[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 113 (Thursday, September 21, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9003-S9009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VETERANS PROGRAMS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2000

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
the Senate now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 787, S. 
1810.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 1810) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
     clarify and improve veterans' claims in appellate procedures.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill 
which had been reported from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, with 
an amendment, as follows:

       (Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     part printed in italic.)

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
     Programs Enhancement Act of 2000''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.

                       TITLE I--BENEFITS MATTERS

              Subtitle A--Compensation and Pension Matters

Sec. 101. Clarification and enhancement of authorities relating to the 
              processing of claims for veterans benefits.
Sec. 102. Expansion of list of diseases presumed to be service-
              connected for radiation-exposed veterans.
Sec. 103. Special monthly compensation for female veterans who lose a 
              breast as a result of a service-connected disability.

                     Subtitle B--Education Matters

Sec. 111. Making uniform the requirement for high school diploma or 
              equivalency before application for Montgomery GI Bill 
              benefits.
Sec. 112. Repeal of requirement for initial obligated period of active 
              duty as condition of eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill 
              benefits.
Sec. 113. Availability under survivors' and dependents' educational 
              assistance of preparatory courses for college and 
              graduate school entrance exams.
Sec. 114. Election of certain recipients of commencement of period of 
              eligibility for survivors' and dependents' educational 
              assistance.
Sec. 115. Adjusted effective date for award of survivors' and 
              dependents' educational assistance.

                      Subtitle C--Housing Matters

Sec. 121. Elimination of reduction in assistance for specially adapted 
              housing for disabled veterans for veterans having joint 
              ownership of housing units.
Sec. 122. Increase in maximum amount of housing loan guarantee.
Sec. 123. Termination of collection of loan fees from veterans rated 
              eligible for compensation at pre-discharge rating 
              examinations.

                     Subtitle D--Insurance Matters

Sec. 131. Premiums for term service disabled veterans' insurance for 
              veterans older than age 70.
Sec. 132. Increase in automatic maximum coverage under Servicemembers' 
              Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
Sec. 133. Family coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.

                       Subtitle E--Burial Matters

Sec. 141. Eligibility for interment in the national cemeteries of 
              certain Filipino veterans of World War II.

                     Subtitle F--Employment Matters

Sec. 151. Veterans employment emphasis under Federal contracts for 
              recently separated veterans.
Sec. 152. Comptroller General audit of veterans employment and training 
              service of the Department of Labor.

      Subtitle G--Benefits for Children of Female Vietnam Veterans

Sec. 161. Short title.
Sec. 162. Benefits for the children of female Vietnam veterans who 
              suffer from certain birth defects.

                   Subtitle H--Other Benefits Matters

Sec. 171. Review of dose reconstruction program of the Defense Threat 
              Reduction Agency.

                     TITLE II--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Sec. 201. Veterans not subject to copayments for medications.
Sec. 202. Establishment of position of Advisor on Physician Assistants 
              within Office of Undersecretary for Health.

[[Page S9004]]

Sec. 203. Temporary full-time appointments of certain medical 
              personnel.

             TITLE III--CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES MATTERS

                    Subtitle A--Construction Matters

Sec. 301. Authorization of major medical facility projects for fiscal 
              year 2001.
Sec. 302. Authorization of additional major medical facility project 
              for fiscal year 2000.
Sec. 303. Authorization of appropriations.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 311. Maximum term of lease of Department of Veterans Affairs 
              property for homeless purposes.
Sec. 312. Land conveyance, Miles City Veterans Administration Medical 
              Complex, Miles City, Montana.
Sec. 313. Conveyance of Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
              Center, Colorado, to the State of Colorado.
Sec. 314. Effect of closure of Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs 
              Medical Center on administration of health care for 
              veterans.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of title 38, United States Code.

                       TITLE I--BENEFITS MATTERS

              Subtitle A--Compensation and Pension Matters

     SEC. 101. CLARIFICATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF AUTHORITIES 
                   RELATING TO THE PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR 
                   VETERANS BENEFITS.

       (a) Definition of Claimant.--Chapter 51 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 5101 as section 5101A; and
       (2) by inserting before section 5101A, as so redesignated, 
     the following new section:

     ``Sec. 5101. Definition of `claimant'

       ``For purposes of this chapter, the term `claimant' means 
     any individual who submits a claim for benefits under the 
     laws administered by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Incomplete Applications.--Section 5103(a) is amended by 
     striking ``evidence'' both places it appears and inserting 
     ``information''.
       (c) Reaffirmation and Clarification of Duty To Assist.--
     Chapter 51 is further amended by inserting after section 5103 
     the following new section:

     ``Sec. 5103A. Assistance to claimants

       ``(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary 
     shall make reasonable efforts to assist in the development of 
     information and medical or lay evidence necessary to 
     establish the eligibility of a claimant for benefits under 
     the laws administered by the Secretary.
       ``(b) The Secretary is not required to provide assistance 
     to a claimant under subsection (a) if no reasonable 
     possibility exists, as determined in accordance with 
     regulations prescribed under subsection (f), that such 
     assistance would aid in the establishment of the eligibility 
     of the claimant for benefits under the laws administered by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(c) In any claim for benefits under the laws administered 
     by the Secretary, the assistance provided by the Secretary 
     under subsection (a) shall include the following:
       ``(1) Informing the claimant and the claimant's 
     representative, if any, of the information and medical or lay 
     evidence needed in order to aid in the establishment of the 
     eligibility of the claimant for benefits under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Informing the claimant and the claimant's 
     representative, if any, if the Secretary is unable to obtain 
     any information or medical or lay evidence described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(d)(1) In any claim for disability compensation under 
     chapter 11 of this title, the assistance provided by the 
     Secretary under subsection (a) shall include, in addition to 
     the assistance provided under subsection (c), the following:
       ``(A) Obtaining the relevant service and medical records 
     maintained by applicable governmental entities that pertain 
     to the veteran for the period or periods of the veteran's 
     service in the active military, naval, or air service.
       ``(B) Obtaining existing records of relevant medical 
     treatment or examination provided at Department health-care 
     facilities or at the expense of the Department, but only if 
     the claimant has furnished information sufficient to locate 
     such records.
       ``(C) Obtaining from governmental entities any other 
     relevant records the claimant adequately identifies and 
     authorizes the Secretary to obtain.
       ``(D) Making reasonable efforts to obtain from private 
     persons and entities any other relevant records the claimant 
     adequately identifies and authorizes the Secretary to obtain.
       ``(E) Providing a medical examination needed for the 
     purpose of determining the existence of a current disability 
     if the claimant submits verifiable evidence, as determined in 
     accordance with the regulations prescribed under subsection 
     (f), establishing that the claimant is unable to afford 
     medical treatment.
       ``(F) Providing such other assistance as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) The efforts made to obtain records under 
     subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) shall 
     continue until it is reasonably certain, as determined in 
     accordance with the regulations prescribed under subsection 
     (f), that such records do not exist.
       ``(e) If while obtaining or after obtaining information or 
     lay or medical evidence under subsection (d) the Secretary 
     determines that a medical examination or a medical opinion is 
     necessary to substantiate entitlement to a benefit, the 
     Secretary shall provide such medical examination or obtain 
     such medical opinion.
       ``(f) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for 
     purposes of the administration of this section.''.
       (d) Cost of Other Agencies in Furnishing Information.--
     Section 5106 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new sentence: ``The cost of providing such information shall 
     be borne by the department or agency providing such 
     information.''.
       (e) Repeal of ``Well-Grounded Claim'' Rule.--Section 5107 
     is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 5107. Burden of proof; benefit of the doubt

       ``(a) Except when otherwise provided by this title or by 
     the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this 
     title, a claimant shall have the burden of proof in 
     establishing entitlement to benefits under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       ``(b) The Secretary shall consider all information and lay 
     and medical evidence of record in a case before the 
     Department with respect to benefits under laws administered 
     by the Secretary, and shall give the claimant the benefit of 
     the doubt when there is an approximate balance of positive 
     and negative evidence regarding an issue material to the 
     determination of the matter.''.
       (f) Applicability of Enhanced Authorities.--(1) Except as 
     specifically provided otherwise, section 5103A of title 38, 
     United States Code (as added by subsection (c)), and section 
     5107 of title 38, United States Code (as amended by 
     subsection (e)), shall apply to any claim pending on or filed 
     on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2)(A) In the case of a claim for benefits described in 
     subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, 
     upon the request of the claimant, or upon the Secretary's 
     motion, order such claim readjudicated in accordance with 
     section 5103A of title 38, United States Code (as so added), 
     and section 5107 of title 38, United States Code (as so 
     amended), as if the denial or dismissal of such claim as 
     described in that subparagraph had not been made.
       (B) A claim for benefits described in this subparagraph is 
     any claim for benefits--
       (i) the denial of which became final during the period 
     beginning on July 14, 1999, and ending on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (ii) which was denied or dismissed because the claim was 
     not well grounded (as that term was used in section 5107(a) 
     of title 38, United States Code, during the period referred 
     to in clause (i)).
       (3) No claim shall be readjudicated under paragraph (2) 
     unless the request for readjudication is filed, or the motion 
     made, not later than two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (4) In the absence of a timely request of a claimant under 
     paragraph (3), nothing in this subsection shall be construed 
     as establishing a duty on the part of the Secretary to locate 
     and readjudicate a claim described in paragraph (2)(B).
       (g) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 51 is amended--
       (1) by striking the item relating to section 5101 and 
     inserting the following new items:

``5101. Definition of `claimant'.
``5101A. Claims and forms.''; and
       (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 5103 
     the following new item:

``5103A. Assistance to claimants.''.

     SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF LIST OF DISEASES PRESUMED TO BE 
                   SERVICE-CONNECTED FOR RADIATION-EXPOSED 
                   VETERANS.

       Section 1112(c)(2) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(P) Lung cancer.
       ``(Q) Colon cancer.
       ``(R) Tumors of the brain and central nervous system.
       ``(S) Ovarian cancer.''.

     SEC. 103. SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION FOR FEMALE VETERANS 
                   WHO LOSE A BREAST AS A RESULT OF A SERVICE-
                   CONNECTED DISABILITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 1114(k) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or has suffered'' and inserting ``has 
     suffered''; and
       (2) by inserting after ``air and bone conduction,'' the 
     following: ``or, in the case of a female veteran, has 
     suffered the anatomical loss of one or both breasts 
     (including loss by mastectomy),''.
       (b) Effective Date.--(1) The amendments made by subsection 
     (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, and shall apply with respect to payment of compensation 
     under section 1114(k) of title 38, United States Code (as so 
     amended), for months beginning on or after that date.
       (2) No compensation may be paid for any period before the 
     date of the enactment of this Act by reason of the amendments 
     made by subsection (a).

                     Subtitle B--Education Matters

     SEC. 111. MAKING UNIFORM THE REQUIREMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL 
                   DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENCY BEFORE APPLICATION FOR 
                   MONTGOMERY GI BILL BENEFITS.

       (a) Active Duty Program.--(1) Section 3011 is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following new paragraph (2):
       ``(2) who completes the requirements of a secondary school 
     diploma (or equivalency certificate), or successfully 
     completes (or otherwise receives academic credit for) the 
     equivalent of 12

[[Page S9005]]

     semester hours in a program of education leading to a 
     standard college degree, before applying for benefits under 
     this section; and'';
       (B) by striking subsection (e); and
       (C) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), (h), and (i) as 
     subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively.
       (2) Section 3017(a)(1)(A)(ii) is amended by striking 
     ``clause (2)(A)'' and inserting ``clause (2)''.
       (b) Selected Reserve Program.--Section 3012 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following new paragraph (2):
       ``(2) who completes the requirements of a secondary school 
     diploma (or equivalency certificate), or successfully 
     completes (or otherwise receives academic credit for) the 
     equivalent of 12 semester hours in a program of education 
     leading to a standard college degree, before applying for 
     benefits under this section; and'';
       (2) by striking subsection (f); and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).
       (c) Withdrawal of Election Not To Enroll.--Section 
     3018(b)(4) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(4) before applying for benefits under this section--
       ``(A) completes the requirements of a secondary school 
     diploma (or equivalency certificate); or
       ``(B) successfully completes (or otherwise receives 
     academic credit for) the equivalent of 12 semester hours in a 
     program of education leading to a standard college degree; 
     and''.
       (d) Educational Assistance Program for Members of the 
     Selected Reserve.--Paragraph (2) of section 16132(a) of title 
     10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) before applying for benefits under this section, has 
     completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or 
     an equivalency certificate);''.

     SEC. 112. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR INITIAL OBLIGATED PERIOD 
                   OF ACTIVE DUTY AS CONDITION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR 
                   MONTGOMERY GI BILL BENEFITS.

       (a) Active Duty Program.--Section 3011, as amended by 
     section 111 of this Act, is further amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
       (A) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following new 
     clause (i):
       ``(i) who serves an obligated period of active duty of at 
     least two years of continuous active duty in the Armed 
     Forces; or''; and
       (B) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ``in the case of an 
     individual who completed not less than 20 months'' and all 
     that follows through ``was at least three years'' and 
     inserting ``if, in the case of an individual with an 
     obligated period of service of two years, the individual 
     completes not less than 20 months of continuous active duty 
     under that period of obligated service, or, in the case of an 
     individual with an obligated period of service of three 
     years, the individual completes not less than 30 months of 
     continuous active duty under that period of obligated 
     service'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``individual's 
     initial obligated period of active duty'' and inserting 
     ``obligated period of active duty on which an individual's 
     entitlement to assistance under this section is based'';
       (3) in subsection (g)(2)(A), as redesignated by section 
     111(a)(1)(C) of this Act, by striking ``during an initial 
     period of active duty,'' and inserting ``during the obligated 
     period of active duty on which entitlement to assistance 
     under this section is based,''; and
       (4) in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``initial''.
       (b) Selected Reserve Program.--Section 3012 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)(i), by striking ``, as the 
     individual's'' and all that follows through ``Armed Forces'' 
     and inserting ``an obligated period of active duty of at 
     least two years of continuous active duty in the Armed 
     Forces''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``initial''.
       (c) Duration of Assistance.--Section 3013 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``individual's 
     initial obligated period of active duty'' and inserting 
     ``obligated period of active duty on which such entitlement 
     is based''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``individual's 
     initial obligated period of active duty'' and inserting 
     ``obligated period of active duty on which such entitlement 
     is based''.
       (d) Amount of Assistance.--Section 3015 is amended--
       (1) in the second sentence of subsection (a), by inserting 
     before ``a basic educational assistance allowance'' the 
     following: ``in the case of an individual entitled to an 
     educational assistance allowance under this chapter whose 
     obligated period of active duty on which such entitlement is 
     based is three years,'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``and whose initial 
     obligated period of active duty is two years,'' and inserting 
     ``whose obligated period of active duty on which such 
     entitlement is based is two years,''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B) and inserting the following new subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B):
       ``(A) whose obligated period of active duty on which such 
     entitlement is based is less than three years;
       ``(B) who, beginning on the date of the commencement of 
     such obligated period of active duty, serves a continuous 
     period of active duty of not less than three years; and''.

     SEC. 113. AVAILABILITY UNDER SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE OF PREPARATORY COURSES 
                   FOR COLLEGE AND GRADUATE SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMS.

       Paragraph (5) of section 3501(a) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new sentence: ``The term also includes 
     any preparatory course described in section 3002(3)(B) of 
     this title.''.

     SEC. 114. ELECTION OF CERTAIN RECIPIENTS OF COMMENCEMENT OF 
                   PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SURVIVORS' AND 
                   DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 3512(a)(3) is amended by striking ``8 years 
     after,'' and all that follows through the end and inserting 
     ``8 years after the date elected by the person (if such 
     election is approved as the beginning date of such period by 
     the Secretary and is made during the period between such 
     birthdays) which beginning date--
       ``(A) in the case of a person whose eligibility is based on 
     a parent who has a service-connected total disability 
     permanent in nature, shall be between the dates described in 
     subsection (d) of this section; and
       ``(B) in the case of a person whose eligibility is based on 
     the death of a parent, shall be between--
       ``(i) the date of the parent's death; and
       ``(ii) the date of the Secretary's decision that the death 
     was service-connected;''.

     SEC. 115. ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AWARD OF SURVIVORS' AND 
                   DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Section 5113 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (b) of this 
     section,'' and inserting ``subsections (b) and (c),'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b)(1) In determining the effective date of an award of 
     educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title for an 
     individual described in paragraph (2) based on an original 
     claim, the Secretary shall consider the individual's 
     application under section 3513 of this title as having been 
     filed on the effective date from which the Secretary, by 
     rating decision, determines that the veteran from whom 
     eligibility for such educational assistance is derived either 
     died of a service-connected disability or established the 
     existence of a total service-connected disability evaluated 
     as permanent in nature if that effective date is more than 
     one year before the date the rating decision is made.
       ``(2) An individual referred to in paragraph (1) is a 
     person eligible for educational assistance under chapter 35 
     of this title by reason of subparagraph (A)(i), (A)(ii), (B), 
     or (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title who--
       ``(A) submits to the Secretary an original application 
     under section 3513 of this title for educational assistance 
     under that chapter within one year after the date that the 
     Secretary issues the rating decision on which the 
     individual's eligibility for such educational assistance is 
     based;
       ``(B) claims such educational assistance for pursuit of an 
     approved program of education during a period or periods 
     preceding the one-year period ending on the date on which the 
     individual's application under that section is received by 
     the Secretary; and
       ``(C) would, without regard to this subsection, have been 
     entitled to such educational assistance for pursuit of such 
     approved program of education if the individual had submitted 
     such application on the effective date from which the 
     Secretary determined that the individual was eligible for 
     such educational assistance.''.
       (b) Stylistic Amendment.--Subsection (c) of that section, 
     as redesignated by subsection (a)(2) of this section, is 
     amended by striking ``of this section''.
       (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     and shall apply with respect to applications first made under 
     section 3513 of title 38, United States Code, that--
       (1) are received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act; or
       (2) as of that date are pending with the Secretary or 
     exhaustion of available administrative and judicial remedies.

                      Subtitle C--Housing Matters

     SEC. 121. ELIMINATION OF REDUCTION IN ASSISTANCE FOR 
                   SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS 
                   FOR VETERANS HAVING JOINT OWNERSHIP OF HOUSING 
                   UNITS.

       Section 2102 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(c) The amount of assistance afforded under subsection 
     (a) for a veteran authorized assistance by section 2101(a) of 
     this title shall not be reduced by reason that title to the 
     housing unit, which is vested in the veteran, is also vested 
     in any other person, if the veteran resides in the housing 
     unit.''.

     SEC. 122. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF HOUSING LOAN 
                   GUARANTEE.

       (a) In General.--Subparagraph (A)(i)(IV) of section 
     3703(a)(1) is amended by striking ``$50,750'' and inserting 
     ``$63,175''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subparagraph (B) of that section 
     is amended by striking ``$50,750'' and inserting ``$63,175''.

     SEC. 123. TERMINATION OF COLLECTION OF LOAN FEES FROM 
                   VETERANS RATED ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION AT 
                   PRE-DISCHARGE RATING EXAMINATIONS.

       Section 3729(c) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``A fee''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) A veteran who is rated eligible to receive 
     compensation as a result of a pre-discharge disability 
     examination and rating shall be treated as receiving 
     compensation for purposes of this subsection as of the date 
     on which the veteran is rated eligible to receive 
     compensation as a result of the pre-discharge disability 
     examination

[[Page S9006]]

     and rating without regard to whether an effective date of the 
     award of compensation is established as of that date.''.

                     Subtitle D--Insurance Matters

     SEC. 131. PREMIUMS FOR TERM SERVICE DISABLED VETERANS' 
                   INSURANCE FOR VETERANS OLDER THAN AGE 70.

       Section 1922 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(c) The premium rate of any term insurance issued under 
     this section shall not exceed the renewal age 70 premium 
     rate.''.

     SEC. 132. INCREASE IN AUTOMATIC MAXIMUM COVERAGE UNDER 
                   SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND 
                   VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

       (a) Maximum under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.--
     Section 1967 is amended in subsections (a), (c), and (d) by 
     striking ``$200,000'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``$250,000''.
       (b) Maximum under Veterans' Group Life Insurance.--Section 
     1977(a) is amended by striking ``$200,000'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``$250,000''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the first day of the first month that 
     begins more than 120 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 133. FAMILY COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE 
                   INSURANCE.

       (a) Insurable Dependents.--Section 1965 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) The term `insurable dependent', with respect to a 
     member, means the following:
       ``(A) The member's spouse.
       ``(B) A child of the member for so long as the child is 
     unmarried and the member is providing over 50 percent of the 
     support of the child.''.
       (b) Insurance Coverage.--(1) Subchapter III of chapter 19 
     is amended by inserting after section 1967 the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 1967A. Insurance of dependents

       ``(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, any policy 
     of insurance purchased by the Secretary under section 1966 of 
     this title shall also automatically insure against death each 
     insurable dependent of a member.
       ``(b)(1) A member insurable under this subchapter may make 
     an election not to insure a spouse under this subchapter.
       ``(2) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3), a spouse 
     covered by an election under paragraph (1) is not insured 
     under this section.
       ``(3) Except as otherwise provided under this section, no 
     insurable dependent of a member is insured under this section 
     unless the member is insured under this subchapter.
       ``(c)(1) Subject to an election under paragraph (2), the 
     amount for which a person insured under this section is 
     insured under this subchapter is as follows:
       ``(A) In the case of a member's spouse, the lesser of--
       ``(i) the amount for which the member is insured under this 
     subchapter; or
       ``(ii) $50,000.
       ``(B) In the case of a member's child, $5,000.
       ``(2) A member may elect in writing to insure the member's 
     spouse in an amount less than the amount provided for under 
     paragraph (1)(A). The amount of insurance so elected shall be 
     evenly divisible by $10,000.
       ``(3) If a spouse eligible for insurance under this section 
     is not so insured, or is insured for less than the maximum 
     amount provided for under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) 
     by reason of an election made by the member concerned under 
     paragraph (2), the spouse may thereafter be insured under 
     this section in the maximum amount or any lesser amount 
     elected as provided for in paragraph (2) upon written 
     application by the member, proof of good health of the 
     spouse, and compliance with such other terms and conditions 
     as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
       ``(d)(1) Insurance coverage under this section with respect 
     to an insurable dependent of the member shall cease--
       ``(A) upon election made in writing by the member to 
     terminate the coverage; or
       ``(B) the date that is 120 days after the earlier of--
       ``(i) the date of the member's death;
       ``(ii) the date of termination of the insurance on the 
     member under this subchapter; or
       ``(iii) the date on which the insurable dependent of the 
     member no longer meets the criteria applicable to an 
     insurable dependent as specified in section 1965(10) of this 
     title.
       ``(2)(A) At the election of an insured spouse whose 
     insurance under this subchapter is terminated under paragraph 
     (1), the insurance shall be converted to an individual policy 
     of insurance upon written application for conversion made to 
     the participating company selected by the insured spouse and 
     the payment of the required premiums.
       ``(B) The individual policy of insurance of an insured 
     spouse making an election under subparagraph (A) shall become 
     effective on the date of the termination of the spouse's 
     insurance under paragraph (1).
       ``(C) The second, fourth, and fifth sentences of section 
     1977(e) of this title shall apply with respect to the 
     insurance of an insured spouse under this paragraph.
       ``(e)(1) During any period in which the spouse of a member 
     is insured under this section, there shall be deducted each 
     month from the member's basic or other pay, or otherwise 
     collected from the member, until the member's separation or 
     release from active duty an amount determined by the 
     Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as 
     the premium allocable to the pay period for providing that 
     insurance coverage.
       ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall determine the premium amounts 
     to be charged for insurance coverage for spouses of members 
     under this section.
       ``(B) The premium amounts shall be determined on the basis 
     of sound actuarial principles and shall include an amount 
     necessary to cover the administrative costs to the insurer or 
     insurers providing such insurance.
       ``(C) Each premium rate for the first policy year shall be 
     continued for subsequent policy years, except that the rate 
     may be adjusted for any such subsequent policy year on the 
     basis of the experience under the policy, as determined by 
     the Secretary in advance of that policy year.
       ``(3) Any amounts deducted or collected under paragraph 
     (1), together with the income derived from any dividends or 
     premium rate adjustments received from insurers with respect 
     to insurance under this section, shall be deposited to the 
     credit of the revolving fund established by section 1969(d) 
     of this title, and shall be available for payment and use in 
     accordance with the provisions of that section.
       ``(f) Any amount of insurance in force on an insurable 
     dependent of a member under this section on the date of the 
     dependent's death shall be paid, upon the establishment of a 
     valid claim therefor, to the member or, in the event of the 
     member's death before payment to the member can be made, then 
     to the person or persons entitled to receive payment of the 
     proceeds of insurance on the member' life under section 1970 
     of this title.''.
       (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 
     is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
     1967 the following new item:

``1967A. Insurance of dependents.''.

       (c) Effective Date and Initial Implementation.--(1) This 
     section and the amendments made by this section shall take 
     effect on the first day of the first month that begins more 
     than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     except that paragraph (2) shall take effect on the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.
       (2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with 
     the Secretaries of the military departments, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services, shall take such action as is 
     necessary to ensure that each member of the uniformed 
     services on active duty (other than active duty for training) 
     during the period between the date of the enactment of this 
     Act and the effective date under paragraph (1) is furnished 
     an explanation of the insurance benefits available for 
     dependents under the amendments made by this section and is 
     afforded an opportunity before such effective date to make 
     elections that are authorized under those amendments to be 
     made with respect to dependents.

                       Subtitle E--Burial Matters

     SEC. 141. ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERMENT IN THE NATIONAL 
                   CEMETERIES OF CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS OF 
                   WORLD WAR II.

       (a) Eligibility of Certain Commonwealth Army Veterans.--
     Section 2402 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(8) Any individual whose service is described in section 
     107(a) of this title if such individual at the time of 
     death--
       ``(A) was a naturalized citizen of the United States; and
       ``(B) resided in the United States.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 107(a)(3) is amended by 
     striking the period at the end and inserting the following: 
     ``, and chapter 24 of this title to the extent provided for 
     in section 2402(8) of this title.''.
       (c) Applicability.--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 occurring on or after 
     that date.

                     Subtitle F--Employment Matters

     SEC. 151. VETERANS EMPLOYMENT EMPHASIS UNDER FEDERAL 
                   CONTRACTS FOR RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS.

       (a) Employment Emphasis.--Subsection (a) of section 4212 is 
     amended in the first sentence by inserting ``recently 
     separated veterans,'' after ``veterans of the Vietnam era,''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (d)(1) of that 
     section is amended by inserting ``recently separated 
     veterans,'' after ``veterans of the Vietnam era,'' each place 
     it appears in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
       (c) Recently Separated Veteran Defined.--Section 4211 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) The term `recently separated veteran' means any 
     veteran during the one-year period beginning on the date of 
     such veteran's discharge or release from active duty.''.

     SEC. 152. COMPTROLLER GENERAL AUDIT OF VETERANS EMPLOYMENT 
                   AND TRAINING SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   LABOR.

       (a) Requirement.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall carry out a comprehensive audit of the Veterans 
     Employment and Training Service of the Department of Labor. 
     The purpose of the audit is to provide a basis for future 
     evaluations of the effectiveness of the Service is meeting 
     its mission.
       (b) Commencement Date.--The audit required by subsection 
     (a) shall commence not earlier than January 1, 2001.
       (c) Elements.--In carrying out the audit of the Veterans 
     Employment and Training Service required by subsection (a), 
     the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) review the requirements applicable to the Service under 
     law, including requirements under title 38, United States 
     Code, and the regulations thereunder;
       (2) evaluate the organizational structure of the Service; 
     and
       (3) evaluate or assess any other matter relating to the 
     Service that the Comptroller General considers appropriate 
     for the purpose specified in subsection (a).
       (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committees

[[Page S9007]]

     on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives a report on the audit carried out under 
     subsection (a). The report shall include--
       (1) the results of the audit; and
       (2) any recommendations that the Comptroller General 
     considers appropriate regarding the organization or functions 
     of the Veterans Employment and Training Service of the 
     Department of Labor.

      Subtitle G--Benefits for Children of Female Vietnam Veterans

     SEC. 161. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Children of Women 
     Vietnam Veterans' Benefits Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 162. BENEFITS FOR THE CHILDREN OF FEMALE VIETNAM 
                   VETERANS WHO SUFFER FROM CERTAIN BIRTH DEFECTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 18 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new subchapter:

``SUBCHAPTER II--CHILDREN OF FEMALE VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH CERTAIN 
                             BIRTH DEFECTS

     ``Sec. 1811. Definitions

       ``In this subchapter:
       ``(1) The term `child', with respect to a female Vietnam 
     veteran, means a natural child of the female Vietnam veteran, 
     regardless of age or marital status, who was conceived after 
     the date on which the female Vietnam veteran first entered 
     the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era (as specified 
     in section 101(29)(A) of this title).
       ``(2) The term `covered birth defect' means each birth 
     defect identified by the Secretary under section 1812 of this 
     title.
       ``(3) The term `female Vietnam veteran' means any female 
     individual who performed active military, naval, or air 
     service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era (as 
     so specified), without regard to the characterization of the 
     individual's service.

     ``Sec. 1812. Birth defects covered

       ``(a) Identification.--Subject to subsection (b), the 
     Secretary shall identify the birth defects of children of 
     female Vietnam veterans that--
       ``(1) are associated with the service of female Vietnam 
     veterans in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era 
     (as specified in section 101(29)(A) of this title); and
       ``(2) result in the permanent physical or mental disability 
     of such children.
       ``(b) Limitations.--(1) The birth defects identified under 
     subsection (a) may not include birth defects resulting from 
     the following:
       ``(A) A familial disorder.
       ``(B) A birth-related injury.
       ``(C) A fetal or neonatal infirmity with well-established 
     causes.
       ``(2) The birth defects identified under subsection (a) may 
     not include spina bifida.
       ``(c) List.--The Secretary shall prescribe in regulations a 
     list of the birth defects identified under subsection (a).

     ``Sec. 1813. Benefits and assistance

       ``(a) Health Care.--(1) The Secretary shall provide a child 
     of a female Vietnam veteran who was born with a covered birth 
     defect such health care as the Secretary determines is needed 
     by the child for such birth defect or any disability that is 
     associated with such birth defect.
       ``(2) The Secretary may provide health care under this 
     subsection directly or by contract or other arrangement with 
     a health care provider.
       ``(3) For purposes of this subsection, the definitions in 
     section 1803(c) of this title shall apply with respect to the 
     provision of health care under this subsection, except that 
     for such purposes--
       ``(A) the reference to `specialized spina bifida clinic' in 
     paragraph (2) of such section 1803(c) shall be treated as a 
     reference to a specialized clinic treating the birth defect 
     concerned under this subsection; and
       ``(B) the reference to `vocational training under section 
     1804 of this title' in paragraph (8) of such section 1803(c) 
     shall be treated as a reference to vocational training under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(b) Vocational Training.--(1) The Secretary may provide a 
     program of vocational training to a child of a female Vietnam 
     veteran who was born with a covered birth defect if the 
     Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational 
     goal by the child is reasonably feasible.
       ``(2) Subsections (b) through (e) of section 1804 of this 
     title shall apply with respect to any program of vocational 
     training provided under paragraph (1).
       ``(c) Monetary Allowance.--(1) The Secretary shall pay a 
     monthly allowance to any child of a female Vietnam veteran 
     who was born with a covered birth defect for any disability 
     resulting from such birth defect.
       ``(2) The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this 
     subsection shall be based on the degree of disability 
     suffered by the child concerned, as determined in accordance 
     with a schedule for rating disabilities resulting from 
     covered birth defects that is prescribed by the Secretary.
       ``(3) In prescribing a schedule for rating disabilities 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish four 
     levels of disability upon which the amount of the monthly 
     allowance under this subsection shall be based.
       ``(4) The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this 
     subsection shall be as follows:
       ``(A) In the case of a child suffering from the lowest 
     level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating 
     disabilities under this subsection, $100.
       ``(B) In the case of a child suffering from the lower 
     intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule 
     for rating disabilities under this subsection, the greater 
     of--
       ``(i) $214; or
       ``(ii) the monthly amount payable under section 1805(b)(3) 
     of this title for the lowest level of disability prescribed 
     for purposes of that section.
       ``(C) In the case of a child suffering from the higher 
     intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule 
     for rating disabilities under this subsection, the greater 
     of--
       ``(i) $743; or
       ``(ii) the monthly amount payable under section 1805(b)(3) 
     of this title for the intermediate level of disability 
     prescribed for purposes of that section.
       ``(D) In the case of a child suffering from the highest 
     level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating 
     disabilities under this subsection, the greater of--
       ``(i) $1,272; or
       ``(ii) the monthly amount payable under section 1805(b)(3) 
     of this title for the highest level of disability prescribed 
     for purposes of that section.
       ``(5) Amounts under subparagraphs (A), (B)(i), (C)(i), and 
     (D)(i) of paragraph (4) shall be subject to adjustment from 
     time to time under section 5312 of this title.
       ``(6) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 1805 of this title 
     shall apply with respect to any monthly allowance paid under 
     this subsection.
       ``(d) General Limitations on Availability of Benefits and 
     Assistance.--(1) No individual receiving benefits or 
     assistance under this section may receive any benefits or 
     assistance under subchapter I of this chapter.
       ``(2) In any case where affirmative evidence establishes 
     that the covered birth defect of a child results from a cause 
     other than the active military, naval, or air service in the 
     Republic of Vietnam of the female Vietnam veteran who is the 
     mother of the child, no benefits or assistance may be 
     provided the child under this section.
       ``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations for purposes of the administration of the 
     provisions of this section.''.
       (b) Administrative Provisions.--Chapter 18 is further 
     amended by inserting after subchapter II, as added by 
     subsection (a) of this section, the following new subchapter:

                ``SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

     ``Sec. 1821. Applicability of certain administrative 
       provisions

       ``The provisions of sections 5101(c), 5110(a), (b)(2), (g), 
     and (i), 5111, and 5112(a), (b)(1), (b)(6), (b)(9), and 
     (b)(10) of this title shall apply with respect to benefits 
     and assistance under this chapter in the same manner as such 
     provisions apply to veterans' disability compensation.

     ``Sec. 1822. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance on 
       other benefits

       ``(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt 
     by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter 
     shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of 
     the individual to receive any other benefit to which the 
     individual is otherwise entitled under any law administered 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt 
     by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter 
     shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of 
     any other individual to receive any benefit to which such 
     other individual is entitled under any law administered by 
     the Secretary based on the relationship of such other 
     individual to the individual who receives such monetary 
     allowance.
       ``(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a 
     monetary allowance paid an individual under this chapter 
     shall not be considered as income or resources in determining 
     eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any Federal 
     or Federally-assisted program.''.
       (c) Repeal of Superseded Matter.--(1) Subsections (c) and 
     (d) of section 1805 are repealed.
       (2) Section 1806 is repealed.
       (d) Redesignation of Existing Matter.--Chapter 18 is 
     further amended by inserting before section 1801 the 
     following:

 ``SUBCHAPTER I--CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA''.

       (e) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Sections 1801 and 1802 are 
     each amended by striking ``this chapter'' and inserting 
     ``this subchapter''.
       (2) Section 1805(a) is amended by striking ``this chapter'' 
     and inserting ``this section''.
       (f) Clerical Amendments.--(1)(A) The chapter heading of 
     chapter 18 is amended to read as follows:

       ``CHAPTER 18--BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS''.

       (1) The tables of chapters at beginning, and at the 
     beginning of part II, are each amended by striking the item 
     relating to chapter 18 and inserting the following new item:

``18. Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans.............1801''.....

       (2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 18 is 
     amended--
       (A) by inserting after the chapter heading the following:

 ``SUBCHAPTER I--CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA'';

       (B) by striking the item relating to section 1806; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:

``SUBCHAPTER II--CHILDREN OF FEMALE VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH CERTAIN 
                             BIRTH DEFECTS

``1811. Definitions.
``1812. Birth defects covered.
``1813. Benefits and assistance.

                ``SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

``1821. Applicability of certain administrative provisions.
``1822. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance on other 
              benefits.''.

       (g) Applicability.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph 
     (2), the amendments made by this section shall take effect on 
     the first day of the first month beginning more than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.

[[Page S9008]]

       (2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall identify birth 
     defects under section 1822 of title 38, United States Code 
     (as added by subsection (a) of this section), and shall 
     prescribe the regulations required by subchapter II of that 
     title (as so added), not later than the effective date 
     specified in paragraph (1).
       (3) No benefit or assistance may be provided under 
     subchapter II of chapter 18 of title 38, United States Code 
     (as so added), for any period before the effective date 
     specified in paragraph (1) by reason of the amendments made 
     by this section.

                   Subtitle H--Other Benefits Matters

     SEC. 171. REVIEW OF DOSE RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM OF THE 
                   DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY.

       (a) Review by National Academy of Sciences.--Not later than 
     30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall enter into a contract with the 
     National Academy of Sciences to carry out periodic reviews of 
     the dose reconstruction program of the Defense Threat 
     Reduction Agency.
       (b) Review Activities.--The periodic reviews of the dose 
     reconstruction program under the contract under subsection 
     (a) shall consist of the periodic selection of random samples 
     of doses reconstructed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency 
     in order to determine--
       (1) whether or not the reconstruction of the sampled doses 
     is accurate;
       (2) whether or not the reconstructed dosage number is 
     accurately reported;
       (3) whether or not the assumptions made regarding radiation 
     exposure based upon the sampled doses are credible; and
       (4) whether or not the data from nuclear tests used by the 
     Defense Threat Reduction Agency as part of the reconstruction 
     of the sampled doses is accurate.
       (c) Duration of Review.--The periodic reviews under the 
     contract under subsection (a) shall occur over a period of 24 
     months.
       (d) Report.--(1) Not later than 60 days after the 
     conclusion of the period referred to in subsection (c) the 
     National Academy of Sciences shall submit to Congress a 
     report on its activities under the contract under this 
     section.
       (2) The report shall include the following:
       (A) A detailed description of the activities of the 
     National Academy of Sciences under the contract.
       (B) Any recommendations that the National Academy of 
     Sciences considers appropriate regarding a permanent system 
     of review of the dose reconstruction program of the Defense 
     Threat Reduction Agency.

                     TITLE II--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

     SEC. 201. VETERANS NOT SUBJECT TO COPAYMENTS FOR MEDICATIONS.

       Subparagraph (B) of section 1722A(a)(3) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(B) to a veteran who is considered by the Secretary to be 
     unable to defray the expenses of necessary care under section 
     1722 of this title.''.

     SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF POSITION OF ADVISOR ON PHYSICIAN 
                   ASSISTANTS WITHIN OFFICE OF UNDERSECRETARY FOR 
                   HEALTH.

       (a) Establishment.--Subsection (a) of section 7306 is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new 
     paragraph (9):
       ``(9) The Advisor on Physician Assistants, who shall carry 
     out the responsibilities set forth in subsection (f).''.
       (b) Responsibilities.--That section is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new 
     subsection (f):
       ``(f) The Advisor on Physician Assistants under subsection 
     (a)(9) shall--
       ``(1) advise the Under Secretary for Health on matters 
     regarding the optimal utilization of physician assistants by 
     the Veterans Health Administration;
       ``(2) advise the Under Secretary for Health on the 
     feasibility and desirability of establishing clinical 
     privileges and practice areas for physician assistants in the 
     Administration;
       ``(3) develop initiatives to facilitate the utilization of 
     the full range of clinical capabilities of the physician 
     assistants employed by the Administration;
       ``(4) provide advice on policies affecting the employment 
     of physician assistants by the Administration, including 
     policies on educational requirements, national certification, 
     recruitment and retention, staff development, and the 
     availability of educational assistance (including 
     scholarship, tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment 
     assistance); and
       ``(5) carry out such other responsibilities as the Under 
     Secretary for Health shall specify.''.

     SEC. 203. TEMPORARY FULL-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF CERTAIN MEDICAL 
                   PERSONNEL.

       (a) Physician Assistants Awaiting Certification or 
     Licensure.--Paragraph (2) of section 7405(c) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``nursing,'' and inserting ``nursing''; and
       (2) by inserting ``who have successfully completed a full 
     course of training as a physician assistant in a recognized 
     school approved by the Secretary,'' before ``or who''.
       (b) Medical Support Personnel.--That section is further 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (3):
       ``(3)(A) Temporary full-time appointments of persons in 
     positions referred to in subsection (a)(1)(D) shall not 
     exceed three years.
       ``(B) Temporary full-time appointments under this paragraph 
     may be renewed for one or more additional periods not in 
     excess of three years each.''.

             TITLE III--CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES MATTERS

                    Subtitle A--Construction Matters

     SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS 
                   FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the 
     following major medical projects, with each project to be 
     carried out in the amount specified for that project:
       (1) Construction of a 120-bed gero-psychiatric facility at 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care 
     System, Menlo Park Division, California, $26,600,000.
       (2) Construction of a nursing home at the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Beckley, West Virginia, 
     $9,500,000.

     SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
                   PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000.

       Section 401 of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and 
     Benefits Act (Public Law 106-117; 113 Stat. 1572) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Renovation of psychiatric nursing units at the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Murfreesboro, 
     Tennessee, in an amount not to exceed $14,000,000.''.

     SEC. 303. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 
     Projects.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2001 and for 
     fiscal year 2002, $36,100,000 for the Construction, Major 
     Projects, account for the projects authorized in section 301.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Additional Fiscal 
     Year 2000 Project.--Section 403 of the Veterans Millennium 
     Health Care and Benefits Act (Public Law 106-117; 113 Stat. 
     1573) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``$57,500,000 for the 
     projects authorized in paragraphs (1) through (5)'' and 
     inserting ``$71,500,000 for the projects authorized in 
     paragraphs (1) through (5) and (7)''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and (7)'' after 
     ``through (5)'' in the matter preceding paragraph (1).
       (c) Limitation.--The projects authorized in section 301 may 
     only be carried out using--
       (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2001 or fiscal year 
     2002 pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in 
     subsection (a);
       (2) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects for 
     a fiscal year before fiscal year 2001 that remain available 
     for obligation; and
       (3) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects for 
     fiscal year 2001 for a category of activity not specific to a 
     project.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

     SEC. 311. MAXIMUM TERM OF LEASE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS PROPERTY FOR HOMELESS PURPOSES.

       Section 3735(a)(4) is amended by striking ``three years'' 
     and inserting ``20 years''.

     SEC. 312. LAND CONVEYANCE, MILES CITY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION 
                   MEDICAL COMPLEX, MILES CITY, MONTANA.

       (a) Conveyance Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall convey, without consideration, to Custer County, 
     Montana (in this section referred to as the ``County''), all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     parcels of real property consisting of the Miles City 
     Veterans Administration Medical Center complex, which has 
     served as a medical and support complex for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs in Miles City, Montana.
       (b) Timing of Conveyance.--The conveyance required by 
     subsection (a) shall be made as soon as practicable after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Conditions of Conveyance.--The conveyance required by 
     subsection (a) shall be subject to the condition that the 
     County--
       (1) use the parcels conveyed, whether directly or through 
     an agreement with a public or private entity, for veterans 
     activities, community and economic development, or such other 
     public purposes as the County considers appropriate; or
       (2) convey the parcels to an appropriate public or private 
     entity for use for the purposes specified in paragraph (1).
       (d) Conveyance of Improvements.--(1) As part of the 
     conveyance required by subsection (a), the Secretary may also 
     convey to the County any improvements, equipment, fixtures, 
     and other personal property located on the parcels conveyed 
     under that subsection that are not required by the Secretary.
       (2) Any conveyance under this subsection shall be without 
     consideration.
       (e) Use Pending Conveyance.--Until such time as the real 
     property to be conveyed under subsection (a) is conveyed by 
     deed under this section, the Secretary may continue to lease 
     the real property, together with any improvements thereon, 
     under the terms and conditions of the current lease of the 
     real property.
       (f) Maintenance Pending Conveyance.--The Secretary shall be 
     responsible for maintaining the real property to be conveyed 
     under subsection (a), and any improvements, equipment, 
     fixtures, and other personal property to be conveyed under 
     subsection (d), in its condition as of the date of the 
     enactment of this Act until such time as the real property, 
     and such improvements, equipment, fixtures, and other 
     personal property are conveyed by deed under this section.
       (g) Legal Description.--The exact acreage and legal 
     description of the real property to be conveyed under 
     subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory 
     to the Secretary.
       (h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may 
     require such additional terms

[[Page S9009]]

     and conditions in connection with the conveyance under this 
     section as the Secretary determines appropriate to protect 
     the interests of the United States.

     SEC. 313. CONVEYANCE OF FT. LYON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, COLORADO, TO THE STATE 
                   OF COLORADO.

       (a) Conveyance Authorized.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law and subject to the provisions of this 
     section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may convey, 
     without consideration, to the State of Colorado all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel 
     of real property, including improvements thereon, consisting 
     of approximately 512 acres and comprising the location of the 
     Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The 
     purpose of the conveyance is to permit the State of Colorado 
     to utilize the property for purposes of a correctional 
     facility.
       (b) Public Access.--(1) The Secretary may not make the 
     conveyance of real property authorized by subsection (a) 
     unless the State of Colorado agrees to provide appropriate 
     public access to Kit Carson Chapel, which is located on the 
     real property, and the cemetery located adjacent to the real 
     property.
       (2) The State of Colorado may satisfy the condition 
     specified in paragraph (1) with respect to Kit Carson Chapel 
     by relocating the chapel to Fort Lyon National Cemetery, 
     Colorado, or another appropriate location approved by the 
     Secretary.
       (c) Plan Regarding Conveyance.--(1) The Secretary may not 
     make the conveyance authorized by subsection (a) before the 
     date on which the Secretary implements a plan providing the 
     following:
       (A) Notwithstanding sections 1720(a)(3) and 1741 of title 
     38, United States Code, that veterans who are receiving 
     inpatient or institutional long-term care at Ft. Lyon 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as of the date 
     of the enactment of this Act are provided appropriate 
     inpatient or institutional long-term care under the same 
     terms and conditions as such veterans are receiving inpatient 
     or institutional long-term care as of that date.
       (B) That the conveyance of the Ft. Lyon Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center does not result in a 
     reduction of health care services available to veterans in 
     the catchment area of the Medical Center.
       (C) Improvements in veterans' overall access to health care 
     in the catchment area through, for example, the opening of 
     additional outpatient clinics.
       (2) The Secretary shall prepare the plan referred to in 
     paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate 
     representatives of veterans service organizations and other 
     appropriate organizations.
       (3) The Secretary shall publish a copy of the plan referred 
     to in paragraph (1) before implementation of the plan.
       (d) Environmental Restoration.--The Secretary may not make 
     the conveyance authorized by subsection (a) until the 
     Secretary completes the evaluation and performance of any 
     environmental restoration activities required by the 
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
     Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and by any 
     other provision of law.
       (e) Personal Property.--As part of the conveyance 
     authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary may convey, 
     without consideration, to the State of Colorado any 
     furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other personal property 
     associated with the property conveyed under that subsection 
     that the Secretary determines is not required for purposes of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities to 
     be established by the Secretary in southern Colorado or 
     for purposes of Fort Lyon National Cemetery.
       (f) Legal Description.--The exact acreage and legal 
     description of the real property to be conveyed under 
     subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory 
     to the Secretary. Any costs associated with the survey shall 
     be borne by the State of Colorado.
       (g) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may 
     require such other terms and conditions in connection with 
     the conveyances authorized by subsections (a) and (e) as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of 
     the United States.

     SEC. 314. EFFECT OF CLOSURE OF FT. LYON DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER ON 
                   ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS.

       (a) Payment for Nursing Home Care.--Notwithstanding any 
     limitation under section 1720 or 1741 of title 38, United 
     States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may pay the 
     State of Colorado, or any private nursing home care facility, 
     for costs incurred in providing nursing home care to any 
     veteran who is relocated from the Ft. Lyon Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Colorado, to the State of 
     Colorado or such private facility, as the case may be, as a 
     result of the closure of the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center.
       (b) Obligation To Provide Extended Care Services.--Nothing 
     in section 313 of this Act or this section may be construed 
     to alter or otherwise effect the obligation of the Secretary 
     to meet the requirements of section 1710B(b) of title 38, 
     United States Code, relating to staffing and levels of 
     extended care services in fiscal years after fiscal year 
     1998.
       (c) Extension of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority.--
     Notwithstanding section 1109(a) of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1999 (title XI 
     of Public Law 106-117; 113 Stat. 1599; 5 U.S.C. 5597 note), 
     the authority to pay voluntary separation incentive payments 
     under that Act to employees of the Ft. Lyon Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center shall apply to eligible 
     employees (as defined by section 1110 of that Act) at the Ft. 
     Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center whose 
     separation occurs before June 30, 2001.
       (d) Report on Veterans Health Care in Southern Colorado.--
     Not later than one year after the conveyance, if any, 
     authorized by section 313, the Under Secretary for Health of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs, acting through the 
     Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, 
     shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the 
     status of the health care system for veterans under the 
     Network in the Southern Colorado. The report shall describe 
     any improvements to the system in Southern Colorado that have 
     been put into effect in the period beginning on the date of 
     the conveyance and ending on the date of the report.

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I ask unanimous consent the committee 
substitute be agreed to, the bill be read a third time and passed, the 
motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, the amendment to the title 
be agreed to, and any statements relating to the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 1810) was read the third time and passed.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``A Bill to amend title 38, 
     United States Code, to expand and improve compensation and 
     pension, education, housing loan, insurance, and other 
     benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.''.

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