[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7729-H7732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2019

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4285) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and 
modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4285

       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 ``Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019''.

[[Page H7730]]

  


     SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.

       Section 3733(a)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''; 
     and
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 
     2019,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020,''.

     SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE IN MANILA, THE 
                   REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.

       Section 315(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 
     30, 2020''.

     SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR 
                   SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN 
                   FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.

       Section 2044(e)(1)(G) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``each 
     of fiscal years 2019 through 2021''.

     SEC. 5. 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 most recently amended by section 109 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities 
     Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-251; 132 Stat. 3169), is amended 
     by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 
     30, 2020''.

     SEC. 6. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

       Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
       (1) In section 714(e)(2)(B), by striking ``to the refer'' 
     and inserting ``to refer''.
       (2) In section 1725A(c), by inserting a comma after ``a 
     contract''.
       (3) In section 3313(g)(3)(B)(ii), by inserting a comma 
     after ``for books''.
       (4) In section 3321(a)(1), by striking ``January,'' and 
     inserting ``January''.
       (5) In section 3683--
       (A) by striking ``(b) (b)'' and inserting ``(b)'';
       (B) by striking ``(c) (c)'' and inserting ``(c)''; and
       (C) by striking ``(d) (d)'' and inserting ``(d)''.
       (6) In section 3699(b), by striking ``this paragraph'' and 
     inserting ``this subsection''.
       (7) In section 7462(b)(4)(A), by inserting ``notice'' after 
     ``written''.
       (8) In section 7696(c)(1), by striking ``).'' and inserting 
     a period.
       (9) In section 8104(a), by striking paragraph (3) and 
     inserting the following new paragraph (3):
       ``(3) For purposes of this subsection:
       ``(A) The term `major medical facility project' means a 
     project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a 
     medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than 
     $20,000,000, but such term does not include an acquisition by 
     exchange, nonrecurring maintenance projects of the 
     Department, or the construction, alteration, or acquisition 
     of a shared Federal medical facility for which the 
     Department's estimated share of the project costs does not 
     exceed $20,000,000.
       ``(B) The term `major medical facility lease' means a lease 
     for space for use as a new medical facility at an average 
     annual rent of more than $1,000,000.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David P. 
Roe) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
insert extraneous material on H.R. 4285.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4285, and I thank Mr. Brindisi for 
sponsoring this important bill which authorizes the continued 
operations of programs and offices vital to addressing the needs of the 
veterans we serve.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the continued operation of the 
Manila, Philippines, regional benefits office, the only VA regional 
benefits office, or VARO, operating in a foreign country, and I plan to 
visit that facility this year.
  In addition to administering disability and survivor benefits to over 
16,000 veterans, their dependents, and survivors, the Manila RO 
administers healthcare benefits, as well.
  I urge support for continued operation of this key VA regional office 
serving veterans and their families in the Philippines.
  This bill also extends the VA Vendee Loan Program, which allows VA to 
sell foreclosed properties to the general public, instead of continuing 
to own foreclosed properties it cannot use. Our committee is working 
hard to ensure we can increase economic opportunities for veterans and 
their families so that no bank will have to foreclose on a veteran's 
home and place that veteran and his or her family at risk of 
homelessness.
  That is why this bill also includes a bipartisan agreement to extend 
the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program for 2 years. This 
critical program assists homeless veterans and their families, and 
those most at risk of becoming homeless. In southern California, 
veterans experience some of the highest rates of homelessness in the 
country.
  In the Inland Empire rents continue to rise. Geographic barriers make 
it challenging for veterans to access services that prevent 
homelessness. And the recent $9 billion cut to HUD housing assistance 
programs is making the homelessness crisis worse generally. That is why 
extending the operation of this vital program is so important.
  In recent weeks, our Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, led by 
Chairman   Mike Levin and Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis, held two 
bipartisan field hearings that are helping this committee to identify 
solutions to address veteran homelessness.
  We have much work to do in understanding the definition of 
homelessness, getting true population counts, preventing homelessness, 
and working to respond to homelessness after disasters.
  During the field hearing in San Diego, we heard prevention was about 
one-tenth of the cost of crisis intervention.
  The SSVF program, which awards grants to nonprofit organizations, 
provides supportive services to very low-income veterans and their 
families to assist homeless veterans in moving into permanent housing 
and veterans in housing who are at risk of becoming homeless. These 
grants help organizations provide case management, outreach, and help 
veterans obtain VA healthcare and disability benefits.
  These grant recipients also help with child care assistance, 
transportation, housing counseling services, legal services, and 
financial planning for veterans and their families.
  I urge each of my colleagues to support this vital program so that no 
veteran is forced to live on the street.
  Mr. Speaker, September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness 
Month. Tragically, 20 veterans take their lives each day. Despite 
Congress' and VA's efforts to address veteran suicide, the rate remains 
unchanged. This year, we have also seen multiple veteran suicides on VA 
campuses. For these reasons, I have made addressing veteran suicide the 
top policy priority of this committee.
  Earlier this month, I called on VA to conduct a 15-day nationwide 
stand-down in response to a VA inspector general investigation into a 
veteran suicide at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The IG report 
exposed weaknesses in procedures, staff training, and installation of 
monitoring equipment in the inpatient mental health clinic.
  Three-quarters of veterans who commit suicide are not receiving 
treatment at VA hospitals and clinics. As Congress and VA chart a 
strategy to reach these veterans not receiving VA care, veterans and 
the public must be assured that VA's own mental health clinics are 
adequately and appropriately staffed. Each unit must have up-to-date 
monitoring equipment. All VA staff must undergo appropriate training. 
And each mental health unit must be routinely inspected.
  While I am disappointed the VA secretary has resisted my call for a 
nationwide stand-down, I appreciate that VA is taking actions that meet 
the spirit of my request. VA must make every effort to provide the 
highest quality treatment for the veterans and their care, especially 
veterans in crisis who come to VA for help.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4285 extends a program that provides transportation 
for veterans living in highly rural areas to vet centers for counseling 
and other mental health and social services.
  For veterans in need of mental healthcare who may be uncomfortable 
entering medical facilities, vet centers

[[Page H7731]]

serve as a community and counseling center. For some veterans, these 
vet centers are a lifeline.
  Yesterday, Congressman Rose and I visited the vet center in Staten 
Island, New York. We both learned about the support, counseling, 
connection to other VA services, and the sense of community the Staten 
Island vet center creates with the veterans who visit there.

                              {time}  1645

  We also learned that transportation, including a $15 toll, can make 
it difficult for veterans in New York City to access vet centers and VA 
facilities. Our committee is going to look into a solution to address 
this.
  Likewise, veterans in highly rural areas tell us distance and 
transportation are also obstacles to participating in counseling and 
mental health treatment at vet centers. Therefore, Congress has been 
authorizing a pilot program since 2012 that pays travel expenses for 
veterans attending counseling at vet centers in Bangor, Maine; 
Kalispell, Montana; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Spokane, Washington.
  Mr. Speaker, suicide is preventable. Veterans who are thinking about 
suicide are not alone. If my colleagues have veterans in their district 
who are thinking about suicide, please urge them to call the Veterans 
Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. They can also text 741741.
  Mr. Speaker, let me repeat this very important number again. The 
Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255, and veterans are asked to press 
1. Veterans can also text 741741.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Mr. Brindisi, a 
member of our Economic Opportunity and Health Subcommittees, for 
bringing this bill to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4285, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019.
  This legislation represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that 
would extend the expiring authorities impacting the lives of veterans. 
Swift passage of this legislation today would ensure that these 
programs continue. This bill would extend four authorities.
  First, the bill would extend through September 30, 2020, the VA's 
authority to provide direct loans to buyers of VA-owned residences that 
the VA has pooled together.
  It would also extend to September 30, 2020, the VA's authority to 
operate a regional office in Manila that provides services to World War 
II veterans who reside in the Philippines.
  Third, it would extend through 2021 the Supportive Services for 
Veteran Families program, the SSVF program, which provides grants to 
organizations that provide supportive services to eligible homeless or 
at-risk veteran families to promote housing stability.
  Finally, the bill would extend through September 2020 the VA's 
authority to pay travel allowances to and from vet centers for veterans 
who live in highly rural areas.
  To be clear, these are not new authorities. They are in present law, 
and costs associated with them have been assumed in the House-passed 
appropriations bill for fiscal year 2020 and the 2021 advanced 
appropriations.
  In addition to extending these authorities, the bill would also make 
technical changes to legislation that Congress has previously passed.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4285 so that the Senate can take 
it up quickly and send it to the President's desk.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Levin), the chairman of the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. LEVIN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
legislation, which will, among other things, help us address the 
epidemic of veteran homelessness. It is simply unacceptable that many 
of the men and women who have served this great country are now living 
on our streets.
  I am grateful to my friend, Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis from 
Florida. We have now had two field hearings in his district, the 12th 
Congressional District of Florida, and my district, the 49th 
Congressional District of California. We are absolutely committed to 
doing everything we can to address this issue in our communities and in 
all communities around the country.
  We owe it to those who have served and their families to ensure that 
they have everything they need to get back on their feet, including 
case management; assistance in obtaining VA benefits; and temporary 
financial assistance with rent, utilities, or childcare expenses.
  I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to help address 
homelessness, specifically among women veterans, by reauthorizing 
funding for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant program 
and requiring that at least $20 million goes to organizations that have 
a focus on helping women veterans and their families.
  What we are seeing in our subcommittee is that the rate of veterans' 
homelessness is roughly steady, but alarmingly, women veterans' 
homelessness is increasing. We have to do something about it.
  The legislation before us today will provide the reauthorization that 
we need before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
  I have said it before, and I will say it again: Even one homeless 
veteran is one too many. We have a moral obligation to make robust 
Federal investments in programs to help get veterans off the streets.
  By passing this legislation, we can make those investments, and we 
can do more than just pay lip service to our veterans. We can give them 
the support and resources they have earned and deserve.
  I give credit to my friends, Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe. 
They are doing a fantastic job helping our veterans and trying to give 
back in any way we can to those who have served our country, those who 
have given so much. It is my great honor to serve with them on the 
House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost), an original cosponsor of this 
legislation.
  I have had the privilege of serving with Congressman Bost since he 
has been on the committee. He is a Marine Corps veteran, 1979 to 1982. 
He served in the last Congress as chairman of the DAMA, Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, and he is also on the 
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

  Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding.
  As a marine, it is one of my greatest honors to serve on the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee. It is vitally important that our 
government fulfill its promises to our Nation's military members that 
they will be taken care of once they return.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs is tasked with ensuring that they 
receive the care they need and have earned. This bill ensures that the 
VA can continue to support some of our Nation's most vulnerable 
veterans. It extends funding for programs that help very low-income 
veterans and those who must travel long distances to vet centers in 
order to receive their care.
  That is why I am proud to cosponsor and introduce this legislation 
with my friend, Congressman Brindisi, and I urge my colleagues to 
support it as well.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Brindisi), who serves on our Economic Opportunity and Health 
Subcommittees and who also is the author of H.R. 4285.
  Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4285, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019, which I introduced 
to ensure that veterans and their families continue to have access to 
the programs and benefits that they rely on.
  This critical bill authorizes the continuation of several important 
VA programs that will expire at the end of this fiscal year if Congress 
does not act.
  First, this bill provides a 1-year extension of VA's authority 
relating to vendee loans. Vendee loans are loans offered by the VA to 
purchase VA real estate-owned properties. Offered to veterans and 
nonveterans alike, this loan

[[Page H7732]]

program allows people to purchase properties that were previously 
foreclosed upon and are now government-owned, with little to no 
downpayment.
  This bill also provides a 2-year extension of financial assistance 
for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in 
permanent housing. Grantees under this program are required to provide 
supportive services to eligible veterans and their families, including 
outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA benefits.
  This program was previously authorized for fiscal year 2019, but this 
extension would extend authorization to include fiscal years 2020 and 
2021. This extension of the program helps give the VA and the grantees 
better certainty of the program's future so they can continue providing 
critical wraparound services that help low-income veterans get back on 
their feet.
  The bill also provides a 1-year extension of VA's payments and 
allowances for beneficiary travel in connection with veterans receiving 
care from vet centers. While veterans can claim beneficiary travel from 
VA medical facilities, we know that care at the vet centers can be just 
as important.
  This program is important because it specifically helps populations 
of rural veterans. Highly rural veterans have frequently described 
transportation as being a limiting factor in receiving care, and I am 
proud that this bill would extend this critical program.
  I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their work on 
extending these critical programs and their true commitment to our 
Nation's veterans. I also thank my colleague Congressman Bost from 
Illinois, my friend on the VA Committee, for leading this legislation 
with me.
  It is an honor to serve on the VA Committee, the most bipartisan 
committee in Congress, and work with my colleagues to support our 
Nation's veterans.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this critical legislation and 
support our Nation's veterans.
  Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, just to reemphasize what was said about homeless 
veterans, I have been on the committee for almost 11 years, my entire 
time in Congress. When I first arrived here, we had over 100,000 
homeless veterans on the streets of this country, which was 
unbelievable.
  Then-Secretary General Shinseki made one of his priorities to try to 
reduce homelessness to zero by 2016. He did not succeed in that, but we 
have reduced the homeless veterans population now down to under 40,000, 
which is a 60 percent reduction, a huge reduction.
  I could not agree more with my colleague from California. One veteran 
homeless is too many.
  I know there are pockets in this country. I know that, in California, 
they have a really serious problem there, and I think they are working 
very hard on trying to solve this. This legislation will be one piece 
of the puzzle.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and Veterans' Affairs Committee 
Ranking Member Phil Roe for mentioning the tremendous strides the VA 
and this Nation have made toward reducing veteran homelessness.
  It is true that Secretary Shinseki's goal of ending veteran 
homelessness did not occur by the designated year, 2016. But even in 
the State of California, where we are still experiencing several 
pockets of veteran homelessness, in Riverside County, the county I 
represent in Congress, this county has achieved functional zero. This 
does not mean that there are zero homeless veterans, but what it does 
mean is that when homeless veterans are identified, their homelessness 
is brief and nonrecurring. That is the definition of functional zero.
  I want to commend, again, the officials at the Riverside County VA 
and the Loma Linda VA for the incredible work they have done to achieve 
functional zero. I hope that they will be able to share their insights 
with other counties in my State and across the Nation that are looking 
to do the same.
  What I do know is that functional zero will not remain functional 
zero without concerted and intentional effort to be vigilant. We need 
to be vigilant in areas where we have reduced homelessness to 
functional zero, and we also need to ensure that we continue to address 
the challenges in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County 
where homelessness among our veterans persists.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud and pleased to support this package of 
extensions of programs--among them, programs that will address veteran 
homelessness.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing this very important 
legislation, H.R. 4285, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the House 
Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, I rise in 
strong support of H.R. 4285, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Expiring Authorities Act of 2019, which among other things, 
reauthorizes the VA Vendee Loan Program.
  The VA Vendee Loan program allows veterans, non-veterans, owner-
occupants, and investors the opportunity to purchase VA real estate 
owned properties.
  Veterans have the opportunity to purchase these properties with 
little to no money down, competitive interest rates, 15 or 30 year loan 
term options, and no appraisal requirement or pre-payment penalties.
  H.R. 4285 would provide a one-year extension to this critical program 
that gives veterans a viable alternative to traditional financing.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs is making a positive impact on the 
lives of thousands of veterans and beneficiaries.
  For example, in the Philippines, the Manila Regional office is the 
only Veterans Affairs office outside the United States or its 
territories.
  This legislation will create a one-year extension of VA's authority 
to operate a Regional Office in the Philippines, providing benefits 
claims, local payment of benefit checks, and other social services to 
thousands of U.S. veterans living oversees in the Philippines.
  In addition, H.R. 4285 will provide a two year extension of authority 
to fund financial assistance for supportive services to very low income 
veteran families in permanent housing, and a one-year extension of VA's 
authority to temporarily expand payments and allowances for beneficiary 
travel in connection with veterans receiving care from vet centers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4285, 
the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019, to 
continue providing the Department of Veterans Affairs the resources to 
continue providing services to our nation's veterans.

                              {time}  1700

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 4285.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________