reimburse the State home for the care provided by
the State home under the contract (or agreement).''.
(b) Agreements.--Section 1720(c)(1)(A) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iii) a provider of services eligible to enter into a
contract pursuant to section 1745(a) of this title that is not
otherwise described in clause (i) or (ii).''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to care provided on or after the date that is 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Maintenance of prior methodology of reimbursement for
certain state homes.--In the case of a State home that provided
nursing home care on the day before the date of the enactment of
this Act for which the State home was eligible for pay under
section 1745(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, at the request
of any State home, the Secretary shall offer to enter into a
contract (or agreement described in such section) with such State
home under such section, as amended by subsection (a), for payment
for nursing home care provided by such State home under such
section that reflects the overall methodology of reimbursement for
such care that was in effect for such State home on the day before
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 106. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON REPORTING AND TRACKING SEXUAL
ASSAULT INCIDENTS AND OTHER SAFETY INCIDENTS.
(a) Policy.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``Sec. 1709. Comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual
assault incidents and other safety incidents
``(a) Policy Required.--(1) Not later than September 30, 2012, the
Secretary shall develop and implement a centralized and comprehensive
policy on the reporting and tracking of sexual assault incidents and
other safety incidents that occur at each medical facility of the
Department, including--
``(A) suspected, alleged, attempted, or confirmed cases of
sexual assault, regardless of whether such assaults lead to
prosecution or conviction;
``(B) criminal and purposefully unsafe acts;
``(C) alcohol or substance abuse related acts (including by
employees of the Department); and
``(D) any kind of event involving alleged or suspected abuse of
a patient.
``(2) In developing and implementing a policy under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall consider the effects of such policy on--
``(A) the use by veterans of mental health care and substance
abuse treatments; and
``(B) the ability of the Department to refer veterans to such
care or treatment.
``(b) Scope.--The policy required by subsection (a) shall cover
each of the following:
``(1) For purposes of reporting and tracking sexual assault
incidents and other safety incidents, definitions of the terms--
``(A) `safety incident';
``(B) `sexual assault'; and
``(C) `sexual assault incident'.
``(2)(A) The development and use of specific risk-assessment
tools to examine any risks related to sexual assault that a veteran
may pose while being treated at a medical facility of the
Department, including clear and consistent guidance on the
collection of information related to--
``(i) the legal history of the veteran; and
``(ii) the medical record of the veteran.
``(B) In developing and using tools under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall consider the effects of using such tools on the use
by veterans of health care furnished by the Department.
``(3) The mandatory training of employees of the Department on
security issues, including awareness, preparedness, precautions,
and police assistance.
``(4) The mandatory implementation, use, and regular testing of
appropriate physical security precautions and equipment, including
surveillance camera systems, computer-based panic alarm systems,
stationary panic alarms, and electronic portable personal panic
alarms.
``(5) Clear, consistent, and comprehensive criteria and
guidance with respect to an employee of the Department
communicating and reporting sexual assault incidents and other
safety incidents to--
``(A) supervisory personnel of the employee at--
``(i) a medical facility of the Department;
``(ii) an office of a Veterans Integrated Service
Network; and
``(iii) the central office of the Veterans Health
Administration; and
``(B) a law enforcement official of the Department.
``(6) Clear and consistent criteria and guidelines with respect
to an employee of the Department referring and reporting to the
Office of Inspector General of the Department sexual assault
incidents and other safety incidents that meet the regulatory
criminal threshold prescribed under sections 901 and 902 of this
title.
``(7) An accountable oversight system within the Veterans
Health Administration that includes--
``(A) systematic information sharing of reported sexual
assault incidents and other safety incidents among officials of
the Administration who have programmatic responsibility; and
``(B) a centralized reporting, tracking, and monitoring
system for such incidents.
``(8) Consistent procedures and systems for law enforcement
officials of the Department with respect to investigating,
tracking, and closing reported sexual assault incidents and other
safety incidents.
``(9) Clear and consistent guidance for the clinical management
of the treatment of sexual assaults that are reported more than 72
hours after the assault.
``(c) Updates to Policy.--The Secretary shall review and revise the
policy required by subsection (a) on a periodic basis as the Secretary
considers appropriate and in accordance with best practices.
``(d) Annual Report.--(1) Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the Secretary develops the policy required by subsection (a) and
not later than October 1 of each year thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the implementation of the policy.
``(2) The report required by paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) the number and type of sexual assault incidents and other
safety incidents reported by each medical facility of the
Department;
``(B) a detailed description of the implementation of the
policy required by subsection (a), including any revisions made to
such policy from the previous year; and
``(C) the effectiveness of such policy on improving the safety
and security of the medical facilities of the Department, including
the performance measures used to evaluate such effectiveness.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section
1708 the following new item:
``1709. Comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assault
incidents and other safety incidents.''.
(c) Interim Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the
development of the policy required by section 1709 of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a).
SEC. 107. REHABILITATIVE SERVICES FOR VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN
INJURY.
(a) Rehabilitation Plans and Services.--Section 1710C is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``with the goal of maximizing the individual's
independence'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``(and sustaining improvement in)''
after ``improving'';
(ii) by inserting ``behavioral,'' after ``cognitive,'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``rehabilitative
services and'' before ``rehabilitative components''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``treatments'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``services''; and
(ii) by striking ``treatments and'' the second place it
appears; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Rehabilitative Services Defined.--For purposes of this
section, and sections 1710D and 1710E of this title, the term
`rehabilitative services' includes--
``(1) rehabilitative services, as defined in section 1701 of
this title;
``(2) treatment and services (which may be of ongoing duration)
to sustain, and prevent loss of, functional gains that have been
achieved; and
``(3) any other rehabilitative services or supports that may
contribute to maximizing an individual's independence.''.
(b) Rehabilitation Services in Comprehensive Program for Long-term
Rehabilitation.--Section 1710D(a) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and rehabilitative services (as defined in
section 1710C of this title)'' after ``long-term care''; and
(2) by striking ``treatment''.
(c) Rehabilitation Services in Authority for Cooperative Agreements
for Use of Non-Department Facilities for Rehabilitation.--Section
1710E(a) is amended by inserting ``, including rehabilitative services
(as defined in section 1710C of this title),'' after ``medical
services''.
(d) Technical Amendment.--Section 1710C(c)(2)(S) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``opthamologist'' and
inserting ``ophthalmologist''.
SEC. 108. TELECONSULTATION AND TELEMEDICINE.
(a) Teleconsultation.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 17, as amended by
section 106(a), is further amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 1709A. Teleconsultation
``(a) Teleconsultation.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out an
initiative of teleconsultation for the provision of remote mental
health and traumatic brain injury assessments in facilities of the
Department that are not otherwise able to provide such assessments
without contracting with third-party providers or reimbursing providers
through a fee basis system.
``(2) The Secretary shall, in consultation with appropriate
professional societies, promulgate technical and clinical care
standards for the use of teleconsultation services within facilities of
the Department.
``(3) In carrying out an initiative under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall ensure that facilities of the Department are able to
provide a mental health or traumatic brain injury assessment to a
veteran through contracting with a third-party provider or reimbursing
a provider through a fee basis system when--
``(A) such facilities are not able to provide such assessment
to the veteran without--
``(i) such contracting or reimbursement; or
``(ii) teleconsultation; and
``(B) providing such assessment with such contracting or
reimbursement is more clinically appropriate for the veteran than
providing such assessment with teleconsultation.
``(b) Teleconsultation Defined.--In this section, the term
`teleconsultation' means the use by a health care specialist of
telecommunications to assist another health care provider in rendering
a diagnosis or treatment.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 1709, as added by section 106(b), the following new item:
``1709A. Teleconsultation.''.
(b) Training in Telemedicine.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to
the extent feasible, offer medical residents opportunities in
training in telemedicine for medical residency programs. The
Secretary shall consult with the Accreditation Council for Graduate
Medical Education and with universities with which facilities of
the Department have a major affiliation to determine the
feasibility and advisability of making telehealth a mandatory
component of medical residency programs.
(2) Telemedicine defined.--In this subsection, the term
``telemedicine'' means the use by a health care provider of
telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of a
patient's medical condition.
SEC. 109. USE OF SERVICE DOGS ON PROPERTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 901 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(f)(1) The Secretary may not prohibit the use of a covered
service dog in any facility or on any property of the Department or in
any facility or on any property that receives funding from the
Secretary.
``(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered service dog is a
service dog that has been trained by an entity that is accredited by an
appropriate accrediting body that evaluates and accredits organizations
which train guide or service dogs.''.
SEC. 110. RECOGNITION OF RURAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS IN OFFICE OF
RURAL HEALTH.
Section 7308 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(d) Rural Health Resource Centers.--(1) There are, in the Office,
veterans rural health resource centers that serve as satellite offices
for the Office.
``(2) The veterans rural health resource centers have purposes as
follows:
``(A) To improve the understanding of the Office of the
challenges faced by veterans living in rural areas.
``(B) To identify disparities in the availability of health
care to veterans living in rural areas.
``(C) To formulate practices or programs to enhance the
delivery of health care to veterans living in rural areas.
``(D) To develop special practices and products for the benefit
of veterans living in rural areas and for implementation of such
practices and products in the Department systemwide.''.
SEC. 111. IMPROVEMENTS FOR RECOVERY AND COLLECTION OF AMOUNTS FOR
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CARE COLLECTIONS FUND.
(a) Development and Implementation of Plan for Recovery and
Collection.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
develop and implement a plan to ensure the recovery and collection
of amounts under the provisions of law described in section
1729A(b) of title 38, United States Code, for deposit in the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund.
(2) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include
the following:
(A) An effective process to identify billable fee claims.
(B) Effective and practicable policies and procedures that
ensure recovery and collection of amounts described in section
1729A(b) of such title.
(C) The training of employees of the Department, on or
before September 30, 2013, who are responsible for the recovery
or collection of such amounts to enable such employees to
comply with the process required by subparagraph (A) and the
policies and procedures required by subparagraph (B).
(D) Fee revenue goals for the Department.
(E) An effective monitoring system to ensure achievement of
goals described in subparagraph (D) and compliance with the
policies and procedures described in subparagraph (B).
(b) Monitoring of Third-party Collections.--The Secretary shall
monitor the recovery and collection of amounts from third parties (as
defined in section 1729(i) of such title) for deposit in such fund.
SEC. 112. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COPAYMENTS.
Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2012''
and inserting ``September 30, 2013''.
SEC. 113. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY OF COST OF CERTAIN
CARE AND SERVICES.
Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2012''
and inserting ``October 1, 2013''.
TITLE II--HOUSING MATTERS
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing
Act''.
SEC. 202. TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES CAUSING
DIFFICULTY WITH AMBULATING.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2101(a) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2)(A) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran--
``(i) is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this
title for a permanent and total service-connected disability that
meets any of the criteria described in subparagraph (B); or
``(ii) served in the Armed Forces on or after September 11,
2001, and is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this
title for a permanent service-connected disability that meets the
criterion described in subparagraph (C).
``(B) The criteria described in this subparagraph are as follows:
``(i) 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.
``(ii) 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.
``(iii) 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.
``(iv) 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.
``(v) The disability is due to a severe burn injury (as
determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary).
``(C) The criterion described in this subparagraph is that the
disability--
``(i) was incurred on or after September 11, 2001; and
``(ii) is due to the loss or loss of use of one or more lower
extremities which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion
as to preclude ambulating without the aid of braces, crutches,
canes, or a wheelchair.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2012.
(c) Sunset.--Subsection (a) of section 2101 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to paragraph (3)'' and
inserting ``to paragraphs (3) and (4)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Secretary's authority to furnish assistance under
paragraph (1) to a disabled veteran described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii)
shall apply only with respect to applications for such assistance
approved by the Secretary on or before September 30, 2013.''.
SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2101(b) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran is
entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this title for a service-
connected disability that meets any of the following criteria:
``(A) The disability is due to blindness in both eyes, having
central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the
use of a standard correcting lens. For the purposes of this
subparagraph, an eye with a limitation in the fields of vision such
that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no
greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having a central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less.
``(B) A permanent and total disability that includes the
anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.
``(C) A permanent and total disability that is due to a severe
burn injury (as so determined).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2012.
SEC. 204. REVISED LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE FURNISHED FOR
ACQUISITION AND ADAPTATION OF HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 2102 is amended to read
as follows:
``(d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an
individual under section 2101(a) of this title shall be limited to
$63,780.
``(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an individual
under section 2101(b) of this title shall be limited to $12,756.
``(3) No veteran may receive more than three grants of assistance
under this chapter.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to assistance
provided under sections 2101(a), 2101(b), and 2102A of title 38, United
States Code, after such date.
(c) Maintenance of Higher Rates.--The amendment made by subsection
(a) shall not be construed to decrease the aggregate amount of
assistance available to an individual under the sections described in
subsection (b), as most recently increased by the Secretary pursuant to
section 2102(e) of such title.
SEC. 205. IMPROVEMENTS TO ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED VETERANS RESIDING
IN HOUSING OWNED BY A FAMILY MEMBER.
(a) Increased Assistance.--Subsection (b) of section 2102A is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$14,000'' and inserting
``$28,000''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting
``$5,000''.
(b) Indexing of Levels of Assistance.--Such subsection is further
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs
(A) and (B), respectively;
(2) in the matter before subparagraph (A), as redesignated by
paragraph (1), by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
``(2) Effective on October 1 of each year (beginning in 2012), the
Secretary shall use the same percentage calculated pursuant to section
2102(e) of this title to increase the amounts described in paragraph
(1) of this subsection.''.
(c) Extension of Authority for Assistance.--Subsection (e) of such
section is amended by striking ``December 31, 2012'' and inserting
``December 31, 2022''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with
respect to assistance furnished in accordance with section 2102A of
title 38, United States Code, on or after that date.
SEC. 206. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEES
FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Section 3701(b) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(6) The term `veteran' also includes, for purposes of home
loans, the surviving spouse of a veteran who died and who was in
receipt of or entitled to receive (or but for the receipt of
retired or retirement pay was entitled to receive) compensation at
the time of death for a service-connected disability rated totally
disabling if--
``(A) the disability was continuously rated totally
disabling for a period of 10 or more years immediately
preceding death;
``(B) the disability was continuously rated totally
disabling for a period of not less than five years from the
date of such veteran's discharge or other release from active
duty; or
``(C) the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died
after September 30, 1999, and the disability was continuously
rated totally disabling for a period of not less than one year
immediately preceding death.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to a loan guaranteed after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(c) Clarification With Respect to Certain Fees.--Fees shall be
collected under section 3729 of title 38, United States Code, from a
person described in paragraph (6) of section 3701(b) of such title, as
added by subsection (a) of this section, in the same manner as such
fees are collected from a person described in paragraph (2) of section
3701(b) of such title.
SEC. 207. OCCUPANCY OF PROPERTY BY DEPENDENT CHILD OF VETERAN FOR
PURPOSES OF MEETING OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOANS.
Paragraph (2) of section 3704(c) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) In any case in which a veteran is in active-duty status as a
member of the Armed Forces and is unable to occupy a property because
of such status, the occupancy requirements of this chapter shall be
considered to be satisfied if--
``(A) the spouse of the veteran occupies or intends to occupy
the property as a home and the spouse makes the certification
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection; or
``(B) a dependent child of the veteran occupies or will occupy
the property as a home and the veteran's attorney-in-fact or legal
guardian of the dependent child makes the certification required by
paragraph (1) of this subsection.''.
SEC. 208. MAKING PERMANENT PROJECT FOR GUARANTEEING OF ADJUSTABLE
RATE MORTGAGES.
Section 3707(a) is amended by striking ``demonstration project
under this section during fiscal years 1993 through 2012'' and
inserting ``project under this section''.
SEC. 209. MAKING PERMANENT PROJECT FOR INSURING HYBRID ADJUSTABLE
RATE MORTGAGES.
Section 3707A(a) is amended by striking ``demonstration project
under this section during fiscal years 2004 through 2012'' and
inserting ``project under this section''.
SEC. 210. WAIVER OF LOAN FEE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITY
RATINGS ISSUED DURING PRE-DISCHARGE PROGRAMS.
Paragraph (2) of section 3729(c) is amended to read as follows:
``(2)(A) A veteran described in subparagraph (B) shall be treated
as receiving compensation for purposes of this subsection as of the
date of the rating described in such subparagraph without regard to
whether an effective date of the award of compensation is established
as of that date.
``(B) A veteran described in this subparagraph is a veteran who is
rated eligible to receive compensation--
``(i) as the result of a pre-discharge disability examination
and rating; or
``(ii) based on a pre-discharge review of existing medical
evidence (including service medical and treatment records) that
results in the issuance of a memorandum rating.''.
SEC. 211. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITIES FOR ENHANCED-USE LEASES OF
REAL PROPERTY.
(a) Supportive Housing Defined.--Section 8161 is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) The term `supportive housing' means housing that engages
tenants in on-site and community-based support services for
veterans or their families that are at risk of homelessness or are
homeless. Such term may include the following:
``(A) Transitional housing.
``(B) Single-room occupancy.
``(C) Permanent housing.
``(D) Congregate living housing.
``(E) Independent living housing.
``(F) Assisted living housing.
``(G) Other modalities of housing.''.
(b) Modification of Limitations on Enhanced Use Leases.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (2) of section 8162(a) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) The Secretary may enter into an enhanced-use lease only for
the provision of supportive housing and the lease is not inconsistent
with and will not adversely affect the mission of the Department.''.
(2) Effective date.--
(A) In general.--Paragraph (2) of section 8162(a) of title
38, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1), shall take
effect on January 1, 2012, and shall apply with respect to
enhanced-use leases entered into on or after such date.
(B) Previous leases.--Any enhanced-use lease that the
Secretary has entered into prior to the date described in
subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the provisions of
subchapter V of chapter 81 of such title, as in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Consideration for and Terms of Enhanced-use Leases.--
(1) In general.--Section 8162(b) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(A) If the Secretary''
and all that follows through ``under subparagraph (A).'' and
inserting the following: ``If the Secretary has determined that
a property should be leased to another party through an
enhanced-use lease, the Secretary shall, at the Secretary's
discretion, select the party with whom the lease will be
entered into using such selection procedures as the Secretary
considers appropriate.'';
(B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3)(A) For any enhanced-use lease entered into by the Secretary,
the lease consideration provided to the Secretary shall consist solely
of cash at fair value as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) The Secretary shall receive no other type of consideration
for an enhanced-use lease besides cash.
``(C) The Secretary may enter into an enhanced-use lease without
receiving consideration.'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Secretary to'' and all
that follows through ``use minor'' and inserting ``Secretary to
use minor''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(5) The terms of an enhanced-use lease may not provide for any
acquisition, contract, demonstration, exchange, grant, incentive,
procurement, sale, other transaction authority, service agreement, use
agreement, lease, or lease-back by the Secretary or Federal Government.
``(6) The Secretary may not enter into an enhanced-use lease
without certification in advance in writing by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget that such lease complies with the
requirements of this subchapter.''.
(2) Effective date.--Paragraph (3) of section 8162(b), as
amended by paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, shall take effect
on January 1, 2012, and shall apply with respect to enhanced-use
leases entered into on or after such date.
(d) Prohibited Enhanced-use Leases.--Section 8162(c) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) Subject to paragraph
(2), the'' and inserting ``The''.
(e) Disposition of Leased Property.--Subsection (b) of section 8164
is amended to read as follows:
``(b) A disposition under this section may be made in return for
cash at fair value as the Secretary determines is in the best interest
of the United States and upon such other terms and conditions as the
Secretary considers appropriate.''.
(f) Use of Amounts Received for Disposition of Leased Property.--
Section 8165(a)(2) is amended by striking ``in the Department of
Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund established under section 8118 of
this title'' and inserting ``into the Department of Veterans Affairs
Construction, Major Projects account or Construction, Minor Projects
account, as the Secretary considers appropriate''.
(g) Construction Standards.--Section 8166 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 8166. Construction standards
``The construction, alteration, repair, remodeling, or improvement
of a property that is the subject of an enhanced-use lease shall be
carried out so as to comply with all applicable provisions of Federal,
State, and local law relating to land use, building standards, permits,
and inspections.''.
(h) Exemption From State and Local Taxes.--Section 8167 is amended
to read as follows:
``Sec. 8167. Exemption from State and local taxes
``(a) Improvements and Operations Not Exempted.--The improvements
and operations on land leased by a person with an enhanced-use lease
from the Secretary shall be subject to all applicable provisions of
Federal, State, or local law relating to taxation, fees, and
assessments.
``(b) Underlying Fee Title Interest Exempted.--The underlying fee
title interest of the United States in any land subject to an enhanced-
use lease shall not be subject, directly or indirectly, to any
provision of State or local law relating to taxation, fees, or
assessments.''.
(i) Annual Reports.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter V of chapter 81 is amended by
inserting after section 8167 the following new section:
``Sec. 8168. Annual reports
``(a) Report on Administration of Leases.--Not later than 120 days
after the date of the enactment of the Honoring America's Veterans and
Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and not less frequently
than once each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
a report identifying the actions taken by the Secretary to implement
and administer enhanced-use leases.
``(b) Report on Lease Consideration.--Each year, as part of the
annual budget submission of the President to Congress under section
1105(a) of title 31, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a detailed
report of the consideration received by the Secretary for each
enhanced-use lease under this subchapter, along with an overview of how
the Secretary is utilizing such consideration to support veterans.''.
(2) Elements of initial report.--The first report submitted by
the Secretary under section 8168(a) of title 38, United States
Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall include a summary of those
measures the Secretary is taking to address the following
recommendations from the February 9, 2012, audit report of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General on
enhanced-use leases under subchapter V of chapter 81 of title 38,
United States Code:
(A) Improve standards to ensure complete lease agreements
are negotiated in line with strategic goals of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
(B) Institute improved policies and procedures to govern
activities such as monitoring enhanced-use lease projects and
calculating, classifying, and reporting on enhanced-use lease
benefits and expenses.
(C) Recalculate and update enhanced-use lease expenses and
benefits reported in the most recent Enhanced-Use Lease
Consideration Report of the Department.
(D) Establish improved oversight mechanisms to ensure major
enhanced-use lease project decisions are documented and
maintained in accordance with policy.
(E) Establish improved criteria to measure timeliness and
performance in enhanced-use lease project development and
execution.
(F) Establish improved criteria and guidelines for
assessing projects to determine whether they are or remain
viable candidates for enhanced-use leases.
(3) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 81 is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 8167 the following new item:
``8168. Annual reports.''.
(j) Expiration of Authority.--Section 8169 is amended by striking
``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2023''.
(k) Effective Date.--Except as otherwise provided in this section,
the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of
the enactment of this Act.
TITLE III--HOMELESS MATTERS
SEC. 301. ENHANCEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS.
(a) Enhancement of Grants.--Section 2011 is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``expansion,
remodeling, or alteration of existing buildings, or acquisition of
facilities,'' and inserting ``new construction of facilities,
expansion, remodeling, or alteration of existing facilities, or
acquisition of facilities,''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``A grant'' and
inserting ``(1) A grant'';
(B) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), as designated
by subparagraph (A), by striking ``The amount'' and inserting
the following:
``(2) The amount''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3)(A) The Secretary may not deny an application from an entity
that seeks a grant under this section to carry out a project described
in subsection (b)(1)(A) solely on the basis that the entity proposes to
use funding from other private or public sources, if the entity
demonstrates that a private nonprofit organization will provide
oversight and site control for the project.
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `private nonprofit organization'
means the following:
``(i) An incorporated private institution, organization, or
foundation--
``(I) that has received, or has temporary clearance to
receive, tax-exempt status under paragraph (2), (3), or (19) of
section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(II) for which no part of the net earnings of the
institution, organization, or foundation inures to the benefit
of any member, founder, or contributor of the institution,
organization, or foundation; and
``(III) that the Secretary determines is financially
responsible.
``(ii) A for-profit limited partnership or limited liability
company, the sole general partner or manager of which is an
organization that is described by subclauses (I) through (III) of
clause (i).
``(iii) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an
organization that is described by subclauses (I) through (III) of
clause (i).''.
(b) Grant and Per Diem Payments.--
(1) Study and development of fiscal controls and payment
method.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(A) complete a study of all matters relating to the method
used by the Secretary to make per diem payments under section
2012(a) of title 38, United States Code, including changes
anticipated by the Secretary in the cost of furnishing services
to homeless veterans and accounting for costs of providing such
services in various geographic areas;
(B) develop more effective and efficient procedures for
fiscal control and fund accounting by recipients of grants
under sections 2011, 2012, and 2061 of such title; and
(C) develop a more effective and efficient method for
adequately reimbursing recipients of grants under section 2011
of such title for services furnished to homeless veterans.
(2) Consideration.--In developing the method required by
paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary may consider payments and grants
received by recipients of grants described in such paragraph from
other departments and agencies of Federal and local governments and
from private entities.
(3) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on--
(A) the findings of the Secretary with respect to the study
required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1);
(B) the methods developed under subparagraphs (B) and (C)
of such paragraph; and
(C) any recommendations of the Secretary for revising the
method described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph and any
legislative action the Secretary considers necessary to
implement such method.
SEC. 302. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROVISION OF TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATION TO CERTAIN VETERANS TO INCLUDE PROVISION OF
TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION TO HOMELESS VETERANS WHO ARE NOT
SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL.
Section 2031(a) is amended in the matter before paragraph (1) by
striking ``, including'' and inserting ``and to''.
SEC. 303. MODIFICATION OF GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS WITH
SPECIAL NEEDS.
(a) Inclusion of Entities Eligible for Comprehensive Service
Program Grants and Per Diem Payments for Services to Homeless
Veterans.--Subsection (a) of section 2061 is amended--
(1) by striking ``to grant and per diem providers'' and
inserting ``to entities eligible for grants and per diem payments
under sections 2011 and 2012 of this title''; and
(2) by striking ``by those facilities and providers'' and
inserting ``by those facilities and entities''.
(b) Inclusion of Male Homeless Veterans With Minor Dependents.--
Subsection (b) of such section is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, including women who have
care of minor dependents'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or'';
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) individuals who have care of minor dependents.''.
(c) Authorization of Provision of Services to Dependents.--Such
section is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection (c):
``(c) Provision of Services to Dependents.--A recipient of a grant
under subsection (a) may use amounts under the grant to provide
services directly to a dependent of a homeless veteran with special
needs who is under the care of such homeless veteran while such
homeless veteran receives services from the grant recipient under this
section.''.
SEC. 304. COLLABORATION IN PROVISION OF CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO
HOMELESS VETERANS IN SUPPORTED HOUSING PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consider
entering into contracts or agreements, under sections 513 and 8153 of
title 38, United States Code, with eligible entities to collaborate
with the Secretary in the provision of case management services to
covered veterans as part of the supported housing program carried out
under section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) to ensure that the homeless veterans facing the
most significant difficulties in obtaining suitable housing receive the
assistance they require to obtain such housing.
(b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a covered
veteran is any veteran who, at the time of receipt of a housing voucher
under such section 8(o)(19)--
(1) requires the assistance of a case manager in obtaining
suitable housing with such voucher; and
(2) is having difficulty obtaining the amount of such
assistance the veteran requires, including because--
(A) the veteran resides in an area that has a shortage of
low-income housing and because of such shortage the veteran
requires more assistance from a case manager than the Secretary
otherwise provides;
(B) the location in which the veteran resides is located at
such distance from facilities of the Department of Veterans
Affairs as makes the provision of case management services by
the Secretary to such veteran impractical; or
(C) the veteran resides in an area where veterans who
receive case management services from the Secretary under such
section have a significantly lower average rate of successfully
obtaining suitable housing than the average rate of
successfully obtaining suitable housing for all veterans
receiving such services.
(c) Eligible Entities.--For purposes of this section, an eligible
entity is any State or local government agency, tribal organization (as
such term is defined in section 4 of the Indian Self Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)), or nonprofit organization
that--
(1) under a contract or agreement described in subsection (a),
agrees--
(A) to ensure access to case management services by covered
veterans on an as-needed basis;
(B) to maintain referral networks for covered veterans for
purposes of assisting covered veterans in demonstrating
eligibility for assistance and additional services under
entitlement and assistance programs available for covered
veterans, and to otherwise aid covered veterans in obtaining
such assistance and services;
(C) to ensure the confidentiality of records maintained by
the entity on covered veterans receiving services through the
supported housing program described in subsection (a);
(D) to establish such procedures for fiscal control and
fund accounting as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers
appropriate to ensure proper disbursement and accounting of
funds under a contract or agreement entered into by the entity
as described in subsection (a);
(E) to submit to the Secretary each year, in such form and
such manner as the Secretary may require, a report on the
collaboration undertaken by the entity under a contract or
agreement described in such subsection during the most recent
fiscal year, including a description of, for the year covered
by the report--
(i) the services and assistance provided to covered
veterans as part of such collaboration;
(ii) the process by which covered veterans were
referred to the entity for such services and assistance;
(iii) the specific goals jointly set by the entity and
the Secretary for the provision of such services and
assistance and whether the entity achieved such goals; and
(iv) the average length of time taken by a covered
veteran who received such services and assistance to
successfully obtain suitable housing and the average
retention rate of such a veteran in such housing; and
(F) to meet such other requirements as the Secretary
considers appropriate for purposes of providing assistance to
covered veterans in obtaining suitable housing; and
(2) has demonstrated experience in--
(A) identifying and serving homeless veterans, especially
those who have the greatest difficulty obtaining suitable
housing;
(B) working collaboratively with the Department of Veterans
Affairs or the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(C) conducting outreach to, and maintaining relationships
with, landlords to encourage and facilitate participation by
landlords in supported housing programs similar to the
supported housing program described in subsection (a);
(D) mediating disputes between landlords and veterans
receiving assistance under such supported housing program; and
(E) carrying out such other activities as the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs considers appropriate.
(d) Consultation.--In considering entering into contracts or
agreements as described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall consult with--
(1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and
(2) third parties that provide services as part of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development continuum of care.
(e) Technical Assistance for Collaborating Entities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide training and
technical assistance to entities with whom the Secretary
collaborates in the provision of case management services to
veterans as part of the supported housing program described in
subsection (a).
(2) Grants.--The Secretary may provide training and technical
assistance under paragraph (1) through the award of grants or
contracts to appropriate public and nonprofit private entities.
(3) Funding.--From amounts appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Secretary in the Medical Services account in a
year, $500,000 shall be available to the Secretary in that year to
carry out this subsection.
(f) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 545 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each year
thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to
Congress a report on the collaboration between the Secretary and
eligible entities in the provision of case management services as
described in subsection (a) during the most recently completed
fiscal year.
(2) Elements.--Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
include, for the period covered by the report, the following:
(A) A discussion of each case in which a contract or
agreement described in subsection (a) was considered by the
Secretary, including a description of whether or not and why
the Secretary chose or did not choose to enter into such
contract or agreement.
(B) The number and types of eligible entities with whom the
Secretary has entered into a contract or agreement as described
in subsection (a).
(C) A description of the geographic regions in which such
entities provide case management services as described in such
subsection.
(D) A description of the number and types of covered
veterans who received case management services from such
entities under such contracts or agreements.
(E) An assessment of the performance of each eligible
entity with whom the Secretary entered into a contract or
agreement as described in subsection (a).
(F) An assessment of the benefits to covered veterans of
such contracts and agreements.
(G) A discussion of the benefits of increasing the ratio of
case managers to recipients of vouchers under the supported
housing program described in such subsection to veterans who
reside in rural areas.
(H) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative
action as the Secretary considers appropriate for the
improvement of collaboration in the provision of case
management services under such supported housing program.
SEC. 305. EXTENSIONS OF PREVIOUSLY FULLY FUNDED AUTHORITIES
AFFECTING HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) Comprehensive Service Programs.--Section 2013 is amended by
striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
``(5) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
``(6) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each subsequent
fiscal year.''.
(b) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs.--Section
2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2013''.
(c) Financial Assistance for Supportive Services for Very Low-
income Veteran Families in Permanent Housing.--Section 2044(e)(1) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
(d) Grant Program for Homeless Veterans With Special Needs.--
Section 2061(c)(1) is amended by striking ``through 2012'' and
inserting ``through 2013''.
TITLE IV--EDUCATION MATTERS
SEC. 401. AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO
INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVE BOTH SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS'
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER VETERANS AND RELATED EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Aggregate Amount Available.--Section 3695 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``35,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) The aggregate period for which any person may receive
assistance under chapter 35 of this title, on the one hand, and any of
the provisions of law referred to in subsection (a), on the other hand,
may not exceed 81 months (or the part-time equivalent thereof).''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
effect on October 1, 2013, and shall not operate to revive any
entitlement to assistance under chapter 35 of title 38, United States
Code, or the provisions of law referred to in section 3695(a) of such
title, as in effect on the day before such date, that was terminated by
reason of the operation of section 3695(a) of such title, as so in
effect, before such date.
(c) Revival of Entitlement Reduced by Prior Utilization of Chapter
35 Assistance.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of an
individual whose period of entitlement to assistance under a
provision of law referred to in section 3695(a) of title 38, United
States Code (other than chapter 35 of such title), as in effect on
September 30, 2013, was reduced under such section 3695(a), as so
in effect, by reason of the utilization of entitlement to
assistance under chapter 35 of such title before October 1, 2013,
the period of entitlement to assistance of such individual under
such provision shall be determined without regard to any
entitlement so utilized by the individual under chapter 35 of such
title.
(2) Limitation.--The maximum period of entitlement to
assistance of an individual under paragraph (1) may not exceed 81
months.
SEC. 402. ANNUAL REPORTS ON POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM AND SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
(a) Reports Required.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter III of chapter 33 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3325. Reporting requirement
``(a) In General.--For each academic year--
``(1) the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a
report on the operation of the program provided for in this
chapter; and
``(2) the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
operation of the program provided for in this chapter and the
program provided for under chapter 35 of this title.
``(b) Contents of Secretary of Defense Reports.--The Secretary of
Defense shall include in each report submitted under this section--
``(1) information--
``(A) indicating the extent to which the benefit levels
provided under this chapter are adequate to achieve the
purposes of inducing individuals to enter and remain in the
Armed Forces and of providing an adequate level of financial
assistance to help meet the cost of pursuing a program of
education;
``(B) indicating whether it is necessary for the purposes
of maintaining adequate levels of well-qualified active-duty
personnel in the Armed Forces to continue to offer the
opportunity for educational assistance under this chapter to
individuals who have not yet entered active-duty service; and
``(C) describing the efforts under section 3323(b) of this
title to inform members of the Armed Forces of the active duty
service requirements for entitlement to educational assistance
under this chapter and the results from such efforts; and
``(2) such recommendations for administrative and legislative
changes regarding the provision of educational assistance to
members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and their dependents, as
the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
``(c) Contents of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Reports.--The
Secretary shall include in each report submitted under this section--
``(1) information concerning the level of utilization of
educational assistance and of expenditures under this chapter and
under chapter 35 of this title;
``(2) appropriate student outcome measures, such as the number
of credit hours, certificates, degrees, and other qualifications
earned by beneficiaries under this chapter and chapter 35 of this
title during the academic year covered by the report; and
``(3) such recommendations for administrative and legislative
changes regarding the provision of educational assistance to
members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and their dependents, as
the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(d) Termination.--No report shall be required under this section
after January 1, 2021.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 3324 the following new item:
``3325. Reporting requirement.''.
(3) Deadline for submittal of first report.--The first reports
required under section 3325 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by paragraph (1), shall be submitted by not later than
November 1, 2013.
(b) Repeal of Report on All Volunteer-Force Educational Assistance
Program.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 30 is amended by striking section
3036.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section
3036.
TITLE V--BENEFITS MATTERS
SEC. 501. AUTOMATIC WAIVER OF AGENCY OF ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
REVIEW OF NEW EVIDENCE.
(a) In General.--Section 7105 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(e)(1) If, either at the time or after the agency of original
jurisdiction receives a substantive appeal, the claimant or the
claimant's representative, if any, submits evidence to either the
agency of original jurisdiction or the Board of Veterans' Appeals for
consideration in connection with the issue or issues with which
disagreement has been expressed, such evidence shall be subject to
initial review by the Board unless the claimant or the claimant's
representative, as the case may be, requests in writing that the agency
of original jurisdiction initially review such evidence.
``(2) A request for review of evidence under paragraph (1) shall
accompany the submittal of the evidence.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (e) of such section, as added by
subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to
claims for which a substantive appeal is filed on or after the date
that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 502. AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN PERSONS TO SIGN CLAIMS FILED WITH
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON BEHALF OF CLAIMANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 5101 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``A specific'' and inserting ``(1) A
specific''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) If an individual has not attained the age of 18 years, is
mentally incompetent, or is physically unable to sign a form, a form
filed under paragraph (1) for the individual may be signed by a court-
appointed representative, a person who is responsible for the care of
the individual, including a spouse or other relative, or an attorney in
fact or agent authorized to act on behalf of the individual under a
durable power of attorney. If the individual is in the care of an
institution, the manager or principal officer of the institution may
sign the form.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``, signs a form on behalf of an
individual to apply for,'' after ``who applies for'';
(ii) by inserting ``, or TIN in the case that the
person is not an individual,'' after ``of such person'';
and
(iii) by striking ``dependent'' and inserting
``claimant, dependent,''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or TIN'' after
``social security number'' each place it appears; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) In this section:
``(1) The term `mentally incompetent' with respect to an
individual means that the individual lacks the mental capacity--
``(A) to provide substantially accurate information needed
to complete a form; or
``(B) to certify that the statements made on a form are
true and complete.
``(2) The term `TIN' has the meaning given the term in section
7701(a)(41) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to claims filed on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 503. IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESS FOR FILING JOINTLY FOR SOCIAL
SECURITY AND DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION.
Section 5105 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``shall'' the first place it appears and
inserting ``may''; and
(B) by striking ``Each such form'' and inserting ``Such
forms''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``on such a form'' and
inserting ``on any document indicating an intent to apply for
survivor benefits''.
SEC. 504. AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION TO
PROVIDE NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS FOR BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED
BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 5103 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``Upon receipt of a complete or
substantially complete application, the'' and inserting
``The'';
(B) by striking ``notify'' and inserting ``provide to'';
and
(C) by inserting ``by the most effective means available,
including electronic communication or notification in writing,
notice'' before ``of any information''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(4) Nothing in this section shall require the Secretary to
provide notice for a subsequent claim that is filed while a previous
claim is pending if the notice previously provided for such pending
claim--
``(A) provides sufficient notice of the information and
evidence necessary to substantiate such subsequent claim; and
``(B) was sent within one year of the date on which the
subsequent claim was filed.
``(5)(A) This section shall not apply to any claim or issue where
the Secretary may award the maximum benefit in accordance with this
title based on the evidence of record.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `maximum benefit'
means the highest evaluation assignable in accordance with the evidence
of record, as long as such evidence is adequate for rating purposes and
sufficient to grant the earliest possible effective date in accordance
with section 5110 of this title.''.
(b) Construction.--Nothing in the amendments made by subsection (a)
shall be construed as eliminating any requirement with respect to the
contents of a notice under section 5103 of title 38, United States
Code, that is required under regulations prescribed pursuant to
subsection (a)(2) of such section as of the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to notification
obligations of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or after such
date.
(2) Construction regarding applicability.--Nothing in this
section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed
to require the Secretary to carry out notification procedures in
accordance with requirements of section 5103 of title 38, United
States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date
established in paragraph (1) on or after such effective date.
SEC. 505. DUTY TO ASSIST CLAIMANTS IN OBTAINING PRIVATE RECORDS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 5103A is amended to read
as follows:
``(b) Assistance in Obtaining Private Records.--(1) As part of the
assistance provided under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make
reasonable efforts to obtain relevant private records that the claimant
adequately identifies to the Secretary.
``(2)(A) Whenever the Secretary, after making such reasonable
efforts, is unable to obtain all of the relevant records sought, the
Secretary shall notify the claimant that the Secretary is unable to
obtain records with respect to the claim. Such a notification shall--
``(i) identify the records the Secretary is unable to obtain;
``(ii) briefly explain the efforts that the Secretary made to
obtain such records; and
``(iii) explain that the Secretary will decide the claim based
on the evidence of record but that this section does not prohibit
the submission of records at a later date if such submission is
otherwise allowed.
``(B) The Secretary shall make not less than two requests to a
custodian of a private record in order for an effort to obtain relevant
private records to be treated as reasonable under this section, unless
it is made evident by the first request that a second request would be
futile in obtaining such records.
``(3)(A) This section shall not apply if the evidence of record
allows for the Secretary to award the maximum benefit in accordance
with this title based on the evidence of record.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `maximum benefit'
means the highest evaluation assignable in accordance with the evidence
of record, as long as such evidence is adequate for rating purposes and
sufficient to grant the earliest possible effective date in accordance
with section 5110 of this title.
``(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the
Secretary--
``(A) shall encourage claimants to submit relevant private
medical records of the claimant to the Secretary if such submission
does not burden the claimant; and
``(B) in obtaining relevant private records under paragraph
(1), may require the claimant to authorize the Secretary to obtain
such records if such authorization is required to comply with
Federal, State, or local law.''.
(b) Public Records.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended to
read as follows:
``(c) Obtaining Records for Compensation Claims.--(1) In the case
of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the
Secretary under this section shall include obtaining the following
records if relevant to the claim:
``(A) The claimant's service medical records and, if the
claimant has furnished the Secretary information sufficient to
locate such records, other relevant records pertaining to the
claimant's active military, naval, or air service that are held or
maintained by a governmental entity.
``(B) Records of relevant medical treatment or examination of
the claimant at Department health-care facilities or at the expense
of the Department, if the claimant furnishes information sufficient
to locate those records.
``(C) Any other relevant records held by any Federal department
or agency that the claimant adequately identifies and authorizes
the Secretary to obtain.
``(2) Whenever the Secretary attempts to obtain records from a
Federal department or agency under this subsection, the efforts to
obtain those records shall continue until the records are obtained
unless it is reasonably certain that such records do not exist or that
further efforts to obtain those records would be futile.''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to
assistance obligations of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or
after such date.
(2) Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments
made by this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to
carry out assistance in accordance with requirements of section
5103A of title 38, United States Code, as in effect on the day
before the effective date established in paragraph (1) on or after
such effective date.
SEC. 506. AUTHORITY FOR RETROACTIVE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AWARDS OF
DISABILITY COMPENSATION IN CONNECTION WITH APPLICATIONS THAT ARE
FULLY-DEVELOPED AT SUBMITTAL.
Section 5110(b) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3)
and (4), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph (2):
``(2)(A) The effective date of an award of disability compensation
to a veteran who submits an application therefor that sets forth an
original claim that is fully-developed (as determined by the Secretary)
as of the date of submittal shall be fixed in accordance with the facts
found, but shall not be earlier than the date that is one year before
the date of receipt of the application.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, an original claim is an
initial claim filed by a veteran for disability compensation.
``(C) This paragraph shall take effect on the date that is one year
after the date of the enactment of the Honoring America's Veterans and
Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and shall not apply with
respect to claims filed after the date that is three years after the
date of the enactment of such Act.''.
SEC. 507. MODIFICATION OF MONTH OF DEATH BENEFIT FOR SURVIVING
SPOUSES OF VETERANS WHO DIE WHILE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION OR
PENSION.
(a) Surviving Spouse Benefit for Month of Veteran's Death.--
Subsections (a) and (b) of section 5310 are amended to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--(1) A surviving spouse of a veteran is entitled
to a benefit for the month of the veteran's death if--
``(A) at the time of the veteran's death, the veteran was
receiving compensation or pension under chapter 11 or 15 of this
title; or
``(B) the veteran is determined for purposes of section 5121 or
5121A of this title as having been entitled to receive compensation
or pension under chapter 11 or 15 of this title for the month of
the veteran's death.
``(2) The amount of the benefit under paragraph (1) is the amount
that the veteran would have received under chapter 11 or 15 of this
title, as the case may be, for the month of the veteran's death had the
veteran not died.
``(b) Claims Pending Adjudication.--If a claim for entitlement to
compensation or additional compensation under chapter 11 of this title
or pension or additional pension under chapter 15 of this title is
pending at the time of a veteran's death and the check or other payment
issued to the veteran's surviving spouse under subsection (a) is less
than the amount of the benefit the veteran would have been entitled to
for the month of death pursuant to the adjudication of the pending
claim, an amount equal to the difference between the amount to which
the veteran would have been entitled to receive under chapter 11 or 15
of this title for the month of the veteran's death had the veteran not
died and the amount of the check or other payment issued to the
surviving spouse shall be treated in the same manner as an accrued
benefit under section 5121 of this title.''.
(b) Month of Death Benefit Exempt From Delayed Commencement of
Payment.--Section 5111(c)(1) is amended by striking ``apply to'' and
all that follows through ``death occurred'' and inserting the
following: ``not apply to payments made pursuant to section 5310 of
this title''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with
respect to deaths that occur on or after that date.
SEC. 508. INCREASE IN RATE OF PENSION FOR DISABLED VETERANS MARRIED
TO ONE ANOTHER AND BOTH OF WHOM REQUIRE REGULAR AID AND
ATTENDANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 1521(f)(2) is amended by striking
``$30,480'' and inserting ``$32,433''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 509. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENTS OF EXPENSES FROM
DETERMINATION OF ANNUAL INCOME WITH RESPECT TO PENSIONS FOR
VETERANS AND SURVIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (5) of section 1503(a) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(5) payments regarding reimbursements of any kind (including
insurance settlement payments) for expenses related to the
repayment, replacement, or repair of equipment, vehicles, items,
money, or property resulting from--
``(A) any accident (as defined by the Secretary), but the
amount excluded under this subclause shall not exceed the
greater of the fair market value or reasonable replacement
value of the equipment or vehicle involved at the time
immediately preceding the accident;
``(B) any theft or loss (as defined by the Secretary), but
the amount excluded under this subclause shall not exceed the
greater of the fair market value or reasonable replacement
value of the item or the amount of the money (including legal
tender of the United States or of a foreign country) involved
at the time immediately preceding the theft or loss; or
``(C) any casualty loss (as defined by the Secretary), but
the amount excluded under this subclause shall not exceed the
greater of the fair market value or reasonable replacement
value of the property involved at the time immediately
preceding the casualty loss;''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
TITLE VI--MEMORIAL, BURIAL, AND CEMETERY MATTERS
SEC. 601. PROHIBITION ON DISRUPTIONS OF FUNERALS OF MEMBERS OR
FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) Purpose and Authority.--
(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide
necessary and proper support for the recruitment and retention of
the Armed Forces and militia employed in the service of the United
States by protecting the dignity of the service of the members of
such Forces and militia, and by protecting the privacy of their
immediate family members and other attendees during funeral
services for such members.
(2) Constitutional authority.--Congress finds that this section
is a necessary and proper exercise of its powers under the
Constitution, article I, section 8, paragraphs 1, 12, 13, 14, 16,
and 18, to provide for the common defense, raise and support
armies, provide and maintain a navy, make rules for the government
and regulation of the land and naval forces, and provide for
organizing and governing such part of the militia as may be
employed in the service of the United States.
(b) Amendment to Title 18.--Section 1388 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1388. Prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or
former members of the Armed Forces
``(a) Prohibition.--For any funeral of a member or former member of
the Armed Forces that is not located at a cemetery under the control of
the National Cemetery Administration or part of Arlington National
Cemetery, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in an activity
during the period beginning 120 minutes before and ending 120 minutes
after such funeral, any part of which activity--
``(1)(A) takes place within the boundaries of the location of
such funeral or takes place within 300 feet of the point of the
intersection between--
``(i) the boundary of the location of such funeral; and
``(ii) a road, pathway, or other route of ingress to or
egress from the location of such funeral; and
``(B) includes any individual willfully making or assisting in
the making of any noise or diversion--
``(i) that is not part of such funeral and that disturbs or
tends to disturb the peace or good order of such funeral; and
``(ii) with the intent of disturbing the peace or good
order of such funeral;
``(2)(A) is within 500 feet of the boundary of the location of
such funeral; and
``(B) includes any individual--
``(i) willfully and without proper authorization impeding
or tending to impede the access to or egress from such
location; and
``(ii) with the intent to impede the access to or egress
from such location; or
``(3) is on or near the boundary of the residence, home, or
domicile of any surviving member of the deceased person's immediate
family and includes any individual willfully making or assisting in
the making of any noise or diversion--
``(A) that disturbs or tends to disturb the peace of the
persons located at such location; and
``(B) with the intent of disturbing such peace.
``(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be
fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
``(c) Civil Remedies.--
``(1) District courts.--The district courts of the United
States shall have jurisdiction--
``(A) to prevent and restrain violations of this section;
and
``(B) for the adjudication of any claims for relief under
this section.
``(2) Attorney general.--The Attorney General may institute
proceedings under this section.
``(3) Claims.--Any person, including a surviving member of the
deceased person's immediate family, who suffers injury as a result
of conduct that violates this section may--
``(A) sue therefor in any appropriate United States
district court or in any court of competent jurisdiction; and
``(B) recover damages as provided in subsection (d) and the
cost of the suit, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
``(4) Estoppel.--A final judgment or decree rendered in favor
of the United States in any criminal proceeding brought by the
United States under this section shall estop the defendant from
denying the essential allegations of the criminal offense in any
subsequent civil proceeding brought by a person or by the United
States.
``(d) Actual and Statutory Damages.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to any penalty imposed under
subsection (b), a violator of this section is liable in an action
under subsection (c) for actual or statutory damages as provided in
this subsection.
``(2) Actions by private persons.--A person bringing an action
under subsection (c)(3) may elect, at any time before final
judgment is rendered, to recover the actual damages suffered by him
or her as a result of the violation or, instead of actual damages,
an award of statutory damages for each violation involved in the
action.
``(3) Actions by attorney general.--In any action under
subsection (c)(2), the Attorney General is entitled to recover an
award of statutory damages for each violation involved in the
action notwithstanding any recovery under subsection (c)(3).
``(4) Statutory damages.--A court may award, as the court
considers just, statutory damages in a sum of not less than $25,000
or more than $50,000 per violation.
``(e) Rebuttable Presumption.--It shall be a rebuttable presumption
that the violation was committed willfully for purposes of determining
relief under this section if the violator, or a person acting in
concert with the violator, did not have reasonable grounds to believe,
either from the attention or publicity sought by the violator or other
circumstance, that the conduct of such violator or person would not
disturb or tend to disturb the peace or good order of such funeral,
impede or tend to impede the access to or egress from such funeral, or
disturb or tend to disturb the peace of any surviving member of the
deceased person's immediate family who may be found on or near the
residence, home, or domicile of the deceased person's immediate family
on the date of the service or ceremony.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `Armed Forces' has the meaning given the term in
section 101 of title 10 and includes members and former members of
the National Guard who were employed in the service of the United
States; and
``(2) the term `immediate family' means, with respect to a
person, the immediate family members of such person, as such term
is defined in section 115 of this title.''.
(c) Amendment to Title 38.--
(1) In general.--Section 2413 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 2413. Prohibition on certain demonstrations and disruptions at
cemeteries under control of the National Cemetery Administration
and at Arlington National Cemetery
``(a) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful for any person--
``(1) to carry out a demonstration on the property of a
cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration
or on the property of Arlington National Cemetery unless the
demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or
the director of the property on which the cemetery is located; or
``(2) with respect to such a cemetery, to engage in a
demonstration during the period beginning 120 minutes before and
ending 120 minutes after a funeral, memorial service, or ceremony
is held, any part of which demonstration--
``(A)(i) takes place within the boundaries of such cemetery
or takes place within 300 feet of the point of the intersection
between--
``(I) the boundary of such cemetery; and
``(II) a road, pathway, or other route of ingress to or
egress from such cemetery; and
``(ii) includes any individual willfully making or
assisting in the making of any noise or diversion--
``(I) that is not part of such funeral, memorial
service, or ceremony and that disturbs or tends to disturb
the peace or good order of such funeral, memorial service,
or ceremony; and
``(II) with the intent of disturbing the peace or good
order of such funeral, memorial service, or ceremony; or
``(B)(i) is within 500 feet of the boundary of such
cemetery; and
``(ii) includes any individual--
``(I) willfully and without proper authorization
impeding or tending to impede the access to or egress from
such cemetery; and
``(II) with the intent to impede the access to or
egress from such cemetery.
``(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be
fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
``(c) Civil Remedies.--(1) The district courts of the United States
shall have jurisdiction--
``(A) to prevent and restrain violations of this section; and
``(B) for the adjudication of any claims for relief under this
section.
``(2) The Attorney General of the United States may institute
proceedings under this section.
``(3) Any person, including a surviving member of the deceased
person's immediate family, who suffers injury as a result of conduct
that violates this section may--
``(A) sue therefor in any appropriate United States district
court or in any court of competent jurisdiction; and
``(B) recover damages as provided in subsection (d) and the
cost of the suit, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
``(4) A final judgment or decree rendered in favor of the United
States in any criminal proceeding brought by the United States under
this section shall estop the defendant from denying the essential
allegations of the criminal offense in any subsequent civil proceeding
brought by a person or by the United States.
``(d) Actual and Statutory Damages.--(1) In addition to any penalty
imposed under subsection (b), a violator of this section is liable in
an action under subsection (c) for actual or statutory damages as
provided in this subsection.
``(2) A person bringing an action under subsection (c)(3) may
elect, at any time before final judgment is rendered, to recover the
actual damages suffered by him or her as a result of the violation or,
instead of actual damages, an award of statutory damages for each
violation involved in the action.
``(3) In any action brought under subsection (c)(2), the Attorney
General is entitled to recover an award of statutory damages for each
violation involved in the action notwithstanding any recovery under
subsection (c)(3).
``(4) A court may award, as the court considers just, statutory
damages in a sum of not less than $25,000 or more than $50,000 per
violation.
``(e) Rebuttable Presumption.--It shall be a rebuttable presumption
that the violation of subsection (a) was committed willfully for
purposes of determining relief under this section if the violator, or a
person acting in concert with the violator, did not have reasonable
grounds to believe, either from the attention or publicity sought by
the violator or other circumstance, that the conduct of such violator
or person would not--
``(1) disturb or tend to disturb the peace or good order of
such funeral, memorial service, or ceremony; or
``(2) impede or tend to impede the access to or egress from
such funeral, memorial service, or ceremony.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `demonstration' includes--
``(A) any picketing or similar conduct;
``(B) any oration, speech, use of sound amplification
equipment or device, or similar conduct that is not part of a
funeral, memorial service, or ceremony;
``(C) the display of any placard, banner, flag, or similar
device, unless such a display is part of a funeral, memorial
service, or ceremony; and
``(D) the distribution of any handbill, pamphlet, leaflet,
or other written or printed matter other than a program
distributed as part of a funeral, memorial service, or
ceremony; and
``(2) the term `immediate family' means, with respect to a
person, the immediate family members of such person, as such term
is defined in section 115 of title 18.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 24 is amended by striking the item relating to section
2413 and inserting the following new item:
``2413. Prohibition on certain demonstrations and disruptions at
cemeteries under control of the National Cemetery
Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery.''.
SEC. 602. CODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION AGAINST RESERVATION OF
GRAVESITES AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.
(a) In General.--Chapter 24 is amended by inserting after section
2410 the following new section:
``Sec. 2410A. Arlington National Cemetery: other administrative matters
``(a) One Gravesite.--(1) Not more than one gravesite may be
provided at Arlington National Cemetery to a veteran or member of the
Armed Forces who is eligible for interment or inurnment at such
cemetery.
``(2) The Secretary of the Army may waive the prohibition in
paragraph (1) as the Secretary of the Army considers appropriate.
``(b) Prohibition Against Reservation of Gravesites.--(1) A
gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery may not be reserved for an
individual before the death of such individual.
``(2)(A) The President may waive the prohibition in paragraph (1)
as the President considers appropriate.
``(B) Upon waiving the prohibition in paragraph (1), the President
shall submit notice of such waiver to--
``(i) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Armed Services of the Senate; and
``(ii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Armed Services of the House of Representatives.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
2410 the following new item:
``2410A. Arlington National Cemetery: other administrative matters.''.
(c) Applicability.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), section
2410A of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a),
shall apply with respect to all interments at Arlington National
Cemetery after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Exception.--Subsection (b) of such section, as so added,
shall not apply with respect to the interment of an individual for
whom a request for a reserved gravesite was approved by the
Secretary of the Army before January 1, 1962.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to
Congress a report on reservations made for interment at Arlington
National Cemetery.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The number of requests for reservation of a gravesite
at Arlington National Cemetery that were submitted to the
Secretary of the Army before January 1, 1962.
(B) The number of gravesites at such cemetery that, on the
day before the date of the enactment of this Act, were reserved
in response to such requests.
(C) The number of such gravesites that, on the day before
the date of the enactment of this Act, were unoccupied.
(D) A list of all reservations for gravesites at such
cemetery that were extended by individuals responsible for
management of such cemetery in response to requests for such
reservations made on or after January 1, 1962.
(E) A description of the measures that the Secretary is
taking to improve the accountability and transparency of the
management of gravesite reservations at Arlington National
Cemetery.
(F) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for
legislative action as the Secretary considers necessary to
improve such accountability and transparency.
SEC. 603. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL
CERTIFICATES TO PERSONS WHO DIED IN THE ACTIVE MILITARY, NAVAL,
OR AIR SERVICE.
Section 112(a) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and persons who died in the active military,
naval, or air service,'' after ``under honorable conditions,''; and
(2) by striking ``veteran's'' and inserting ``deceased
individual's''.
SEC. 604. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLACEMENT OF MONUMENTS IN ARLINGTON
NATIONAL CEMETERY.
Section 2409(b) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Under'' and inserting ``(1) Under'';
(2) by inserting after ``Secretary of the Army'' the following:
``and subject to paragraph (2)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(2)(A) Except for a monument containing or marking interred
remains, no monument (or similar structure, as determined by the
Secretary of the Army in regulations) may be placed in Arlington
National Cemetery except pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.
``(B) A monument may be placed in Arlington National Cemetery if
the monument commemorates--
``(i) the service in the Armed Forces of the individual, or
group of individuals, whose memory is to be honored by the
monument; or
``(ii) a particular military event.
``(C) No monument may be placed in Arlington National Cemetery
until the end of the 25-year period beginning--
``(i) in the case of the commemoration of service under
subparagraph (B)(i), on the last day of the period of service so
commemorated; and
``(ii) in the case of the commemoration of a particular
military event under subparagraph (B)(ii), on the last day of the
period of the event.
``(D) A monument may be placed only in those sections of Arlington
National Cemetery designated by the Secretary of the Army for such
placement and only on land the Secretary determines is not suitable for
burial.
``(E) A monument may only be placed in Arlington National Cemetery
if an appropriate nongovernmental entity has agreed to act as a
sponsoring organization to coordinate the placement of the monument
and--
``(i) the construction and placement of the monument are paid
for only using funds from private sources;
``(ii) the Secretary of the Army consults with the Commission
of Fine Arts and the Advisory Committee on Arlington National
Cemetery before approving the design of the monument; and
``(iii) the sponsoring organization provides for an independent
study on the availability and suitability of alternative locations
for the proposed monument outside of Arlington National Cemetery.
``(3)(A) The Secretary of the Army may waive the requirement under
paragraph (2)(C) in a case in which the monument would commemorate a
group of individuals who the Secretary determines--
``(i) has made valuable contributions to the Armed Forces that
have been ongoing and perpetual for longer than 25 years and are
expected to continue on indefinitely; and
``(ii) has provided service that is of such a character that
the failure to place a monument to the group in Arlington National
Cemetery would present a manifest injustice.
``(B) If the Secretary waives such requirement under subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall--
``(i) make available on an Internet website notification of the
waiver and the rationale for the waiver; and
``(ii) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House
of Representatives written notice of the waiver and the rationale
for the waiver.
``(4) The Secretary of the Army shall provide notice to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Armed Services of the House of Representatives of any monument proposed
to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery. During the 60-day period
beginning on the date on which such notice is received, Congress may
pass a joint resolution of disapproval of the placement of the
monument. The proposed monument may not be placed in Arlington National
Cemetery until the later of--
``(A) if Congress does not pass a joint resolution of
disapproval of the placement of the monument, the date that is 60
days after the date on which notice is received under this
paragraph; or
``(B) if Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval of
the placement of the monument, and the President signs a veto of
such resolution, the earlier of--
``(i) the date on which either House of Congress votes and
fails to override the veto of the President; or
``(ii) the date that is 30 session days after the date on
which Congress received the veto and objections of the
President.''.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 701. ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AFFECTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS.
(a) Additional Grants for Disabled Veterans for Specially Adapted
Housing.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 2109. Specially adapted housing destroyed or damaged by natural
disasters
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2102
and 2102A of this title, the Secretary may provide assistance to a
veteran whose home was previously adapted with assistance of a grant
under this chapter in the event the adapted home which was being used
and occupied by the veteran was destroyed or substantially damaged in a
natural or other disaster, as determined by the Secretary.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Subject to subsection (c), assistance provided
under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) be available to acquire a suitable housing unit with
special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the
veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor;
``(2) be available to a veteran to the same extent as if the
veteran had not previously received assistance under this chapter;
and
``(3) not be deducted from the maximum uses or from the maximum
amount of assistance available under this chapter.
``(c) Limitations.--The amount of the assistance provided under
subsection (a) may not exceed the lesser of--
``(1) the reasonable cost, as determined by the Secretary, of
repairing or replacing the damaged or destroyed home in excess of
the available insurance coverage on such home; or
``(2) the maximum amount of assistance to which the veteran
would have been entitled under sections 2101(a), 2101(b), and 2102A
of this title had the veteran not obtained previous assistance
under this chapter.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 2108 the following new item:
``2109. Specially adapted housing destroyed or damaged by natural
disasters.''.
(b) Extension of Subsistence Allowance for Veterans Completing
Vocational Rehabilitation Program.--Section 3108(a)(2) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``In''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a veteran
described in subparagraph (A) has been displaced as the result of a
natural or other disaster while being paid a subsistence allowance
under that subparagraph, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary
may extend the payment of a subsistence allowance under such
subparagraph for up to an additional two months while the veteran is
satisfactorily following a program of employment services described in
such subparagraph.''.
(c) Waiver of Limitation on Program of Independent Living Services
and Assistance.--Section 3120(e) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Programs''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The limitation in paragraph (1) shall not apply in any case
in which the Secretary determines that a veteran described in
subsection (b) has been displaced as the result of, or has otherwise
been adversely affected in the areas covered by, a natural or other
disaster, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(d) Covenants and Liens Created by Public Entities in Response to
Disaster-Relief Assistance.--Paragraph (3) of section 3703(d) is
amended to read as follows:
``(3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs,
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien on the
realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the Secretary may
either disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien created
by a duly recorded covenant running with the realty in favor of either
of the following:
``(i) A public entity that has provided or will provide
assistance in response to a major disaster as determined by the
President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
``(ii) A private entity to secure an obligation to such entity
for the homeowner's share of the costs of the management,
operation, or maintenance of property, services, or programs within
and for the benefit of the development or community in which the
veteran's realty is located, if the Secretary determines that the
interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government will not be
prejudiced by the operation of such covenant.
``(B) With respect to any superior lien described in subparagraph
(A) created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's determination under
clause (ii) of such subparagraph shall have been made prior to the
recordation of the covenant.''.
(e) Automobiles and Other Conveyances for Certain Disabled Veterans
and Members of the Armed Forces.--Section 3903(a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``No'' and inserting ``(1) Except as provided
in paragraph (2), no''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Secretary may provide or assist in providing an eligible
person with a second automobile or other conveyance under this chapter
if--
``(A) the Secretary receives satisfactory evidence that the
automobile or other conveyance previously purchased with assistance
under this chapter was destroyed--
``(i) as a result of a natural or other disaster, as
determined by the Secretary; and
``(ii) through no fault of the eligible person; and
``(B) the eligible person does not otherwise receive from a
property insurer compensation for the loss.''.
(f) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Each year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to Congress a report on the assistance provided or
action taken by the Secretary in the last fiscal year pursuant to
the authorities added by the amendments made by this section.
(2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include the following for the fiscal year covered by the report:
(A) A description of each natural disaster for which
assistance was provided or action was taken as described in
paragraph (1).
(B) The number of cases or individuals, as the case may be,
in which or to whom the Secretary provided assistance or took
action as described in paragraph (1).
(C) For each such case or individual, a description of the
type or amount of assistance or action taken, as the case may
be.
(g) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 702. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING PROVISIONS OF LAW.
(a) Pool of Mortgage Loans.--Section 3720(h)(2) is amended by
striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(b) Loan Fees.--Section 3729(b)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''; and
(B) in clause (iv), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017'';
(3) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''; and
(4) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2016'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''.
(c) Temporary Adjustment of Maximum Home Loan Guaranty Amount.--
Section 501 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (Public
Law 110-389; 122 Stat. 4175; 38 U.S.C. 3703 note) is amended by
striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2014''.
SEC. 703. REQUIREMENT FOR PLAN FOR REGULAR ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOYEES
OF VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION WHO HANDLE PROCESSING OF
CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION AND PENSION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a plan that describes how the Secretary
will--
(1) regularly assess the skills and competencies of appropriate
employees and managers of the Veterans Benefits Administration who
are responsible for processing claims for compensation and pension
benefits administered by the Secretary;
(2) provide training to those employees whose skills and
competencies are assessed as unsatisfactory by the regular
assessment described in paragraph (1), to remediate deficiencies in
such skills and competencies;
(3) reassess the skills and competencies of employees who
receive training as described in paragraph (2); and
(4) take appropriate personnel action if, following training
and reassessment as described in paragraphs (2) and (3),
respectively, skills and competencies remain unsatisfactory.
SEC. 704. MODIFICATION OF PROVISION RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT RATE
FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES.
Section 111(b)(3)(C) is amended by striking ``under subparagraph
(B)'' and inserting ``to or from a Department facility''.
SEC. 705. CHANGE IN COLLECTION AND VERIFICATION OF VETERAN INCOME.
Section 1722(f)(1) is amended by striking ``the previous year'' and
inserting ``the most recent year for which information is available''.
SEC. 706. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ENFORCEMENT PENALTIES FOR
MISREPRESENTATION OF A BUSINESS CONCERN AS A SMALL BUSINESS
CONCERN OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY VETERANS OR AS A SMALL BUSINESS
CONCERN OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.
Subsection (g) of section 8127 is amended--
(1) by striking ``Any business'' and inserting ``(1) Any
business'';
(2) in paragraph (1), as so designated--
(A) by inserting ``willfully and intentionally'' before
``misrepresented''; and
(B) by striking ``a reasonable period of time, as
determined by the Secretary'' and inserting ``a period of not
less than five years''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(2) In the case of a debarment under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall commence debarment action against the business concern by not
later than 30 days after determining that the concern willfully and
intentionally misrepresented the status of the concern as described in
paragraph (1) and shall complete debarment actions against such concern
by not later than 90 days after such determination.
``(3) The debarment of a business concern under paragraph (1)
includes the debarment of all principals in the business concern for a
period of not less than five years.''.
SEC. 707. QUARTERLY REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON CONFERENCES SPONSORED BY
THE DEPARTMENT.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 5 is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``Sec. 517. Quarterly reports to Congress on conferences sponsored by
the Department
``(a) Quarterly Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the
end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on covered
conferences.
``(b) Matters Included.--Each report under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
``(1) An accounting of the final costs to the Department of
each covered conference occurring during the fiscal quarter
preceding the date on which the report is submitted, including the
costs related to--
``(A) transportation and parking;
``(B) per diem payments;
``(C) lodging;
``(D) rental of halls, auditoriums, or other spaces;
``(E) rental of equipment;
``(F) refreshments;
``(G) entertainment;
``(H) contractors; and
``(I) brochures or other printed media.
``(2) The total estimated costs to the Department for covered
conferences occurring during the fiscal quarter in which the report
is submitted.
``(c) Covered Conference Defined.--In this section, the term
`covered conference' means a conference, meeting, or other similar
forum that is sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department and is--
``(1) attended by 50 or more individuals, including one or more
employees of the Department; or
``(2) estimated to cost the Department at least $20,000.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section
516 the following:
``517. Quarterly reports to Congress on conferences sponsored by the
Department.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 517 of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2012, and
shall apply with respect to the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and
each quarter thereafter.
SEC. 708. PUBLICATION OF DATA ON EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN VETERANS BY
FEDERAL CONTRACTORS.
Section 4212(d) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) The Secretary of Labor shall establish and maintain an
Internet website on which the Secretary of Labor shall publicly
disclose the information reported to the Secretary of Labor by
contractors under paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 709. VETSTAR AWARD PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 532 is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting `` (a)
Advertising in National Media.--The Secretary may''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) VetStar Award Program.--(1) The Secretary shall establish an
award program, to be known as the `VetStar Award Program', to recognize
annually businesses for their contributions to veterans' employment.
``(2) The Secretary shall establish a process for the
administration of the award program, including criteria for--
``(A) categories and sectors of businesses eligible for
recognition each year; and
``(B) objective measures to be used in selecting businesses to
receive the award.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Section heading.--The heading of such section is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``; VetStar Award Program''.
(2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 5 is amended by striking the item relating to section
532 and inserting the following new item:
``532. Authority to advertise in national media; VetStar Award
Program.''.
SEC. 710. EXTENDED PERIOD OF PROTECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED
SERVICES RELATING TO MORTGAGES, MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE, AND
EVICTION.
(a) Stay of Proceedings and Period of Adjustment of Obligations
Relating to Real or Personal Property.--Section 303(b) of the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 533(b)) is amended by
striking ``within 9 months'' and inserting ``within one year''.
(b) Period of Relief From Sale, Foreclosure, or Seizure.--Section
303(c) of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 533(c)) is amended by striking
``within 9 months'' and inserting ``within one year''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(d) Extension of Sunset.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall expire on December 31, 2014.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (c) of section 2203 of
the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289;
50 U.S.C. App. 533 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.''.
(3) Revival.--Effective January 1, 2015, the provisions of
subsections (b) and (c) of section 303 of the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 533), as in effect on July 29, 2008, are
hereby revived.
(e) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to Congress a report on the protections provided under
section 303 of such Act (50 U.S.C. App 533) during the five-year
period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include, for the period described in such paragraph, the following:
(A) An assessment of the effects of such section on the
long-term financial well-being of servicemembers and their
families.
(B) The number of servicemembers who faced foreclosure
during a 90-day period, 270-day period, or 365-day period
beginning on the date on which the servicemembers completed a
period of military service.
(C) The number of servicemembers who applied for a stay or
adjustment under subsection (b) of such section.
(D) A description and assessment of the effect of applying
for a stay or adjustment under such subsection on the financial
well-being of the servicemembers who applied for such a stay or
adjustment.
(E) An assessment of the Secretary of Defense's
partnerships with public and private sector entities and
recommendations on how the Secretary should modify such
partnerships to improve financial education and counseling for
servicemembers in order to assist them in achieving long-term
financial stability.
(3) Period of military service and servicemember defined.--In
this subsection, the terms ``period of military service'' and
``servicemember'' have the meanings given such terms in section 101
of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 511).
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.