[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H8754-H8759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2018

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (S. 3479) 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.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 3479

       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.
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.

[[Page H8755]]

  


     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.
       ``(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) Extension 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

[[Page H8756]]

     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.

     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''.

[[Page H8757]]

       (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--
       (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'';

[[Page H8758]]

       (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''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DesJarlais). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington) and the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
insert extraneous material.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3479, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018. This legislation 
represents bipartisan, bicameral agreement that would extend a number 
of expiring authorities impacting the lives of our veterans and their 
caregivers, their dependents, and their survivors. Swift passage of 
this legislation today would ensure that many of the benefits, 
programs, and services that they rely on would continue.
  The authorities that would be extended in this bill include 
authorities to provide nursing home care, counseling for women 
veterans, assistance for homeless veterans, transportation, childcare, 
adaptive sports programs, and housing and home loan services, just to 
name a few.
  To be clear, these are not new authorities. The costs associated with 
them have been assumed in the House-passed appropriations bill for 
fiscal year 2019 and the 2020 advance appropriations.
  In addition to the extension of current programs, the bill would also 
make permanent several provisions, including provisions related to VA's 
home loan program. It makes permanent the authority for disabled 
servicemembers to begin using VA vocational rehabilitation and 
employment benefits while on Active Duty.
  It makes permanent eligibility for specially adaptive housing grants 
for certain post-9/11 veterans who have sustained severe disabilities 
while on Active Duty. It makes permanent VA's authority to recover the 
cost of care for nonservice-connected care. Finally, it makes permanent 
supportive services for caregivers, homeless veterans, and their 
families.
  The permanent authorization of these programs gives certainty to VA 
when administering them and certainty, most importantly, to the 
beneficiaries who rely on them.
  The bill would also require that a school offer instate tuition rates 
to veterans using vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits in 
order to be eligible for the GI Bill. This change would align instate 
tuition rules for veterans using the benefit with those already in law 
for students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
  The bill also includes bipartisan compromise language that clarifies 
conflict of interest rules for VA employees and for-profit schools.
  Finally, the bill would also make a number of technical and 
clarifying changes to strengthen important legislation that Congress 
has previously passed, including the VA MISSION Act, the West Los 
Angeles Leasing Act, and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 3479, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3479, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018.
  S. 3479 makes sure that some of the vital programs we have in place 
to take care of our veterans continue past the end of the fiscal year 
and continue to help our veterans. Included in this bill are provisions 
related to healthcare, benefits, homeless veterans, and other related 
issues.
  I am pleased to support extending programs related to support 
services for caregivers, childcare for certain veterans receiving 
healthcare, and a pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for 
women veterans newly separated from service.
  It also has provisions to extend the authority related to 
rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces 
with severe injuries or illnesses, homeless veterans reintegration 
programs, homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children, 
and providing housing assistance and counseling to homeless and at-risk 
veterans.
  Also included are several extensions of authority for programs to 
help our disabled veterans, as well as the authority to enter into 
agreements with the National Academy of Sciences to review the research 
on links between diseases and dioxin exposure, a critical step in 
creating new Agent Orange presumptions. These provisions are crucial in 
helping our aging Vietnam-era veteran population.
  The package also contains several technical corrections to the 
MISSION Act that we passed earlier this year.

                              {time}  1500

  These corrections will help VA implement the law correctly, and all 
sides agree that they must become law quickly.
  In short, this is a bill that both the majority and the minority 
support, and we all agree that it must be signed into law as soon as 
possible. I urge all my fellow Members to support its passage. I thank 
the chairman and his staff for working with the minority on this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend on the committee, Mr. 
Takano, for his friendship, for his support, and for his leadership.
  I think it is notable and remind our colleagues and the American 
people that we have passed out of this Chamber 80 bipartisan bills that 
support our veterans, our heroes. Twenty-seven have become law of the 
land, delivering on our promises to those who swore an oath and made 
the sacrifice and served and protected us and our freedom. God bless 
our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support S. 3479, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, likewise, I thank the gentleman from Texas for his 
friendship and for the work that we have done together in a bipartisan 
fashion on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am also proud of the 
bipartisan work that we have accomplished together on behalf of our 
veterans. I say God bless our veterans as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing S. 3479, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, again, we encourage all Members to 
support S. 3479, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mitchell). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 3479.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.

[[Page H8759]]

  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________