[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.
____________________