[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 9, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H10074-H10081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
VETERANS HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2005
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 3665) to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide adaptive housing
assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned
by a family member and to make direct housing loans to Native American
veterans, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 3665
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans
Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Sec. 101. Adaptive housing assistance for disabled veterans residing
temporarily in housing owned by family member.
Sec. 102. Permanent authority to make direct housing loans to Native
American veterans.
Sec. 103. Extension of eligibility for direct loans for Native American
veterans to a veteran who is the spouse of a Native
American.
Sec. 104. Terminology amendments to revise references to certain
veterans in provisions relating to eligibility for
compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.
TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. Extension of operation of the President's National Hire
Veterans Committee.
Sec. 202. Additional duty for the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training to raise awareness of
skills of veterans and of the benefits of hiring
veterans.
Sec. 203. Modifications to the Advisory Committee on Veterans
Employment and Training.
TITLE III--HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
Sec. 301. Reauthorization of appropriations for Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS
Sec. 401. Technical and clarifying amendments to new traumatic injury
protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance.
Sec. 402. Technical and clerical amendments.
TITLE I--HOUSING ASSISTANCE
SEC. 101. ADAPTIVE HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED VETERANS
RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY FAMILY
MEMBER.
(a) Assistance Authorized.--Chapter 21 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2102 the
following new section:
``Sec. 2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in
housing owned by family member
``(a) In the case of a disabled veteran who is described in
subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title and
who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside,
in a residence owned by a member of such veteran's family,
the Secretary may assist the veteran in acquiring such
adaptations to such residence as are determined by the
Secretary to be reasonably necessary because of the veteran's
disability.
``(b) The assistance authorized under subsection (a) may
not exceed--
``(1) $10,000, in the case of a veteran described in
section 2101(a)(2) of this title; or
``(2) $2,000, in the case of a veteran described in section
2101(b)(2) of this title.
``(c) The assistance authorized by subsection (a) shall be
limited in the case of any veteran to one residence.
``(d) Assistance under this section shall be provided in
accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may
prescribe.
``(e) No assistance may be provided under this section
after the end of the five-year period that begins on the date
of the enactment of the Veterans Housing and Employment
Improvement Act of 2005.''.
(b) Limitations on Adaptive Housing Assistance.--Section
2102 of such title is amended--
(1) in the matter in subsection (a) preceding paragraph
(1)--
(A) by striking ``shall be limited in the case of any
veteran to one housing unit, and necessary land therefor,
and''; and
(B) by striking ``veteran but shall not exceed $50,000 in
any one case--'' and inserting ``veteran--''; and
[[Page H10075]]
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a
veteran under sections 2101(a) and 2102A of this title shall
be limited to $50,000.
``(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a
veteran under sections 2101(b) and 2102A of this title shall
be limited to $10,000.
``(3) No veteran may receive more than three grants of
assistance under this chapter.''.
(c) Coordination of Administration of Benefits.--Chapter 21
of such title is further amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 2107. Coordination of administration of benefits
``The Secretary shall provide for the coordination of the
administration of programs to provide specially adapted
housing that are administered by the Under Secretary for
Health and such programs that are administered by the Under
Secretary for Benefits under this chapter, chapter 17, and
chapter 31 of this title.''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter of such title is amended--
(1) by inserting after the item relating to section 2102
the following new item:
``2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing owned
by family member.'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new item:
``2107. Coordination of administration of benefits.''.
(e) GAO Reports.--(1) Not later than three years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General
shall submit to Congress an interim report on the
implementation by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of
section 2102A of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a).
(2) Not later than five years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit
to Congress a final report on the implementation of such
section.
SEC. 102. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO MAKE DIRECT HOUSING LOANS TO
NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS.
(a) Permanent Authority.--Section 3761 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``establish and implement a pilot program
under which the Secretary may'' in the first sentence; and
(B) by striking ``shall establish and implement the pilot
program'' in the third sentence and inserting ``shall make
such loans'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``In carrying out the
pilot program under this subchapter, the'' and inserting
``The''; and
(3) by striking subsection (c).
(b) Reports.--Section 3762(j) of such title is amended to
read as follows:
``(j) The Secretary shall include as part of the annual
report required by section 529 of this title and as part of
any annual benefits report of the Veterans Benefits
Administration information concerning the cost and number of
loans provided under this subchapter for each fiscal year.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 3762 of such title is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``under this
subchapter'' after ``to a Native American veteran'';
(B) in subsection (b)(1)(E), by striking ``the pilot
program established under this subchapter is implemented''
and inserting ``loans under this subchapter are made'';
(C) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``carry out the
pilot program under this subchapter in a manner that
demonstrates the advisability of making direct housing
loans'' in the second sentence and inserting ``make direct
housing loans under this subchapter'';
(D) in subsection (i)--
(i) by striking ``the pilot program provided for under this
subchapter and'' in paragraph (1);
(ii) by striking ``under the pilot program and in assisting
such organizations and veterans in participating in the pilot
program'' in paragraph (2)(A) and inserting ``under this
subchapter and in assisting such organizations and veterans
with respect to such housing benefits''; and
(iii) by striking ``in participating in the pilot program''
in paragraph (2)(E) and inserting ``with respect to such
benefits''.
(2) Section 8(b) of the Veterans Home Loan Program
Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-547; 38 U.S.C. 3761 note)
is repealed.
(d) Establishment of Maximum Amount of Loans.--Section
3762(c)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(B) The'' and inserting ``(B)(i) Subject
to clause (ii), the''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ii) The amount of a loan made by the Secretary under
this subchapter may not exceed the maximum loan amount
authorized for loans guaranteed under section 3703(a)(1)(C)
of this title.''.
(e) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(1)(A) of section
3762 of such title is amended by inserting ``veteran'' after
``Native American''.
(f) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter V of
chapter 37 of such title is amended to read as follows:
``SUBCHAPTER V--DIRECT HOUSING LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS''.
(2) Section heading.--The heading for section 3761 of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3761. Direct housing loans to Native American
veterans; program authority''.
(3) Section heading.--The heading for section 3762 of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3762. Direct housing loans to Native American
veterans; program administration''.
(4) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking
the items relating to subchapter V and sections 3761 and 3762
and inserting the following new items:
``Subchapter V--Direct Housing Loans for Native American Veterans
``3761. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
authority.
``3762. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
administration.''.
SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR DIRECT LOANS FOR
NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS TO A VETERAN WHO IS
THE SPOUSE OF A NATIVE AMERICAN.
(a) Extension.--Subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 3764 as section 3765; and
(2) by inserting after section 3763 the following new
section:
``Sec. 3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans
``(a) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this section,
for purposes of this subchapter--
``(1) a qualified non-Native American veteran is deemed to
be a Native American veteran; and
``(2) for purposes of applicability to a non-Native
American veteran, any reference in this subchapter to the
jurisdiction of a tribal organization over a Native American
veteran is deemed to be a reference to jurisdiction of a
tribal organization over the Native American spouse of the
qualified non-Native American veteran.
``(b) In making direct loans under this subchapter to a
qualified non-Native American veteran by reason of
eligibility under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure
that the tribal organization permits, and the qualified non-
Native American veteran actually holds, possesses, or
purchases, using the proceeds of the loan, jointly with the
Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American
veteran, a meaningful interest in the lot, dwelling, or both,
that is located on trust land.
``(c) Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed as
precluding a tribal organization from imposing reasonable
restrictions on the right of the qualified non-Native
American veteran to convey, assign, or otherwise dispose of
such interest in the lot or dwelling, or both, if such
restrictions are designed to ensure the continuation in trust
status of the lot or dwelling, or both. Such requirements may
include the termination of the interest of the qualified non-
Native American veteran in the lot or dwelling, or both, upon
the dissolution of the marriage of the qualified non-Native
American veteran to the Native American spouse.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3765 of such title, as
redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(5) The term `qualified non-Native American veteran'
means a veteran who--
``(A) is the spouse of a Native American, but
``(B) is not a Native American.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 3764 and inserting the following
new items:
``3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans.
``3765. Definitions.''.
SEC. 104. TERMINOLOGY AMENDMENTS TO REVISE REFERENCES TO
CERTAIN VETERANS IN PROVISIONS RELATING TO
ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION OR DEPENDENCY AND
INDEMNITY COMPENSATION.
Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 1114(l) is amended by striking ``so helpless''
and inserting ``with such significant disabilities''.
(2) Section 1114(m) is amended by striking ``so helpless''
and inserting ``so significantly disabled''.
(3) Sections 1115(1)(E)(ii), 1122(b)(2), 1311(c)(2),
1315(g)(2), and 1502(b)(2) are amended by striking ``helpless
or blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to'' and
inserting ``blind, or so nearly blind or significantly
disabled as to''.
TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF OPERATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S NATIONAL
HIRE VETERANS COMMITTEE.
(a) One-Year Extension.--Subsection (f) of section 6 of the
Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288; 116 Stat. 2048) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``60 days'' and inserting ``not later than
60 days''; and
(2) by striking ``on December 31, 2005'' and inserting
``not later than December 31, 2006''.
(b) Additional Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection
(g) of such section is amended by striking ``2005'' and
inserting ``2006''.
(c) Additional Report.--Subsection (e) of such section is
amended by striking ``and 2005,'' and inserting ``2005, and
2006,''.
SEC. 202. ADDITIONAL DUTY FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF
LABOR FOR VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING TO
RAISE AWARENESS OF SKILLS OF VETERANS AND OF
THE BENEFITS OF HIRING VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 4102A of title
38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(8) With advice and assistance from the Advisory
Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer
Outreach established
[[Page H10076]]
under section 4110 of this title, furnish information to
employers (through meetings in person with hiring executives
of corporations and otherwise) with respect to the training
and skills of veterans and disabled veterans, and the
advantages afforded employers by hiring veterans with such
training and skills, and to facilitate employment of veterans
and disabled veterans through participation in labor
exchanges (Internet-based and otherwise), and other means.''.
(b) Transition Plan.--(1) The Secretary of Labor, acting
through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
Employment and Training, shall develop a plan for the
transition of the assumption of certain duties and functions
of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee by the
Assistant Secretary in carrying out section 4102A(b)(8) of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Such plan shall include the identification of the activities
and operations of the Committee that the Assistant Secretary
determines should be continued or expanded.
(2) Not later than July 1, 2006, the Secretary shall
transmit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and House of Representatives the transition plan developed
under paragraph (1).
SEC. 203. MODIFICATIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.
(a) Committee Name.--(1) Subsection (a)(1) of section 4110
of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking
``Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training''
and inserting ``Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment,
Training, and Employer Outreach''.
(2) The heading of such section is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment,
Training, and Employer Outreach''.
(3) The item relating to section 4110 in the table of
sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of such title is
amended to read as follows:
``4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and
Employer Outreach.''.
(4) Any reference to the Advisory Committee established
under section 4110 of such title in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States shall
be considered to be a reference to the Advisory Committee on
Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach.
(b) Expansion of Duties of the Committee.--Subsection
(a)(2) of such section is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their
integration into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E);
and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(C) assist the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans
Employment and Training in carrying out outreach activities
to employers with respect to the training and skills of
veterans and the advantages afforded employers by hiring
veterans;
``(D) make recommendations to the Secretary, through the
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment and
Training, with respect to outreach activities and the
employment and training of veterans; and''.
(c) Modification of Committee Membership.--(1) Subsection
(c)(1) of such section is amended to read as follows:
``(c)(1) The Secretary of Labor shall appoint at least 12,
but no more than 15, individuals to serve as members of the
advisory committee as follows:
``(A) Six individuals, one each from among representatives
nominated by each of the following organizations:
``(i) The National Society of Human Resource Managers.
``(ii) The Business Roundtable.
``(iii) The National Association of State Workforce
Agencies.
``(iv) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
``(v) The National Federation of Independent Business.
``(vi) A nationally recognized labor union or organization.
``(B) Not more than five individuals from among
representatives nominated by veterans service organizations
that have a national employment program.
``(C) Not more than five individuals who are recognized
authorities in the fields of business, employment, training,
rehabilitation, or labor and who are not employees of the
Department of Labor.''.
(2) Subsection (d) of such section is amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (8), (10), (11), and
(12); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and (9) as
paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively.
(d) Reinstatement and Modification of Reporting
Requirement.--Subsection (f)(1) of such section is amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
following: ``Notwithstanding section 3003 of Public Law 104-
66, not later than December 31 of each year, the advisory
committee shall submit to the Secretary and to the Committees
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the employment and training needs
of veterans, with special emphasis on disabled veterans, for
the previous fiscal year.'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their
integration into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
(3) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
subparagraphs (C) and (F), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) an assessment of the outreach activities carried out
by the Secretary of Labor to employers with respect to the
training and skills of veterans and the advantages afforded
employers by hiring veterans; ''; and
(6) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as so
redesignated, the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) a description of the activities of the advisory
committee during that fiscal year;
``(E) a description of activities that the advisory
committee proposes to undertake in the succeeding fiscal
year; and''.
TITLE III--HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
SEC. 301. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HOMELESS
VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.
Subsection (e)(1) of section 2021 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through
2009.''.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS
SEC. 401. TECHNICAL AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS TO NEW
TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION COVERAGE UNDER
SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.
(a) Section 1980A.--Section 1980A of title 38, United
States Code, as enacted by section 1032(a)(2) of Public Law
109-13 (119 Stat. 257), is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a) is amended to read as follows:
``(a)(1) A member of the uniformed services who is insured
under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance shall
automatically be insured for traumatic injury in accordance
with this section. Insurance benefits under this section
shall be payable if the member, while so insured, sustains a
traumatic injury that results in a qualifying loss specified
pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
``(2) If a member suffers more than one such qualifying
loss as a result of traumatic injury from the same traumatic
event, payment shall be made under this section in accordance
with the schedule prescribed pursuant to subsection (d) for
the single loss providing the highest payment.''.
(2) Subsection (b) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``issued a'' and all that follows through
``limited to--'' and inserting ``insured against traumatic
injury under this section is insured against such losses due
to traumatic injury (in this section referred to as
`qualifying losses') as are prescribed by the Secretary by
regulation. Qualifying losses so prescribed shall include the
following:'';
(ii) by capitalizing the first letter of the first word of
each of subparagraphs (A) through (H);
(iii) by striking the semicolon at the end of each of
subparagraphs (A) through (F) and inserting a period; and
(iv) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph (G)
and inserting a period;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``subsection--'' and inserting
``subsection:'';
(ii) by striking ``the'' at the beginning of subparagraphs
(A), (B), and (C) and inserting ``The'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``4 limbs;'' and
inserting ``four limbs.'';
(iv) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' at the end
and inserting a period;
(v) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``1 side'' and
inserting ``one side''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) The term `inability to carry out the activities of
daily living' means the inability to independently perform
two or more of the following six functions:
``(i) Bathing.
``(ii) Continence.
``(iii) Dressing.
``(iv) Eating.
``(v) Toileting.
``(vi) Transferring.'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``, in collaboration with the Secretary of
Defense,'';
(ii) by striking ``shall prescribe'' and inserting ``may
prescribe''; and
(iii) by striking ``the conditions under which coverage
against loss will not be provided''; and inserting
``conditions under which coverage otherwise provided under
this section is excluded''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) A member shall not be considered for the purposes of
this section to be a member insured under Servicemembers'
Group Life Insurance if the member is insured under
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance only as an insurable
dependent of another member pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)
or (C)(ii) of section 1967(a)(1) of this title.''.
(3) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:
``(c)(1) A payment may be made to a member under this
section only for a qualifying loss that results directly from
a traumatic injury sustained while the member is covered
against loss under this section and from no other cause.
``(2)(A) A payment may be made to a member under this
section for a qualifying loss resulting from a traumatic
injury only for a loss that is incurred during the applicable
period of time specified pursuant to subparagraph (B).
``(B) For each qualifying loss, the Secretary shall
prescribe, by regulation, a period of time to be the period
of time within which a loss of that
[[Page H10077]]
type must be incurred, determined from the date on which the
member sustains the traumatic injury resulting in that loss,
in order for that loss to be covered under this section. For
quadriplegia, paraplegia, and hemiplegia, the period of time
so prescribed shall be 365 days.''.
(4) Subsection (d) is amended by striking ``losses
described in subsection (b)(1) shall be--'' and all that
follows and inserting ``qualifying losses shall be made in
accordance with a schedule prescribed by the Secretary, by
regulation, specifying the amount of payment to be made for
each type of qualifying loss, to be based on the severity of
the qualifying loss. The minimum payment that may be
prescribed for a qualifying loss is $25,000, and the maximum
payment that may be prescribed for a qualifying loss is
$100,000.''.
(5) Subsection (e) is amended--
(A) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'' each place it
appears;
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking `as the premium
allocable'' and all that follows through ``protection under
this section'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Secretary of the
concerned service'' and inserting ``Secretary concerned'';
and
(D) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) and inserting
the following:
``(6) The cost attributable to insuring members under this
section for any month or other period specified by the
Secretary, less the premiums paid by the members, shall be
paid by the Secretary concerned to the Secretary. The
Secretary shall allocate the amount payable among the
uniformed services using such methods and data as the
Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.
Payments under this paragraph shall be made on a monthly
basis or at such other intervals as may be specified by the
Secretary and shall be made within 10 days of the date on
which the Secretary provides notice to the Secretary
concerned of the amount required.
``(7) For each period for which a payment by a Secretary
concerned is required under paragraph (6), the Secretary
concerned shall contribute such amount from appropriations
available for active duty pay of the uniformed service
concerned.
``(8) The sums withheld from the basic or other pay of
members, or collected from them by the Secretary concerned,
under this subsection, and the sums contributed from
appropriations under this subsection, together with the
income derived from any dividends or premium rate adjustments
received from insurers shall be deposited to the credit of
the revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United
States under section 1869(d)(1) of this title.''.
(6) Subsection (f) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) When a claim for benefits is submitted under this
section, the Secretary of Defense or, in the case of a member
not under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary concerned shall certify to the Secretary whether
the member with respect to whom the claim is submitted--
``(1) was at the time of the injury giving rise to the
claim insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for
the purposes of this section; and
``(2) has sustained a qualifying loss.''.
(7) Subsection (g) of such section is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(g)'';
(B) by striking ``will not be made'' and inserting ``may
not be made under the insurance coverage under this
section'';
(C) by striking ``the period'' and all that follows through
``the date'' and inserting ``a period prescribed by the
Secretary, by regulation, for such purpose that begins on the
date'';
(D) by designating the second sentence as paragraph (2);
(E) by striking ``If the member'' and inserting ``If a
member eligible for a payment under this section'' ;
(F) by striking ``will be'' and inserting ``shall be''; and
(G) by striking ``according to'' and all that follows and
inserting ``to the beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the
payment would be made if the payment were life insurance
under section 1967(a) of this title.''.
(8) Subsection (h) of such section is amended--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``member's
separation from the uniformed services'' and inserting
``termination of the member's duty status in the uniformed
services that established eligibility for Servicemembers'
Group Life Insurance'';
(B) by striking the second sentence; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The
termination of coverage under this section is effective in
accordance with the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any
continuation after the date specified in that sentence of
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage pursuant to
1968(a) of this title for a period specified in that
section.''.
(9) Such section is further amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(j) Regulations under this section shall be prescribed in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Section 1980A of title 38, United
States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall take effect
on December 1, 2005, and (except as provided in subsection
(d)) shall apply with respect to losses resulting from
traumatic injuries incurred on or after that date.
(c) Deadline for Implementing Regulations.--Regulations to
carry out section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by subsection (a), shall be prescribed not later than
December 1, 2005.
(d) Applicability to Prior Qualifying Losses Incurred in
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.--
(1) Eligibility.--A member of the uniformed services who
during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending at
the close of November 30, 2005, sustains a traumatic injury
resulting in a qualifying loss is eligible for coverage for
that loss under section 1980A of title 38, United States
Code, as amended by subsection (a), if, as determined by the
Secretary concerned, that loss was a direct result of a
traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for
Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(2) Certification of persons entitled to payment.--The
Secretary concerned shall certify to the life insurance
company issuing the policy of life insurance for
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance under chapter 19 of
title 38, United States Code, the name and address of each
person who the Secretary concerned determines to be entitled
by reason of paragraph (1) to a payment under section 1980A
of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection
(a), plus such additional information as the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs may require.
(3) Funding.--At the time a certification is made under
paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned, from funds then
available to that Secretary for the pay of members of the
uniformed services under the jurisdiction of that Secretary,
shall pay to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the amount of
funds the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to be
necessary to pay all costs related to payments to be made
under that certification. Amounts received by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs under this paragraph shall be deposited
to the credit of the revolving fund in the Treasury of the
United States established under section 1969(d) of title 38,
United States Code.
(4) Qualifying loss.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term ``qualifying loss'' means--
(A) a loss specified in the second sentence of subsection
(b)(1) of section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by subsection (a); and
(B) any other loss specified by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs pursuant to the first sentence of that subsection.
(e) Funding for First Year of Benefits.--Upon the date
specified in subsection (b), the Secretary concerned shall
pay to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs an amount that is
equivalent to one-half the amount anticipated to be necessary
to pay all costs related to payments to be made under section
1980A of title 38, United States Code, for fiscal year 2006,
effective December 1, 2005. The amount received by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs under this subsection shall be
deposited to the credit of the revolving fund in the Treasury
of the United States established under section 1969(d) of
title 38, United States Code.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the term
``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term in
paragraph (25) of section 101 of title 38, United States
Code.
(g) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1032 of Public Law 109-
13 (119 Stat. 257) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1), including
the amendment that would be made by that paragraph effective
December 1, 2005; and
(2) by striking subsections (c) and (d).
SEC. 402. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.
Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Typographical error.--Section 1117(h)(1) is amended by
striking ``nothwithstanding'' and inserting
``notwithstanding''.
(2) Insertion of missing word.--Section 1513(a) is amended
by inserting ``section'' after ``prescribed by''.
(3) Deletion of extra words.--Section 3012(a)(1)(C)(ii) is
amended by striking ``on or''.
(4) Cross reference correction.--Section 3017(b)(1)(D) is
amended by striking ``3011(c)'' and inserting ``3011(e)''.
(5) Stylistic amendments.--Section 3018A is amended--
(A) by striking ``of this section'' in subsections (b) and
(c);
(B) by striking ``of this subsection'' in subsections
(a)(4), (a)(5), (d)(1) (both places it appears), and (d)(3);
and
(C) by striking ``of this chapter'' in subsection (d)(3)
and inserting ``of this title''.
(6) Cross reference correction.--Section 3117(b)(1) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``section 8'' and inserting ``section
4(b)(1)''; and
(B) by striking ``633(b)'' and inserting ``633(b)(1)''.
(7) Insertion of missing word.--Section 3511(a)(1) is
amended by inserting ``sections'' after ``under both''.
(8) Subsection headings.--
(A) Sections 3461, 3462, 3481, 3565, 3680, and 3690 are
each amended by revising each subsection heading for a
subsection therein (appearing as a centered heading
immediately before the text of the subsection) so that such
heading appears immediately after the subsection designation
and is set forth in capitals-and-small-capitals typeface,
followed by a period and a one-em dash.
(B) Section 3461(c) is amended by inserting after the
subsection designation the following: ``Duration of
Entitlement.--''.
(C) Section 3462 is amended--
(i) in subsection (d), by inserting after the subsection
designation the following: ``Prisoners of War.--''; and
(ii) in subsection (e), by inserting after the subsection
designation the following: ``Termination of Assistance.--''.
(9) Cross reference correction.--Section 3732(c)(10)(D) is
amended by striking ``clause (B) of paragraphs (5), (6), (7),
and (8) of this subsection'' and inserting ``paragraphs
(5)(B), (6), (7)(B), and (8)(B)''.
(10) Date of enactment reference.--Section 3733(a)(7) is
amended by striking ``the date of
[[Page H10078]]
the enactment of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2003'' and
inserting ``December 16, 2003''.
(11) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 4102A is
amended
(A) in subsection (c)(7)--
(i) by striking ``With respect to program years beginning
during or after fiscal year 2004, one percent of'' and
inserting ``Of''; and
(ii) by striking ``for the program year'' and inserting
``for any program year, one percent''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``By not later than
May 7, 2003, the'' and inserting ``The''.
(12) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 4105(b) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``shall provide,'' and all that follows
through ``Affairs with'' and inserting ``shall, on the 15th
day of each month, provide the Secretary and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs with updated information regarding''; and
(B) by striking ``and shall'' and all that follows through
``regarding the list''.
(13) Citation correction.--Section 4110B is amended--
(A) by striking ``this Act'' and inserting ``the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998''; and
(B) by inserting ``(29 U.S.C. 2822(b))'' before the period
at the end.
(14) Cross-reference correction.--Section 4331(b)(2)(C) is
amended by striking ``section 2303(a)(2)(C)(ii)'' and
inserting ``section 2302(a)(2)(C)(ii)''.
(15) Capitalization correction.--Section 7253(d)(5) is
amended by striking ``court'' and inserting ``Court''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to provide adaptive
housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily
in housing owned by a family member, to make certain
improvements in veterans employment assistance programs, and
for other purposes.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) and the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman).
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to commend H.R. 3665, as amended, to the
House for passage. This bill has several goals. First, we want to
provide some flexibility in several VA programs, including the Adapted
Housing Grant program and the Native American Loan program. Second, we
want to protect and institutionalize the taxpayers' investment in the
President's National Hiring Veterans Committee. Third, we want to
reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program for 3 years.
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that many of those wounded in Iraq and
Afghanistan return home with significant disabilities. Many of those
severely disabled servicemembers spend their convalescence at a family
home before moving to their own home when they are well enough to do
so. Under the current rules, VA cannot help adapt those family homes
for their specific disabilities unless the veteran has an ownership
interest in the property. This bill would eliminate the ownership
requirement for a partial grant. Therefore, title I would provide a
partial adaptive housing assistance grant up to $10,000 or $2,000,
depending on the level of disability to veterans residing temporarily
in housing owned by a family member. It would also authorize up to
three specially adaptive housing grants within the allotted maximum
amount.
Madam Speaker, this measure contains several provisions from H.R.
1773, originally introduced by the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee
ranking member, Ms. Herseth. I want to compliment her and her staff for
their hard work on this issue. These provisions would make permanent
the pilot program for housing loans to Native American veterans; extend
the eligibility for Native American loans to certain non-Native
American veterans who have a meaningful interest in the property under
tribal law and are the spouses of a Native American. And finally, this
would adjust the maximum loan to conform with the Freddie Mac limits
similar to other VA loans, currently $59,650.
Madam Speaker, the taxpayers have made a significant investment in
the work of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee, and we
feel strongly that a 1-year extension will allow a proper transition of
the duties and products of the committee to the Veterans Employment and
Training Service of the Department of Labor. Therefore, title II would
extend the committee's work until not later than December 31, 2006.
Transition of its duties to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans Employment and Training require the Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veterans Employment and Training to develop a transition plan
for those duties and modify the membership and duties of the advisory
committee on veterans employment and training to include outreach
activities.
Madam Speaker, we all know that homelessness among the veterans
continues to be a problem. While there is some disagreement about the
total number of homeless veterans needing a job to break the cycle of
homelessness, there is no disagreement that the Homeless Veterans
Reintegration program remains a valuable tool to put homeless veterans
back to work. I want to emphasize that this is an employment program
managed by the Veterans Employment and Training Service of the
Department of Labor, not a housing program. Therefore, title III would
reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program for fiscal
years 2007 through 2009 and retain the maximum authorization of $50
million per year.
Finally, title IV makes technical amendments to the servicemembers
group life insurance legislation as well as clerical and technical
amendments to a number of other sections of title 38.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I want to thank Chairman Buyer, Ranking Member Evans, Subcommittee
Chairman Boozman, and Ranking Member Herseth for bringing this bill to
the floor. Ms. Herseth has been detained at a legislative hearing
before the Resources Committee concerning the bill she has introduced.
I hope that she will be able to join us before the debate on the bill
is completed, but I want to particularly thank her for her input into
this important piece of legislation.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 3665.
As amended, the bill before us would provide greater flexibility to the
VA's Adaptive Housing Grant program. It also includes measures to
extend the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training
Service. The bill also includes language from H.R. 1773, which Ms.
Herseth introduced to make the Native American Veteran Home Loan
program permanent.
Section 102 of the bill would make permanent the Native American
Housing Loan program, currently a pilot program administered by the
Veterans Administration since 1993. The Native American Housing Loan
program has provided more than 443 direct loans nationwide since its
inception. By all accounts, the pilot program has been a great success
and, in fact, currently does not require any government subsidy.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enactment of the
provision would generate savings of $1 million over the next 5 years.
Section 103 of the bill would authorize non-Native American veterans
married to a Native American spouse and living on trust or tribal land
to fully participate in this direct loan program. Because certain
tribal sovereignty rules prohibit ownership interest by nonnative
persons, they have been unable to qualify for this home loan program.
The language in section 103 would make it possible for a nonnative
military member or for a nonnative military member or veteran to
qualify for a VA loan if he or she shares a meaningful interest rather
than an ownership interest with their respective spouse in their home.
Madam Speaker, on this Friday we will celebrate and honor the service
of our Nation's veterans. Hopefully, we will all be in our home
districts attending Veterans Day parades and other activities that we
share with our veterans. As I do so, I am mindful that over 3,000
veterans in Nevada are homeless. Most of them are living on the streets
in Las Vegas. The number of homeless veterans in America is, I am sorry
to say, a national disgrace and simply must be addressed. According to
the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, there are already 400
veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan who have sought
shelter through homeless programs.
[[Page H10079]]
{time} 1415
I strongly support the provision in H.R. 3665 which would reauthorize
appropriations for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program to help
veterans get off the street and working again.
With increased efforts to deny VA benefits and, thereby, health care
to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, I fear that our
efforts to reduce the number of homeless veterans, many who are
suffering from PTSD, may be at risk.
One homeless veteran who recently contacted the VA Committee had a VA
claim pending for PTSD. We learned that because of a perceived pressure
to deny claims, regional office adjudicators were afraid to accept the
veteran's testimony of his Iraq combat experience, an article naming
him and describing the attack, and a statement of his soldier
passenger, who was wounded in the attack, as sufficient credible
evidence of a stressor.
VA officials later acknowledged that the evidence provided by the
veteran met the legal requirements and the claim was approved, finally.
This veteran's story is an example of how severely mentally disabled
veterans are at risk of becoming homeless due to VA policies.
Congress must stop the administration's assault on veterans with
severe PTSD. We must also provide opportunities to those veterans who
are homeless due to their disabilities. H.R. 3665 will do just this.
I appreciate the cooperation of the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
Boozman) in including language I had suggested to eliminate the
obsolete term ``helpless'' from title 38. Although severely disabled
veterans may require significant help with activities of daily life,
characterizing them as helpless is demeaning and, quite frankly,
inaccurate.
The bill under consideration today will benefit our Nation's veterans
and deserves the support of all Members of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Brown), chairman of the Health Subcommittee.
Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for
yielding me time and for his leadership in bringing these bills to the
floor.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3665, the Veterans Housing and Employment
Improvement Act of 2005, provides needed enhancements to veterans'
benefit programs. Specifically, I would like to discuss the provisions
which were contained in H.R. 3279, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration
Program Reauthorization Act of 2005, of which I was an original
cosponsor.
H.R. 3279 was rolled into H.R. 3665 in the full committee markup held
on October 7. This legislation would reauthorize HVRP through fiscal
year 2009. Currently, the authority for this program expires at the end
of fiscal year 2006. This legislation continues the current
authorization for $50 million per year. I am eager for this legislation
to be sent to the President as soon as possible.
The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, or HVRP, is designed to
take the men and women who are probably the most difficult population
of veterans to serve off the streets and return them as productive
contributors to society. It is a tall order and one that presents
unique challenges to both the government and to those who deliver
services to homeless veterans.
HVRP program providers have taken on this difficult task and have
turned HVRP into one of the most successful programs in the Federal
Government. HVRP grantees are taking on the difficult task of breaking
the cycle of homelessness. I urge my colleagues to support this program
and this important legislation.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Guam (Ms. Bordallo).
Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R.
3665, the Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act. This
legislation would permanently authorize a successful and worthy pilot
program, commonly referred to as the Native American Home Loan Program.
Established in 1992 as a 5-year pilot program, Congress has extended
the authority for this loan program on three separate occasions.
Clearly, the program has proven very effective and deserves a permanent
authorization.
Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this program
makes direct loans to Native American veterans who reside on tribal
lands and veterans who reside on land trust properties in the United
States territories, Hawaii and Alaska. We have thousands of veterans on
Guam, many suffering from military-related illnesses. Currently, Madam
Speaker, five veterans from my district of Guam have loan applications
under this program, pending review by the Department.
These loans are for the purchase, renovation, or construction of new
homes. And, as you know, home ownership is also a primary driver for
economic growth of local communities. Affordable housing is important,
very important, for our veterans. Furthermore, home ownership is part
of the American dream.
Permanent authorization will ensure this important lending program
remains an option for veterans who seek to purchase homes. Permanent
authorization of this program will contribute to the growth of our
local community. Permanent authorization will allow veterans to live
the American dream which they have served to defend.
I want to take this opportunity, Madam Speaker, to thank my colleague
from Arkansas, John Boozman; the chairman, Steve Buyer; the ranking
member, Lane Evans; and the hardworking committee for their diligent
work on this legislation. I strongly urge its passage.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the sponsor of the original bill to extend the
operation of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee, and
former chairman of the Veterans' Benefits Subcommittee.
Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Boozman and
Ranking Member Herseth for their work on this piece of legislation.
Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 419, which would authorize the
President's National Hire Veterans Committee through 2008. The bill
before us today, H.R. 3665, not only extends the life of this important
committee, but also provides for its continued operation long into the
future under a new Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment Training
and Employer Outreach.
It is important that we continue to support and fund the work of this
committee which strives to make employers and businesses more aware of
the valuable role that veterans play in the public workforce.
Today's employers do not often realize the wealth of skills possessed
by the men and woman returning from duty in the Armed Forces. Through
the creation of the One Stop Career Centers for veterans and the
development of hirevetsfirst.gov Web site for potential employers, the
President's National Hire Veterans Committee has fostered a vital link
between military and civilian employment.
As Veterans Day approaches many of us take for granted the sacrifices
made by those who defend our Nation. Voting for this bill is a way to
truly show our veterans that we appreciate them and are willing to
support them not only when they are serving our country abroad, but
when they return home as well.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3665 and thank them for their
work on this bill.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
the great State of Hawaii (Mr. Case).
Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I also rise in full support of H.R. 3665,
the Veterans Housing and Improvement Act of 2005, which addresses the
critical housing needs of our Nation's disabled and Native American
veterans.
I also would like to thank Representatives Boozman and Herseth for
their leadership on this legislation and, of course, Veterans Committee
Chair Buyer and Ranking Member Evans for expeditiously bringing this
bill to the House floor.
H.R. 3665, in part, provides permanent authority for the Native
American Direct Home Loan Program and extends eligibility for such loan
to non-Native American spouses of Native Americans living on Native
American trust and tribal lands.
[[Page H10080]]
The Native American Direct Home Loan Program has been a highly
successful veterans effort, particularly in my Hawaii, where it applies
to veterans living on lands held in trust under this Congress' own
Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. The majority of these Hawaiian
homelands in my Second Congressional District on the islands of Oahu,
Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Hawaii, and Lanai.
Since the inception of this program, which was spearheaded by the
great Hawaii Senator Spark Matsunaga, and continued by Senator Daniel
Akaka, native Hawaiian veterans have successfully used this direct home
loan program for their acute housing needs, and I am proud to say with
nominal deficiencies and delinquencies.
Over $20 million has now been approved for over 200 loans in Hawaii,
with 106 loans totaling $7.5 million pending. This is an incredible
help not only with the needs of many veterans who would likely
otherwise be precluded from quality housing, but about Hawaii's overall
housing crisis.
Due to its success over the last 13 years, the Native American Direct
Home Loan Program, which initially started out as a pilot program, was
twice extended by Congress but is currently set to expire on December
31 of this year. It is vital to understand why this program is so
important to our Native American veterans and why we should make the
program permanent, as this bill proposes.
Of course, the most basic reason is the success of the overall
program in honoring our commitment to our Nation's veterans. Beyond
that, Congress found some years ago that during the entire history to
that date of the program, not a single Native American veteran living
on Indian trust lands or Hawaii homelands had in fact received the VA
home loan under the VA's traditional home loan program. The reason for
that was quite simple.
The unique trust status of native lands did not lend itself to
conventional lending practices because banks and other financial
institutions did not recognize those lands as valid collateral.
As part of our obligation to all of our Nation's veterans, that
obligation being to ensure that they are all able to tap fully into VA
programs, the Native American Direct Home Loan Program addressed this
unique and discrete challenge facing many Native American veterans and
afforded them the same opportunity of home ownership availed their
comrades-in-arms.
This bill recognizes and improves upon the clear success of this
effort, and I ask my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3665.
Mahalo.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
New Hampshire (Mr. Bradley), the vice chairman of the Veterans
Disability and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, a gentleman who, since
coming to Congress, has been a tireless advocate for veterans.
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and
the ranking minority member for their hard work to a make this bill a
reality.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Veterans Housing Improvement
Act, H.R. 3665. All of us, as Members of Congress, have had the
opportunity to meet our brave soldiers who are serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan, fighting in the war on terror. One of the components of
the war on terror is that many of them are coming home with disabling
injuries.
This bill in a very significant way will help families to be able to
allow the reintegration of these disabled heroes back into not only
working life, but at-home life. The $10,000 grant will help home owners
to be able to renovate their houses to make them suitable for disabled
veterans, and that is why it is so important that we authorize and fund
this pilot program to do what needs to be done to help these heroes
integrate back into life.
I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their hard work and
urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, first, I would like to thank the chairman
of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Buyer), and the committee's ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Evans), for their leadership and support in bringing this bill to
the floor. I would also like to thank the ranking member of the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, the gentlewoman from South Dakota
(Ms. Herseth), as well as her staff and my staff for their hard work
and cooperation on this bipartisan legislation.
{time} 1430
Special thanks to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), who is
the ranking member for Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
This bill is an example of how we can work together to achieve good
things for veterans, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3665, the
Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005.
I do not think we can close today before noting that this coming
Friday is Veterans Day, a day that originally marked the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month in the war to end all wars.
Unfortunately, that idealistic prediction failed, and several
generations of Americans have since served in wartime. So today,
instead of honoring the end of World War I, Veterans Day now honors all
of those who have worn the uniform in defense of the Nation. Whether a
veteran served in war or peacetime, we owe them our gratitude, and this
bill is just one small token of our appreciation.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House, I want to say thank you to all
who have served.
Ms. HERSETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R.
3665, as amended, the Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act
of 2005. This bill incorporates a number of important measures aimed at
improving the quality of life of our servicemembers, veterans and
military families.
I would like to thank Chairman Buyer and Ranking Member Evans for
their leadership on the full committee and for their assistance in
moving this bill to the floor today.
I also want to express my appreciation to the Chairman of the
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee--Mr. Boozman, for all his hard work
and bipartisan leadership on the subcommittee this legislative session.
I look forward to continue working with my friend from Arkansas as we
begin discussions with the Senate to ensure passage of a bipartisan,
bicameral veterans' benefits package for this year. I know that the
veterans of my home state of South Dakota and all veterans of this
nation will appreciate the important benefits and program improvements
we have included in this legislative measure.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3665, as amended, incorporates important
provisions that would provide greater flexibility to the VA's adaptive
housing grant program. It also includes important measures to extend
the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and improve the Department
of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service. In addition, the
bill also includes language from H.R. 1773, the Native American Veteran
Home Loan Act--a measure I introduced along with a number of colleagues
earlier this year.
Section 102 of the bill would make permanent the Native American
Housing Loan Program, currently a pilot program administered by VA
since 1993. The Native American Housing Loan program has provided 443
direct loans nationwide since its inception--20 to veterans in South
Dakota. By all accounts the pilot program has been a great success and
in fact currently has a negative subsidy--that is, it actually pays for
itself. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enactment of the
provision would generate savings of $1 million over five years.
Section 103 of the bill would authorize non-native American veterans
married to a Native American spouse and living on trust or tribal land
to fully participate in this direct loan program. Because certain
tribal sovereignty rules prohibit ownership interests by non-native
persons they have been unable to qualify for this home loan program.
The language in section 103 now makes it possible for a non-native
military member or veteran to qualify for a VA loan if he or she shares
a ``meaningful interest'' rather than ``ownership interest'' with their
respective spouse in their home.
I want to thank Mr. Faleomavaega the Delegate of American Samoa for
bringing this issue to my attention, and I want to also thank the VA
for its assistance in drafting this particular provision.
Madam Speaker, the service members, veterans and military families of
this nation have earned and deserve our best efforts here in Congress.
Indeed, they deserve so much more.
As we approach Veterans Day, I am very proud to support this
legislation and confident
[[Page H10081]]
it will benefit the veterans of my home state of South Dakota, as well
as the other veterans around the country.
I fully support H.R. 3665, as amended, and urge my colleagues to do
the same.
Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3665, the Veterans
Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005, as amended. This is a
bipartisan bill that as amended also includes provisions from Chairman
Boozman's H.R. 3279, the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program
Reauthorization Act of 2005, Ranking Member Herseth's H.R. 1773, the
Native American Veteran Home Loan Act, and Mr. Simpson's H.R. 419, the
Hire Veterans Act of 2005.
Title I of this bill, as amended, would improve the flexibility of
the VA's Adapted Housing Grant Program, and make the Native American
Veterans Home Loan Program permanent.
Title II of the bill would extend the life of the President's
National Hire Veterans Committee (PNHVC), which was created by Public
Law 107-288 to improve industry's awareness of the value inherent in
increasing the number of veterans hired by the private sector. The
Committee determined that a one-year extension of the PNHVC's three-
year authority for purposes of winding down its operations, in addition
to providing opportunity for added oversight, would be an appropriate
way to ensure that the Department of Labor integrates the positive
aspects of the PNHVC into its future activities.
Title III of the bill would reauthorize the Homeless Veterans'
Reintegration Program (HVRP), which is administered by VETS. Based on
testimony and meetings with HVRP providers, the program appears to be
one of the more successful homeless programs in government by
rehabilitating and finding jobs for the most difficult to place
population of veterans.
Title IV of the bill would also make technical, clarifying, and
conforming changes to new section 1980A of title 38, the Traumatic
Injury Protection program, which was established in the supplemental.
Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I
would like to thank the Ranking Member of the Committee, Mr. Lane Evans
(IL) for his cooperation in moving this legislation to the floor. I
would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Mr. Boozman (AR), and
Ms. Herseth (SD), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
on Economic Opportunity, through whose leadership and hard work, this
legislation has come before the House. Its timing is especially
propitious, the day after tomorrow being Veterans' Day.
Madam Speaker, I strongly urge all my colleagues to support this
important legislation.
Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3665, as
amended.
It is only fitting that as November 11th approaches and we prepare to
commemorate another Veterans Day, we are meeting here today on the
House floor to discuss and pass this legislation, which is intended to
honor the courage and sacrifice of the nation's veterans.
I would like to thank Chairman Buyer for his support of this bill.
I also want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Economic
Opportunity Subcommittee, John Boozman and Stephanie Herseth, for their
work in developing and moving this important legislation to the floor.
The housing, employment and homeless provisions contained in the bill
are very important and should be enacted into law.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill.
Our servicemembers, veterans and military families sacrifice greatly.
It is our responsibility to care and provide for them upon their
return from service as we do when we send them off to war.
I strongly support this measure, Madam Speaker, and I urge all my
colleagues to vote for its passage.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3665, the
Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005. I especially
want to thank Chairman Steve Buyer and Ranking Member Lane Evans of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and also Chairman John Boozman and
Ranking Member Stephanie Herseth of the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity for their leadership in making it possible for Native
Americans to participate in the veterans' housing loan program.
I am especially thankful that American Samoa's veterans have also
been able to participate in this very successful program. Today, I am
here to thank my colleagues for working with me to address the concerns
of American Samoans without adversely affecting the rights of other
tribes.
Many Samoans have served in the military and they are allowed to
obtain home loans under current law. Other Samoans are married to non-
Samoan veterans. Nonnative military spouses married to native Samoans
have not been able to qualify for the VA home loan program. In part,
this is because the Native American Home Loan program excludes the
spouses of non-native Americans from qualifying for a VA home loan.
For my constituents, this is problematic. In brief, most land in
American Samoa is communal, meaning that only Samoans of Tutuila,
Manu's, Aunu'u, or Swain Islands may qualify for home loans offered by
traditional lending institutions because only they can make claim to
native land.
As a result of these land laws, non-native spouses of veterans or
persons serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are married to a Samoan
may not qualify for a VA home loan. The VA has been helpful in
assisting the Veterans' Affairs Committee and my office in drafting
language to rectify this problem and I am pleased that this language
has now been included in H.R. 3665.
As we have agreed, it is our understanding that this language now
makes it possible for a non-Samoan military member or veteran to
qualify for a VA loan if the non-Samoan military member has a
``meaningful interest'' in the housing a Samoan spouse has been granted
permission to build on communal land. It is also our understanding that
``meaningful interest'' means that the veteran has the right to reside
in the home under tribal laws.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 3665 and I again thank my
colleagues for including my provision in this important legislation. I
also thank the VA for its assistance, and Ms. Mary Ellen McCarthy,
Democratic Staff Director for Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs, for her tireless efforts. I urge support of this legislation.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, having no further requests for time, I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Capito). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3665, 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. BOOZMAN. Madam 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 question will
be postponed.
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