[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 16, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H6814-H6823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STUART COLLICK--HEATHER FRENCH HENRY HOMELESS VETERANS ASSISTANCE ACT
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 2716) to amend title 38, United States Code, to
revise, improve, and consolidate provisions of law providing benefits
and services for homeless veterans, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 2716
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; REFERENCES TO
TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Stuart
Collick--Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references to title 38, United
States Code.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. National goal to end homelessness among veterans.
Sec. 4. Sense of the Congress regarding the needs of homeless veterans
and the responsibility of Federal agencies.
Sec. 5. Consolidation and improvement of provisions of law relating to
homeless veterans.
Sec. 6. Evaluation of homeless programs.
Sec. 7. Study of outcome effectiveness of grant program for homeless
veterans with special needs.
Sec. 8. Additional programmatic expansions.
Sec. 9. Coordination of employment services.
Sec. 10. Use of real property.
Sec. 11. Meetings of Interagency Council on Homeless.
Sec. 12. Rental assistance vouchers for HUD Veterans Affairs Supported
Housing program.
(c) References to Title 38 United States Code.--Except as
otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to,
or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference
shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``homeless veteran'' has the meaning given
such term in section 2002 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by section 5(a)(1).
(2) The term ``grant and per diem provider'' means an
entity in receipt of a grant under section 2011 or 2012 of
title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL GOAL TO END HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS.
(a) National Goal.--Congress hereby declares it to be a
national goal to end chronic homelessness among veterans
within a decade of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Cooperative Efforts Encouraged.--Congress hereby
encourages all departments and agencies of Federal, State,
and local governments, quasi-governmental organizations,
private and public sector entities, including community-based
organizations, faith-based organizations, and individuals to
work cooperatively to end chronic homelessness among veterans
within a decade.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS
VETERANS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FEDERAL
AGENCIES.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) homelessness is a significant problem in the veterans
community and veterans are disproportionately represented
among homeless men;
(2) While many effective programs assist homeless veterans
to again become productive and self-sufficient members of
society, current resources provided to such programs and
other activities that assist homeless veterans are inadequate
to provide all needed essential services, assistance, and
support to homeless veterans;
(3) the most effective programs for the assistance of
homeless veterans should be identified and expanded;
[[Page H6815]]
(4) federally funded programs for homeless veterans should
be held accountable for achieving clearly defined results;
(5) Federal efforts to assist homeless veterans should
include prevention of homelessness; and
(6) Federal agencies, particularly the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, should cooperate more fully to address the
problem of homelessness among veterans.
SEC. 5. CONSOLIDATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PROVISIONS OF LAW
RELATING TO HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) In General.--(1) Part II is amended by inserting after
chapter 19 the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 20--BENEFITS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
``subchapter i--purpose; definitions; administrative matters
``Sec.
``2001. Purpose.
``2002. Definitions.
``2003. Staffing requirements.
``2004. Employment assistance.
``subchapter ii--comprehensive service programs
``2011. Grants.
``2012. Per diem payments.
``2013. Authorization of appropriations.
``subchapter iii--training and outreach
``2021. Homeless veterans' reintegration programs.
``2022. Coordination of outreach services for veterans at risk of
homelessness.
``2023. Demonstration program relating to referral and counseling for
veterans transitioning from certain institutions who are
at risk for homelessness.
``subchapter iv--treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally
ill and homeless veterans
``2031. General treatment.
``2032. Therapeutic housing.
``2033. Additional services at certain locations.
``2034. Coordination with other agencies and organizations.
``subchapter v--housing assistance
``2041. Housing assistance for homeless veterans.
``2042. Supported housing for veterans participating in compensated
work therapies.
``2043. Domiciliary care programs.
``subchapter vi--loan guarantee for multifamily transitional housing
``2051. General authority.
``2052. Requirements.
``2053. Default.
``2054. Audit.
``subchapter vii--other provisions
``2061. Grant program for homeless veterans with special needs.
``2062. Dental care.
``2063. Technical assistance grants for nonprofit community-based
groups.
``2064. Annual report on assistance to homeless veterans.
``2065. Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.
``SUBCHAPTER I--PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
``Sec. 2001. Purpose
``The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the special
needs of homeless veterans.
``Sec. 2002. Definitions
``In this chapter:
``(1) The term `homeless veteran' means a veteran who--
``(A) lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence; or
``(B) has a primary nighttime residence that is--
``(i) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter
designed to provide temporary living accommodations
(including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, grant per
diem shelters and transitional housing for the mentally ill);
``(ii) an institution that provides a temporary residence
for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
``(iii) a public or private place not designed for, or
ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for
human beings.
``(2) The term `grant and per diem provider' means an
entity in receipt of a grant under section 2011 or 2012 of
this title.
``Sec. 2003. Staffing requirements
``(a) VBA Staffing at Regional Offices.--The Secretary
shall ensure that there is assigned at each Veterans Benefits
Administration regional office at least one employee assigned
specifically to oversee and coordinate homeless veterans
programs in that region. In any such regional office with at
least 140 employees, there shall be at least one full-time
employee assigned to such functions. The programs covered by
such oversight and coordination include the following:
``(1) The housing program for veterans supported by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
``(2) Housing programs supported by the Secretary under
this title or any other provision of law.
``(3) The homeless veterans reintegration program of the
Department of Labor under section 2021 of this title.
``(4) The programs under section 2033 of this title.
``(5) The assessments required by section 2034 of this
title.
``(6) Such other duties relating to homeless veterans as
may be assigned.
``(b) VHA Case Managers.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the number of case managers in the Veterans Health
Administration is sufficient to assure that every veteran who
is provided a housing voucher through section 8(o) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) is
assigned to, and is able to be seen as needed by, a case
manager.
``Sec. 2004. Employment assistance
``The Secretary may authorize homeless veterans receiving
care through vocational rehabilitation programs to
participate in the compensated work therapy program under
section 1718 of this title.
``SUBCHAPTER II--COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS
``Sec. 2011. Grants
``(a) Authority To Make Grants.--(1) Subject to the
availability of appropriations provided for such purpose, the
Secretary shall make grants to assist eligible entities in
establishing programs to furnish, and expanding or modifying
existing programs for furnishing, the following to homeless
veterans:
``(A) Outreach.
``(B) Rehabilitative services.
``(C) Vocational counseling and training
``(D) Transitional housing assistance.
``(2) The authority of the Secretary to make grants under
this section expires on September 30, 2005.
``(b) Criteria for Award of Grants.--The Secretary shall
establish criteria and requirements for the award of a grant
under this section, including criteria for entities eligible
to receive such grants, and shall publish such criteria and
requirements in the Federal Register. The criteria
established under this section shall include the following:
``(1) Specification as to the kinds of projects for which
such grant support is available, which shall include--
``(A) expansion, remodeling, or alteration of existing
buildings, or acquisition of facilities, for use as service
centers, transitional housing, or other facilities to serve
homeless veterans; and
``(B) procurement of vans for use in outreach to, and
transportation for, homeless veterans to carry out the
purposes set forth in subsection (a).
``(2) Specification as to the number of projects for which
grant support is available.
``(3) Appropriate criteria for the staffing for the
provision of the services for which a grant under this
section is furnished.
``(4) Provisions to ensure that the award of grants under
this section--
``(A) shall not result in duplication of ongoing services;
and
``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall reflect
appropriate geographic dispersion and an appropriate balance
between urban and nonurban locations.
``(5) Provisions to ensure that an entity receiving a grant
shall meet fire and safety requirements established by the
Secretary, which shall include--
``(A) such State and community requirements that may apply;
and
``(B) the fire and safety requirements applicable under the
Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association.
``(6) Specifications as to the means by which an entity
receiving a grant may contribute in-kind services to the
start-up costs of any project for which support is sought and
the methodology for assigning a cost to that contribution for
purposes of subsection (c).
``(c) Funding Limitations.--A grant under this section may
not be used to support operational costs. The amount of a
grant under this section may not exceed 65 percent of the
estimated cost of the expansion, remodeling, alteration,
acquisition, or procurement provided for under this section.
``(d) Eligible Entities.--The Secretary may make a grant
under this section to an entity applying for such a grant
only if the applicant for the grant--
``(1) is a public or nonprofit private entity with the
capacity (as determined by the Secretary) to effectively
administer a grant under this section;
``(2) has demonstrated that adequate financial support will
be available to carry out the project for which the grant has
been sought consistent with the plans, specifications, and
schedule submitted by the applicant; and
``(3) has agreed to meet the applicable criteria and
requirements established under subsections (b) and (g) (and
the Secretary has determined that the applicant has
demonstrated the capacity to meet those criteria and
requirements).
``(e) Application Requirement.--An entity described in
subsection (d) desiring to receive assistance under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application. The
application shall set forth the following:
``(1) The amount of the grant requested with respect to a
project.
``(2) A description of the site for such project.
``(3) Plans, specifications, and the schedule for
implementation of such project in accordance with
requirements prescribed by the Secretary under subsection
(b).
``(4) Reasonable assurance that upon completion of the work
for which assistance is sought, the program will become
operational and the facilities will be used principally to
provide to veterans the services for which
[[Page H6816]]
the project was designed, and that not more than 25 percent
of the services provided will serve clients who are not
receiving such services as veterans.
``(f) Program Requirements.--The Secretary may not make a
grant to an applicant under this section unless the
applicant, in the application for the grant, agrees to each
of the following requirements:
``(1) To provide the services for which the grant is
furnished at locations accessible to homeless veterans.
``(2) To maintain referral networks for, and aid homeless
veterans in, establishing eligibility for assistance, and
obtaining services, under available entitlement and
assistance programs.
``(3) To ensure the confidentiality of records maintained
on homeless veterans receiving services under the grant.
``(4) To establish such procedures for fiscal control and
fund accounting as may be necessary to ensure proper
disbursement and accounting with respect to the grant and to
such payments as may be made under section 2012 of this
title.
``(5) To seek to employ homeless veterans and formerly
homeless veterans in positions created for purposes of the
grant for which those veterans are qualified.
``(g) Service Center Requirements.--In addition to criteria
established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, in the
case of an application for a grant for a service center for
homeless veterans, require each of the following:
``(1) That such center provide services to homeless
veterans during such hours as the Secretary may specify and
be open to such veterans on an as-needed, unscheduled basis.
``(2) That space at such center will be made available, as
mutually agreeable, for use by staff of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and other
appropriate agencies and organizations in assisting homeless
veterans served by such center.
``(3) That such center be equipped and staffed to provide,
or to assist in providing, health care, mental health
services, hygiene facilities, benefits and employment
counseling, meals, transportation assistance, and such other
services as the Secretary determines necessary.
``(4) That such center may be equipped and staffed to
provide, or to assist in providing, job training and job
placement services (including job readiness, job counseling,
and literacy and skills training), as well as any outreach
and case management services that may be necessary to carry
out this paragraph.
``(h) Recovery of Unused Grant Funds.--(1) If a grant
recipient (or entity eligible for such a grant) under this
section does not establish a program in accordance with this
section or ceases to furnish services under such a program
for which the grant was made, the United States shall be
entitled to recover from such recipient or entity the total
of all unused grant amounts made under this section to such
recipient or entity in connection with such program.
``(2) Any amount recovered by the United States under
paragraph (1) may be obligated by the Secretary without
fiscal year limitation to carry out provisions of this
subchapter.
``(3) An amount may not be recovered under paragraph (1) as
an unused grant amount before the end of the three-year
period beginning on the date on which the grant is awarded.
``Sec. 2012. Per diem payments
``(a) Per Diem Payments for Furnishing Services to Homeless
Veterans.--(1) Subject to the availability of appropriations
provided for such purpose, the Secretary, pursuant to such
criteria as the Secretary shall prescribe, shall provide to a
recipient of a grant under section 2011 of this title (or an
entity eligible to receive a grant under that section which
after November 10, 1992, establishes a program that the
Secretary determines carries out the purposes described in
that section) per diem payments for services furnished to any
homeless veteran--
``(A) whom the Secretary has referred to the grant
recipient (or entity eligible for such a grant); or
``(B) for whom the Secretary has authorized the provision
of services.
``(2) The rate for such per diem payments shall be the rate
authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under section
1741(a)(1)(A) of this title.
``(3) In a case in which the Secretary has authorized the
provision of services, per diem payments under paragraph (1)
may be paid retroactively for services provided not more than
three days before the authorization was provided.
``(b) Inspections.--The Secretary may inspect any facility
of an entity eligible for payments under subsection (a) at
such times as the Secretary considers necessary. No per diem
payment may be made to an entity under this section unless
the facilities of that entity meet such standards as the
Secretary shall prescribe.
``(c) Life Safety Code.--(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2), a per diem payment may not be provided under
this section to a grant recipient unless the facilities of
the grant recipient meet the fire and safety requirements
applicable under the Life Safety Code of the National Fire
Protection Association.
``(2) During the five-year period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply
to an entity that received a grant under section 3 of the
Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992
(Public Law 102-590; 38 U.S.C. 7721 note) before that date if
the entity meets fire and safety requirements established by
the Secretary.
``(3) From amounts available for purposes of this section,
not less than $5,000,000 shall be used only for grants to
assist entities covered by paragraph (2) in meeting the Life
Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association.
``Sec. 2013. Authorization of appropriations
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subchapter amounts as follows:
``(1) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
``(2) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
``(3) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.
``(4) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
``SUBCHAPTER III--TRAINING AND OUTREACH
``Sec. 2021. Homeless veterans' reintegration programs
``(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations provided for under subsection (d) and made
available for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall
conduct, directly or through grant or contract, such programs
as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide job
training, counseling, and placement services to expedite the
reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.
``(b) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1)
The Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as the
Secretary considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the
distribution and expenditure of funds appropriated to carry
out this section. The information shall include data with
respect to the results or outcomes of the services provided
to each homeless veteran under this section.
``(2) The information under paragraph (1) shall be
furnished to the Secretary of Labor in such form as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
``(c) Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary
of Labor shall carry out this section through the Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training.
``(d) Annual Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor
shall submit to Congress an annual report that evaluates
services furnished to veterans under this section, and
includes an analysis of the information collected under
subsection (c).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
amounts as follows:
``(A) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
``(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
``(C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.
``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
``(E) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall
remain available until expended. Funds obligated in any
fiscal year to carry out this section may be expended in that
fiscal year and the succeeding fiscal year.
``Sec. 2022. Coordination of outreach services for veterans
at risk of homelessness
``(a) Outreach Plan.--The Secretary, acting through the
Under Secretary for Health, shall provide for appropriate
officials of the Mental Health Service and the Readjustment
Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration to
initiate a coordinated plan for joint outreach to veterans at
risk of homelessness, including particularly veterans who are
being discharged from institutions (including discharges from
inpatient psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment
programs, and penal institutions).
``(b) Matters To Be Included.--The outreach plan under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
``(1) Strategies to identify and collaborate with external
entities used by veterans who have not traditionally used
Department services to further outreach efforts.
``(2) Strategies to ensure that mentoring programs,
recovery support groups, and other appropriate support
networks are optimally available to veterans.
``(3) Appropriate programs or referrals to family support
programs.
``(4) Means to increase access to case management services.
``(5) Plans for making additional employment services
accessible to veterans.
``(6) Appropriate referral sources for mental health and
substance abuse services.
``(c) Cooperative Relationships.--The plan shall identify
strategies for the Department to enter into formal
cooperative relationships with entities outside the
Department to facilitate making services and resources
optimally available to veterans.
``(d) Review of Plan.--The Secretary shall submit the plan
under subsection (a) to the Advisory Committee on Homeless
Veterans for its review and consultation.
``(e) Outreach Program.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out
an outreach program to provide information to homeless
veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. The program
shall include at a minimum--
``(A) provision of information about benefits available to
eligible veterans from the Department; and
``(B) contact information for local Department facilities,
including medical facilities, regional offices, and veterans
centers.
``(2) In developing and carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the extent
practicable, consult with
[[Page H6817]]
appropriate public and private organizations, including the
Bureau of Prisons, State social service agencies, the
Department of Defense, and mental health, veterans, and
homeless advocates--
``(A) for assistance in identifying and contacting veterans
who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
``(B) to coordinate appropriate outreach activities with
those organizations; and
``(C) to coordinate services provided to veterans with
services provided by those organizations.
``(f) Submission of Report.--Not later than two years after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives a report on the
Secretary's plan under subsection (a), including goals and
time lines for implementation of the plan for particular
facilities and service networks.
``Sec. 2023. Demonstration program relating to referral and
counseling for veterans transitioning from certain
institutions who are at risk for homelessness
``(a) Program Authority.--The Secretary and the Secretary
of Labor (hereinafter in this section referred to as the
`Secretaries') shall carry out a demonstration program for
the purpose of determining the costs and benefits of
providing referral and counseling services to eligible
veterans with respect to benefits and services available to
such veterans under this title and under State law.
``(b) Location of Demonstration Program.--The demonstration
program shall be carried out in at least six locations. One
location shall be a penal institution under the jurisdiction
of the Bureau of Prisons.
``(c) Scope of Program.--(1) To the extent practicable, the
demonstration program shall provide both referral and
counseling, and in the case of counseling, shall include
counseling with respect to job training and placement,
housing, health care, and such other benefits to assist the
eligible veteran in the transition from institutional living.
``(2)(A) To the extent that referral or counseling services
are provided at a location under the program, referral
services shall be provided in person during the 60-day period
that precedes the date of release or discharge of the
eligible veteran under subsection (f)(1)(B), and counseling
services shall be furnished after such date.
``(B) The Secretaries may furnish to officials of penal
institutions outreach information with respect to referral
and counseling services for presentation to veterans in the
custody of such officials during the 18-month period that
precedes such date of release or discharge.
``(3) The Secretaries may enter into contracts to carry out
the counseling required under the demonstration program with
entities or organizations that meet such requirements as the
Secretaries may establish.
``(4) In developing the demonstration program, the
Secretaries shall consult with officials of the Bureau of
Prisons, officials of penal institutions of States and
political subdivisions of States, and such other officials as
the Secretaries determine appropriate.
``(d) Report.--(1) Not later than two years after the
commencement of the demonstration program, the Secretary
(after consultation with the Secretary of Labor) shall submit
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
House of Representatives a report on the program.
``(2) The report under paragraph (1) shall include the
following:
``(A) A description of the implementation and operation of
the program.
``(B) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the program.
``(C) Recommendations, if any, regarding an extension of
the program.
``(e) Duration.--The authority of the Secretaries to
provide counseling services under the demonstration program
shall cease on the date that is four years after the date of
the commencement of the demonstration program.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `eligible veteran' means a veteran who--
``(A) is a resident of a penal institution or an
institution that provides long-term care for mental illness;
``(B) is expected to be imminently released or discharged
(as the case may be) from the facility or institution; and
``(C) is at risk for homelessness absent referral and
counseling services provided under the program (as determined
under guidelines established by the Secretaries).
``(2) The term `imminent' means, with respect to a release
or discharge under paragraph (1)(B), the 60-day period that
ends on the date of such release or discharge.
``SUBCHAPTER V--HOUSING ASSISTANCE
``Sec. 2042. Supported housing for veterans participating in
compensated work therapies
``The Secretary may authorize homeless veterans in the
compensated work therapy program to be provided housing
through the therapeutic residence program under section 2032
of title or through grant and per diem providers under
subchapter II of this chapter.
``Sec. 2043. Domiciliary care programs
``(a) Authority.--The Secretary may establish up to 10
programs under section 1710(b) of this title (in addition to
any such program that is established as of the date of the
enactment of this section) to provide domiciliary services
under such section to homeless veterans.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004 to establish the programs
referred to in subsection (a).
``SUBCHAPTER VII--OTHER PROVISIONS
``Sec. 2061. Grant program for homeless veterans with special
needs
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program to make grants to health care facilities of the
Department and to grant and per diem providers in order to
encourage development by those facilities and providers of
programs targeted at meeting special needs within the
population of homeless veterans.
``(b) Special Needs.--For purposes of this section,
homeless veterans with special needs include homeless
veterans who--
``(1) are women;
``(2) are 50 years of age or older;
``(3) are substance abusers;
``(4) are persons with post-traumatic stress disorder;
``(5) are terminally ill;
``(6) are chronically mentally ill; or
``(7) have care of minor dependents or other family
members.
``(c) Funding.--(1) From amounts appropriated to the
Department for `Medical Care' for each of fiscal years 2003,
2004, and 2005, the amount of $10,000,000 shall be available
for the purposes of the program under this section.
``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that funds for grants
under this section are designated for the first three years
of operation of the program under this section as a special
purpose program for which funds are not allocated through the
Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system.
``Sec. 2062. Dental care
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 1712(a)(1)(H) of
this title, outpatient dental services and treatment of a
dental condition or disability of a veteran described in
subsection (b) shall be considered to be medically necessary,
subject to subsection (c), if--
``(1) the dental services and treatment are necessary for
the veteran to successfully gain or regain employment;
``(2) the dental services and treatment are necessary to
alleviate pain; or
``(3) the dental services and treatment are necessary for
treatment of moderate, severe, or severe and complicated
gingival and periodontal pathology.
``(b) Eligible Veterans.--Subsection (a) applies to a
veteran who is--
``(1) enrolled for care under section 1705(a) of this
title; and
``(2) who is receiving care (directly or by contract) in
any of the following settings:
``(A) A domiciliary under section 1710 of this title.
``(B) A therapeutic residence under section 2032 of this
title.
``(C) Community residential care coordinated by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 1730 of this
title.
``(D) A setting for which the Secretary provides funds for
a grant and per diem provider.
``(c) Limitation.--Dental benefits provided by reason of
this section shall be a one-time course of dental care
provided in the same manner as the dental benefits provided
to a newly discharged veteran.
``Sec. 2063. Technical assistance grants for nonprofit
community-based groups
``(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program to make technical assistance grants to nonprofit
community-based groups with experience in providing
assistance to homeless veterans in order to assist such
groups in applying for grants under this chapter and other
grants relating to addressing problems of homeless veterans.
``(b) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary the amount of $750,000 for each of fiscal years
2002 through 2005 to carry out the program under this
section.
``Sec. 2064. Annual report on assistance to homeless veterans
``(a) Annual Report.--Not later than April 15 of each year,
the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report
on the activities of the Department during the calendar year
preceding the report under programs of the Department under
this chapter and other programs of the Department for the
provision of assistance to homeless veterans.
``(b) General Contents of Report.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
``(1) The number of homeless veterans provided assistance
under those programs.
``(2) The cost to the Department of providing such
assistance under those programs.
``(3) Any other information on those programs and on the
provision of such assistance that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
``(4) The Secretary's evaluation of the effectiveness of
the programs of the Department (including residential work-
therapy programs, programs combining outreach, community-
based residential treatment, and case-management, and
contract care programs for alcohol and drug-dependence or use
disabilities) in providing assistance to homeless veterans.
``(5) The Secretary's evaluation of the effectiveness of
programs established by recipients of grants under section
2011 of this title and a description of the experience of
those recipients in applying for and receiving grants from
the Secretary of Housing
[[Page H6818]]
and Urban Development to serve primarily homeless persons who
are veterans.
``(c) Health Care Contents of Report.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include the following with respect to
programs of the Department addressing health care needs of
homeless veterans:
``(1) Information about expenditures, costs, and workload
under the program of the Department known as the Health Care
for Homeless Veterans program (HCHV).
``(2) Information about the veterans contacted through that
program.
``(3) Information about processes under that program.
``(4) Information about program treatment outcomes under
that program.
``(5) Information about supported housing programs.
``(6) Information about the Department's grant and per diem
provider program under subchapter II of this chapter.
``(7) Other information the Secretary considers relevant in
assessing the program.
``Sec. 2065. Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans
``(a)(1) There is established in the Department the
Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans (hereinafter in this
section referred to as the `Committee').
``(2) The Committee shall consist of not more than 15
members appointed by the Secretary from among the following:
``(A) Veterans service organizations.
``(B) Advocates of homeless veterans and other homeless
individuals.
``(C) Community-based providers of services to homeless
individuals.
``(D) Previously homeless veterans.
``(E) State veterans affairs officials.
``(F) Experts in the treatment of individuals with mental
illness.
``(G) Experts in the treatment of substance use disorders.
``(H) Experts in the development of permanent housing
alternatives for lower income populations.
``(I) Experts in vocational rehabilitation.
``(J) Such other organizations or groups as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
``(3) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members--
``(A) the Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the
Secretary selected after consultation with the Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment);
``(B) the Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the
Secretary);
``(C) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a
representative of the Secretary); and
``(D) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (or a
representative of the Secretary).
``(4) The Secretary shall determine the terms of service
and pay and allowances of the members of the Committee,
except that a term of service may not exceed three years. The
Secretary may reappoint any member for additional terms of
service.
``(b)(1) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult
with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the
provision by the Department of benefits and services to
homeless veterans.
``(2)(A) In providing advice to the Secretary under this
subsection, the Committee shall--
``(i) assemble and review information relating to the needs
of homeless veterans;
``(ii) provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness
of the policies, organizational structures, and services of
the Department in assisting homeless veterans; and
``(iii) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate
means of providing assistance to homeless veterans.
``(3) The Committee shall--
``(A) review the continuum of services provided by the
Department directly or by contract in order to define cross-
cutting issues and to improve coordination of all services
with the Department that are involved in addressing the
special needs of homeless veterans;
``(B) identify (through the annual assessments under
section 2034 of this title and other available resources)
gaps in programs of the Department in serving homeless
veterans, including identification of geographic areas with
unmet needs, and provide recommendations to address those
program gaps;
``(C) identify gaps in existing information systems on
homeless veterans, both within and outside of the Department,
and provide recommendations about redressing problems in data
collection;
``(D) identify barriers under existing laws and policies to
effective coordination by the Department with other Federal
agencies and with State and local agencies addressing
homeless populations;
``(E) identify opportunities for increased liaison by the
Department with nongovernmental organizations and individual
groups addressing homeless populations;
``(F) with appropriate officials of the Department
designated by the Secretary, participate with the Interagency
Council on the Homeless under title II of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11311 et seq.);
``(G) recommend appropriate funding levels for specialized
programs for homeless veterans provided or funded by the
Department;
``(H) recommend appropriate placement options for veterans
who, because of advanced age, frailty, or severe mental
illness, may not be appropriate candidates for vocational
rehabilitation or independent living; and
``(I) perform such other functions as the Secretary may
direct.
``(c)(1) Not later than March 31 of each year, the
Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the
programs and activities of the Department that relate to
homeless veterans. Each such report shall include--
``(A) an assessment of the needs of homeless veterans;
``(B) a review of the programs and activities of the
Department designed to meet such needs;
``(C) a review of the activities of the Committee; and
``(D) such recommendations (including recommendations for
administrative and legislative action) as the Committee
considers appropriate.
``(2) Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a copy of the report, together with any
comments and recommendations concerning the report that the
Secretary considers appropriate.
``(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such
other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers
appropriate.
``(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report
submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this
title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the
Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous
annual report of the Secretary submitted pursuant to that
section.
``(d) The Committee shall cease to exist December 31,
2006.''.
(2) The tables of chapters before part I and at the
beginning of part II are each amended by inserting after the
item relating to chapter 19 the following new item:
``20. Benefits for Homeless Veterans........................2001''.....
(b) Health Care.--(1) Subchapter VII of chapter 17 is
transferred to chapter 20 (as added by subsection (a)),
inserted after section 2023 (as so added), and redesignated
as subchapter IV, and sections 1771, 1772, 1773, and 1774
therein are redesignated as sections 2031, 2032, 2033, and
2034, respectively.
(2) Subsection (a)(3) of section 2031, as so transferred
and redesignated, is amended by striking ``section 1772 of
this title'' and inserting ``section 2032 of this title''.
(c) Housing Assistance.--Section 3735 is transferred to
chapter 20 (as added by subsection (a)), inserted after the
heading for subchapter V, and redesignated as section 2041.
(d) Multifamily Transitional Housing.--(1) Subchapter VI of
chapter 37 (other than section 3771) is transferred to
chapter 20 (as added by subsection (a)) and inserted after
section 2043 (as added by subsection (a)), and sections 3772,
3773, 3774, and 3775 therein are redesignated as sections
2051, 2052, 2053, and 2054, respectively.
(2) Such subchapter is amended--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``FOR HOMELESS VETERANS'';
(B) in subsection (d)(1) of section 2051, as so transferred
and redesignated, by striking ``section 3773 of this title''
and inserting ``section 2052 of this title''; and
(C) in subsection (a) of section 2052, as so transferred
and redesignated, by striking ``section 3772 of this title''
and inserting ``section 2051 of this title''.
(3) Section 3771 is repealed.
(e) Repeal of Codified Provisions.--The following
provisions of law are repealed:
(1) Sections 3, 4, and 12 of the Homeless Veterans
Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
590; 38 U.S.C. 7721 note).
(2) Section 1001 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act
of 1994 (Public Law 103-446; 38 U.S.C. 7721 note).
(3) Section 4111.
(4) Section 738 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 11448).
(f) Extension of Expiring Authorities.--Subsection (b) of
section 2031, as redesignated by subsection (b)(1), and
subsection (d) of section 2033, as so redesignated, are
amended by striking ``December 31, 2001'' and inserting
``December 31, 2006''.
(g) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is
amended by striking the item relating to subchapter VII and
the items relating to sections 1771, 1772, 1773, and 1774.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 37 is
amended--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 3735; and
(B) by striking the item relating to subchapter VI and the
items relating to sections 3771, 3772, 3773, 3774, and 3775.
(3) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 4111.
SEC. 6. EVALUATION OF HOMELESS PROGRAMS.
(a) Evaluation Centers.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall support the continuation within the Department of
Veterans Affairs of at least one center for evaluation to
monitor the structure, process, and outcome of programs of
the Department of Veterans Affairs that address homeless
veterans.
(b) Annual Program Assessment.--Section 2034(b), as
transferred and redesignated by section 5(b)(1), is amended--
(1) by inserting ``annual'' in paragraph (1) after ``to
make an''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) The Secretary shall review each annual assessment
under this subsection and shall consolidate the findings and
conclusions of those assessments into an annual report to be
submitted to Congress.''.
[[Page H6819]]
SEC. 7. STUDY OF OUTCOME EFFECTIVENESS OF GRANT PROGRAM FOR
HOMELESS VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct
a study of the effectiveness during fiscal year 2002 through
fiscal year 2004 of the grant program under section 2061 of
title 38, United States Code, as added by section 5(a), in
meeting the needs of homeless veterans with special needs (as
specified in that section). As part of the study, the
Secretary shall compare the results of programs carried out
under that section, in terms of veterans' satisfaction,
health status, reduction in addiction severity, housing, and
encouragement of productive activity, with results for
similar veterans in programs of the Department or of grant
and per diem providers that are designed to meet the general
needs of homeless veterans.
(b) Report.--Not later than March 31, 2005, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives a report setting forth
the results of the study under subsection (a).
SEC. 8. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMATIC EXPANSIONS.
(a) Access to Mental Health Services.--Section 1706 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) The Secretary shall develop standards to ensure that
mental health services are available to veterans in a manner
similar to the manner in which primary care is available to
veterans who require services by ensuring that each primary
care health care facility of the Department has a mental
health treatment capacity.''.
(b) Comprehensive Homeless Services Program.--Subsection
(b) of section 2033, as transferred and redesignated by
section 5(b)(1), is amended--
(1) by striking ``not fewer'' in the first sentence and all
that follows through ``services) at''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The
Secretary shall carry out the program under this section in
sites in at least each of the 20 largest metropolitan
statistical areas.''.
(c) Opioid Substitution Therapy.--Section 1720A is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) The Secretary shall ensure that opioid substitution
therapy is available at each Department medical center.''.
SEC. 9. COORDINATION OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.
(a) Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program.--Section 4103A(c)
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) Coordination of services provided to veterans with
training assistance provided to veterans by entities
receiving financial assistance under section 2021 of this
title.''.
(b) Local Veterans' Employment Representatives.--Section
4104(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(13) Coordinate services provided to veterans with
training assistance for veterans provided by entities
receiving financial assistance under section 2021 of this
title.''.
SEC. 10. USE OF REAL PROPERTY.
(a) Limitation on Declaring Property Excess to the Needs of
the Department.--Section 8122(d) is amended by inserting
before the period at the end the following: ``and is not
suitable for use for the provision of services to homeless
veterans by the Department or by another entity under an
enhanced-use lease of such property under section 8162 of
this title''.
(b) Waiver of Competitive Selection Process for Enhanced-
Use Leases for Properties Used To Serve Homeless Veterans.--
Section 8162(b)(1) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(b)(1)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) In the case of a property that the Secretary
determines is appropriate for use as a facility to furnish
services to homeless veterans under chapter 20 of this title,
the Secretary may enter into an enhanced-use lease without
regard to the selection procedures required under
subparagraph (A).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (b)
shall apply to leases entered into on or after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 11. MEETINGS OF INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESS.
Section 202(c) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 11312(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Meetings.--The Council shall meet at the call of its
Chairperson or a majority of its members, but not less often
than annually.''.
SEC. 12. RENTAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHERS FOR HUD VETERANS AFFAIRS
SUPPORTED HOUSING PROGRAM.
Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(o)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(19) Rental vouchers for veterans affairs supported
housing program.--
``(A) Set aside.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the
Secretary shall set aside, from amounts made available for
rental assistance under this subsection, the amounts
specified in subparagraph (B) for use only for providing such
assistance through a supported housing program administered
in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such
program shall provide rental assistance on behalf of homeless
veterans who have chronic mental illnesses or chronic
substance use disorders, shall require agreement of the
veteran to continued treatment for such mental illness or
substance use disorder as a condition of receipt of such
rental assistance, and shall ensure such treatment and
appropriate case management for each veteran receiving such
rental assistance.
``(B) Amount.--The amount specified in this subparagraph
is--
``(i) for fiscal year 2003, the amount necessary to provide
500 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection;
``(ii) for fiscal year 2004, the amount necessary to
provide 1,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this
subsection;
``(iii) for fiscal year 2005, the amount necessary to
provide 1,500 vouchers for rental assistance under this
subsection; and
``(iv) for fiscal year 2006, the amount necessary to
provide 2,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this
subsection.
``(C) Funding through incremental assistance.--In any
fiscal year, to the extent that this paragraph requires the
Secretary to set aside rental assistance amounts for use
under this paragraph in an amount that exceeds that set aside
in the preceding fiscal year, such requirement shall be
effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are or
have been provided in appropriation Acts for such fiscal year
for incremental rental assistance under this subsection.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there
are 225,000 homeless veterans living on the streets on any given night.
Other organizations, VSOs, believe that the number is higher, closer to
300,000. Either number is far, far too high and a national travesty.
For these veterans, access to VA benefits, specialized services and
effective outreach are vital components to any hope of individual
stability and improvement in their prospects. The legislation before
the House today, H.R. 2716, is designed to provide assistance to these
men and women, with a national goal of ending chronic homelessness
among veterans within 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, legislation is about more than programs and regulations;
it is about real people. Let me spend just a moment describing to the
House the remarkable life of one, just one, but a very, very important
guy, who had his life changed because of the VA. It made a major
difference in his life.
Stuart Alan Collick is a 39-year-old veteran from my State of New
Jersey. Last month he appeared before the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs to tell his story. Stuart joined the all-volunteer army at the
age of 23 and told us he could not think of any higher calling than to
serve his country, and he did it with distinction. Stuart had combat
service in Grenada, and later distinguished himself as an infantryman
in the Persian Gulf War. He holds the Army Service Ribbon with three
Oak Leaf Clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Ribbon, three Bronze
Stars, and three Good Conduct Medals, and the Combat Infantryman's
Badge, among other official recognition. He served, as I said, with
distinction; and he did his duty.
But, as you know, combat is an extremely unpleasant and a very
terrible experience for many and leaves scars that sometimes do not
heal. Mr. Collick left the Army in 1992 a disillusioned man and he
began drinking, and then he turned to hard drug use. Within 5 years of
discharge, he had lost his job, his family and his home, and was on the
streets. His life, like that of many other homeless addicted veterans,
was in chaos.
Last year, Mr. Collick found the VA Homeless Assistance Program of
New Jersey. With the VA's help and with his faith, he turned his life
around, finding new ways to cope. He found a job and his own apartment.
He developed new friendships and reestablished relationships with his
family, which had been severed.
Today Mr. Collick is working as a carpenter and a foreman on the VA's
veterans construction team at Lyons, New Jersey, helping to build a
commercial greenhouse and teaching other veterans how to build
something positive, showing them by his own personal example that there
is hope. Today Mr. Collick is a role model. He is an inspiration to his
fellow veterans in early recovery and drawing strength from his
[[Page H6820]]
own experiences in the Army and in his life.
This is what this bill is all about. The VA's construction project is
a plan of the innovative leader of New Jersey's Homeless Assistance
Program for Veterans, John Kuhn, who also testified at our hearing and
is doing a magnificent job; and he testified with a few other veterans
who, likewise, told their stories of being down at the bottom, but
finding hope and finding that lifesaver from the VA.
Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to pinpoint any one cause of
homelessness among our veterans. Readjustment problems are often
associated with direct exposure to combat, such as Mr. Collick's case,
and that of thousands, tens of thousands, of others like him, who
returned to a seemingly uncaring society.
Also we know that the majority of homeless veterans suffer from
mental illness, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Illegal
substance abuse often complicates their situations. Some have even
served time in jail.
A veteran with an impaired mental state often loses the ability to
maintain stable employment. Absent employment, it eventually becomes
difficult to maintain any type of permanent housing. The vicious cycle
can only accelerate once employment and housing are lost. The absence
of these two important anchors, employment and housing, is a precursor
for increased utilization of medical resources and emergency rooms, VA
and other public hospitals, and, unfortunately, the resources of
America's courtrooms, jails and prisons as well.
That is why our legislation takes a comprehensive and multifaceted
approach to addressing chronic homelessness among veterans,
concentrating the resources of Federal agencies in this campaign. For
example, H.R. 2716 authorizes 2,000 additional HUD section 8 low-income
housing vouchers phased in over 4 years for homeless veterans in need
of permanent housing. These veterans must be enrolled in the VA health
care, and priority will be given to veterans under care for mental
illnesses or substance abuse disorders. This is a modest proposal that,
if successful, I hope will be increased substantially going forward
into the future.
H.R. 2617 also authorizes $10 million over 2 years for 10 new
Domiciliary for Homeless Veterans programs. These programs, like the
one at Lyons, New Jersey, helped Stuart Collick. Again, it was his
lifeline; and they have proven to be highly effective, and we need to
have more.
The bill improves and expands the VA's homeless grant and per diem
program. Currently, recipients of these funds are already contributing
substantially to the fulfillment of this bill's objective, to reduce
homelessness and provide for the special needs of homeless veterans.
This bill authorizes $285 million over 4 years for that program. It
also provides a new mechanism for setting per diem payment so it will
be adjusted on a regular basis.
Working, as we all know, is an important key to helping homeless
veterans rejoin American society, but employment is not possible unless
a veteran has access to quality medical care and other supportive
services. Safe and drug-free housing is equally important.
The Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program was
designed to put homeless veterans back into the labor force. H.R. 2716
extends and increases the authorization level to $250 million over 5
years for this very effective program.
As I indicated, prevention of homelessness among veterans is an
important objective of our bill. H.R. 2716 authorizes a demonstration
program to learn whether earlier intervention can prevent homelessness
among formerly institutionalized veterans. The program would be carried
out at six demonstration sites, one of which would be with the Bureau
of Prisons facilities. The purpose of this program is to provide
incarcerated veterans with referral and counseling about job training,
housing, health care and other needs determined necessary to assist the
veteran in transition from institutionalized living to civil life.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the highlights of our
comprehensive bill, the Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless
Veterans' Assistance Act. I believe the bill accomplishes several very
important and interrelated goals. It will provide needed assistance to
homeless veterans, lift them to a sustainable level that will prevent
them from returning to a state of homelessness, and help them to become
self-sufficient individuals who are accountable for their own actions.
This bill will also hold all grant and contract recipients
accountable for performing their promised services in exchange for
government investments and promote a greater opportunity to work across
Departments to provide the best possible service for our Nation's
homeless veterans. It also sponsors innovative approaches at prevention
of homelessness in high-risk groups within the veterans population.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank my very good
friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the
committee's ranking member, for a bill he introduced earlier, H.R. 936,
to improve Homeless Veterans Assistance Programs. The gentleman and his
staff have worked in good faith with me and my staff in fashioning a
bill that is truly a bipartisan bill that has taken many elements that
are out there, made those that are already working hopefully more
responsive, hopefully, and, as this bill would do, provide additional
resources for them. I do hope that this will move through the House and
obviously to the Senate.
Mr. Speaker, I add the following for the Record.
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, October 12, 2001.
Hon. Michael G. Oxley,
Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Rayburn House
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Oxley: Thank you for your letter regarding
your Committee's jurisdictional interest in H.R. 2716, the
``Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans
Assistance Act''.
I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest in
this legislation and appreciate your cooperation in moving
the bill to the House floor expeditiously. I agree that your
decision to forego further action on the bill will not
prejudice the Committee on Financial Services with respect to
its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar
legislation. I will include a copy of your letter and this
response in the Committee's report on the bill and the
Congressional Record when the legislation is considered by
the House.
Thank you again for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Christopher H. Smith,
Chairman.
____
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC, October 11, 2001.
Hon. Christopher H. Smith,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office
Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Smith: I understand that the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs recently ordered H.R. 2716, the Stuart
Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance
Act, reported to the House. As you know, the Committee on
Financial Services was granted an additional referral upon
the bill's introduction pursuant to the Committee's
jurisdiction over housing under rule X of the Rules of the
House of Representatives.
Because of the importance of this matter, I recognize your
desire to bring this legislation before the House in an
expeditious manner and will waive consideration of the bill
by the Financial Services Committee. By agreeing to waive its
consideration of the bill, the Financial Services Committee
does not waive its jurisdiction over H.R. 2716. In addition,
the Committee on Financial Services reserves its authority to
seek conferees on any provisions of the bill that are within
the Financial Services Committee's jurisdiction during any
House-Senate conference that may be convened on this
legislation. I ask your commitment to support any request by
the Committee on Financial Services for conferees on H.R.
2716 or related legislation.
I request that you include this letter and your response as
part of the Congressional Record during consideration of the
legislation on the House floor.
Thank you for your attention to these matters.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Oxley,
Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. EVANS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks, and include extraneous material.)
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I salute the gentleman from New Jersey
(Chairman Smith) as well. He has done excellent work in bringing this
bill about on a very short basis. We know the gentleman has outlined it
pretty well. I
[[Page H6821]]
wanted to just offer a few random thoughts.
Mr. Speaker, we were all horrified by the devastation caused at the
World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, as well as the tragic
loss of innocent life in Pennsylvania which also occurred. Since these
senseless acts of terrorism, our service members have been called to
put their lives on the line once again.
Many of us have paused to take stock of how America treats their
fallen heroes, our veterans. Fortunately, we have a measure before us
today that reflects the appreciation of a grateful Nation. This
bipartisan legislation we brought to the House floor today will benefit
our homeless veterans.
Originally, I had introduced comprehensive homeless veterans
legislation in the 106th Congress. Earlier this year I again introduced
comprehensive legislation, which received the support of more than 130
bipartisan cosponsors, H.R. 936, as its predecessor was named, to honor
the contributions of Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry on behalf
of the homeless veterans in our country.
During her years of service as Miss America, she was an untiring
advocate for our Nation's veterans and succeeded as no one else in
increasing public awareness about this issue. She educated the American
people as a result and gave hope to those in need. She is the daughter
of a combat-wounded veteran whom she accompanied to the VA for his
medical care. Her uncle was also a combat veteran who became homeless
after his service to our Nation. She advocated on behalf of homeless
veterans with sensitivity and compassion, and I thank her for her
contributions.
H.R. 936 addressed some of the most pragmatic hurdles I believe
homeless veterans face in re-attaining optimum independence and
productivity. Many of the building blocks for homeless veterans'
programs are contained in the VA's mental health infrastructure, but
there is not enough vital substance abuse and mental health care
programs to help our veterans on to the path of sobriety and increased
functionality.
I believe that H.R. 2716, as amended, will help us address these
deficits and help balance and improve the VA's program for homeless
veterans.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Filner).
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Evans), for his long years of activity on behalf of
the homeless veterans in this Nation, and the gentleman from New Jersey
(Chairman Smith), who brings his passion to this activity; and when the
gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) brings passion to any area,
he succeeds. I thank the gentleman for bringing his intensity to this
bill and to this issue.
Mr. Speaker, it is disgraceful that in this Nation, 250,000 to
350,000 veterans are on the street every night; people who have served
this country, men and women who have risked their lives here and abroad
to give our Nation freedom, and yet, for a variety of reasons, they are
homeless tonight.
It is a disgrace that this Nation allows this to occur, and it is
especially a disgrace that as we are moving more men and women into
harm's way, as we fight this war of the 21st century, we have their
forbears on the street and not able to participate fully in American
life.
{time} 1630
We know we can change this situation.
Many of my colleagues have been to what is referred to as stand-downs
around the Nation. The first one happened in my hometown of San Diego
in 1987 and I have been at every one of them since. The first 10 or so
stand-downs that I went to were immensely moving. What we saw is that
people who had been fearful and without any kind of roots in the
community were able to come together, be together for 3 days, and the
whole community was supporting them and brought in resources that
allowed them to be human beings again, and it gave them the resources,
in fact, to take and become part of society once more. There was legal
advice. There was medical advice. There was job counseling. There were
dentists. There were clothes. There was food. There was mental health
counseling, drug abuse counseling. But, most of all, there was
fellowship and comradeship, and the sense that these, our Nation's
veterans, can be cared for once the community decided to do so.
Well, I went to those stand-downs for a decade, moved by the results
and moved by the stories that I heard, but then I said, we have learned
from these stand-downs that we can solve the problem. For 3 days we
have given these men and women something to hope for and something to
share and a way out of their predicament, but what happens to the other
362 days? Why does this country not care for those veterans, our
veterans, the other 362 days? I said, I am tired of going to stand-
downs. What we have to do as a Nation is bring all of those programs
together and deal with these heroes of our society.
That is what the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs is
attempting to do with this bill, and that is what the ranking member,
the gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Evans), with his contributions and
his original bill, have attempted to do. They have attempted to bring
the different programs together that we know work around medical care,
around housing, around job development, around substance abuse and
alcohol counseling but, most of all, around the concept that this
Nation is not going to let veterans languish on the streets of our
country. We have had enough of this. As we are sending new folks into
battle, and as we are creating new veterans, we cannot forget the
quarter of a million, the 350,000 that are on the streets tonight.
So this bill is a step, a major step, a big step in the direction of
bringing those programs together and telling the Nation that we are
going to get rid of this problem. I hope that this bill does not become
just a bill that authorizes some programs, that this is a bill that is
funded, fully funded to take care of people who have taken care of us.
We can no longer tolerate this in America. I ask my colleagues not only
to pass this bill, but to fight in the appropriations process for money
and to take any step that must be taken after this to address the
issues that we know have to be addressed.
Mr. Speaker, this is not rocket science. We know what to do. We know
how to bring the resources together. The community does that in San
Diego and virtually in every major city and other small towns across
this country during the stand-downs. Let us make this bill a stand-down
for 365 days a year where veterans of our Nation, the heroes of our
Nation, can get the help they need and return to our society as
productive members. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Evans). We are going to take care of our heroes.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute, just
to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for his kind
remarks and also to make note that the gentleman from Kansas (Mr.
Moran), the chairman of our Subcommittee on Health, was very, very
helpful in crafting this legislation. He is not here today because he
is at the White House, or he would be here.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), a member of the committee and a Vietnam
veteran himself.
(Mr. SIMMONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full and complete support of the
Homeless Veterans Assistance Act. First and foremost, this is a
bipartisan bill. I think that is incredibly important. During
consideration of this bill and its various parts within the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs, there were some occasional disagreements, but
these were all resolved on a bipartisan basis and all of the various
elements of this bill came together so that when this bill ultimately
was marked up and reported out of committee, my recollection is that it
was unanimous and in fact, I am certain it was unanimous. I think that
is an important part of why this is a good bill and why this bill
deserves our support.
I believe that all bills dealing with veterans should be bipartisan,
because their service to their country is not based on a partisan
consideration.
[[Page H6822]]
When you are in the field, when you are on the frontline, when you are
in a foxhole, when you are flying an airplane, when you are on an
aircraft carrier or submarine, you do not ask the party affiliation of
your comrade in arms. It does not matter. What matters is that you are
serving a great Nation and you should be rewarded for your service
because you did serve a great Nation, and that should be bipartisan.
I will also note that this bill, in addressing the issue of
homelessness, sets a national goal to eliminate homelessness among
veterans in 10 years, in 10 years. I think that is an important goal,
and I think that is a goal that we should work towards.
It also provides veterans and homeless veterans, especially those
with mental issues, priority when it comes to the benefits of this
bill. I think that is a very important thing to consider. I left
Vietnam in 1972. My last tour in Vietnam ended in 1972. That was almost
30 years ago. Here we are 30 years later, and there are still Vietnam
veterans on the streets of our cities homeless in our communities
across this country. Thirty years after the war is over, and there are
still homeless veterans.
The problem is that the issue of homelessness with veterans goes
beyond simply providing a house, a place to live, a structure. One
cannot be happy in a house if one is not happy in one's own heart or in
one's own head. For many of these veterans, we have to get to the
issues of their heart and their head before we can find a home for
them.
That is exactly what this legislation does. It partners the veteran
with people in various bureaucracies, various elements of the
administration, various aspects of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
so that this veteran can actually come home in his heart and in his
head to a home.
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I thank the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of our committee,
and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member, and
the members of the committee for their fine work on this bill.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume just to conclude.
At the end of every movie we always see a list of credits, and they
are the people really, not just the director or even the actor or
actress that makes that movie, it is that cast of people that really do
the nuts and bolts work of any movie. Well, the same goes for
legislation. I think every one of us are very well aware how important
staff is, and I just want to say how grateful I am to the
professionalism and the competence and, above all, the compassion of
our very fine staff. It is a bipartisan staff headed up by Pat Ryan,
our Chief Counsel and Chief of Staff; John Bradley, Kimberly Cowins,
Greg Carmichael, Kingston Smith, Jeannie McNally, Summer Larson, Darryl
Kehrer, Paige McManus, Peter Dickenson, Devon Seibert, Jerry Tan and
Art Wu, and the ranking member's staff, including Mike Dunishin and
Susan Edgerton, all of whom played major roles in crafting this
legislation. I want to express my sincerest gratitude.
Mr. Speaker, this truly is a bipartisan bill. We really want to end
the horrific tragedy of homelessness for our veterans, end it for
everyone, but first and foremost, those who served this country.
Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, the homeless assistance bill before
the House today is a bipartisan product. The Committee has combined the
best elements of the Chairman's bill, H.R. 2716, the Homeless Veterans
Assistance Act of 2001, with those of Mr. Evans' bill, H.R. 936, and I
believe our efforts will make a major impact in stemming homelessness
in the veteran population.
This legislation incorporates accountability, innovation, prevention,
and funding programs that work to reduce homelessness. I believe these
are the right tools, and this is the right moment, for us to make a
concerted effort to help our homeless veterans.
I want to thank Mr. Filner and Mr. Evans for their excellent work to
bring this consensus bill to the House floor today. I congratulate the
Chairman of our full Committee, Ranking Member Evans and other Members
who have worked on this bill for their substantial contribution to an
effort to finally solve this vexing problem. The latest count of
homeless veterans totals over 225,000. Those of us who are comfortable
in our lives have no idea how horrible these veterans lives are. Access
to VA benefits, specialized services and effective outreach are vital
components to any hope these individuals have in changing their lives.
This bill can help our country's veterans return to a state of self-
sufficiency, accountable for their own actions, with life skills to
cope. Our goal is to eliminate chronic homelessness among veterans
within ten years. By voting for this bill we take the first step in
obtaining our goal of reducing our homeless veteran population. Also,
some of our efforts may serve as models for homeless assistance
programs for others.
Mr. Speaker, our veterans cannot wait any longer for us to take
action on this problem. Homeless veterans need assistance today; they
need our help. Please support this measure.
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H.R. 2716, the James Drappeaux-Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry
Homeless Veterans Assistance Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this
measure and I would like to thank Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Evans,
and my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee for their hard work
on this importannt legislation.
For far too long, too many of the men and women who have served in
our nation's military have been homeless. It is a sad fact that an
estimated 225,000 veterans throughout the United States live on the
streets. That is why I am pleased today to support the passage of H.R.
2716, which is a critical step in addressing this shameful situation in
our country. Among several other provisions included in this bill, H.R.
2716 authorizes 2,000 additional HUD section 8 low-income housing
vouchers over 4 years for homeless veterans, establishes a grant
program for homeless veterans with special needs, and establishes a
limited dental provision for veterans using VA homeless programs. In
addition, H.R. 2716 establishes evaluation centers for programs that
serve homeless populations and requires annual program assessments to
be submitted to Congress. These are just a few of the many critical
provisions in H.R. 2716 that will help eliminate the problem of chronic
homelessness among veterans. I ask my colleagues to join me in support
of this important legislation for the men and women who have sacrificed
so much in defense of liberty and democracy.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2716,
the Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2001. I urge my colleagues to
join in supporting this timely appropriate legislation.
This legislation authorizes, in addition to the current existing
program, 500 Department of Housing and Urban Development low-income
housing vouchers per year for the next 4 years. Along with this, the
bill also requires the Veterans Health Administration to increase the
number of caseworkers so that all veterans who receive such a housing
voucher can be seen by a case manager.
The legislation also requires the VA to ensure the accuracy of its
reporting system on: the demand for services by homeless veterans, the
level of understanding among grant recipients of their responsibility
to serve homeless veterans, and the development of an evaluation system
to analyze the progress of veterans enrolled in the program, and on the
overall effectiveness of the various homeless programs. The Secretary
is also given the authority to rescind or recover homeless grant funds
from those programs that fail to meet their established guidelines for
using such money with relation to offering services to homeless
veterans.
In terms of specific funding, the bill provides $60 million for
fiscal year 2002 for the Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Grant
and Per Diem Program, and raises this amount to $75 million for fiscal
years 2003-2005. Moreover, it also directs the VA Secretary to
establish 10 new domiciliary for homeless veterans programs, and
authorizes $5 million per year for this purpose beginning in 2003.
Finally, the legislation strengthens and expands job training and
counseling services offered through the Department of Labor's Homeless
Veterans Reintegration Program. Additional services are authorized
through the creation of a demonstration project in six locations for
veterans in institutional confinement, particularly those with
substance abuse problems or mental illnesses. These services are
designed to facilitate the successful reintegration of the veteran into
productive society.
The issue of homeless veterans is one of our Government's more
significant failures with regards to military and social policy. Every
night thousands of veterans sleep on the streets or inside shelters.
Additionally, many of these individuals have criminal records,
substance abuse problems, and are often mentally ill.
Simply put, this is inexcusable. These veterans answered their
country's call to service
[[Page H6823]]
in their prime years. We as a nation have an obligation to these men
and women to ensure that they at least have a roof over their heads,
and whatever assistance they may require to deal with the demons of
mental illness or substance abuse. This bill takes a significant step
toward this goal. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to lend it their
wholehearted support.
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to thank our distinguished
chairman and ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee for
crafting this bipartisan legislation that targets the specialized needs
of a often-neglected population within the veterans community--the
homeless--which has very little access to services. Last year, the VA
issued a report on homeless veterans. It found that during 1999 there
were an estimated 344,983 homeless veterans, an increase of 34 percent
above the 1998 estimate. Many of our homeless veterans suffer from post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses in addition
to drug addiction. Unfortunately, the VA has cut the number of
inpatient beds in half.
Many have argued, and the committee has heard testimony to this
effect, that the lack of inpatient beds has adversely affected the
quality of care for veterans who suffer from substance abuse, many of
whom are homeless. The VA admitted during a hearing that they have not
met 1996 capacity requirements for substance abuse. So while I'm happy
H.R. 2716 authorizes more resources for homeless programs and promotes
greater accountability and oversight for these programs, I have
concerns with some of VA's policies, which may hinder implementation.
In particular, the VA's move from inpatient hospital settings to
community based clinics may have unintentionally turned homeless
veterans away from treatment. Therefore, I hope this legislation will
enable the VA to better serve this population through aggressive
outreach efforts and to render much-needed services as quickly as
possible.
The events of the past month have reminded us that our Nation's peace
and security must be protected at any cost. Those men and women who
answer the call to defend our democracy when it is under attack should
be assured that we will take care of them during their time of crisis.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 2716, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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