[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
     TO COLLECT OVERPAYMENT OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE

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                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2020

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program offers grants to assist 
veterans with service-connected disabilities with the purchase, 
construction, or modification of their homes to meet their unique 
needs.
  The SAH program provides for an increased quality of life by allowing 
veterans to live independently in their homes. Unfortunately, there 
have been cases where veterans have been unsatisfied with the quality 
of work provided. Currently, VA does not have the explicit authority to 
recover SAH funds even if it determines there has been substandard 
work.
  To address this situation, my bill authorizes the Department of 
Veterans Affairs to determine whether SAH overpayments have occurred as 
a result of a breach of contract and to recover such funds in the same 
manner as any other debt due to the United States. To prevent any 
financial burden for veterans and their families who receive an 
overpayment through no fault of their own, the bill requires VA to 
waive the overpayment.
  My legislation will allow for more accountability and discourage 
individuals from breaching SAH contract.

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