[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H7578-H7581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2014

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5404) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend 
certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5404

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Scoring of budgetary effects.

        TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE

Sec. 101. Extension of requirement to provide nursing home care to 
              certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Sec. 102. Extension of authority for pilot program on counseling in 
              retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from 
              service in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 103. Extension of authority for pilot program on assistance for 
              child care for certain veterans receiving health care.
Sec. 104. Extension of authority to make grants to veterans service 
              organizations for transportation of highly rural 
              veterans.
Sec. 105. Extension of requirement for report on activities of 
              Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs 
              Interagency Program Office.
Sec. 106. Extension of authority for the performance of medical 
              disabilities examinations by contract physicians.
Sec. 107. Extension of authority for collection of copayments for 
              hospital care and nursing home care.
Sec. 108. Extension of authority for recovery from third parties of 
              cost of care and services furnished to veterans with 
              health-plan contracts for non-service-connected 
              disability.

       TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS

Sec. 201. Extension of current funding level for comprehensive service 
              programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 202. Extension of authority for homeless veterans reintegration 
              programs.
Sec. 203. Extension of authority to provide referral and counseling 
              services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness.
Sec. 204. Extension of authority for treatment and rehabilitation 
              services for seriously mentally ill and homeless 
              veterans.
Sec. 205. Extension of authority to provide housing assistance for 
              homeless veterans.
Sec. 206. Extension of authority to provide financial assistance for 
              supportive services for very low-income veteran families 
              in permanent housing.
Sec. 207. Extension of authority for grant program for homeless 
              veterans with special needs.
Sec. 208. Extension of authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless 
              Veterans.

        TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS

Sec. 301. Extension of authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee 
              on Education.
Sec. 302. Extension of authority for calculating net value of real 
              property at time of foreclosure.
Sec. 303. Extension of authority relating to vendee loans.

       TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 401. Extension of authority to transport certain individuals to 
              and from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Sec. 402. Extension of authority for operation of the Department of 
              Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic 
              of the Philippines.
Sec. 403. Extension of requirement to provide reports to Congress 
              regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative 
              error.
Sec. 404. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Minority 
              Veterans.
Sec. 405. Extension of authority for temporary expansion of eligibility 
              for specially adapted housing assistance for certain 
              veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating.
Sec. 406. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers.
Sec. 407. Extension of authority for agreement with National Academy of 
              Sciences.
Sec. 408. Health professionals education debt reduction.
Sec. 409. Amendments to Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act 
              of 2014.

[[Page H7579]]

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

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

     SEC. 3. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

        TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE

     SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME 
                   CARE TO CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED 
                   DISABILITIES.

       Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON 
                   COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN 
                   VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE 
                   ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of section 203 
     of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1143; 38 U.S.C. 1712A 
     note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot 
     program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 
     2015.''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (f) of 
     such section is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2010 and 
     2011'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2015''.

     SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
                   RECEIVING HEALTH CARE.

       (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 205 
     of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1144; 38 U.S.C. 1710 
     note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(e) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot 
     program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 
     2015.''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (h) of 
     such section is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting 
     ``2015''.

     SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO VETERANS 
                   SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF 
                   HIGHLY RURAL VETERANS.

       Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus 
     Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 
     1154; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by striking ``2014'' 
     and inserting ``2015''.

     SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT ON ACTIVITIES 
                   OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS INTERAGENCY PROGRAM OFFICE.

       Section 1635(h)(1) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of 
     Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 460; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is 
     amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.

     SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF 
                   MEDICAL DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT 
                   PHYSICIANS.

       Section 704(c) of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public 
     Law 108-183; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking 
     ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS 
                   FOR HOSPITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME CARE.

       Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``September 
     30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.

     SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY FROM THIRD 
                   PARTIES OF COST OF CARE AND SERVICES FURNISHED 
                   TO VETERANS WITH HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACTS FOR NON-
                   SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY.

       Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking ``October 1, 
     2014'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.

       TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS

     SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF CURRENT FUNDING LEVEL FOR 
                   COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS 
                   VETERANS.

       Section 2013(7) is amended by striking ``$150,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$250,000,000''.

     SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS 
                   REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.

       Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2014'' and 
     inserting ``2015''.

     SEC. 203. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE REFERRAL AND 
                   COUNSELING SERVICES FOR CERTAIN VETERANS AT 
                   RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.

       (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of section 2023 
     is amended by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2015''.
       (b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(3) of such section 
     is amended by striking ``enter into contracts'' and inserting 
     ``make grants''.

     SEC. 204. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREATMENT AND 
                   REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY 
                   ILL AND HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) General Treatment.--Section 2031(b) is amended by 
     striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2015''.
       (b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section 
     2033(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2015''.

     SEC. 205. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE HOUSING 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 2041(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.

     SEC. 206. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY 
                   LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT 
                   HOUSING.

       Section 2044(e)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 
     2013 and 2014'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2013 through 
     2015''.

     SEC. 207. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

       Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking ``2014'' and 
     inserting ``2015''.

     SEC. 208. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
                   ON HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

        TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS

     SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE VETERANS' ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

       Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CALCULATING NET VALUE OF 
                   REAL PROPERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE.

       Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking ``October 1, 
     2014'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.

     SEC. 303. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.

       Section 3733(a)(7) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; 
     and
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 
     2014,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015,''.

       TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 401. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSPORT CERTAIN 
                   INDIVIDUALS TO AND FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FACILITIES.

       Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 402. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE 
                   IN MANILA, THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.

       Section 315(b) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.

     SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REPORTS TO 
                   CONGRESS REGARDING EQUITABLE RELIEF IN THE CASE 
                   OF ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR.

       Section 503(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 404. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
                   MINORITY VETERANS.

       Section 544(e) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.

     SEC. 405. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF 
                   ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES CAUSING DIFFICULTY AMBULATING.

       Section 2101(a)(4) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``September 30, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``fiscal year 2014'' 
     and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015''.

     SEC. 406. RESTORATION OF PRIOR REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS.

       During the one-year period beginning on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the second sentence of section 3684(c) 
     shall be applied--
       (1) by substituting ``$9'' for ``$12''; and
       (2) by substituting ``$13'' for ``$15''.

     SEC. 407. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL 
                   ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

       Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 
     102-4; 105 Stat. 13; 38 U.S.C. 1116 note) is amended by 
     striking ``October 1, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 
     2015''.

     SEC. 408. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION.

       Section 7683 is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(a) In General.--Education debt reduction payments under 
     the Education Debt Reduction Program shall consist of--
       ``(1) payments to individuals selected to participate in 
     the program of principal and interest on loans described in 
     section 7682(a)(2) of this title; or
       ``(2) payments for the principal and interest on such loans 
     of such individuals to the holders of such loans.'';
       (2) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking ``payments to'' 
     both places it appears and inserting ``payments to or for''; 
     and
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``made to'' and inserting 
     ``made to or for''; and

[[Page H7580]]

       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``payable to that'' 
     and inserting ``payable to or for that''.

     SEC. 409. AMENDMENTS TO VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND 
                   ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014.

       (a) Expanded Availability of Hospital Care and Medical 
     Services.--Section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
     Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 
     1701 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``provide the veteran 
     an appointment that exceeds the wait-time goals described in 
     such subsection or'' before ``place such''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``(or other digital 
     channel)'' after ``website'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by adding at the end the 
     following new sentences: ``An agreement entered into pursuant 
     to this subparagraph may not be treated as a Federal contract 
     for the acquisition of goods or services and is not subject 
     to any provision of law governing Federal contracts for the 
     acquisition of goods or services. Before entering into an 
     agreement pursuant to this subparagraph, the Secretary shall, 
     to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with the 
     requirements of this section, furnish such care and services 
     to such veterans under this section with such entities 
     pursuant to sharing agreements, existing contracts entered 
     into by the Secretary, or other processes available at 
     medical facilities of the Department.'';
       (3) in subsection (l)(1), by inserting ``a copy of'' before 
     ``any medical record''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(t) Waiver of Certain Printing Requirements.--Section 501 
     of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply in carrying 
     out this section.''.
       (b) Collaboration Between VA and Indian Health Service.--
     Section 102 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
     Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 
     1701 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall establish'' and inserting the 
     following: ``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the 
     Director of the Indian Health Service shall jointly establish 
     and implement'';
       (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(3) Entering into an agreement between the Department and 
     the Indian Health Service described in paragraph (2)(A) with 
     respect to the effect of such agreement on the priority 
     access of any Indian to health care services provided through 
     the Indian Health Service, the eligibility of any Indian to 
     receive health services through the Indian Health Service, 
     and the quality of health care services provided to any 
     Indian through the Indian Health Service.''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (d).
       (c) Prompt Payment.--Section 105 of the Veterans Access, 
     Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 
     38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``section 1315'' and 
     inserting ``part 1315'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``chapter 39'' and 
     inserting ``chapter 39 of title 31''; and
       (3) in subsection (d), by striking ``required by subsection 
     (b)'' and inserting ``required by subsection (c)''.
       (d) Improvement of Access to Mobile Vet Centers.--Section 
     204 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 
     2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and readjustment 
     counseling services'' after ``other health care''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and events'' after 
     ``locations''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and outreach 
     contacts'' after ``appointments''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``and 
     readjustment counseling'' after ``telemedicine services''; 
     and
       (ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and outreach 
     contacts'' after ``appointments'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and readjustment 
     counseling'' after ``health care services''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``mobile vet centers 
     and''.
       (e) Improved Transparency.--Section 206(b) of the Veterans 
     Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 
     113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``comprehensive 
     database'' and inserting ``comprehensive, machine-readable 
     data set'';
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``notice in the database 
     of the reason'' and inserting ``notice of the reason''; and
       (3) in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), by striking 
     ``database'' each place it appears and inserting ``data''.
       (f) Information on Credentials.--Section 207 of the 
     Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 
     (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by 
     striking ``successor database'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``successor data set''.
       (g) Report on Staffing Shortages.--Section 301(b)(3) of the 
     Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 
     (Public Law 113-146) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Not later'' and all 
     that follows through ``2019'' and inserting the following: 
     ``On October 1 of each year beginning in 2015 and ending in 
     2019''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``at each'' and all that 
     follows through the period at the end and inserting the 
     following: ``or guidelines of the Department with respect to 
     determining the ratio of residents to staff supervising 
     residents.''; and
       (B) by striking clause (v) and inserting the following new 
     clause:
       ``(v) Efforts of the Department, as of the date of the 
     submittal of the report, to recruit and retain medical 
     residents to work for the Veterans Health Administration as 
     full-time employees.''.
       (h) Project ARCH.--Section 403(j) of the Veterans' Mental 
     Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 
     110-387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``In carrying out'' and inserting 
     ``Notwithstanding any provision of law relating to the use of 
     competitive procedures in entering into contracts, in 
     carrying out''; and
       (2) by inserting ``under this section'' after ``make use of 
     contracts entered into''.
       (i) Clarification of Approval of Courses of Education 
     Provided by Public Institutions of Higher Learning and In-
     State Tuition Rate for Veterans.--Paragraph (1) of section 
     3679(c) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter 
     and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary 
     shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public 
     institution of higher learning if the institution charges 
     tuition and fees for that course for covered individuals who 
     are pursuing the course with educational assistance under 
     chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living in the State in 
     which the institution is located at a rate that is higher 
     than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees 
     for that course for residents of the State in which the 
     institution is located, regardless of the covered 
     individual's State of residence.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) and the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. 
Kirkpatrick) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on 
H.R. 5404, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Colorado?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LAMBORN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the amendment to H.R. 5404 would extend a number of 
expiring current authorities and critical programs at both the 
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor. These 
programs include authorizations for veterans' health care and homeless 
programs, benefits for disabled veterans, and home loan programs.
  These noncontroversial programs are set to expire at the end of this 
fiscal or calendar year. These are not new programs, and the costs have 
either been fully offset or have been assumed in the baseline budget 
for this year.
  The amendment to H.R. 5404 would also make certain technical and 
conforming changes to Public Law 113-146, the Veterans Access, Choice, 
and Accountability Act of 2014. These changes are needed to ensure 
proper and swift implementation of this important law that provides 
veterans whose care at VA is delayed with a choice to obtain private 
care and provides the Secretary the tools he needs to hold senior VA 
managers accountable. The changes have the support of the majority and 
minority leadership of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting 
this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for 
all of the hard work and dedication that went into H.R. 5404, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014.
  This bill would extend a number of important programs administered by 
the Department of Veterans Affairs. We must ensure that the VA has the 
resources and authority to provide high-quality health care services 
and benefits that veterans have earned and deserve, no matter where 
they choose to live.

[[Page H7581]]

  H.R. 5404 extends the Department's authority to deliver nursing home 
care to our veterans, give child care assistance for veterans so they 
can make their medical appointments, and provide counseling retreats 
for our women veterans.
  For veterans who live in highly rural areas like my district, this 
bill extends VA's authority to give grants to veterans' service 
organizations to transport our rural veterans to their medical 
appointments, which is critical for increasing access to VA health 
care.
  This bill also extends critical homeless programs that the VA needs 
to end veteran homelessness by 2015. Programs such as housing 
assistance, financial assistance, counseling, and reintegration 
services will continue so that veterans who experience homelessness or 
are at risk of being homeless have a safety net of services to help 
themselves in their time of need.
  Finally, H.R. 5404 contains several extensions that will assist the 
Department in its efforts to provide specially adapted housing to 
veterans who have difficulty getting around their own homes, permit the 
VA to recruit and retain needed medical specialists, improve education 
benefit programs, and allow the VA to maintain an effective, 
functioning home loan guaranty program.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5404, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Denham), the sponsor of the bill and a member of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee who has made many important contributions 
to the welfare of veterans such as this bill we are considering right 
now.
  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to tackle the pressing need 
for VA health care reform, the last thing our veterans need is even 
more uncertainty with the many other benefits that have an equally 
important impact on their lives.
  H.R. 5404, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities 
Act, extends several important VA authorities that support the services 
they rely on every single day.
  As current military forces overseas draw down, our country must 
prepare to welcome back thousands of returning soldiers, many of whom 
are young and aspiring to build a new life for themselves and their 
loved ones.
  For the next year, veterans can continue to utilize programs that 
help them pay off school debt, for health education, and buy affordable 
homes, helping their transition into civilian life be an easier one.
  For those veterans who require more day-to-day medical care, they can 
continue to qualify for child care assistance and specially adaptive 
housing grants, as well as accessing expanded health services, such as 
those provided by the VA's 70-plus mobile vet centers around the 
country.
  Transportation services to VA medical facilities will also continue, 
giving peace of mind to the many disabled or rural-based vets that too 
often find themselves restricted by mobility or distance. In rural 
districts like mine across the country, veterans often travel over 90 
miles for an appointment, disrupting their lives and causing physical 
and financial hardship.
  Additionally, this bill reinforces our fight against homelessness by 
expanding rehabilitation, counseling, and housing programs to help 
these underserved veterans get back on their feet. Since 2009, veteran 
homelessness has dropped 23 percent, largely due to the success of 
these services. Whenever I travel back to my district and meet with 
local veteran constituents and organizations, it is clear that these 
grant programs are making a real difference.
  In California's Central Valley, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese 
of Stockton has received a grant from the VA that is helping preserve 
791 households in San Joaquin County from the threat of homelessness. 
That is 791 families who have a chance to build a stable home life and 
keep their kids in school.
  As cochair of the Veterans Jobs Caucus, I place especially high 
importance on the continuance of our essential reintegration and job 
training programs. Through their service, these hardworking men and 
women gain the skills and qualities that are highly valued by 
employers. We must do all we can to connect them with the resources and 
training they need to land worthwhile jobs that will bring this 
financial security and dignity to their lives.
  In closing, I would just like to thank the ranking member and the 
chairman as well as all of the committee for their hard work in putting 
this bill together. This is a great bipartisan bill that will continue 
to help the lives of those that have given everything for the freedoms 
of our country.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Indiana (Mrs. Walorski), who is also a member of the Veterans Affairs' 
Committee and likewise has made very solid and important contributions 
for veterans.
  Mrs. WALORSKI. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5404. This legislation 
will continue to protect millions of American veterans who swore to 
protect and defend this great Nation, including the 54,000 in my 
district who depend on the VA for care and support.
  Earlier this summer, I served as a member of the VA Conference 
Committee. My fellow conferees and I were able to work together and 
again prove that helping vets is not political or partisan; it is 
American.
  When that legislation was signed into law, I said it was the first 
step toward reforming the VA. Today's legislation is yet another step 
in the right direction. H.R. 5404 would extend the number of important 
veterans' service programs to vets in rural areas, homeless vets, vets 
with mental illness, all in an effort to improve their quality of life.
  Of the 8 million veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, 
roughly 3 million live in rural areas. These vets live 30 or more miles 
from their nearest VA and must travel long distances to receive care. 
This legislation would give more funding to VSOs to drive their vets to 
doctors' appointments, increasing their access to care.
  This bill also funds programs to help our homeless veterans get back 
on their feet and reduce the number of homeless veterans. It also helps 
to fund job training, counseling, and placement services for those vets 
so they can find a good-paying job. Additionally, and just as 
importantly, this bill also addresses suffering from mental health 
issues. This legislation will help fund programs to help vets with 
mental illness with greater outreach, rehabilitation services, care, 
and treatment.
  Today is an important opportunity as Members of Congress to take 
another step forward towards meaningful reform and to take another step 
in the right direction. Today we stand together to help our Nation's 
heros. We owe it to our veterans to provide them with nothing but the 
best.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 
5404 and send this important, must-pass measure to the Senate to ensure 
that these important programs and services continue.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman.
  I too urge all Members of the House to support H.R. 5404, as amended.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Salmon). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5404, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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