[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4974-S4982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 4822. Mr. WHITEHOUSE submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by him to the bill S. 3036, to direct the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease 
emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike the table that appears on page 162 after line 17 and 
     insert the following:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Percentage for
                                                          auction for
                                                        Climate Change
                    Calendar year                       Worker Training
                                                        and Assistance
                                                             Fund
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012................................................                 3
2013................................................                 3
2014................................................                 3
2015................................................                 3
2016................................................                 2.5
2017................................................                 2.5
2018................................................                 2.5
2019................................................                 2.5
2020................................................                 2.5
2021................................................                 3
2022................................................                 3
2023................................................                 3
2024................................................                 3
2025................................................                 3
2026................................................                 2
2027................................................                 2
2028................................................                 3
2029................................................                 3
2030................................................                 3
2031................................................                 4
2032................................................                 4
2033................................................                 4
2034................................................                 4
2035................................................                 4
2036................................................                 4
2037................................................                 4
2038................................................                 4
2039................................................                 3
2040................................................                 3
2041................................................                 3
2042................................................                 3
2043................................................                 3
2044................................................                 3
2045................................................                 3
2046................................................                 3
2047................................................                 3
2048................................................                 3
2049................................................                 3
2050................................................                 3.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Strike the table that appears on page 193 before line 1 and 
     insert the following:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Percentage for
                                                     distribution among
                                                     fossil fuel-fired
                  Calendar year                         electricity
                                                    generators in United
                                                           States
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012.............................................               13
2013.............................................               13
2014.............................................               13
2015.............................................               13
2016.............................................               12.75
2017.............................................               12.5
2018.............................................               12.25
2019.............................................               11.25
2020.............................................               10
2021.............................................                8.5
2022.............................................                7.25
2023.............................................                6.25
2024.............................................                6
2025.............................................                5.75
2026.............................................                3.75
2027.............................................                3.5
2028.............................................                3.25
2029.............................................                3
2030.............................................                2.75.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Beginning on page 196, strike line 18 and all that follows 
     through page 201, line 17.
       Strike the table that appears on page 203 after line 2 and 
     insert the following:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Percentage for
                                                          auction for
                    Calendar year                       Climate Change
                                                           Consumer
                                                        Assistance Fund
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012................................................               15.25
2013................................................               15.5
2014................................................               15.5
2015................................................               15.75
2016................................................               16
2017................................................               16.25
2018................................................               15.75
2019................................................               16.75
2020................................................               16.75
2021................................................               16.75
2022................................................               16.75
2023................................................               16.75
2024................................................               16.75
2025................................................               16.75
2026................................................               16.75
2027................................................               16.75
2028................................................               16.75
2029................................................               16.75
2030................................................               17.75
2031................................................               18
2032................................................               18
2033................................................               18
2034................................................               19
2035................................................               19
2036................................................               19
2037................................................               19
2038................................................               19
2039................................................               19
2040................................................               19
2041................................................               19
2042................................................               19
2043................................................               19
2044................................................               19
2045................................................               19
2046................................................               19
2047................................................               19
2048................................................               19
2049................................................               19
2050................................................               19.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       On page 204, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:

     SEC. 584. USE OF FUNDS.

       (a) In General.--Subject to section 585, of amounts 
     deposited in the Climate Change Consumer Assistance Fund 
     under section 583, the Administrator shall use--
       (1) of the proceeds from the auction of the initial 14 
     percent of the percentage of emission allowances auctioned 
     under section 582 for each calendar year--
       (A) not less than 50 percent to provide assistance to low-
     income households under the program described in subsection 
     (b); and
       (B) not less than 50 percent to provide an earned income 
     tax credit in accordance with subsection (c); and
       (2) the remaining proceeds from auctions under section 582 
     to carry out other tax initiatives to protect consumers, 
     especially consumers in greatest need, from increases in 
     energy and other costs as a result of this Act in accordance 
     with subsection (d).
       (b) Program for Offsetting Impacts on Lower-Income 
     Americans.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means--
       (i) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency; or
       (ii) the head of a Federal agency designated by the 
     Administrator for the purposes of this subsection.
       (B) Elderly or disabled member.--The term ``elderly or 
     disabled member'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 
     of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2012).

[[Page S4975]]

       (C) Gross income.--The term ``gross income'' means the 
     gross income of a household that is determined in accordance 
     with standards and procedures established under section 5 of 
     the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014).
       (D) Household.--The term ``household'' means--
       (i) an individual who lives alone; or
       (ii) a group of individuals who live together.
       (E) Poverty line.--The term ``poverty line'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 673(2) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any 
     revision required by that section.
       (F) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Climate Change 
     Rebate Program established under paragraph (2).
       (G) State.--The term ``State'' means--
       (i) each of the several States of the United States;
       (ii) the District of Columbia;
       (iii) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
       (iv) Guam;
       (v) American Samoa;
       (vi) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
       (vii) the United States Virgin Islands.
       (H) State agency.--
       (i) In general.--The term ``State agency'' means an agency 
     of State government that has responsibility for the 
     administration of 1 or more federally aided public assistance 
     programs within the State.
       (ii) Inclusions.--The term ``State agency'' includes--

       (I) a local office of a State agency described in clause 
     (i); and
       (II) in a case in which federally aided public assistance 
     programs of a State are operated on a decentralized basis, a 
     counterpart local agency that administers 1 or more of those 
     programs.

       (2) Climate change rebate program.--The Administrator shall 
     establish and carry out a program, to be known as the 
     ``Climate Change Rebate Program'', under which, at the 
     request of a State agency, eligible low-income households 
     within the State shall be provided an opportunity to receive 
     compensation, through the issuance of a monthly rebate, for 
     use in paying certain increased energy-related costs 
     resulting from the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions 
     under this Act.
       (3) Eligibility.--The Administrator shall limit 
     participation in the Program to--
       (A) households that the applicable State agency determines 
     meet the gross income test and the asset test standards 
     described in section 5 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 2014); and
       (B) households that do not meet those standards, but that 
     include 1 or more individuals who meet the standards 
     described in section 1860D-14 of the Social Security Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1395w-114).
       (C) Limitation.--The Administrator shall establish 
     additional eligibility criteria to ensure that--
       (i) only United States citizens, United States nationals, 
     and lawfully residing immigrants are eligible to receive a 
     rebate under the Program; and
       (ii) each household does not receive more than 1 rebate per 
     month under the Program.
       (4) Monthly rebate amount.--
       (A) Establishment.--
       (i) In general.--The rebate available under the Program for 
     each month of a calendar year shall be established by the 
     Energy Information Administration, in consultation with other 
     appropriate Federal agencies, by not later than October 1 of 
     the preceding calendar year.
       (ii) Limitation.--The aggregate amount of rebates 
     distributed in any given year shall not exceed the amount 
     described in subsection (a)(1).
       (iii) Shortage.--If the amount described in subsection 
     (a)(4) is inadequate to provide monthly rebates to all 
     eligible households, the Administrator shall devise an 
     equitable proration to ensure that all eligible households 
     receive the same portion of the full rebate the eligible 
     households would have been eligible to receive if adequate 
     funds had been provided
       (B) Method of calculation.--With respect to the calculation 
     of a monthly rebate under this paragraph--
       (i) the maximum monthly rebate provided to a household 
     during any calendar year shall be equal to \1/12\ of the 
     projected average annual increase in the costs of goods and 
     services for that calendar year that results from the 
     regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under this Act, taking 
     into consideration--

       (I) the size of the household; and
       (II) direct and indirect energy costs for consumers in the 
     lowest-income quintile that is affected by the regulation of 
     greenhouse gas emissions, net of the effect of any projected 
     increase in Federal benefits resulting from higher cost-of-
     living adjustments based on higher energy-related costs;

       (ii) each quintile referred to in clause (i)(II) shall--

       (I) be based on income adjusted to account for household 
     size; and
       (II) represent an equal number of individuals; and

       (iii) the amount shall be adjusted by household size, 
     except that the same maximum rebate shall be--

       (I) provided to households of 5 or more individuals; and
       (II) based on the average cost increases for households of 
     5 or more individuals.

       (C) Greater than 130 percent of poverty line.--A household 
     with a gross income that is greater than 130 percent of the 
     poverty line shall not be eligible for a monthly rebate under 
     this subsection.
       (5) Delivery mechanism.--An eligible household shall 
     receive a rebate through an electronic benefit transfer or 
     direct deposit into a bank account designated by the eligible 
     household.
       (6) Administration.--
       (A) In general.--The State agency of each participating 
     State shall assume responsibility for--
       (i) the certification of households applying for monthly 
     rebates under this subsection; and
       (ii) the issuance, control, and accountability of those 
     rebates.
       (B) Reimbursement of administrative costs.--
       (i) In general.--Subject to such standards as shall be 
     established by the Administrator, the Administrator shall 
     reimburse each State agency for a portion, as described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii), of the administrative costs involved 
     in the operation by the State agency of the Program.
       (ii) Initial 3 years.--During the first 3 fiscal years of 
     operation of the Program, the Administrator shall reimburse 
     each State agency for--

       (I) 75 percent of the administrative costs of delivering 
     monthly rebates under this subsection; and
       (II) 75 percent of any automated data processing 
     improvements or electronic benefit transfer contract 
     amendments that are necessary to provide the monthly rebates.

       (iii) Subsequent years.--During the fourth and subsequent 
     years of operation of the Program, the Administrator shall 
     reimburse each State agency for 50 percent of all 
     administrative costs of delivering the monthly rebates under 
     this subsection.
       (C) Treatment.--
       (i) Not income or resources.--The value of a rebate 
     provided under the Program shall not be considered to be 
     income or a resource for any purpose under any Federal, 
     State, or local law, including laws relating to an income 
     tax, public assistance programs (such as health care, cash 
     aid, child care, nutrition programs, and housing assistance).
       (ii) Action by state and local governments.--No State or 
     local government a resident of which receives a rebate under 
     the Program shall decrease any assistance that would 
     otherwise be provided to the resident because of receipt of 
     the rebate.
       (c) Sense of Congress Regarding Earned Income Tax Credit.--
     It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the proceeds from the auction of not less than 7 
     percent of the total quantity of emission allowances 
     auctioned for each calendar year should be used to enhance 
     the earned income tax credit under section 32 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 to assist lower-income workers to afford 
     the energy-related costs associated with the regulation of 
     greenhouse gas emissions; and
       (2) the Administrator should structure the Climate Change 
     Rebate Program under subsection (b) in a manner than ensures 
     that the program phases out for eligible households that 
     receive an enhanced earned income tax credit as described in 
     this section.
       (d) Sense of Congress Regarding Additional Tax Policies.--
     It is the sense of Congress that any additional amounts in 
     the Climate Change Consumer Assistance Fund should be used to 
     fund other tax initiatives to protect consumers, especially 
     consumers in greatest need, from increases in energy and 
     other costs as a result of this Act.
       On page 204, line 3, strike ``584'' and insert ``585''.
       On page 204, strike lines 8 through 14.
       On page 205, line 4, strike ``9.5'' and insert ``5.5''.
       On page 205, line 17, strike ``9.75'' and insert ``5.75''.
       On page 206, line 6, strike ``10'' and insert ``6''.
       Beginning on page 207, strike line 22 and all that follows 
     through page 213, line 8.
       On page 213, line 9, strike ``(d)'' and insert ``(c)''.
       Beginning on page 214, strike line 1 and all that follows 
     through 215, line 9, and insert the following:
       (i) to fund cost-effective energy efficiency and demand 
     response programs for all fuels and energy types or in 
     customer-located renewable energy supply in the residential, 
     commercial, and industrial sectors under the oversight of the 
     regulatory agencies of local distribution companies, with 
     significant funding for low-income programs that, in 
     combination with other provisions of this Act, shall be 
     designed to prevent energy bill increases for low-income 
     customers associated with this Act;
       (ii) if a local distribution company does not administer 
     energy efficiency programs under the supervision of a 
     regulatory agency, for provision by the local distribution 
     company to the appropriate State energy officer, regulatory 
     agency, or third-party selected by the regulatory agency for 
     use in accordance with this section; and
       (iii) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of 
     enactment of this Act, if infrastructure and vendors are not 
     available to cost-effectively implement expanded programs, to 
     provide limited rebates for customers, especially low-income 
     customers, if appropriate.
       (B) Statement of encouragement.--In carrying out programs 
     under subparagraph (A), local distribution entities are 
     encouraged to give first priority to lowest-income customers.

[[Page S4976]]

       On page 216, strike lines 8 through 14, and insert the 
     following:
       (C)(i) how, and to what extent, the local distribution 
     company used the proceeds of the sale of emission allowances, 
     including the amount of the proceeds directed to each 
     consumer class covered in the form of rebates, energy 
     efficiency, demand response, and distributed generation; and
       (ii) the benefits of the programs described in clause (i) 
     with respect to energy and capacity savings and energy 
     generation, using a consistent format and methodology to be 
     developed by the Administrator.
       Beginning on page 216, strike line 19 and all that follows 
     through page 217, line 4.
       Strike the table that appears on page 280 after line 12 and 
     insert the following:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Percentage for
                                                         allocation to
                    Calendar year                        Early Action
                                                            Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012................................................                 3
2013................................................                 3
2014................................................                 3
2015................................................                 2
2016................................................                 1.5
2017................................................                 1.5
2018................................................                 0.5
2019................................................                 0.5
2020................................................                 0.5
2021................................................                 0
2022................................................                 0
2023................................................                 0
2024................................................                 0
2025................................................                 0.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 4823 Mr. WHITEHOUSE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to the bill S. 3036, to direct the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease 
emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. INSTITUTES FOR OCEAN AND COASTAL ADAPTATION.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall establish 4 
     regional institutes, to be known as ``Institutes for Ocean 
     and Coastal Adaptation'', at institutions of higher education 
     in the United States for research, planning, and related 
     efforts to assess and prepare for the impacts of climate 
     change on ocean and coastal areas, including the Great Lakes.
       (b) Location.--The Administrator shall designate the 
     location of 1 of the regional institutes established under 
     subsection (a) at an institution of higher education in each 
     of the following regions:
       (1) The Northeast Region, which shall include Connecticut, 
     Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 
     Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
       (2) The Southeast and Gulf Coast Region, which shall 
     include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
     North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, 
     and the Virgin Islands.
       (3) The Western/Pacific Region, which shall include Alaska, 
     American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, the Northern 
     Mariana Islands, Oregon, and Washington.
       (4) The Great Lakes Region, which shall include Illinois, 
     Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio, and Wisconsin.
       (c) Grants Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants to 4 
     institutions of higher education to carry out the purposes of 
     this section.
       (2) Application.--An institution of higher education 
     seeking to operate an institute under this section shall 
     submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in 
     such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Administrator may reasonably require.
       (d) Schedule.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) accept applications for grants under this section 
     beginning not later than 9 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (2) award all of the grants authorized under this section 
     not later than 90 days after the first day on which 
     applications are accepted.
       (e) Objectives.--The Institutes for Ocean and Coastal 
     Adaptation shall be centers of excellence that--
       (1) document and predict coastal and ocean effects of 
     climate change; and
       (2) serve as a principal national and international 
     resource for providing technical expertise on adaptation 
     strategies for ocean and coastal areas to respond to climate 
     change.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 4824. Mrs. BOXER (for Mr. Akaka (for himself and Mr. Burr)) 
proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2162, to improve the treatment and 
services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans 
with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and 
for other purposes; as follows:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' 
     Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

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

                      TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Sec. 101. Veterans beneficiary travel program.
Sec. 102. Mandatory reimbursement of veterans receiving emergency 
              treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs 
              facilities until transfer to Department facilities.
Sec. 103. Epilepsy centers of excellence.
Sec. 104. Establishment of qualifications for peer specialist 
              appointees.

                          TITLE II--PAIN CARE

Sec. 201. Comprehensive policy on pain management.

       TITLE III--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Sec. 301. Findings on substance use disorders and mental health.
Sec. 302. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment services 
              provided by Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 303. Care for veterans with mental health and substance use 
              disorders.
Sec. 304. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress 
              disorder and substance use disorders.
Sec. 305. Report on residential mental health care facilities of the 
              Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 306. Tribute to Justin Bailey.

           TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

Sec. 401. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for veterans and 
              use of community mental health centers and Indian Health 
              Service facilities.

                    TITLE V--MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Sec. 501. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder 
              and substance use disorders.
Sec. 502. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on Post-
              Traumatic Stress Disorder.

             TITLE VI--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

Sec. 601. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
              to provide mental health services to families of 
              veterans.
Sec. 602. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and transition 
              assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation 
              with Vet Centers.

                  TITLE VII--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

Sec. 701. Repeal of authority for adjustments to per diem payments to 
              homeless veterans service centers for receipt of other 
              sources of income.
Sec. 702. Expansion and extension of authority for program of referral 
              and counseling services for at-risk veterans 
              transitioning from certain institutions.
Sec. 703. Availability of grant funds to service centers for personnel.
Sec. 704. Permanent authority for domiciliary services for homeless 
              veterans and enhancement of capacity of domiciliary care 
              programs for female veterans.
Sec. 705. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing.

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

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

     SEC. 101. VETERANS BENEFICIARY TRAVEL PROGRAM.

       (a) Repeal of Requirement to Adjust Amounts Deducted From 
     Payments or Allowances for Beneficiary Travel.--
       (1) In general.--Section 111(c) is amended--
       (A) by striking paragraph (5); and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, except as provided in 
     paragraph (5) of this subsection,''.
       (2) Reinstatement of amount of deduction specified by 
     statute.--Notwithstanding any adjustment made by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs under paragraph (5) of section 
     111(c) of title 38, United States Code, as such paragraph was 
     in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     amount deducted under paragraph (1) of such section 111(c) on 
     or after such date shall be the amount specified in such 
     paragraph.
       (b) Determination of Mileage Reimbursement Rate.--Section 
     111(g) is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) Subject to paragraph (3), in determining the amount 
     of allowances or reimbursement to be paid under this section, 
     the

[[Page S4977]]

     Secretary shall use the mileage reimbursement rate for the 
     use of privately owned vehicles by Government employees on 
     official business (when a Government vehicle is available), 
     as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services under 
     section 5707(b) of title 5.'';
       (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (3):
       ``(3) Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
     Secretary may modify the amount of allowances or 
     reimbursement to be paid under this section using a mileage 
     reimbursement rate in excess of that prescribed under 
     paragraph (1).''.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 14 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report containing an estimate of the 
     additional costs incurred by the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs because of this section, including--
       (1) any costs resulting from increased utilization of 
     healthcare services by veterans eligible for travel 
     allowances or reimbursements under section 111 of title 38, 
     United States Code; and
       (2) the additional costs that would be incurred by the 
     Department should the Secretary exercise the authority 
     described in subsection (g)(3) of such section.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply with respect to travel expenses incurred after 
     the expiration of the 90-day period that begins on the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 102. MANDATORY REIMBURSEMENT OF VETERANS RECEIVING 
                   EMERGENCY TREATMENT IN NON-DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES UNTIL TRANSFER TO 
                   DEPARTMENT FACILITIES.

       (a) Certain Veterans Without Service-Connected 
     Disability.--Section 1725 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``may reimburse'' and 
     inserting ``shall reimburse''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking subparagraph (C) and 
     inserting the following new subparagraph (C):
       ``(C) until--
       ``(i) such time as the veteran can be transferred safely to 
     a Department facility or other Federal facility and such 
     facility is capable of accepting such transfer; or
       ``(ii) such time as a Department facility or other Federal 
     facility accepts such transfer if--
       ``(I) at the time the veteran could have been transferred 
     safely to a Department facility or other Federal facility, no 
     Department facility or other Federal facility agreed to 
     accept such transfer; and
       ``(II) the non-Department facility in which such medical 
     care or services was furnished made and documented reasonable 
     attempts to transfer the veteran to a Department facility or 
     other Federal facility.''.
       (b) Certain Veterans With Service-Connected Disability.--
     Section 1728 is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
     new subsection (a):
       ``(a) The Secretary shall, under such regulations as the 
     Secretary prescribes, reimburse veterans eligible for 
     hospital care or medical services under this chapter for the 
     customary and usual charges of emergency treatment (including 
     travel and incidental expenses under the terms and conditions 
     set forth in section 111 of this title) for which such 
     veterans have made payment, from sources other than the 
     Department, where such emergency treatment was rendered to 
     such veterans in need thereof for any of the following:
       ``(1) An adjudicated service-connected disability.
       ``(2) A non-service-connected disability associated with 
     and held to be aggravating a service-connected disability.
       ``(3) Any disability of a veteran if the veteran has a 
     total disability permanent in nature from a service-connected 
     disability.
       ``(4) Any illness, injury, or dental condition of a veteran 
     who--
       ``(A) is a participant in a vocational rehabilitation 
     program (as defined in section 3101(9) of this title); and
       ``(B) is medically determined to have been in need of care 
     or treatment to make possible the veteran's entrance into a 
     course of training, or prevent interruption of a course of 
     training, or hasten the return to a course of training which 
     was interrupted because of such illness, injury, or dental 
     condition.'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``care or services'' 
     both places it appears and inserting ``emergency treatment''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) In this section, the term `emergency treatment' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 1725(f)(1) of this 
     title.''.

     SEC. 103. EPILEPSY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence

       ``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) Not later than 120 
     days after the date of the enactment of this section, the 
     Secretary shall, upon the recommendation of the Under 
     Secretary for Health, designate not less than six Department 
     health-care facilities as the locations for epilepsy centers 
     of excellence.
       ``(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations for 
     such purpose, the Secretary shall establish and operate 
     epilepsy centers of excellence at the locations designated 
     pursuant to paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Designation of Facilities.--(1) The Secretary may not 
     designate a Department health-care facility as a location for 
     an epilepsy center of excellence under subsection (a)(1) 
     unless the peer review panel established under subsection (c) 
     has determined under that subsection that the proposal 
     submitted by such facility seeking designation as a location 
     for an epilepsy center of excellence is among those proposals 
     that meet the highest competitive standards of scientific and 
     clinical merit.
       ``(2) In choosing from among the facilities meeting the 
     requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall also 
     consider appropriate geographic distribution when designating 
     the epilepsy centers of excellence under subsection (a)(1).
       ``(c) Peer Review Panel.--(1) The Under Secretary for 
     Health shall establish a peer review panel to assess the 
     scientific and clinical merit of proposals that are submitted 
     to the Secretary for the designation of epilepsy centers of 
     excellence under this section.
       ``(2)(A) The membership of the peer review panel shall 
     consist of experts on epilepsy, including post-traumatic 
     epilepsy.
       ``(B) Members of the peer review panel shall serve for a 
     period of no longer than two years, except as specified in 
     subparagraph (C).
       ``(C) Of the members first appointed to the panel, one half 
     shall be appointed for a period of three years and one half 
     shall be appointed for a period of two years, as designated 
     by the Under Secretary at the time of appointment.
       ``(3) The peer review panel shall review each proposal 
     submitted to the panel by the Under Secretary for Health and 
     shall submit its views on the relative scientific and 
     clinical merit of each such proposal to the Under Secretary.
       ``(4) The peer review panel shall not be subject to the 
     Federal Advisory Committee Act.
       ``(d) Epilepsy Center of Excellence Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `epilepsy center of excellence' means a 
     Department health-care facility that has (or in the 
     foreseeable future can develop) the necessary capacity to 
     function as a center of excellence in research, education, 
     and clinical care activities in the diagnosis and treatment 
     of epilepsy and has (or may reasonably be anticipated to 
     develop) each of the following:
       ``(1) An affiliation with an accredited medical school that 
     provides education and training in neurology, including an 
     arrangement with such school under which medical residents 
     receive education and training in the diagnosis and treatment 
     of epilepsy (including neurosurgery).
       ``(2) The ability to attract the participation of 
     scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in 
     health-care research efforts.
       ``(3) An advisory committee composed of veterans and 
     appropriate health-care and research representatives of the 
     facility and of the affiliated school or schools to advise 
     the directors of such facility and such center on policy 
     matters pertaining to the activities of the center during the 
     period of the operation of such center.
       ``(4) The capability to conduct effectively evaluations of 
     the activities of such center.
       ``(5) The capability to coordinate (as part of an 
     integrated national system) education, clinical care, and 
     research activities within all facilities with such centers.
       ``(6) The capability to develop jointly a national 
     consortium of providers with interest in treating epilepsy at 
     Department health-care facilities lacking such centers in 
     order to ensure better access to state-of-the-art diagnosis, 
     research, clinical care, and education for traumatic brain 
     injury and epilepsy throughout the health-care system of the 
     Department. Such consortium should include a designated 
     epilepsy referral clinic in each Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network.
       ``(7) The capability to assist in the expansion of the 
     Department's use of information systems and databases to 
     improve the quality and delivery of care for veterans 
     enrolled within the Department's health care system.
       ``(8) The capability to assist in the expansion of the 
     Department telehealth program to develop, transmit, monitor, 
     and review neurological diagnostic tests.
       ``(9) The ability to perform epilepsy research, education, 
     and clinical care activities in collaboration with Department 
     medical facilities that have centers for research, education, 
     and clinical care activities on complex multi-trauma 
     associated with combat injuries established under section 
     7327 of this title.
       ``(e) National Coordinator for Epilepsy Programs.--(1) To 
     assist the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health in 
     carrying out this section, the Secretary shall designate an 
     individual in the Veterans Health Administration to act as a 
     national coordinator for epilepsy programs of the Veterans 
     Health Administration.
       ``(2) The duties of the national coordinator for epilepsy 
     programs shall include the following:
       ``(A) To supervise the operation of the centers established 
     pursuant to this section.
       ``(B) To coordinate and support the national consortium of 
     providers with interest in treating epilepsy at Department 
     health-care facilities lacking such centers in order

[[Page S4978]]

     to ensure better access to state-of-the-art diagnosis, 
     research, clinical care, and education for traumatic brain 
     injury and epilepsy throughout the health-care system of the 
     Department.
       ``(C) To conduct regular evaluations of the epilepsy 
     centers of excellence to ensure compliance  with the 
     requirements of this section.
       ``(3) In carrying out duties under this subsection, the 
     national coordinator for epilepsy programs shall report to 
     the official of the Veterans Health Administration 
     responsible for neurology.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There are 
     authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2009 through 2013 for the support of the clinical care, 
     research, and education activities of the epilepsy centers of 
     excellence established and operated pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(2).
       ``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated for each 
     fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 such sums as may be 
     necessary for the support of the clinical care, research, and 
     education activities of the epilepsy centers of excellence 
     established and operated pursuant to subsection (a)(2).
       ``(3) The Secretary shall ensure that funds for such 
     centers are designated for the first three years of operation 
     as a special purpose program for which funds are not 
     allocated through the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation 
     system.
       ``(4) In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated 
     under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, the Under 
     Secretary for Health shall allocate to such centers from 
     other funds appropriated generally for the Department medical 
     services account and medical and prosthetics research 
     account, as appropriate, such amounts as the Under Secretary 
     for Health determines appropriate.
       ``(5) In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated 
     under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary 
     to fund the national coordinator established by subsection 
     (e).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7330 the following new item:

``7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence.''.

     SEC. 104. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR PEER SPECIALIST 
                   APPOINTEES.

       (a) In General.--Section 7402(b) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating the paragraph (11) relating to other 
     health-care positions as paragraph (14); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following new 
     paragraph (13):
       ``(13) Peer Specialist.--To be eligible to be appointed to 
     a peer specialist position, a person must--
       ``(A) be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from 
     a mental health condition; and
       ``(B) be certified by--
       ``(i) a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer specialist 
     training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall 
     establish for a peer specialist position; or
       ``(ii) a State as having satisfied relevant State 
     requirements for a peer specialist position.''.
       (b) Peer Specialist Training.--Section 7402 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(g) The Secretary may enter into contracts with not-for-
     profit entities to provide--
       ``(1) peer specialist training to veterans; and
       ``(2) certification for veterans under subsection 
     (b)(13)(B)(i).''.
                          TITLE II--PAIN CARE

     SEC. 201. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT.

       (a) Comprehensive Policy Required.--Not later than October 
     1, 2008, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and 
     implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain 
     experienced by veterans enrolled for health care services 
     provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Scope of Policy.--The policy required by subsection (a) 
     shall cover each of the following:
       (1) The Department-wide management of acute and chronic 
     pain experienced by veterans.
       (2) The standard of care for pain management to be used 
     throughout the Department.
       (3) The consistent application of pain assessments to be 
     used throughout the Department.
       (4) The assurance of prompt and appropriate pain care 
     treatment and management by the Department, system-wide, when 
     medically necessary.
       (5) Department programs of research related to acute and 
     chronic pain suffered by veterans, including pain 
     attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage 
     characteristic of injuries incurred in modern warfare.
       (6) Department programs of pain care education and training 
     for health care personnel of the Department.
       (7) Department programs of patient education for veterans 
     suffering from acute or chronic pain and their families.
       (c) Updates.--The Secretary shall revise the policy 
     required by subsection (a) on a periodic basis in accordance 
     with experience and evolving best practice guidelines.
       (d) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the policy 
     required by subsection (a), and revise such policy under 
     subsection (c), in consultation with veterans service 
     organizations and other organizations with expertise in the 
     assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of pain.
       (e) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the completion and initial implementation of the policy 
     required by subsection (a) and on October 1 of every fiscal 
     year thereafter through fiscal year 2018, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the implementation of the policy 
     required by subsection (a).
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A description of the policy developed and implemented 
     under subsection (a) and any revisions to such policy under 
     subsection (c).
       (B) A description of the performance measures used to 
     determine the effectiveness of such policy in improving pain 
     care for veterans system-wide.
       (C) An assessment of the adequacy of Department pain 
     management services based on a survey of patients managed in 
     Department clinics.
       (D) A assessment of the research projects of the Department 
     relevant to the treatment of the types of acute and chronic 
     pain suffered by veterans.
       (E) An assessment of the training provided to Department 
     health care personnel with respect to the diagnosis, 
     treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain.
       (F) An assessment of the patient pain care education 
     programs of the Department.
       (f) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means any 
     organization recognized by the Secretary for the 
     representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       TITLE III--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

     SEC. 301. FINDINGS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL 
                   HEALTH.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) More than 1,500,000 members of the Armed Forces have 
     been deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 
     Enduring Freedom. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey of 
     Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel reports 
     that 23 percent of members of the Armed Forces on active duty 
     acknowledge a significant problem with alcohol use, with 
     similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use among 
     members of the National Guard.
       (2) The effects of substance abuse are wide ranging, 
     including significantly increased risk of suicide, 
     exacerbation of mental and physical health disorders, 
     breakdown of family support, and increased risk of 
     unemployment and homelessness.
       (3) While veterans suffering from mental health conditions, 
     chronic physical illness, and polytrauma may be at increased 
     risk for development of a substance use disorder, treatment 
     for these veterans is complicated by the need to address 
     adequately the physical and mental symptoms associated with 
     these conditions through appropriate medical intervention.
       (4) While the Veterans Health Administration has 
     dramatically increased health services for veterans from 1996 
     through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized 
     substance abuse treatment services decreased 18 percent 
     during that time. No comparable decrease in the national rate 
     of substance abuse has been observed during that time.
       (5) While some facilities of the Veterans Health 
     Administration provide exemplary substance use disorder 
     treatment services, the availability of such treatment 
     services throughout the health care system of the Veterans 
     Health Administration is inconsistent.
       (6) According to the Government Accountability Office, the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs significantly reduced its 
     substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation services 
     between 1996 and 2006, and has made little progress since in 
     restoring these services to their pre-1996 levels.

     SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT 
                   SERVICES PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     ensure the provision of such services and treatment to each 
     veteran enrolled in the health care system of the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs who is in need of services and treatments 
     for a substance use disorder as follows:
       (1) Short term motivational counseling services.
       (2) Intensive outpatient or residential care services.
       (3) Relapse prevention services.
       (4) Ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling services.
       (5) Opiate substitution therapy services.
       (6) Pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing craving 
     for drugs and alcohol.
       (7) Detoxification and stabilization services.
       (8) Such other services as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (b) Provision of Services.--The services and treatments 
     described in subsection (a) may be provided to a veteran 
     described in such subsection--
       (1) at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers or 
     clinics;

[[Page S4979]]

       (2) by referral to other facilities of the Department that 
     are accessible to such veteran; or
       (3) by contract or fee-for-service payments with community-
     based organizations for the provision of such services and 
     treatments.
       (c) Alternatives in Case of Services Denied Due to Clinical 
     Necessity.--If the Secretary denies the provision to a 
     veteran of services or treatment for a substance use disorder 
     due to clinical necessity, the Secretary shall provide the 
     veteran such other services or treatments as are medically 
     appropriate.
       (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report setting forth, for each medical 
     facility of the Department, the availability of the 
     following:
       (1) Medically supervised withdrawal management.
       (2) Programs for treatment of alcohol and other substance 
     use disorders that are--
       (A) integrated with primary health care services; or
       (B) available as specialty substance use disorder services.
       (3) Specialty programs for the treatment of post-traumatic 
     stress disorder.
       (4) Programs to treat veterans who are diagnosed with both 
     a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.

     SEC. 303. CARE FOR VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE 
                   USE DISORDERS.

       (a) In General.--If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     provides a veteran inpatient or outpatient care for a 
     substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder, 
     the Secretary shall ensure that treatment for such disorders 
     is provided concurrently--
       (1) through a service provided by a clinician or health 
     professional who has training and expertise in treatment of 
     substance use disorders and mental health disorders;
       (2) by separate substance use disorder and mental health 
     disorder treatment services when there is appropriate 
     coordination, collaboration, and care management between such 
     treatment services; or
       (3) by a team of clinicians with appropriate expertise.
       (b) Team of Clinicians With Appropriate Expertise 
     Defined.--In this section, the term ``team of clinicians with 
     appropriate expertise'' means a team consisting of the 
     following:
       (1) Clinicians and health professionals with expertise in 
     treatment of substance use disorders and mental health 
     disorders who act in coordination and collaboration with each 
     other.
       (2) Such other professionals as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the provision of treatment to veterans for 
     substance use and mental health disorders.

     SEC. 304. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ON POST-TRAUMATIC 
                   STRESS DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73, as amended by 
     sections 210 and 303 of this Act, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330C. National centers of excellence on post-
       traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders

       ``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) The Secretary shall 
     establish not less than six national centers of excellence on 
     post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.
       ``(2) The purpose of the centers established under this 
     section is to serve as Department facilities that provide 
     comprehensive inpatient or residential treatment and recovery 
     services for veterans diagnosed with both post-traumatic 
     stress disorder and a substance use disorder.
       ``(b) Location.--Each center established in accordance with 
     subsection (a) shall be located at a medical center of the 
     Department that--
       ``(1) provides specialized care for veterans with post-
     traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder; and
       ``(2) is geographically situated in an area with a high 
     number of veterans that have been diagnosed with both post-
     traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.
       ``(c) Process of Referral and Transition to Step Down 
     Diagnosis Rehabilitation Treatment Programs.--The Secretary 
     shall establish a process to refer and aid the transition of 
     veterans from the national centers of excellence on post-
     traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders 
     established pursuant to subsection (a) to programs that 
     provide step down rehabilitation treatment for individuals 
     with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use 
     disorders.
       ``(d) Collaboration With the National Center for Post-
     Traumatic Stress Disorder.--The centers established under 
     this section shall collaborate in the research of the 
     National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7330 the following new item:

``7330C. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress 
              disorder and substance use disorders.''.

     SEC. 305. REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES 
                   OF THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Reviews.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, 
     acting through the Office of Mental Health Services of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs--
       (1) not later than six months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, conduct a review of all residential 
     mental health care facilities, including domiciliary 
     facilities, of the Veterans Health Administration; and
       (2) not later than two years after the date of the 
     completion of the review required by paragraph (1), conduct a 
     follow-up review of such facilities to evaluate any 
     improvements made or problems remaining since the review 
     under paragraph (1) was completed.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of 
     the review required by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on such review. The report shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description of the availability of care in 
     residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans 
     Integrated Service Network (VISN).
       (2) An assessment of the supervision and support provided 
     in the residential mental health care facilities of the 
     Veterans Health Administration.
       (3) The ratio of staff members at each residential mental 
     health care facility to patients at such facility.
       (4) An assessment of the appropriateness of rules and 
     procedures for the prescription and administration of 
     medications to patients in such residential mental health 
     care facilities.
       (5) A description of the protocols at each residential 
     mental health care facility for handling missed appointments.
       (6) Any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate 
     for improvements to such residential mental health care 
     facilities and the care provided in such facilities.

     SEC. 306. TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN BAILEY.

       This title is enacted in tribute to Justin Bailey, who, 
     after returning to the United States from service as a member 
     of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died in a 
     domiciliary facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     while receiving care for post-traumatic stress disorder and a 
     substance use disorder.

           TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

     SEC. 401. PILOT PROGRAM ON PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR 
                   VETERANS AND USE OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 
                   CENTERS AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE FACILITIES.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program 
     to assess the feasability and advisability of providing to 
     veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring 
     Freedom, and, in particular, veterans who served in such 
     operations as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, the 
     following:
       (1) Peer outreach services.
       (2) Peer support services provided by licensed providers of 
     peer support services or veterans who have personal 
     experience with mental illness.
       (3) Readjustment counseling services described in section 
     1712A of title 38, United States Code.
       (4) Other mental health services.
       (b) Provision of Certain Services.--In providing services 
     described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) under 
     the pilot program to veterans who reside in rural areas and 
     do not have adequate access through the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to the services described in such 
     paragraphs, the Secretary shall, acting through the Office of 
     Mental Health Services and the Office of Rural Health, 
     provide such services as follows:
       (1) Through community mental health centers or other 
     entities under contracts or other agreements for the 
     provision of such services that are entered into for purposes 
     of the pilot program.
       (2) Through the Indian Health Service pursuant to a 
     memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services for purposes of the pilot program.
       (c) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
     during the three-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the pilot program.
       (d) Program Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
     within areas selected by the Secretary for the purpose of the 
     pilot program in at least two Veterans Integrated Service 
     Networks (VISN).
       (2) Rural geographic locations.--The locations selected 
     shall be in rural geographic locations that, as determined by 
     the Secretary, lack access to comprehensive mental health 
     services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (3) Qualified providers.--In selecting locations for the 
     pilot program, the Secretary shall select locations in which 
     an adequate number of licensed mental health care providers 
     with credentials equivalent to those of Department mental 
     health care providers are available in Indian Health Service 
     facilities, community mental health centers, and other 
     entities are available for participation in the pilot 
     program.
       (e) Participation in Program.--Each community mental health 
     center, facility of the

[[Page S4980]]

     Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the 
     pilot program under subsection (b) shall--
       (1) provide the services described in paragraphs (3) and 
     (4) of subsection (a) to eligible veterans, including, to the 
     extent practicable, telehealth services that link the center 
     or facility with Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians;
       (2) use the clinical practice guidelines of the Veterans 
     Health Administration or the Department of Defense in the 
     provision of such services; and
       (3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary shall 
     require.
       (f) Compliance With Department Protocols.--Each community 
     mental health center, facility of the Indian Health Service, 
     or other entity participating in the pilot program under 
     subsection (b) shall comply with--
       (1) applicable protocols of the Department before incurring 
     any liability on behalf of the Department for the provision 
     of services as part of the pilot program; and
       (2) access and quality standards of the Department relevant 
     to the provision of services as part of the pilot program.
       (g) Provision of Clinical Information.--Each community 
     mental health center, facility of the Indian Health Service, 
     or other entity participating in the pilot program under 
     subsection (b) shall, in a timely fashion, provide the 
     Secretary with such clinical information on each veteran for 
     whom such health center or facility provides mental health 
     services under the pilot program as the Secretary shall 
     require.
       (h) Training.--
       (1) Training of veterans.--As part of the pilot program, 
     the Secretary shall carry out a program of training for 
     veterans described in subsection (a) to provide the services 
     described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection.
       (2) Training of clinicians.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a training 
     program for clinicians of community mental health centers, 
     Indian Health Service facilities, or other entities 
     participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) to 
     ensure that such clinicians can provide the services 
     described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) in a 
     manner that accounts for factors that are unique to the 
     experiences of veterans who served on active duty in 
     Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom 
     (including their combat and military training experiences).
       (B) Participation in training.--Personnel of each community 
     mental health center, facility of the Indian Health Service, 
     or other entity participating in the pilot program under 
     subsection (b) shall participate in the training program 
     conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A).
       (i) Annual Reports.--Each community mental health center, 
     facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity 
     participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall 
     submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a report 
     containing, with respect to the provision of services under 
     subsection (b) and for the last full calendar year ending 
     before the submission of such report--
       (1) the number of--
       (A) veterans served; and
       (B) courses of treatment provided; and
       (2) demographic information for such services, diagnoses, 
     and courses of treatment.
       (j) Program Evaluation.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services investigators and in 
     collaboration with relevant program offices of the 
     Department, design and implement a strategy for evaluating 
     the pilot program.
       (2) Elements.--The strategy implemented under paragraph (1) 
     shall assess the impact that contracting with community 
     mental health centers, the Indian Health Service, and other 
     entities participating in the pilot program under subsection 
     (b) has on the following:
       (A) Access to mental health care by veterans in need of 
     such care.
       (B) The use of telehealth services by veterans for mental 
     health care needs.
       (C) The quality of mental health care and substance use 
     disorder treatment services provided to veterans in need of 
     such care and services.
       (D) The coordination of mental health care and other 
     medical services provided to veterans.
       (k) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``community mental health center'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 410.2 of title 42, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date 
     of the enactment of this Act).
       (2) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran in need 
     of mental health services who--
       (A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     health care system; and
       (B) has received a referral from a health professional of 
     the Veterans Health Administration to a community mental 
     health center, a facility of the Indian Health Service, or 
     other entity for purposes of the pilot program.
       (3) The term ``Indian Health Service'' means the 
     organization established by section 601(a) of the Indian 
     Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1661(a)).
       (l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     the provisions of this section.

                    TITLE V--MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

     SEC. 501. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMORBID POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS 
                   DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall carry out a program of research into comorbid post-
     traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.
       (b) Discharge Through National Center for Posttraumatic 
     Stress Disorder.--The research program required by subsection 
     (a) shall be carried out by the National Center for 
     Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In carrying out the program, 
     the Center shall--
       (1) develop protocols and goals with respect to research 
     under the program; and
       (2) coordinate research, data collection, and data 
     dissemination under the program.
       (c) Research.--The program of research required by 
     subsection (a) shall address the following:
       (1) Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance 
     use disorder.
       (2) The systematic integration of treatment for post-
     traumatic stress disorder with treatment for substance use 
     disorder.
       (3) The development of protocols to evaluate care of 
     veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and 
     substance use disorder and to facilitate cumulative clinical 
     progress of such veterans over time.
       (d) Funding.--
       (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
     each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $2,000,000 to carry 
     out this section.
       (2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by 
     paragraph (1) shall be made available to the National Center 
     on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the purpose specified in 
     that paragraph.
       (3) Supplement not supplant.--Any amount made available to 
     the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for a 
     fiscal year under paragraph (2) is in addition to any other 
     amounts made available to the National Center on 
     Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for such year under any other 
     provision of law.

     SEC. 502. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON 
                   POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

       Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 
     (38 U.S.C. 1712A note; Public Law 98-528) is amended by 
     striking ``through 2008'' and inserting ``through 2012''.

             TITLE VI--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

     SEC. 601. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO 
                   FAMILIES OF VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 17 is amended--
       (1) in section 1701(5)(B)--
       (A) by inserting ``marriage and family counseling,'' after 
     ``professional counseling,''; and
       (B) by striking ``as may be essential to'' and inserting 
     ``as the Secretary considers appropriate for''; and
       (2) in subsections (a) and (b) of section 1782, by 
     inserting ``marriage and family counseling,'' after 
     ``professional counseling,''.
       (b) Location.--Paragraph (5) of section 1701 of title 38, 
     United States Code, shall not be construed to prevent the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs from providing services 
     described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph to 
     individuals described in such subparagraph in centers under 
     section 1712A of such title (commonly referred to as ``Vet 
     Centers''), Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, 
     community-based outpatient clinics, or in such other 
     facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the 
     Secretary considers necessary.

     SEC. 602. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND 
                   TRANSITION ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND THEIR 
                   FAMILIES IN COOPERATION WITH VET CENTERS.

       (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out, through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs 
     entity, a pilot program to assess the feasability and 
     advisability of providing readjustment and transition 
     assistance described in subsection (b) to veterans and their 
     families in cooperation with centers under section 1712A of 
     title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as ``Vet 
     Centers'').
       (b) Readjustment and Transition Assistance.--Readjustment 
     and transition assistance described in this subsection is 
     assistance as follows:
       (1) Readjustment and transition assistance that is 
     preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered.
       (2) Assistance and training for veterans and their families 
     in coping with the challenges associated with making the 
     transition from military to civilian life.
       (c) Non-Department of Veterans Affairs Entity.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program through any for-profit or non-profit organization 
     selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program 
     that has demonstrated expertise and experience in the 
     provision of assistance and training described in subsection 
     (b).
       (2) Contract or agreement.--The Secretary shall carry out 
     the pilot program through a non-Department entity described 
     in paragraph (1) pursuant to a contract or other agreement 
     entered into by the Secretary and the entity for purposes of 
     the pilot program.
       (d) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the three-year period beginning on the 
     date of

[[Page S4981]]

     the enactment of this Act, and may be carried out for 
     additional one-year periods thereafter.
       (e) Location of Pilot Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     provide assistance under the pilot program in cooperation 
     with 10 centers described in subsection (a) designated by the 
     Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.
       (2) Designations.--In designating centers described in 
     subsection (a) for purposes of the pilot program, the 
     Secretary shall designate centers so as to provide a balanced 
     geographical representation of such centers throughout the 
     United States, including the District of Columbia, the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, tribal lands, and other 
     territories and possessions of the United States.
       (f) Participation of Centers.--A center described in 
     subsection (a) that is designated under subsection (e) for 
     participation in the pilot program shall participate in the 
     pilot program by promoting awareness of the assistance and 
     training available to veterans and their families through--
       (1) the facilities and other resources of such center;
       (2) the non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity selected 
     pursuant to subsection (c); and
       (3) other appropriate mechanisms.
       (g) Additional Support.--In carrying out the pilot program, 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into contracts or 
     other agreements, in addition to the contract or agreement 
     described in subsection (c), with such other non-Department 
     of Veterans Affairs entities meeting the requirements of 
     subsection (c) as the Secretary considers appropriate for 
     purposes of the pilot program.
       (h) Report on Pilot Program.--
       (1) Report required.--Not later than six months after the 
     date of the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the congressional veterans affairs committees 
     a report on the pilot program.
       (2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A description of the activities under the pilot program 
     as of the date of such report, including the number of 
     veterans and families provided assistance under the pilot 
     program and the scope and nature of the assistance so 
     provided.
       (B) A current assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot 
     program.
       (C) Any recommendations that the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the extension or expansion of the pilot 
     program.
       (3) Congressional veterans affairs committees defined.--In 
     this subsection, the term ``congressional veterans affairs 
     committees'' means--
       (A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years 
     2009 through 2011 $1,000,000 to carry out this section.
       (2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by 
     paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

                  TITLE VII--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

     SEC. 701. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PER DIEM 
                   PAYMENTS TO HOMELESS VETERANS SERVICE CENTERS 
                   FOR RECEIPT OF OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME.

       Section 2012(a)(2) is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (D);
       (2) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except as 
     provided in subparagraph (B), the rate'';
       (B) by striking ``adjusted by the Secretary under 
     subparagraph (B)''; and
       (C) by designating the second sentence as subparagraph (B) 
     and indenting the margin of such subparagraph, as so 
     designated, two ems from the left margin; and
       (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``to make the 
     adjustment under subparagraph (B)''.

     SEC. 702. EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROGRAM OF 
                   REFERRAL AND COUNSELING SERVICES FOR AT-RISK 
                   VETERANS TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN 
                   INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Program Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 2023 is 
     amended by striking ``a demonstration program for the purpose 
     of determining the costs and benefits of providing'' and 
     inserting ``a program of''.
       (b) Scope of Program.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``Demonstration'' in the subsection 
     heading;
       (2) by striking ``demonstration''; and
       (3) by striking ``in at least six locations'' and inserting 
     ``in at least 12 locations''.
       (c) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is amended by striking ``shall cease'' and all that follows 
     and inserting ``shall cease on September 30, 2012.''.
       (d) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by 
     striking ``demonstration''.
       (2) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at 
       risk of homelessness who are transitioning from certain 
       institutions''.

       (3) Section 2022(f)(2)(C) of such title is amended by 
     striking ``demonstration''.
       (e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 20 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 2023 and inserting the following:

``2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at risk of 
              homelessness who are transitioning from certain 
              institutions.''.

     SEC. 703. AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDS TO SERVICE CENTERS FOR 
                   PERSONNEL.

       Section 2011 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(i) Availability of Grant Funds for Service Center 
     Personnel.--A grant under this section for a service center 
     for homeless veterans may be used to provide funding for 
     staff as necessary in order for the center to meet the 
     service availability requirements of subsection (g)(1).''.

     SEC. 704. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR DOMICILIARY SERVICES FOR 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS AND ENHANCEMENT OF CAPACITY 
                   OF DOMICILIARY CARE PROGRAMS FOR FEMALE 
                   VETERANS.

       Subsection (b) of section 2043 is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(b) Enhancement of Capacity of Domiciliary Care Programs 
     for Female Veterans.--The Secretary shall take appropriate 
     actions to ensure that the domiciliary care programs of the 
     Department are adequate, with respect to capacity and with 
     respect to safety, to meet the needs of veterans who are 
     women.''.

     SEC. 705. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR 
                   VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT 
                   HOUSING.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to facilitate 
     the provision of supportive services for very low-income 
     veteran families in permanent housing.
       (b) Financial Assistance.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter V of chapter 20 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for 
       very low-income veteran families in permanent housing

       ``(a) Distribution of Financial Assistance.--(1) The 
     Secretary shall provide financial assistance to eligible 
     entities approved under this section to provide and 
     coordinate the provision of supportive services described in 
     subsection (b) for very low-income veteran families occupying 
     permanent housing.
       ``(2) Financial assistance under this section shall consist 
     of grants for each such family for which an approved eligible 
     entity is providing or coordinating the provision of 
     supportive services.
       ``(3)(A) The Secretary shall provide such grants to each 
     eligible entity that is providing or coordinating the 
     provision of supportive services.
       ``(B) The Secretary is authorized to establish intervals of 
     payment for the administration of such grants and establish a 
     maximum amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services 
     being provided and their duration.
       ``(4) In providing financial assistance under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary shall give preference to entities 
     providing or coordinating the provision of supportive 
     services for very low-income veteran families who are 
     transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
       ``(5) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent 
     practicable, financial assistance under this subsection is 
     equitably distributed across geographic regions, including 
     rural communities and tribal lands.
       ``(6) Each entity receiving financial assistance under this 
     section to provide supportive services to a very low-income 
     veteran family shall notify that family that such services 
     are being paid for, in whole or in part, by the Department.
       ``(7) The Secretary may require entities receiving 
     financial assistance under this section to submit a report to 
     the Secretary that describes the projects carried out with 
     such financial assistance.
       ``(b) Supportive Services.--The supportive services 
     referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
       ``(1) Services provided by an eligible entity or a 
     subcontractor of an eligible entity that address the needs of 
     very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing, 
     including--
       ``(A) outreach services;
       ``(B) case management services;
       ``(C) assistance in obtaining any benefits from the 
     Department which the veteran may be eligible to receive, 
     including, but not limited to, vocational and rehabilitation 
     counseling, employment and training service, educational 
     assistance, and health care services; and
       ``(D) assistance in obtaining and coordinating the 
     provision of other public benefits provided in federal, 
     State, or local agencies, or any organization defined in 
     subsection (f), including--
       ``(i) health care services (including obtaining health 
     insurance);
       ``(ii) daily living services;
       ``(iii) personal financial planning;
       ``(iv) transportation services;
       ``(v) income support services;
       ``(vi) fiduciary and representative payee services;
       ``(vii) legal services to assist the veteran family with 
     issues that interfere with the family's ability to obtain or 
     retain housing or supportive services;
       ``(viii) child care;
       ``(ix) housing counseling; and
       ``(x) other services necessary for maintaining independent 
     living.

[[Page S4982]]

       ``(2) Services described in paragraph (1) that are 
     delivered to very low-income veteran families who are 
     homeless and who are scheduled to become residents of 
     permanent housing within 90 days pending the location or 
     development of housing suitable for permanent housing.
       ``(3) Services described in paragraph (1) for very low-
     income veteran families who have voluntarily chosen to seek 
     other housing after a period of tenancy in permanent housing, 
     that are provided, for a period of 90 days after such 
     families exit permanent housing or until such families 
     commence receipt of other housing services adequate to meet 
     their current needs, but only to the extent that services 
     under this paragraph are designed to support such families in 
     their choice to transition into housing that is responsive to 
     their individual needs and preferences.
       ``(c) Application for Financial Assistance.--(1) An 
     eligible entity seeking financial assistance under subsection 
     (a) shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in 
     such form, in such manner, and containing such commitments 
     and information as the Secretary determines to be necessary 
     to carry out this section.
       ``(2) Each application submitted by an eligible entity 
     under paragraph (1) shall contain--
       ``(A) a description of the supportive services proposed to 
     be provided by the eligible entity and the identified needs 
     for those services;
       ``(B) a description of the types of very low-income veteran 
     families proposed to be provided such services;
       ``(C) an estimate of the number of very low-income veteran 
     families proposed to be provided such services;
       ``(D) evidence of the experience of the eligible entity in 
     providing supportive services to very low-income veteran 
     families; and
       ``(E) a description of the managerial capacity of the 
     eligible entity--
       ``(i) to coordinate the provision of supportive services 
     with the provision of permanent housing by the eligible 
     entity or by other organizations;
       ``(ii) to assess continuously the needs of very low-income 
     veteran families for supportive services;
       ``(iii) to coordinate the provision of supportive services 
     with the services of the Department;
       ``(iv) to tailor supportive services to the needs of very 
     low-income veteran families; and
       ``(v) to seek continuously new sources of assistance to 
     ensure the long-term provision of supportive services to very 
     low-income veteran families.
       ``(3) The Secretary shall establish criteria for the 
     selection of eligible entities to be provided financial 
     assistance under this section.
       ``(d) Technical Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall 
     provide training and technical assistance to participating 
     eligible entities regarding the planning, development, and 
     provision of supportive services to very low-income veteran 
     families occupying permanent housing, through the Technical 
     Assistance grants program in section 2064 of this title.
       ``(2) The Secretary may provide the training described in 
     paragraph (1) directly or through grants or contracts with 
     appropriate public or nonprofit private entities.
       ``(e) Funding.--(1) From amounts appropriated to the 
     Department for Medical Services, there shall be available to 
     carry out subsection (a), (b), and (c) amounts as follows:
       ``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
       ``(B) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       ``(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
       ``(2) Not more than $750,000 may be available under 
     paragraph (1) in any fiscal year to provide technical 
     assistance under subsection (d).
       ``(3) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for 
     each of the fiscal year 2008 through 2010 to carry out the 
     provisions of subsection (d).
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `consumer cooperative' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 
     U.S.C. 1701q).
       ``(2) The term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) a private nonprofit organization; or
       ``(B) a consumer cooperative.
       ``(3) The term `homeless' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 11302).
       ``(4) The term `permanent housing' means community-based 
     housing without a designated length of stay.
       ``(5) The term `private nonprofit organization' means any 
     of the following:
       ``(A) Any incorporated private institution or foundation--
       ``(i) no part of the net earnings of which inures to the 
     benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual;
       ``(ii) which has a governing board that is responsible for 
     the operation of the supportive services provided under this 
     section; and
       ``(iii) which is approved by the Secretary as to financial 
     responsibility.
       ``(B) A for-profit limited partnership, the sole general 
     partner of which is an organization meeting the requirements 
     of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an 
     organization meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), 
     and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) A tribally designated housing entity (as defined in 
     section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
     Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103)).
       ``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the term 
     `very low-income veteran family' means a veteran family whose 
     income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for an 
     area specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, 
     as determined by the Secretary in accordance with this 
     paragraph.
       ``(B) The Secretary shall make appropriate adjustments to 
     the income requirement under subparagraph (A) based on family 
     size.
       ``(C) The Secretary may establish an income ceiling higher 
     or lower than 50 percent of the median income for an area if 
     the Secretary determines that such variations are necessary 
     because the area has unusually high or low construction 
     costs, fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of 
     the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)), or 
     family incomes.
       ``(7) The term `veteran family' includes a veteran who is a 
     single person and a family in which the head of household or 
     the spouse of the head of household is a veteran.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 2043 the following new 
     item:

``2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing.''.
       (c) Study of Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program.--
       (1) In general.--For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the 
     Secretary shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the 
     permanent housing program under section 2044 of title 38, 
     United States Code, as added by subsection (b), in meeting 
     the needs of very low-income veteran families, as that term 
     is defined in that section.
       (2) Comparison.--In the study required by paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary shall compare the results of the program 
     referred to in that subsection with other programs of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to the delivery of 
     housing and services to veterans.
       (3) Criteria.--In making the comparison required in 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
       (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the programs 
     described in paragraph (2).
       (B) The health status of such veterans.
       (C) The housing provided such veterans under such programs.
       (D) The degree to which such veterans are encouraged to 
     productive activity by such programs.
       (4) Report.--Not later than March 31, 2011, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the results of the study required 
     by paragraph (1).

                          ____________________