[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17054-17063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             VETERANS' CHOICE OF REPRESENTATION ACT OF 2006

  Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
immediate consideration of Calendar No. 540, S. 2694.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 2694) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
     remove certain limitations on attorney representation of 
     claimants for veterans benefits in administrative proceedings 
     before the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other 
     purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs with an 
amendment to strike all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu 
thereof the following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' 
     Choice of Representation and Benefits Enhancement Act of 
     2006''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                   TITLE I--VETERANS' REPRESENTATION

Sec. 101. Attorney representation in veterans benefits cases before the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.

                       TITLE II--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

Sec. 201. Eligibility of Indian tribal organizations for grants for the 
              establishment of veterans cemeteries on trust lands.
Sec. 202. Removal of remains of Russell Wayne Wagner from Arlington 
              National Cemetery.
Sec. 203. Provision of government markers for marked graves of veterans 
              at private cemeteries.

                      TITLE III--EDUCATION MATTERS

Sec. 301. Expansion of education programs eligible for accelerated 
              payment of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI 
              bill.
Sec. 302. Accelerated payment of survivors' and dependents' educational 
              assistance for certain programs of education.
Sec. 303. Reimbursement of expenses for State approving agencies in the 
              administration of educational benefits.
Sec. 304. Modification of requirement for reporting on educational 
              assistance program.

                        TITLE IV--HEALTH MATTERS

Sec. 401. Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, Clinical Centers, 
              and Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence.
Sec. 402. Repeal of term of office for the Under Secretary for Health 
              and the Under Secretary for Benefits.
Sec. 403. Modifications to existing State home authorities.
Sec. 404. Office of Rural Health.
Sec. 405. Pilot program on improvement of caregiver assistance 
              services.

                 TITLE V--HOMELESS VETERANS ASSISTANCE

Sec. 501. Reaffirmation of National goal to end homelessness among 
              veterans.
Sec. 502. Sense of Congress on the response of the Federal Government 
              to the needs of homeless veterans.
Sec. 503. Authority to make grants for comprehensive service programs 
              for homeless veterans.
Sec. 504. Extension of treatment and rehabilitation for seriously 
              mentally ill and homeless veterans.
Sec. 505. Extension of authority for transfer of properties obtained 
              through foreclosure of home mortgages.
Sec. 506. Extension of funding for grant program for homeless veterans 
              with special needs.
Sec. 507. Extension of funding for homeless veteran service provider 
              technical assistance program.
Sec. 508. Additional element in annual report on assistance to homeless 
              veterans.
Sec. 509. Advisory committee on homeless veterans.
Sec. 510. Rental assistance vouchers for Veterans Affairs supported 
              housing program.
Sec. 511. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing.

                    TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS

Sec. 601. Residential cooperative housing units.
Sec. 602. Increase in supplemental insurance for totally disabled 
              veterans.
Sec. 603. Reauthorization of use of certain information from other 
              agencies.
Sec. 604. Clarification of correctional facilities covered by certain 
              provisions of law.

                   TITLE I--VETERANS' REPRESENTATION

     SEC. 101. ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION IN VETERANS BENEFITS CASES 
                   BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Qualifications and Standards of Conduct for Individuals 
     Recognized as Agents or Attorneys.--
       (1) Additional qualifications and standards for agents and 
     attorneys generally.--Subsection (a) of section 5904 of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)'';
       (B) by striking the second sentence; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(2) The Secretary may prescribe in regulations 
     qualifications and standards of conduct for individuals 
     recognized under this section, including a requirement that, 
     before being recognized, an individual--
       ``(A) show that such individual is of good moral character 
     and in good repute, is qualified to render claimants valuable 
     service, and is otherwise competent to assist claimants in 
     presenting claims;
       ``(B) has such level of experience and specialized training 
     as the Secretary shall specify; and
       ``(C) certifies to the Secretary that the individual has 
     satisfied any qualifications and standards prescribed by the 
     Secretary under this section.
       ``(3) The Secretary may prescribe in regulations reasonable 
     restrictions on the amount of fees that an agent or attorney 
     may charge a claimant for services rendered in the 
     preparation, presentation, and prosecution of a claim before 
     the Department.
       ``(4)(A) The Secretary may, on a periodic basis, collect a 
     registration fee from individuals recognized as agents or 
     attorneys under this section.
       ``(B) The Secretary shall prescribe the amount and 
     frequency of collection of such fees. The amount of such fees 
     may include an amount, as specified by the Secretary, 
     necessary to defray the costs to the Department in 
     recognizing individuals under this section, in administering 
     the collection of such fees, in administering the payment of 
     fees under subsection (d), and in conducting oversight of 
     agents or attorneys.
       ``(C) Amounts so collected shall be deposited in the 
     account from which amounts for such costs were derived, 
     merged with amounts in such account, and available for the 
     same purpose, and subject to the same conditions and 
     limitations, as amounts in such account.''.
       (2) Applicability to representatives of veterans service 
     organizations.--Section 5902(b) of such title is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
       (B) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) An individual recognized under this section shall be 
     subject to the provisions of section 5904(b) of this title on 
     the same basis as an individual recognized under section 
     5904(a) of this title.''.
       (3) Applicability to individuals recognized for particular 
     claims.--Section 5903 of such title is amended--
       (A) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The 
     Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Suspension.--An individual recognized under this 
     section shall be subject to the provisions of section 5904(b) 
     of this title on the same basis as an individual recognized 
     under section 5904(a) of this title.''.
       (b) Additional Bases for Suspension of Individuals.--
     Subsection (b) of section 5904 of such title is amended--

[[Page 17055]]

       (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period and inserting 
     a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(6) has presented frivolous claims, issues, or arguments 
     to the Department; or
       ``(7) has failed to comply with any other condition 
     specified by the Secretary in regulations prescribed by the 
     Secretary for purposes of this subsection.''.
       (c) Repeal of Limitation on Hiring Agents or Attorneys.--
     Subsection (c) of section 5904 of such title is amended by 
     striking paragraph (1).
       (d) Modification of Requirements to File Attorney Fee 
     Agreements.--Such subsection is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); and
       (2) in that paragraph, as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``in a case referred to in paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection'';
       (B) by striking ``after the Board first makes a final 
     decision in the case'';
       (C) by striking ``with the Board at such time as may be 
     specified by the Board'' and inserting ``with the Secretary 
     pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary''; and
       (D) by striking the second and third sentences.
       (e) Attorney Fees.--Such subsection is further amended by 
     inserting after paragraph (1), as redesignated by subsection 
     (d)(1) of this section, the following new paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) The Secretary, upon the Secretary's own motion or 
     at the request of the claimant, may review a fee agreement 
     filed pursuant to paragraph (1) and may order a reduction in 
     the fee called for in the agreement if the Secretary finds 
     that the fee is excessive or unreasonable.
       ``(B) A finding or order of the Secretary under 
     subparagraph (A) may be reviewed by the Board of Veterans' 
     Appeals under section 7104 of this title.''.
       (f) Repeal of Penalty for Certain Acts.--Section 5905 of 
     such title is amended by striking ``(1)'' and all that 
     follows through ``(2)''.
       (g) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     take effect six months after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe the 
     regulations, if any, to be prescribed under the amendments 
     made by subsection (a) not later than the date specified in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) Claims.--The amendments made by subsections (b), (c), 
     (d), and (e) shall apply to claims submitted on or after the 
     date specified in paragraph (1).

                       TITLE II--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

     SEC. 201. ELIGIBILITY OF INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR 
                   GRANTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS 
                   CEMETERIES ON TRUST LANDS.

       Section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(f)(1) The Secretary may make grants under this 
     subsection to any tribal organization to assist the tribal 
     organization in establishing, expanding, or improving 
     veterans' cemeteries on trust land owned by, or held in trust 
     for, the tribal organization.
       ``(2) Grants under this subsection shall be made in the 
     same manner, and under the same conditions, as grants to 
     States are made under the preceding provisions of this 
     section.
       ``(3) In this subsection:
       ``(A) The term `tribal organization' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 3765(4) of this title.
       ``(B) The term `trust land' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 3765(1) of this title.''.

     SEC. 202. REMOVAL OF REMAINS OF RUSSELL WAYNE WAGNER FROM 
                   ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Arlington National Cemetery is a National Shrine that 
     memorializes the honorable service of men and women who have 
     defended the freedoms that all the people of the United 
     States enjoy.
       (2) The inclusion among the honored dead of the remains of 
     persons who have committed particularly notorious, heinous 
     acts brings dishonor to the deceased and disrespect to their 
     loved ones.
       (3) The removal of the remains of a person who has 
     committed a heinous act would not be an act of punishment 
     against that person, but rather an act that would preserve 
     the sacredness of cemetery grounds.
       (4) In November of 1997, section 2411 of title 38, United 
     States Code, was enacted to, among other things, deny burial 
     eligibility in Arlington National Cemetery to any person 
     convicted of a State capital crime for which the person was 
     sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole. In 
     January of 2006, section 2411 of such title was amended by 
     section 662 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163) to remove parole 
     eligibility as a loophole through which convicted capital 
     offenders could retain eligibility for interment at Arlington 
     National Cemetery.
       (5) According to Arlington National Cemetery officials, the 
     remains of only one capital offender, Russell Wayne Wagner, 
     have been interred in Arlington National Cemetery since 
     November of 1997.
       (b) Removal of Remains.--
       (1) Removal.--The Secretary of the Army shall remove the 
     remains of Russell Wayne Wagner from Arlington National 
     Cemetery.
       (2) Notification of next-of-kin.--The Secretary of the Army 
     shall--
       (A) notify the next-of-kin of record for Russell Wayne 
     Wagner of the impending removal of his remains; and
       (B) upon removal, relinquish the remains to the next-of-kin 
     of record for Russell Wayne Wagner or, if the next-of-kin of 
     record for Russell Wayne Wagner is unavailable, arrange for 
     an appropriate disposition of the remains.

     SEC. 203. PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT MARKERS FOR MARKED GRAVES 
                   OF VETERANS AT PRIVATE CEMETERIES.

       (a) In General.--Section 502(d) of the Veterans Education 
     and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-103; 38 
     U.S.C. 2306 note), as amended by section 203 of the Veterans 
     Benefits Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-330), is amended by 
     striking ``September 11, 2001'' and inserting ``November 1, 
     1990''.
       (b) Repeal of Expiration of Authority.--Subsection (d) of 
     section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking paragraph (3).
       (c) Provision of Headstone or Marker.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (d) of such section 2306 is 
     further amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``Government 
     marker'' and inserting ``Government headstone or marker''; 
     and
       (ii) in the second sentence, by inserting ``headstone or'' 
     before ``marker'' each place it appears; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``headstone or'' before 
     ``marker''.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (g)(3) of such 
     section 2306 is amended by inserting ``headstone or'' before 
     ``marker''.
       (d) Placement of Headstone or Marker.--The second sentence 
     of subsection (d)(1) of such section 2306, as amended by 
     subsection (c)(1)(A)(ii) of this section, is further amended 
     by inserting before the period the following: ``, or, if 
     placement on the grave is impossible or impracticable, as 
     close as possible to the grave within the grounds of the 
     cemetery in which the grave is located''.
       (e) Delivery of Headstone or Marker.--Subsection (d)(2) of 
     such section 2306, as amended by subsection (c)(1)(B) of this 
     section, is further amended by inserting before the period 
     the following: ``or to a receiving agent for delivery to the 
     cemetery''.
       (f) Repeal of Obsolete Report Requirement.--Subsection (d) 
     of such section 2306 is further amended by striking paragraph 
     (4).
       (g) Scope of Headstones and Markers Furnished.--Subsection 
     (d) of such section 2306 is further amended by inserting 
     after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):
       ``(3) In furnishing headstones and markers under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall permit the individual making 
     the request for a headstone or marker to select among any 
     headstone or marker in the complete product line of 
     Government headstones and markers.''.
       (h) Retroactive Effective Date.--The amendments made by 
     subsections (a) through (g) shall take effect as if included 
     in the enactment of section 502 of the Veterans Education and 
     Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-103; 115 Stat. 
     976).

                      TITLE III--EDUCATION MATTERS

     SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE FOR 
                   ACCELERATED PAYMENT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 3014A of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (1) 
     and inserting the following new paragraph (1):
       ``(1) enrolled in either--
       ``(A) an approved program of education that leads to 
     employment in a high technology occupation in a high 
     technology industry (as determined pursuant to regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary); or
       ``(B) an approved program of education lasting less than 
     two years that (as so determined) leads to employment in--
       ``(i) the transportation sector of the economy;
       ``(ii) the construction sector of the economy;
       ``(iii) the hospitality sector of the economy; or
       ``(iv) the energy sector of the economy.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Heading amendment.--The heading of such section is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 3014A. Accelerated payment of basic educational 
       assistance''.

       (2) Clerical amendment.--The item relating to such section 
     in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of 
     such title is amended to read as follows:

``3014A. Accelerated payment of basic educational assistance.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2007. Such amendments shall 
     only apply to enrollments that begin on or after such date.
       (d) Sunset.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     expire on September 30, 2011.

     SEC. 302. ACCELERATED PAYMENT OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS OF 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 35 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     3532 the following new section:

[[Page 17056]]



     ``Sec. 3532A. Accelerated payment of educational assistance 
       allowance

       ``(a) The educational assistance allowance payable under 
     section 3531 of this title with respect to an eligible person 
     described in subsection (b) may, upon the election of such 
     eligible person, be paid on an accelerated basis in 
     accordance with this section.
       ``(b) An eligible person described in this subsection is an 
     individual who is--
       ``(1) enrolled in either--
       ``(A) an approved program of education that leads to 
     employment in a high technology occupation in a high 
     technology industry (as determined pursuant to regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary); or
       ``(B) an approved program of education lasting less than 
     two years that (as so determined) leads to employment in 
     the--
       ``(i) transportation sector of the economy;
       ``(ii) construction sector of the economy;
       ``(iii) hospitality sector of the economy; or
       ``(iv) energy sector of the economy; and
       ``(2) charged tuition and fees for the program of education 
     that, when divided by the number of months (and fractions 
     thereof) in the enrollment period, exceeds the amount equal 
     to 200 percent of the monthly rate of educational assistance 
     allowance otherwise payable with respect to the individual 
     under section 3531 of this title.
       ``(c)(1) The amount of the accelerated payment of 
     educational assistance payable with respect to an eligible 
     person making an election under subsection (a) for a program 
     of education shall be the lesser of--
       ``(A) the amount equal to 60 percent of the established 
     charges for the program of education; or
       ``(B) the aggregate amount of educational assistance 
     allowance to which the individual remains entitled under this 
     chapter at the time of the payment.
       ``(2) In this subsection, the term `established charges', 
     in the case of a program of education, means the actual 
     charges (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by 
     the Secretary) for tuition and fees which similarly 
     circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the program of 
     education would be required to pay. Established charges shall 
     be determined on the following basis:
       ``(A) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
     education offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the 
     tuition and fees charged the individual for the term, 
     quarter, or semester.
       ``(B) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
     education not offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, 
     the tuition and fees charged the individual for the entire 
     program of education.
       ``(3) The educational institution providing the program of 
     education for which an accelerated payment of educational 
     assistance allowance is elected by an eligible person under 
     subsection (a) shall certify to the Secretary the amount of 
     the established charges for the program of education.
       ``(d) An accelerated payment of educational assistance 
     allowance made with respect to an eligible person under this 
     section for a program of education shall be made not later 
     than the last day of the month immediately following the 
     month in which the Secretary receives a certification from 
     the educational institution regarding--
       ``(1) the person's enrollment in and pursuit of the program 
     of education; and
       ``(2) the amount of the established charges for the program 
     of education.
       ``(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for each 
     accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance made 
     with respect to an eligible person under this section, the 
     person's entitlement to educational assistance under this 
     chapter shall be charged the number of months (and any 
     fraction thereof) determined by dividing the amount of the 
     accelerated payment by the full-time monthly rate of 
     educational assistance allowance otherwise payable with 
     respect to the person under section 3531 of this title as of 
     the beginning date of the enrollment period for the program 
     of education for which the accelerated payment is made.
       ``(2) If the monthly rate of educational assistance 
     allowance otherwise payable with respect to an eligible 
     person under section 3531 of this title increases during the 
     enrollment period of a program of education for which an 
     accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance is 
     made under this section, the charge to the person's 
     entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter 
     shall be determined by prorating the entitlement chargeable, 
     in the manner provided for under paragraph (1), for the 
     periods covered by the initial rate and increased rate, 
     respectively, in accordance with regulations prescribed by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(f) The Secretary may not make an accelerated payment of 
     educational assistance allowance under this section for a 
     program of education with respect to an eligible person who 
     has received an advance payment under section 3680(d) of this 
     title for the same enrollment period.
       ``(g) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry 
     out this section. The regulations shall include requirements, 
     conditions, and methods for the request, issuance, delivery, 
     certification of receipt and use, and recovery of overpayment 
     of an accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance 
     under this section. The regulations may include such elements 
     of the regulations prescribed under section 3014A of this 
     title as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of 
     this section.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 35 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 3532 the following new 
     item:

``3532A. Accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2007. Such amendments shall 
     only apply to enrollments that begin on or after such date.
       (d) Sunset.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     expire on September 30, 2011.

     SEC. 303. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR STATE APPROVING 
                   AGENCIES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL 
                   BENEFITS.

       Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``and is authorized 
     to make additional payments subject to the availability of 
     appropriations,'' after ``readjustment benefits,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the first sentence and 
     inserting ``The total amount authorized and available under 
     this section for any fiscal year may not exceed $19,000,000, 
     except that the total amount made available for purposes of 
     this section from amounts available for the payment of 
     readjustment benefits may not exceed $19,000,000 for fiscal 
     years 2006 and 2007, $13,000,000 for fiscal years 2008 and 
     2009, $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013, 
     and $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each subsequent 
     fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 304. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR REPORTING ON 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) Extension.--Subsection (d) of section 3036 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 1, 
     2005'' and inserting ``January 1, 2011''.
       (b) Date of Submittal.--Subsection (a) of such section is 
     amended by inserting ``, on January 1,'' after ``two years''.
       (c) Interim Report.--The Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each submit to Congress a 
     report containing the information required by section 3036 of 
     title 38, United States Code, not later than six months after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

                        TITLE IV--HEALTH MATTERS

     SEC. 401. PARKINSON'S DISEASE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, CLINICAL 
                   CENTERS, AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTERS OF 
                   EXCELLENCE.

       (a) Requirement for Establishment of Centers.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 7329. Parkinson's disease research, education, and 
       clinical centers and multiple sclerosis centers of 
       excellence

       ``(a) Designation.--The Secretary, upon the recommendation 
     of the Under Secretary for Health and pursuant to the 
     provisions of this section, shall--
       ``(1) designate--
       ``(A) at least 6 Department health care facilities as the 
     locations for centers of Parkinson's disease research, 
     education, and clinical activities and (subject to the 
     appropriation of sufficient funds for such purpose); and
       ``(B) at least 2 Department health care facilities as the 
     locations for Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence 
     (subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds for such 
     purpose); and
       ``(2) establish and operate such centers at such locations 
     in accordance with this section.
       ``(b) Existing Facilities; Geographic Distribution.--In 
     designating locations for centers under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for 
     Health, shall--
       ``(1) designate each Department health care facility that, 
     as of January 1, 2005, was operating a Parkinson's Disease 
     Research, Education, and Clinical Center or a Multiple 
     Sclerosis Center of Excellence unless the Secretary, on the 
     recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, determines 
     that such facility--
       ``(A) does not meet the requirements of subsection (c);
       ``(B) has not demonstrated effectiveness in carrying out 
     the established purposes of such center; or
       ``(C) has not demonstrated the potential to carry out such 
     purposes effectively in the reasonably foreseeable future; 
     and
       ``(2) assure appropriate geographic distribution of such 
     facilities.
       ``(c) Minimum Requirements.--The Secretary may not 
     designate a health care facility as a location for a center 
     under subsection (a) unless--
       ``(1) the peer review panel established under subsection 
     (d) determines that the proposal submitted by such facility 
     is among those proposals which meet the highest competitive 
     standards of scientific and clinical merit; and
       ``(2) the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under 
     Secretary for Health, determines that the facility has (or 
     may reasonably be anticipated to develop)--
       ``(A) an arrangement with an accredited medical school 
     which provides education and training in neurology and with 
     which such facility is affiliated under which residents 
     receive education and training in innovative diagnosis and 
     treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and movement 
     disorders, including Parkinson's disease, or in the case of 
     Multiple Sclerosis Centers, multiple sclerosis disease;
       ``(B) the ability to attract the participation of 
     scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in 
     health-care research efforts;

[[Page 17057]]

       ``(C) a policymaking advisory committee composed of 
     consumers and appropriate health care and research 
     representatives of the facility and of the affiliated school 
     or schools to advise the directors of such facility and such 
     center on policy matters pertaining to the activities of such 
     center during the period of the operation of such center;
       ``(D) the capability to conduct effectively evaluations of 
     the activities of such center;
       ``(E) the capability to coordinate, as part of an 
     integrated national system, education, clinical, and research 
     activities within all facilities with such centers;
       ``(F) the capability to jointly develop a consortium of 
     providers with interest in treating neurodegenerative 
     diseases, including Parkinson's disease, and other movement 
     disorders, or multiple sclerosis in the case of Multiple 
     Sclerosis Centers, at facilities without such centers in 
     order to ensure better access to state of the art diagnosis, 
     care, and education for neurodegenerative disorders, or in 
     the case of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, autoimmune disease 
     affecting the central nervous system throughout the health 
     care system; and
       ``(G) the capability to develop a national repository in 
     the health care system for the collection of data on health 
     services delivered to veterans seeking care for 
     neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, 
     and other movement disorders, or in the case of Multiple 
     Sclerosis Centers, autoimmune disease affecting the central 
     nervous system.
       ``(d) Panel.--(1) The Under Secretary for Health shall 
     establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit 
     of proposals that are submitted to the Secretary for the 
     establishment of new centers under this section.
       ``(2)(A) The membership of the panel shall consist of 
     experts in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's 
     disease and other movement disorders, and, in the case of 
     Multiple Sclerosis Centers, experts in autoimmune disease 
     affecting the central nervous system.
       ``(B) Members of the panel shall serve as consultants to 
     the Department for a period of no longer than 2 years except 
     in the case of panelists asked to serve on the initial panel 
     as specified in subparagraph (C).
       ``(C) In order to ensure panel continuity, half of the 
     members of the first panel shall be appointed for a period of 
     3 years and half for a period of 2 years.
       ``(3) The panel shall review each proposal submitted to the 
     panel by the Under Secretary and shall submit its views on 
     the relative scientific and clinical merit of each such 
     proposal to the Under Secretary.
       ``(4) The panel shall not be subject to the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act.
       ``(e) Adequate Funding.--Before providing funds for the 
     operation of any such center at a health care facility other 
     than a health care facility designated under subsection 
     (b)(1), the Secretary shall ensure that--
       ``(1) the Parkinson's disease center at each facility 
     designated under subsection (b)(1) is receiving adequate 
     funding to enable such center to function effectively in the 
     areas of Parkinson's disease research, education, and 
     clinical activities; and
       ``(2) in the case of a new Multiple Sclerosis Center, that 
     existing centers are receiving adequate funding to enable 
     such centers to function effectively in the areas of multiple 
     sclerosis research, education, and clinical activities.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary 
     for the support of the research and education activities of 
     the centers established under subsection (a).
       ``(2) The Under Secretary for Health shall allocate to such 
     centers from other funds appropriated generally for the 
     Department medical services account and medical and 
     prosthetics research account, as appropriate, such amounts as 
     the Under Secretary for Health determines appropriate.
       ``(g) Funding Eligibility and Priority for Parkinson's 
     Disease Research.--Activities of clinical and scientific 
     investigation at each center established under subsection (a) 
     for Parkinson's disease shall--
       ``(1) be eligible to compete for the award of funding from 
     funds appropriated for the Department medical and prosthetics 
     research account; and
       ``(2) receive priority in the award of funding from such 
     account to the extent funds are awarded to projects for 
     research in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
       ``(h) Funding Eligibility and Priority for Multiple 
     Sclerosis Research.--Activities of clinical and scientific 
     investigation at each center established under subsection (a) 
     for multiple sclerosis shall--
       ``(1) be eligible to compete for the award of funding from 
     funds appropriated for the Department medical and prosthetics 
     research account; and
       ``(2) receive priority in the award of funding from such 
     account to the extent funds are awarded to projects for 
     research in multiple sclerosis and other movement 
     disorders.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7328 
     the following new item:

``7329. Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical centers 
              and multiple sclerosis centers of excellence.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2006.

     SEC. 402. REPEAL OF TERM OF OFFICE FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY 
                   FOR HEALTH AND THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR 
                   BENEFITS.

       (a) Under Secretary for Health.--
       (1) In general.--Section 305 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking subsection (c).
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is redesignated as subsection (c).
       (b) Under Secretary for Benefits.--
       (1) In general.--Section 306 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking subsection (c).
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is redesignated as subsection (c).

     SEC. 403. MODIFICATIONS TO EXISTING STATE HOME AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Nursing Home Care and Prescription Medications in State 
     Homes for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities.--
       (1) Nursing home care.--Subchapter V of chapter 17 of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 1745. Nursing home care and medications for veterans 
       with service-connected disabilities

       ``(a)(1) The Secretary shall pay each State home for 
     nursing home care at the rate determined under paragraph (2), 
     where such care is provided to any veteran as follows:
       ``(A) Any veteran in need of such care for a service-
     connected disability.
       ``(B) Any veteran who--
       ``(i) has a service-connected disability rated at 70 
     percent or more; and
       ``(ii) is in need of such care.
       ``(2) The rate determined under this paragraph with respect 
     to a State home is the lesser of--
       ``(A) the applicable or prevailing rate payable in the 
     geographic area in which the State home is located, as 
     determined by the Secretary, for nursing home care furnished 
     in a non-Department nursing home (as that term is defined in 
     section 1720(e)(2)); or
       ``(B) a rate not to exceed the daily cost of care, as 
     determined by the Secretary, following a report to the 
     Secretary by the director of the State home.
       ``(3) Payment by the Secretary under paragraph (1) to a 
     State home for nursing home care provided to a veteran 
     described in that paragraph constitutes payment in full to 
     the State home for such care furnished to that veteran.''.
       (2) Provision of prescription medicines.--Such section, as 
     so added, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following new subsection:
       ``(b) The Secretary shall furnish such drugs and medicines 
     as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed 
     physician as specific therapy in the treatment of illness or 
     injury to any veteran as follows:
       ``(1) Any veteran who--
       ``(A) is not being provided nursing home care for which 
     payment is payable under subsection (a); and
       ``(B) is in need of such drugs and medicines for a service-
     connected disability.
       ``(2) Any veteran who--
       ``(A) has a service-connected disability rated at 50 
     percent or more;
       ``(B) is not being provided nursing home care for which 
     payment is payable under subsection (a); and
       ``(C) is in need of such drugs and medicines.''.
       (3) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Criteria for payment.--Section 1741(a)(1) of such title 
     is amended by striking ``The'' and inserting ``Except as 
     provided in section 1745 of this title, the''.
       (B) Eligibility for nursing home care.--Section 1710(a)(4) 
     of such title is amended--
       (i) by striking ``and'' before ``the requirement in section 
     1710B of this title''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, and the requirement in section 1745 
     of this title to provide nursing home care and prescription 
     medicines to veterans with service-connected disabilities in 
     State homes'' after ``a program of extended care services''.
       (4) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1744 the following new 
     item:

``1745. Nursing home care and medications for veterans with service-
              connected disabilities.''.
       (5) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection 
     shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (b) Identification of Veterans in State Homes.--Such 
     chapter is further amended--
       (1) in section 1745, as added by subsection (a)(1) of this 
     section, by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Any State home that requests payment or reimbursement 
     for services provided to a veteran under this section shall 
     provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to identify each individual veteran 
     eligible for payment under such section.''; and
       (2) in section 1741, by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(f) Any State home that requests payment or reimbursement 
     for services provided to a veteran under this section shall 
     provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to identify each individual veteran 
     eligible for payment under such section.''.
       (c) Authority to Treat Certain Health Facilities as State 
     Homes.--
       (1) Authority.--Subchapter III of chapter 81 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 8138. Treatment of certain health facilities as State 
       homes

       ``(a) The Secretary may treat a health facility, or certain 
     beds in a health facility, as a State

[[Page 17058]]

     home for purposes of subchapter V of chapter 17 of this title 
     if the following requirements are met:
       ``(1) The facility, or certain beds in such facility, meets 
     the standards for the provision of nursing home care that is 
     applicable to State homes, as prescribed by the Secretary 
     under section 8134(b) of this title, and such other standards 
     relating to the facility, or certain beds in such facility, 
     as the Secretary may require.
       ``(2) The facility, or certain beds in such facility, is 
     licensed or certified by the appropriate State and local 
     agencies charged with the responsibility of licensing or 
     otherwise regulating or inspecting State home facilities.
       ``(3) The State demonstrates in an application to the 
     Secretary that, but for the treatment of a facility (or 
     certain beds in such facility), as a State home under this 
     subsection, a substantial number of veterans residing in the 
     geographic area in which the facility is located who require 
     nursing home care will not have access to such care.
       ``(4) The Secretary determines that the treatment of the 
     facility, or certain beds in such facility, as a State home 
     best meets the needs of veterans for nursing home care in the 
     geographic area in which the facility is located.
       ``(5) The Secretary approves the application submitted by 
     the State with respect to the facility, or certain beds in 
     such facility.
       ``(b) The Secretary may not treat a health facility, or 
     certain beds in a health facility, as a State home under 
     subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such 
     treatment would increase the number of beds allocated to the 
     State in excess of the limit on the number of beds provided 
     for by regulations prescribed under section 8134(a) of this 
     title.
       ``(c) The number of beds occupied by veterans in a health 
     facility for which payment may be made under subchapter V of 
     chapter 17 of this title by reason of subsection (a) shall 
     not exceed--
       ``(1) 100 beds in the aggregate for all States; and
       ``(2) in the case of any State, the difference between--
       ``(A) the number of veterans authorized to be in beds in 
     State homes in such State under regulations prescribed under 
     section 8134(a) of this title; and
       ``(B) the number of veterans actually in beds in State 
     homes (other than facilities or certain beds treated as State 
     homes under subsection (a)) in such State under regulations 
     prescribed under such section.
       ``(d) The number of beds in a health facility in a State 
     that has been treated as a State home under subsection (a) 
     shall be taken into account in determining the unmet need for 
     beds for State homes for the State under section 8134(d)(1) 
     of this title.
       ``(e) The Secretary may not treat any new health 
     facilities, or any new certain beds in a health facility, as 
     a State home under subsection (a) after September 30, 
     2009.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 81 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 8137 the following new 
     item:

``8138. Treatment of certain health facilities as State homes.''.

     SEC. 404. OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs within the Office of the Undersecretary 
     for Health an office to be known as the ``Office of Rural 
     Health'' (in this section referred to as the ``Office'').
       (b) Head.--The Director of the Office of Rural Health shall 
     be the head of the Office. The Director of the Office of 
     Rural Health shall be appointed by the Under Secretary of 
     Health from among individuals qualified to perform the duties 
     of the position.
       (c) Functions.--The functions of the Office are as follows:
       (1) In cooperation with the medical, rehabilitation, health 
     services, and cooperative studies research programs in the 
     Office of Policy and the Office of Research and Development 
     of the Veterans Health Administration, to assist the Under 
     Secretary for Health in conducting, coordinating, promoting, 
     and disseminating research into issues affecting veterans 
     living in rural areas.
       (2) To work with all personnel and offices of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to develop, refine, and 
     promulgate policies, best practices, lessons learned, and 
     innovative and successful programs to improve care and 
     services for veterans who reside in rural areas of the United 
     States.
       (3) To designate in each Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network (VISN) an individual who shall consult on and 
     coordinate the discharge in such Network of programs and 
     activities of the Office for veterans who reside in rural 
     areas of the United States.
       (4) To assess, in accordance with subsection (d), the 
     effects of the implementation of the fee-basis health care 
     program of the Veterans Health Administration on the delivery 
     of health care services to veterans who reside in rural areas 
     of the United States.
       (5) To perform such other functions and duties as the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Under Secretary for 
     Health consider appropriate.
       (d) Assessment of Fee-Basis Health Care Program.--The 
     Director of the Office shall, in consultation with the 
     individuals designated under subsection (c)(3), conduct an 
     assessment of the effects of the implementation of the fee-
     basis health care program of the Veterans Health 
     Administration on the delivery of health care services to 
     veterans who reside in rural areas of the United States. In 
     conducting the assessment, the Director shall--
       (1) evaluate the effects of the fee-basis health care 
     program on the delivery of health care services to veterans 
     who reside in rural areas of the United States;
       (2) identify various mechanisms for expanding the program 
     in order to enhance and improve health care services for such 
     veterans and determine the feasibility and advisability of 
     implementing such mechanisms; and
       (3) for each mechanism determined under paragraph (2) to be 
     feasible and advisable to implement, make recommendations to 
     the Under Secretary for Health on the implementation of such 
     mechanism.

     SEC. 405. PILOT PROGRAM ON IMPROVEMENT OF CAREGIVER 
                   ASSISTANCE SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 120 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess 
     the feasibility and advisability of various mechanisms to 
     expand and improve caregiver assistance services.
       (b) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program required 
     by subsection (a) shall be carried out during the two-year 
     period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot 
     program.
       (c) Caregiver Assistance Services.--For purposes of this 
     section, the term ``caregiver assistance services'' are 
     services of the Department of Veterans Affairs that assist 
     caregivers of veterans, including veterans of the Global War 
     on Terrorism. Such services including the following:
       (1) Adult-day health care services.
       (2) Coordination of services needed by veterans, including 
     services for readjustment and rehabilitation.
       (3) Transportation services.
       (4) Caregiver support services, including education, 
     training, and certification of family members in caregiver 
     activities.
       (5) Home care services.
       (6) Respite care.
       (7) Hospice services.
       (8) Any modalities of non-institutional long-term care.
       (d) Funding.--
       (1) Source of funds.--In carrying out the program required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall identify, from funds 
     available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical 
     care, an amount not less than $5,000,000 to be available for 
     the fiscal year that includes the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, to carry out the pilot program and to be allocated 
     to facilities of the Department pursuant to subsection (e). 
     Such amount shall be available without fiscal year 
     limitation.
       (2) Minimum allocation of funds.--In identifying available 
     amounts pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure 
     that, after the allocation of funds under subsection (e), the 
     total expenditure for programs in support of caregiver 
     assistance services is not less than $5,000,000 in excess of 
     the baseline amount.
       (3) Baseline amount.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the 
     baseline amount is the amount of the total expenditures on 
     programs in support of caregiver assistance services for 
     veterans for the most recent fiscal year for which final 
     expenditure amounts are known, adjusted to reflect any 
     subsequent increase in applicable costs to support such 
     services through the Veterans Health Administration.
       (e) Allocation of Funds to Facilities.--The Secretary shall 
     allocate funds identified pursuant to subsection (d)(1) to 
     individual medical facilities of the Department in such 
     amounts as the Secretary determines appropriate, based upon 
     proposals submitted by such facilities for the use of such 
     funds for improvements to the support of the provision of 
     caregiver assistance services. Special consideration should 
     be given to rural facilities, including those without a long-
     term care facility of the Department.
       (f) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the implementation of this 
     section, including--
       (1) a description and assessment of the activities carried 
     out under the pilot program;
       (2) information on the allocation of funds to facilities of 
     the Department under subsection (d); and
       (3) a description of the improvements made with funds so 
     allocated to the support of the provision of caregiver 
     assistance services.

                 TITLE V--HOMELESS VETERANS ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 501. REAFFIRMATION OF NATIONAL GOAL TO END HOMELESSNESS 
                   AMONG VETERANS.

       (a) Reaffirmation.--Congress reaffirms the national goal to 
     end chronic homelessness among veterans within a decade of 
     the enactment of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive 
     Assistance Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-95; 115 Stat. 903).
       (b) Reaffirmation of Encouragement of Cooperative 
     Efforts.--Congress reaffirms its encouragement, as specified 
     in the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 
     (Public Law 107-95; 115 Stat. 903), that all departments and 
     agencies of the Federal, State, and local governments, quasi-
     governmental organizations, private and public sector 
     entities, including community-based organizations,

[[Page 17059]]

     faith-based organizations, and individuals, work 
     cooperatively to end chronic homelessness among veterans.

     SEC. 502. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE RESPONSE OF THE FEDERAL 
                   GOVERNMENT TO THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS VETERANS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) homelessness is a significant problem in the veterans 
     community, and veterans are disproportionately represented 
     among the homeless population;
       (2) while many effective programs assist homeless veterans 
     to become, once again, productive and self-sufficient members 
     of their communities and society, all the essential services, 
     assistance, and support that homeless veterans require are 
     not currently provided;
       (3) federally funded programs for homeless veterans should 
     be held accountable for achieving clearly defined results;
       (4) Federal efforts to assist homeless veterans should 
     include prevention of homelessness;
       (5) Federal efforts regarding homeless veterans should be 
     particularly vigorous where women veterans have minor 
     children in their care;
       (6) Federal agencies, particularly the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and the Department 
     of Housing and Urban Development, should cooperate more fully 
     to address the problem of homelessness among veterans; and
       (7) the programs reauthorized by this title provide 
     important housing and services to homeless veterans.

     SEC. 503. AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE 
                   PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) Permanent Authority.--Section 2011(a) of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (2) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``(1)''; and
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--The text of section 
     2013 of such title is amended to read as follows: ``There is 
     authorized to be appropriated, to carry out this subchapter, 
     $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''.

     SEC. 504. EXTENSION OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FOR 
                   SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) Extension of Authority for General Treatment.--Section 
     2031(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2011''.
       (b) Extension of Authority for Additional Services.--
     Section 2033(d) of such title is amended by striking ``2006'' 
     and inserting ``2011''.

     SEC. 505. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF PROPERTIES 
                   OBTAINED THROUGH FORECLOSURE OF HOME MORTGAGES.

       Section 2041(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2011''.

     SEC. 506. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS 
                   VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

       Section 2061(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2003, 2004, and 2005, $5,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``2007 through 2011, $7,000,000''.

     SEC. 507. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR HOMELESS VETERAN SERVICE 
                   PROVIDER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Subsection (b) of section 2064 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2007 through 2012 to carry out the program under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 508. ADDITIONAL ELEMENT IN ANNUAL REPORT ON ASSISTANCE 
                   TO HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 2065(b) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph (5):
       ``(5) Information on the efforts of the Secretary to 
     coordinate the delivery of housing and services to homeless 
     veterans with other Federal departments and agencies, 
     including--
       ``(A) the Department of Defense;
       ``(B) the Department of Health and Human Services;
       ``(C) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       ``(D) the Department of Justice;
       ``(E) the Department of Labor;
       ``(F) the Interagency Council on Homelessness;
       ``(G) the Social Security Administration; and
       ``(H) any other Federal department or agency with which the 
     Secretary coordinates the delivery of housing and services to 
     homeless veterans.''.

     SEC. 509. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) Additional Ex Officio Members.--Subsection (a)(3) of 
     section 2066 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(E) The Executive Director of the Interagency Council on 
     Homelessness (or a representative of the Executive Director).
       ``(F) The Under Secretary for Health (or a representative 
     of the Under Secretary after consultation with the Director 
     of the Office of Homeless Veterans Programs).
       ``(G) The Under Secretary for Benefits (or a representative 
     of the Under Secretary after consultation with the Director 
     of the Office of Homeless Veterans Programs).''.
       (b) Extension.--Subsection (d) of such section is amended 
     by striking ``December 31, 2006'' and inserting ``September 
     30, 2011''.

     SEC. 510. RENTAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHERS FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   SUPPORTED HOUSING PROGRAM.

       (a) Funding for Vouchers.--Section (8)(o)(19)(B) of the 
     United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)(B)) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(B) Amount.--The amount specified in this subparagraph 
     is--
       ``(i) for fiscal year 2007, the amount necessary to provide 
     500 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection;
       ``(ii) for fiscal year 2008, the amount necessary to 
     provide 1,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this 
     subsection;
       ``(iii) for fiscal year 2009, the amount necessary to 
     provide 1,500 vouchers for rental assistance under this 
     subsection;
       ``(iv) for fiscal year 2010, the amount necessary to 
     provide 2,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this 
     subsection; and
       ``(v) for fiscal year 2011, the amount necessary to provide 
     2,500 vouchers for rental assistance under this 
     subsection.''.
       (b) Elimination of Funding Through Incremental 
     Assistance.--Subparagraph (C) of section 8(o)(19) of the 
     United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)(C)) 
     is repealed.
       (c) Study of Effectiveness of Vouchers.--
       (1) In general.--For fiscal years 2007 and 2008, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study of the 
     effectiveness of the voucher program under section 
     (8)(o)(19)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
     U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)(B)), as amended by subsection (a), in 
     meeting the housing and case management needs of homeless 
     veterans who--
       (A) have a chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance 
     use disorder; and
       (B) are participating in continuing treatment for such 
     mental illness or substance use disorder as a condition of 
     receipt of such rental assistance.
       (2) Comparison.--As part of the study required by paragraph 
     (1) the Secretary shall compare the results of the program 
     described in that paragraph with other programs as follows:
       (A) Programs in which the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     coordinates the delivery of housing and services to homeless 
     veterans.
       (B) Programs for the provision of grants or per diem 
     payments to providers of services that are designed to meet 
     the needs of homeless veterans.
       (3) Criteria.--In conducting the comparison required by 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
       (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the programs 
     described in paragraph (2).
       (B) The health status of such veterans.
       (C) For programs that address substance use disorders, the 
     reduction in severity of such disorders in such veterans.
       (D) The housing provided such veterans under such programs.
       (E) The degree to which such veterans are encouraged to 
     productive activity by such programs.
       (4) Report.--Not later than March 31, 2009, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the results of the study required 
     by paragraph (1).

     SEC. 511. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR 
                   VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT 
                   HOUSING.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to facilitate 
     the provision of supportive services for very low-income 
     veteran families in permanent housing.
       (b) Financial Assistance.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter V of chapter 20 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for 
       very low-income veteran families in permanent housing

       ``(a) Distribution of Financial Assistance.--(1) The 
     Secretary shall provide financial assistance to eligible 
     entities approved under this section to provide and 
     coordinate the provision of supportive services described in 
     subsection (b) for very low-income veteran families occupying 
     permanent housing.
       ``(2) Financial assistance under this section shall consist 
     of per diem payments for each such family for which an 
     approved eligible entity is providing or coordinating the 
     provision of supportive services.
       ``(3)(A) Subject to the availability of appropriations 
     provided for such purpose, the Secretary shall provide to 
     each family for which an approved eligible entity is 
     providing or coordinating the provision of supportive 
     services per diem payments in the amount of the daily cost of 
     care estimated by such eligible entity (as adjusted by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (C)).
       ``(B) In no case may the amount of per diem paid under this 
     paragraph exceed the rate of per diem authorized for State 
     homes for domiciliary care under subsection (a)(1)(A) of 
     section 1741 of this title, as adjusted by the Secretary 
     under subsection (c) of such section.
       ``(C) The Secretary may adjust the daily cost of care 
     estimated by an eligible entity for purposes of this 
     paragraph to exclude other sources

[[Page 17060]]

     of income described in subparagraph (E) that the eligible 
     entity certifies to be correct.
       ``(D) Each eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary 
     such information with respect to other sources of income as 
     the Secretary may require to make the adjustment under 
     subparagraph (C).
       ``(E) The other sources of income referred to in 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D) are payments to the eligible entity 
     for furnishing services to homeless veterans under programs 
     other than under this subchapter, including payments and 
     grants from other departments and agencies of the Federal 
     Government, from departments or agencies of State or local 
     government, and from private entities or organizations.
       ``(4) In providing financial assistance under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary shall give preference to entities 
     providing or coordinating the provision of supportive 
     services for very low-income veteran families who are 
     transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
       ``(5) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent 
     practicable, financial assistance under this subsection is 
     equitably distributed across geographic regions, including 
     rural communities and tribal lands.
       ``(6) Each entity receiving financial assistance under this 
     section to provide supportive services to a very low-income 
     veteran family shall notify that family that such services 
     are being paid for, in whole or in part, by the Department.
       ``(7) The Secretary may require entities receiving 
     financial assistance under this section to submit a report to 
     the Secretary that describes the projects carried out with 
     such financial assistance.
       ``(b) Supportive Services.--The supportive services 
     referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
       ``(1) Services provided by an eligible entity or 
     subcontractors that address the needs of very low-income 
     veteran families occupying permanent housing, including--
       ``(A) outreach services;
       ``(B) health care services, including diagnosis, treatment, 
     and counseling for mental health and substance abuse 
     disorders and for post-traumatic stress disorder, if such 
     services are not readily available through the Department 
     medical center serving the geographic area in which the 
     veteran family is housed;
       ``(C) habilitation and rehabilitation services;
       ``(D) case management services;
       ``(E) daily living services;
       ``(F) personal financial planning;
       ``(G) transportation services;
       ``(H) vocational counseling;
       ``(I) employment and training;
       ``(J) educational services;
       ``(K) assistance in obtaining veterans benefits and other 
     public benefits, including health care provided by the 
     Department;
       ``(L) assistance in obtaining income support;
       ``(M) assistance in obtaining health insurance;
       ``(N) fiduciary and representative payee services;
       ``(O) legal services to assist the veteran family with 
     reconsiderations or appeals of veterans and public benefit 
     claim denials and to resolve outstanding warrants that 
     interfere with the family's ability to obtain or retain 
     housing or supportive services;
       ``(P) child care;
       ``(Q) housing counseling;
       ``(R) other services necessary for maintaining independent 
     living; and
       ``(S) coordination of services under this paragraph.
       ``(2) Services described in paragraph (1) that are 
     delivered to very low-income veteran families who are 
     homeless and who are scheduled to become residents of 
     permanent housing within 90 days pending the location or 
     development of housing suitable for permanent housing.
       ``(3) Services described in paragraph (1) for very low-
     income veteran families who have voluntarily chosen to seek 
     other housing after a period of tenancy in permanent housing, 
     that are provided, for a period of 90 days after such 
     families exit permanent housing or until such families 
     commence receipt of other housing services adequate to meet 
     their current needs, but only to the extent that services 
     under this paragraph are designed to support such families in 
     their choice to transition into housing that is responsive to 
     their individual needs and preferences.
       ``(c) Application for Financial Assistance.--(1) An 
     eligible entity seeking financial assistance under subsection 
     (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary in such 
     form, in such manner, and containing such commitments and 
     information as the Secretary determines to be necessary to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(2) Each application submitted by an eligible entity 
     under paragraph (1) shall contain--
       ``(A) a description of the supportive services proposed to 
     be provided by the eligible entity;
       ``(B) a description of the types of very low-income veteran 
     families proposed to be provided such services;
       ``(C) an estimate of the number of very low-income veteran 
     families proposed to be provided such services;
       ``(D) evidence of the experience of the eligible entity in 
     providing supportive services to very low-income veteran 
     families; and
       ``(E) a description of the managerial capacity of the 
     eligible entity to--
       ``(i) coordinate the provision of supportive services with 
     the provision of permanent housing, by the eligible entity or 
     by other organizations;
       ``(ii) continuously assess the needs of very low-income 
     veteran families for supportive services;
       ``(iii) coordinate the provision of supportive services 
     with the services of the Department;
       ``(iv) tailor supportive services to the needs of very low-
     income veteran families; and
       ``(v) continuously seek new sources of assistance to ensure 
     the long-term provision of supportive services to very low-
     income veteran families.
       ``(3) The Secretary shall establish criteria for the 
     selection of eligible entities to be provided financial 
     assistance under this section.
       ``(d) Technical Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall 
     provide training and technical assistance to participating 
     eligible entities regarding the planning, development, and 
     provision of supportive services to very low-income veteran 
     families occupying permanent housing.
       ``(2) The Secretary may provide the training described in 
     paragraph (1) directly or through grants or contracts with 
     appropriate public or nonprofit private entities.
       ``(e) Funding.--(1) From amounts appropriated to the 
     Department for Medical Care, there shall be available to 
     carry out this section amounts as follows:
       ``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
       ``(B) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       ``(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
       ``(2) Not more than $750,000 may be available under 
     paragraph (1) in any fiscal year to provide technical 
     assistance under subsection (d).
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `consumer cooperative' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 
     U.S.C. 1701q).
       ``(2) The term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) a private nonprofit organization; or
       ``(B) a consumer cooperative.
       ``(3) The term `homeless' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 11302).
       ``(4) The term `permanent housing' means community-based 
     housing without a designated length of stay.
       ``(5) The term `private nonprofit organization' means any 
     of the following:
       ``(A) Any incorporated private institution or foundation--
       ``(i) no part of the net earnings of which inures to the 
     benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual;
       ``(ii) which has a governing board that is responsible for 
     the operation of the supportive services provided under this 
     section; and
       ``(iii) which is approved by the Secretary as to financial 
     responsibility;
       ``(B) A for-profit limited partnership, the sole general 
     partner of which is an organization meeting the requirements 
     of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an 
     organization meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), 
     and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) A tribally designated housing entity (as defined in 
     section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
     Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103)).
       ``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the term 
     `very low-income veteran family' means a veteran family whose 
     income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for 
     the area, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with 
     this paragraph.
       ``(B) The Secretary shall make appropriate adjustments to 
     the income requirement under subparagraph (A) based on family 
     size.
       ``(C) The Secretary may establish an income ceiling higher 
     or lower than 50 percent of the median income for an area if 
     the Secretary determines that such variations are necessary 
     because the area has unusually high or low construction 
     costs, fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of 
     the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)), or 
     family incomes.
       ``(7) The term `veteran family' includes a veteran who is a 
     single person and a family in which the head of household or 
     the spouse of the head of household is a veteran.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 2043 the following new 
     item:

``2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing.''.
       (c) Study of Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program.--
       (1) In general.--For fiscal years 2007 and 2008, the 
     Secretary shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the 
     permanent housing program under section 2044 of title 38, 
     United States Code, as amended by subsection (b), in meeting 
     the needs of very low-income veteran families, as that term 
     is defined in that section.
       (2) Comparison.--In the study required by paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary shall compare the results of the program 
     referred to in that subsection with other programs of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to the delivery of 
     housing and services to veterans.
       (3) Criteria.--In making the comparison required in 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
       (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the programs 
     described in paragraph (2).
       (B) The health status of such veterans.
       (C) The housing provided such veterans under such programs.
       (D) The degree to which such veterans are encouraged to 
     productive activity by such programs.
       (4) Report.--Not later than March 31, 2009, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on

[[Page 17061]]

     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on 
     the results of the study required by paragraph (1).

                    TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS

     SEC. 601. RESIDENTIAL COOPERATIVE HOUSING UNITS.

       (a) Housing Benefits for Cooperative Apartment Units.--
     Subsection (a) of section 3710 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (11) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(12) To purchase stock or membership in a cooperative 
     housing corporation for the purpose of entitling the veteran 
     to occupy for dwelling purposes a single family residential 
     unit in a development, project, or structure owned or leased 
     by such corporation, in accordance with subsection (h).''.
       (b) Conditions of Housing Benefits for Cooperative 
     Apartment Units.--Such section is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h)(1) A loan may not be guaranteed under subsection 
     (a)(12) unless--
       ``(A) the development, project, or structure of the 
     cooperative housing corporation complies with such criteria 
     as the Secretary prescribes in regulations; and
       ``(B) the dwelling unit that the purchase of stock or 
     membership in the development, project, or structure of the 
     cooperative housing corporation entitles the purchaser to 
     occupy is a single family residential unit.
       ``(2) In this subsection, the term `cooperative housing 
     corporation' has the same meaning given such term in section 
     216(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
       ``(3) When applying the term `value of the property' to a 
     loan guaranteed under subsection (a)(12), such term means the 
     appraised value of the stock or membership entitling the 
     purchaser to the permanent occupancy of the dwelling unit in 
     the development, project, or structure of the cooperative 
     housing corporation.''.

     SEC. 602. INCREASE IN SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE FOR TOTALLY 
                   DISABLED VETERANS.

       Section 1922A(a) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``$20,000'' and inserting ``$30,000, 
     during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on 
     September 31, 2011, or $20,000 at any other time''.

     SEC. 603. REAUTHORIZATION OF USE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION FROM 
                   OTHER AGENCIES.

       (a) Information From Secretary of the Treasury or 
     Commissioner of Social Security.--Section 5317(g) of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 
     30, 2008'' and inserting ``September 30, 2011''.
       (b) Tax Returns and Tax Return Information.--The last 
     sentence of section 6103(l)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by striking ``September 30, 2008'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2011''.

     SEC. 604. CLARIFICATION OF CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES COVERED BY 
                   CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

       (a) Payment of Pension During Confinement in Penal 
     Institutions.--Section 1505(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``or local penal institution'' 
     and inserting ``local, or other penal institution or 
     correctional facility''.
       (b) Allowances for Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans 
     With Service-Connected Disabilities.--Section 3108(g)(1) of 
     such title is amended by striking ``or local penal 
     institution'' and inserting ``local, or other penal 
     institution or correctional facility''.
       (c) Educational Assistance Benefits for Post-Vietnam Era 
     Veterans.--Section 3231(d)(1) of such title is amended by 
     striking ``or local penal institution'' and inserting 
     ``local, or other penal institution or correctional 
     facility''.
       (d) Computation of Educational Assistance Allowances for 
     Veterans Generally.--Section 3482(g)(1) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``or local penal institution'' and 
     inserting ``local, or other penal institution or correctional 
     facility''.
       (e) Computation of Educational Assistance Allowance for 
     Survivors and Dependents.--Section 3532(e) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``or local penal institution'' and 
     inserting ``local, or other penal institution or correctional 
     facility''.
       (f) Limitation on Payment of Compensation and Dependency 
     and Indemnity Compensation.--Section 5313 of such title is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``or local penal 
     institution'' and inserting ``local, or other penal 
     institution or correctional facility'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``or local penal 
     institution'' and inserting ``local, or other penal 
     institution or correctional facility''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``or local penal 
     institution'' and inserting ``local, or other penal 
     institution or correctional facility''.
       (g) Limitation on Payment of Clothing Allowance.--Section 
     5313A of such title is amended by striking ``or local penal 
     institution'' and inserting ``local, or other penal 
     institution or correctional facility''.
       Amend the title so as to read: ``To amend title 38, United 
     States Code, to remove certain limitations on attorney 
     representation of claimants for veterans benefits in 
     administrative proceedings before the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, to make certain improvements in the area of memorial 
     affairs, and for other purposes.''.

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I have sought recognition to comment on 
comprehensive, bipartisan legislation reported from the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs and now awaiting full Senate approval. S. 2694, the 
Veterans' Choice of Representation and Benefits Enhancement Act of 
2006, contains 28 provisions representing the collective work of 44 
Senators who either sponsored or cosponsored bills that were 
incorporated into this important legislation.
  S. 2694 includes provisions that would improve educational assistance 
benefits for veterans and their survivors; reauthorize and enhance 
various programs of assistance for homeless veterans; reduce nursing 
home and prescription medication costs for service-disabled veterans 
residing in State veterans' nursing homes; enhance memorial affairs 
benefits and preserve the character of Arlington National Cemetery as a 
shrine for our honored dead; and, as the bill's title suggests, provide 
veterans with the freedom to hire attorneys to represent them during 
the VA claims process. I will take a few minutes to describe the 
sections of the bill that I sponsored, none I am more proud of than the 
choice of representation provision. For a full accounting of all of S. 
2694's provisions, I ask my colleagues to read Senate Report 109-297.
  Currently, veterans and other claimants seeking veterans' benefits 
may not hire an attorney until the VA administrative proceedings have 
been completed a process that often takes several years. That law flows 
from a Civil War era policy intended to protect veterans from 
unscrupulous attorneys. That policy arose at a time--unlike today--when 
attending law school was not required to become a lawyer and there was 
no effective professional oversight of lawyers.
  In recent months, it has become abundantly clear that many veterans 
and their survivors want the option of hiring an attorney to help them 
navigate the increasingly complex VA system. In fact, the prohibition 
against veterans hiring attorneys is considered to be unfair and 
outdated by a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations, 
including veterans' organizations, veterans' advocates, judges, law 
professors, and bar associations.
  For these reasons, I joined with Senator Lindsey Graham in 
introducing legislation to end the outdated, paternalistic restriction 
on the freedoms of veterans. Section 101 of S. 2694 would repeal the 
existing prohibition against veterans hiring attorneys to help them 
obtain benefits from VA. I am delighted that we are closer to doing 
away with this outdated law and allowing veterans like all other adults 
in this Nation--to have the assistance of counsel if they so choose.
  Title V of S. 2694 represents the first effort in 5 years to enact 
comprehensive homeless veterans' assistance legislation. Five years 
ago, Congress set an ambitious goal to end homelessness among veterans 
by 2011. I am not one who sets goals lightly, especially one so 
important. Therefore, I joined with Senators Akaka, Burr and Obama to 
craft the provisions in title V which will both improve services for 
homeless veterans, and help prevent chronic homelessness among our 
servicemen and women returning from the war on terror. Among other 
things, this measure would extend the authorization of appropriations 
for comprehensive services for homeless veterans, reauthorize a grant 
program for homeless veterans with special needs, and extend the 
authority of the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. It would also 
extend the authority of VA to transfer properties it obtains after 
foreclosures on homes financed with VA-guaranteed loans to 
organizations which assist homeless veterans and their families in 
acquiring shelter. Finally, the bill would authorize appropriations for 
a program designed to prevent homelessness by providing financial 
assistance to eligible entities to provide and coordinate the provision 
of supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying 
permanent housing.
  I want to be clear, however, that I will be monitoring whether these 
programs are having the effect we expect them to. In March, I held a 
hearing on the needs of homeless veterans, at which VA, its Federal 
partners, and

[[Page 17062]]

community-based service providers to the homeless testified about what 
is working, what isn't, what duplication might be eliminated, and where 
deficiencies exist that must be addressed. We learned that more than a 
half dozen Federal agencies will devote over $2 billion to 
homelessness. VA alone will spend upward of $221 million on grants, 
housing and treatment of underlying conditions. In fact, the fiscal 
year 2007 budget for VA will support a record level of funding for the 
sixth straight year for targeted programs for homeless veterans. 
Plainly stated, we cannot afford to waste any money. We must ensure 
that our resources are invested carefully so that homeless veterans can 
resume their self-sufficiency and independence.
  Section 402 of S. 2694 is derived from legislation I introduced that 
would remove the four-year limit on the terms for the positions of 
Under Secretary for Health and Under Secretary for Benefits at VA. When 
the term limits were originally created, I think we all hoped that they 
would allow the two officials to serve four consecutive years without 
any political considerations, regardless of whether the service was in 
different administrations or under different VA leadership. History, 
however, has shown us that new administrations or even new VA 
leadership within the same administration often bring new people at all 
levels of government, including the two Under Secretary positions. In 
fact, the last three Under Secretaries for Health and the previous 
Under Secretary for Benefits did not complete a full 4-year term. 
Therefore, this provision would eliminate what are, in effect, limits 
on terms that serve no useful purpose.
  The last of the provisions I sponsored touches on a subject that most 
of my colleagues likely remember. Last summer, we learned that the 
remains of a brutal murderer--Russell Wayne Wagner--were placed in the 
Nation's preeminent military cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery. I 
was appalled to discover that the law enacted in 1997 to deny capital 
offenders from burial in national cemeteries did not apply to Wagner. 
While we moved swiftly to close the loophole that permitted Wagner's 
burial in the first place, the question remained: should his remains 
continue to be included among the scores of honored dead in Arlington? 
For me and Senator Mikulski, the answer was ``no.'' That is why we 
sponsored legislation now contained in section 202 of S. 2694 which 
would direct the Secretary of the Army to remove Wagner's remains from 
Arlington. As I stated last summer, we must not dishonor the sacrifices 
made by those memorialized at our Nation's military cemeteries by 
including among them individuals who, through their own heinous acts, 
have grievously dishonored themselves.
  Mr. President, I want to thank all of the members of the committee 
and other Senators who worked so diligently on this bill. In 
particular, I commend the committee's anking member, Senator Akaka. I 
have said it before and I'll repeat it today, Hawaii's veterans are 
fortunate to have Senator Akaka as their advocate. It is been a 
pleasure working with him.
  In closing, I ask for the support of the Senate in adopting S. 2694. 
It is an important, historic piece of legislation that will respect the 
freedoms won by our veterans on the battlefield, and will improve 
benefits available to them when they return home from it.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, I am pleased that the Senate on S. 2694, an omnibus 
veterans bill. This timely piece of legislation includes a number of 
important provisions that will improve the health care and benefits 
that our Nation's veterans deserve. I will highlight a few sections in 
which I have a particular interest.
  This legislation specifically seeks to improve the way VA responds to 
the present and future demand for long-term care. As the veteran 
population ages, the demand for long-term care continues to rise, a 
trend that will only continue as Vietnam-era veterans get older.
  With the goal of encouraging and supporting alternatives to 
institutional long-term care, the pending legislation includes 
provisions derived from S. 2753, a bill I introduced that was designed 
to promote assistance to those who look after veterans, especially in 
noninstitutional, home-based settings. The provision in the bill as it 
comes before the Senate today would authorize VA to carry out a pilot 
program to improve assistance services to these caregivers. Caregivers, 
particularly those who live in rural and geographically remote areas, 
would receive a helping hand through services such as adult-day care 
and respite care.
  The pending measure also seeks to ensure more appropriate payment for 
the cost of longterm care provided to certain seriously disabled 
veterans who are receiving care in State veterans' homes. Earlier this 
year, the Committee held field hearings in my home state of Hawaii. Tom 
Driskill, the President and CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, 
testified about the soon-to-be-built State home in Hilo. He said, ``The 
synergy of a combined Federal and State funding of the home has been 
the catalyst for making this dream a reality.'' The adjustments this 
legislation would make to the current cost-sharing arrangement between 
VA and the States, which are derived from S. 2762, legislation I 
introduced, may help ensure a high quality of care in State homes not 
only in Hawaii, but across the entire Nation.
  Currently, care is provided at no cost to the veteran when VA 
provides institutional, long-term care services to those with service-
connected disabilities rated 70 percent or higher in a VA nursing home 
or a private nursing care facility with which VA contracts. However, 
when the care is provided in a State veterans' home, VA pays only a per 
diem to the State, which then may bill the veteran for the remaining 
costs. I believe this to be unfair, and this legislation would provide 
for the same payment to State veterans' homes that is provided to 
community nursing homes which are furnishing care to these seriously 
disabled veterans.
  I am gratified that this legislation includes extensive provisions to 
reauthorize, improve and enhance services for homeless veterans. I 
commend Senators Obama and Burr, both members of the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee, for their dedication to ensuring that comprehensive services 
are provided to homeless veterans. I fully support these efforts and 
stand with my colleagues in the battle to end homelessness among 
veterans.
  This bill also includes a provision from a bill I introduced, S. 
1537, that would authorize VA to designate at least two Multiple 
Sclerosis Centers of Excellence and six Parkinson's Disease Research, 
Education and Clinical Centers. VA centers of excellence have been the 
model of innovation in the delivery of highly specialized healthcare 
and research for chronic disease in the veteran population. Providing a 
statutory basis for these centers will ensure continued research and 
development of progressive treatments to help reduce symptoms and 
improve the quality of life for veterans battling with these 
neurological diseases.
  The bill also includes a provision that would allow VA to extend 
eligibility of VA's State Cemetery Grants Program to tribal 
organizations. This change, derived from my bill, S. 2659, would allow 
for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' 
cemeteries on trust lands. If enacted, it will enable veterans living 
on trust lands to have an option for burial much closer to their family 
members and other loved ones.
  This bill also includes a $10,000 increase in the amount of 
supplemental insurance available to totally disabled veterans through 
the Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance program. Totally disabled 
veterans would benefit greatly from the availability of higher 
supplemental coverage amounts because the current aggregate S-DVI 
coverage, $30,000, is insufficient to meet disabled veterans' life 
insurance needs. This provision, which I authored, would increase the 
financial security of disabled veterans and. their families.
  In conclusion, I thank the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, the 
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Parkinson's Action Network, 
and the National Association of State Veterans

[[Page 17063]]

Homes for their hard work and support of provisions in this 
legislation.
  I am pleased that our committee continues its tradition of 
bipartisanship. The effort that produced the final version of this 
legislation, vital to the continued provision of quality health care 
and benefits to our Nation's veterans, is just the latest example of 
that spirit.
  I thank my colleagues in the Senate for their support of this 
measure.
  Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported 
amendment be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and 
passed, the title amendment be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the bill be printed 
in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 2694), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading, was read the third time, and passed.
  The title amendment was agreed to.

                          ____________________