[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 155 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6225-S6231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. CORNYN (for himself and Ms. Hassan):
[[Page S6226]]
S. 3464. A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a continuous
diagnostics and mitigation program at the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs.
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 3464
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advancing Cybersecurity
Diagnostics and Mitigation Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTINUOUS DIAGNOSTICS AND
MITIGATION PROGRAM IN DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY.
(a) In General.--Section 230 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 151) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(g) Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation.--
``(1) Program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall deploy, operate, and
maintain a continuous diagnostics and mitigation program.
Under such program, the Secretary shall--
``(i) develop and provide the capability to collect,
analyze, and visualize information relating to security data
and cybersecurity risks;
``(ii) make program capabilities available for use, with or
without reimbursement;
``(iii) employ shared services, collective purchasing,
blanket purchase agreements, and any other economic or
procurement models the Secretary determines appropriate to
maximize the costs savings associated with implementing an
information system;
``(iv) assist entities in setting information security
priorities and managing cybersecurity risks; and
``(v) develop policies and procedures for reporting
systemic cybersecurity risks and potential incidents based
upon data collected under such program.
``(B) Regular improvement.--The Secretary shall regularly
deploy new technologies and modify existing technologies to
the continuous diagnostics and mitigation program required
under subparagraph (A), as appropriate, to improve the
program.
``(2) Activities.--In carrying out the continuous
diagnostics and mitigation program under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that--
``(A) timely, actionable, and relevant cybersecurity risk
information, assessments, and analysis are provided in real
time;
``(B) share the analysis and products developed under such
program;
``(C) all information, assessments, analyses, and raw data
under such program is made available to the national
cybersecurity and communications integration center of the
Department; and
``(D) provide regular reports on cybersecurity risks.''.
(b) Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall develop a comprehensive continuous diagnostics and
mitigation strategy to carry out the continuous diagnostics
and mitigation program required under subsection (g) of
section 230 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
151), as added by subsection (a).
(2) Scope.--The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the continuous diagnostics and
mitigation program, including efforts by the Secretary of
Homeland Security to assist with the deployment of program
tools, capabilities, and services, from the inception of the
program referred to in paragraph (1) to the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(B) A description of the coordination required to deploy,
install, and maintain the tools, capabilities, and services
that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be
necessary to satisfy the requirements of such program.
(C) A description of any obstacles facing the deployment,
installation, and maintenance of tools, capabilities, and
services under such program.
(D) Recommendations and guidelines to help maintain and
continuously upgrade tools, capabilities, and services
provided under such program.
(E) Recommendations for using the data collected by such
program for creating a common framework for data analytics,
visualization of enterprise-wide risks, and real-time
reporting.
(F) Recommendations for future efforts and activities,
including for the rollout of new tools, capabilities and
services, proposed timelines for delivery, and whether to
continue the use of phased rollout plans, related to securing
networks, devices, data, and information technology assets
through the use of such program.
(3) Form.--The strategy required under subparagraph (A)
shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a
classified annex.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the development
of the strategy required under subsection (b), the Secretary
of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representative a report on cybersecurity risk posture based
on the data collected through the continuous diagnostics and
mitigation program under subsection (g) of section 230 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 151), as added by
subsection (a).
______
By Mr. JONES (for himself, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Cardin, Mr.
Brown, Mr. Booker, Ms. Warren, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Van
Hollen, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Harris, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr.
Menendez, Ms. Smith, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Markey,
Mr. Udall, Mr. Coons, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Carper, Mr. Casey, Mr.
Durbin, Mr. Tester, and Mrs. Feinstein):
S. 3467. A bill to permanently reauthorize mandatory funding programs
for historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-
serving institutions; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions.
Mr. JONES. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about an issue that,
quite frankly, I do not think gets enough attention on the floor of the
Senate or on the floor of the House of Representatives, and that is the
state of historically Black colleges and universities, or, as they are
commonly known, HBCUs.
Alabama is home to 14 of these institutions, the most of any State in
the country. With all due respect to my colleagues, we don't just have
the most HBCUs. I believe we have the best.
Tuskegee University is the only HBCU with a college of veterinary
medicine. The school produces over 75 percent of African-American
veterinarians in the world. It has also just hired its first female
university president, Dr. Lily McNair.
Alabama A&M University is the only 1890 land grant university
offering four Ph.D. programs. It is also the leading producer of
African Americans with Ph.Ds in physics.
Oakwood University is the Nation's fifth highest producer of
undergraduate African-American applicants to our country's medical
schools.
Alabama State University, whose president, my friend Dr. Quinton
Ross, has joined us in the Gallery today, is home to the National
Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture. ASU
is currently doing preservation work on some never-before-seen
documents, such as court pleadings, bond documents, and other official
papers that are connected to the Montgomery bus boycott.
Lawson State Community College was also named a Champion of Change in
2011 by then-President Barack Obama.
There are over 100 accredited HBCUs today across the country, both
public and private. They are in 19 States, the District of Columbia,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They enroll approximately 300,000
students--80 percent of whom are African American and 70 percent of
whom are from low-income families.
While HBCUs only make up 3 percent of the country's colleges and
universities today, they produce nearly 20 percent of all African-
American graduates. Among HBCU graduates, there are countless
trailblazing Americans who have, quite literally, changed the course of
our Nation's history: Dr. Martin Luther King, Thurgood Marshall, Marian
Wright Edelman, Langston Hughes, Katherine Johnson, amongst so many
others.
According to the National Science Foundation, between 2002 and 2011,
the top eight institutions at which African-American Ph.Ds in science
and engineering earned their bachelor's degrees were all HBCUs. HBCUs
annually generate $14.8 billion in economic impact and add more than
134,000 jobs for local and regional economies, and 2014 Alabama HBCU
graduates can expect total earnings of $130 billion over their
lifetimes.
I could go on and on with these remarkable statistics for these
remarkable colleges and universities. For all of these incredible
achievements, though--for every achievement I have
[[Page S6227]]
just named--HBCUs in Alabama and across the country are working against
the strong headwinds of serious financial struggles.
The Government Accountability Office recently investigated the
capital finance needs of HBCUs at the request of my colleagues Senator
Patty Murray and Senator Casey, also of Congressman Bobby Scott and
Congressman G.K. Butterfield. The report estimates that 46 percent of
all HBCU buildings are in need of replacement or repair. This is due to
deferred maintenance, the evolution of higher education and technology,
and the fact that many of these buildings are State or federally
registered historic places. For example, Tuskegee University is
designated as a National Historic Site by Congress. That is a
remarkable figure--46 percent--of all buildings in need of repair or
replacement. It is one that, I hope, all of my colleagues will agree is
wholly unacceptable.
This is not a surprise, though, for those who understand the
challenges these institutions have long faced. HBCUs lack a plethora of
revenue sources. Public HBCUs rely heavily on State and Federal grants,
appropriations, and bonds. Private HBCUs have to rely on private or
alumni giving and tuition and fees. On top of that, the GAO found that
an HBCU's average endowment is half the size of a similarly sized non-
HBCU. That is half the size not of all non-HBCUs but half the size of
similarly situated non-HBCUs.
None of the 90 institutions of higher education in this country with
endowments greater than $1 billion is an HBCU. This results in an
endless cycle for these schools that have contributed so greatly to our
country and the talented students they serve. With their limited
revenue resources and the discrimination they face in the bond market,
it is difficult to maintain campus buildings that attract higher
enrollment. Lower enrollment just leads to even less tuition and fewer
fees that are collected by each institution. Thus, the cycle continues.
I didn't just come to talk about the problems our HBCUs face without
offering some type of solution. I introduce today the Strengthening
Minority-Serving Institutions Act, which will permanently extend and
increase Federal funds to all minority-serving institutions. These
Federal funds are currently set to expire after fiscal year 2019.
My bill goes beyond just supporting HBCUs and is inclusive of other
minority-serving schools, like those that primarily admit Asian
Americans, Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians,
Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans, among others. With this
legislation, we will increase mandatory funding from $255 million to
$300 million for each of these institutions. They will be able to put
that money to good use for infrastructure improvements, technology
upgrades, and other critical needs that have gone unfulfilled.
While I had hoped we could make this a bipartisan effort, I haven't
yet heard back from any of my Republican colleagues. My Republican
colleagues represent a fair share of these institutions, and I hope we
will still gain some support from across the aisle and move this bill
through the Senate.
This bill will not solve all of the challenges HBCUs face--all of the
challenges they are working so hard to overcome. Yet I submit it is a
step in the right direction. More importantly, it is the right thing to
do for these schools that are part of the very foundation of our higher
education system in Alabama and across the country.
______
By Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Mr. Tester):
S. 3479. A bill 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; considered and passed.
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 2018''.
(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--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY
Subtitle A--Health Care Matters
Sec. 101. Extension of authority for collection of copayments for
hospital care and nursing home care.
Sec. 102. Extension of requirement to provide nursing home care to
certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Sec. 103. Removal of authorization of appropriations to provide
assistance and support services for caregivers.
Sec. 104. Making permanent authority for recovery from third parties of
cost of care and services furnished to veterans with
health-plan contracts for non-service-connected
disability.
Sec. 105. Extension of authority for transfer of real property.
Sec. 106. Extension of authority for pilot program on assistance for
child care for certain veterans receiving health care.
Sec. 107. Extension of authority to make grants to veterans service
organizations for transportation of highly rural
veterans.
Sec. 108. Extension of authority for pilot program on counseling in
retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from
service.
Sec. 109. Extension of temporary expansion of payments and allowances
for beneficiary travel in connection with veterans
receiving care from vet centers.
Subtitle B--Benefits Matters
Sec. 121. Making permanent authority for temporary expansion of
eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance for
certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty
ambulating.
Sec. 122. Extension of authority for specially adapted housing
assistive technology grant program.
Sec. 123. Making permanent authority to guarantee payment of principal
and interest on certificates or other securities.
Sec. 124. Making permanent authority for calculating net value of real
property at time of foreclosure.
Sec. 125. Extension of authority relating to vendee loans.
Sec. 126. Making permanent authority to provide rehabilitation and
vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with
severe injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 127. Extension of authority to enter into agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences regarding associations
between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other
chemical compounds in herbicides.
Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters
Sec. 141. Extension of authority for homeless veterans reintegration
programs.
Sec. 142. Extension of authority for homeless women veterans and
homeless veterans with children reintegration program.
Sec. 143. Extension of authority for referral and counseling services
for veterans at risk of homelessness transitioning from
certain institutions.
Sec. 144. Extension of authority for treatment and rehabilitation
services for seriously mentally ill and homeless
veterans.
Sec. 145. Extension of authority for financial assistance for
supportive services for very low-income veteran families
in permanent housing.
Sec. 146. Extension of authority for grant program for homeless
veterans with special needs.
Sec. 147. Extension of authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless
Veterans.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
Sec. 161. Extension of authority for transportation of individuals to
and from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Sec. 162. Extension of authority for operation of the Department of
Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic
of the Philippines.
Sec. 163. Extension of authority for monthly assistance allowances
under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and
Special Events.
Sec. 164. Extension of requirement to provide reports to Congress
regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative
error.
Sec. 165. Extension of authorization of appropriations for adaptive
sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the
armed forces.
Sec. 166. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Minority
Veterans.
TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Sec. 201. Treatment of modifications of contracts under Veterans
Community Care program.
[[Page S6228]]
Sec. 202. Modification of provision requiring recognition and
acceptance, on an interim basis, of credentials and
qualifications of health care providers under community
care program.
Sec. 203. Expansion of coverage of Veterans Care Agreements.
Sec. 204. Modification of authority for deduction of overpayments for
health care.
Sec. 205. Modification of eligibility of former members of the Armed
Forces for mental and behavioral health care from the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 206. Access of health care providers of the Department of Veterans
Affairs to drug monitoring programs that do not
participate in the national network.
Sec. 207. Elimination of report on activities and proposals involving
contracting for performance by contractor personnel of
work previously performed by Department employees.
Sec. 208. Additional report on increased availability of opioid
receptor antagonists.
Sec. 209. Expansion of health care assessment to include all
territories of the United States and the assessment of
extended care services.
Sec. 210. Authorization of major medical facility project at Department
of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Medical Center.
Sec. 211. Technical amendments to VA MISSION Act of 2018 and amendments
made by that Act.
TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 301. Approval of courses of education provided by public
institutions of higher education for purposes of training
and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected
disabilities conditional on in-State tuition rate for
veterans.
Sec. 302. Corrective action for certain Department of Veterans Affairs
employees for conflicts of interest with educational
institutions operated for profit.
Sec. 303. Modification of compliance requirements for particular leases
relating to Department of Veterans Affairs West Los
Angeles Campus.
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--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY
Subtitle A--Health Care Matters
SEC. 101. 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, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME
CARE TO CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITIES.
Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 103. REMOVAL OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO
PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR
CAREGIVERS.
Section 1720G is amended by striking subsection (e).
SEC. 104. MAKING PERMANENT 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, in the matter preceding
clause (i), by striking ``before September 30, 2019,''.
SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF REAL
PROPERTY.
Section 8118(a)(5) is amended by striking ``December 31,
2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS
RECEIVING HEALTH CARE.
(a) Extension.--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 by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting
``September 30, 2020''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (h) of
such section is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and
inserting ``2019, and 2020''.
SEC. 107. 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 ``2019''
and inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON
COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN
VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE.
(a) Extension.--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 by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting
``September 30, 2020''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (f) of
such section is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and
inserting ``2019, and 2020''.
SEC. 109. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF PAYMENTS AND
ALLOWANCES FOR BENEFICIARY TRAVEL IN CONNECTION
WITH VETERANS RECEIVING CARE FROM VET CENTERS.
Section 104(a) of the Honoring America's Veterans and
Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-
154; 126 Stat. 1169), as amended by section 109(a) of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of
2017 (Public Law 115-62; 131 Stat. 1162), is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30,
2019''.
Subtitle B--Benefits Matters
SEC. 121. MAKING PERMANENT 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 by striking ``(A) Except''
and all that follows through ``(B) In each of fiscal years
2014 through 2018, the Secretary'' and inserting ``In any
fiscal year, the Secretary''.
SEC. 122. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED
HOUSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 2108(g) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 123. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO GUARANTEE PAYMENT OF
PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON CERTIFICATES OR OTHER
SECURITIES.
Section 3720(h) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) by striking ``(1)''.
SEC. 124. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR CALCULATING NET
VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE.
Section 3732(c) is amended by striking paragraph (11).
SEC. 125. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.
Section 3733(a)(7) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30,
2018,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019,''.
SEC. 126. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE
REHABILITATION AND VOCATIONAL BENEFITS TO
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE
INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.
Section 1631(b) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of
Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) by striking ``(1) in general.--''.
SEC. 127. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH
THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REGARDING
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DISEASES AND EXPOSURE TO
DIOXIN AND OTHER CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN
HERBICIDES.
Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law
102-4; 38 U.S.C. 1116 note) is amended by striking
``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters
SEC. 141. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.
Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS
AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN
REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.
Section 2021A(f)(1) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 143. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REFERRAL AND COUNSELING
SERVICES FOR VETERANS AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.
Section 2023(d) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 144. 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 ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30,
2020''.
(b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section
2033(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 145. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN
FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.
Section 2044(e)(1) is amended by striking subparagraph (F)
and inserting the following:
``(F) $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
[[Page S6229]]
``(G) $380,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.''.
SEC. 146. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR
HOMELESS VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking ``2019'' and
inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 147. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2022''.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
SEC. 161. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF
INDIVIDUALS TO AND FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS FACILITIES.
Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 162. 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 ``September 30,
2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019''.
SEC. 163. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR MONTHLY ASSISTANCE
ALLOWANCES UNDER THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL
VETERANS SPORTS PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS.
Section 322(d)(4) is amended by striking ``2019'' and
inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 164. 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, 2018''
and inserting ``December 31, 2020''.
SEC. 165. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
Section 521A is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019'' and
inserting ``2020''; and
(2) in subsection (l), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 166. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
MINORITY VETERANS.
(a) Extenstion of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 544
is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting
``September 30, 2022''.
(b) Modification of Reporting Requirement.--Subsection
(c)(1) of such section is amended, in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``each year'' and inserting
``every other year''.
TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
SEC. 201. TREATMENT OF MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS UNDER
VETERANS COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1703(h)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting ``(A)
The Secretary shall''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the requirement to
enter into consolidated, competitively bid contracts shall
not restrict the authority of the Secretary under other
provisions of law when modifying such a contract after
entering into the contract.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the effective date specified in section
101(b) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel
R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182).
SEC. 202. MODIFICATION OF PROVISION REQUIRING RECOGNITION AND
ACCEPTANCE, ON AN INTERIM BASIS, OF CREDENTIALS
AND QUALIFICATIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
UNDER COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM.
Section 1703(h)(5)(A) is amended by striking ``the date of
the enactment'' and inserting ``the effective date specified
in section 101(b)''.
SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF COVERAGE OF VETERANS CARE AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 1703A is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(l) Covered Individual Defined.--In this section, the
term `covered individual' means any individual eligible for
hospital care, medical services, or extended care services
under this title or any other law administered by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1703A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``veteran'' each place
it appears and inserting ``covered individual''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``veteran'' and inserting ``covered
individual''; and
(ii) by striking ``veteran's'' and inserting ``covered
individual's'';
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking ``veteran'' each
place it appears and inserting ``covered individual'';
(3) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``veterans'' and
inserting ``covered individuals''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``veteran'' and
inserting ``covered individual'';
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``to veterans'' and
inserting ``to covered individuals''; and
(5) in subsection (j)--
(A) by striking ``any veteran'' and inserting ``any covered
individual''; and
(B) by striking ``to veterans'' each place it appears and
inserting ``to covered individuals''.
SEC. 204. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR DEDUCTION OF
OVERPAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE.
Section 1703D(e)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``and may use any other means authorized by
another provision of law to correct or recover
overpayments''.
SEC. 205. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF FORMER MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH CARE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
Section 1720I(b)(3) is amended by striking ``is not
otherwise eligible to enroll'' and inserting ``is not
enrolled''.
SEC. 206. ACCESS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO DRUG MONITORING PROGRAMS
THAT DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL
NETWORK.
Section 1730B is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or any individual
State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,''
after ``programs'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``such network'' and
inserting ``the national network of State-based prescription
monitoring programs, or, if providing care in a State that
does not participate in such national network, an individual
State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,'';
and
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or any individual
State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,''
after programs; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2) by inserting ``, or any individual
State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,''
after ``programs''.
SEC. 207. ELIMINATION OF REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSALS
INVOLVING CONTRACTING FOR PERFORMANCE BY
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL OF WORK PREVIOUSLY
PERFORMED BY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.
Section 8110 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as
subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
SEC. 208. ADDITIONAL REPORT ON INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF
OPIOID RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS.
Section 911(e)(2) of the Jason Simcakoski Memorial and
Promise Act (Public Law 114-198; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is
amended by inserting ``and not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Expiring Authorities Act of 2018'' before ``the Secretary
shall''.
SEC. 209. EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ASSESSMENT TO INCLUDE ALL
TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE
ASSESSMENT OF EXTENDED CARE SERVICES.
Section 213 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and
Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182) is amended--
(1) in the section header, by striking ``pacific
territories'' and inserting ``territories of the united
states'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``180 days'' and inserting ``270 days'';
and
(B) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and inserting
``territories of the United States'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``Pacific territories'' and inserting ``territories of the
United States''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Extended care.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``community-based outpatient clinic'' and
inserting ``medical facility''; and
(ii) by striking ``Pacific territory'' and inserting
``territory of the United States''; and
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and inserting
``territories of the United States'';
(B) by striking ``and''; and
(C) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin
Islands''.
SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT AT
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES
MEDICAL CENTER.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
carry out the major medical facility project described in
subsection (b) in fiscal year 2019, in an amount not to
exceed $35,000,000.
(b) Major Medical Facility Project.--The major medical
facility project described in this subsection is the
construction of a new regional food services facility
building on the campus of the medical center of the
Department of Veterans Affairs in West Los Angeles,
California, to replace the seismically deficient Building
300, Regional Food Service Facility, which is located on the
north campus of the medical center as of the date of the
enactment of this Act.
[[Page S6230]]
SEC. 211. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO VA MISSION ACT OF 2018 AND
AMENDMENTS MADE BY THAT ACT.
(a) Title 38.--
(1) Annual report on performance awards and bonuses.--
Section 726(c)(3) is amended by striking ``, United States
Code''.
(2) Veterans care agreements.--Section 1703A(h)(4) is
amended by striking ``, United States Code''.
(3) Access standards.--Section 1703B(i) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(1) The term'' and inserting ``In this
section:
``(1) The term'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A) and (B)
two ems to the right;
(C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right; and
(D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and
inserting ``means''.
(4) Standards for quality.--Section 1703C(c) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(c)(1) The term'' and inserting ``(c)
Definitions.-- In this section:
``(1) The term'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A) and (B)
two ems to the right;
(C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right; and
(D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and
inserting ``means''.
(5) Prompt payment standard.--Section 1703D(g)(3) is
amended by striking ``of this Act, as amended by the Caring
for Our Veterans Act of 2018,'' and inserting ``of this
title''.
(6) Remediation of medical service lines.--Section 1706A is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by inserting ``of this title'' after ``section
1703(e)(1)''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a)''.
(7) Walk-in care.--Section 1725A is amended--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking ``or other agreement''
and inserting ``agreement, or other arrangement''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(4), by striking ``Section 8153(c)''
and inserting ``Sections 8153(c) and 1703A(j)''.
(8) Authority to recover the cost of services furnished for
non-service-connected disabilities.--Section 1729(a)(2)(D) is
amending by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
or''.
(9) Agreements with state homes.--Section
1745(a)(4)(B)(ii)(III) is amended by striking ``subchapter V
of chapter 17 of this title'' and inserting ``this
subchapter''.
(10) Transplant procedures with live donors and related
services.--Section 1788(c) is amended by striking ``this
chapter'' and inserting ``this title''.
(11) Quadrennial veterans health administration review.--
Section 7330C is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Secretary of Veterans
Affairs'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Department of
Veterans Affairs'' and inserting ``Department'';
(II) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``of title 38, as
added by section 102'' and inserting ``of this title''; and
(III) in subparagraph (H)(i), by striking ``Department of
Veterans Affairs'' and inserting ``Department'';and
(iii) in paragraph (4)--
(I) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting ``of this
title'' after ``section 1703C''; and
(II) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``of this title''
after ``section 1703(b)'';
(B) in subsection (b)(2)(I), by inserting ``of this title''
after ``section 1706A''; and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``such high performing''
and inserting ``a high-performing''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``such'' before ``a
high-performing''.
(12) Department of veterans affairs specialty education
loan repayment program.--Section 7693(a)(1) is amended by
striking ``is hired'' and inserting ``will be eligible for
appointment''.
(b) VA MISSION ACT.--
(1) Training program for administration of non-department
health care.--Section 122(a)(2) of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining
Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside
Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended by
striking ``such title'' and inserting ``title 38, United
States Code''.
(2) Processes for safe opioid prescribing practices by non-
department providers.--Section 131 of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining
Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside
Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(1)--
(i) by inserting ``of title 38, United States Code,'' after
``section 1703(a)(2)(A)'';
(ii) by striking ``of this title'' each place it appears
and inserting ``of this Act''; and
(iii) by inserting ``of such title'' after ``section
1703A(e)(2)(F)''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``covered veterans''
each place it appears and inserting ``veterans''.
(3) Plans for supplemental appropriations.--Section 141 of
the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182)
is amended by striking ``Whenever the Secretary'' and
inserting ``Whenever the Secretary of Veterans Affairs''.
(4) Telemedicine reporting requirement.--Section 151(c)(1)
of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182)
is amended by striking ``section 1730B'' and inserting
``section 1730C''.
(5) Expansion of family caregiver program.--Section
161(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and
Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182) is amended by striking ``such title'' and
inserting ``title 38, United States Code''.
(6) Specialty education loan repayment program.--Section
303 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182)
is amended--
(A) in subsection (d), by inserting ``of Veterans Affairs''
after ``Department''; and
(B) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``established'' and inserting ``under
subchapter VIII of chapter 76 of title 38, United States
Code, as enacted''.
(7) Veterans healing veterans medical access and
scholarship program.--Section 304 of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining
Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside
Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``covered medical
schools'' and inserting ``covered medical school''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``entitled to'' and
inserting ``concurrently receiving'';
(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''; and
(iii) in paragraph (6), by striking ``subsection (e)'' and
inserting ``subsection (d)'';
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020'';
(D) in subsection (e), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''; and
(E) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 31, 2020''
and inserting ``December 31, 2021''.
(8) Development of criteria for designation of certain
medical facilities as underserved facilities and plan to
address problem of underserved facilities.--Section 401 of
the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182)
is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(5), by adding ``or the applicable
access standards developed under section 1703B of title 38,
United States Code'' after ``the wait-time goals of the
Department''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``section 407''
and inserting ``section 402''.
(9) Pilot program on graduate medical education and
residency.--Section 403(b)(4) of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining
Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside
Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended by
inserting ``under'' after ``an agreement''.
(10) Department of veterans affairs medical scribe pilot
program.--Section 507 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K.
Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems
and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-182) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``as determine'' and
inserting ``as determined''; and
(B) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking ``speciality'' and
inserting ``specialty''.
TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 301. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PURPOSES
OF TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS
WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES CONDITIONAL
ON IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Section 3679(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``chapter 30 or 33'' and
inserting ``chapter 30, 31, or 33'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation under
section 3102(a) of this title.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (2)(A) or
(2)(B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(A), (2)(B), or
(2)(C)''; and
(4) in paragraph (6), by striking ``chapters 30 and 33''
and inserting ``chapters 30, 31, and 33''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to courses of education provided
during a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, that
begins after March 1, 2019.
SEC. 302. CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES FOR CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATED
FOR PROFIT.
(a) In General.--Section 3683 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
[[Page S6231]]
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Department Officers and Employees.--(1) An officer or
employee of the Department shall receive corrective action or
disciplinary action if such officer or employee--
``(A) has, while serving as such an officer or employee,
owned any interest in, or received any wage, salary,
dividend, profit, or gift from, any educational institution
operated for profit; or
``(B) has, while serving as a covered officer or employee
of the Department, received any service from any educational
institution operated for profit.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered officer or
employee of the Department' means an officer or employee of
the Department who--
``(A) works on the administration of benefits under chapter
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 of this title; or
``(B) has a potential conflict of interest involving an
educational institution operated for profit, as determined by
the Secretary.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(b) State Approving Agency Employees.--If the
Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, profits,
gratuities, or services'' and inserting ``wage, salary,
dividend, profit, or gift'';
(C) by striking ``in which an eligible person or veteran
was pursuing a program of education or course under this
chapter or chapter 34 or 35 of this title'';
(D) by striking ``terminate the employment of'' and
inserting ``provide corrective action or disciplinary action
with respect to''; and
(E) by striking ``while such person is an officer or
employee of the State approving agency, or State department
of veterans' affairs or State department of education'' and
inserting ``until the completion of such corrective action or
disciplinary action'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``A State approving agency'' and inserting
the following:
``(c) Disapproval of Courses.--A State approving agency'';
(B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs''; and
(C) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, profits,
gratuities, or services'' and inserting ``wage, salary,
dividend, profit, or gift''; and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the
following:
``(d) Waiver Authority.--(1) The Secretary may'';
(B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'';
(C) by striking ``, after reasonable notice and public
hearings,''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Secretary shall provide public notice of any
waiver granted under this subsection by not later than 30
days after the date on which such waiver is granted.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
and shall apply with respect to conflicts of interest that
occur on or after that date.
SEC. 303. MODIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
PARTICULAR LEASES RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES CAMPUS.
Section 2(h)(1) of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016
(Public Law 114-226) is amended by striking ``any lease or
land-sharing agreement at the Campus'' and inserting ``any
new lease or land-sharing agreement at the Campus that is not
in compliance with such laws''.
____________________