[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3152-3236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 2744. Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. King) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to 
improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and 
for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 76, between lines 8 and 9, insert the following:

     SEC. 330. CANADIAN FORCES BASE GAGETOWN REGISTRY.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish and maintain a registry to be known 
     as the ``Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Health Registry'' (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Registry'').
       (b) Contents.--Except as provided in subsection (c), the 
     Registry shall include the following information:
       (1) A list containing the name of each individual who--
       (A) while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, was 
     stationed at or underwent training at Canadian Forces Base 
     Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada, at any time during the 
     period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 
     31, 2006; and
       (B)(i) applies for care or services from the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs under chapter 17 of title 38, United States 
     Code;
       (ii) files a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of 
     such title on the basis of any disability that may be 
     associated with such service;
       (iii) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent 
     who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation 
     under chapter 13 of such title on the basis of such service;
       (iv) requests from the Secretary a health examination under 
     subsection (d)(1); or
       (v)(I) receives from the Secretary a health examination 
     similar to the health examination under subsection (d)(1); 
     and
       (II) submits to the Secretary a request to be included in 
     the Registry.
       (2) Relevant medical data relating to the health status of, 
     and other information that the Secretary considers relevant 
     and appropriate with respect to, each individual described in 
     paragraph (1) who--
       (A) grants to the Secretary permission to include such 
     information in the Registry; or
       (B) at the time the name of the individual is added to the 
     Registry, is deceased.
       (c) Individuals Submitting Claims or Making Requests Before 
     Date of Enactment.--If an application, claim, or request 
     referred to in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) was submitted, 
     filed, or made with respect to an individual described in 
     that paragraph before the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary shall, to the extent feasible, include in the 
     Registry the information described in that subsection 
     relating to that individual.
       (d) Examinations.--
       (1) In general.--Upon the request of an individual 
     described in subsection (b)(1)(A), the Secretary shall 
     provide the individual with--
       (A) a health examination (including any appropriate 
     diagnostic tests); and
       (B) consultation and counseling with respect to the results 
     of the examination and tests.
       (2) Consultation and counseling to family members.--In the 
     case of an individual described in subsection (b)(1)(A) who 
     is deceased, upon the request of a spouse, child, or parent 
     of that individual, the Secretary shall provide that spouse, 
     child, or parent with consultation and counseling with 
     respect to the results of the examination and tests under 
     paragraph (1)(A) or the results of an examination similar to 
     that examination with respect to that individual.
       (e) Outreach.--
       (1) Ongoing outreach to individuals listed in the 
     registry.--The Secretary shall, from time to time, notify 
     individuals listed in the Registry of significant 
     developments in research on the health consequences of 
     potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental 
     hazard related to service at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.
       (2) Examination outreach.--The Secretary shall carry out 
     appropriate outreach activities with respect to the provision 
     of any health examinations (including any diagnostic tests) 
     and consultation and counseling services under subsection 
     (d).
       (f) Department of Defense Information.--The Secretary of 
     Defense shall furnish to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     such information maintained by the Secretary of Defense as 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers necessary to 
     establish and maintain the Registry.
       (g) Independent Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     provide for a study on the potential exposure of individuals 
     to toxic substances or environmental hazards related to 
     service at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown at any time during 
     the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on 
     December 31, 2006.
       (2) Independent entity.--The study required by paragraph 
     (1) shall be carried out by an entity that--
       (A) has experience conducting studies with respect to the 
     exposure of individuals to toxic substances or environmental 
     hazards; and
       (B) is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.
       (3) Deadline for completion.--The study required by 
     paragraph (1) shall be completed not later than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (h) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 Registry.
       (2) Elements.--Each report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The number of veterans included in the Registry.
       (B) Any trend in claims for compensation under chapter 11 
     or 13 of title 38, United States Code, with respect to 
     veterans included in the Registry.
       (C) A description of the outreach efforts made by the 
     Secretary under subsection (e) during the one-year period 
     ending on the date of such report.
       (D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

[[Page 3153]]


                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2745. Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. King) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to 
improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and 
for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 61, between lines 5 and 6, insert the following:

     SEC. 314. PROGRAM OF ENHANCED CONTRACT CARE AUTHORITY FOR 
                   HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 17 is amended by inserting after 
     section 1703 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1703A. Program of enhanced contract care authority for 
       health care needs of veterans

       ``(a) Program Required.--(1) The Secretary shall conduct a 
     program under which the Secretary provides covered health 
     services to covered veterans through qualifying non-
     Department health care providers.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall commence the conduct of the 
     program on October 1, 2014.
       ``(b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of the program under 
     this section, a covered veteran is any veteran who--
       ``(1) is--
       ``(A) enrolled in the system of patient enrollment 
     established and operated under section 1705(a) of this title 
     as of the date of the commencement of the program under 
     subsection (a)(2); or
       ``(B) eligible for health care under section 1710(e)(3) of 
     such title; and
       ``(2) resides in a location that is--
       ``(A) more than 60 minutes driving distance from the 
     nearest Department health care facility providing primary 
     care services, if the veteran is seeking such services;
       ``(B) more than 120 minutes driving distance from the 
     nearest Department health care facility providing acute 
     hospital care, if the veteran is seeking such care; or
       ``(C) more than 240 minutes driving distance from the 
     nearest Department health care facility providing tertiary 
     care, if the veteran is seeking such care.
       ``(c) Covered Health Services.--For purposes of the program 
     under this section, a covered health service with respect to 
     a covered veteran is any hospital care, medical service, 
     rehabilitative service, or preventative health service that 
     is authorized to be provided by the Secretary to the veteran 
     under this chapter or any other provision of law.
       ``(d) Qualifying Non-department Health Care Providers.--For 
     purposes of the program under this section, an entity or 
     individual is a qualifying non-Department health care 
     provider of a covered health service if the Secretary 
     determines that the entity or individual is qualified to 
     furnish such service to a covered veteran under the program.
       ``(e) Locations.--The program shall be carried out within--
       ``(1) of the areas at which the Secretary was carrying out 
     the pilot program established under section 403 of the 
     Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 
     2008 (Public Law 110-387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) on the day 
     before the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive 
     Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay 
     Restoration Act of 2014, those areas at which the Secretary 
     has determined that such pilot program was carried out 
     successfully; and
       ``(2) any additional area that the Secretary may select for 
     purposes of the program.
       ``(f) Election.--A covered veteran seeking a covered health 
     service from a qualifying non-Department health care provider 
     under the program under this section shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application therefor in such form, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
     shall specify for purposes of the program.
       ``(g) Provision of Services Through Contract.--The 
     Secretary shall provide covered health services to veterans 
     under the program under this section through contracts with 
     qualifying non-Department health care providers for the 
     provision of such services.
       ``(h) Exchange of Medical Information.--In conducting the 
     program under this section, the Secretary shall develop and 
     utilize a functional capability to provide for the exchange 
     of appropriate medical information between the Department and 
     qualifying non-Department health care providers providing 
     health services under the program.
       ``(i) Reports.--Not later than the 30 days after the end of 
     each year in which the program under this section is 
     conducted, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee of 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
     that includes--
       ``(1) the assessment of the Secretary of the program during 
     the preceding year, including its cost, volume, quality, 
     patient satisfaction, benefit to veterans, and such other 
     findings and conclusions with respect to the program as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate; and
       ``(2) such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate regarding--
       ``(A) the continuation of the program; and
       ``(B) extension of the program to other or all Veterans 
     Integrated Service Networks of the Department.
       ``(j) Source of Funds.--In carrying out the program under 
     this section, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the 
     program shall be derived from amounts appropriated or 
     otherwise made available to the Office of Rural Health of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs after the date of the 
     enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits 
     and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1703 the following new item:

``1703A. Program of enhanced contract care authority for health care 
              needs of veterans.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 403 of the Veterans' 
     Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public 
     Law 110-387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is repealed.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2746. Mrs. HAGAN (for herself and Mrs. Gillibrand) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to 
improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and 
for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 207, between lines 8 and 9, insert the following:

                Subtitle F--Work Opportunity Tax Credit

     SEC. 451. WORK OPPORTUNITY CREDIT TO SMALL BUSINESSES FOR 
                   HIRING MEMBERS OF READY RESERVE OR NATIONAL 
                   GUARD.

       (a) In General.--Section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3) of subsection (b), by inserting ``or 
     any individual described in subparagraph (J) of subsection 
     (d)(1) who has been certified as having aggregate periods of 
     unemployment described in clause (ii)(III) of such 
     subparagraph'' after ``subsection (d)(3)(A)(iv)'', and
       (2) in paragraph (1) of subsection (d), by striking ``or'' 
     at the end of subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the 
     end of subparagraph (I) and inserting ``, or'', and by adding 
     at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(J) in the case of an eligible employer (as defined in 
     section 408(p)(2)(C)(i)), an individual who--
       ``(i) is a member of--

       ``(I) the Ready Reserve (as described in section 10142 of 
     title 10, United States Code), or
       ``(II) the National Guard (as defined in section 101(c)(1) 
     of such title 10), and

       ``(ii) is certified by the designated local agency as--

       ``(I) being a member of a family described in clause (i) of 
     paragraph (3)(A),
       ``(II) having aggregate periods of unemployment during the 
     1-year period ending on the hiring date which equal or exceed 
     4 weeks (but less than 6 months), or
       ``(III) having aggregate periods of unemployment during the 
     1-year period ending on the hiring date which equal or exceed 
     6 months.''.

       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to wages paid or incurred by the employer during 
     the taxable year to individuals who begin work for the 
     employer after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 452. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF WORK OPPORTUNITY CREDIT FOR 
                   EMPLOYERS HIRING QUALIFIED VETERANS AND MEMBERS 
                   OF READY RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD.

       (a) In General.--Section 51(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``(other than any 
     individual described in subparagraph (B) or (J) of subsection 
     (d)(1))'' after ``individual''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to individuals who begin work for the employer 
     after December 31, 2013.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2747. Mr. SANDERS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to the bill S. 1982, to improve the provision of medical 
services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike all after the first word and insert the following:

     1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Budgetary effects.

                TITLE I--SURVIVOR AND DEPENDENT MATTERS

Sec. 101. Extension of initial period for increased dependency and 
              indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with 
              children.
Sec. 102. Eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation, 
              educational assistance, and housing loans for surviving 
              spouses who remarry after age 55.
Sec. 103. Extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses 
              of Persian Gulf War veterans to qualify for death 
              pension.

[[Page 3154]]

Sec. 104. Making effective date provision consistent with provision for 
              benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon 
              termination of remarriage by annulment.
Sec. 105. Expansion of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry 
              Scholarship.
Sec. 106. Expansion of Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement 
              Program.
Sec. 107. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans 
              born with spina bifida.
Sec. 108. Program on assisted living for children of Vietnam veterans 
              and certain Korea service veterans born with spina 
              bifida.
Sec. 109. Program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving 
              spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while 
              serving on active duty in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 110. Program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational 
              assistance authorities.

                      TITLE II--EDUCATION MATTERS

Sec. 201. Approval of courses of education provided by public 
              institutions of higher learning for purposes of All-
              Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program and Post-
              9/11 Educational Assistance conditional on in-State 
              tuition rate for veterans.
Sec. 202. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying 
              work-study activities for purposes of the educational 
              assistance programs of the Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 203. Prohibitions relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 
              GI Bill.
Sec. 204. Review of utilization of educational assistance to pursue 
              programs of training on the job and participating 
              employers.
Sec. 205. Report on debt management and collection.
Sec. 206. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

      Subtitle A--Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally

Sec. 301. Requirement for enrollment in patient enrollment system of 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain veterans 
              eligible for enrollment by law but not currently 
              permitted to enroll.
Sec. 302. Further extension of period of eligibility for health care 
              for veterans of combat service during certain periods of 
              hostilities and war.
Sec. 303. Extension to all veterans with a serious service-connected 
              disability of eligibility for participation in family 
              caregiver program.
Sec. 304. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans.
Sec. 305. Expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to 
              veterans.
Sec. 306. Modification of commencement date of period of service at 
              Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for eligibility for 
              hospital care and medical services in connection with 
              exposure to contaminated water.
Sec. 307. Expansion of emergency treatment reimbursement for certain 
              veterans.
Sec. 308. Modification of determination of eligibility of veterans for 
              treatment as a low-income family for purposes of 
              enrollment in the patient enrollment system of the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 309. Extension of sunset date regarding transportation of 
              individuals to and from facilities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs and requirement of report.
Sec. 310. Coverage of costs of care for veterans at medical foster 
              homes.
Sec. 311. Extension and modification of pilot program on assisted 
              living services for veterans with traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 312. Program on health promotion for overweight and obese veterans 
              through support of fitness center memberships.
Sec. 313. Program on health promotion for veterans through 
              establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs fitness 
              facilities.

                 Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

Sec. 321. Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Health 
              Professional Scholarship Program.
Sec. 322. Expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for 
              veterans.
Sec. 323. Contracting for health care.
Sec. 324. Limitation on expansion of dialysis pilot program.
Sec. 325. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs policy on 
              reporting cases of infectious diseases at facilities of 
              the Department.
Sec. 326. Independent assessment of the Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks and medical centers of Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 327. Requirements in connection with next update of current 
              strategic plan for Office of Rural Health of the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 328. Report on provision of telemedicine services.
Sec. 329. Designation of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of 
              Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

           Subtitle C--Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Sec. 331. Expansion of research and education on and delivery of 
              complementary and alternative medicine to veterans.
Sec. 332. Program on integration of complementary and alternative 
              medicine within Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
              centers.
Sec. 333. Studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and 
              administrators and clinicians in providing, complementary 
              and alternative medicine services furnished by the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 334. Program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach 
              to mental health care for veterans and family members of 
              veterans.

                     Subtitle D--Mental Health Care

Sec. 341. Inclusion of mental health professionals in the education and 
              training program for health personnel of the Department 
              of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 342. Education program and peer support program for family members 
              and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders.
Sec. 343. Report on provision of mental health services for families of 
              certain veterans at facilities of the Department.
Sec. 344. Annual report on community mental health partnership pilot 
              program.

     Subtitle E--Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement

Sec. 351. Restorative dental services for veterans.
Sec. 352. Pilot program on expansion of furnishing of dental care to 
              all enrolled veterans.
Sec. 353. Program on education to promote dental health in veterans.
Sec. 354. Information on dental services for inclusion in electronic 
              medical records under dental insurance pilot program.
Sec. 355. Authorization of appropriations.

            Subtitle F--Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma

Sec. 361. Expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and 
              treatment to veterans on inactive duty training.
Sec. 362. Provision of counseling and treatment for sexual trauma by 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the 
              Armed Forces.
Sec. 363. Department of Veterans Affairs screening mechanism to detect 
              incidents of domestic abuse.
Sec. 364. Reports on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse.

            Subtitle G--Reproductive Treatment and Services

Sec. 371. Clarification that fertility counseling and treatment are 
              medical services which the Secretary may furnish to 
              veterans like other medical services.
Sec. 372. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of 
              veterans.
Sec. 373. Adoption assistance for severely wounded veterans.
Sec. 374. Regulations on furnishing of fertility counseling and 
              treatment and adoption assistance by Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 375. Coordination between Department of Veterans Affairs and 
              Department of Defense on furnishing of fertility 
              counseling and treatment.
Sec. 376. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research.
Sec. 377. Annual report on provision of fertility counseling and 
              treatment furnished by Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 378. Program on assistance for child care for certain veterans.
Sec. 379. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly 
              separated from service in the Armed Forces.

               Subtitle H--Major Medical Facility Leases

Sec. 381. Authorization of major medical facility leases.

[[Page 3155]]

Sec. 382. Budgetary treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs major 
              medical facilities leases.

                TITLE IV--EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Training and Other Services for Veterans Seeking Employment

Sec. 401. Reauthorization of veterans retraining assistance program.
Sec. 402. Extension of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members 
              of Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 403. Extension of additional rehabilitation programs for persons 
              who have exhausted rights to unemployment benefits under 
              State law.
Sec. 404. Unified employment portal for veterans.
Sec. 405. Report on unified Government Internet portal for veterans on 
              jobs available through the Federal Government.
Sec. 406. Information on disability-related employment and education 
              protections in Transition Assistance Program.

 Subtitle B--Employment of Veterans and Recognition of Veteran Status 
               With Respect to Employment Related Matters

Sec. 411. Employment of veterans with the Federal Government.
Sec. 412. State recognition of military experience of veterans in 
              issuing licenses and credentials to veterans.
Sec. 413. Grants to hire veterans as first responders.
Sec. 414. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor in the awarding 
              of Federal contracts.
Sec. 415. Report on discrimination against members of reserve 
              components of Armed Forces and veterans in civilian labor 
              market.

                Subtitle C--Program on Career Transition

Sec. 421. Program on provision of career transition services to young 
              veterans.

Subtitle D--Improving Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of 
                         the Uniformed Services

Sec. 431. Enforcement of rights of members of uniformed services with 
              respect to States and private employers.
Sec. 432. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractors for 
              repeated violations of employment or reemployment rights 
              of members of uniformed services.
Sec. 433. Subpoena power for Special Counsel in enforcement of 
              employment and reemployment rights of members of 
              uniformed services with respect to Federal executive 
              agencies.
Sec. 434. Issuance and service of civil investigative demands by 
              Attorney General.

                   Subtitle E--Small Business Matters

Sec. 441. Expansion of contracting goals and preferences of Department 
              of Veterans Affairs to include conditionally owned small 
              business concerns 100 percent owned by veterans.
Sec. 442. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and 
              preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs for small 
              businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after 
              death of disabled veteran owners.
Sec. 443. Treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners 
              for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs 
              contracting goals and preferences.
Sec. 444. Special rule for treatment under contracting goals and 
              preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs of small 
              business concerns licensed in community property States.
Sec. 445. Report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on 
              purchasing and operating a franchise.

        TITLE V--ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 501. Administration of Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
Sec. 502. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks.
Sec. 503. Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans 
              Affairs Medical Facilities.
Sec. 504. Advance appropriations for certain accounts of the Department 
              of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 505. Public access to Department of Veterans Affairs research and 
              data sharing between Departments.
Sec. 506. Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States of 
              information made available by Veterans Benefits 
              Administration.
Sec. 507. Comptroller general report on advisory committees of the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.

     TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

           Subtitle A--Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma

Sec. 601. Medical examination and opinion for disability compensation 
              claims based on military sexual trauma.
Sec. 602. Case representative officers for military sexual trauma 
              support.
Sec. 603. Report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental 
              health conditions related to military sexual trauma.
Sec. 604. Reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by 
              military sexual trauma.

      Subtitle B--Claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Sec. 611. Program on treatment of certain applications for dependency 
              and indemnity compensation as fully developed claims.
Sec. 612. Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving 
              timeliness and accuracy of administration of claims for 
              dependency and indemnity compensation and pension for 
              surviving spouses and children.

              Subtitle C--Agency of Original Jurisdiction

Sec. 621. Working group to improve employee work credit and work 
              management systems of Veterans Benefits Administration in 
              an electronic environment.
Sec. 622. Task force on retention and training of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs claims processors and adjudicators.
Sec. 623. Reports on requests by the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
              records of other Federal agencies.
Sec. 624. Recognition of representatives of Indian tribes in the 
              preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims 
              under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 625. Program on participation of local and tribal governments in 
              improving quality of claims for disability compensation 
              submitted to Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 626. Department of Veterans Affairs notice of average times for 
              processing compensation claims.
Sec. 627. Quarterly reports on progress of Department of Veterans 
              Affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation 
              that have not been adjudicated.
Sec. 628. Reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits 
              decisions.
Sec. 629. Reports on Department disability medical examinations and 
              prevention of unnecessary medical examinations.

    Subtitle D--Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for 
                            Veterans Claims

Sec. 631. Treatment of certain misfiled documents as a notice of appeal 
              to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 632. Determination of manner of appearance for hearings before 
              Board of Veterans' Appeals.

                      TITLE VII--OUTREACH MATTERS

Sec. 701. Program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs and Federal, State, 
              and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Sec. 702. Cooperative agreements between Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
              and States on outreach activities.
Sec. 703. Advisory committee on outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 704. Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs relating to health care.
Sec. 705. Modification of requirement for periodic reports to Congress 
              on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 706. Budget transparency for outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.

TITLE VIII--ENHANCEMENT OF RIGHTS UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

Sec. 801. Modification of period determining which actions are covered 
              under stay of proceedings and adjustment of obligation 
              protections concerning mortgages and trust deeds of 
              members of uniformed services.
Sec. 802. Protections for members of uniformed services regarding 
              professional licenses.
Sec. 803. Prohibition on denial of credit because of eligibility for 
              protection.

[[Page 3156]]

Sec. 804. Interest rate limitation on debt entered into during military 
              service to consolidate or refinance student loans 
              incurred before military service.
Sec. 805. Termination of residential leases after assignment or 
              relocation to quarters of United States or housing 
              facility under jurisdiction of uniformed service.
Sec. 806. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage 
              foreclosure.
Sec. 807. Improved protection of members of uniformed services against 
              default judgments.
Sec. 808. Clarification regarding application of enforcement authority 
              of Attorney General and private right of action under 
              Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Sec. 809. Clerical amendments.

                        TITLE IX--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 901. Repeal of certain reductions made by Bipartisan Budget Act of 
              2013.
Sec. 902. Consideration by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of resources 
              disposed of for less than fair market value by 
              individuals applying for pension.
Sec. 903. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by 
              medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing 
              facilities.
Sec. 904. Conditions on award of per diem payments by Secretary of 
              Veterans Affairs for provision of housing or services to 
              homeless veterans.
Sec. 905. Exception to certain recapture requirements and treatment of 
              contracts and grants with State homes with respect to 
              care for homeless veterans.
Sec. 906. Extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans 
              receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental 
              disorders.
Sec. 907. Authority to issue Veterans ID Cards.
Sec. 908. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in 
              the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 909. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              obtain information from Secretary of Treasury and 
              Commissioner of Social Security for income verification 
              purposes.
Sec. 910. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              issue and guarantee certain loans.
Sec. 911. Review of determination of certain service in Philippines 
              during World War II.
Sec. 912. Review of determination of certain service of merchant 
              mariners during World War II.
Sec. 913. Report on Laotian military support of Armed Forces of the 
              United States during Vietnam War.
Sec. 914. Report on practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
              adequately provide services to veterans with hearing 
              loss.
Sec. 915. Report on joint programs of Department of Veterans Affairs 
              and Department of Defense with respect to hearing loss of 
              members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
Sec. 916. Limitation on aggregate amount of bonuses payable to 
              personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs during 
              fiscal year 2014.
Sec. 917. Amendment to OCO adjustments.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 3. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       (a) Paygo Scorecard.--The budgetary effects of this Act 
     shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard maintained 
     pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act 
     of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(d)).
       (b) Senate Paygo Scorecard.--The budgetary effects of this 
     Act shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained 
     for purposes of section 201 of S. Con. Res. 21 (110th 
     Congress).

                TITLE I--SURVIVOR AND DEPENDENT MATTERS

     SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF INITIAL PERIOD FOR INCREASED 
                   DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES WITH CHILDREN.

       (a) In General.--Section 1311(f)(2) is amended by striking 
     ``two-year'' and inserting ``three-year''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect as of September 30, 2014, and shall apply 
     to any surviving spouse who was eligible for or in receipt of 
     benefits under section 1311(f) of title 38, United States 
     Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 102. ELIGIBILITY FOR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY 
                   COMPENSATION, EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, AND 
                   HOUSING LOANS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO REMARRY 
                   AFTER AGE 55.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (2)(B) of section 103(d) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(B) The remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse 
     of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits 
     specified in paragraph (5) to such person as the surviving 
     spouse of the veteran.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (5) of such section is 
     amended by striking ``Paragraphs (2)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``Paragraphs (2)''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF MARRIAGE DELIMITING DATE FOR SURVIVING 
                   SPOUSES OF PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS TO QUALIFY 
                   FOR DEATH PENSION.

       Section 1541(f)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``January 1, 
     2001'' and inserting ``the date that is 10 years and one day 
     after the date on which the Persian Gulf War was terminated, 
     as prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law''.

     SEC. 104. MAKING EFFECTIVE DATE PROVISION CONSISTENT WITH 
                   PROVISION FOR BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY OF A 
                   VETERAN'S CHILD BASED UPON TERMINATION OF 
                   REMARRIAGE BY ANNULMENT.

       Section 5110(l) is amended by striking ``, or of an award 
     or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon 
     termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce,''.

     SEC. 105. EXPANSION OF MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY 
                   SCHOLARSHIP.

       (a) Expansion of Entitlement.--Subsection (b)(9) of section 
     3311 is amended by inserting ``or spouse'' after ``child''.
       (b) Limitation and Election on Certain Benefits.--
     Subsection (f) of such section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(2) Limitation.--The entitlement of an individual to 
     assistance under subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of 
     subsection (b) because the individual was a spouse of a 
     person described in such paragraph shall expire on the 
     earlier of--
       ``(A) the date that is 15 years after the date on which the 
     person died; and
       ``(B) the date on which the individual remarries.
       ``(3) Election on receipt of certain benefits.--A surviving 
     spouse entitled to assistance under subsection (a) pursuant 
     to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) who is also entitled to 
     educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title may not 
     receive assistance under both this section and such chapter, 
     but shall make an irrevocable election (in such form and 
     manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under which section or 
     chapter to receive educational assistance.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3321(b)(4) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``an individual'' and inserting ``a 
     child''; and
       (2) by striking ``such individual's'' each time it appears 
     and inserting ``such child's''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is two years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 106. EXPANSION OF YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION 
                   ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended by striking 
     ``in paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting ``in paragraphs 
     (1), (2), and (9)''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to academic terms beginning after 
     July 1, 2015.

     SEC. 107. BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF CERTAIN THAILAND SERVICE 
                   VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 18 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand 
       service veterans born with spina bifida

       ``(a) Benefits Authorized.--The Secretary may provide to 
     any child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand who is 
     suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational 
     training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required 
     to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering 
     from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if 
     such child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand were a 
     child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida 
     under such subchapter.
       ``(b) Spina Bifida Conditions Covered.--This section 
     applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina 
     bifida, except spina bifida occulta.

[[Page 3157]]

       ``(c) Veteran of Covered Service in Thailand.--For purposes 
     of this section, a veteran of covered service in Thailand is 
     any individual, without regard to the characterization of 
     that individual's service, who--
       ``(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service 
     in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on 
     January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
       ``(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide 
     agent during such service in Thailand.
       ``(d) Herbicide Agent.--For purposes of this section, the 
     term `herbicide agent' means a chemical in a herbicide used 
     in support of United States and allied military operations in 
     Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on 
     January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment to Definition of ``Child''.--
     Section 1831(1) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) by striking ``subchapter III of this chapter'' and 
     inserting ``section 1821 of this title''; and
       (B) in clause (i), by striking ``section 1821 of this 
     title'' and inserting ``that section''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) For purposes of section 1822 of this title, an 
     individual, regardless of age or marital status, who--
       ``(i) is the natural child of a veteran of covered service 
     in Thailand (as determined for purposes of that section); and
       ``(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran 
     first entered service described in subsection (c) of that 
     section.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter III of 
     chapter 18 is amended by inserting ``AND THAILAND'' after 
     ``KOREA''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 18 is amended--
       (A) by striking the item relating to subchapter III and 
     inserting the following new item:

   ``subchapter iii--children of certain korea and thailand service 
                   veterans born with spina bifida'';

     and
       (B) by inserting after the item relating to section 1821 
     the following new item:

``1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born 
              with spina bifida.''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 108. PROGRAM ON ASSISTED LIVING FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM 
                   VETERANS AND CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS 
                   BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA.

       (a) Program.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the 
     date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the 
     feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living, 
     group home care, or similar services in lieu of nursing home 
     care to covered individuals.
       (b) Covered Individuals.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered individual is any individual who is entitled to 
     health care under subchapter I or III of chapter 18 of title 
     38, United States Code.
       (c) Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, the program shall be carried out during the 
     three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement 
     of the program.
       (2) Continuation.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary 
     may continue the program for an additional two-year period as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (3) Termination.--The program may not operate after the 
     date that is five years after the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (d) Scope of Services and Program.--Under the program, the 
     Secretary shall provide covered individuals with integrated, 
     comprehensive services, including the following:
       (1) Assisted living, group home care, or such other similar 
     services as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Transportation services.
       (3) Such other services as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the care of covered individuals under the 
     program.
       (e) Program Requirements.--In carrying out the program, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) inform all covered individuals of the services 
     available under the program;
       (2) enter into agreements with appropriate providers of 
     assisted living, group home care, or other similar services 
     for provision of services under the program; and
       (3) determine the appropriate number of covered individuals 
     to be enrolled in the program and criteria for such 
     enrollment.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of the program and, if the program is 
     continued under subsection (c)(2), not later than three years 
     after the date of the commencement of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program.
       (ii) The number of covered individuals receiving benefits 
     under the program.
       (iii) An analysis that compares the costs of furnishing 
     assisted living, group home care, or similar services with 
     the costs of furnishing nursing home care.
       (iv) An analysis of the costs and benefits under the 
     program.
       (v) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the program as the Secretary may have.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the program as the Secretary may have.
       (g) Funding.--Amounts to carry out the program shall be 
     derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
     for the furnishing of nursing home care under chapter 18 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 109. PROGRAM ON GRIEF COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES WHO DIE WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN 
                   THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--Commencing not later than 180 days after 
     the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the Readjustment 
     Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, a 
     program to assess the feasibility and advisability of 
     providing grief counseling services described in subsection 
     (b) in group retreat settings to surviving spouses of members 
     of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty in 
     the Armed Forces who would, as determined by the Readjustment 
     Counseling Service, benefit from the services provided under 
     the program.
       (2) Participation at election of surviving spouse.--The 
     participation of a surviving spouse in the program under this 
     section shall be at the election of the surviving spouse.
       (b) Covered Services.--The services provided to a surviving 
     spouse under the program shall include the following:
       (1) Information and counseling on coping with grief.
       (2) Information about benefits and services available to 
     surviving spouses under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (3) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate to assist a surviving spouse under the 
     program with adjusting to the death of a spouse.
       (c) Events.--The Secretary shall carry out the program at 
     not fewer than six events as follows:
       (1) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent 
     children are encouraged to bring their children.
       (2) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent 
     children are not encouraged to bring their children.
       (d) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the first year of the program and not later 
     than 180 days after the completion of the program, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall contain the findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     as a result of the program, and shall include such 
     recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the 
     program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``active 
     duty'', ``Armed Forces'', and ``surviving spouse'' have the 
     meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United 
     States Code.
       (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 110. PROGRAM EVALUATION ON SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AUTHORITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     enter into a contract with

[[Page 3158]]

     an appropriate private sector entity to conduct a program 
     evaluation of the authorities for survivors' and dependents' 
     educational assistance under chapter 35 of title 38, United 
     States Code.
       (b) Report.--Not later than six months after the entry into 
     the contract required by subsection (a), 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 setting forth the results of the 
     program evaluation conducted pursuant to the contract, 
     together with such comments on the results of the program 
     evaluation as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                      TITLE II--EDUCATION MATTERS

     SEC. 201. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC 
                   INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR PURPOSES OF 
                   ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   PROGRAM AND POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   CONDITIONAL ON IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3679 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
     chapter and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the 
     Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by 
     a public institution of higher learning to a covered 
     individual pursuing a course of education with educational 
     assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living 
     in the State in which the public institution of higher 
     learning is located if the institution charges tuition and 
     fees for that course for the covered individual at a rate 
     that is higher than the rate the institution charges for 
     tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State 
     in which the institution is located, regardless of the 
     covered individual's State of residence.
       ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual 
     is any individual as follows:
       ``(A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a 
     period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the active 
     military, naval, or air service less than three years before 
     the date of enrollment in the course concerned.
       ``(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under 
     section 3311(b)(9) or 3319 of this title by virtue of such 
     individual's relationship to a veteran described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) If after enrollment in a course of education that is 
     subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) by reason of 
     paragraph (2)(A) or (2)(B) a covered individual pursues one 
     or more courses of education at the same public institution 
     of higher learning while remaining continuously enrolled 
     (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between 
     courses, semesters or terms) at that institution of higher 
     learning, any course so pursued by the covered individual at 
     that institution of higher learning while so continuously 
     enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of 
     education under paragraph (1) if a public institution of 
     higher learning requires a covered individual pursuing a 
     course of education at the institution to demonstrate an 
     intent, by means other than satisfying a physical presence 
     requirement, to establish residency in the State in which the 
     institution is located, or to satisfy other requirements not 
     relating to the establishment of residency, in order to be 
     charged tuition and fees for that course at a rate that is 
     equal to or less than the rate the institution charges for 
     tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State.
       ``(5) The Secretary may waive such requirements of 
     paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(6) Disapproval under paragraph (1) shall apply only with 
     respect to educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of 
     this title.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of section 3679 of 
     title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of 
     this section), shall apply with respect to educational 
     assistance provided for pursuit of programs of education 
     during academic terms that begin after July 1, 2015, through 
     courses of education that commence on or after that date.

     SEC. 202. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN 
                   QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES 
                   OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Extension of Expiring Current Authority.--Section 
     3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``June 30, 2013'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2015''.
       (b) Expansion to Outreach Services Provided Through 
     Congressional Offices.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(K) During the period beginning on June 30, 2013, and 
     ending on June 30, 2015, the following activities carried out 
     at the offices of Members of Congress for such Members:
       ``(i) The distribution of information to members of the 
     Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about the 
     benefits and services under laws administered by the 
     Secretary and other appropriate governmental and 
     nongovernmental programs.
       ``(ii) The preparation and processing of papers and other 
     documents, including documents to assist in the preparation 
     and presentation of claims for benefits under laws 
     administered by the Secretary.''.
       (c) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than June 30 of 2014 and 2015, 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a 
     report on the work-study allowances paid under paragraph (1) 
     of section 3485(a) of title 38, United States Code, during 
     the most recent one-year period for qualifying work-study 
     activities described in paragraph (4) of such section, as 
     amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include, for the year covered by such report, the 
     following:
       (A) A description of the recipients of such work-study 
     allowances.
       (B) A list of the locations where qualifying work-study 
     activities were carried out.
       (C) A description of the outreach conducted by the 
     Secretary to increase awareness of the eligibility of such 
     work-study activities for such work-study allowances.

     SEC. 203. PROHIBITIONS RELATING TO REFERENCES TO GI BILL AND 
                   POST-9/11 GI BILL.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill 
       and Post-9/11 GI Bill

       ``(a) Prohibition.--(1) No person may, except with the 
     written permission of the Secretary, use the words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection in connection with any 
     promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity in a 
     manner that reasonably and falsely suggests that such use is 
     approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department or any 
     component thereof.
       ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, the words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection are as follows:
       ``(A) `GI Bill'.
       ``(B) `Post-9/11 GI Bill'.
       ``(3) A determination that a use of one or more words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection in connection with a 
     promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity is not a 
     violation of this subsection may not be made solely on the 
     ground that such promotion, goods, services, or commercial 
     activity includes a disclaimer of affiliation with the 
     Department or any component thereof.
       ``(b) Enforcement by Attorney General.--(1) When any person 
     is engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice which 
     constitutes or will constitute conduct prohibited by 
     subsection (a), the Attorney General may initiate a civil 
     proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin 
     such act or practice.
       ``(2) Such court may, at any time before final 
     determination, enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, 
     or take such other action as is warranted, to prevent injury 
     to the United States or to any person or class of persons for 
     whose protection the action is brought.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 36 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 3697A the following new item:

``3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI 
              Bill.''.

     SEC. 204. REVIEW OF UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO 
                   PURSUE PROGRAMS OF TRAINING ON THE JOB AND 
                   PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall commence a review of--
       (1) the utilization of educational assistance under laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pursue 
     programs of training on the job (other than programs of 
     apprenticeship); and
       (2) the availability of such programs to individuals 
     seeking to pursue such programs with such educational 
     assistance.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date on 
     which the Secretary commences the review required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report on such review.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The extent of utilization as described in paragraph (1) 
     of subsection (a).
       (B) An assessment of the availability of programs as 
     described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
       (C) A description of any barriers the Secretary has 
     identified to greater utilization of educational assistance 
     for pursuit of a program of training on the job or 
     availability of such programs.
       (D) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary may have to increase or decrease such 
     utilization or availability.
       (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 205. REPORT ON DEBT MANAGEMENT AND COLLECTION.

       (a) Report.--Not later than one year after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (c),

[[Page 3159]]

     the Comptroller General of the United States 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 processes used by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to identify and resolve cases of 
     incorrect payments associated with educational assistance 
     under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code.
       (b) Issues Addressed.--The report required by subsection 
     (a) shall, to the extent possible, address the following:
       (1) The effectiveness of the processes referred to in 
     subsection (a) in identifying and resolving incorrect 
     payments associated with educational assistance under 
     chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) The accuracy of overpayment information provided to 
     veterans by the Education Service and Debt Management Center 
     of the Department.
       (3) How well the Debt Management Center of the Department 
     communicates and works with veterans to resolve disputed debt 
     amounts.
       (4) How the payment and debt collection processes of the 
     Department compare to comparable programs in other Federal 
     agencies.
       (5) Any recommendations to improve the payment and debt 
     collection processes of the Department that the Comptroller 
     General considers appropriate.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 206. RESTORATION OF PRIOR REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS.

       Section 3684(c) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``$12'' and inserting ``$7''; and
       (2) by striking ``$15'' and inserting ``$11''.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

      Subtitle A--Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally

     SEC. 301. REQUIREMENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN PATIENT ENROLLMENT 
                   SYSTEM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF 
                   CERTAIN VETERANS ELIGIBLE FOR ENROLLMENT BY LAW 
                   BUT NOT CURRENTLY PERMITTED TO ENROLL.

       (a) Requirement for Enrollment.--Section 1705 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d)(1) The Secretary shall provide for the enrollment in 
     the patient enrollment system of veterans specified in 
     paragraph (2) by not later than December 31, 2014.
       ``(2) Veterans specified in this paragraph are as follows:
       ``(A) Veterans with noncompensable service-connected 
     disabilities rated as zero percent disabling who--
       ``(i) are not otherwise permitted to enroll in the system 
     as of the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans 
     Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration 
     Act of 2014; and
       ``(ii) as of the date of enrollment under this section, do 
     not have access to health insurance except through a health 
     exchange established pursuant to section 1311 of the Patient 
     Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031).
       ``(B) Veterans without service-connected disability who--
       ``(i) are not otherwise permitted to enroll in the system 
     as of the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans 
     Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration 
     Act of 2014; and
       ``(ii) as of the date of enrollment under this section, do 
     not have access to health insurance except through a health 
     exchange established pursuant to section 1311 of the Patient 
     Protection and Affordable Care Act.
       ``(3) A veteran who, after enrolling in the patient 
     enrollment system pursuant to this subsection, obtains access 
     to health insurance other than through a health exchange 
     shall remain enrolled in the patient enrollment system 
     notwithstanding obtaining access to such health insurance.
       ``(4) A veteran enrolled in the patient enrollment system 
     pursuant to this subsection shall maintain the priority for 
     care of the veteran at the time of enrollment unless and 
     until a change in circumstances of the veteran results in a 
     higher priority for care of the veteran under subsection 
     (a).''.
       (b) Verification of Eligibility for Enrollment.--
       (1) Use of information on health insurance coverage.--
       (A) In general.--Chapter 53 is amended by inserting after 
     section 5318 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 5319. Review of reporting of health insurance coverage

       ``The Secretary shall notify each veteran who enrolls under 
     subsection (d) of section 1705 of this title in the patient 
     enrollment system of veterans under such section that 
     information on the veteran's access to health insurance that 
     is furnished to the Secretary for purposes of such enrollment 
     may be compared with information obtained by the Secretary of 
     the Treasury under section 6103(l)(23) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986.''.
       (B) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 53 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new item:

``5319. Review of reporting of health insurance coverage.''.
       (2) Disclosure of return information by internal revenue 
     service.--Section 6103(l) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(23) Disclosure of certain return information for 
     verification of eligibility of veterans for enrollment in 
     department of veterans affairs patient enrollment system.--
       ``(A) Return information from internal revenue service.--
     The Secretary shall, upon written request, disclose current 
     return information from returns under section 6055 with 
     respect to minimum essential coverage of individuals to the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the purposes of verifying 
     the eligibility of veterans for enrollment in the patient 
     enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs under 
     section 1705(d) of title 38.
       ``(B) Restriction on disclosure.--The Secretary shall 
     disclose return information under subparagraph (A) only for 
     purposes of, and to the extent necessary in, verifying the 
     eligibility of veterans to enroll in the patient enrollment 
     system described in that subparagraph.
       ``(C) Restriction on use of disclosed information.--Return 
     information disclosed under subparagraph (A) may be used by 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs only for the purposes of, 
     and to the extent necessary in, verifying the eligibility of 
     veterans to enroll in the patient enrollment system described 
     in that subparagraph.''.
       (c) Public Notice of Commencement of Enrollment.--The 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal 
     Register, and shall make available to the public on an 
     Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a 
     notice regarding the date on which veterans covered by 
     subsection (d) of section 1705 of title 38, United States 
     Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), may 
     commence enrollment in the patient enrollment system required 
     by that section.

     SEC. 302. FURTHER EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR 
                   HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS OF COMBAT SERVICE 
                   DURING CERTAIN PERIODS OF HOSTILITIES AND WAR.

       Section 1710(e)(3) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the date that is 
     five years before the date of the enactment of the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, after a 
     period of five years'' and inserting ``January 27, 2003, 
     after a period of 10 years''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``more than five 
     years'' and all that follows and inserting ``before January 
     28, 2003, and who did not enroll in the patient enrollment 
     system under section 1705 of this title before January 28, 
     2008, after January 27, 2018.''.

     SEC. 303. EXTENSION TO ALL VETERANS WITH A SERIOUS SERVICE-
                   CONNECTED DISABILITY OF ELIGIBILITY FOR 
                   PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 1720G(a)(2)(B) is amended by 
     striking ``on or after September 11, 2001''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on September 30, 2014.

     SEC. 304. IMPROVED ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations as Medical 
     Services.--
       (1) Covered benefit.--Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(F) immunizations against infectious diseases, including 
     each immunization on the recommended adult immunization 
     schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that 
     schedule;''.
       (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--
     Section 1701 is amended by adding after paragraph (9) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(10) The term `recommended adult immunization schedule' 
     means the schedule established (and periodically reviewed 
     and, as appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee on 
     Immunization Practices established by the Secretary of Health 
     and Human Services and delegated to the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention.''.
       (b) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations in Annual 
     Report.--Section 1704(1)(A) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new 
     clause:
       ``(iii) to provide veterans each immunization on the 
     recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such 
     immunization is indicated on that schedule.''.
       (c) Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 development and 
     implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs of 
     quality measures and metrics, including targets for 
     compliance, to ensure that veterans receiving medical 
     services under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, 
     receive each immunization on the recommended

[[Page 3160]]

     adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is 
     indicated on that schedule.
       (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--In 
     this subsection, the term ``recommended adult immunization 
     schedule'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     1701(10) of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a)(2).
       (3) Effective date.--This subsection shall take effect on 
     the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 305. EXPANSION OF PROVISION OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND 
                   SERVICES TO VETERANS.

       (a) Program for Provision of Chiropractic Care and Services 
     to Veterans.--Section 204(c) of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 (Public 
     Law 107-135; 115 Stat. 2459; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The program''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) The program shall be carried out at not fewer than 
     two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network by not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in section 305(c) of the 
     Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, and at not fewer than 
     50 percent of all medical centers in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network by not later than two years after such 
     effective date.''.
       (b) Expanded Chiropractor Services Available to Veterans.--
       (1) Medical services.--Paragraph (6) of section 1701 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(H) Chiropractic services.''.
       (2) Rehabilitative services.--Paragraph (8) of such section 
     is amended by inserting ``chiropractic,'' after 
     ``counseling,''.
       (3) Preventive health services.--Paragraph (9) of such 
     section is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K) as 
     subparagraphs (G) through (L), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new 
     subparagraph (F):
       ``(F) periodic and preventive chiropractic examinations and 
     services;''.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made 
     by this section shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 306. MODIFICATION OF COMMENCEMENT DATE OF PERIOD OF 
                   SERVICE AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, FOR 
                   ELIGIBILITY FOR HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL 
                   SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH EXPOSURE TO 
                   CONTAMINATED WATER.

       (a) Modification.--Section 1710(e)(1)(F) is amended by 
     striking ``January 1, 1957,'' and inserting ``August 1, 1953 
     (or such earlier date for the commencement of exposure to 
     contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 
     Registry, shall specify),''.
       (b) Publication.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     publish in the Federal Register a notice of any earlier date 
     for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at 
     Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for purposes of section 
     1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 307. EXPANSION OF EMERGENCY TREATMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR 
                   CERTAIN VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1725(b)(2)(B) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(B)'';
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) the veteran was unable to receive care under this 
     chapter within such 24-month period because of a waiting 
     period imposed by the Department with respect to a new 
     patient examination of such veteran.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 308. MODIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF 
                   VETERANS FOR TREATMENT AS A LOW-INCOME FAMILY 
                   FOR PURPOSES OF ENROLLMENT IN THE PATIENT 
                   ENROLLMENT SYSTEM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) Areas of Residence.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall modify the areas in which veterans reside as specified 
     for purposes of determining whether veterans qualify for 
     treatment as low-income families for enrollment in the 
     patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs under section 1705(a)(7) of title 38, United States 
     Code, to meet the requirements as follows:
       (1) Any area so specified shall be within only one State.
       (2) Any area so specified shall be co-extensive with one or 
     more counties (or similar political subdivisions) in the 
     State concerned.
       (b) Variable Income Thresholds.--The Secretary shall modify 
     the thresholds for income as specified for purposes of 
     determining whether veterans qualify for treatment as low-
     income families for enrollment in the patient enrollment 
     system referred to in subsection (a) to meet the requirements 
     as follows:
       (1) There shall be one income threshold for each State, 
     equal to the highest income threshold among the counties 
     within such State.
       (2) The calculation of the highest income threshold of a 
     county shall be consistent with the calculation used for 
     purposes of section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 
     1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).
       (3) The timing and methodology for implementing any 
     modifications in geographic income thresholds pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Secretary in such a 
     manner as to permit the Department to build capacity for 
     enrolling such additional veterans in the patient enrollment 
     system of the Department as become eligible for enrollment as 
     a result of such modifications, except that all required 
     modifications shall be completed not later than five years 
     after date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 309. EXTENSION OF SUNSET DATE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION 
                   OF INDIVIDUALS TO AND FROM FACILITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REQUIREMENT 
                   OF REPORT.

       (a) Extension of Sunset Date.--Subsection (a)(2) of section 
     111A is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
       (b) Funding Available.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Funding.--There is hereby authorized to be 
     appropriated for each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 for the 
     Department, $4,000,000 to carry out this section.''.
       (c) 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--
       (1) the efforts of the Secretary to carry out the 
     transportation services required by section 111A(a) of title 
     38, United States Code;
       (2) the utilization of those services by covered veterans; 
     and
       (3) the feasibility and advisability of the continuation of 
     the provision of such services after September 30, 2015.

     SEC. 310. COVERAGE OF COSTS OF CARE FOR VETERANS AT MEDICAL 
                   FOSTER HOMES.

       (a) In General.--In conducting the medical foster home 
     program pursuant to section 17.73 of title 38, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     cover the costs associated with the care of veterans at 
     medical foster homes.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall take effect on 
     the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 311. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF PILOT PROGRAM ON 
                   ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR VETERANS WITH 
                   TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Extension of Program.--Subsection (a) of section 1705 
     of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2008 (Public Law 110-181; 38 U.S.C. 1710C note) is amended by 
     striking ``a five-year'' and inserting ``an eight-year''.
       (b) Modification of Locations.--Subsection (b) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following 
     new paragraphs:
       ``(1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
     at locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     pilot program.
       ``(2) Located in same region as polytrauma centers.--Of the 
     locations selected under paragraph (1), at least one location 
     shall be in each health care region of the Veterans Health 
     Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs that 
     contains a polytrauma center of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.''.
       (c) Modification of Report Requirements.--Subsection (e) of 
     such section is amended to read as follows:
       ``(e) Reports.--
       ``(1) Annual report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than two years after the date 
     of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     and not later than September 30 each year thereafter until 
     2018, 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 pilot program.
       ``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       ``(i) The number of individuals that participated in the 
     pilot program during the year preceding the submission of the 
     report.
       ``(ii) The number of individuals that successfully 
     completed the pilot program during the year preceding the 
     submission of the report.
       ``(iii) The degree to which pilot program participants and 
     family members of pilot program participants were satisfied 
     with the pilot program.
       ``(iv) The interim findings and conclusions of the 
     Secretary with respect to the success of the pilot program 
     and recommendations for improvement.
       ``(2) Final report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program,

[[Page 3161]]

     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 final report on the pilot 
     program.
       ``(B) Elements.--The final report required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       ``(i) A description of the pilot program.
       ``(ii) An assessment of the utility of the activities under 
     the pilot program in enhancing the rehabilitation, quality of 
     life, and community reintegration of veterans with traumatic 
     brain injury, including complex mild traumatic brain injury.
       ``(iii) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate regarding improving the pilot program.''.
       (d) Modification of Definitions.--
       (1) Community-based brain injury residential rehabilitative 
     care services.--Such section is further amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``assisted living'' 
     and inserting ``community-based brain injury residential 
     rehabilitative care'';
       (B) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Assisted Living'' and inserting ``Community-based 
     Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitative Care'';
       (C) by striking ``assisted living'' each place it appears, 
     and inserting ``community-based brain injury rehabilitative 
     care''; and
       (D) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``and personal care'' 
     and inserting ``rehabilitation, and personal care''.
       (2) Eligible veteran.--Subsection (f)(3) of such section is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(E) has a traumatic brain injury that is classified as 
     complex-mild to severe.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
     fiscal year 2015 $46,000,000 to carry out the pilot program 
     under section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 38 U.S.C. 1710C 
     note), as amended by this section. The amount so authorized 
     to be appropriated shall be available for obligation for the 
     three-year period beginning on the date that is one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2014.

     SEC. 312. PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR OVERWEIGHT AND 
                   OBESE VETERANS THROUGH SUPPORT OF FITNESS 
                   CENTER MEMBERSHIPS.

       (a) Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days 
     after the date on which this section takes effect, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, through the National 
     Center for Preventive Health, carry out a program to assess 
     the feasibility and advisability of promoting health in 
     covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight and 
     reducing risks of chronic disease, through support for 
     fitness center membership.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who--
       (1) is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established and operated by the Secretary under section 1705 
     of title 38, United States Code;
       (2) is determined by a clinician of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to be overweight or obese as of the date of 
     the commencement of the program; and
       (3) resides in a location that is more than 15 minutes 
     driving distance from a fitness center at a facility of the 
     Department that would otherwise be available to the veteran 
     for at least eight hours per day during five or more days per 
     week.
       (c) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the two-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary 
     shall select--
       (A) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover the full reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers; and
       (B) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover half the reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Participation.--
       (1) Maximum number of participants.--The number of covered 
     veterans who may participate in the program at each location 
     selected under subsection (d) may not exceed 100.
       (2) Voluntary participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of 
     the covered veteran in consultation with a clinician of the 
     Department.
       (f) Membership Payment.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in 
     carrying out the program, the Secretary shall pay the 
     following:
       (A) The full reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (d)(1)(A) who are participating in 
     the program.
       (B) Half the reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (d)(1)(B) who are participating in 
     the program.
       (2) Limitation.--Payment for a fitness center membership of 
     a covered veteran may not exceed $50 per month of membership.
       (g) Reports.--
       (1)  Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, 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 activities carried out to 
     implement the program, including outreach activities to 
     veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the program, 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 program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the program.
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 313. PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR VETERANS THROUGH 
                   ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   FITNESS FACILITIES.

       (a) Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days 
     after the date on which this section takes effect, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to 
     assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health 
     in covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight, 
     through establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs 
     fitness facilities.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who is enrolled in the system 
     of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the 
     Secretary under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code.
       (c) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the three-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     by establishing fitness facilities in Department facilities 
     as follows:
       (A) In not fewer than five Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     program.
       (B) In not fewer than five outpatient clinics of the 
     Department selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     program.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Limitation on Expenses.--In establishing and supporting 
     a fitness facility in a facility of the Department under the 
     program, the Secretary may expend amounts as follows:
       (1) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, not more 
     than $60,000.
       (2) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     an outpatient clinic of the Department, not more than 
     $40,000.
       (f) Repurposing of Physical Space and Purchases of 
     Equipment.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary 
     may, in carrying out the program, repurpose existing physical 
     space of the Department and purchase such fitness equipment 
     and supplies as the Secretary considers appropriate for 
     purposes of the program.
       (2) Repurposing exception.--Existing physical space used 
     for the direct delivery of health care to patients may not be 
     repurposed under paragraph (1).
       (g) Prohibition on Assessment of User Fees.--The Secretary 
     may not assess a fee upon a covered veteran for use of a 
     fitness facility established under the program.
       (h) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of 
     the covered veteran.
       (i) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on

[[Page 3162]]

     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on 
     activities carried out to implement the program, including 
     outreach activities to veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the program, 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 program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the program.
       (j) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

                 Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

     SEC. 321. EXTENSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH 
                   PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 7619 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2019''.

     SEC. 322. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF PROSTHETIC AND 
                   ORTHOTIC CARE FOR VETERANS.

       (a) Establishment or Expansion of Advanced Degree Programs 
     To Expand Availability of Provision of Care.--The Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall work with institutions of higher 
     education to develop partnerships for the establishment or 
     expansion of programs of advanced degrees in prosthetics and 
     orthotics in order to improve and enhance the availability of 
     high quality prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans.
       (b) 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 setting forth a plan for carrying 
     out subsection (a). The Secretary shall develop the plan in 
     consultation with veterans service organizations, 
     institutions of higher education with accredited degree 
     programs in prosthetics and orthotics, and representatives of 
     the prosthetics and orthotics field.
       (c) Funding.--
       (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, $10,000,000 to carry out this 
     section.
       (2) Availability.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     by paragraph (1) shall remain available for expenditure until 
     September 30, 2017.

     SEC. 323. CONTRACTING FOR HEALTH CARE.

       (a) Use of Capitation-based Resource Allocation in Entry 
     Into Contracts.--In entering into contracts for the 
     furnishing of health care services under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (including 
     under this title and the amendments made by this title), the 
     Secretary shall use the capitation-based resource allocation 
     model of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Priority for Contracts With Certain Entities.--In 
     entering into contracts for the furnishing of health care 
     services under the laws administered by the Secretary, the 
     Secretary shall afford a priority for entry into contracts 
     for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Community 
     Health Centers (CHCs), whenever appropriate.
       (c) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall modify the 
     guidance of the Department of Veterans Affairs on contracts 
     for health care services in order to provide for the 
     incorporation into such contracts of standardized 
     requirements for such best practices under such contracts, 
     including the following:
       (1) Requirements that contracts provide the Department on a 
     regular basis information on scheduling and appearance for 
     appointments for health care on per-patient basis.
       (2) Such other best practices requirements as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       (d) Federally Qualified Health Center Defined.--In this 
     section the term ``Federally Qualified Health Center'' means 
     a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 
     1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)(2)(B)).

     SEC. 324. LIMITATION ON EXPANSION OF DIALYSIS PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Limitation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     not expand the dialysis pilot program to, or expand the 
     capacity to provide additional dialysis care at, any facility 
     owned or leased by the Department that is not an initial 
     facility until after the date that--
       (1) the Secretary has implemented the dialysis pilot 
     program at each initial facility for a period of not less 
     than two years;
       (2) an independent analysis of the dialysis pilot program 
     has been conducted at each initial facility, including a 
     consideration and comparison of factors including--
       (A) the ability of veterans to access care under the 
     dialysis pilot program;
       (B) the quality of care provided under the dialysis pilot 
     program; and
       (C) the satisfaction of veterans who have received 
     treatment under the dialysis pilot program; and
       (3) the report required by subsection (b) has been 
     submitted.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
     completion of the independent analysis required by subsection 
     (a)(2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     that--
       (1) includes the results of that independent analysis; and
       (2) addresses any recommendations with respect to the 
     dialysis pilot program provided in a report prepared by the 
     Government Accountability Office.
       (c) Utilization of Existing Dialysis Resources.--In order 
     to increase the access of veterans to dialysis care and 
     decrease the travel time of such veterans to receive such 
     care, the Secretary shall fully utilize existing dialysis 
     resources of the Department, including any community dialysis 
     provider with which the Department has entered into a 
     contract or agreement for the provision of such care.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Dialysis pilot program.--The term ``dialysis pilot 
     program'' means the pilot demonstration program established 
     by the Secretary in 2009 to provide dialysis care to patients 
     at certain outpatient facilities operated by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Initial facility.--The term ``initial facility'' means 
     one of the four outpatient facilities identified by the 
     Secretary to participate in the dialysis pilot program prior 
     to the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 325. REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   POLICY ON REPORTING CASES OF INFECTIOUS 
                   DISEASES AT FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases

       ``(a) Reporting.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Department has in effect an up-to-date policy on reporting a 
     notifiable infectious disease diagnosed at a facility under 
     the jurisdiction of the Secretary in accordance with the 
     provisions of State and local law in effect where such 
     facility is located.
       ``(b) Notifiable Infectious Disease.--For purposes of this 
     section, a notifiable infectious disease is any infectious 
     disease that is--
       ``(1) on the list of nationally notifiable diseases 
     published by the Council of State and Territorial 
     Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention; or
       ``(2) covered by a provision of law of a State that 
     requires the reporting of infectious diseases.
       ``(c) Performance Measures.--The Secretary shall develop 
     performance measures to assess whether and to what degree the 
     directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks and 
     Department medical centers are complying with the policy 
     required by subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7330A the following new item:

``7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 326. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE VETERANS INTEGRATED 
                   SERVICE NETWORKS AND MEDICAL CENTERS OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Contract.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     seek to enter into a contract with an independent third-party 
     to perform the services covered by this section.
       (2) Timing.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into the 
     contract described in paragraph (1) not later than 540 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Independent Study.--
       (1) In general.--Under a contract between the Secretary and 
     an independent third-party under this section, the third 
     party shall carry out a study--
       (A) to assess the organizational structures of medical 
     centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
       (B) to improve succession planning among key leadership 
     roles at Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical 
     centers of the Department.
       (2) Matters studied and proposed.--In carrying out the 
     study, the third party shall--
       (A) assess whether the organizational structure of the 
     medical centers of the Department is effective for the 
     furnishing of medical services, addressing issues that arise 
     regarding the furnishing of medical services, and addressing 
     standard business operations;
       (B) propose one organizational chart for Department medical 
     centers with a common set of base position descriptions;
       (C) propose a base set of medical positions that should be 
     filled to ensure that the

[[Page 3163]]

     health care provided to veterans by the Department is of good 
     quality; and
       (D) identify which key leadership positions at Veterans 
     Integrated Service Networks and Department medical centers 
     should have succession plans and propose how to implement 
     such plans.
       (3) Timing.--The third party shall complete the study under 
     this section not later than 270 days after entering into the 
     contract described in subsection (a).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which 
     the third party completes the study under this section, 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 such 
     study.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 327. REQUIREMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH NEXT UPDATE OF 
                   CURRENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR OFFICE OF RURAL 
                   HEALTH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--The first update of the Strategic Plan 
     Refresh for Fiscal Years 2012 through 2014 of the Office of 
     Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, whether an update or 
     refresh of such Strategic Plan Refresh or a strategic plan to 
     supersede such Strategic Plan Refresh, shall be prepared in 
     accordance with this section.
       (2) Consultation.--The Director of the Office of Rural 
     Health shall prepare the update in consultation with the 
     following:
       (A) The Director of the Health Care Retention and 
     Recruitment Office of the Department.
       (B) The Director of the Office of Quality and Performance 
     of the Department.
       (C) The Director of the Office of Care Coordination 
     Services of the Department.
       (b) Elements.--The update described in subsection (a) shall 
     include, for the period covered by the update, the following:
       (1) Goals and objectives for the recruitment and retention 
     by the Veterans Health Administration of health care 
     personnel in rural areas.
       (2) Goals and objectives for ensuring timeliness and 
     improving quality in the delivery of health care services by 
     the Veterans Health Administration in rural areas through 
     contract and fee-basis providers.
       (3) Goals and objectives for the implementation, expansion, 
     and enhanced use of telemedicine services by the Veterans 
     Health Administration in rural areas, including through 
     coordination with other appropriate offices of the 
     Department.
       (4) Goals and objectives for ensuring the full and 
     effective use of mobile outpatient clinics by the Veterans 
     Health Administration for the provision of health care 
     services in rural areas, including goals and objectives for 
     the use of such clinics on a fully mobile basis and for 
     encouraging health care providers who provide services 
     through such clinics to do so in rural areas.
       (5) Procedures for soliciting from each Veterans Health 
     Administration facility that serves a rural area the 
     following:
       (A) A statement of the clinical capacity of such facility.
       (B) The procedures of such facility in the event of a 
     medical, surgical, or mental health emergency outside the 
     scope of the clinical capacity of such facility.
       (C) The procedures and mechanisms of such facility for the 
     provision and coordination of health care for women veterans, 
     including procedures and mechanisms for coordination with 
     local hospitals and health care facilities, oversight of 
     primary care and fee-basis care, and management of specialty 
     care.
       (6) Goals and objectives for the modification of the 
     funding allocation mechanisms of the Office of Rural Health 
     in order to ensure that the Office distributes funds to 
     components of the Department to best achieve the goals and 
     objectives of the Office and in a timely manner.
       (7) Goals and objectives for the coordination of, and 
     sharing of resources with respect to, the provision of health 
     care services to veterans in rural areas between the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, 
     the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and 
     Human Services, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate 
     and prudent.
       (8) Specific milestones for the achievement of the goals 
     and objectives developed for the update.
       (9) Procedures for ensuring the effective implementation of 
     the update.
       (c) Transmittal to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the issuance of the update described in 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     transmit the update to Congress, together with such comments 
     and recommendations in connection with the update as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.

     SEC. 328. REPORT ON PROVISION OF TELEMEDICINE SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 following:
       (1) Issues that may be impeding the provision by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs of telemedicine services for 
     veterans, including the following:
       (A) Statutory or regulatory restrictions.
       (B) Licensure or credentialing issues for any provider 
     practicing telemedicine with veterans who live in a different 
     State than the provider.
       (C) Limited broadband access in rural areas.
       (D) Limited information technology resources or 
     capabilities.
       (E) Long distances veterans must travel to access a 
     facility or clinic with telemedicine capabilities.
       (F) Insufficient liability protection for providers.
       (G) Reimbursement issues faced by providers.
       (H) Travel limitations for providers that are unaffiliated 
     with the Department and are participating or seeking to 
     participate in a telemedicine program of the Department.
       (2) Actions taken to address the issues identified in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) An update on efforts by the Department to carry out the 
     initiative of teleconsultation for the provision of remote 
     mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments required 
     by section 1709A of title 38, United States Code.
       (4) An update on efforts by the Department to offer 
     training opportunities in telemedicine to medical residents, 
     as required by section 108(b) of the Janey Ensminger Act 
     (Public Law 112-154; 38 U.S.C. 7406 note).
       (5) An update on efforts by the Department to, in 
     partnership with primary care providers, install video 
     cameras and instruments to monitor weight, blood pressure, 
     and other vital statistics in the homes of patients.
       (b) Telemedicine Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``telemedicine'' means the use by a health care provider of 
     telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of 
     a patient's medical condition.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 329. DESIGNATION OF CORPORAL MICHAEL J. CRESCENZ 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER.

       (a) Designation.--The medical center of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs located at 3900 Woodland Avenue in 
     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shall after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act be known and designated as the 
     ``Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     considered to be a reference to the Corporal Michael J. 
     Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

           Subtitle C--Complementary and Alternative Medicine

     SEC. 331. EXPANSION OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ON AND DELIVERY 
                   OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE TO 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Development of Plan To Expand Research, Education, and 
     Delivery.--Not later than six months after the effective date 
     specified in subsection (f), the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall develop a plan to expand materially and 
     substantially the scope of research and education on, and 
     delivery and integration of, complementary and alternative 
     medicine services into the health care services provided to 
     veterans.
       (b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall 
     provide for the following:
       (1) Research on the following:
       (A) The comparative effectiveness of various complementary 
     and alternative medicine therapies.
       (B) Approaches to integrating complementary and alternative 
     medicine services into other health care services provided by 
     the Department.
       (2) Education and training for health care professionals of 
     the Department on the following:
       (A) Complementary and alternative medicine services 
     selected by the Secretary for purposes of the plan.
       (B) Appropriate uses of such services.
       (C) Integration of such services into the delivery of 
     health care to veterans.
       (3) Research, education, and clinical activities on 
     complementary and alternative medicine at centers of 
     innovation at Department medical centers.
       (4) Identification or development of metrics and outcome 
     measures to evaluate the provision and integration of 
     complementary and alternative medicine services into the 
     delivery of health care to veterans.
       (5) Integration and delivery of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services with other health care services 
     provided by the Department.
       (c) Consultation.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall consult with the following:
       (A) The Director of the National Center on Complementary 
     and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of 
     Health.
       (B) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs.
       (C) Institutions of higher education, private research 
     institutes, and individual researchers with extensive 
     experience in complementary and alternative medicine and the

[[Page 3164]]

     integration of complementary and alternative medicine 
     practices into the delivery of health care.
       (D) Nationally recognized providers of complementary and 
     alternative medicine.
       (E) Such other officials, entities, and individuals with 
     expertise on complementary and alternative medicine as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Scope of consultation.--The Secretary shall undertake 
     consultation under paragraph (1) in carrying out subsection 
     (a) with respect to the following:
       (A) To develop the plan.
       (B) To identify specific complementary and alternative 
     medicine practices that, on the basis of research findings or 
     promising clinical interventions, are appropriate to include 
     as services to veterans.
       (C) To identify barriers to the effective provision and 
     integration of complementary and alternative medicine 
     services into the delivery of health care to veterans, and to 
     identify mechanisms for overcoming such barriers.
       (d) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
     section.
       (e) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in 
     regulations the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of 
     this section, which shall, to the degree practicable, be 
     consistent with the meaning given such term by the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services.
       (f) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 332. PROGRAM ON INTEGRATION OF COMPLEMENTARY AND 
                   ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall--
       (1) carry out, through the Office of Patient Centered Care 
     and Cultural Transformation of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, a program to assess the feasibility and advisability 
     of integrating the delivery of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services selected by the Secretary with other health 
     care services provided by the Department for veterans with 
     mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, other 
     chronic conditions, and such other conditions as the 
     Secretary determines appropriate; and
       (2) in developing the program, identify and resolve 
     barriers to the provision of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services selected by the Secretary and the 
     integration of those services with other health care services 
     provided by the Department.
       (b) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the three-year period beginning on the effective date 
     specified in subsection (j).
       (c) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     at not fewer than 15 separate Department medical centers.
       (2) Polytrauma centers.--Not less than two of the medical 
     centers designated under paragraph (1) shall be located at 
     polytrauma rehabilitation centers of the Department.
       (3) Selection of locations.--In carrying out the program, 
     the Secretary shall select locations that include the 
     following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such 
     as census tracts established by the Bureau of the Census.
       (d) Provision of Services.--Under the program, the 
     Secretary shall provide covered services to covered veterans 
     by integrating complementary and alternative medicine 
     services with other services provided by the Department at 
     the medical centers designated under subsection (c)(1).
       (e) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of the program, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who--
       (1) has a mental health condition diagnosed by a clinician 
     of the Department;
       (2) experiences chronic pain; or
       (3) has a chronic condition being treated by a clinician of 
     the Department.
       (f) Covered Services.--
       (1) In general.--For purposes of the program, covered 
     services are services consisting of complementary and 
     alternative medicine as selected by the Secretary.
       (2) Administration of services.--Covered services shall be 
     administered under the program as follows:
       (A) Covered services shall be administered by clinicians 
     employed by the Secretary for purposes of this section who, 
     to the extent practicable, shall provide services consisting 
     of complementary and alternative medicine, including those 
     clinicians who solely provide such services.
       (B) Covered services shall be included as part of the 
     Patient Aligned Care Teams initiative of the Office of 
     Patient Care Services, Primary Care Program Office, in 
     coordination with the Office of Patient Centered Care and 
     Cultural Transformation.
       (C) Covered services shall be made available to both--
       (i) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain 
     conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) 
     who have received conventional treatments from the Department 
     for such conditions; and
       (ii) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain 
     conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) 
     who have not received conventional treatments from the 
     Department for such conditions.
       (g) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     veteran in the program shall be at the election of the 
     veteran and in consultation with a clinician of the 
     Department.
       (h) Reports to Congress.--
       (1) Quarterly reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter for the 
     duration of the program, 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 efforts of the Secretary to 
     carry out the program, including a description of the 
     outreach conducted by the Secretary to veterans and community 
     organizations to inform such organizations about the program.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program, including with respect to--

       (I) the utilization and efficacy of the complementary and 
     alternative medicine services established under the program;
       (II) an assessment of the benefit of the program to covered 
     veterans in mental health diagnoses, pain management, and 
     treatment of chronic illness; and
       (III) the comparative effectiveness of various 
     complementary and alternative medicine therapies.

       (ii) Barriers identified under subsection (a)(2) that were 
     not resolved.
       (iii) Such recommendations for the continuation or 
     expansion of the program as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (i) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in section 
     331(e) of this Act.
       (j) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 333. STUDIES OF BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED BY VETERANS IN 
                   RECEIVING, AND ADMINISTRATORS AND CLINICIANS IN 
                   PROVIDING, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE 
                   MEDICINE SERVICES FURNISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Studies Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     conduct comprehensive studies of the barriers encountered by 
     veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in 
     providing, complementary and alternative medicine services 
     furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Studies conducted.--
       (A) Veterans.--In conducting the study of veterans, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (i) survey veterans who seek or receive hospital care or 
     medical services furnished by the Department, as well as 
     veterans who do not seek or receive such care or services;
       (ii) administer the survey to a representative sample of 
     veterans from each Veterans Integrated Service Network; and
       (iii) ensure that the sample of veterans surveyed is of 
     sufficient size for the study results to be statistically 
     significant.
       (B) Administrators and clinicians.--In conducting the study 
     of clinicians and administrators, the Secretary shall--
       (i) survey administrators of the Department who are 
     involved in the provision of health care services;
       (ii) survey clinicians that have provided complementary and 
     alternative medicine services through the program established 
     under section 332 of this Act, after those clinicians have 
     provided those services through such program for at least 90 
     days; and
       (iii) administer the survey to administrators under clause 
     (i)--

       (I) before the introduction of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services through such program; and
       (II) not earlier than 90 days after the introduction of 
     complementary and alternative medicine services through such 
     program.

       (b) Elements of Studies.--
       (1) Veterans.--In conducting the study of veterans required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall study the following:
       (A) The perceived barriers associated with obtaining 
     complementary and alternative medicine services from the 
     Department.
       (B) The satisfaction of veterans with complementary and 
     alternative medicine services in primary care.
       (C) The degree to which veterans are aware of eligibility 
     requirements for, and the scope of services available under, 
     complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by 
     the Department.
       (D) The effectiveness of outreach to veterans on the 
     availability of complementary and alternative medicine for 
     veterans.
       (E) Such other barriers as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

[[Page 3165]]

       (2) Administrators and clinicians.--In conducting the study 
     of administrators and clinicians required by subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall study the following:
       (A) The extent of the integration of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services within the services provided by 
     the Department.
       (B) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the 
     structural and attitudinal barriers to the delivery of high 
     quality complementary and alternative medicine services by 
     the Department.
       (C) Strategies that have been used to reduce or eliminate 
     such barriers and the results of such strategies.
       (D) The satisfaction of administrators and clinicians 
     regarding the integration of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services within the services provided by the 
     Department.
       (E) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the 
     value of specific complementary and alternative medicine 
     services for inpatient and outpatient veteran populations.
       (c) Discharge by Contract.--The Secretary shall enter into 
     a contract with a qualified independent entity or 
     organization to carry out the studies required by this 
     section.
       (d) Mandatory Review of Data by the National Research 
     Advisory Council.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that the head 
     of the National Research Advisory Council reviews the results 
     of the studies conducted under this section.
       (2) Submittal of findings.--The head of the National 
     Research Advisory Council shall submit findings with respect 
     to the studies to the Under Secretary for Health and to other 
     pertinent program offices within the Department with 
     responsibilities relating to health care services for 
     veterans.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Report on implementation.--Not later than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the 
     implementation of this section.
       (2) Report on study.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
     the completion of the study, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the study required by subsection (a).
       (B) Contents.--The report required by subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) Recommendations for such administrative and legislative 
     proposals and actions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (ii) The findings of the head of the National Research 
     Advisory Council and of the Under Secretary for Health.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, $2,000,000 to carry out this section.
       (g) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in section 
     331(e) of this Act.

     SEC. 334. PROGRAM ON USE OF WELLNESS PROGRAMS AS 
                   COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE 
                   FOR VETERANS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program through the award of grants to public or 
     private nonprofit entities to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of using wellness programs to complement the 
     provision of mental health care to veterans and family 
     members eligible for counseling under section 1712A(a)(1)(C) 
     of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Matters to be addressed.--The program shall be carried 
     out so as to assess the following:
       (A) Means of improving coordination between Federal, State, 
     local, and community providers of health care in the 
     provision of mental health care to veterans and family 
     members described in paragraph (1).
       (B) Means of enhancing outreach, and coordination of 
     outreach, by and among providers of health care referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) on the mental health care services 
     available to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (C) Means of using wellness programs of providers of health 
     care referred to in subparagraph (A) as complements to the 
     provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of mental 
     health care to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (D) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in enhancing the quality of life and well-being 
     of veterans and family members described in paragraph (1).
       (E) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in increasing the adherence of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) to the primary mental health 
     services provided such veterans by the Department.
       (F) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     have an impact on the sense of wellbeing of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) who receive primary mental health 
     services from the Department.
       (G) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in encouraging veterans receiving health care 
     from the Department to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.
       (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     for a period of three years beginning on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     at facilities of the Department providing mental health care 
     services to veterans and family members described in 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (d) Grant Proposals.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     seeking the award of a grant under this section shall submit 
     an application therefor to the Secretary in such form and in 
     such manner as the Secretary may require.
       (2) Application contents.--Each application submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) A plan to coordinate activities under the program, to 
     the extent possible, with the Federal, State, and local 
     providers of services for veterans to enhance the following:
       (i) Awareness by veterans of benefits and health care 
     services provided by the Department.
       (ii) Outreach efforts to increase the use by veterans of 
     services provided by the Department.
       (iii) Educational efforts to inform veterans of the 
     benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
       (B) A statement of understanding from the entity submitting 
     the application that, if selected, such entity will be 
     required to report to the Secretary periodically on 
     standardized data and other performance data necessary to 
     evaluate individual outcomes and to facilitate evaluations 
     among entities participating in the program.
       (C) Other requirements that the Secretary may prescribe.
       (e) Grant Uses.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     awarded a grant under this section shall use the award for 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary.
       (2) Eligible veterans and family.--In carrying out the 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary in paragraph (1), a 
     public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this 
     section shall use the award to furnish services only to 
     individuals specified in section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the commencement of the program, and every 180 days 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     on the program.
       (B) Report elements.--Each report required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program during the 180-day period preceding 
     the report.
       (ii) An assessment of the benefits of the program to 
     veterans and their family members during the 180-day period 
     preceding the report.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the end of 
     the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     detailing the recommendations of the Secretary as to the 
     advisability of continuing or expanding the program.
       (g) Wellness Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``wellness'' has the meaning given that term in regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary.

                     Subtitle D--Mental Health Care

     SEC. 341. INCLUSION OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN THE 
                   EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HEALTH 
                   PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--In carrying out the education and training 
     program required under section 7302(a)(1) of title 38, United 
     States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include 
     education and training of marriage and family therapists and 
     licensed professional mental health counselors.
       (b) Funding.--The Secretary shall apportion funding for the 
     education and training program equally among the professions 
     included in the program.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 342. EDUCATION PROGRAM AND PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR 
                   FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS WITH 
                   MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.

       (a) Programs.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall establish an education program (in this section 
     referred to as the ``education program'') and a peer support 
     program (in this section referred to as the ``peer support 
     program'') for the education and training of family members 
     and caregivers of eligible veterans with mental health 
     disorders.
       (2) Definitions.--In this section:
       (A) Family member; caregiver.--The terms ``family member'' 
     and ``caregiver'' have the meaning given those terms in 
     section 1720G(d) of title 38, United States Code.
       (B) Eligible veteran.--The term ``eligible veteran'' means 
     a veteran who is enrolled in the health care system 
     established under

[[Page 3166]]

     section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
       (b) Education Program.--
       (1) In general.--Under the education program, the Secretary 
     shall provide a course of education to family members and 
     caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping 
     with mental health disorders in veterans.
       (2) Duration.--
       (A) In general.--The education program shall be carried out 
     during the four-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the education program.
       (B) Authority for extension.--The Secretary may extend the 
     duration of the education program for an additional four 
     years.
       (3) Locations.--
       (A) In general.--Except as required by subparagraph (D), 
     the Secretary shall carry out the education program at the 
     following facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
       (i) Not less than 10 medical centers of the Department.
       (ii) Not less than 10 clinics of the Department.
       (iii) Not less than 10 Vet Centers (as defined in section 
     1712A(h) of title 38, United States Code).
       (B) Solicitation of applications.--In selecting locations 
     for the education program, the Secretary shall solicit 
     applications from eligible facilities of the Department that 
     are interested in carrying out the education program.
       (C) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the 
     education program, the Secretary shall consider the 
     feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the 
     following areas:
       (i) Rural areas.
       (ii) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active 
     duty installation.
       (iii) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (D) Expansion of locations.--Not later than two years after 
     the date of the commencement of the education program, the 
     Secretary shall expand the number of facilities at which the 
     Secretary is carrying out the education program to include 
     the following:
       (i) Not less than 10 additional medical centers of the 
     Department.
       (ii) Not less than 10 additional clinics of the Department.
       (iii) Not less than 10 additional Vet Centers.
       (4) Contracts.--
       (A) In general.--In carrying out the education program, the 
     Secretary shall enter into contracts with qualified entities 
     described in subparagraph (B) to offer the course of 
     education described in paragraph (5) to family members and 
     caregivers of eligible veterans and covered veterans.
       (B) Qualified entity described.--A qualified entity 
     described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity with 
     experience in mental health education and outreach, including 
     work with children, teens, and young adults, that--
       (i) uses high quality, relevant, and age-appropriate 
     information in educational programming, materials, and 
     coursework, including such programming, materials, and 
     coursework for children, teens, and young adults; and
       (ii) works with agencies, departments, nonprofit mental 
     health organizations, early childhood educators, and mental 
     health providers to develop educational programming, 
     materials, and coursework.
       (C) Priority.--In entering into contracts under this 
     paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to qualified 
     entities that, to the maximum extent practicable, use 
     Internet technology for the delivery of course content in an 
     effort to expand the availability of support services, 
     especially in rural areas.
       (5) Elements.--The course of education described in this 
     paragraph shall consist of not less than 10 weeks of 
     education and shall include the following:
       (A) General education on different mental health disorders, 
     including information to improve understanding of the 
     experiences of individuals suffering from those disorders.
       (B) Techniques for handling crisis situations and 
     administering mental health first aid to individuals 
     suffering from mental health disorders.
       (C) Techniques for coping with the stress of living with 
     someone with a mental health disorder.
       (D) Information on additional services available for family 
     members and caregivers through the Department or community 
     organizations and providers related to mental health 
     disorders.
       (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (6) Instructors.--
       (A) Training.--Each instructor of the course of education 
     described in paragraph (5) shall maintain a level of 
     proficiency in the course of education as determined by the 
     Secretary, and shall submit proof of that level of 
     proficiency to the Secretary at such time and in such manner 
     as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (B) Individuals who have completed the course as 
     instructors.--Commencing as of the date that is two years 
     after the date of the commencement of the education program, 
     any individual who has successfully completed the course of 
     education described in paragraph (5) and has successfully 
     completed such additional training as is required for 
     instructors pursuant to subparagraph (A) may act as an 
     instructor in the course of education.
       (c) Peer Support Program.--
       (1) In general.--Under the peer support program, the 
     Secretary shall provide peer support to family members and 
     caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping 
     with mental health disorders in veterans.
       (2) Locations.--The Secretary shall provide peer support 
     under the peer support program at each location at which the 
     Secretary provides education under the education program.
       (3) Elements.--Peer support under the peer support program 
     shall consist of meetings in group settings between a peer 
     support coordinator under paragraph (4) and family members 
     and caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to 
     coping with mental health disorders in veterans. At each 
     location, those meetings shall be conducted not less often 
     than twice each calendar quarter.
       (4) Peer support coordinator.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the director 
     of each participating facility, may select an individual who 
     has successfully completed the course of education described 
     in subsection (b)(5) to serve as a peer support coordinator 
     for each such facility to carry out the peer support program.
       (B) Proficiency of instructors.--Each peer support 
     coordinator shall maintain a level of proficiency in peer 
     support as determined by the Secretary, and shall submit 
     proof of that level of proficiency to the Secretary at such 
     time and in such manner as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       (d) Surveys.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
     comprehensive and statistically significant survey of the 
     satisfaction of individuals that have participated in the 
     course of education described in subsection (b)(5) and 
     individuals that have participated in the peer support 
     program that includes the following:
       (A) The general satisfaction of those individuals with the 
     education and assistance provided in the education program 
     and the peer support program.
       (B) The perceived effectiveness of the education program 
     and the peer support program in providing education and 
     assistance that is useful for those individuals.
       (C) The applicability of the education program and the peer 
     support program to the issues faced by those individuals.
       (D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (E) A representative sample of the information required by 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D) from each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network that is participating in the education 
     program and the peer support program.
       (2) Compilation of information.--The information compiled 
     as a result of the surveys required by paragraph (1) shall be 
     included in the annual report required by subsection (e)(1).
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Annual report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of the education program and not later than 
     September 30 each year thereafter until 2017, 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 education program and the 
     peer support program.
       (B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The number of individuals that participated in the 
     course of education described in subsection (b)(5) during the 
     year preceding the submission of the report.
       (ii) The number of individuals that participated in the 
     peer support program during the year preceding the submission 
     of the report.
       (iii) A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under 
     subsection (d) with respect to the individuals described in 
     clause (i) and (ii).
       (iv) The degree to which veterans and family members and 
     caregivers of veterans are aware of the eligibility 
     requirements for enrollment in the education program and the 
     peer support program.
       (v) Any plans for expansion of the education program and 
     the peer support program.
       (vi) The interim findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     with respect to the success of the education program and the 
     peer support program.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the 
     completion of the education program, 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 feasibility and advisability 
     of continuing the education program and the peer support 
     program.
       (B) Elements.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under 
     subsection (d).

[[Page 3167]]

       (ii) The feasibility and advisability of continuing the 
     education program without entering into contracts for the 
     course of education described in subsection (b)(5) and 
     instead using peer support coordinators selected under 
     subsection (c)(4) as instructors of the course of education.
       (iii) The feasibility and advisability of expanding the 
     education program and the peer support program.

     SEC. 343. REPORT ON PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR 
                   FAMILIES OF CERTAIN VETERANS AT FACILITIES OF 
                   THE DEPARTMENT.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 feasibility and advisability 
     of providing services under the program established by 
     section 304(a) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health 
     Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1712A 
     note) at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.

     SEC. 344. ANNUAL REPORT ON COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 
                   PARTNERSHIP PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not later than September 30 
     each year thereafter until the completion of the pilot 
     program described in subsection (b), the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs 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 that pilot 
     program.
       (b) Pilot Program Described.--The pilot program described 
     in this subsection is the pilot program conducted by the 
     Veterans Health Administration to connect medical centers of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs with community-based 
     mental health care providers and substance abuse treatment 
     providers for the purpose of assisting in the treatment of 
     veterans with mental health disorders, commonly known as the 
     ``Community Mental Health Partnership Pilot''.
       (c) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) The number of sites participating in the pilot program.
       (2) The number of individuals participating in the pilot 
     program at each site.
       (3) A detailed assessment of the effectiveness of, the 
     participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of 
     veterans with the pilot program.
       (4) An analysis of barriers to the effectiveness of, the 
     participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of 
     veterans with the pilot program.
       (5) A description of the plans of the Secretary to conduct 
     outreach and provide information to veterans and community 
     mental health providers with respect to the pilot program.
       (6) A description of any plans to expand the pilot program, 
     including plans that focus on the unique needs of veterans 
     located in rural areas.
       (7) An explanation of how the care provided under the pilot 
     program is consistent with the minimum clinical mental health 
     guidelines promulgated by the Veterans Health Administration, 
     including clinical guidelines contained in the Uniform Mental 
     Health Services Handbook of such Administration.

     Subtitle E--Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement

     SEC. 351. RESTORATIVE DENTAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1710(c) is amended--
       (1) in the second sentence--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively; and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
       (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)'';
       (3) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) The Secretary''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) In addition to the dental services, treatment, and 
     appliances authorized to be furnished by paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary may furnish dental services and treatment, and 
     dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran 
     that is lost as a result of any services or treatment 
     furnished under this subsection.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 352. PILOT PROGRAM ON EXPANSION OF FURNISHING OF DENTAL 
                   CARE TO ALL ENROLLED VETERANS.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 540 
     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 furnishing 
     dental care to veterans enrolled in the system of patient 
     enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States 
     Code, who are not eligible for dental services and treatment, 
     and related dental appliances, under current authorities.
       (b) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the three-year period beginning on the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (c) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program at not fewer than 16 locations as follows:
       (A) Four Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 
     with an established dental clinic.
       (B) Four Department medical centers with a current contract 
     for the furnishing of dental care.
       (C) Four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) with 
     space available for the furnishing of services and treatment 
     under the pilot program.
       (D) Four facilities selected from among Federally Qualified 
     Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health Service facilities 
     with established dental clinics, of which--
       (i) at least one facility shall be such an Indian Health 
     Service facility; and
       (ii) any Indian Health Service facility so selected shall 
     be selected in consultation with the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in each of the following:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such 
     as census tracts established by the Bureau of Census.
       (d) Limitation on Number of Participating Veterans.--
       (1) In general.--The total number of eligible veterans who 
     may participate in the pilot program may not exceed 30,000.
       (2) Distribution of limitation.--In applying the limitation 
     in paragraph (1) to the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
     distribute the limitation across and among locations selected 
     for the pilot program in a manner that takes appropriate 
     account of the size and need of veterans for dental services 
     at each such location.
       (e) Scope of Services.--The dental services and treatment 
     furnished to veterans under the pilot program shall be 
     consistent with the dental services and treatment furnished 
     by the Secretary to veterans with service-connected 
     disabilities rated 100 percent disabling under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       (f) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election of the 
     veteran.
       (g) Limitation on Amount of Services.--
       (1) In general.--The total amount the Secretary may expend 
     furnishing dental services and treatment to a veteran 
     participating in the pilot program during any one-year period 
     may not exceed such amount as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate. The amount so determined may not be less than 
     $1,000.
       (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make the 
     determination under paragraph (1)--
       (A) in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health 
     Service; and
       (B) in consultation with the Director of the Health 
     Resources and Services Administration of the Department of 
     Health and Human Services if one or more Federally Qualified 
     Health Center is selected as a location for the pilot program 
     under subsection (c)(1)(D).
       (h) Copayments.--The Secretary may collect copayments for 
     dental services and treatment furnished under the pilot 
     program in accordance with authorities on the collection of 
     copayments for medical care of veterans under chapter 17 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (i) Program Administration.--
       (1) Notice to eligible veterans on pilot program.--In 
     carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall inform 
     all veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program of 
     the services and treatment available under the pilot program.
       (2) Contracts.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
     Secretary may enter into contracts with appropriate entities 
     for the provision of dental services and treatment under the 
     pilot program. Each such contract shall specify performance 
     standards and metrics and processes for ensuring compliance 
     of the contractor concerned with such performance standards.
       (j) Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than each of 540 days and three 
     years after the date of the commencement of the pilot 
     program, 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 pilot program.
       (B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include the following:
       (i) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the pilot program.
       (ii) The number of veterans receiving services and 
     treatment under the pilot program, and a description of the 
     dental services and treatment furnished to such veterans.
       (iii) An analysis of the costs and benefits of the pilot 
     program, including a comparison of costs and benefits by 
     location type.

[[Page 3168]]

       (iv) An assessment of the impact of the pilot program on 
     medical care, wellness, employability, and perceived quality 
     of life of veterans.
       (v) The current findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     with respect to the pilot program.
       (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program.
       (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the pilot program.
       (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (k) Federally Qualified Health Center Defined.--In this 
     section the term ``Federally Qualified Health Center'' means 
     a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 
     1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)(2)(B)).
       (l) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 353. PROGRAM ON EDUCATION TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH IN 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program of education to promote dental health for 
     veterans who are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Construction.--Nothing in the program shall be deemed 
     to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental 
     care under the laws administered by the Secretary.
       (b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall 
     provide education for veterans on the following:
       (1) The association between dental health and overall 
     health and well-being.
       (2) Proper techniques for dental care.
       (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental 
     conditions.
       (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues.
       (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including 
     information on eligibility for dental care through the 
     Department and on purchasing private dental insurance.
       (6) Available and accessible options for obtaining low or 
     no-cost dental care, including through dental schools and 
     Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
       (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Delivery of Educational Materials.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide educational 
     materials to veterans under the program required by 
     subsection (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the 
     following:
       (A) The availability and distribution of print materials at 
     Department facilities (including at medical centers, clinics, 
     Vet Centers, and readjustment counseling centers) and to 
     providers (including members of Patient Aligned Care Teams).
       (B) The availability and distribution of materials over the 
     Internet, including through webinars and My Health eVet.
       (C) Presentations of information, including both small 
     group and large group presentations.
       (2) Selection of mechanisms.--In selecting mechanisms for 
     purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select 
     mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who 
     receive education under the program.
       (d) Federally Qualified Health Center Defined.--In this 
     section the term ``Federally Qualified Health Center'' means 
     a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 
     1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)(2)(B)).
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 354. INFORMATION ON DENTAL SERVICES FOR INCLUSION IN 
                   ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS UNDER DENTAL 
                   INSURANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 540 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall expand the dental insurance pilot 
     program established by section 17.169 of title 38, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to establish a mechanism by which 
     private sector dental care providers shall forward to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs information on dental care 
     furnished to individuals under the pilot program for 
     inclusion in the electronic medical records of the Department 
     with respect to such individuals.
       (b) Construction With Current Pilot Program Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
     to revise eligibility for participation in, or the locations 
     of, the pilot program referred to in subsection (a).
       (2) Duration.--The Secretary may continue the pilot program 
     for two years in addition to the duration otherwise provided 
     for the pilot program in section 17.169 of title 38, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines that the 
     continuation is needed to assess the mechanism required by 
     subsection (a).
       (3) Voluntary participation in mechanism.--The 
     participation in the mechanism required by subsection (a) of 
     an individual otherwise participating in the pilot program 
     shall be at the election of the individual.
       (c) Inclusion of Information on Mechanism in Reports.--Each 
     report to Congress on the pilot program after the date of the 
     commencement of the mechanism required by subsection (a) 
     shall include information on the mechanism, including a 
     current assessment of the feasability and advisability of 
     using the mechanism to include information on dental care 
     furnished individuals in the electronic medical records of 
     the Department with respect to such individuals.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 355. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015 $305,000,000 to 
     carry out this subtitle and the amendments made by this 
     subtitle. The amount so authorized to be appropriated shall 
     be available for obligation for the five-year period 
     beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

            Subtitle F--Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma

     SEC. 361. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SEXUAL TRAUMA 
                   COUNSELING AND TREATMENT TO VETERANS ON 
                   INACTIVE DUTY TRAINING.

       Section 1720D(a)(1) is amended by striking ``or active duty 
     for training'' and inserting ``, active duty for training, or 
     inactive duty training''.

     SEC. 362. PROVISION OF COUNSELING AND TREATMENT FOR SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Expansion of Coverage to Members of the Armed Forces.--
     Subsection (a) of section 1720D is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) In operating the program required by paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary may, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense, provide counseling and care and services to members 
     of the Armed Forces (including members of the National Guard 
     and Reserves) on active duty to overcome psychological trauma 
     described in that paragraph.
       ``(B) A member described in subparagraph (A) shall not be 
     required to obtain a referral before receiving counseling and 
     care and services under this paragraph.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``a veteran'' and inserting ``an 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``that veteran'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``that individual''.
       (b) Information to Members on Availability of Counseling 
     and Services.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended--
       (1) by striking ``to veterans'' each place it appears; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``members of the Armed 
     Forces and'' before ``individuals''.
       (c) Inclusion of Members in Reports on Counseling and 
     Services.--Subsection (e) of such section is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``to 
     veterans'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``women veterans'' and inserting 
     ``individuals''; and
       (B) by striking ``training under subsection (d).'' and 
     inserting ``training under subsection (d), disaggregated by--
       ``(A) veterans;
       ``(B) members of the Armed Forces (including members of the 
     National Guard and Reserves) on active duty; and
       ``(C) for each of subparagraphs (A) and (B)--
       ``(i) men; and
       ``(ii) women.'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``veterans'' and 
     inserting ``individuals''; and
       (4) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by striking ``women veterans'' and inserting 
     ``individuals'' ; and
       (B) by inserting ``, including specific recommendations for 
     individuals specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of 
     paragraph (2)'' before the period at the end.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 363. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SCREENING MECHANISM 
                   TO DETECT INCIDENTS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall develop and implement a screening mechanism to be used 
     when a veteran seeks healthcare services from the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to detect if the veteran has been a 
     victim of domestic abuse for purposes of improving the 
     treatment of the veteran and assessing the prevalence of 
     domestic abuse in the veteran population.

[[Page 3169]]

       (b) Readily Available Screening Tools.--In developing and 
     implementing a screening mechanism under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary may incorporate into the screening mechanism such 
     readily available screening tools as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the screening mechanism.
       (c) Domestic Abuse Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``domestic abuse'' means behavior with respect to an 
     individual that--
       (1) constitutes--
       (A) a pattern of behavior resulting in physical or 
     emotional abuse, economic control, or interference with the 
     personal liberty of that individual;
       (B) a violation of Federal or State law involving the use, 
     attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against 
     that individual; or
       (C) a violation of a lawful order issued for the protection 
     of that individual; and
       (2) is committed by a person who--
       (A) is a current or former spouse or domestic partner of 
     that individual;
       (B) shares a child in common with that individual;
       (C) is a current or former intimate partner of that 
     individual that shares or has shared a common domicile with 
     that individual;
       (D) is a caregiver or family caregiver of that individual 
     (as such terms are defined in section 1720G(d) of title 38, 
     United States Code); or
       (E) is in any other type of relationship with that 
     individual that the Secretary may specify for purposes of 
     this section.

     SEC. 364. REPORTS ON MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA AND DOMESTIC 
                   ABUSE.

       (a) Report on Services Available for Military Sexual Trauma 
     in the Department of Veterans Affairs.--Not later than 630 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 treatment and services available from the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for male veterans who experience military 
     sexual trauma compared to such treatment and services 
     available to female veterans who experience military sexual 
     trauma.
       (b) Report on Domestic Abuse Among Veterans.--Not later 
     than two years after the implementation of the screening 
     mechanism required by section 363(a) of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers 
     for Disease Control and Prevention, shall jointly submit to 
     the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on domestic abuse among veterans 
     that includes the following:
       (1) A summary of the types, outcomes, and circumstances of 
     incidents of domestic abuse that have been reported by 
     veterans during the two-year period preceding the submission 
     of the report.
       (2) A summary of the treatments available from the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who experience 
     domestic abuse and an assessment of the effectiveness of 
     those treatments.
       (3) Data and analysis on any correlation between an 
     incident of military sexual trauma or sexual trauma 
     experienced after the age of 18 and domestic abuse.
       (4) Any other issues that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     or the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention determines appropriate.
       (c) Reports on Transition of Military Sexual Trauma and 
     Domestic Abuse Treatment From Department of Defense to 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.--Not later than 630 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
     thereafter for five years, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee 
     established by section 320(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a report on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse that 
     includes the following:
       (1) The processes and procedures utilized by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to 
     facilitate transition of treatment of individuals who have 
     experienced military sexual trauma or domestic abuse from 
     treatment provided by the Department of Defense to treatment 
     provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) A description and assessment of the collaboration 
     between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department 
     of Defense in assisting veterans in filing claims for 
     disabilities related to military sexual trauma or domestic 
     abuse, including permitting veterans access to information 
     and evidence necessary to develop or support such claims.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
       (2) Domestic abuse.--The term ``domestic abuse'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 363(c) of this Act.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' means psychological trauma, which in the judgment of 
     a mental health professional employed by the Department, 
     resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery 
     of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while 
     the veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for 
     training.
       (4) Sexual harassment.--The term ``sexual harassment'' 
     means repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a 
     sexual nature which is threatening in character.
       (5) Sexual trauma.--The term ``sexual trauma'' shall have 
     the meaning given that term by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs for purposes of this section.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

            Subtitle G--Reproductive Treatment and Services

     SEC. 371. CLARIFICATION THAT FERTILITY COUNSELING AND 
                   TREATMENT ARE MEDICAL SERVICES WHICH THE 
                   SECRETARY MAY FURNISH TO VETERANS LIKE OTHER 
                   MEDICAL SERVICES.

       Section 1701(6), as amended by section 305(b)(1) of this 
     Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(I) Fertility counseling and treatment, including 
     treatment using assisted reproductive technology.''.

     SEC. 372. REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT AND CARE FOR SPOUSES AND 
                   SURROGATES OF VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and 
       surrogates of veterans

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall furnish fertility 
     counseling and treatment, including through the use of 
     assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of 
     a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an 
     infertility condition incurred or aggravated in line of duty 
     in the active military, naval, or air service and who is 
     enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established under section 1705(a) of this title if the spouse 
     or surrogate and the veteran apply jointly for such 
     counseling and treatment through a process prescribed by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(b) Coordination of Care for Other Spouses and 
     Surrogates.--In the case of a spouse or surrogate of a 
     veteran not described in subsection (a) who is seeking 
     fertility counseling and treatment, the Secretary may 
     coordinate fertility counseling and treatment for such spouse 
     or surrogate.
       ``(c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require the Secretary--
       ``(1) to find or certify a surrogate for a veteran or to 
     connect a surrogate with a veteran; or
       ``(2) to furnish maternity care to a spouse or surrogate of 
     a veteran.
       ``(d) Assisted Reproductive Technology Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `assisted reproductive technology' includes 
     in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments in 
     which both eggs and sperm are handled when clinically 
     appropriate.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1787 the following new item:

``1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of 
              veterans.''.

     SEC. 373. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE FOR SEVERELY WOUNDED VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17, as amended 
     by section 372(a) of this Act, is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1789. Adoption assistance

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may pay an amount, not to 
     exceed the limitation amount, to assist a covered veteran in 
     the adoption of one or more children.
       ``(b) Covered Veteran.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any severely wounded, ill, or injured 
     veteran who--
       ``(1) has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated 
     in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air 
     service; and
       ``(2) is enrolled in the system of annual patient 
     enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title.
       ``(c) Limitation Amount.--For purposes of this section, the 
     limitation amount is the amount equal to the lesser of--
       ``(1) the cost the Department would incur if the Secretary 
     were to provide a covered veteran with one cycle of fertility 
     treatment through the use of assisted reproductive technology 
     under section 1788 of this title, as determined by the 
     Secretary; or
       ``(2) the cost the Department would incur by paying the 
     expenses of three adoptions by covered veterans, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(d) Assisted Reproductive Technology Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `assisted reproductive technology' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 1788 of this title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17, as

[[Page 3170]]

     amended by section 372(b) of this Act, is further amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 1788 the 
     following new item:

``1789. Adoption assistance.''.

     SEC. 374. REGULATIONS ON FURNISHING OF FERTILITY COUNSELING 
                   AND TREATMENT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE BY 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 540 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall prescribe regulations--
       (1) on the furnishing of fertility treatment to veterans 
     using assisted reproductive technology;
       (2) to carry out section 1788 of title 38, United States 
     Code, as added by section 372 of this Act; and
       (3) to carry out section 1789 of such title, as added by 
     section 373 of this Act.
       (b) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary 
     prescribes regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     may not furnish--
       (1) to a veteran any fertility treatment that uses an 
     assisted reproductive technology that the Secretary has not 
     used in the provision of a fertility treatment to a veteran 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act;
       (2) any fertility counseling or treatment under section 
     1788 of such title, as added by section 372 of this Act; or
       (3) any assistance under section 1789 of such title, as 
     added by section 373 of this Act.
       (c) Assisted Reproductive Technology Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``assisted reproductive technology'' has 
     the meaning given the term in section 1788 of such title, as 
     added by section 372 of this Act.

     SEC. 375. COORDINATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON FURNISHING OF 
                   FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of 
     Defense shall share best practices and facilitate referrals, 
     as they consider appropriate, on the furnishing of fertility 
     counseling and treatment.

     SEC. 376. FACILITATION OF REPRODUCTION AND INFERTILITY 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73, as amended by 
     section 325(a) of this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330C. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility 
       research

       ``(a) Facilitation of Research Required.--The Secretary 
     shall facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the 
     Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services to improve the ability of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs 
     of veterans who have a genitourinary service-connected 
     disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in 
     line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, 
     such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' 
     ability to reproduce.
       ``(b) Dissemination of Information.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that information produced by the research facilitated 
     under this section that may be useful for other activities of 
     the Veterans Health Administration is disseminated throughout 
     the Veterans Health Administration.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 325(b) of this 
     Act, is further amended by inserting after the item relating 
     to section 7330B the following new item:

``7330C. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research.''.
       (c) Report.--Not later than three years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the research activities 
     conducted by the Secretary under section 7330C of title 38, 
     United States Code, as added by subsection (a).

     SEC. 377. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROVISION OF FERTILITY COUNSELING 
                   AND TREATMENT FURNISHED BY DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than 
     annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 fertility counseling and 
     treatment furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     during the year preceding the submittal of the report.
       (b) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include, for the period covered by the report, the 
     following:
       (1) The number of veterans who received fertility 
     counseling or treatment furnished by the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, disaggregated by era of military service of 
     such veterans.
       (2) The number of spouses and surrogates of veterans who 
     received fertility counseling or treatment furnished by the 
     Department.
       (3) The cost to the Department of furnishing fertility 
     counseling and treatment, disaggregated by cost of services 
     and administration.
       (4) The average cost to the Department per recipient of 
     such counseling and treatment.
       (5) In cases in which the Department furnished fertility 
     treatment through the use of assisted reproductive 
     technology, the average number of cycles per person 
     furnished.
       (6) A description of how fertility counseling and treatment 
     services of the Department are coordinated with similar 
     services of the Department of Defense.

     SEC. 378. PROGRAM ON ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Assistance for Child Care for Certain Veterans 
     Receiving Health Care.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans 
       receiving health care

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
     program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to 
     qualified veterans described in subsection (c) to obtain 
     child care so that such veterans can receive health care 
     services described in subsection (c).
       ``(b) Limitation on Period of Payments.--Assistance may 
     only be provided to a qualified veteran under this section 
     for receipt of child care during the period that the 
     qualified veteran--
       ``(1) receives health care services described in subsection 
     (c) at a facility of the Department; and
       ``(2) requires travel to and from such facility for the 
     receipt of such health care services.
       ``(c) Qualified Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     qualified veteran is a veteran who is--
       ``(1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and
       ``(2)(A) receiving from the Department--
       ``(i) regular mental health care services;
       ``(ii) intensive mental health care services; or
       ``(iii) such other intensive health care services that the 
     Secretary determines that provision of assistance to the 
     veteran to obtain child care would improve access to such 
     health care services by the veteran; or
       ``(B) in need of regular or intensive mental health care 
     services from the Department, and but for lack of child care 
     services, would receive such health care services from the 
     Department.
       ``(d) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     in no fewer than three Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program.
       ``(e) Forms of Child Care Assistance.--(1) Child care 
     assistance under this section may include the following:
       ``(A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by 
     licensed child care centers (either directly or through a 
     voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, 
     modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care 
     Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the 
     Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 
     (Public Law 107-67; 115 Stat. 552).
       ``(B) Direct provision of child care at an on-site facility 
     of the Department.
       ``(C) Payments to private child care agencies.
       ``(D) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other 
     Federal departments or agencies.
       ``(E) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) In the case that child care assistance under this 
     section is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), such 
     stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1709A the following new item:

``1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving 
              health care.''.
       (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 205(e) of the Caregivers 
     and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 
     111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by inserting ``but 
     not after the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive 
     Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay 
     Restoration Act of 2014'' before the period at the end.
       (b) Assistance for Child Care for Individuals Receiving 
     Readjustment Counseling and Related Mental Health Services.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 17, as amended by 
     subsection (a)(1) of this section, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals 
       receiving readjustment counseling and related mental health 
       services

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
     program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to 
     qualified individuals described in subsection (c) to obtain 
     child care so that such individuals can receive readjustment 
     counseling and related mental health services.
       ``(b) Limitation on Period of Payments.--Assistance may 
     only be provided to a qualified individual under this section 
     for receipt of child care during the period that the 
     qualified individual receives readjustment counseling and 
     related health care services at a Vet Center.

[[Page 3171]]

       ``(c) Qualified Individuals.--For purposes of this section, 
     a qualified individual is an individual who is--
       ``(1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and
       ``(2)(A) receiving from the Department regular readjustment 
     counseling and related mental health services; or
       ``(B) in need of readjustment counseling and related mental 
     health services from the Department, and but for lack of 
     child care services, would receive such counseling and 
     services from the Department.
       ``(d) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     under this section in no fewer than three Readjustment 
     Counseling Service Regions selected by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program.
       ``(e) Forms of Child Care Assistance.--(1) Child care 
     assistance under this section may include the following:
       ``(A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by 
     licensed child care centers (either directly or through a 
     voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, 
     modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care 
     Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the 
     Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 
     (Public Law 107-67; 115 Stat. 552).
       ``(B) Payments to private child care agencies.
       ``(C) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other 
     Federal departments or agencies.
       ``(D) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) In the case that child care assistance under this 
     subsection is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), 
     such stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care.
       ``(f) Vet Center Defined.--In this section, the term `Vet 
     Center' means a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for individuals under section 
     1712A of this title.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17, as amended by subsection (a)(2) of 
     this section, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 1709B the following new item:

``1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals receiving 
              readjustment counseling and related mental health 
              services.''.

     SEC. 379. COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS 
                   NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       (a) Counseling in Retreat Settings.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women 
       veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide, through the 
     Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health 
     Administration, reintegration and readjustment services 
     described in subsection (c) in group retreat settings to 
     women veterans who are recently separated from service in the 
     Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment.
       ``(b) Election of Veteran.--The receipt of services under 
     this section by a woman veteran shall be at the election of 
     the veteran.
       ``(c) Covered Services.--The services provided to a woman 
     veteran under this section shall include the following:
       ``(1) Information on reintegration into the veteran's 
     family, employment, and community.
       ``(2) Financial counseling.
       ``(3) Occupational counseling.
       ``(4) Information and counseling on stress reduction.
       ``(5) Information and counseling on conflict resolution.
       ``(6) Such other information and counseling as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate to assist the veteran in 
     reintegration into the veteran's family, employment, and 
     community.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1720G the following new item:

``1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly 
              separated from service in the Armed Forces.''.
       (b) Repeal of Superseded Pilot Program Authority.--Section 
     203 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services 
     Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is 
     hereby repealed.

               Subtitle H--Major Medical Facility Leases

     SEC. 381. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the 
     following major medical facility leases at the locations 
     specified, and in an amount for each lease not to exceed the 
     amount shown for such location (not including any estimated 
     cancellation costs):
       (1) For a clinical research and pharmacy coordinating 
     center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, an amount not to exceed 
     $9,560,000.
       (2) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Brick, New 
     Jersey, an amount not to exceed $7,280,000.
       (3) For a new primary care and dental clinic annex, 
     Charleston, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed 
     $7,070,250.
       (4) For the Cobb County community-based Outpatient Clinic, 
     Cobb County, Georgia, an amount not to exceed $6,409,000.
       (5) For the Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center, 
     Honolulu, Hawaii, including a co-located clinic with the 
     Department of Defense and the co-location of the Honolulu 
     Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration and 
     the Kapolei Vet Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     an amount not to exceed $15,887,370.
       (6) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Johnson 
     County, Kansas, an amount not to exceed $2,263,000.
       (7) For a replacement community-based outpatient clinic, 
     Lafayette, Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,996,000.
       (8) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lake Charles, 
     Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,626,000.
       (9) For outpatient clinic consolidation, New Port Richey, 
     Florida, an amount not to exceed $11,927,000.
       (10) For an outpatient clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico, an 
     amount not to exceed $11,535,000.
       (11) For lease consolidation, San Antonio, Texas, an amount 
     not to exceed $19,426,000.
       (12) For a community-based outpatient clinic, San Diego, 
     California, an amount not to exceed $11,946,100.
       (13) For an outpatient clinic, Tyler, Texas, an amount not 
     to exceed $4,327,000.
       (14) For the Errera Community Care Center, West Haven, 
     Connecticut, an amount not to exceed $4,883,000.
       (15) For the Worcester community-based Outpatient Clinic, 
     Worcester, Massachusetts, an amount not to exceed $4,855,000.
       (16) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an amount not to exceed 
     $4,232,060.
       (17) For a multispecialty clinic, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 
     an amount not to exceed $7,069,000.
       (18) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Chico, California, an amount not to exceed 
     $4,534,000.
       (19) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Chula Vista, 
     California, an amount not to exceed $3,714,000.
       (20) For a new research lease, Hines, Illinois, an amount 
     not to exceed $22,032,000.
       (21) For a replacement research lease, Houston, Texas, an 
     amount not to exceed $6,142,000.
       (22) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lincoln, 
     Nebraska, an amount not to exceed $7,178,400.
       (23) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lubbock, 
     Texas, an amount not to exceed $8,554,000.
       (24) For a community-based outpatient clinic consolidation, 
     Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed 
     $8,022,000.
       (25) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Phoenix, 
     Arizona, an amount not to exceed $20,757,000.
       (26) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Redding, California, an amount not to exceed 
     $8,154,000.
       (27) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Tulsa, Oklahoma, an amount not to exceed $13,269,200.

     SEC. 382. BUDGETARY TREATMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITIES LEASES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Title 31, United States Code, requires the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to record the full cost of its 
     contractual obligation against funds available at the time a 
     contract is executed.
       (2) Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11 provides 
     guidance to agencies in meeting the statutory requirements 
     under title 31, United States Code, with respect to leases.
       (3) For operating leases, Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
     record up-front budget authority in an ``amount equal to 
     total payments under the full term of the lease or [an] 
     amount sufficient to cover first year lease payments plus 
     cancellation costs''.
       (b) Requirement for Obligation of Full Cost.--Subject to 
     the availability of appropriations provided in advance, in 
     exercising the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     to enter into leases provided in this Act, the Secretary 
     shall record, pursuant to section 1501 of title 31, United 
     States Code, as the full cost of the contractual obligation 
     at the time a contract is executed either--
       (1) an amount equal to total payments under the full term 
     of the lease; or
       (2) if the lease specifies payments to be made in the event 
     the lease is terminated before its full term, an amount 
     sufficient to cover the first year lease payments plus the 
     specified cancellation costs.
       (c) Transparency.--
       (1) Compliance.--Subsection (b) of section 8104 is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) In the case of a prospectus proposing funding for a 
     major medical facility lease, a detailed analysis of how the 
     lease is expected to comply with Office of Management and 
     Budget Circular A-11 and section 1341 of title 31 (commonly 
     referred to as the `Anti-Deficiency Act'). Any such analysis 
     shall include--

[[Page 3172]]

       ``(A) an analysis of the classification of the lease as a 
     `lease-purchase', `capital lease', or `operating lease' as 
     those terms are defined in Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11;
       ``(B) an analysis of the obligation of budgetary resources 
     associated with the lease; and
       ``(C) an analysis of the methodology used in determining 
     the asset cost, fair market value, and cancellation costs of 
     the lease.''.
       (2) Submittal to congress.--Such section 8104 is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h)(1) Not less than 30 days before entering into a major 
     medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives--
       ``(A) notice of the Secretary's intention to enter into the 
     lease;
       ``(B) a copy of the proposed lease;
       ``(C) a description and analysis of any differences between 
     the prospectus submitted pursuant to subsection (b) and the 
     proposed lease; and
       ``(D) a scoring analysis demonstrating that the proposed 
     lease fully complies with Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11.
       ``(2) Each committee described in paragraph (1) shall 
     ensure that any information submitted to the committee under 
     such paragraph is treated by the committee with the same 
     level of confidentiality as is required by law of the 
     Secretary and subject to the same statutory penalties for 
     unauthorized disclosure or use as the Secretary.
       ``(3) Not more than 30 days after entering into a major 
     medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to each 
     committee described in paragraph (1) a report on any material 
     differences between the lease that was entered into and the 
     proposed lease described under such paragraph, including how 
     the lease that was entered into changes the previously 
     submitted scoring analysis described in subparagraph (D) of 
     such paragraph.''.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the 
     amendments made by this section, shall be construed to in any 
     way relieve the Department of Veterans Affairs from any 
     statutory or regulatory obligations or requirements existing 
     prior to the enactment of this section and such amendments.

                TITLE IV--EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Training and Other Services for Veterans Seeking Employment

     SEC. 401. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS RETRAINING ASSISTANCE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Extension.--Subsection (k) of section 211 of the VOW to 
     Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56; 38 U.S.C. 4100 
     note) is amended by striking ``March 31, 2014'' and inserting 
     ``June 30, 2016''.
       (b) Number of Eligible Veterans.--Subsection (a)(2) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(C) 50,000 during the period beginning April 1, 2014, and 
     ending June 30, 2015; and
       ``(D) 50,000 during the period beginning July 1, 2015, and 
     ending June 30, 2016.''.
       (c) Clarification of Limitation on Aggregate Amount of 
     Assistance.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended by 
     striking ``up to 12 months of retraining assistance provided 
     by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs'' and inserting ``an 
     aggregate of not more than 12 months of retraining assistance 
     provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under this 
     section''.
       (d) Providers of Retraining Assistance.--Subsection (b) of 
     such section is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as 
     paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (3):
       ``(3) is offered by a four-year educational institution 
     and, as determined by the Secretary, is not reasonably 
     available at a community college or technical school;''.
       (e) Extension of Application Date.--Subsection (e)(1)(G) of 
     such section is amended by striking ``October 1, 2013'' and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2015''.
       (f) Reports.--Subsection (i) of such section is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Report'' and 
     inserting ``Reports'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph (1):
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress reports on 
     training assistance provided under this section as follows:
       ``(A) By not later than October 1, 2015, for participants 
     provided assistance through March 31, 2014.
       ``(B) By not later than October 1, 2017, for participants 
     provided assistance during the period beginning on April 1, 
     2014, and ending on June 2016.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``The report required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include'' and inserting ``Each report 
     required by paragraph (1) shall include, for the period 
     covered by such report,''.

     SEC. 402. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION AND 
                   VOCATIONAL BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES 
                   WITH SEVERE INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

       (a) In General.--Section 1631(b)(2) of the Wounded Warrior 
     Act (title XVI of Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2016''.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the benefits provided by the Secretary under 
     section 1631(b) of such Act.
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF ADDITIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR 
                   PERSONS WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED RIGHTS TO 
                   UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS UNDER STATE LAW.

       Section 3102(b)(4) is amended by striking ``March 31, 
     2014'' and inserting ``March 31, 2016''.

     SEC. 404. UNIFIED EMPLOYMENT PORTAL FOR VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4105 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(c)(1) The Secretary shall develop a single, unified 
     Federal web-based employment portal, for use by veterans, 
     containing information regarding all Federal programs and 
     activities concerning employment, unemployment, and training 
     to the extent the programs and activities affect veterans.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall work with representatives from 
     the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Small Business Administration, and other Federal 
     agencies and organizations concerned with veterans' issues, 
     to determine an appropriate platform and implementing agency 
     for the portal. The Secretary shall enter into an agreement 
     with the other Federal agencies for the implementation of the 
     portal.''.
       (b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Labor shall implement 
     the portal required by subsection (c) of section 4105 of 
     title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of 
     this section), by not later than January 1, 2015.

     SEC. 405. REPORT ON UNIFIED GOVERNMENT INTERNET PORTAL FOR 
                   VETERANS ON JOBS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FEDERAL 
                   GOVERNMENT.

       (a) Identification of Internet Websites and Applications 
     That Can Assist Veterans Seeking Employment.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor shall, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the 
     Secretary of Defense, and other appropriate public and 
     private entities, take appropriate actions to identify 
     Internet websites and applications that can assist veterans 
     in seeking employment.
       (2) Priority in identification of certain websites and 
     applications.--In identifying websites and applications 
     pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall place a 
     particular priority on identifying websites and applications 
     that do the following:
       (A) Match veterans seeking employment with available jobs 
     based on the skills the veterans acquired as members of the 
     Armed Forces.
       (B) Permit employers to post information about available 
     jobs.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of Labor 
     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 actions of the Secretary 
     under subsection (a). The report shall include an assessment 
     of the feasibility and advisability of creating a single, 
     unified Internet-based employment portal for the Federal 
     Government for use by veterans regarding employment through 
     the Federal Government, including the cost of creating the 
     portal, the collaboration with other Federal agencies 
     required to create the portal, and the anticipated use of the 
     portal.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 406. INFORMATION ON DISABILITY-RELATED EMPLOYMENT AND 
                   EDUCATION PROTECTIONS IN TRANSITION ASSISTANCE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 1144(b) of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(9) Provide information about disability-related 
     employment and education protections.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

[[Page 3173]]



 Subtitle B--Employment of Veterans and Recognition of Veteran Status 
               With Respect to Employment Related Matters

     SEC. 411. EMPLOYMENT OF VETERANS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 4214 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4)(A) The requirement under this paragraph is in 
     addition to the appointment of qualified covered veterans 
     under the authority under paragraph (1) by the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
       ``(B) The head of each agency, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall develop 
     a plan for exercising the authority specified in subparagraph 
     (C) during the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
     enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits 
     and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014.
       ``(C) The authority specified in this subparagraph is the 
     authority as follows:
       ``(i) The authority under paragraph (1).
       ``(ii) The authority available to the agency concerned 
     under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 
     (Public Law 105-339) and the amendments made by that Act.
       ``(D) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     shall ensure that under the plans developed under 
     subparagraph (B) agencies shall appoint to existing vacancies 
     not fewer than 15,000 qualified covered veterans during the 
     five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
     the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. For purposes of 
     complying with this subparagraph, an appointment pursuant to 
     the authority referred to in subparagraph (C)(ii) shall not 
     count toward the number required by this subparagraph unless 
     the appointment is to a vacancy in a full-time, permanent 
     position.'';
       (2) in subsection (d), in the third sentence, by inserting 
     ``(including, during the 5-year period beginning on the date 
     of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     the development and implementation by each agency of the plan 
     required under subsection (b)(4), which shall include 
     information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments 
     by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments 
     are, or are converted to, career or career-conditional 
     appointments)'' after ``subsection (b) of this section''; and
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking ``to 
     the Congress'' and inserting ``to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including, during 
     the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
     the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, the development and 
     implementation by the agency of the plan required under 
     subsection (b)(4), which shall include information regarding 
     the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under 
     the plan and whether the appointments are, or are converted 
     to, permanent appointments)'' before the period; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) In this subsection, the term `appropriate committees 
     of Congress' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; 
     and
       ``(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee 
     on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of 
     Representatives.''.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Personnel Management shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress (as defined under section 4214(e)(3) 
     of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection 
     (a)) regarding the development of a plan to carry out the 
     amendments made by subsection (a).

     SEC. 412. STATE RECOGNITION OF MILITARY EXPERIENCE OF 
                   VETERANS IN ISSUING LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS TO 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4102A(c) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (9) and inserting the following new paragraph (9):
       ``(9)(A) As a condition of a grant or contract under which 
     funds are made available to a State under subsection (b)(5) 
     in order to carry out section 4103A or 4104 of this title, 
     the State shall--
       ``(i) establish a program under which the State administers 
     an examination to each veteran seeking a license or 
     credential issued by the State and issues such license or 
     credential to such veteran without requiring such veteran to 
     undergo any training or apprenticeship if the veteran--
       ``(I) receives a satisfactory score on completion of such 
     examination, as determined by the State;
       ``(II) has been awarded a military occupational specialty 
     that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the 
     requirements of the State for the issuance of such license or 
     credential;
       ``(III) has engaged in the active practice of the 
     occupation for which the veteran is seeking such license or 
     credential for at least two of the five years preceding the 
     date of application; and
       ``(IV) pays any customary or usual fees required by the 
     State for such license or credential; and
       ``(ii) submit each year to the Secretary a report on the 
     exams administered under clause (i) during the most recently 
     completed 12-month period that includes, for the period 
     covered by the report the number of veterans who completed an 
     exam administered by the State under clause (i) and a 
     description of the results of such exams, disaggregated by 
     occupational field.
       ``(B) The Secretary may waive the requirement under 
     subparagraph (A) that a State establish a program described 
     in that subparagraph as a condition of a grant or contract if 
     the State certifies to the Secretary that the State--
       ``(i) takes into account previous military training for the 
     purposes of issuing licenses or credentials;
       ``(ii) permits veterans to completely satisfy through 
     examination any training or testing requirements for a 
     license or credential with respect to which a veteran has 
     previously completed military training; and
       ``(iii) for any credential or license for which a veteran 
     is unable to completely satisfy such requirements through 
     examination, the State substantially reduces training time 
     required to satisfy such requirement based on the military 
     training received by the veteran.
       ``(C) Not less frequently than once each year, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of 
     Defense a report summarizing the information received by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--
       (1) Exams.--Subparagraph (A) of section 4102A(c)(9) of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
     grants and contracts described in such subparagraph awarded 
     after such date.
       (2) Reports.--Subparagraph (B) of such section 4102A(c)(9), 
     as so added, shall take effect on the date that is one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act and the Secretary 
     of Labor shall submit the first report under such 
     subparagraph not later than two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 413. GRANTS TO HIRE VETERANS AS FIRST RESPONDERS.

       (a) Grants for Firefighters.--The Secretary of Homeland 
     Security shall award grants under section 34 of the Federal 
     Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229a) to 
     hire veterans as firefighters.
       (b) Grants for Law Enforcement Officers.--The Attorney 
     General shall award grants under part Q of title I of the 
     Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 
     3796dd et seq.) to hire veterans as law enforcement officers.
       (c) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section to 
     hire veterans, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
     Attorney General shall give priority to the hiring of 
     veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces on or 
     after September 11, 2001.
       (d) Funding.--
       (1) Department of homeland security.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of 
     Homeland Security, $125,000,000 to carry out subsection (a).
       (2) Department of justice.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of 
     Justice, $125,000,000 to carry out subsection (b).
       (3) Availability.--The amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated by this subsection shall be available for 
     expenditure through September 30, 2018.

     SEC. 414. EMPLOYMENT OF VETERANS AS EVALUATION FACTOR IN THE 
                   AWARDING OF FEDERAL CONTRACTS.

       (a) Civilian Contracts.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 33 of title 41, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 3313. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor

       ``The head of each executive agency shall consider 
     favorably as an evaluation factor in solicitations for 
     contracts and task or delivery order valued at or above 
     $25,000,000 the employment by a prospective contractor of 
     veterans constituting at least 5 percent of the contractor's 
     workforce.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 33 of such title is amended by adding 
     after the item relating to section 3312 the following new 
     item:

``3313. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor.''.
       (b) Defense Contracts.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 137 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 2338. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor

       ``The head of each agency shall consider favorably as an 
     evaluation factor in solicitations for contracts and task or 
     delivery order valued at or above $25,000,000 the employment 
     by a prospective contractor of veterans

[[Page 3174]]

     constituting at least 5 percent of the contractor's 
     workforce.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 137 of such title is amended by adding 
     after the item relating to section 2337 the following new 
     item:

``2338. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor.''.
       (c) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory 
     Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
     carry out the provisions of section 3313 of title 41, United 
     States Code, and section 2338 of title 10, United States 
     Code, as added by subsections (a) and (b), respectively.

     SEC. 415. REPORT ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MEMBERS OF RESERVE 
                   COMPONENTS OF ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS IN 
                   CIVILIAN LABOR MARKET.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 570 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this act, the Secretary of Labor, in 
     coordination with the heads of such agencies as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on barriers and potential 
     discrimination facing veterans in the labor market.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An evaluation of the following:
       (A) The extent to which members of the reserve components 
     of the Armed Forces and veterans face barriers to entry into 
     the civilian labor market, including whether such members and 
     veterans face obstacles in obtaining employment, maintaining 
     employment, or receiving promotions while employed.
       (B) The extent to which a member of a reserve component of 
     the Armed Forces or a veteran faces discrimination in the 
     civilian labor market based on the member's or veteran's 
     status as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
     or as a veteran, as the case may be.
       (C) The adequacy and effectiveness of Federal laws in 
     effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this 
     Act in preventing or ameliorating acts of discrimination 
     against members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces 
     and veterans seeking or retaining employment in the civilian 
     labor market.
       (D) The adequacy and effectiveness of programs of the 
     Department of Labor in effect on the day before the date of 
     the enactment of this Act in educating private sector 
     employers on matters relevant to hiring and employing 
     veterans and the military experience of veterans.
       (2) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action--
       (A) to address barriers or discrimination that members of 
     the reserve components of the Armed Forces and veterans may 
     face in the civilian labor market;
       (B) to improve education and outreach for employers in the 
     civilian labor market on issues regarding hiring and 
     employing such members and veterans; and
       (C) to assist employers in the civilian labor market in 
     matching the military experience of such members and veterans 
     with the needs of such employers.
       (3) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

                Subtitle C--Program on Career Transition

     SEC. 421. PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES 
                   TO YOUNG VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary 
     of Labor, carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of establishing a program to provide career 
     transition services to eligible individuals--
       (1) to provide eligible individuals with work experience in 
     the civilian sector;
       (2) to increase the marketable skills of eligible 
     individuals;
       (3) to assist eligible individuals in obtaining long-term 
     employment; and
       (4) to assist in integrating eligible individuals into 
     their local communities.
       (b) Eligible Individuals.--For purposes of the program, an 
     eligible individual is an individual who--
       (1) is--
       (A) a veteran of the Armed Forces who was discharged or 
     released from service therein under conditions other than 
     dishonorable; or
       (B) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
     (including the National Guard) who--
       (i) served on active duty in the Armed Forces (other than 
     active duty for training) for more than 180 consecutive days 
     during the three-year period ending on the date of 
     application for participation in the program; and
       (ii) is not serving on active duty on the date of 
     commencement of participation in the program;
       (2) if discharged or released from the Armed Forces on the 
     date of commencement of participation in the program, was so 
     discharged or released not later than three years before 
     application for participation in the program;
       (3) is unemployed or underemployed, as determined by the 
     Secretary; and
       (4) is, at the time at which the individual applies for 
     participation in the program, 18 years of age or older, but 
     not more than 30 years of age.
       (c) Eligible Employers.--
       (1) In general.--For purposes of the program, an eligible 
     employer is an employer determined by the Secretary to meet 
     such criteria for participation in the program as the 
     Secretary shall establish for purposes of the program.
       (2) Past performance on certain matters.--The criteria 
     established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) may include 
     past performance of an employer with respect to the 
     following:
       (A) Job training, basic skills training, and related 
     activities.
       (B) Financial accountability.
       (C) Demonstrated high potential for growth and long-term 
     job creation.
       (3) For-profit and not-for-profit employers.--The employers 
     determined by the Secretary to be eligible employers under 
     paragraph (1) may include both for-profit and not-for-profit 
     employers.
       (4) Small business concerns.--In determining employers to 
     be eligible employers under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall ensure that small business concerns are afforded 
     opportunities to participate in the program.
       (5) Exclusions.--The following employers may not be 
     determined to be an eligible employer under paragraph (1):
       (A) An agency of the Federal Government or a State or local 
     government.
       (B) An employer that has previously participated in the 
     program and, as determined by the Secretary, failed to abide 
     by any requirement of the program.
       (C) An employer that cannot give an assurance to the 
     Secretary at the time of application for participation in the 
     program under subsection (l), and in such manner as the 
     Secretary shall specify pursuant to that subsection, on each 
     matter as follows:
       (i) That the employer has not been investigated or subject 
     to a case or action by the Federal Trade Commission during 
     the 180-day period ending on the date the employer would 
     otherwise commence participation in the program.
       (ii) That the employer has been in good standing with a 
     State business bureau during the period described in clause 
     (i).
       (iii) That the employer is not delinquent with respect to 
     payment of any taxes or employer contributions described 
     under section 3301 and 3302 (a)(1) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3301 and 3302(a)(1)).
       (iv) That the employer would not request the placement of 
     an additional eligible individual under the program, if after 
     such additional placement, the number of eligible individuals 
     placed in internships at such employer under the program 
     would constitute more than 10 percent of the eligible 
     employer's workforce. For purposes of the previous sentence, 
     being an intern under the program placed at an employer shall 
     be considered part of the employer's workforce.
       (v) That the employer has the intention of retaining 
     eligible participants after such participants have completed 
     participation in the program.
       (d) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     during the three-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the program.
       (e) Career Transition Services.--For purposes of the 
     program, career transition services are the following:
       (1) Internships under subsection (f).
       (2) Mentorship and job-shadowing under subsection (g).
       (3) Volunteer opportunities under subsection (h).
       (4) Professional skill workshops under subsection (i).
       (5) Skills assessment under subsection (j).
       (6) Additional services under subsection (k).
       (f) Internships.--
       (1) In general.--For each eligible individual whom the 
     Secretary approves for participation in the program, the 
     Secretary shall attempt to place such eligible individual in 
     an internship on a full-time basis with an eligible employer 
     whom the Secretary has approved for participation in the 
     program.
       (2) Duration.--Each internship under the program shall be 
     for a period of one year.
       (3) Wages.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall furnish pay and 
     benefits to each eligible individual participating in an 
     internship under the program for the duration of such 
     participation in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000.
       (4) Employment status.--For purposes of the Patient 
     Protection and Affordable Care

[[Page 3175]]

     Act (Public Law 111-148), an eligible individual placed in an 
     internship with an eligible employer under the program shall 
     be considered an employee of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs and not the eligible employer during the period of 
     such internship under the program.
       (5) Relation to other federal assistance.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, pay received by an individual 
     under this subsection may not be used in any calculation to 
     determine the eligibility of such individual for any Federal 
     program for the purpose of obtaining child care assistance.
       (g) Mentorship and Job-Shadowing.--
       (1) In general.--As a condition of an eligible employer's 
     participation in the program and the placement of an eligible 
     individual in an internship at the eligible employer, the 
     eligible employer shall provide each eligible individual 
     placed in an internship at the eligible employer under the 
     program with at least one mentor who is an employee of the 
     eligible employer.
       (2) Job-shadowing and career counseling.--To the extent 
     practicable, a mentor assigned to an eligible individual 
     participating in the program shall provide such eligible 
     individual with job shadowing and career counseling.
       (h) Volunteer Opportunities.--
       (1) In general.--As a condition on participation in the 
     program, each eligible individual who participates in the 
     program shall, not less frequently than once each month in 
     which the eligible individual participates in the program, 
     engage in a qualifying volunteer activity in accordance with 
     guidelines the Secretary shall establish.
       (2) Qualifying volunteer activities.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, a qualifying volunteer activity is any activity 
     the Secretary considers related to providing assistance to, 
     or for the benefit of, a veteran. Such activities may include 
     the following:
       (A) Outreach.
       (B) Assisting an organization recognized by the Secretary 
     for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of 
     title 38, United States Code, on a volunteer basis.
       (C) Service benefitting a veteran in a State home or a 
     Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility.
       (D) Service benefitting a veteran at an institution of 
     higher education.
       (i) Professional Skills Workshops.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide eligible 
     individuals participating in the program with workshops for 
     the development and improvement of the professional skills of 
     such eligible individuals.
       (2) Tailored.--The workshops provided by the Secretary 
     shall be tailored to meet the particular needs of eligible 
     individuals participating in the program as determined under 
     subsection (j).
       (3) Topics.--The workshops provided to eligible individuals 
     participating in the program may include workshops for the 
     development of such professional skills as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate, which may include the following:
       (A) Written and oral communication skills.
       (B) Basic word processing and other computer skills.
       (C) Interpersonal skills.
       (4) Manner of presentation.--Workshops on particular topics 
     shall be provided through such means as may be appropriate, 
     effective, and approved of by the Secretary for purposes of 
     the program. Such means may include use of electronic 
     communication.
       (5) Assessments.--The Secretary shall conduct an assessment 
     of a participant in a workshop conducted under this 
     subsection to assess the participant's knowledge acquired as 
     a result of participating in the workshop.
       (j) Skills Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Under the program, the Secretary shall 
     develop and implement an objective assessment of eligible 
     individuals participating in the program to assist in the 
     placement of such individuals in internships under subsection 
     (f) and to assist in the tailoring of workshops under 
     subsection (i).
       (2) Elements.--The assessment may include an assessment of 
     the skill levels and service needs of each participant, which 
     may include a review of basic professional entry-level 
     skills, prior work experience, employability, and the 
     individual's interests.
       (k) Additional Services.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall, under the program, furnish the following 
     services to an eligible individual participating in the 
     program when assessment under subsection (j) indicates such 
     services are appropriate:
       (A) Counseling, such as job counseling and career 
     counseling.
       (B) Job search assistance.
       (C) Follow-up services with participants that are offered 
     unsubsidized employment by the employer with whom they were 
     assigned.
       (D) Transportation, as described in paragraph (3).
       (2) Referrals.--In lieu of furnishing a service to an 
     eligible individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may 
     refer such eligible individual to another Federal, State, or 
     local government program that provides such service.
       (3) Transportation.--In accordance with criteria 
     established by the Secretary for purposes of the program, the 
     Secretary may pay an allowance based upon mileage, of any 
     eligible individual placed in an internship under the program 
     not in excess of 75 miles to or from a facility of the 
     eligible employer or other place in connection with such 
     internship.
       (l) Participation.--
       (1) Application.--
       (A) In general.--An eligible employer or eligible 
     individual seeking to participate in the program shall submit 
     to the Secretary an application therefor at such time, in 
     such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
     shall specify.
       (B) Requirements for eligible employers.--An application 
     submitted by an eligible employer under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include a certification or other information, in such 
     form and manner as the Secretary shall specify, on each of 
     the assurances required by subsection (c)(5)(C), including 
     the assurance that the employer has the intention of 
     retaining eligible participants after they have completed 
     participation in the program as provided in clause (v) of 
     that subsection.
       (2) Time of application for certain eligible individuals.--
     A member of the Armed Forces on active duty who expects to be 
     an eligible individual described in subsection (b)(1)(A) upon 
     discharge or release from the Armed Forces may submit an 
     application to participate in the program not earlier than 
     180 days before the date on which the member expects to be 
     discharged or released from the Armed Forces. A member who 
     submits such an application shall be treated as unemployed or 
     underemployed for purposes of subsection (b)(2) if the member 
     has not accepted an offer of employment after discharge or 
     release as of the time of the submittal of the application.
       (3) Delimiting date for commencement of participation by 
     individuals.--An eligible individual may not commence 
     participation in the program after the date that is two years 
     after the date of the commencement of the program.
       (4) Selection.--The Secretary shall review each application 
     submitted by an applicant under paragraph (1) and approve or 
     disapprove the applicant for participation in the program.
       (m) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to eligible 
     entities to assist the Secretary in carrying out the program.
       (2) Eligible entities.--For purposes of the program, an 
     eligible entity is a nonprofit organization.
       (3) Considerations.--In awarding grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary may consider whether an eligible 
     entity--
       (A) has an understanding of the unemployment problems of 
     eligible individuals and members of the Armed Forces 
     transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian 
     life; and
       (B) has the capability to assist the Secretary in 
     administering effectively the program and providing career 
     transition services to eligible individuals.
       (4) Use of funds.--Amounts received by a recipient of a 
     grant under this subsection may be used as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate for purposes of the program, including 
     as follows:
       (A) To assist the Secretary in carrying out the program.
       (B) To recruit eligible employers and eligible individuals 
     to participate in the program.
       (C) To match eligible individuals participating in the 
     program with internship opportunities at eligible employers 
     participating in the program.
       (D) To coordinate and carry out job placement and other 
     employer outreach activities.
       (n) Outreach.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the 
     Secretary of Labor shall jointly carry out a program of 
     outreach to inform eligible employers and eligible 
     individuals about the program and the benefits of 
     participating in the program.
       (2) Included locations and groups.--The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor shall ensure that 
     any outreach program and activities conducted under paragraph 
     (1) include, to the extent practicable, rural communities, 
     tribal lands of the United States, Native Americans, and 
     tribal organizations (as defined in section 3765 of title 38, 
     United States Code).
       (o) Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Program.--
       (1) In general.--Each year of the program, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs may recognize one or more eligible employers 
     or one or more eligible individuals participating in the 
     program for demonstrating outstanding achievement in carrying 
     out or in contributing to the success of the program.
       (2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish such selection 
     procedures and criteria as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the award of recognition under this 
     subsection.
       (p) Minimization of Administrative Burden on Participating 
     Employers.--The Secretary shall take such measures as may be 
     necessary to minimize administrative burdens incurred by 
     eligible employers due to participation in the program.
       (q) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the 
     completion of the first year of the program and not later 
     than 180 days after the

[[Page 3176]]

     completion of the second and third years of the program, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An evaluation of the program.
       (B) The number and characteristics of participants in the 
     program.
       (C) The number and types of internships in which eligible 
     individuals were placed under the program.
       (D) The number of individuals who obtained long-term full-
     time unsubsidized employment positions after participation in 
     the program, the hourly wage and nature of such employment, 
     and if available, whether such individuals were still 
     employed in such positions three months after obtaining such 
     positions.
       (E) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
     providing career transition services to eligible individuals.
       (F) An assessment of the effect of the program on earnings 
     of eligible individuals and the employment of eligible 
     individuals.
       (G) Such recommendations for legislative and administrative 
     action as the Secretary may have to improve the program, to 
     expand the program, or to improve the employment of eligible 
     individuals.
       (r) Funding Limitations.--
       (1) Wages for internships.--Not less than 95 percent of 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated for the program by 
     subsection (t) shall be used to provide pay under subsection 
     (f)(3).
       (2) Administration.--Not more than 5 percent of amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated for the program by subsection 
     (t) may be used to administer the program.
       (s) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active duty, armed forces, reserve component, and 
     veteran.--The terms ``active duty'', ``Armed Forces'', 
     ``reserve component'', and ``veteran'' have the meanings 
     given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Full-time basis.--The term ``full-time basis'', with 
     respect to an internship, means participation in the 
     internship of not fewer than 30 hours per week and not more 
     than 40 hours per week.
       (3) Small business concern.--The term ``small business 
     concern'' has the meaning given that term under section 3(a) 
     of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).
       (4) Unemployment compensation.--The term ``unemployment 
     compensation'' means regular compensation (as defined in 
     section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment 
     Compensation Act of 1970), compensation under the Federal-
     State Extended Compensation Act of 1970, and compensation 
     under the emergency unemployment compensation program under 
     title IV of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008.
       (t) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, $600,000,000 to carry out 
     this section. The amount so authorized to be appropriated 
     shall remain available until expended.

Subtitle D--Improving Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of 
                         the Uniformed Services

     SEC. 431. ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED 
                   SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO STATES AND PRIVATE 
                   EMPLOYERS.

       (a) Action for Relief.--Subsection (a) of section 4323 is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``appear on behalf of, and act as attorney 
     for, the person on whose behalf the complaint is submitted 
     and'';
       (B) by striking ``for such person'';
       (C) by striking the fourth sentence; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following: ``The person on 
     whose behalf the complaint is referred may, upon timely 
     application, intervene in such action, and may obtain such 
     appropriate relief as is provided in subsections (d) and 
     (e).'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) Not later than 60 days after the date the Attorney 
     General receives a referral under paragraph (1), the Attorney 
     General shall transmit, in writing, to the person on whose 
     behalf the complaint is submitted--
       ``(i) if the Attorney General has made a decision to 
     commence an action for relief under paragraph (1) relating to 
     the complaint of the person, notice of the decision; and
       ``(ii) if the Attorney General has not made such a 
     decision, notice of when the Attorney General expects to make 
     such a decision.
       ``(B) If the Attorney General notifies a person that the 
     Attorney General expects to make a decision under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii), the Attorney General shall, not later 
     than 30 days after the date on which the Attorney General 
     makes such decision, notify, in writing, the person of such 
     decision.'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (3):
       ``(3) Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to 
     believe that a State (as an employer) or a private employer 
     is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full 
     enjoyment of any of the rights and benefits provided for 
     under this chapter, and that the pattern or practice is of 
     such a nature and is intended to deny the full exercise of 
     such rights and benefits, the Attorney General may commence 
     an action for relief under this chapter.''; and
       (5) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by 
     striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new 
     subparagraph (C):
       ``(C) has been notified by the Attorney General that the 
     Attorney General does not intend to commence an action for 
     relief under paragraph (1) with respect to the complaint 
     under such paragraph.''.
       (b) Standing.--Subsection (f) of such section is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(f) Standing.--An action under this chapter may be 
     initiated only by the Attorney General or by a person 
     claiming rights or benefits under this chapter under 
     subsection (a).''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (h)(2) of such 
     section is amended by striking ``under subsection (a)(2)'' 
     and inserting ``under paragraph (1) or (4) of subsection 
     (a)''.

     SEC. 432. SUSPENSION, TERMINATION, OR DEBARMENT OF 
                   CONTRACTORS FOR REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF 
                   EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF 
                   UNIFORMED SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 43 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of 
       contractors

       ``(a) Grounds for Suspension, Termination, or Debarment.--
     Payment under a contract awarded by a Federal executive 
     agency may be suspended and the contract may be terminated, 
     and the contractor who made the contract with the agency may 
     be suspended or debarred in accordance with the requirements 
     of this section, if the head of the agency determines that 
     the contractor as an employer has repeatedly been convicted 
     of failing or refusing to comply with one or more provisions 
     of this chapter.
       ``(b) Effect of Debarment.--A contractor debarred by a 
     final decision under this section is ineligible for award of 
     a contract by a Federal executive agency, and for 
     participation in a future procurement by a Federal executive 
     agency, for a period specified in the decision, not to exceed 
     5 years.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 43 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 4327 the following new item:

``4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractor.''.
       (c) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory 
     Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
     carry out section 4328 of title 38, United States Code, as 
     added by subsection (a).
       (d) Effective Date.--Section 4328 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with 
     respect to failures and refusals to comply with provisions of 
     chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, occurring on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (e) Annual Report.--Section 4332(a) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new 
     paragraph (10):
       ``(10) The number of suspensions, terminations, and 
     debarments under section 4328 of this title, disaggregated by 
     the agency or department imposing the suspension or 
     debarment.''.

     SEC. 433. SUBPOENA POWER FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL IN ENFORCEMENT 
                   OF EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF 
                   MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO 
                   FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES.

       Section 4324 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(e)(1) In order to carry out the Special Counsel's 
     responsibilities under this section, the Special Counsel may 
     require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of Federal 
     employees and the production of documents from Federal 
     employees and Federal executive agencies.
       ``(2) In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a 
     subpoena issued under paragraph (1), upon application by the 
     Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board may issue 
     an order requiring a Federal employee or Federal executive 
     agency to comply with a subpoena of the Special Counsel.
       ``(3) An order issued under paragraph (2) may be enforced 
     by the Merit Systems Protection Board in the same manner as 
     any order issued under section 1204 of title 5.''.

     SEC. 434. ISSUANCE AND SERVICE OF CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS 
                   BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

       (a) In General.--Section 4323 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new 
     subsection (i):
       ``(i) Issuance and Service of Civil Investigative 
     Demands.--(1) Whenever the Attorney General has reason to 
     believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or 
     control of any documentary material relevant

[[Page 3177]]

     to an investigation under this subchapter, the Attorney 
     General may, before commencing a civil action under 
     subsection (a), issue in writing and serve upon such person, 
     a civil investigative demand requiring--
       ``(A) the production of such documentary material for 
     inspection and copying;
       ``(B) that the custodian of such documentary material 
     answer in writing written questions with respect to such 
     documentary material; or
       ``(C) the production of any combination of such documentary 
     material or answers.
       ``(2) The provisions of section 3733 of title 31 governing 
     the authority to issue, use, and enforce civil investigative 
     demands shall apply with respect to the authority to issue, 
     use, and enforce civil investigative demands under this 
     section, except that, for purposes of applying such section 
     3733--
       ``(A) references to false claims law investigators or 
     investigations shall be considered references to 
     investigators or investigations under this subchapter;
       ``(B) references to interrogatories shall be considered 
     references to written questions, and answers to such need not 
     be under oath;
       ``(C) the definitions relating to `false claims law' shall 
     not apply; and
       ``(D) provisions relating to qui tam relators shall not 
     apply.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (i) of section 4323 of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2), 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act 
     and shall apply with respect to violations of chapter 43 of 
     title 38, United States Code, alleged to have occurred on or 
     after such date.
       (c) Annual Reports.--Section 4332(b)(2) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Not later than'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B) Annual supplement on civil investigative demands.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Attorney General shall include with 
     each report submitted under subparagraph (A) for the last 
     quarter of each fiscal year a report on the issuance of civil 
     investigative demands under section 4323(i) of this title 
     during the most recently completed fiscal year.
       ``(ii) Elements.--Each report submitted under clause (i) 
     shall include the following for the fiscal year covered by 
     the report:

       ``(I) The number of times that a civil investigative demand 
     was issued under section 4323(i) of this title.
       ``(II) For each civil investigative demand issued under 
     such section with respect to an investigation, whether such 
     investigation resulted in a settlement, order, or 
     judgment.''.

                   Subtitle E--Small Business Matters

     SEC. 441. EXPANSION OF CONTRACTING GOALS AND PREFERENCES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO INCLUDE 
                   CONDITIONALLY OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS 100 
                   PERCENT OWNED BY VETERANS.

       Section 8127(l) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``unconditionally'' 
     before ``owned by'' each place it appears; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) The term `unconditionally owned' includes, with 
     respect to ownership of a small business concern, conditional 
     ownership of such small business concern if such business 
     concern is 100 percent owned by one or more veterans.''.

     SEC. 442. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS 
                   AND PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OWNED BY VETERANS 
                   OF SMALL BUSINESSES AFTER DEATH OF DISABLED 
                   VETERAN OWNERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 8127(h) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``rated as'' and all that 
     follows through ``disability.'' and inserting a period; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read 
     as follows:
       ``(C) The date that--
       ``(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a 
     service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling 
     or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 
     10 years after the date of the veteran's death; or
       ``(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with 
     a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent 
     disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected 
     disability, is three years after the date of the veteran's 
     death.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
     applications received pursuant to section 8127(f)(2) of title 
     38, United States Code, that are verified on or after such 
     date.

     SEC. 443. TREATMENT OF BUSINESSES AFTER DEATHS OF 
                   SERVICEMEMBER-OWNERS FOR PURPOSES OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONTRACTING GOALS AND 
                   PREFERENCES.

       (a) In General.--Section 8127 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as 
     subsections (j) through (m), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new 
     subsection (i):
       ``(i) Treatment of Businesses After Death of Servicemember-
     Owner.--(1) If a member of the Armed Forces owns at least 51 
     percent of a small business concern and such member is killed 
     in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air 
     service, the surviving spouse or dependent child of such 
     member who acquires such ownership rights in such small 
     business concern shall, for the period described in paragraph 
     (2), be treated as if the surviving spouse or dependent child 
     were a veteran with a service-connected disability for 
     purposes of determining the status of the small business 
     concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by 
     veterans for purposes of contracting goals and preferences 
     under this section.
       ``(2) The period referred to in paragraph (1) is the period 
     beginning on the date on which the member of the Armed Forces 
     dies and ending on the date as follows:
       ``(A) In the case of a surviving spouse, the earliest of 
     the following dates:
       ``(i) The date on which the surviving spouse remarries.
       ``(ii) The date on which the surviving spouse relinquishes 
     an ownership interest in the small business concern and no 
     longer owns at least 51 percent of such small business 
     concern.
       ``(iii) The date that is ten years after the date of the 
     member's death.
       ``(B) In the case of a dependent child, the earliest of the 
     following dates:
       ``(i) The date on which the surviving dependent child 
     relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business 
     concern and no longer owns at least 51 percent of such small 
     business concern.
       ``(ii) The date that is ten years after the date of the 
     member's death.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (i) of section 8127 of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act 
     and shall apply with respect to the deaths of members of the 
     Armed Forces occurring on or after such date.

     SEC. 444. SPECIAL RULE FOR TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS 
                   AND PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS LICENSED IN 
                   COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES.

       Section 8127, as amended by section 443 of this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(n) Special Rule for Community Property States.--Whenever 
     the Secretary assesses, for purposes of this section, the 
     degree of ownership by an individual of a small business 
     concern licensed in a community property State, the Secretary 
     shall also assess what that degree of ownership would be if 
     such small business concern had been licensed in a State 
     other than a community property State. If the Secretary 
     determines that such individual would have had a greater 
     degree of ownership of the small business concern had such 
     small business concern been licensed in a State other than a 
     community property State, the Secretary shall treat, for 
     purposes of this section, such small business concern as if 
     it had been licensed in a State other than a community 
     property State.''.

     SEC. 445. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS IN OBTAINING 
                   TRAINING ON PURCHASING AND OPERATING A 
                   FRANCHISE.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of 
     Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Administrator of the Small Business 
     Administration, and other appropriate entities, submit to 
     Congress a report on the assistance available to veterans to 
     obtain training necessary to purchase and operate a 
     franchise.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description of the assistance available for veterans 
     through the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Small Business Administration, or any other 
     agency of the Federal Government in order to obtain training 
     necessary to purchase or operate a franchise.
       (2) Information on the number of veterans who have sought 
     and obtained the training described in paragraph (1) during 
     the five calendar years preceding the report.
       (3) A description of any barriers encountered by veterans 
     in obtaining the training described in paragraph (1).
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

        TITLE V--ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

     SEC. 501. ADMINISTRATION OF VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE 
                   NETWORKS.

       (a) Veterans Integrated Service Networks.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 73 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks

       ``(a) Organization.--(1) The Secretary shall organize the 
     Veterans Health Administration in geographically defined 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(2) Each Veterans Integrated Service Network shall be 
     organized in consideration of the following:

[[Page 3178]]

       ``(A) The size of the veteran population of the region of 
     the network.
       ``(B) The complexity of the medical needs of the veterans 
     in such region.
       ``(C) Patient referral patterns.
       ``(D) The availability of a full continuum of health care 
     services.
       ``(E) The ability of the Department to furnish health care 
     efficiently.
       ``(F) Partnerships with non-Department health care 
     entities.
       ``(b) Staffing Model.--(1) The Secretary shall establish a 
     staffing model for each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     that--
       ``(A) is appropriate for the mission and responsibilities 
     of the Veterans Integrated Service Network; and
       ``(B) accounts for the specific health care needs of 
     differing populations in the Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans 
     Integrated Service Network complies with the staffing model 
     established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) for such 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(c) Integrated Health Care System.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     maintains a regional integrated healthcare system by--
       ``(1) implementing alliances with such other governmental, 
     public, and private health care organizations and 
     practitioners as the Secretary considers appropriate to meet 
     the needs of veterans in the Network;
       ``(2) providing oversight and management of, and taking 
     responsibility for, a regional budget for the activities of 
     the Veterans Health Administration in the geographic area of 
     the Network that is--
       ``(A) aligned with the budget guidelines of the Department 
     and the Veterans Health Administration;
       ``(B) balanced at the end of each fiscal year; and
       ``(C) sufficient to provide high-quality health care to 
     veterans within the region and to meet any unique needs of 
     the veterans of the region;
       ``(3) using national metrics to develop systems to provide 
     effective, efficient, and safe delivery of health care; and
       ``(4) ensuring high-quality clinical programs and services 
     are rendered in and through--
       ``(A) the medical centers and outpatient clinics of the 
     Department that are located in the Network; and
       ``(B) other non-Department clinical or health care delivery 
     settings located in the Network.
       ``(d) Reduction in Duplicate Functions.--The Secretary 
     shall ensure that the Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     identify and reduce, whenever practicable, the duplication of 
     functions in clinical, administrative, and operational 
     processes and practices of the Veterans Health 
     Administration.
       ``(e) Collaboration and Cooperation.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network--
       ``(1) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient 
     care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; 
     and
       ``(2) assesses the consolidation or realignment of 
     institutional functions, including capital asset, safety, and 
     operational support functions, in collaboration and 
     cooperation with other Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     and the following offices or entities within the geographical 
     area of the Network:
       ``(A) The offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     and the National Cemetery Administration.
       ``(B) The offices, installations, and facilities of the 
     Department of Defense, including the offices, installations, 
     and facilities of each branch of the Armed Forces and the 
     reserve components of the Armed Forces.
       ``(C) The offices, installations, and facilities of the 
     Coast Guard.
       ``(D) Offices of State and local agencies that have a 
     mission to provide assistance to veterans.
       ``(E) Medical schools and other affiliates.
       ``(F) Offices of Congress, offices of State and local 
     elected officials, and other government offices.
       ``(G) Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness 
     organizations.
       ``(H) Community and nonprofit organizations.
       ``(I) Such other entities of the Federal Government as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(f) Headquarters.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that 
     each Veterans Integrated Service Network has only one 
     headquarters office.
       ``(2) The location of a headquarters office for a Veterans 
     Integrated Service Network shall be determined by the 
     Secretary and co-located with a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center.
       ``(3)(A) The Secretary may employ or contract for the 
     services of such full time equivalent employees and 
     contractors at the headquarters of each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network as the Secretary considers appropriate in 
     accordance with the staffing models established under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(B) Not later than December 31 each year, 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 employment at the headquarters of 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks during the most recently 
     completed fiscal year.
       ``(C) Each report submitted under subparagraph (B) shall 
     include the following for the year covered by the report:
       ``(i) The number of individuals employed at each 
     headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(ii) The number of individuals employed by the Veterans 
     Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network who are not employed at the same location as the 
     headquarters of the Network.
       ``(iii) The title for each position of employment at a 
     headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(iv) The title for each position of employment with the 
     Veterans Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network that is not at the same location as the 
     headquarters of the Network.
       ``(v) An assessment of the impact on the budget of the 
     Department by the employment of individuals at the 
     headquarters of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(g) Triennial Structure Review, Reassessment, and 
     Report.--(1) Beginning three years after the date of the 
     enactment of this section and not less frequently than once 
     every three years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a 
     review and assessment of the structure and operations of the 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks in order to identify 
     recommendations--
       ``(A) for streamlining and reducing costs associated with 
     the operation of each headquarters of a Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network; and
       ``(B) for reducing costs of health care within the Veterans 
     Health Administration.
       ``(2) Not later than 180 days after conducting a review and 
     assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee of Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on such review and assessment, which 
     shall include such recommendations for legislative or 
     administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate 
     to improve the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7309 the following new item:

``7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks.''.
       (b) Relocation of Headquarters.--
       (1) In general.--In the case of a headquarters office of a 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network that on the day before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act was in a location that 
     was not co-located with a Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical center and the Secretary is engaged in a lease for 
     such location, the Secretary may--
       (A) relocate such headquarters upon the expiration of such 
     lease so that such headquarters is co-located as required by 
     section 7310(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code (as added 
     by subsection (a)(1)); or
       (B) notwithstanding such section 7310(f)(2) (as so added), 
     renew such lease or enter into a new lease to keep such 
     headquarters in such location.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary renews a lease or engages in 
     a new lease under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives, before renewing such lease or engaging in 
     such lease, a report describing the reasons for such renewal 
     or engagement. Such report shall include the following:
       (A) A list of Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
     centers in the Veterans Integrated Service Network of the 
     headquarters with underutilized buildings, the number of such 
     buildings, and the total underutilized square footage for 
     each such medical center.
       (B) The cost of the current lease (the annual amount of 
     rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the 
     total cost per square foot) and the current square footage 
     being leased.
       (C) The cost of the new lease (the annual amount of rent, 
     the total cost over the life of the lease, and the total cost 
     per square foot) and the square footage to be leased.
       (c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require any change in the location or type of 
     medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center, a Department community based 
     outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for veterans under section 
     1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a ``vet 
     center''), or other facility that provides direct care or 
     services under a law administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made 
     by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 502. REGIONAL SUPPORT CENTERS FOR VETERANS INTEGRATED 
                   SERVICE NETWORKS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 73, as amended by 
     section 501(a)(1) of this Act, is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

[[Page 3179]]



     ``Sec. 7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans 
       Integrated Service Networks

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish not 
     more than four regional support centers within the Veterans 
     Health Administration to assess the effectiveness and 
     efficiency of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. The 
     head of each regional support center shall report to the 
     Under Secretary of Health.
       ``(b) Functions.--The functions of the regional support 
     centers established under subsection (a) are as follows:
       ``(1) To assess the quality of work performed within 
     finance operations and other compliance related activities of 
     the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(2) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts outreach to 
     veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation 
     Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, or any other contingency 
     operation (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 
     10).
       ``(3) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs for the 
     benefit of women veterans.
       ``(4) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs that 
     address homelessness among veterans.
       ``(5) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network consumes energy.
       ``(6) To assess such other matters concerning the 
     operations and activities of the Veterans Integrated Service 
     Networks as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(c) Staff.--The Secretary may hire such employees and 
     contractors as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry 
     out the functions of the regional support centers.
       ``(d) Location of Regional Support Centers.--(1) Except as 
     provided in paragraph (2), the location of each regional 
     support center established under subsection (a) shall be 
     determined by the Secretary and co-located with a medical 
     center of the Department.
       ``(2) The Secretary may choose a location for a regional 
     support center established under subsection (a) that is not 
     co-located with a medical center of the Department if the 
     Secretary submits to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives, before entering into a contract for 
     a location that is not co-located with a medical center, a 
     report describing the reasons for choosing a location for the 
     regional support center that is not co-located with a medical 
     center of the Department. Such report shall include the 
     following:
       ``(A) A list of medical centers of the Department in the 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network of the regional support 
     center with underutilized buildings, the number of all 
     Veterans Health Administration buildings in such Network, and 
     the total underutilized square footage for each medical 
     center of the Department in such Network.
       ``(B) The estimated cost of such lease (the annual amount 
     of rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the 
     total cost per square foot) and the square footage to be 
     leased.''.
       (b) Initial Staffing.--In providing for the initial staff 
     of each regional support center established under section 
     7310A(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to 
     the degree practicable, transfer employees from headquarters 
     of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to regional support 
     centers who were employed in positions at such headquarters 
     that covered functions similar to those described in section 
     7310A(b) of such title, as so added.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 501(a)(2) of 
     this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 7310 the following new item:

``7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks.''.
       (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require any change in the location or type of 
     medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center, a Department community based 
     outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for veterans under section 
     1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a ``vet 
     center''), or other facility that provides direct care or 
     services under a law administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made 
     by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 503. COMMISSION ON CAPITAL PLANNING FOR DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL FACILITIES.

       (a) Establishment of Commission.--
       (1) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on 
     Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
     Facilities (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Commission'').
       (2) Membership.--
       (A) Voting members.--The Commission shall, subject to 
     subparagraph (B), be composed of 10 voting members as 
     follows:
       (i) 1 shall be appointed by the President.
       (ii) 1 shall be appointed by the Administrator of General 
     Services.
       (iii) 3 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, of whom--

       (I) 1 shall be an employee of the Veterans Health 
     Administration;
       (II) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Asset 
     Enterprise Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs; 
     and
       (III) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Construction 
     and Facilities Management of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.

       (iv) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from 
     among employees of the Army Corps of Engineers.
       (v) 1 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (vi) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (vii) 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (viii) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (B) Requirement relating to certain appointments of voting 
     members.--Of the members appointed pursuant to clause (i), 
     (ii), and (iv) through (viii) of subparagraph (A), all shall 
     have expertise in capital leasing, construction, or health 
     facility management planning.
       (C) Non-voting members.--The Commission shall be assisted 
     by 10 non-voting members, appointed by the vote of a majority 
     of members of the Commission under subparagraph (A), of 
     whom--
       (i) 6 shall be representatives of veterans service 
     organizations recognized by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs; and
       (ii) 4 shall be individuals from outside the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs with experience and expertise in matters 
     relating to management, construction, and leasing of capital 
     assets.
       (D) Date of appointment of voting members.--The 
     appointments of the members of the Commission under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be made not later than 60 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--Members shall be 
     appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the 
     Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment.
       (4) Initial meeting.--Not later than 15 days after the date 
     on which 7 members of the Commission have been appointed, the 
     Commission shall hold its first meeting.
       (5) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair.
       (6) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 
     hold hearings.
       (7) Chair and vice chair.--The Commission shall select a 
     Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.
       (b) Duties of Commission.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall undertake a 
     comprehensive evaluation and assessment of various options 
     for capital planning for Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical facilities, including an evaluation and assessment of 
     the mechanisms by which the Department currently selects 
     means for the delivery of health care, whether by major 
     construction, major medical facility leases, sharing 
     agreements with the Department of Defense, the Indian Health 
     Service, and Federally Qualified Health Clinics under section 
     330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), 
     contract care, multisite care, telemedicine, extended hours 
     for care, or other means.
       (2) Context of evaluation and assessment.--In undertaking 
     the evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall 
     consider--
       (A) the importance of access to health care through the 
     Department, including associated guidelines of the Department 
     on access to, and drive time for, health care;
       (B) limitations and requirements applicable to the 
     construction and leasing of medical facilities for the 
     Department, including applicable laws, regulations, and costs 
     as determined by both the Congressional Budget Office and the 
     Office of Management and Budget;
       (C) the nature of capital planning for Department medical 
     facilities in an era of fiscal uncertainty;
       (D) projected future fluctuations in the population of 
     veterans; and
       (E) the extent to which the Department was able to meet the 
     mandates of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced 
     Services Commission.
       (3) Particular considerations.--In undertaking the 
     evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall address, in 
     particular, the following:
       (A) The Major Medical Facility Lease Program of the 
     Department, including an identification of potential 
     improvements to the lease authorization processes under that 
     Program.
       (B) The management processes of the Department for its 
     Major Medical Facility Construction Program, including 
     processes relating to contract award and management, project 
     management, and processing of change orders.
       (C) The overall capital planning program of the Department 
     for medical facilities, including an evaluation and 
     assessment of--

[[Page 3180]]

       (i) the manner in which the Department determines whether 
     to use capital or non-capital means to expand access to 
     health care;
       (ii) the manner in which the Department determines the 
     disposition of under-utilized and un-utilized buildings on 
     campuses of Department medical centers, and any barriers to 
     disposition;
       (iii) the effectiveness of the facility master planning 
     initiative of the Department; and
       (iv) the extent to which sustainable attributes are planned 
     for to decrease operating costs for Department medical 
     facilities.
       (D) The current backlog of construction projects for 
     Department medical facilities, including an identification of 
     the most effective means to quickly secure the most critical 
     repairs required, including repairs relating to facility 
     condition deficiencies, structural safety, and compliance 
     with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.
       (4) Reports.--Subject to paragraph (5), the Commission 
     shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and to the 
     Committee Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, reports 
     as follows:
       (A) Not later than six months after its initial meeting 
     under subsection (a)(4), a report on the Major Medical 
     Facility Lease Program and the Congressional lease 
     authorization process.
       (B) Not later than one year after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the management processes of the Department for the 
     construction of Department medical facilities; and
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in the 
     report under subparagraph (A).
       (C) Not later than 18 months after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the overall capital planning program of the 
     Department for medical facilities; and
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in 
     earlier reports under this paragraph.
       (D) Not later than two years after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the current backlog of construction projects for 
     Department medical facilities;
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in 
     earlier reports under this paragraph; and
       (iii) including such other matters relating to the duties 
     of the Commission that the Commission considers appropriate.
       (E) Not later than 27 months after its initial meeting, a 
     report on the implementation by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs pursuant to subsection (g) of the recommendations 
     included pursuant to paragraph (5) in the reports under this 
     paragraph.
       (5) Recommendations.--Each report under paragraph (4) shall 
     include, for the aspect of the capital asset planning process 
     of the Department covered by such report, such 
     recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate for 
     the improvement and enhancement of such aspect of the capital 
     asset planning process.
       (c) Powers of Commission.--
       (1) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit 
     and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable 
     to carry out this section.
       (2) Information from federal agencies.--The Commission may 
     secure directly from any Federal department or agency such 
     information as the Commission considers necessary to carry 
     out this section. Upon request of the Chair of the 
     Commission, the head of such department or agency shall 
     furnish such information to the Commission.
       (d) Commission Personnel Matters.--
       (1) Compensation of members.--Each member of the Commission 
     who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government 
     shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent 
     of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of 
     the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
     States Code, for each day (including travel time) during 
     which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties 
     of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are 
     officers or employees of the United States shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to that received for their 
     services as officers or employees of the United States.
       (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Commission shall 
     be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from their homes or regular places of 
     business in the performance of services for the Commission.
       (3) Staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Chair of the Commission may, without 
     regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and 
     terminate an executive director and such other additional 
     personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to 
     perform its duties. The employment of an executive director 
     shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
       (B) Compensation.--The Chair of the Commission may fix the 
     compensation of the executive director and other personnel 
     without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 
     of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of 
     positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the 
     rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel 
     may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
       (4) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government 
     employee may be detailed to the Commission without 
     reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption 
     or loss of civil service status or privilege.
       (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.--
     The Chair of the Commission may procure temporary and 
     intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not 
     exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
     prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5316 of such title.
       (e) Termination of Commission.--The Commission shall 
     terminate 60 days after the date on which the Commission 
     submits its report under subsection (b)(4)(E).
       (f) Funding.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make 
     available to the Commission such amounts as the Secretary and 
     the Chair of the Commission jointly consider appropriate for 
     the Commission to perform its duties under this section.
       (g) Action on Recommendations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     implement each recommendation included in a report under 
     subsection (b)(4) that the Secretary considers feasible and 
     advisable and can be implemented without further legislative 
     action.
       (2) Reports.--Not later than 120 days after receipt of a 
     report under subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection 
     (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee Veterans' 
     Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the 
     following:
       (A) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
     each recommendation contained in such report.
       (B) For each recommendation assessed as feasible and 
     advisable--
       (i) if such recommendation does not require further 
     legislative action for implementation, a description of the 
     actions taken, and to be taken, by the Secretary to implement 
     such recommendation; and
       (ii) if such recommendation requires further legislative 
     action for implementation, recommendations for such 
     legislative action.

     SEC. 504. ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNTS OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 117 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``medical care accounts of the Department'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``covered accounts of the 
     Department'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``medical care accounts of the Veterans 
     Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs 
     account'' and inserting ``accounts of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs account'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(1)'';
       (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(2)'';
       (D) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(3)'';
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively;
       (F) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by 
     subparagraph (E), the following new paragraphs:
       ``(1) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and 
     Pensions.
       ``(2) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment 
     Benefits.
       ``(3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities.
       ``(4) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing 
     Benefit Program Fund.
       ``(5) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational 
     Rehabilitation Loans Program Account.
       ``(6) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American 
     Veteran Housing Loan Program Account.''; and
       (G) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Medical Care 
     Accounts'' and inserting ``Covered Accounts''; and
       (3) in the section heading, by striking ``certain medical 
     care accounts'' and inserting ``certain accounts''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2016 and each 
     subsequent fiscal year.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1105 of title 31, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking the first paragraph (37) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(37) information on estimates of appropriations for the 
     fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the budget is 
     submitted for the following accounts of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs:
       ``(A) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and 
     Pensions.
       ``(B) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment 
     Benefits.
       ``(C) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities.
       ``(D) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing 
     Benefit Program Fund.

[[Page 3181]]

       ``(E) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational 
     Rehabilitation Loans Program Account.
       ``(F) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American 
     Veteran Housing Loan Program Account.
       ``(G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Services.
       ``(H) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Support and 
     Compliance.
       ``(I) Veterans Health Administration, Medical 
     Facilities.''.
       (d) Technical Correction.--Such section is further amended 
     by redesignating the second paragraph (37), as added by 
     section 11(a)(2) of the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 
     (Public Law 111-352; 124 Stat. 3881), as paragraph (39).

     SEC. 505. PUBLIC ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   RESEARCH AND DATA SHARING BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS.

       (a) Establishment of Internet Website.--The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall make available on an Internet website 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs available to the public 
     the following:
       (1) Data files that contain information on research of the 
     Department.
       (2) A data dictionary on each data file.
       (3) Instructions for how to obtain access to each data file 
     for use in research.
       (b) Public Access to Manuscripts on Department Funded 
     Research.--
       (1) In general.--Beginning not later than 540 days after 
     the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary 
     shall require, as a condition on the use of any data gathered 
     or formulated from research funded by the Department, that 
     any final, peer-reviewed manuscript prepared for publication 
     that uses such data be submitted to the Secretary for deposit 
     in the digital archive under paragraph (2) and publication 
     under paragraph (3).
       (2) Digital archive.--Not later than 540 days after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary 
     shall--
       (A) establish a digital archive consisting of manuscripts 
     described in paragraph (1); or
       (B) partner with another executive agency to compile such 
     manuscripts in a digital archive.
       (3) Public availability.--
       (A) Availability of archive.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     that the digital archive under paragraph (2) and the contents 
     of such archive are available to the public via a publicly 
     accessible Internet website at no cost to the public.
       (B) Availability of manuscripts.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each manuscript submitted to the Secretary under 
     paragraph (1) is available to the public under subparagraph 
     (A) not later than one year after the official date on which 
     the manuscript is otherwise published.
       (4) Consistent with copyright law.--The Secretary shall 
     carry out this subsection in a manner consistent with 
     applicable copyright law.
       (5) Annual report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date the 
     Secretary begins making manuscripts available to the public 
     under this subsection and not less frequently than once each 
     year thereafter, 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 subsection during the most recent 
     one-year period.
       (B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include for the period of the report:
       (i) The number of manuscripts submitted under paragraph 
     (1).
       (ii) The titles of such manuscripts.
       (iii) The authors of such manuscripts.
       (iv) For each such manuscript, the name and issue number or 
     volume number, as the case may be, of the journal or other 
     publication in which such manuscript was published.
       (c) Recommendations for Data Sharing Between Department of 
     Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.--Not later than 
     one year after the effective date specified in subsection 
     (e), the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense 
     Joint Executive Committee established by section 320(a) of 
     title 38, United States Code, shall submit to the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense options and 
     recommendations for the establishment of a program for long-
     term cooperation and data sharing between and within the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense 
     to facilitate research on outcomes of military service, 
     readjustment after combat deployment, and other topics of 
     importance to the following:
       (1) Veterans.
       (2) Members of the Armed Forces.
       (3) Family members of veterans.
       (4) Family members of members of the Armed Forces.
       (5) Members of communities that have a significant 
     population of veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
       (d) Executive Agency Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``executive agency'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 133 of title 41, United States Code.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 506. ASSESSMENT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES OF INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE BY 
                   VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Assessment of Information Currently Available.--Not 
     later than two years after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--
       (1) conduct an assessment of the process by which the 
     Veterans Benefits Administration informs veterans, veterans 
     service organizations, and such other persons as the 
     Comptroller General considers appropriate regarding the 
     furnishing of benefits under laws administered by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine the extent to 
     which the process results in disseminated information that--
       (A) adequately supports and improves the timeliness and 
     accuracy of decisions made by the Administration with respect 
     to claims for disability compensation and such other benefits 
     furnished under laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs as the Comptroller General considers 
     appropriate; and
       (B) encourages the filing of fully developed claims for 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and
       (2) assess how the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     notifies each claimant during, and as part of, any electronic 
     filing process established by the Secretary for the filing of 
     applications for disability compensation and such other 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary as the 
     Comptroller General considers appropriate that services may 
     be available to the claimant from a veterans service 
     organization.
       (b) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 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 findings of the Comptroller 
     General under subsection (a). Such report shall include such 
     recommendations as the Comptroller General may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to improve the 
     availability of information made available to the public by 
     the Veterans Benefits Administration regarding the furnishing 
     of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means an 
     organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 507. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
                   OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Comptroller 
     General 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 advisory committees 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a)--
       (1) shall include--
       (A) recommendations or proposals for continuing, modifying, 
     or terminating certain advisory committees, including noting 
     areas of overlap and duplication among the advisory 
     committees; and
       (B) such other information as the Comptroller General 
     considers appropriate; and
       (2) may include--
       (A) a description of each advisory committee, including 
     with respect to each committee--
       (i) the purpose of the committee;
       (ii) the commencement date of the committee; and
       (iii) the anticipated termination date of the committee;
       (B) a summary of the anticipated expenses and the actual 
     expenses incurred for each advisory committee during the most 
     recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (C) with respect to meetings held by each advisory 
     committee--
       (i) the frequency with which each committee has met during 
     the shorter of--

       (I) the most recent three fiscal years ending before the 
     date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (II) the life of the committee;

       (ii) the date of the most recent meeting held by the 
     committee before such date of enactment; and
       (iii) the date of the most recent report or other written 
     product developed by the committee before such date of 
     enactment.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

[[Page 3182]]



     TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

           Subtitle A--Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma

     SEC. 601. MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND OPINION FOR DISABILITY 
                   COMPENSATION CLAIMS BASED ON MILITARY SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA.

       (a) In General.--Section 5103A(d) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3)(A) In the case of a claim for disability compensation 
     based on a mental health condition related to military sexual 
     trauma, the Secretary shall treat an examination or opinion 
     as being necessary to make a decision on a claim for purposes 
     of paragraph (1) if the evidence of record before the 
     Secretary, taking into consideration all information and lay 
     or medical evidence (including statements of the claimant)--
       ``(i)(I) contains competent evidence that the claimant has 
     a current disability, or persistent or recurrent symptoms of 
     disability; and
       ``(II) indicates that the disability or symptoms may be 
     associated with the claimant's active military, naval, or air 
     service; but
       ``(ii) does not contain a diagnosis or opinion by a mental 
     health professional that may assist in corroborating the 
     occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor related to a 
     diagnosable mental health condition.
       ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `military sexual trauma' 
     shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for 
     purposes of this paragraph, and shall include `sexual 
     harassment' (as so specified).''.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 number of examinations and 
     opinions conducted by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (3) 
     of section 5103A(d) of title 38, United States Code (as added 
     by subsection (a)), including the following:
       (1) The number of examinations conducted using a 
     standardized disability assessment.
       (2) The number of examinations conducted using a non-
     standardized clinical interview.

     SEC. 602. CASE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS FOR MILITARY SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA SUPPORT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     assign to each individual seeking compensation under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary based on military sexual trauma 
     a case representative officer who shall provide advice and 
     general information to such individual on the claims process 
     for such compensation. Each case representative officer so 
     assigned shall be assigned from among current personnel of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Liaison.--A case representative officer assigned to an 
     individual under subsection (a) shall be responsible for 
     serving as a liaison between the individual, an authorized 
     agent or attorney of the individual under section 5904 of 
     title 38, United States Code, or an otherwise accredited 
     representative of the individual, and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the claim of the 
     individual for compensation under the laws administered by 
     the Secretary.
       (c) Case Representative Officer Requirements.--
       (1) Competence and knowledge.--Each case representative 
     officer assigned under subsection (a) shall be competent and 
     knowledgeable about the following:
       (A) The claims adjudication process and applicable laws, 
     regulations, and other authority applicable to the 
     adjudication of disability claims based on military sexual 
     trauma.
       (B) Such other services to victims of sexual trauma as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Limitation on number of individuals to which 
     assigned.--A case representative officer may not be assigned 
     to more individuals described in subsection (a) than, as 
     determined by the Secretary, is appropriate for the provision 
     of individual case management assistance by such officer.
       (d) Information on Benefits and Programs Relating to 
     Military Sexual Trauma.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available to the 
     public information on the availability of case representative 
     officers under subsection (a) to assist in the application 
     for benefits based on military sexual trauma. The Secretary 
     shall revise and update the information so made available in 
     order to ensure that the information is as current as 
     possible.
       (2) Individuals separating from military service.--The 
     Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense, ensure that individuals who are being separated from 
     the active military, naval, or air service are provided 
     appropriate information about programs, requirements, and 
     procedures for applying for benefits based on military sexual 
     trauma and the availability of case representative officers 
     under subsection (a).
       (e) Information on Training for Agents and Representatives 
     of Individuals Assigned Case Representative Officer.--The 
     Secretary shall make available to the authorized agent or 
     attorney of an individual assigned a case representative 
     under subsection (a), or to the otherwise accredited 
     representative of the individual, any relevant materials used 
     to train such case representative officer for the duties of 
     such position.
       (f) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans Consideration of 
     Mechanisms To Enhance Coordination Between VBA and VHA on 
     Benefits for Military Sexual Trauma.--The Advisory Committee 
     on Women Veterans established under section 542 of title 38, 
     United States Code, shall undertake actions to identify 
     mechanisms to enhance coordination between the Veterans 
     Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health 
     Administration in the provision of benefits based on military 
     sexual trauma, including the identification of barriers to 
     the appropriate provision of benefits for military sexual 
     trauma by such Administrations and of means of eliminating or 
     reducing such barriers.
       (g) Annual Reports.--Not less frequently than annually, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee 
     on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
     setting forth the following:
       (1) A certification whether or not the case representative 
     officers assigned under subsection (a) during the preceding 
     year met the requirements specified in subsection (c).
       (2) A description of the current training the Secretary 
     provides to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     on claims for benefits based on military sexual trauma, 
     including the frequency, length, and content of such 
     training.
       (3) A description of current policies and procedures on the 
     training the Secretary provides to case representative 
     officers, including the current position descriptions for 
     case representative officers.
       (4) A description of current efforts to coordinate 
     activities and assistance provided to individuals who seek 
     care or benefits for military sexual trauma between the 
     Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits 
     Administration, including the efforts of the Advisory 
     Committee on Women Veterans under subsection (f).
       (h) Sunset.--
       (1) In general.--No case representative officer may be 
     assigned under subsection (a) after December 31, 2018.
       (2) Continuation of duties after sunset date.--Paragraph 
     (1) shall not be construed to prohibit any case 
     representative officer assigned to an individual before the 
     date specified in that paragraph from performing duties 
     pursuant to this section after that date with respect to a 
     claim for which that case representative officer was assigned 
     to such individual before that date.
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

     SEC. 603. REPORT ON STANDARD OF PROOF FOR SERVICE-CONNECTION 
                   OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS RELATED TO MILITARY 
                   SEXUAL TRAUMA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 current standard of proof for 
     service-connection under chapter 11 of title 38, United 
     States Code, for covered mental health conditions based on 
     military sexual trauma.
       (b) Recommendations.--The Secretary shall include in the 
     report under subsection (a) any recommendations the Secretary 
     considers appropriate to improve the adjudication of claims 
     for compensation based on military sexual trauma, including--
       (1) recommendations for an appropriate standard of proof 
     for such claims if the Secretary considers such 
     recommendations advisable; and
       (2) recommendations for legislative action, if necessary, 
     to carry out such improvement.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Covered mental health condition.--The term ``covered 
     mental health condition'' means post-traumatic stress 
     disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental health 
     diagnosis that the Secretary determines to be related to 
     military sexual trauma.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

     SEC. 604. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES INCURRED OR 
                   AGGRAVATED BY MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA.

       (a) Reports.--Not later than December 1, 2014, and each 
     year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the covered 
     claims submitted to the Secretary during the previous fiscal 
     year.

[[Page 3183]]

       (b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered 
     by the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the 
     report.
       (2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number 
     and percentage of such claims--
       (A) submitted by each gender;
       (B) that were approved, including the number and percentage 
     of such approved claims submitted by each gender; and
       (C) that were denied, including the number and percentage 
     of such denied claims submitted by each gender.
       (3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     approved, the number and percentage, listed by each gender, 
     of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability.
       (4) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     denied--
       (A) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary 
     under section 5104(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, for 
     such denials; and
       (B) the number of denials that were based on the failure of 
     a veteran to report for a medical examination.
       (5) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     resubmitted to the Secretary after denial in a previous 
     adjudication--
       (A) the number of such claims submitted to or considered by 
     the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report;
       (B) the number and percentage of such claims--
       (i) submitted by each gender;
       (ii) that were approved, including the number and 
     percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender; 
     and
       (iii) that were denied, including the number and percentage 
     of such denied claims submitted by each gender;
       (C) the number and percentage, listed by each gender, of 
     claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability; and
       (D) of such claims that were again denied--
       (i) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary 
     under section 5104(b)(1) of such title for such denials; and
       (ii) the number of denials that were based on the failure 
     of a veteran to report for a medical examination.
       (6) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of the 
     fiscal year covered by the report, are pending and, 
     separately, the number of such claims on appeal.
       (7) For the fiscal year covered by the report, the average 
     number of days that covered claims take to complete beginning 
     on the date on which the claim is submitted.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Covered claims.--The term ``covered claims'' means 
     claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary 
     based on post traumatic stress disorder alleged to have been 
     incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

      Subtitle B--Claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

     SEC. 611. PROGRAM ON TREATMENT OF CERTAIN APPLICATIONS FOR 
                   DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION AS FULLY 
                   DEVELOPED CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of expediting the treatment of a covered 
     dependency and indemnity compensation claim.
       (b) Covered Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims.--
     For purposes of this section, a covered dependency and 
     indemnity compensation claim is a claim submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, 
     United States Code, for which the claimant--
       (1) applies for such compensation within one-year of the 
     death of the veteran upon whose service the claim is based;
       (2) was the dependent on the claim of a veteran who was 
     receiving benefits for one or more service-connected 
     conditions as of the date of death;
       (3) submits a death certificate or other evidence with the 
     claim indicating that the veteran's death was due to a 
     service-connected or compensable disability; and
       (4) in the case that the claimant is the spouse of the 
     deceased veteran, certifies that he or she has not remarried 
     since the date of the veteran's death.
       (c) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     one-year period beginning on the date that is 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Locations.--The program shall be carried out at the 
     Pension Management Center of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs or such centers selected by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program.
       (e) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date on 
     which the program is completed, 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 program.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The number of covered dependency and indemnity 
     compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program, 
     disaggregated by the following:
       (i) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     spouse of a deceased veteran.
       (ii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     child of a deceased veteran.
       (iii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     parent of a deceased veteran.
       (B) The number of covered dependency and indemnity 
     compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program 
     and for which compensation was not awarded, disaggregated by 
     clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       (C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of claims 
     adjudicated under the program with claims submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, 
     United States Code, that were not provided expeditious 
     treatment under the program.
       (D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the 
     program.
       (E) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to improve the 
     adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for 
     compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States 
     Code.

     SEC. 612. REPORT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON 
                   IMPROVING TIMELINESS AND ACCURACY OF 
                   ADMINISTRATION OF CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENCY AND 
                   INDEMNITY COMPENSATION AND PENSION FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 455 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report with recommendations for legislative 
     or administrative actions to improve the timeliness and 
     accuracy with which the Secretary processes and adjudicates 
     claims for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United 
     States Code, and pension under sections 1541 and 1542 of such 
     title.
       (b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

              Subtitle C--Agency of Original Jurisdiction

     SEC. 621. WORKING GROUP TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEE WORK CREDIT AND 
                   WORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF VETERANS BENEFITS 
                   ADMINISTRATION IN AN ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish a working group to assess and develop 
     recommendations for the improvement of the employee work 
     credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits 
     Administration in an electronic environment.
       (b) Composition.--The working group shall be composed of 
     the following:
       (1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
       (2) Individuals selected by the Secretary from among 
     employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who handle 
     claims for compensation and pension benefits and are 
     recommended to the Secretary by a labor organization for 
     purposes of this section, including at least one of each of 
     the following individuals:
       (A) A veterans service representative.
       (B) A rating veterans service representative.
       (C) A decision review officer.
       (3) Not fewer than three individuals selected by the 
     Secretary to represent different organizations recognized by 
     the Secretary for the representation of veterans under 
     section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
       (4) Individuals selected by the Secretary--
       (A) that are not employees of the Department; and
       (B) that are experts in work credit and work management 
     systems.
       (c) Duties.--The duties of the working group are to assess 
     and develop recommendations for the following:
       (1) The improvement of the employee work credit and work 
     management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration in 
     an electronic environment.
       (2) A scientific, data based methodology to be used in 
     revising the employee work credit system of the Department to 
     improve the quality and quantity of work produced by 
     employees of the Department.
       (3) The improvement of the resource allocation model of the 
     Veterans Benefits Administration, with a focus on the 
     processing of claims in an electronic environment.

[[Page 3184]]

       (4) A schedule by which the revisions referred to in 
     paragraph (2) will be implemented by the Department.
       (d) Review and Incorporation of Findings From Prior 
     Study.--In carrying out its duties under subsection (c), the 
     working group shall review the findings and conclusions of 
     previous studies of the employee work credit and work 
     management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration.
       (e) Role of the Secretary.--The Secretary shall consider 
     the recommendations of the working group and implement such 
     recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Interim report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the establishment of the working group, the working group 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the progress of the 
     working group.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the establishment of the working group, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress the methodology described in 
     subsection (c)(2) and the schedule described in subsection 
     (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided to implement pursuant 
     to subsection (e).
       (g) Implementation of Methodology and Schedule.--After 
     submitting the report under subsection (f), the Secretary 
     shall take such actions as may be necessary to apply the 
     methodology described in subsection (c)(2) and the schedule 
     described in subsection (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided 
     to implement pursuant to subsection (e).

     SEC. 622. TASK FORCE ON RETENTION AND TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLAIMS PROCESSORS AND 
                   ADJUDICATORS.

       (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     establish a task force to assess retention and training of 
     claims processors and adjudicators that are employed by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and other departments and 
     agencies of the Federal Government.
       (b) Composition.--The task force shall be composed of the 
     following:
       (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs or designee.
       (2) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management or 
     designee.
       (3) The Commissioner of Social Security or designee.
       (4) An individual selected by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs who represents an organization recognized by the 
     Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 
     5902 of title 38, United States Code.
       (5) Such other individuals selected by the Secretary who 
     represent such other organizations and institutions as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Duration.--The task force established under subsection 
     (a) shall terminate not later than two years after the date 
     on which the task force is established under such subsection.
       (d) Duties.--The duties of the task force are as follows:
       (1) To identify key skills required by claims processors 
     and adjudicators to perform the duties of claims processors 
     and adjudicators in the various claims processing and 
     adjudication positions throughout the Federal Government.
       (2) To identify reasons for employee attrition from claims 
     processing positions.
       (3) To coordinate with educational institutions to develop 
     training and programs of education for members of the Armed 
     Forces to prepare such members for employment in claims 
     processing and adjudication positions in the Federal 
     Government.
       (4) To identify and coordinate offices of the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs located 
     throughout the United States to provide information about, 
     and promotion of, available claims processing positions to 
     members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life 
     and to veterans with disabilities.
       (5) To establish performance measures to evaluate the 
     effectiveness of the task force.
       (6) Not later than one year after the date of the 
     establishment of the task force, to develop a Government-wide 
     strategic and operational plan for promoting employment of 
     veterans in claims processing positions in the Federal 
     Government.
       (7) To establish performance measures to assess the plan 
     developed under paragraph (6), to assess the implementation 
     of such plan, and to revise such plan as the task force 
     considers appropriate.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Submittal of plan.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the establishment of the task force, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     plan developed by the task force under subsection (d)(6).
       (2) Assessment of implementation.--Not later than 120 days 
     after the termination of the task force, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress a report that assesses the implementation 
     of the plan developed by the task force under subsection 
     (d)(6).

     SEC. 623. REPORTS ON REQUESTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FOR RECORDS OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days 
     thereafter through the date that is 910 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs 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 attempts of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain records necessary to 
     adjudicate claims for benefits from another department or 
     agency of the Federal Government during the 180-day period 
     ending on the date of such report.
       (b) Elements.--
       (1) In general.--Each report shall set forth the following:
       (A) For the period covered by such report, the following:
       (i) The total number of requests made by the Department.
       (ii) The types of records requested.
       (iii) The number of requests made before the receipt of 
     each record.
       (iv) The amount of time between the initial request for 
     each record and the receipt of each record.
       (v) The number of occurrences of the receipt of a record 
     after the adjudication of the claim for which the record was 
     sought.
       (vi) A description of the efforts of the Secretary to 
     expedite the delivery of records to the Department from other 
     departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
       (B) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of 
     such report.
       (2) Presentation.--The information in a report under clause 
     (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(A) shall be set forth 
     separately for each department and agency of the Federal 
     Government covered by such report.

     SEC. 624. RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIAN TRIBES IN 
                   THE PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, AND PROSECUTION 
                   OF CLAIMS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE 
                   SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       Section 5902(a)(1) is amended by inserting ``, including 
     Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     450b))'' after ``as the Secretary may approve''.

     SEC. 625. PROGRAM ON PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL AND TRIBAL 
                   GOVERNMENTS IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF CLAIMS FOR 
                   DISABILITY COMPENSATION SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with 
     local governments and tribal organizations--
       (1) to improve the quality of claims submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, 
     United States Code, and pension under chapter 15 of such 
     title; and
       (2) to provide assistance to veterans who may be eligible 
     for such compensation or pension in submitting such claims.
       (b) Minimum Number of Participating Tribal Organizations.--
     In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall enter into, or maintain existing, memoranda 
     of understanding with at least--
       (1) two tribal organizations; and
       (2) 10 State or local governments.
       (c) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (d) Report.--
       (1) Initial report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the commencement of the program, 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 that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program, including a description of outreach conducted by 
     the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local 
     governments.
       (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total 
     number of memoranda of understanding entered into or 
     maintained by the Secretary.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     termination of the program, 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 that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program, including a description of outreach conducted by 
     the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local 
     governments.
       (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total 
     number of memoranda of understanding entered into or 
     maintained by the Secretary.
       (C) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (D) Such recommendations for continuation or expansion of 
     the program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (e) Tribal Organization Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``tribal organization'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 3765 of title 38, United States Code.

[[Page 3185]]



     SEC. 626. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NOTICE OF AVERAGE 
                   TIMES FOR PROCESSING COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

       (a) Public Notice.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, to the extent practicable, post the information 
     described in subsection (b)--
       (1) in physical locations, such as Regional Offices or 
     other claims in-take facilities, that the Secretary considers 
     appropriate;
       (2) on the Internet website of the Department; and
       (3) through other mediums or using such other methods, 
     including collaboration with veterans service organizations, 
     as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (b) Information Described.--
       (1) In general.--The information described in this 
     subsection is the average processing time of the claims 
     described in paragraph (2).
       (2) Claims described.--The claims described in this 
     paragraph are each of the following types of claims for 
     benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs:
       (A) A fully developed claim.
       (B) A claim that is not fully developed.
       (3) Update of information.--The information described in 
     this subsection shall be updated not less frequently than 
     once each fiscal quarter.
       (c) Expiration of Requirements.--The requirements of 
     subsection (a) shall expire on December 31, 2015.
       (d) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means an 
     organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of 
     title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 627. QUARTERLY REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS IN ELIMINATING BACKLOG OF 
                   CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION THAT HAVE NOT BEEN 
                   ADJUDICATED.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than 
     quarterly thereafter through calendar year 2015, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 backlog of claims filed with the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for compensation that have not been adjudicated by 
     the Department.
       (b) Contents.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) For each month through calendar year 2015, a projection 
     of the following:
       (A) The number of claims completed.
       (B) The number of claims received.
       (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the 
     month.
       (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month.
       (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month.
       (F) A description of the status of the implementation of 
     initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the 
     backlog, including the expected impact of those initiatives 
     on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims.
       (2) For each quarter through calendar year 2015, a 
     projection of the average accuracy of disability 
     determinations for compensation claims that require a 
     disability rating (or disability decision).
       (3) For each month during the most recently completed 
     quarter, the following:
       (A) The number of claims completed.
       (B) The number of claims received.
       (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the 
     month.
       (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month.
       (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month.
       (F) A description of the status of the implementation of 
     initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the 
     backlog, including the impact of those initiatives on 
     accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims.
       (G) An assessment of the accuracy of disability 
     determinations for compensation claims that require a 
     disability rating (or disability decision).
       (4) For the most recently completed quarter--
       (A) the number of cases physically received at the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals and docketed;
       (B) the number of cases pending at the Board of Veterans' 
     Appeals at the end of the quarter;
       (C) the number of cases physically at the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals at the end of the quarter;
       (D) the number of notices of disagreement and appeals filed 
     to the agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section 
     7105(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code; and
       (E) the number of decisions made by the Board of Veterans' 
     Appeals and the percentage of such decisions that were 
     allowed, remanded, denied, or otherwise disposed of.
       (c) Availability to Public.--The Secretary shall make each 
     report submitted under subsection (a) available to the 
     public.
       (d) On Backlog and Pending Defined.--In this section, the 
     terms ``on backlog'' and ``pending'', with respect to a claim 
     for compensation received by the Secretary, shall have the 
     meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this 
     section.

     SEC. 628. REPORTS ON USE OF EXISTING AUTHORITIES TO EXPEDITE 
                   BENEFITS DECISIONS.

       (a) Report on Current Use of Temporary, Intermediate, and 
     Provisional Rating Decisions.--
       (1) Report required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs 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 use of temporary, 
     intermediate, and provisional rating decisions to expedite 
     the benefits decisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Report elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) With respect to temporary and intermediate rating 
     decisions, the following:
       (i) The number of temporary and intermediate rating 
     decisions issued by the Department during each of fiscal 
     years 2011, 2012, and 2013.
       (ii) A description of any reasons or obstacles that prevent 
     use of existing authorities to issue temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions.
       (iii) A description of the Quick Pay Disability initiative, 
     including the rationale for not expanding the initiative 
     beyond pilot program status.
       (B) With respect to provisional rating decisions, the 
     following:
       (i) The number of provisional rating decisions issued by 
     the Department during the oldest claims first initiative.
       (ii) Of the provisional rating decisions issued during the 
     oldest claims first initiative--

       (I) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     granted;
       (II) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     denied; and
       (III) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     granted in part or a claim denied in part.

       (iii) A statement of the most common reasons claims were 
     not granted earlier under the oldest claims first initiative 
     when there was sufficient evidence to render an award of 
     benefits in the provisional rating decision.
       (iv) The average number of days to issue a provisional 
     rating decision under the oldest claims first initiative.
       (v) Of the total number of decisions that were completed 
     under the oldest claims first initiative--

       (I) the number that were Category 1 claims and received a 
     final rating decision; and
       (II) the number that were Category 2 claims and received a 
     provisional rating decision.

       (vi) The number of rating decisions issued during the 
     oldest claims first imitative that involved a brokered claim, 
     set forth by number of such claims by Regional Office of the 
     Department, including--

       (I) the number of brokered claims received by each Regional 
     Office; and
       (II) the number of brokered claims issued by each Regional 
     Office.

       (vii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued 
     during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to 
     which the veteran requested that the provisional decision 
     become final in order to appeal.
       (viii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued 
     during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to 
     which the veteran requested an appeal after the expiration of 
     the 1-year period beginning on the date of notification of 
     the provisional rating decision.
       (ix) An assessment of the accuracy of provisional rating 
     decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative, 
     set forth by Category 1 claims and Category 2 claims.
       (C) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for purposes of the report.
       (3) Supplemental information.--If the Secretary continues 
     to obtain information on rating decisions under clauses (vii) 
     and (viii) of paragraph (2)(B) after the date of the 
     submittal of the report required by paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the committees of Congress referred 
     to in paragraph (1) a report on such information that 
     supplements the information on such clauses in the report 
     under paragraph (1) when the Secretary completes accumulation 
     of such information.
       (b) Plan for Increase in Use of Temporary or Intermediate 
     Rating Decisions.--
       (1) Report on plan required.--Not later than 180 days 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 setting forth a plan to increase the 
     use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite 
     benefit decisions of the Department when the record contains 
     sufficient evidence to grant any claim at issue, including 
     service connection.
       (2) Plan elements.--The plan required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) Mechanisms to overcome obstacles to the use of 
     temporary or intermediate rating decisions, including 
     mechanisms (such as upgrades) to assure the ability of the 
     Veterans

[[Page 3186]]

     Benefits Management System to facilitate the issuance of 
     temporary or intermediate rating decisions.
       (B) Mechanisms to ensure that appropriate claimant 
     populations, such as claimants who file complex or multi-
     issue disability compensation claims, benefit from the 
     availability of temporary or intermediate rating decisions.
       (C) Mechanisms to provide for the use of temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions, including mechanisms to 
     resolve whether a request by a claimant or claimant 
     representative should trigger use of a temporary or 
     intermediate rating decision depending on the circumstances 
     of the claimant.
       (D) Mechanisms to prevent the use of temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions in lieu of a final rating 
     decision when a final rating decision could be made with 
     little or no additional claim development.
       (E) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary considers appropriate to increase the 
     use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite 
     benefit decisions of the Department.

     SEC. 629. REPORTS ON DEPARTMENT DISABILITY MEDICAL 
                   EXAMINATIONS AND PREVENTION OF UNNECESSARY 
                   MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

       (a) Report on Disability Medical Examinations Furnished by 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 furnishing of general medical 
     and specialty medical examinations by the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for purposes of adjudicating claims for 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) The number of general medical examinations furnished by 
     the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 
     2012 for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under 
     laws administered by the Secretary.
       (B) The number of general medical examinations furnished by 
     the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 
     2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which a 
     comprehensive joint examination was conducted, but for which 
     no disability relating to a joint, bone, or muscle had been 
     asserted as an issue in the claim.
       (C) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished 
     by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim.
       (D) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished 
     by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which 
     one or more joint examinations were conducted.
       (E) A summary with citations to any medical and scientific 
     studies that provide a basis for determining that three 
     repetitions is adequate to determine the effect of repetitive 
     use on functional impairments.
       (F) The names of all examination reports, including general 
     medical examinations and Disability Benefits Questionnaires, 
     used for evaluation of compensation and pension disability 
     claims which require measurement of repeated ranges of motion 
     testing and the number of examinations requiring such 
     measurements which were conducted in fiscal year 2012.
       (G) The average amount of time taken by an individual 
     conducting a medical examination to perform the three 
     repetitions of movement of each joint.
       (H) A discussion of whether there are more efficient and 
     effective scientifically reliable methods of testing for 
     functional loss on repetitive use of an extremity other than 
     the three time repetition currently used by the Department.
       (I) Recommendations as to the continuation of the practice 
     of measuring functional impairment by using three repetitions 
     of movement of each joint during the examination as a 
     criteria for evaluating the effect of repetitive motion on 
     functional impairment with supporting rationale.
       (b) Report and Plan to Prevent the Ordering of Unnecessary 
     Medical Examinations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days 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 efforts of the Secretary in 
     reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations 
     and other efforts to comply with the provisions of section 
     5125 of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) Criteria used by the Secretary to determine if a claim 
     is eligible for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative.
       (B) The number of claims determined to be eligible for the 
     Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative during the period 
     beginning on the date of the initiation of the initiative and 
     ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     disaggregated--
       (i) by fiscal year; and
       (ii) by claims determined eligible based in whole or in 
     part on medical evidence provided by a private health care 
     provider.
       (C) The total number of claims determined to be eligible 
     for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative that required 
     an employee of the Department to supplement the evidence with 
     information obtained during a telephone interview with a 
     claimant or health care provider.
       (D) Information on any other initiatives or efforts, 
     including disability benefits questionnaires, of the 
     Department to further encourage the use of medical evidence 
     provided by a private health care provider and reliance upon 
     reports of a medical examination administered by a private 
     physician if the report is sufficiently complete to be 
     adequate for the purposes of adjudicating a claim.
       (E) A plan--
       (i) to measure, track, and prevent the ordering of 
     unnecessary medical examinations when the provision by a 
     claimant of a medical examination administered by a private 
     physician in support of a claim for benefits under chapter 11 
     or 15 of title 38, United States Code, is adequate for the 
     purpose of making a decision on that claim; and
       (ii) that includes the actions the Secretary will take to 
     eliminate any request by the Department for a medical 
     examination in the case of a claim for benefits under chapter 
     11 or 15 of such title in support of which a claimant submits 
     medical evidence or a medical opinion provided by a private 
     health care provider that is competent, credible, probative, 
     and otherwise adequate for purposes of making a decision on 
     that claim.

    Subtitle D--Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for 
                            Veterans Claims

     SEC. 631. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN MISFILED DOCUMENTS AS A NOTICE 
                   OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS 
                   CLAIMS.

       Section 7266 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(e)(1) If a person adversely affected by a final decision 
     of the Board, who has not filed a notice of appeal with the 
     United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims under 
     subsection (a), misfiles a document with the Board or the 
     agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section 
     7105(b)(1) of this title that expresses disagreement with 
     such decision and a clear intent to seek review of such 
     decision by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims, not later than 120 days after the date of such 
     decision, such document shall be treated as timely filed 
     under subsection (a).
       ``(2) The treatment of misfiled documents under paragraph 
     (1) does not limit equitable relief that may be otherwise 
     available to a person described in that paragraph.''.

     SEC. 632. DETERMINATION OF MANNER OF APPEARANCE FOR HEARINGS 
                   BEFORE BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS.

       (a) In General.--Section 7107 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``in subsection (f)'' 
     and inserting ``in subsection (g)'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
       (3) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the 
     following new subsections:
       ``(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a hearing 
     before the Board shall be conducted through picture and voice 
     transmission, by electronic or other means, in such a manner 
     that the appellant is not present in the same location as the 
     members of the Board during the hearing.
       ``(2)(A) A hearing before the Board shall be conducted in 
     person upon the request of an appellant.
       ``(B) In the absence of a request under subparagraph (A), a 
     hearing before the Board may also be conducted in person as 
     the Board considers appropriate.
       ``(e)(1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is 
     to be held as described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary 
     shall provide suitable facilities and equipment to the Board 
     or other components of the Department to enable an appellant 
     located at an appropriate facility within the area served by 
     a regional office to participate as so described.
       ``(2) Any hearing conducted as described in subsection 
     (d)(1) shall be conducted in the same manner as, and shall be 
     considered the equivalent of, a personal hearing.
       ``(f)(1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is 
     to be held as described in subsection (d)(2), the appellant 
     may request that the hearing be held at the principal 
     location of the Board or at a facility of the Department 
     located within the area served by a regional office of the 
     Department.
       ``(2) A hearing to be held within an area served by a 
     regional office of the Department shall (except as provided 
     in paragraph (3)) be scheduled to be held in accordance with 
     the place of the case on the docket under subsection (a) 
     relative to other cases on the docket for which hearings are 
     scheduled to be held within that area.
       ``(3) A hearing to be held within an area served by a 
     regional office of the Department may, for cause shown, be 
     advanced on motion for an earlier hearing. Any such motion 
     shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon

[[Page 3187]]

     which the motion is based. Such a motion may be granted 
     only--
       ``(A) if the case involves interpretation of law of general 
     application affecting other claims;
       ``(B) if the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe 
     financial hardship; or
       ``(C) for other sufficient cause shown.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to cases received by the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals pursuant to notices of disagreement 
     submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                      TITLE VII--OUTREACH MATTERS

     SEC. 701. PROGRAM TO INCREASE COORDINATION OF OUTREACH 
                   EFFORTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES 
                   AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of using State and local government agencies and 
     nonprofit organizations--
       (1) to increase awareness of veterans regarding benefits 
     and services for veterans; and
       (2) to improve coordination of outreach activities 
     regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary 
     and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit 
     providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
       (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     for a two-year period.
       (c) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     through the competitive award of grants to State and local 
     government agencies and nonprofit organizations--
       (A) to increase the awareness of veterans regarding 
     benefits and services for veterans; and
       (B) to improve coordination of outreach activities 
     regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary 
     and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit 
     providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
       (2) Application.--
       (A) In general.--A State or local government agency or 
     nonprofit organization seeking a grant under the program 
     shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such 
     form and in such manner as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (B) Elements.--Each application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
       (i) A description of the consultations, if any, with the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of any 
     proposal under the application.
       (ii) A description of the project for which the applicant 
     is seeking a grant under the program, including a plan to 
     coordinate under the program, to the greatest extent 
     possible, the outreach activities of Federal, State, and 
     local government agencies that provide health care, benefits, 
     and services for veterans and nonprofit organizations that 
     provide such care, benefits, and services to enhance the 
     awareness and availability of such care, benefits, and 
     services.
       (iii) An agreement to report to the Secretary standardized 
     data and other performance measures necessary for the 
     Secretary to evaluate the program and to facilitate 
     evaluation of projects for which grants are awarded under the 
     program.
       (iv) Such other information as the Secretary may require.
       (3) Considerations.--
       (A) In general.--In awarding grants under the program to 
     carry out projects, the Secretary shall consider--
       (i) where the projects will be carried out and which 
     populations are targeted; and
       (ii) the likelihood that each potential grantee will 
     successfully carry out the grant proposal.
       (B) Considerations regarding location and target 
     population.--In taking the matters specified in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii) into consideration, the Secretary shall consider in 
     particular the advisability of awarding grants for projects--
       (i) carried out in areas with populations that have a high 
     proportion of veteran representation;
       (ii) carried out in a variety of geographic areas, 
     including urban, rural, and highly rural areas; and
       (iii) that target a variety of veteran populations, 
     including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income 
     populations, and older populations.
       (4) Use of funds.--The Secretary shall establish 
     appropriate uses of grant amounts received under the program.
       (5) Oversight of use of funds.--The Secretary shall 
     establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of the use of 
     grant amounts received under the program, including the 
     evidence grantees must submit to demonstrate use of grant 
     amounts and procedures for the recovery of grant amounts that 
     were improperly used.
       (6) Limitation.--In a fiscal year, not more than 20 percent 
     of all grant amounts awarded in that fiscal year may be 
     awarded to a single State entity.
       (d) State Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not make 
     a grant to a State under subsection (c) unless that State 
     agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the 
     State in carrying out the program or projects for which the 
     grant was awarded, the State will make available (directly or 
     through donations from public or private entities) non-
     Federal contributions in an amount equal to 50 percent of 
     Federal funds provided under the grant.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the 
     following:
       (1) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2015.
       (2) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016.
       (f) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     completion of the first calendar year beginning after the 
     date of the commencement of the program, and not less 
     frequently than once every year thereafter for the duration 
     of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report evaluating the program and the projects supported by 
     grants awarded under the program.
       (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (B) An assessment of the benefit to veterans of the 
     program.
       (C) The performance measures used by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program and data showing the performance of 
     grantees under the program under such measures.
       (D) The recommendations of the Secretary as to the 
     feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding or 
     modifying the program.
       (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 702. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS AND STATES ON OUTREACH 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after 
     section 6306 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 6306A. Cooperative agreements with States

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements and arrangements with various State agencies and 
     State departments to carry out this chapter and to otherwise 
     carry out, coordinate, improve, or enhance outreach 
     activities of the Department and the States.
       ``(b) Report.--The Secretary shall include in each report 
     submitted under section 6308 of this title a description of 
     the agreements and arrangements entered into by the Secretary 
     under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 6306 the following new item:

``6306A. Cooperative agreements with States.''.

     SEC. 703. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish an advisory committee on outreach 
     activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Membership.--The advisory committee shall be composed 
     of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the 
     following:
       (1) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals who are 
     eminent in their respective fields of public relations.
       (2) Representatives of organizations with offices that 
     focus on communications and distribute messages through major 
     media news outlets and social media.
       (3) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with 
     experience communicating financial results and business 
     strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image.
       (4) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with 
     experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating 
     publicity for a particular product or service.
       (5) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have 
     experience in press and public relations.
       (c) Duties.--The advisory committee shall advise the 
     Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental 
     Affairs--
       (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is 
     strategically and effectively--
       (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to 
     increase awareness nationally regarding all benefits and 
     services furnished by the Department;
       (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
       (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department; 
     and
       (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-
     based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local 
     government agencies;
       (2) to assist the Secretary in conducting such other press 
     or public relations activities relating to outreach 
     activities of the Department as the Secretary and the 
     Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs 
     consider appropriate; and
       (3) to ensure coordination and collaboration on efforts 
     within the Department for the development, implementation, 
     and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that 
     include the following:

[[Page 3188]]

       (A) Compensation and pension benefits.
       (B) Insurance benefits.
       (C) Burial and memorial benefits.
       (D) Education benefits.
       (E) Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits.
       (F) Readjustment counseling benefits.
       (G) Loan guarantee benefits.
       (H) Such other benefits as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (d) Location of Meetings.--Each meeting of the advisory 
     committee shall take place at a location that is property of 
     the Department and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     use teleconference technology.
       (e) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with and 
     seek the advice of the advisory committee not less frequently 
     than quarterly on matters relating to the duties of the 
     advisory committee under subsection (c).
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 90 
     days for the first year and semiannually thereafter, the 
     advisory committee shall submit to Congress and to the 
     Secretary a report on outreach activities of the Department.
       (2) Recommendations.--Each report submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall include such recommendations for legislative and 
     administrative action as the advisory committee considers 
     appropriate to improve the press and public relations of the 
     Department relating to outreach.
       (g) Termination.--The advisory committee shall terminate on 
     October 1, 2015, and the requirements and authorities under 
     this section shall terminate on such date.
       (h) Outreach Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``outreach'' has the meaning given the term in section 6301 
     of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 704. ADVISORY BOARDS ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RELATING TO 
                   HEALTH CARE.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--For each entity described in paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through 
     the director of that entity, establish not later than 180 
     days after the effective date specified in subsection (h) an 
     advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach 
     activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at that 
     entity.
       (2) Entity described.--An entity described in this 
     paragraph is--
       (A) a healthcare system of the Department; or
       (B) a Veterans Integrated System Network, if such Veterans 
     Integrated System Network does not contain a healthcare 
     system.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) shall be, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, composed of individuals selected by the 
     Secretary from among the following:
       (A) Individuals who are eminent in their respective fields 
     of public relations.
       (B) Representatives of organizations with offices that 
     focus on communications and distribute messages through major 
     media news outlets and social media.
       (C) Individuals with experience communicating financial 
     results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a 
     confident brand image.
       (D) Individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle 
     imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or 
     service.
       (E) Employees of the Department who are involved in press 
     and public relations strategy for an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2).
       (F) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have 
     experience in press and public relations.
       (2) Voluntary participation.--The participation of an 
     individual selected under paragraph (1) shall be at the 
     election of the individual.
       (c) Duties.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) at an entity described in subsection (a)(2) 
     shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and 
     Intergovernmental Affairs--
       (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is 
     strategically and effectively--
       (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to 
     increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services 
     furnished by the Department;
       (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
       (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department;
       (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-
     based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local 
     government agencies; and
       (E) coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the 
     Department for the development, implementation, and review of 
     local outreach with respect to benefits that include--
       (i) compensation and pension benefits;
       (ii) insurance benefits;
       (iii) burial and memorial benefits;
       (iv) education benefits;
       (v) vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits;
       (vi) readjustment counseling benefits;
       (vii) loan guarantee benefits; and
       (viii) such other benefits as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate; and
       (2) to assist the director of that entity in conducting 
     such other press or public relations activities relating to 
     outreach activities of the Department as that advisory board 
     considers appropriate.
       (d) Meeting Location.--
       (1) In general.--If teleconference technology is not used, 
     meetings of each advisory board established under subsection 
     (a)(1) shall be held at a location that is property of the 
     Department.
       (2) Teleconference technology.--Each advisory board shall 
     use, to the maximum extent practicable, teleconference 
     technology.
       (e) Consultation.--Each director of an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2) shall consult with and seek the advice of 
     the advisory board established at such entity not less 
     frequently than once every two months on matters relating to 
     the duties of the advisory board under subsection (c).
       (f) Annual Reports.--Not less frequently than each year, 
     each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall 
     submit to the Secretary a report with such information as may 
     be beneficial to the Secretary in preparing the reports 
     required by section 6308 of title 38, United States Code.
       (g) Termination.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) and the authorities and requirements of 
     this section shall terminate three years after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (h).
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 705. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR PERIODIC REPORTS TO 
                   CONGRESS ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 6308 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``even-numbered''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``biennial'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``for legislative and 
     administrative action'' after ``Recommendations''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Recommendations that such administrative actions as 
     may be taken--
       ``(A) to maximize resources for outreach activities of the 
     Department; and
       ``(B) to focus outreach efforts on activities that are 
     proven to be more effective.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Section heading.--The heading for section 6308 is 
     amended by striking ``Biennial'' and inserting ``Annual''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 6308 and inserting the following new 
     item:

``6308. Annual report to Congress.''.

     SEC. 706. BUDGET TRANSPARENCY FOR OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after 
     section 6308 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 6309. Budget transparency

       ``(a) Budget Requirements.--In the budget justification 
     materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department 
     budget for a fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the 
     President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary 
     shall include a separate statement of the amount requested 
     for such fiscal year for activities of the Office of Public 
     and Intergovernmental Affairs as follows:
       ``(1) For outreach activities of the Department in 
     aggregate.
       ``(2) For outreach activities of each element of the 
     Department specified in subsection (b)(1).
       ``(b) Procedures for Effective Coordination and 
     Collaboration.--(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     the Secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for the 
     Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure the 
     effective coordination and collaboration of outreach 
     activities of the Department between and among the following:
       ``(A) Office of the Secretary.
       ``(B) Veterans Health Administration.
       ``(C) Veterans Benefits Administration.
       ``(D) National Cemetery Administration.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) beginning after the date on which the Secretary 
     establishes procedures under paragraph (1), not less 
     frequently than once every two years conduct a review of the 
     procedures established and maintained under paragraph (1) to 
     ensure that such procedures meet the requirements of such 
     paragraph;
       ``(B) make such modifications to such procedures as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate based upon reviews conducted 
     under subparagraph (A) in order to better meet such 
     requirements; and
       ``(C) not later than 45 days after completing a review 
     under subparagraph (A), submit to Congress a report on the 
     findings of such review.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 6308 the following new item:


[[Page 3189]]


``6309. Budget transparency.''.

TITLE VIII--ENHANCEMENT OF RIGHTS UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

     SEC. 801. MODIFICATION OF PERIOD DETERMINING WHICH ACTIONS 
                   ARE COVERED UNDER STAY OF PROCEEDINGS AND 
                   ADJUSTMENT OF OBLIGATION PROTECTIONS CONCERNING 
                   MORTGAGES AND TRUST DEEDS OF MEMBERS OF 
                   UNIFORMED SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Section 303(b) of the Servicemembers Civil 
     Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 533(b)) is amended by striking 
     ``filed'' and inserting ``pending''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 710(d) of the Honoring 
     America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act 
     of 2012 (Public Law 112-154; 126 Stat. 1208) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph (1):
       ``(1) Sunset and revival.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subsections (b) and (c) of section 303 
     of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 533), 
     as amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, are 
     amended by striking `within one year' each place it appears 
     and inserting `within 90 days'.
       ``(B) Effective date.--The amendments made by subparagraph 
     (A) shall take effect on January 1, 2015.''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (3).

     SEC. 802. PROTECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED SERVICES 
                   REGARDING PROFESSIONAL LICENSES.

       (a) In General.--Title VII of the Servicemembers Civil 
     Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 701 et seq.) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 707. PROFESSIONAL LICENSES.

       ``(a) Expiration During Period in Which Servicemembers Are 
     Eligible for Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Special Pay.--If 
     a license issued by a State or local licensing authority to a 
     servicemember would otherwise expire during a period in which 
     such servicemember is eligible for hostile fire or imminent 
     danger special pay under section 310 of title 37, United 
     States Code, such State or local licensing authority shall 
     delay the expiration of such license until not earlier than 
     the date that is 180 days after the date on which such period 
     of eligibility ends.
       ``(b) Continuing Education Requirements During Period in 
     Which Servicemembers Are Eligible for Hostile Fire or 
     Imminent Danger Special Pay.--If a State or local licensing 
     authority otherwise requires a servicemember to meet any 
     continuing education requirements to maintain a license for a 
     trade or profession during a period in which such 
     servicemember is eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger 
     special pay under section 310 of title 37, United States 
     Code, such State or local licensing authority shall delay 
     such continuing education requirement until not earlier than 
     the date that is 180 days after the date on which such period 
     of eligibility ends.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 501(b)) is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 706 the 
     following new item:

``Sec. 707. Professional licenses and certifications.''.

     SEC. 803. PROHIBITION ON DENIAL OF CREDIT BECAUSE OF 
                   ELIGIBILITY FOR PROTECTION.

       Section 108 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 
     U.S.C. App. 518) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Application by'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Application or Receipt.--Application by''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Eligibility.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to the protections under 
     subsection (a), an individual who is entitled to any right or 
     protection provided under this Act may not be denied or 
     refused credit or be subject to any other action described 
     under paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (a) solely by 
     reason of such entitlement.
       ``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
     construed to prohibit a lender from considering all relevant 
     factors, other than the entitlement of an individual to a 
     right or protection provided under this Act, in making a 
     determination as to whether it is appropriate to extend 
     credit.''.

     SEC. 804. INTEREST RATE LIMITATION ON DEBT ENTERED INTO 
                   DURING MILITARY SERVICE TO CONSOLIDATE OR 
                   REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS INCURRED BEFORE 
                   MILITARY SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 207 of the 
     Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 527) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``on debt incurred 
     before service'' after ``Limitation to 6 percent'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) Limitation to 6 percent on debt incurred during 
     service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred 
     before service.--An obligation or liability bearing interest 
     at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year that is incurred by 
     a servicemember, or the servicemember and the servicemember's 
     spouse jointly, during military service to consolidate or 
     refinance one or more student loans incurred by the 
     servicemember before such military service shall not bear an 
     interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent during the period 
     of military service.'';
       (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
     this subsection, by inserting ``or (2)'' after ``paragraph 
     (1)''; and
       (5) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''.
       (b) Implementation of Limitation.--Subsection (b) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the interest rate 
     limitation in subsection (a)'' and inserting ``an interest 
     rate limitation in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a)''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``as of date of 
     order to active duty''; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``in the case of an obligation or liability 
     covered by subsection (a)(1), or as of the date the 
     servicemember (or servicemember and spouse jointly) incurs 
     the obligation or liability concerned under subsection 
     (a)(2)''.
       (c) Student Loan Defined.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Student loan.--The term `student loan' means the 
     following:
       ``(A) A Federal student loan made, insured, or guaranteed 
     under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1070 et seq.).
       ``(B) A private student loan as that term is defined in 
     section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 
     1650(a)).''.

     SEC. 805. TERMINATION OF RESIDENTIAL LEASES AFTER ASSIGNMENT 
                   OR RELOCATION TO QUARTERS OF UNITED STATES OR 
                   HOUSING FACILITY UNDER JURISDICTION OF 
                   UNIFORMED SERVICE.

       (a) Termination of Residential Leases.--
       (1) In general.--Section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil 
     Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 535) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) in the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) 
     and subparagraph (C) of such subsection, the date the lessee 
     is assigned to or otherwise relocates to quarters or a 
     housing facility as described in such subparagraph.''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) the lease is executed by or on behalf of a person who 
     thereafter and during the term of the lease is assigned to or 
     otherwise relocates to quarters of the United States or a 
     housing facility under the jurisdiction of a uniformed 
     service (as defined in section 101 of title 37, United States 
     Code), including housing provided under the Military Housing 
     Privatization Initiative.''.
       (2) Manner of termination.--Subsection (c)(1) of such 
     section is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by inserting ``in the case of a lease described in 
     subsection (b)(1) and subparagraph (A) or (B) of such 
     subsection,'' before ``by delivery''; and
       (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraph (B):
       ``(B) in the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) 
     and subparagraph (C) of such subsection, by delivery by the 
     lessee of written notice of such termination, and a letter 
     from the servicemember's commanding officer indicating that 
     the servicemember has been assigned to or is otherwise 
     relocating to quarters of the United States or a housing 
     facility under the jurisdiction of a uniformed service (as 
     defined in section 101 of title 37, United States Code), to 
     the lessor (or the lessor's grantee), or to the lessor's 
     agent (or the agent's grantee); and''.
       (b) Definition of Military Orders and Continental United 
     States for Purposes of Act.--
       (1) Transfer of definitions.--Such Act is further amended 
     by transferring paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 305(i) (50 
     U.S.C. App. 535(i)) to the end of section 101 (50 U.S.C. App. 
     511) and redesignating such paragraphs, as so transferred, as 
     paragraphs (10) and (11).
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Such Act is further amended--
       (A) in section 305 (50 U.S.C. App. 535), as amended by 
     paragraph (1), by striking subsection (i); and
       (B) in section 705 (50 U.S.C. App. 595), by striking ``or 
     naval'' both places it appears.

     SEC. 806. PROTECTION OF SURVIVING SPOUSE WITH RESPECT TO 
                   MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Servicemembers Civil 
     Relief Act (50 U.S.C.

[[Page 3190]]

     App. 531 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 303 
     (50 U.S.C. App. 533) the following new section:

     ``SEC. 303A. PROTECTION OF SURVIVING SPOUSE WITH RESPECT TO 
                   MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE.

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), with respect 
     to a servicemember who dies while in military service and who 
     has a surviving spouse who is the servicemember's successor 
     in interest to property covered under section 303(a), section 
     303 shall apply to the surviving spouse with respect to that 
     property during the one-year period beginning on the date of 
     such death in the same manner as if the servicemember had not 
     died.
       ``(b) Notice Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be covered under this section with 
     respect to property, a surviving spouse shall submit written 
     notice that such surviving spouse is so covered to the 
     mortgagee, trustee, or other creditor of the mortgage, trust 
     deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage with 
     which the property is secured.
       ``(2) Time.--Notice provided under paragraph (1) shall be 
     provided with respect to a surviving spouse anytime during 
     the one-year period beginning on the date of death of the 
     servicemember with respect to whom the surviving spouse is to 
     receive coverage under this section.
       ``(3) Address.--Notice provided under paragraph (1) with 
     respect to property shall be provided via e-mail, facsimile, 
     standard post, or express mail to facsimile numbers and 
     addresses, as the case may be, designated by the servicer of 
     the mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of 
     a mortgage with which the property is secured.
       ``(4) Manner.--Notice provided under paragraph (1) shall be 
     provided in writing by using a form designed under paragraph 
     (5) or submitting a copy of a Department of Defense or 
     Department of Veterans Affairs document evidencing the 
     military service-related death of a spouse while in military 
     service.
       ``(5) Official forms.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     design and distribute an official Department of Defense form 
     that can be used by an individual to give notice under 
     paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Section 303A of such Act, as added by 
     subsection (a), shall apply with respect to deaths that occur 
     on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 501) is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 303 the following new 
     item:

``Sec. 303A. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage 
              foreclosure.''.

     SEC. 807. IMPROVED PROTECTION OF MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED 
                   SERVICES AGAINST DEFAULT JUDGMENTS.

       (a) Modification of Plaintiff Affidavit Filing 
     Requirement.--Paragraph (1) of section 201(b) of the 
     Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 521(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting such clauses two 
     ems to the right;
       (2) in the matter before clause (i), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1), by striking ``In any'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--In any''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph 
     (B):
       ``(B) Due diligence.--Before filing the affidavit, the 
     plaintiff shall conduct a diligent and reasonable 
     investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in 
     military service, including a search of available records of 
     the Department of Defense and any other information 
     reasonably available to the plaintiff. The affidavit shall 
     set forth all steps taken to determine the defendant's 
     military status and shall have attached copies of the records 
     on which the plaintiff relied in drafting the affidavit.''.
       (b) Appointment of Attorney to Represent Defendant in 
     Military Service.--Paragraph (2) of such section (50 U.S.C. 
     App. 521(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``If in an action'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--If in an action'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A), as designated by paragraph (1), by 
     striking ``If an attorney'' and inserting the following:
       ``(C) Limitations on appointed attorney.--If an attorney'';
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as designated by 
     paragraph (1), the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B) Due diligence.--If the court appoints an attorney to 
     represent the defendant--
       ``(i) the attorney shall conduct a diligent and reasonable 
     investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in 
     military service, including a search of available records of 
     the Department of Defense and any other information 
     reasonably available to the attorney; and
       ``(ii) the plaintiff shall submit to the attorney such 
     information as the plaintiff may have concerning the 
     whereabouts or identity of the defendant.''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) Treatment of attorneys fees.--The reasonable fees of 
     an attorney appointed to represent a servicemember shall be 
     treated as costs of court for court cost purposes, unless the 
     creditor seeks relief from such charges from the court.''.

     SEC. 808. CLARIFICATION REGARDING APPLICATION OF ENFORCEMENT 
                   AUTHORITY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL AND PRIVATE RIGHT 
                   OF ACTION UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF 
                   ACT.

       Sections 801 and 802 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
     (50 U.S.C. App. 597 and 597a) shall apply as if such sections 
     were included in the enactment of the Soldiers' and Sailors' 
     Civil Relief Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 1178, chapter 888) and 
     included in the restatement of such Act in Public Law 108-
     189.

     SEC. 809. CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

       (a) In General.--The heading for section 305 of the 
     Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 535) is 
     amended by striking ``residential or motor vehicle leases'' 
     and inserting ``leases of premises occupied and motor 
     vehicles used''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 501(b)) is amended by 
     striking the item relating to section 305 and inserting the 
     following new item:

``Sec. 305. Termination of leases of premises occupied and motor 
              vehicles used.''.

                        TITLE IX--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 901. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REDUCTIONS MADE BY BIPARTISAN 
                   BUDGET ACT OF 2013.

       (a) Adjustment of Retirement Pay.--Section 403 of the 
     Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-76) is repealed 
     as of the date of the enactment of such Act.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Applicability to disability and survivor benefits.--
     Title X of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014 
     (division C of Public Law 113-76) is repealed.
       (2) Applicability to members of the armed forces who joined 
     after january 1, 2014.--Section 2 of Public Law 113-82 is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 902. CONSIDERATION BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF 
                   RESOURCES DISPOSED OF FOR LESS THAN FAIR MARKET 
                   VALUE BY INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR PENSION.

       (a) Veterans.--Section 1522 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of 
     pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or the 
     spouse of such veteran disposes of covered resources for less 
     than fair market value on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or 
     discontinue the payment of pension to such veteran under 
     section 1513 or 1521 of this title, as the case may be, for 
     months during the period beginning on the date described in 
     subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated 
     as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the veteran or, if the veteran has a spouse, the corpus of 
     the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse, that 
     the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if 
     the veteran or spouse had not disposed of such resource, it 
     would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the 
     resource) be consumed for the veteran's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the veteran or, if the veteran has a 
     spouse, the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the 
     veteran's spouse, that the Secretary considers, under all the 
     circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the 
     veteran's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the veteran applies for pension under section 1513 or 
     1521 of this title or, if later, the date on which the 
     veteran (or the spouse of the veteran) disposes of covered 
     resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of covered resources so disposed of by the veteran 
     (or the spouse of the veteran) on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary 
     determines would reasonably have been consumed for the 
     veteran's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a veteran under

[[Page 3191]]

     section 1513 or 1521 of this title, including the maximum 
     amount of increased pension payable under such sections on 
     account of family members, but not including any amount of 
     pension payable under such sections because a veteran is in 
     need of regular aid and attendance or is permanently 
     housebound,
     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of 
     increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of 
     section 1521 of this title on account of a child, the spouse 
     of the veteran, or the child disposes of covered resources 
     for less than fair market value on or after the look-back 
     date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall 
     deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for 
     months during the period beginning on the date described in 
     subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated 
     as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the child that the Secretary considers that under all the 
     circumstances, if the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or 
     the child had not disposed of such resource, it would be 
     reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the 
     resource) be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary 
     considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable 
     to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the veteran applies for payment of increased pension 
     under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of 
     this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on 
     which the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child 
     disposes of covered resources for less than fair market 
     value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child on or after 
     the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the 
     Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for 
     the child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that 
     is payable to a veteran under subsection (c), (d), (e), or 
     (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child,
     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1)(A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue 
     payment of pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title 
     or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), 
     (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a 
     child by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2) or 
     (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an 
     individual--
       ``(i) if--
       ``(I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in 
     accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) 
     that all resources disposed of for less than fair market 
     value have been returned to the individual who disposed of 
     the resources; or
       ``(II) the Secretary determines, under procedures 
     established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph 
     (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work 
     an undue hardship; or
       ``(ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources 
     disposed of for less than fair market value have been 
     returned to the individual who disposed of the resources.
       ``(B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or 
     discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 
     (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would 
     deprive the individual during the period of denial or 
     discontinuance--
       ``(i) of medical care such that the individual's life or 
     health would be endangered;
       ``(ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities 
     of life; or
       ``(iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify 
     in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II).
       ``(C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would 
     otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the 
     application of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) is denied or 
     discontinued only in part by reason of the return of 
     resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of 
     the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to 
     subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2), as 
     applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such 
     return of resources.
       ``(2) At the time a veteran applies for pension under 
     section 1513 or 1521 of this title or increased pension under 
     subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this 
     title on account of a child, and at such other times as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) inform such veteran of the provisions of subsections 
     (a)(2) and (b)(2) providing for a period of ineligibility for 
     payment of pension under such sections for individuals who 
     make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair 
     market value, including the exception for hardship from such 
     period of ineligibility;
       ``(B) obtain from such veteran information which may be 
     used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility 
     for such payments would be required by reason of such 
     subsections; and
       ``(C) provide such veteran a timely process for determining 
     whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such 
     veteran.''.
       (b) Surviving Spouses and Children.--Section 1543 is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for 
     payment of pension under section 1541 of this title disposes 
     of covered resources for less than fair market value on or 
     after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), 
     the Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of 
     pension to such surviving spouse under section 1541 of this 
     title for months during the period beginning on the date 
     described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of 
     months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the surviving spouse that the Secretary considers that 
     under all the circumstances, if the surviving spouse had not 
     disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the 
     resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for 
     the surviving spouse's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the 
     Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be 
     reasonable to be consumed for the surviving spouse's 
     maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the surviving spouse applies for pension under section 
     1541 of this title or, if later, the date on which the 
     surviving spouse disposes of covered resources for less than 
     fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     surviving spouse on or after the look-back date described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would 
     reasonably have been consumed for the surviving spouse's 
     maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a surviving spouse under section 1541 of this 
     title, including the maximum amount of increased pension 
     payable under such section on account of a child, but not 
     including any amount of pension payable under such section 
     because a surviving spouse is in need of regular aid and 
     attendance or is permanently housebound,
     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4)(A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for 
     payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or 
     (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child or 
     the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair 
     market value on or after the look-back date described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue 
     payment of such increased pension for months during the 
     period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) 
     and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in 
     subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a

[[Page 3192]]

     part of the corpus of the estate of the child that the 
     Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the 
     surviving spouse or the child had not disposed of such 
     resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some 
     portion of the resource) be consumed for the child's 
     maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary 
     considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable 
     to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the surviving spouse applies for payment of increased 
     pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of 
     this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on 
     which the surviving spouse (or the child) disposes of covered 
     resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this clause 
     shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     surviving spouse (or the child) on or after the look-back 
     date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary 
     determines would reasonably have been consumed for the 
     child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that 
     is payable to a surviving spouse under subsection (c), (d), 
     or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child,
     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a child otherwise eligible for payment of 
     pension under section 1542 of this title or any person with 
     whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for 
     such child's support disposes of covered resources for less 
     than fair market value on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or 
     discontinue the payment of pension to such child under 
     section 1542 of this title for months during the period 
     beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal 
     to the number of months calculated as provided in 
     subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the child or the corpus of the estate of any person with 
     whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for 
     such child's support that the Secretary considers that under 
     all the circumstances, if the child or person had not 
     disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the 
     resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for 
     the child's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate described in clause (i) that the 
     Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be 
     reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the child applies for pension under section 1542 of 
     this title or, if later, the date on which the child (or 
     person described in subparagraph (B)) disposes of covered 
     resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this clause is the first day of 
     the first month in or after which covered resources were 
     disposed of for less than fair market value and which does 
     not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this clause 
     shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the child 
     (or person described in subparagraph (B)) on or after the 
     look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the 
     Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for 
     the child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a child under section 1542 of this title,
     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1)(A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue 
     payment of pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title 
     or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or 
     (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child by 
     reason of the application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or 
     (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an 
     individual--
       ``(i) if--
       ``(I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in 
     accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) 
     that all resources disposed of for less than fair market 
     value have been returned to the individual who disposed of 
     the resources; or
       ``(II) the Secretary determines, under procedures 
     established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph 
     (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work 
     an undue hardship; or
       ``(ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources 
     disposed of for less than fair market value have been 
     returned to the individual who disposed of the resources.
       ``(B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or 
     discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 
     (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would 
     deprive the individual during the period of denial or 
     discontinuance--
       ``(i) of medical care such that the individual's life or 
     health would be endangered;
       ``(ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities 
     of life; or
       ``(iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify 
     in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II).
       ``(C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would 
     otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the 
     application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2) is denied 
     or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of 
     resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of 
     the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to 
     subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2), as 
     applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such 
     return of resources.
       ``(2) At the time a surviving spouse or child applies for 
     pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title or increased 
     pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of 
     this title on account of a child, and at such other times as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) inform such surviving spouse or child of the 
     provisions of subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), and (b)(2), as 
     applicable, providing for a period of ineligibility for 
     payment of pension or increased pension under such sections 
     for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources 
     for less than fair market value, including the exception for 
     hardship from such period of ineligibility;
       ``(B) obtain from such surviving spouse or child 
     information which may be used in determining whether or not a 
     period of ineligibility for such payments would be required 
     by reason of such subsections; and
       ``(C) provide such surviving spouse or child a timely 
     process for determining whether or not the exception for 
     hardship shall apply to such surviving spouse or child.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--Subsections (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of 
     section 1522 of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a), and subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and 
     (c) of section 1543 of such title, as added by subsection 
     (b), shall take effect on the date that is one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with 
     respect to payments of pension and increased pension applied 
     for after such date and to payments of pension and increased 
     pension for which eligibility is redetermined after such 
     date, except that no reduction in pension shall be made under 
     such subsections because of any disposal of covered resources 
     made before such date.
       (d) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once 
     each year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the administration of subsections 
     (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1522 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), and subsections 
     (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1543 of such 
     title, as added by subsection (b), during the most recent 12-
     month period.
       (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following, for the period covered by the 
     report:
       (A) The number of individuals who applied for pension under 
     chapter 15 of such title.
       (B) The number of individuals who received pension under 
     such chapter.
       (C) The number of individuals with respect to whom the 
     Secretary denied or discontinued payment of pension under the 
     subsections referred to in paragraph (1).
       (D) A description of any trends identified by the Secretary 
     regarding pension payments that have occurred as a result of 
     the amendments made by this section.
       (E) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

[[Page 3193]]

       (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Select 
     Committee on Aging of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 903. EXTENSION OF REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
                   COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR SERVICES 
                   FURNISHED BY NURSING FACILITIES.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (d)(7) of section 5503 is 
     amended by striking ``November 30, 2016'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2023''.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Section heading.--The section heading of such section 
     is amended to read as follows: ``Reduced pension for certain 
     hospitalized veterans and certain veterans receiving 
     domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing facility care''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 55 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 5503 and inserting the following new 
     item:

``5503. Reduced pension for certain hospitalized veterans and certain 
              veterans receiving domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing 
              facility care.''.

     SEC. 904. CONDITIONS ON AWARD OF PER DIEM PAYMENTS BY 
                   SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR PROVISION OF 
                   HOUSING OR SERVICES TO HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) Condition.--
       (1) In general.--Section 2012(c)(1) is amended by striking 
     ``unless the facilities'' and all that follows through ``may 
     specify.'' and inserting the following: ``unless the 
     Secretary certifies the following:
       ``(A) That the building where the grant recipient or 
     eligible entity provides housing or services for which the 
     grant recipient or eligible entity would receive such payment 
     is in compliance with the codes relevant to the operations 
     and level of care provided, including applicable provisions 
     of the most recently published version of the Life Safety 
     Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such 
     other comparable fire and safety requirements as the 
     Secretary may specify.
       ``(B) That such building and such housing or services are 
     in compliance with licensing requirements, fire and safety 
     requirements, and any other requirements in the jurisdiction 
     in which the building is located regarding the condition of 
     the building and the provision of such housing or 
     services.''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     shall apply with respect to an application for a per diem 
     payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, 
     submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Annual Inspections Required.--Section 2012 is amended 
     by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b)(1) Not less frequently than once each fiscal year, 
     the Secretary shall inspect each facility of each grant 
     recipient or entity eligible for payments under subsection 
     (a) at which the recipients and entities provide services 
     under section 2011 of this title or this section.
       ``(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1), inspections made 
     under such paragraph shall be made at such times as the 
     Secretary considers necessary.
       ``(3) An inspection of a facility of a recipient or entity 
     described in paragraph (1) made under such paragraph may be 
     made with or without prior notice to the recipient or entity, 
     as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(4) No per diem payment may be provided to a grant 
     recipient or eligible entity under this section unless the 
     facilities of the grant recipient or eligible entity meet 
     such standards as the Secretary shall prescribe.''.
       (c) Revocation of Certification Authorized.--Subsection (c) 
     of such section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (2) in paragraph (1), as amended by subsection (a)(1), by 
     striking ``in paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``in paragraph 
     (4)''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) The Secretary may revoke any certification made under 
     paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such 
     certification is no longer accurate.''.
       (d) Congressional Notification of Termination of Per Diem 
     Required.--Such subsection is further amended by inserting 
     after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):
       ``(3) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary terminates provision of per diem payment under this 
     section to a grant recipient or an eligible entity, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives notice of such termination if such 
     termination were made because a facility of the grant 
     recipient or eligible entity did not comply with--
       ``(A) an applicable provision of the most recently 
     published version of the Life Safety Code of the National 
     Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and 
     safety requirement as the Secretary has specified; or
       ``(B) a licensing requirement, fire or safety requirement, 
     or another requirement in the jurisdiction in which the 
     facility is located regarding the condition of the 
     facility.''.
       (e) Treatment of Current Recipients of Per Diem Payments.--
       (1) Assessment.--In the case of the recipient of a per diem 
     payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, 
     that receives such a payment during the year in which this 
     Act is enacted for the provision of housing or services, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assess whether the 
     building where such housing or services are provided is and 
     whether the housing and services are in compliance as 
     required by section 2012(c)(1) of such title, as amended by 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (2) Failure to comply.--In the case described in paragraph 
     (1), if the Secretary does not certify the compliance of the 
     building and the housing or services under such section 
     before the date that is two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary may not make any 
     additional per diem payments to the recipient for the 
     provision of such housing or services under section 2012 of 
     such title until the Secretary certifies that such building 
     is and such housing or services are in compliance.
       (f) Conforming Condition on Award of Grants by Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs for Comprehensive Service Programs.--Section 
     2011(b)(5)(A) is amended by inserting ``, including housing 
     and building codes,''.

     SEC. 905. EXCEPTION TO CERTAIN RECAPTURE REQUIREMENTS AND 
                   TREATMENT OF CONTRACTS AND GRANTS WITH STATE 
                   HOMES WITH RESPECT TO CARE FOR HOMELESS 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Exception to Certain Recapture Requirements.--Section 
     8136(b) is amended by inserting ``, or the provision of 
     services or conduct of a program pursuant to a contract or 
     grant issued or awarded by the Secretary under subchapter II 
     of chapter 20 or section 2031(a)(2) of this title,'' after 
     ``outpatient clinic''.
       (b) Construction.--The amendment made by subsection (a) may 
     not be construed to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs to enter into a contract with a State home or award a 
     grant to a State home for the furnishing of residential care 
     for a veteran without--
       (1) identifying a substantial need for such care; and
       (2) determining that the State home is the most appropriate 
     provider of such care.

     SEC. 906. EXTENDED PERIOD FOR SCHEDULING OF MEDICAL EXAMS FOR 
                   VETERANS RECEIVING TEMPORARY DISABILITY RATINGS 
                   FOR SEVERE MENTAL DISORDERS.

       Section 1156(a)(3) is amended by striking ``six months'' 
     and inserting ``18 months''.

     SEC. 907. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE VETERANS ID CARDS.

       (a) Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     issue a card to a veteran that identifies the veteran as a 
     veteran and includes a photo of the veteran and the name of 
     the veteran.
       (2) No requirement for enrollment or receipt of benefits.--
     The Secretary may issue a card under paragraph (1) to a 
     veteran, whether or not such veteran is--
       (A) enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code; or
       (B) in receipt of educational assistance, compensation, or 
     pension under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (3) Designation.--A card issued under paragraph (1) may be 
     known as a ``Veterans ID Card''.
       (b) Recognition of Veterans ID Cards for Reduced Pricing of 
     Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Products, and Services.--The 
     Secretary may work with national retail chains that offer 
     reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and 
     services to veterans to ensure that such retail chains 
     recognize cards issued under subsection (a)(1) for purposes 
     of offering reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer 
     products, and services.
       (c) Veteran Defined.--In this section, the term ``veteran'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 908. HONORING AS VETERANS CERTAIN PERSONS WHO PERFORMED 
                   SERVICE IN THE RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, 
     United States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, 
     but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired 
     pay for nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but 
     shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor.

     SEC. 909. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM SECRETARY OF 
                   TREASURY AND COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY 
                   FOR INCOME VERIFICATION PURPOSES.

       Section 5317(g) is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2016'' and inserting ``September 30, 2018''.

[[Page 3194]]



     SEC. 910. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO ISSUE AND GUARANTEE CERTAIN LOANS.

       Section 3729(b)(2) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (iv), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023'';
       (3) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (4) in subparagraph (D)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''.

     SEC. 911. REVIEW OF DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE IN 
                   PHILIPPINES DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense and such military 
     historians as the Secretary of Defense recommends, shall 
     review the process used to determine whether a covered 
     individual served in support of the Armed Forces of the 
     United States during World War II in accordance with section 
     1002(d) of title X of Division A of the American Recovery and 
     Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5; 38 U.S.C. 107 
     note) for purposes of determining whether such covered 
     individual is eligible for payments described in such 
     section.
       (b) Covered Individuals.--In this section, a covered 
     individual is any individual who timely submitted a claim for 
     benefits under subsection (c) of section 1002 of title X of 
     Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 
     2009 (Public Law 111-5; 38 U.S.C. 107 note) based on service 
     as described in subsection (d) of that section.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report detailing any findings, actions 
     taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect 
     to the review conducted under subsection (a).
       (d) Prohibition on Benefits for Disqualifying Conduct Under 
     New Process Pursuant to Review.--If pursuant to the review 
     conducted under subsection (a) the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs determines to establish a new process for the making 
     of payments as described in that subsection, the process 
     shall include mechanisms to ensure that individuals are not 
     treated as covered individuals for purposes of such payments 
     if such individuals engaged in any disqualifying conduct 
     during service described in that subsection, including 
     collaboration with the enemy or criminal conduct.

     SEC. 912. REVIEW OF DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE OF 
                   MERCHANT MARINERS DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security and such military historians as the 
     Secretary of Defense recommends, shall review the process 
     used to determine whether an individual performed service 
     under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of 
     a coastwise merchant seaman who is recognized pursuant to 
     section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public 
     Law 95-202; 38 U.S.C. 106 note) as having performed active 
     duty service .
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report detailing any findings, actions 
     taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect 
     to the review conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 913. REPORT ON LAOTIAN MILITARY SUPPORT OF ARMED FORCES 
                   OF THE UNITED STATES DURING VIETNAM WAR.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense and such agencies and individuals as the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs considers appropriate, shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
       (1) the extent to which Laotian military forces provided 
     combat support to the Armed Forces of the United States 
     between February 28, 1961, and May 15, 1975;
       (2) whether the current classification by the Civilian/
     Military Service Review Board of the Department of Defense of 
     service by individuals of Hmong ethnicity is appropriate; and
       (3) any recommendations for legislative action.
       (b) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 914. REPORT ON PRACTICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO ADEQUATELY PROVIDE SERVICES TO 
                   VETERANS WITH HEARING LOSS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 actions taken by the 
     Secretary to implement the findings and recommendations 
     included in the 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine of 
     the National Academies entitled ``Noise and Military Service: 
     Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus'' that was 
     prepared pursuant to section 104 of the Veterans Benefits Act 
     of 2002 (Public Law 107-330; 116 Stat. 2822).
       (b) Effect of Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise 
     Exposure Listing on Receipt of Benefits by Veterans.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the report 
     required by subsection (a) an evaluation of the extent to 
     which veterans who had a military occupational specialty 
     during service as a member of the Armed Forces that is not 
     included on the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise 
     Exposure Listing (in this subsection referred to as the ``MOS 
     List'') are precluded from receiving benefits related to 
     hearing loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Data.--The Secretary shall include in the evaluation 
     required by paragraph (1) the following:
       (A) With respect to veterans who had a military 
     occupational specialty included on the MOS List--
       (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs that were 
     granted; and
       (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were denied.
       (B) With respect to veterans who had a military 
     occupational specialty not included on the MOS List--
       (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were granted;
       (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were denied;
       (iii) of the number of denied claims under clause (ii), the 
     number of those claims that were appealed; and
       (iv) of the number of appealed claims under clause (iii), 
     the number of those appealed claims that were successfully 
     appealed.
       (c) Additional Matters.--The Secretary shall include in the 
     report required by subsection (a) the following:
       (1) In the case of a veteran with unilateral hearing loss, 
     an explanation of the scientific basis for the practice of 
     the Department of determining a disability rating level with 
     respect to hearing based on an examination of that veteran's 
     healthy ear instead of the injured ear.
       (2) An analysis of the reduction in earning capacity for 
     veterans as a result of unilateral hearing loss, with a focus 
     on the ability of those veterans--
       (A) to detect the direction of sound; and
       (B) to understand speech.
       (3) An explanation of the rationale for the practice of the 
     Department of not issuing a compensable rating for hearing 
     loss at certain levels that are severe enough to require the 
     use of hearing aids.
       (4) A survey of the audiologists that conduct compensation 
     and pension examinations for the Department to assess the 
     implementation of the most recent edition of the best 
     practices manual for hearing loss and tinnitus examinations 
     that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the training received by those 
     audiologists compared to the methods described in the most 
     recent edition of the best practices manual for hearing loss 
     and tinnitus examinations.
       (B) An assessment of how those audiologists have complied 
     with that training.
       (C) Whether those audiologists are using a range of tones 
     up to 8000 hertz to test the hearing of veterans.
       (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to authorize or require the Secretary to defer, 
     delay, or replace the ongoing efforts of the Secretary to 
     update the schedule of ratings required by section 1155 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 915. REPORT ON JOINT PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WITH RESPECT 
                   TO HEARING LOSS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
                   AND VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, submit 
     to Congress a report that identifies the following:

[[Page 3195]]

       (1) Goals for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 
     Department of Defense for the prevention, early detection, 
     and treatment of hearing loss by the National Center for 
     Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of the 
     Department of Defense.
       (2) Resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs that 
     could be made available to assist the Department of Defense 
     in conducting audiometric tests and tinnitus screenings for 
     members of the Armed Forces.
       (3) Barriers to information being added to the Hearing Loss 
     and Auditory System Injury Registry required under section 
     721(c)(1) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 
     4506).
       (4) Recommendations for any legislative or administrative 
     actions necessary with respect to the Hearing Loss and 
     Auditory System Injury Registry--
       (A) to assist in achieving the goals specified in paragraph 
     (1);
       (B) to improve the adjudication of claims for benefits with 
     respect to hearing loss; and
       (C) to further the research objectives of the National 
     Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of 
     the Department of Defense.
       (b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 916. LIMITATION ON AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF BONUSES PAYABLE 
                   TO PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2014.

       The aggregate amount of bonuses and awards payable to 
     personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 
     45 or 53 of title 5, United States Code, or any other 
     provision of such title, during fiscal year 2014 may not 
     exceed $368,000,000.

     SEC. 917. AMENDMENT TO OCO ADJUSTMENTS.

       Section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Eliminating a breach.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each non-exempt account within a 
     category shall be reduced by a dollar amount calculated by 
     multiplying the enacted level of sequestrable budgetary 
     resources in that account at that time by the uniform 
     percentage necessary to eliminate a breach within that 
     category.
       ``(B) Overseas contingencies.--Any amount of budget 
     authority designated as for Overseas Contingency Operations/
     Global War on Terrorism for any of fiscal years 2018 through 
     2021 in excess of the levels set in subsection (b)(2)(E) 
     shall be counted in determining whether a breach has occurred 
     in the revised security category during the fiscal year.''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``for fiscal 
     years 2012 through 2017,'' before ``the Congress''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) Overseas contingency operations/global war on 
     terrorism.--If, for fiscal years 2018 through 2021, 
     appropriations for discretionary accounts are enacted that 
     Congress designates for Overseas Contingency Operations/
     Global War on Terrorism in statute on an account by account 
     basis and the President subsequently so designates, the 
     adjustment for the fiscal year shall be the total of such 
     appropriations for the fiscal year in discretionary accounts 
     designated as being for Overseas Contingency Operations/
     Global War on Terrorism, but not to exceed--
       ``(i) for fiscal year 2018, $94,740,000,000 in additional 
     new budget authority;
       ``(ii) for fiscal year 2019, $96,807,000,000 in additional 
     new budget authority;
       ``(iii) for fiscal year 2020, $98,983,000,000 in additional 
     new budget authority; and
       ``(iv) for fiscal year 2021, $101,167,000,000 in additional 
     new budget authority.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2748. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1982, to improve the provision of medical services 
and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 367, after line 14, add the following:

     SEC. 918. REMOVAL OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF 
                   THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR 
                   PERFORMANCE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 7 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new section:

     ``Sec. 713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on 
       performance

       ``(a) In General.--(1) Notwithstanding subchapter V of 
     chapter 35 of title 5, subchapter V of chapter 75 of title 5, 
     or any other provision of law, the Secretary may remove any 
     individual who is an employee of the Department from a Senior 
     Executive Service position (as defined in section 3132(a) of 
     title 5) if the Secretary determines the performance of the 
     individual warrants such removal.
       ``(2) If the Secretary so removes such an individual, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(A) remove the individual from the civil service (as 
     defined in section 2101 of title 5); or
       ``(B) appoint the individual to a General Schedule position 
     at any grade of the General Schedule the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Notice to Congress.--Not later than 30 days after 
     removing an individual from the Senior Executive Service 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives notice in writing of such removal and the 
     reason for such removal.
       ``(c) Manner of Removal.--A removal under this section 
     shall be done in the same manner as the removal of a 
     professional staff member employed by a Member of 
     Congress.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new item:

``713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on performance.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2749. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to improve the provision of 
medical services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes; 
which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 367, after line 14, add the following:

     SEC. 918. CLARIFICATION OF PRESUMPTIONS OF EXPOSURE FOR 
                   VETERANS WHO SERVED IN VICINITY OF REPUBLIC OF 
                   VIETNAM.

       (a) Compensation.--Subsections (a)(1) and (f) of section 
     1116 are amended by inserting ``(including the territorial 
     seas of such Republic)'' after ``served in the Republic of 
     Vietnam'' each place it appears.
       (b) Health Care.--Section 1710(e)(4) is amended by 
     inserting ``(including the territorial seas of such 
     Republic)'' after ``served on active duty in the Republic of 
     Vietnam''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) 
     and (b) shall take effect as of September 25, 1985.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2750. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to improve the provision of 
medical services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes; 
which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title IX, add the following:

     SEC. 918. REVIEW OF OPERATION OF CERTAIN SHIPS DURING THE 
                   VIETNAM ERA.

       (a) Review Required.--By not later than one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall review the logs of each ship under the authority of the 
     Secretary of the Navy that is known to have operated in the 
     waters near Vietnam during the Vietnam Era (as that term is 
     defined in section 101(29) of title 38, United States Code) 
     to determine--
       (1) whether each such ship operated in the territorial 
     waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning 
     on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
       (2) for each such ship that so operated--
       (A) the date or dates when the ship so operated; and
       (B) the distance from the shore of the location where the 
     ship operated that was the closest proximity to shore.
       (b) Provision of Information to the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs.--Upon a determination that any such ship so 
     operated, the Secretary of Defense shall provide such 
     determination, together with the information described in 
     subsection (a)(2) about the ship, to the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (c) Public Availability of Information.--The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall make publicly available all 
     unclassified information provided to the Secretary under 
     subsection (b).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2751. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to improve the provision of 
medical services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes; 
which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:

                   TITLE X--MILITARY JUSTICE MATTERS

     SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Military Justice 
     Improvement Act of 2014''.

     SEC. 1002. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE TO PROCEED 
                   TO TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL ON CHARGES ON CERTAIN 
                   OFFENSES WITH AUTHORIZED MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 
                   CONFINEMENT OF MORE THAN ONE YEAR.

       (a) Modification of Authority.--
       (1) In general.--
       (A) Military departments.--With respect to charges under 
     chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), that allege an offense specified in 
     paragraph (2) and not excluded under paragraph (3), the 
     Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretaries of the 
     military departments to provide for the determination under 
     section 830(b) of such chapter (article 30(b) of the Uniform 
     Code of Military

[[Page 3196]]

     Justice) on whether to try such charges by court-martial as 
     provided in paragraph (4).
       (B) Homeland security.--With respect to charges under 
     chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), that allege an offense specified in 
     paragraph (2) and not excluded under paragraph (3) against a 
     member of the Coast Guard (when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy), the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     shall provide for the determination under section 830(b) of 
     such chapter (article 30(b) of the Uniform Code of Military 
     Justice) on whether to try such charges by court-martial as 
     provided in paragraph (4).
       (2) Covered offenses.--An offense specified in this 
     paragraph is an offense as follows:
       (A) An offense under chapter 47 of title 10, United States 
     Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is triable 
     by court-martial under that chapter for which the maximum 
     punishment authorized under that chapter includes confinement 
     for more than one year.
       (B) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 881 of title 10, 
     United States Code (article 81 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice).
       (C) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 882 of title 10, 
     United States Code (article 82 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice).
       (D) An attempt to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) as punishable under section 880 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (3) Excluded offenses.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to an 
     offense as follows:
       (A) An offense under sections 883 through 917 of title 10, 
     United States Code (articles 83 through 117 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (B) An offense under section 933 or 934 of title 10, United 
     States Code (articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice).
       (C) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) as punishable under section 881 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 81 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice).
       (D) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) as punishable under section 882 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 82 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice).
       (E) An attempt to commit an offense specified in 
     subparagraph (A) through (D) as punishable under section 880 
     of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform 
     Code of Military Justice).
       (4) Requirements and limitations.--The disposition of 
     charges pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the 
     following:
       (A) The determination whether to try such charges by court-
     martial shall be made by a commissioned officer of the Armed 
     Forces designated in accordance with regulations prescribed 
     for purposes of this subsection from among commissioned 
     officers of the Armed Forces in grade O-6 or higher who--
       (i) are available for detail as trial counsel under section 
     827 of title 10, United States Code (article 27 of the 
     Uniform Code of Military Justice);
       (ii) have significant experience in trials by general or 
     special court-martial; and
       (iii) are outside the chain of command of the member 
     subject to such charges.
       (B) Upon a determination under subparagraph (A) to try such 
     charges by court-martial, the officer making that 
     determination shall determine whether to try such charges by 
     a general court-martial convened under section 822 of title 
     10, United States Code (article 22 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice), or a special court-martial convened under 
     section 823 of title 10, United States Code (article 23 of 
     the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
       (C) A determination under subparagraph (A) to try charges 
     by court-martial shall include a determination to try all 
     known offenses, including lesser included offenses.
       (D) The determination to try such charges by court-martial 
     under subparagraph (A), and by type of court-martial under 
     subparagraph (B), shall be binding on any applicable 
     convening authority for a trial by court-martial on such 
     charges.
       (E) The actions of an officer described in subparagraph (A) 
     in determining under that subparagraph whether or not to try 
     charges by court-martial shall be free of unlawful or 
     unauthorized influence or coercion.
       (F) The determination under subparagraph (A) not to proceed 
     to trial of such charges by general or special court-martial 
     shall not operate to terminate or otherwise alter the 
     authority of commanding officers to refer such charges for 
     trial by summary court-martial convened under section 824 of 
     title 10, United States Code (article 24 of the Uniform Code 
     of Military Justice), or to impose non-judicial punishment in 
     connection with the conduct covered by such charges as 
     authorized by section 815 of title 10, United States Code 
     (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
       (5) Construction with charges on other offenses.--Nothing 
     in this subsection shall be construed to alter or affect the 
     disposition of charges under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
     States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that 
     allege an offense triable by court-martial under that chapter 
     for which the maximum punishment authorized under that 
     chapter includes confinement for one year or less.
       (6) Policies and procedures.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretaries of the military 
     departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
     respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy) shall revise policies and procedures as 
     necessary to comply with this subsection.
       (B) Uniformity.--The General Counsel of the Department of 
     Defense and the General Counsel of the Department of Homeland 
     Security shall jointly review the policies and procedures 
     revised under this paragraph in order to ensure that any lack 
     of uniformity in policies and procedures, as so revised, 
     among the military departments and the Department of Homeland 
     Security does not render unconstitutional any policy or 
     procedure, as so revised.
       (7) Manual for courts-martial.--The Secretary of Defense 
     shall recommend such changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial 
     as are necessary to ensure compliance with this subsection.
       (b) Effective Date and Applicability.--Subsection (a), and 
     the revisions required by that subsection, shall take effect 
     on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, and shall apply with respect to charges 
     preferred under section 830 of title 10, United States Code 
     (article 30 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), on or 
     after such effective date.

     SEC. 1003. MODIFICATION OF OFFICERS AUTHORIZED TO CONVENE 
                   GENERAL AND SPECIAL COURTS-MARTIAL.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 822 of title 10, 
     United States Code (article 22 of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice), is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (9) and (10), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new 
     paragraph (8):
       ``(8) the officers in the offices established pursuant to 
     section 1003(c) of the Military Justice Improvement Act of 
     2014 or officers in the grade of O-6 or higher who are 
     assigned such responsibility by the Chief of Staff of the 
     Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of 
     the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard, but only with respect to 
     offenses to which section 1002(a)(1) of the Military Justice 
     Improvement Act of 2014 applies;''.
       (b) No Exercise by Officers in Chain of Command of Accused 
     or Victim.--Such section (article) is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) An officer specified in subsection (a)(8) may not 
     convene a court-martial under this section if the officer is 
     in the chain of command of the accused or the victim.''.
       (c) Offices of Chiefs of Staff on Courts-Martial.--
       (1) Offices required.--Each Chief of Staff of the Armed 
     Forces or Commandant specified in paragraph (8) of section 
     822(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 22(a) of the 
     Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection 
     (a), shall establish an office to do the following:
       (A) To convene general and special courts-martial under 
     sections 822 and 823 of title 10, United States Code 
     (articles 22 and 23 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
     pursuant to paragraph (8) of section 822(a) of title 10, 
     United States Code (article 22(a) of the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice), as so amended, with respect to offenses to 
     which section 1002(a)(1) applies.
       (B) To detail under section 825 of title 10, United States 
     Code (article 25 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
     members of courts-martial convened as described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       (2) Personnel.--The personnel of each office established 
     under paragraph (1) shall consist of such members of the 
     Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of 
     Defense, or such members of the Coast Guard or civilian 
     personnel of the Department of Homeland Security, as may be 
     detailed or assigned to the office by the Chief of Staff or 
     Commandant concerned. The members and personnel so detailed 
     or assigned, as the case may be, shall be detailed or 
     assigned from personnel billets in existence on the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 1004. DISCHARGE USING OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL AND 
                   RESOURCES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretaries of the military 
     departments and the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
     respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a 
     service in the Navy) shall carry out sections 1002 and 1003 
     (and the amendments made by section 1003) using personnel, 
     funds, and resources otherwise authorized by law.
       (b) No Authorization of Additional Personnel or 
     Resources.--Sections 1002 and 1003 (and the amendments made 
     by section 1003) shall not be construed as authorizations for 
     personnel, personnel billets, or funds for the discharge of 
     the requirements in such sections.

[[Page 3197]]



     SEC. 1005. MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF MODIFICATION OF 
                   AUTHORITIES ON COURTS-MARTIAL BY INDEPENDENT 
                   PANEL ON REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF PROCEEDINGS 
                   UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

       Section 576(d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 1762) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K); 
     and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following new 
     subparagraph (J):
       ``(J) Monitor and assess the implementation and efficacy of 
     sections 1002 through 1004 of the Military Justice 
     Improvement Act of 2014, and the amendments made by such 
     sections.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2752. Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. McConnell, and Mr. Inhofe) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 
1982, to improve the provision of medical services and benefits to 
veterans, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.

                TITLE I--SURVIVOR AND DEPENDENT MATTERS

Sec. 101. Extension of initial period for increased dependency and 
              indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with 
              children.
Sec. 102. Eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation, 
              educational assistance, and housing loans for surviving 
              spouses who remarry after age 55.
Sec. 103. Extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses 
              of Persian Gulf War veterans to qualify for death 
              pension.
Sec. 104. Making effective date provision consistent with provision for 
              benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon 
              termination of remarriage by annulment.
Sec. 105. Expansion of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry 
              Scholarship.
Sec. 106. Expansion of Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement 
              Program.
Sec. 107. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans 
              born with spina bifida.
Sec. 108. Program on assisted living for children of Vietnam veterans 
              and certain Korea service veterans born with spina 
              bifida.
Sec. 109. Program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving 
              spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while 
              serving on active duty in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 110. Program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational 
              assistance authorities.

                      TITLE II--EDUCATION MATTERS

Sec. 201. Approval of courses of education provided by public 
              institutions of higher learning for purposes of All-
              Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program and Post-
              9/11 Educational Assistance conditional on in-State 
              tuition rate for veterans.
Sec. 202. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying 
              work-study activities for purposes of the educational 
              assistance programs of the Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 203. Prohibitions relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 
              GI Bill.
Sec. 204. Review of utilization of educational assistance to pursue 
              programs of training on the job and participating 
              employers.
Sec. 205. Report on debt management and collection.
Sec. 206. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

      Subtitle A--Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally

Sec. 301. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans.
Sec. 302. Expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to 
              veterans.
Sec. 303. Modification of commencement date of period of service at 
              Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for eligibility for 
              hospital care and medical services in connection with 
              exposure to contaminated water.
Sec. 304. Expansion of emergency treatment reimbursement for certain 
              veterans.
Sec. 305. Extension of sunset date regarding transportation of 
              individuals to and from facilities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs and requirement of report.
Sec. 306. Extension and modification of pilot program on assisted 
              living services for veterans with traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 307. Program on health promotion for overweight and obese veterans 
              through support of fitness center memberships.
Sec. 308. Program on health promotion for veterans through 
              establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs fitness 
              facilities.

                 Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

Sec. 311. Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Health 
              Professional Scholarship Program.
Sec. 312. Expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for 
              veterans.
Sec. 313. Limitation on expansion of dialysis pilot program.
Sec. 314. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs policy on 
              reporting cases of infectious diseases at facilities of 
              the Department.
Sec. 315. Independent assessment of the Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks and medical centers of Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 316. Requirements in connection with next update of current 
              strategic plan for Office of Rural Health of the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 317. Report on provision of telemedicine services.
Sec. 318. Report on expansion of patient enrollment.
Sec. 319. Report on expansion of program of comprehensive assistance 
              for family caregivers.
Sec. 320. Designation of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of 
              Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

           Subtitle C--Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Sec. 321. Expansion of research and education on and delivery of 
              complementary and alternative medicine to veterans.
Sec. 322. Program on integration of complementary and alternative 
              medicine within Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
              centers.
Sec. 323. Studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and 
              administrators and clinicians in providing, complementary 
              and alternative medicine services furnished by the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 324. Program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach 
              to mental health care for veterans and family members of 
              veterans.

                     Subtitle D--Mental Health Care

Sec. 331. Inclusion of mental health professionals in the education and 
              training program for health personnel of the Department 
              of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 332. Report on provision of mental health services for families of 
              certain veterans at facilities of the Department.
Sec. 333. Annual report on community mental health partnership pilot 
              program.

     Subtitle E--Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement

Sec. 341. Restorative dental services for veterans.
Sec. 342. Pilot program on expansion of furnishing of dental care to 
              all enrolled veterans.
Sec. 343. Program on education to promote dental health in veterans.
Sec. 344. Information on dental services for inclusion in electronic 
              medical records under dental insurance pilot program.
Sec. 345. Authorization of appropriations.

            Subtitle F--Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma

Sec. 351. Expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and 
              treatment to veterans on inactive duty training.
Sec. 352. Provision of counseling and treatment for sexual trauma by 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the 
              Armed Forces.
Sec. 353. Department of Veterans Affairs screening mechanism to detect 
              incidents of domestic abuse.
Sec. 354. Reports on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse.

 Subtitle G--Adoption Assistance, Child Care Assistance, and Counseling

Sec. 361. Adoption assistance for severely wounded veterans.

[[Page 3198]]

Sec. 362. Coordination between Department of Veterans Affairs and 
              Department of Defense on furnishing of fertility 
              counseling and treatment.
Sec. 363. Program on assistance for child care for certain veterans.
Sec. 364. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly 
              separated from service in the Armed Forces.

               Subtitle H--Major Medical Facility Leases

Sec. 371. Authorization of major medical facility leases.
Sec. 372. Budgetary treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs major 
              medical facilities leases.

                TITLE IV--EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Training and Other Services for Veterans Seeking Employment

Sec. 401. Extension of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members 
              of Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 402. Consolidated and coordinated Federal Government Internet 
              portal to connect current and former members of the Armed 
              Forces with employers seeking employees with skills and 
              experience developed through military service.

 Subtitle B--Employment of Veterans and Recognition of Veteran Status 
               With Respect to Employment Related Matters

Sec. 411. Employment of veterans with the Federal Government.
Sec. 412. State recognition of military experience of veterans in 
              issuing licenses and credentials to veterans.
Sec. 413. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor in the awarding 
              of Federal contracts.
Sec. 414. Report on discrimination against members of reserve 
              components of Armed Forces and veterans in civilian labor 
              market.

Subtitle C--Improving Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of 
                         the Uniformed Services

Sec. 421. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractors for 
              repeated violations of employment or reemployment rights 
              of members of uniformed services.

                   Subtitle D--Small Business Matters

Sec. 431. Expansion of contracting goals and preferences of Department 
              of Veterans Affairs to include conditionally owned small 
              business concerns 100 percent owned by veterans.
Sec. 432. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and 
              preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs for small 
              businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after 
              death of disabled veteran owners.
Sec. 433. Treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners 
              for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs 
              contracting goals and preferences.
Sec. 434. Special rule for treatment under contracting goals and 
              preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs of small 
              business concerns licensed in community property States.
Sec. 435. Report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on 
              purchasing and operating a franchise.

        TITLE V--ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 501. Administration of Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
Sec. 502. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks.
Sec. 503. Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans 
              Affairs Medical Facilities.
Sec. 504. Advance appropriations for certain accounts of the Department 
              of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 505. Public access to Department of Veterans Affairs research and 
              data sharing between Departments.
Sec. 506. Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States of 
              information made available by Veterans Benefits 
              Administration.
Sec. 507. Comptroller general report on advisory committees of the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.

     TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

           Subtitle A--Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma

Sec. 601. Medical examination and opinion for disability compensation 
              claims based on military sexual trauma.
Sec. 602. Case representative officers for military sexual trauma 
              support.
Sec. 603. Report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental 
              health conditions related to military sexual trauma.
Sec. 604. Reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by 
              military sexual trauma.

      Subtitle B--Claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Sec. 611. Program on treatment of certain applications for dependency 
              and indemnity compensation as fully developed claims.
Sec. 612. Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving 
              timeliness and accuracy of administration of claims for 
              dependency and indemnity compensation and pension for 
              surviving spouses and children.

              Subtitle C--Agency of Original Jurisdiction

Sec. 621. Working group to improve employee work credit and work 
              management systems of Veterans Benefits Administration in 
              an electronic environment.
Sec. 622. Task force on retention and training of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs claims processors and adjudicators.
Sec. 623. Reports on requests by the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
              records of other Federal agencies.
Sec. 624. Recognition of representatives of Indian tribes in the 
              preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims 
              under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 625. Program on participation of local and tribal governments in 
              improving quality of claims for disability compensation 
              submitted to Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 626. Department of Veterans Affairs notice of average times for 
              processing compensation claims.
Sec. 627. Quarterly reports on progress of Department of Veterans 
              Affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation 
              that have not been adjudicated.
Sec. 628. Reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits 
              decisions.
Sec. 629. Reports on Department disability medical examinations and 
              prevention of unnecessary medical examinations.

    Subtitle D--Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for 
                            Veterans Claims

Sec. 631. Treatment of certain misfiled documents as a notice of appeal 
              to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 632. Determination of manner of appearance for hearings before 
              Board of Veterans' Appeals.

                      TITLE VII--OUTREACH MATTERS

Sec. 701. Program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs and Federal, State, 
              and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Sec. 702. Cooperative agreements between Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
              and States on outreach activities.
Sec. 703. Advisory committee on outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 704. Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs relating to health care.
Sec. 705. Modification of requirement for periodic reports to Congress 
              on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 706. Budget transparency for outreach activities of Department of 
              Veterans Affairs.

                   TITLE VIII--OTHER VETERANS MATTERS

Sec. 801. Repeal of certain reductions made by Bipartisan Budget Act of 
              2013.
Sec. 802. Consideration by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of resources 
              disposed of for less than fair market value by 
              individuals applying for pension.
Sec. 803. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by 
              medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing 
              facilities.
Sec. 804. Conditions on award of per diem payments by Secretary of 
              Veterans Affairs for provision of housing or services to 
              homeless veterans.
Sec. 805. Exception to certain recapture requirements and treatment of 
              contracts and grants with State homes with respect to 
              care for homeless veterans.

[[Page 3199]]

Sec. 806. Extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans 
              receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental 
              disorders.
Sec. 807. Authority to issue Veterans ID Cards.
Sec. 808. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in 
              the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 809. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              obtain information from Secretary of Treasury and 
              Commissioner of Social Security for income verification 
              purposes.
Sec. 810. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
              issue and guarantee certain loans.
Sec. 811. Review of determination of certain service in Philippines 
              during World War II.
Sec. 812. Review of determination of certain service of merchant 
              mariners during World War II.
Sec. 813. Report on Laotian military support of Armed Forces of the 
              United States during Vietnam War.
Sec. 814. Report on practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
              adequately provide services to veterans with hearing 
              loss.
Sec. 815. Report on joint programs of Department of Veterans Affairs 
              and Department of Defense with respect to hearing loss of 
              members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
Sec. 816. Limitation on aggregate amount of bonuses payable to 
              personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs during 
              fiscal year 2014.
Sec. 817. Designation of American World War II Cities.

                        TITLE IX--IRAN SANCTIONS

Sec. 901. Short title.
Sec. 902. Sense of Congress on nuclear weapon capabilities of Iran.

           Subtitle A--Expansion and Imposition of Sanctions

Sec. 911. Applicability of sanctions with respect to petroleum 
              transactions.
Sec. 912. Ineligibility for exception to certain sanctions for 
              countries that do not reduce purchases of petroleum from 
              Iran or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level.
Sec. 913. Imposition of sanctions with respect to ports, special 
              economic zones, and strategic sectors of Iran.
Sec. 914. Identification of, and imposition of sanctions with respect 
              to, certain Iranian individuals.
Sec. 915. Imposition of sanctions with respect to transactions in 
              foreign currencies with or for certain sanctioned 
              persons.
Sec. 916. Sense of Congress on prospective sanctions.

                  Subtitle B--Enforcement of Sanctions

Sec. 921. Sense of Congress on the provision of specialized financial 
              messaging services to the Central Bank of Iran and other 
              sanctioned Iranian financial institutions.
Sec. 922. Inclusion of transfers of goods, services, and technologies 
              to strategic sectors of Iran for purposes of identifying 
              Destinations of Diversion Concern.
Sec. 923. Authorization of additional measures with respect to 
              Destinations of Diversion Concern.
Sec. 924. Sense of Congress on increased staffing for agencies involved 
              in the implementation and enforcement of sanctions 
              against Iran.

                Subtitle C--Implementation of Sanctions

Sec. 931. Suspension of sanctions to facilitate a diplomatic solution.

                     Subtitle D--General Provisions

Sec. 941. Exception for Afghanistan reconstruction.
Sec. 942. Exception for import restrictions.
Sec. 943. Applicability to certain intelligence activities.
Sec. 944. Applicability to certain natural gas projects.
Sec. 945. Rule of construction with respect to the use of force against 
              Iran.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of title 38, United States Code.

                TITLE I--SURVIVOR AND DEPENDENT MATTERS

     SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF INITIAL PERIOD FOR INCREASED 
                   DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES WITH CHILDREN.

       (a) In General.--Section 1311(f)(2) is amended by striking 
     ``two-year'' and inserting ``three-year''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect as of September 30, 2014, and shall apply 
     to any surviving spouse who was eligible for or in receipt of 
     benefits under section 1311(f) of title 38, United States 
     Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 102. ELIGIBILITY FOR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY 
                   COMPENSATION, EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, AND 
                   HOUSING LOANS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO REMARRY 
                   AFTER AGE 55.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (2)(B) of section 103(d) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(B) The remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse 
     of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits 
     specified in paragraph (5) to such person as the surviving 
     spouse of the veteran.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (5) of such section is 
     amended by striking ``Paragraphs (2)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``Paragraphs (2)''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF MARRIAGE DELIMITING DATE FOR SURVIVING 
                   SPOUSES OF PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS TO QUALIFY 
                   FOR DEATH PENSION.

       Section 1541(f)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``January 1, 
     2001'' and inserting ``the date that is 10 years and one day 
     after the date on which the Persian Gulf War was terminated, 
     as prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law''.

     SEC. 104. MAKING EFFECTIVE DATE PROVISION CONSISTENT WITH 
                   PROVISION FOR BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY OF A 
                   VETERAN'S CHILD BASED UPON TERMINATION OF 
                   REMARRIAGE BY ANNULMENT.

       Section 5110(l) is amended by striking ``, or of an award 
     or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon 
     termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce,''.

     SEC. 105. EXPANSION OF MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY 
                   SCHOLARSHIP.

       (a) Expansion of Entitlement.--Subsection (b)(9) of section 
     3311 is amended by inserting ``or spouse'' after ``child''.
       (b) Limitation and Election on Certain Benefits.--
     Subsection (f) of such section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(2) Limitation.--The entitlement of an individual to 
     assistance under subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of 
     subsection (b) because the individual was a spouse of a 
     person described in such paragraph shall expire on the 
     earlier of--
       ``(A) the date that is 15 years after the date on which the 
     person died; and
       ``(B) the date on which the individual remarries.
       ``(3) Election on receipt of certain benefits.--A surviving 
     spouse entitled to assistance under subsection (a) pursuant 
     to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) who is also entitled to 
     educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title may not 
     receive assistance under both this section and such chapter, 
     but shall make an irrevocable election (in such form and 
     manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under which section or 
     chapter to receive educational assistance.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3321(b)(4) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``an individual'' and inserting ``a 
     child''; and
       (2) by striking ``such individual's'' each time it appears 
     and inserting ``such child's''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is two years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 106. EXPANSION OF YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION 
                   ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended by striking 
     ``in paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting ``in paragraphs 
     (1), (2), and (9)''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to academic terms beginning after 
     July 1, 2015.

     SEC. 107. BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF CERTAIN THAILAND SERVICE 
                   VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 18 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand 
       service veterans born with spina bifida

       ``(a) Benefits Authorized.--The Secretary may provide to 
     any child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand who is 
     suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational 
     training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required 
     to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering 
     from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if 
     such child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand were a 
     child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida 
     under such subchapter.

[[Page 3200]]

       ``(b) Spina Bifida Conditions Covered.--This section 
     applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina 
     bifida, except spina bifida occulta.
       ``(c) Veteran of Covered Service in Thailand.--For purposes 
     of this section, a veteran of covered service in Thailand is 
     any individual, without regard to the characterization of 
     that individual's service, who--
       ``(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service 
     in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on 
     January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
       ``(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide 
     agent during such service in Thailand.
       ``(d) Herbicide Agent.--For purposes of this section, the 
     term `herbicide agent' means a chemical in a herbicide used 
     in support of United States and allied military operations in 
     Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on 
     January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment to Definition of ``Child''.--
     Section 1831(1) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) by striking ``subchapter III of this chapter'' and 
     inserting ``section 1821 of this title''; and
       (B) in clause (i), by striking ``section 1821 of this 
     title'' and inserting ``that section''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) For purposes of section 1822 of this title, an 
     individual, regardless of age or marital status, who--
       ``(i) is the natural child of a veteran of covered service 
     in Thailand (as determined for purposes of that section); and
       ``(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran 
     first entered service described in subsection (c) of that 
     section.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter III of 
     chapter 18 is amended by inserting ``AND THAILAND'' after 
     ``KOREA''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 18 is amended--
       (A) by striking the item relating to subchapter III and 
     inserting the following new item:

   ``subchapter iii--children of certain korea and thailand service 
                   veterans born with spina bifida'';

     and
       (B) by inserting after the item relating to section 1821 
     the following new item:

``1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born 
              with spina bifida.''.

       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 108. PROGRAM ON ASSISTED LIVING FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM 
                   VETERANS AND CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS 
                   BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA.

       (a) Program.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the 
     date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the 
     feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living, 
     group home care, or similar services in lieu of nursing home 
     care to covered individuals.
       (b) Covered Individuals.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered individual is any individual who is entitled to 
     health care under subchapter I or III of chapter 18 of title 
     38, United States Code.
       (c) Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, the program shall be carried out during the 
     three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement 
     of the program.
       (2) Continuation.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary 
     may continue the program for an additional two-year period as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (3) Termination.--The program may not operate after the 
     date that is five years after the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (d) Scope of Services and Program.--Under the program, the 
     Secretary shall provide covered individuals with integrated, 
     comprehensive services, including the following:
       (1) Assisted living, group home care, or such other similar 
     services as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Transportation services.
       (3) Such other services as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the care of covered individuals under the 
     program.
       (e) Program Requirements.--In carrying out the program, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) inform all covered individuals of the services 
     available under the program;
       (2) enter into agreements with appropriate providers of 
     assisted living, group home care, or other similar services 
     for provision of services under the program; and
       (3) determine the appropriate number of covered individuals 
     to be enrolled in the program and criteria for such 
     enrollment.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of the program and, if the program is 
     continued under subsection (c)(2), not later than three years 
     after the date of the commencement of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program.
       (ii) The number of covered individuals receiving benefits 
     under the program.
       (iii) An analysis that compares the costs of furnishing 
     assisted living, group home care, or similar services with 
     the costs of furnishing nursing home care.
       (iv) An analysis of the costs and benefits under the 
     program.
       (v) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the program as the Secretary may have.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the program as the Secretary may have.
       (g) Funding.--Amounts to carry out the program shall be 
     derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
     for the furnishing of nursing home care under chapter 18 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 109. PROGRAM ON GRIEF COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES WHO DIE WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN 
                   THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--Commencing not later than 180 days after 
     the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the Readjustment 
     Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, a 
     program to assess the feasibility and advisability of 
     providing grief counseling services described in subsection 
     (b) in group retreat settings to surviving spouses of members 
     of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty in 
     the Armed Forces who would, as determined by the Readjustment 
     Counseling Service, benefit from the services provided under 
     the program.
       (2) Participation at election of surviving spouse.--The 
     participation of a surviving spouse in the program under this 
     section shall be at the election of the surviving spouse.
       (b) Covered Services.--The services provided to a surviving 
     spouse under the program shall include the following:
       (1) Information and counseling on coping with grief.
       (2) Information about benefits and services available to 
     surviving spouses under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (3) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate to assist a surviving spouse under the 
     program with adjusting to the death of a spouse.
       (c) Events.--The Secretary shall carry out the program at 
     not fewer than six events as follows:
       (1) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent 
     children are encouraged to bring their children.
       (2) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent 
     children are not encouraged to bring their children.
       (d) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the first year of the program and not later 
     than 180 days after the completion of the program, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall contain the findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     as a result of the program, and shall include such 
     recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the 
     program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``active 
     duty'', ``Armed Forces'', and ``surviving spouse'' have the 
     meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United 
     States Code.
       (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

[[Page 3201]]



     SEC. 110. PROGRAM EVALUATION ON SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AUTHORITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     enter into a contract with an appropriate private sector 
     entity to conduct a program evaluation of the authorities for 
     survivors' and dependents' educational assistance under 
     chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code.
       (b) Report.--Not later than six months after the entry into 
     the contract required by subsection (a), 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 setting forth the results of the 
     program evaluation conducted pursuant to the contract, 
     together with such comments on the results of the program 
     evaluation as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                      TITLE II--EDUCATION MATTERS

     SEC. 201. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC 
                   INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR PURPOSES OF 
                   ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   PROGRAM AND POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   CONDITIONAL ON IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3679 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
     chapter and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the 
     Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by 
     a public institution of higher learning to a covered 
     individual pursuing a course of education with educational 
     assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living 
     in the State in which the public institution of higher 
     learning is located if the institution charges tuition and 
     fees for that course for the covered individual at a rate 
     that is higher than the rate the institution charges for 
     tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State 
     in which the institution is located, regardless of the 
     covered individual's State of residence.
       ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual 
     is any individual as follows:
       ``(A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a 
     period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the active 
     military, naval, or air service less than three years before 
     the date of enrollment in the course concerned.
       ``(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under 
     section 3311(b)(9) or 3319 of this title by virtue of such 
     individual's relationship to a veteran described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) If after enrollment in a course of education that is 
     subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) by reason of 
     paragraph (2)(A) or (2)(B) a covered individual pursues one 
     or more courses of education at the same public institution 
     of higher learning while remaining continuously enrolled 
     (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between 
     courses, semesters or terms) at that institution of higher 
     learning, any course so pursued by the covered individual at 
     that institution of higher learning while so continuously 
     enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of 
     education under paragraph (1) if a public institution of 
     higher learning requires a covered individual pursuing a 
     course of education at the institution to demonstrate an 
     intent, by means other than satisfying a physical presence 
     requirement, to establish residency in the State in which the 
     institution is located, or to satisfy other requirements not 
     relating to the establishment of residency, in order to be 
     charged tuition and fees for that course at a rate that is 
     equal to or less than the rate the institution charges for 
     tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State.
       ``(5) The Secretary may waive such requirements of 
     paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(6) Disapproval under paragraph (1) shall apply only with 
     respect to educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of 
     this title.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of section 3679 of 
     title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of 
     this section), shall apply with respect to educational 
     assistance provided for pursuit of programs of education 
     during academic terms that begin after July 1, 2015, through 
     courses of education that commence on or after that date.

     SEC. 202. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN 
                   QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES 
                   OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Extension of Expiring Current Authority.--Section 
     3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``June 30, 2013'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2015''.
       (b) Expansion to Outreach Services Provided Through 
     Congressional Offices.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(K) During the period beginning on June 30, 2013, and 
     ending on June 30, 2015, the following activities carried out 
     at the offices of Members of Congress for such Members:
       ``(i) The distribution of information to members of the 
     Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about the 
     benefits and services under laws administered by the 
     Secretary and other appropriate governmental and 
     nongovernmental programs.
       ``(ii) The preparation and processing of papers and other 
     documents, including documents to assist in the preparation 
     and presentation of claims for benefits under laws 
     administered by the Secretary.''.
       (c) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than June 30 of 2014 and 2015, 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a 
     report on the work-study allowances paid under paragraph (1) 
     of section 3485(a) of title 38, United States Code, during 
     the most recent one-year period for qualifying work-study 
     activities described in paragraph (4) of such section, as 
     amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include, for the year covered by such report, the 
     following:
       (A) A description of the recipients of such work-study 
     allowances.
       (B) A list of the locations where qualifying work-study 
     activities were carried out.
       (C) A description of the outreach conducted by the 
     Secretary to increase awareness of the eligibility of such 
     work-study activities for such work-study allowances.

     SEC. 203. PROHIBITIONS RELATING TO REFERENCES TO GI BILL AND 
                   POST-9/11 GI BILL.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill 
       and Post-9/11 GI Bill

       ``(a) Prohibition.--(1) No person may, except with the 
     written permission of the Secretary, use the words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection in connection with any 
     promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity in a 
     manner that reasonably and falsely suggests that such use is 
     approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department or any 
     component thereof.
       ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, the words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection are as follows:
       ``(A) `GI Bill'.
       ``(B) `Post-9/11 GI Bill'.
       ``(3) A determination that a use of one or more words and 
     phrases covered by this subsection in connection with a 
     promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity is not a 
     violation of this subsection may not be made solely on the 
     ground that such promotion, goods, services, or commercial 
     activity includes a disclaimer of affiliation with the 
     Department or any component thereof.
       ``(b) Enforcement by Attorney General.--(1) When any person 
     is engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice which 
     constitutes or will constitute conduct prohibited by 
     subsection (a), the Attorney General may initiate a civil 
     proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin 
     such act or practice.
       ``(2) Such court may, at any time before final 
     determination, enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, 
     or take such other action as is warranted, to prevent injury 
     to the United States or to any person or class of persons for 
     whose protection the action is brought.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 36 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 3697A the following new item:

``3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI 
              Bill.''.

     SEC. 204. REVIEW OF UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO 
                   PURSUE PROGRAMS OF TRAINING ON THE JOB AND 
                   PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall commence a review of--
       (1) the utilization of educational assistance under laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pursue 
     programs of training on the job (other than programs of 
     apprenticeship); and
       (2) the availability of such programs to individuals 
     seeking to pursue such programs with such educational 
     assistance.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date on 
     which the Secretary commences the review required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report on such review.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The extent of utilization as described in paragraph (1) 
     of subsection (a).
       (B) An assessment of the availability of programs as 
     described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
       (C) A description of any barriers the Secretary has 
     identified to greater utilization of educational assistance 
     for pursuit of a program of training on the job or 
     availability of such programs.
       (D) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary may have to increase or decrease such 
     utilization or availability.
       (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

[[Page 3202]]



     SEC. 205. REPORT ON DEBT MANAGEMENT AND COLLECTION.

       (a) Report.--Not later than one year after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (c), the Comptroller General of 
     the United States 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 processes used by 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and resolve 
     cases of incorrect payments associated with educational 
     assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United 
     States Code.
       (b) Issues Addressed.--The report required by subsection 
     (a) shall, to the extent possible, address the following:
       (1) The effectiveness of the processes referred to in 
     subsection (a) in identifying and resolving incorrect 
     payments associated with educational assistance under 
     chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) The accuracy of overpayment information provided to 
     veterans by the Education Service and Debt Management Center 
     of the Department.
       (3) How well the Debt Management Center of the Department 
     communicates and works with veterans to resolve disputed debt 
     amounts.
       (4) How the payment and debt collection processes of the 
     Department compare to comparable programs in other Federal 
     agencies.
       (5) Any recommendations to improve the payment and debt 
     collection processes of the Department that the Comptroller 
     General considers appropriate.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 206. RESTORATION OF PRIOR REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS.

       Section 3684(c) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``$12'' and inserting ``$7''; and
       (2) by striking ``$15'' and inserting ``$11''.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

      Subtitle A--Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally

     SEC. 301. IMPROVED ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations as Medical 
     Services.--
       (1) Covered benefit.--Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(F) immunizations against infectious diseases, including 
     each immunization on the recommended adult immunization 
     schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that 
     schedule;''.
       (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--
     Section 1701 is amended by adding after paragraph (9) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(10) The term `recommended adult immunization schedule' 
     means the schedule established (and periodically reviewed 
     and, as appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee on 
     Immunization Practices established by the Secretary of Health 
     and Human Services and delegated to the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention.''.
       (b) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations in Annual 
     Report.--Section 1704(1)(A) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new 
     clause:
       ``(iii) to provide veterans each immunization on the 
     recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such 
     immunization is indicated on that schedule.''.
       (c) Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 development and 
     implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs of 
     quality measures and metrics, including targets for 
     compliance, to ensure that veterans receiving medical 
     services under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, 
     receive each immunization on the recommended adult 
     immunization schedule at the time such immunization is 
     indicated on that schedule.
       (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--In 
     this subsection, the term ``recommended adult immunization 
     schedule'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     1701(10) of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a)(2).
       (3) Effective date.--This subsection shall take effect on 
     the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF PROVISION OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND 
                   SERVICES TO VETERANS.

       (a) Program for Provision of Chiropractic Care and Services 
     to Veterans.--Section 204(c) of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 (Public 
     Law 107-135; 115 Stat. 2459; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The program''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) The program shall be carried out at not fewer than 
     two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network by not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in section 302(c) of the 
     Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, and at not fewer than 
     50 percent of all medical centers in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network by not later than two years after such 
     effective date.''.
       (b) Expanded Chiropractor Services Available to Veterans.--
       (1) Medical services.--Paragraph (6) of section 1701 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(H) Chiropractic services.''.
       (2) Rehabilitative services.--Paragraph (8) of such section 
     is amended by inserting ``chiropractic,'' after 
     ``counseling,''.
       (3) Preventive health services.--Paragraph (9) of such 
     section is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K) as 
     subparagraphs (G) through (L), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new 
     subparagraph (F):
       ``(F) periodic and preventive chiropractic examinations and 
     services;''.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made 
     by this section shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 303. MODIFICATION OF COMMENCEMENT DATE OF PERIOD OF 
                   SERVICE AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, FOR 
                   ELIGIBILITY FOR HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL 
                   SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH EXPOSURE TO 
                   CONTAMINATED WATER.

       (a) Modification.--Section 1710(e)(1)(F) is amended by 
     striking ``January 1, 1957,'' and inserting ``August 1, 1953 
     (or such earlier date for the commencement of exposure to 
     contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 
     Registry, shall specify),''.
       (b) Publication.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     publish in the Federal Register a notice of any earlier date 
     for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at 
     Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for purposes of section 
     1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 304. EXPANSION OF EMERGENCY TREATMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR 
                   CERTAIN VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1725(b)(2)(B) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(B)'';
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) the veteran was unable to receive care under this 
     chapter within such 24-month period because of a waiting 
     period imposed by the Department with respect to a new 
     patient examination of such veteran.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 305. EXTENSION OF SUNSET DATE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION 
                   OF INDIVIDUALS TO AND FROM FACILITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REQUIREMENT 
                   OF REPORT.

       (a) Extension of Sunset Date.--Subsection (a)(2) of section 
     111A is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
       (b) Funding Available.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Funding.--There is hereby authorized to be 
     appropriated for each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 for the 
     Department, $4,000,000 to carry out this section.''.
       (c) 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--
       (1) the efforts of the Secretary to carry out the 
     transportation services required by section 111A(a) of title 
     38, United States Code;
       (2) the utilization of those services by covered veterans; 
     and
       (3) the feasibility and advisability of the continuation of 
     the provision of such services after September 30, 2015.

     SEC. 306. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF PILOT PROGRAM ON 
                   ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR VETERANS WITH 
                   TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Extension of Program.--Subsection (a) of section 1705 
     of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2008 (Public Law 110-181; 38 U.S.C. 1710C note) is amended by 
     striking ``a five-year'' and inserting ``an eight-year''.
       (b) Modification of Locations.--Subsection (b) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following 
     new paragraphs:
       ``(1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
     at locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     pilot program.
       ``(2) Located in same region as polytrauma centers.--Of the 
     locations selected under paragraph (1), at least one location 
     shall be in each health care region of the Veterans Health 
     Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs that 
     contains a polytrauma center of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.''.

[[Page 3203]]

       (c) Modification of Report Requirements.--Subsection (e) of 
     such section is amended to read as follows:
       ``(e) Reports.--
       ``(1) Annual report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than two years after the date 
     of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     and not later than September 30 each year thereafter until 
     2018, 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 pilot program.
       ``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       ``(i) The number of individuals that participated in the 
     pilot program during the year preceding the submission of the 
     report.
       ``(ii) The number of individuals that successfully 
     completed the pilot program during the year preceding the 
     submission of the report.
       ``(iii) The degree to which pilot program participants and 
     family members of pilot program participants were satisfied 
     with the pilot program.
       ``(iv) The interim findings and conclusions of the 
     Secretary with respect to the success of the pilot program 
     and recommendations for improvement.
       ``(2) Final report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program, 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 final report on the pilot program.
       ``(B) Elements.--The final report required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       ``(i) A description of the pilot program.
       ``(ii) An assessment of the utility of the activities under 
     the pilot program in enhancing the rehabilitation, quality of 
     life, and community reintegration of veterans with traumatic 
     brain injury, including complex mild traumatic brain injury.
       ``(iii) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate regarding improving the pilot program.''.
       (d) Modification of Definitions.--
       (1) Community-based brain injury residential rehabilitative 
     care services.--Such section is further amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``assisted living'' 
     and inserting ``community-based brain injury residential 
     rehabilitative care'';
       (B) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Assisted Living'' and inserting ``Community-based 
     Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitative Care'';
       (C) by striking ``assisted living'' each place it appears, 
     and inserting ``community-based brain injury rehabilitative 
     care''; and
       (D) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``and personal care'' 
     and inserting ``rehabilitation, and personal care''.
       (2) Eligible veteran.--Subsection (f)(3) of such section is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(E) has a traumatic brain injury that is classified as 
     complex-mild to severe.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
     fiscal year 2015 $46,000,000 to carry out the pilot program 
     under section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 38 U.S.C. 1710C 
     note), as amended by this section. The amount so authorized 
     to be appropriated shall be available for obligation for the 
     three-year period beginning on the date that is one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2014.

     SEC. 307. PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR OVERWEIGHT AND 
                   OBESE VETERANS THROUGH SUPPORT OF FITNESS 
                   CENTER MEMBERSHIPS.

       (a) Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days 
     after the date on which this section takes effect, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, through the National 
     Center for Preventive Health, carry out a program to assess 
     the feasibility and advisability of promoting health in 
     covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight and 
     reducing risks of chronic disease, through support for 
     fitness center membership.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who--
       (1) is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established and operated by the Secretary under section 1705 
     of title 38, United States Code;
       (2) is determined by a clinician of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to be overweight or obese as of the date of 
     the commencement of the program; and
       (3) resides in a location that is more than 15 minutes 
     driving distance from a fitness center at a facility of the 
     Department that would otherwise be available to the veteran 
     for at least eight hours per day during five or more days per 
     week.
       (c) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the two-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary 
     shall select--
       (A) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover the full reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers; and
       (B) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover half the reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Participation.--
       (1) Maximum number of participants.--The number of covered 
     veterans who may participate in the program at each location 
     selected under subsection (d) may not exceed 100.
       (2) Voluntary participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of 
     the covered veteran in consultation with a clinician of the 
     Department.
       (f) Membership Payment.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in 
     carrying out the program, the Secretary shall pay the 
     following:
       (A) The full reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (d)(1)(A) who are participating in 
     the program.
       (B) Half the reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (d)(1)(B) who are participating in 
     the program.
       (2) Limitation.--Payment for a fitness center membership of 
     a covered veteran may not exceed $50 per month of membership.
       (g) Reports.--
       (1)  Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, 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 activities carried out to 
     implement the program, including outreach activities to 
     veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the program, 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 program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the program.
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 308. PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR VETERANS THROUGH 
                   ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   FITNESS FACILITIES.

       (a) Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days 
     after the date on which this section takes effect, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to 
     assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health 
     in covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight, 
     through establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs 
     fitness facilities.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who is enrolled in the system 
     of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the 
     Secretary under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code.
       (c) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the three-year period beginning on the date of the 
     commencement of the program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     by establishing fitness facilities in Department facilities 
     as follows:
       (A) In not fewer than five Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     program.
       (B) In not fewer than five outpatient clinics of the 
     Department selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     program.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Limitation on Expenses.--In establishing and supporting 
     a fitness facility in a

[[Page 3204]]

     facility of the Department under the program, the Secretary 
     may expend amounts as follows:
       (1) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, not more 
     than $60,000.
       (2) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     an outpatient clinic of the Department, not more than 
     $40,000.
       (f) Repurposing of Physical Space and Purchases of 
     Equipment.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary 
     may, in carrying out the program, repurpose existing physical 
     space of the Department and purchase such fitness equipment 
     and supplies as the Secretary considers appropriate for 
     purposes of the program.
       (2) Repurposing exception.--Existing physical space used 
     for the direct delivery of health care to patients may not be 
     repurposed under paragraph (1).
       (g) Prohibition on Assessment of User Fees.--The Secretary 
     may not assess a fee upon a covered veteran for use of a 
     fitness facility established under the program.
       (h) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of 
     the covered veteran.
       (i) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, 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 activities carried out to 
     implement the program, including outreach activities to 
     veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the program, 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 program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the program.
       (j) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

                 Subtitle B--Health Care Administration

     SEC. 311. EXTENSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH 
                   PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 7619 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2019''.

     SEC. 312. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF PROSTHETIC AND 
                   ORTHOTIC CARE FOR VETERANS.

       (a) Establishment or Expansion of Advanced Degree Programs 
     To Expand Availability of Provision of Care.--The Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall work with institutions of higher 
     education to develop partnerships for the establishment or 
     expansion of programs of advanced degrees in prosthetics and 
     orthotics in order to improve and enhance the availability of 
     high quality prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans.
       (b) 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 setting forth a plan for carrying 
     out subsection (a). The Secretary shall develop the plan in 
     consultation with veterans service organizations, 
     institutions of higher education with accredited degree 
     programs in prosthetics and orthotics, and representatives of 
     the prosthetics and orthotics field.
       (c) Funding.--
       (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, $10,000,000 to carry out this 
     section.
       (2) Availability.--The amount authorized to be appropriated 
     by paragraph (1) shall remain available for expenditure until 
     September 30, 2017.

     SEC. 313. LIMITATION ON EXPANSION OF DIALYSIS PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Limitation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     not expand the dialysis pilot program to, or expand the 
     capacity to provide additional dialysis care at, any facility 
     owned or leased by the Department that is not an initial 
     facility until after the date that--
       (1) the Secretary has implemented the dialysis pilot 
     program at each initial facility for a period of not less 
     than two years;
       (2) an independent analysis of the dialysis pilot program 
     has been conducted at each initial facility, including a 
     consideration and comparison of factors including--
       (A) the ability of veterans to access care under the 
     dialysis pilot program;
       (B) the quality of care provided under the dialysis pilot 
     program; and
       (C) the satisfaction of veterans who have received 
     treatment under the dialysis pilot program; and
       (3) the report required by subsection (b) has been 
     submitted.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
     completion of the independent analysis required by subsection 
     (a)(2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     that--
       (1) includes the results of that independent analysis; and
       (2) addresses any recommendations with respect to the 
     dialysis pilot program provided in a report prepared by the 
     Government Accountability Office.
       (c) Utilization of Existing Dialysis Resources.--In order 
     to increase the access of veterans to dialysis care and 
     decrease the travel time of such veterans to receive such 
     care, the Secretary shall fully utilize existing dialysis 
     resources of the Department, including any community dialysis 
     provider with which the Department has entered into a 
     contract or agreement for the provision of such care.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Dialysis pilot program.--The term ``dialysis pilot 
     program'' means the pilot demonstration program established 
     by the Secretary in 2009 to provide dialysis care to patients 
     at certain outpatient facilities operated by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Initial facility.--The term ``initial facility'' means 
     one of the four outpatient facilities identified by the 
     Secretary to participate in the dialysis pilot program prior 
     to the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 314. REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   POLICY ON REPORTING CASES OF INFECTIOUS 
                   DISEASES AT FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases

       ``(a) Reporting.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Department has in effect an up-to-date policy on reporting a 
     notifiable infectious disease diagnosed at a facility under 
     the jurisdiction of the Secretary in accordance with the 
     provisions of State and local law in effect where such 
     facility is located.
       ``(b) Notifiable Infectious Disease.--For purposes of this 
     section, a notifiable infectious disease is any infectious 
     disease that is--
       ``(1) on the list of nationally notifiable diseases 
     published by the Council of State and Territorial 
     Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention; or
       ``(2) covered by a provision of law of a State that 
     requires the reporting of infectious diseases.
       ``(c) Performance Measures.--The Secretary shall develop 
     performance measures to assess whether and to what degree the 
     directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks and 
     Department medical centers are complying with the policy 
     required by subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7330A the following new item:

``7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 315. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE VETERANS INTEGRATED 
                   SERVICE NETWORKS AND MEDICAL CENTERS OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Contract.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     seek to enter into a contract with an independent third-party 
     to perform the services covered by this section.
       (2) Timing.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into the 
     contract described in paragraph (1) not later than 540 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Independent Study.--
       (1) In general.--Under a contract between the Secretary and 
     an independent third-party under this section, the third 
     party shall carry out a study--
       (A) to assess the organizational structures of medical 
     centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
       (B) to improve succession planning among key leadership 
     roles at Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical 
     centers of the Department.
       (2) Matters studied and proposed.--In carrying out the 
     study, the third party shall--
       (A) assess whether the organizational structure of the 
     medical centers of the Department is effective for the 
     furnishing of medical services, addressing issues that arise 
     regarding the furnishing of medical services, and addressing 
     standard business operations;
       (B) propose one organizational chart for Department medical 
     centers with a common set of base position descriptions;
       (C) propose a base set of medical positions that should be 
     filled to ensure that the health care provided to veterans by 
     the Department is of good quality; and
       (D) identify which key leadership positions at Veterans 
     Integrated Service Networks and Department medical centers 
     should have succession plans and propose how to implement 
     such plans.
       (3) Timing.--The third party shall complete the study under 
     this section not later than

[[Page 3205]]

     270 days after entering into the contract described in 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which 
     the third party completes the study under this section, 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 such 
     study.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 316. REQUIREMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH NEXT UPDATE OF 
                   CURRENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR OFFICE OF RURAL 
                   HEALTH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--The first update of the Strategic Plan 
     Refresh for Fiscal Years 2012 through 2014 of the Office of 
     Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, whether an update or 
     refresh of such Strategic Plan Refresh or a strategic plan to 
     supersede such Strategic Plan Refresh, shall be prepared in 
     accordance with this section.
       (2) Consultation.--The Director of the Office of Rural 
     Health shall prepare the update in consultation with the 
     following:
       (A) The Director of the Health Care Retention and 
     Recruitment Office of the Department.
       (B) The Director of the Office of Quality and Performance 
     of the Department.
       (C) The Director of the Office of Care Coordination 
     Services of the Department.
       (b) Elements.--The update described in subsection (a) shall 
     include, for the period covered by the update, the following:
       (1) Goals and objectives for the recruitment and retention 
     by the Veterans Health Administration of health care 
     personnel in rural areas.
       (2) Goals and objectives for ensuring timeliness and 
     improving quality in the delivery of health care services by 
     the Veterans Health Administration in rural areas through 
     contract and fee-basis providers.
       (3) Goals and objectives for the implementation, expansion, 
     and enhanced use of telemedicine services by the Veterans 
     Health Administration in rural areas, including through 
     coordination with other appropriate offices of the 
     Department.
       (4) Goals and objectives for ensuring the full and 
     effective use of mobile outpatient clinics by the Veterans 
     Health Administration for the provision of health care 
     services in rural areas, including goals and objectives for 
     the use of such clinics on a fully mobile basis and for 
     encouraging health care providers who provide services 
     through such clinics to do so in rural areas.
       (5) Procedures for soliciting from each Veterans Health 
     Administration facility that serves a rural area the 
     following:
       (A) A statement of the clinical capacity of such facility.
       (B) The procedures of such facility in the event of a 
     medical, surgical, or mental health emergency outside the 
     scope of the clinical capacity of such facility.
       (C) The procedures and mechanisms of such facility for the 
     provision and coordination of health care for women veterans, 
     including procedures and mechanisms for coordination with 
     local hospitals and health care facilities, oversight of 
     primary care and fee-basis care, and management of specialty 
     care.
       (6) Goals and objectives for the modification of the 
     funding allocation mechanisms of the Office of Rural Health 
     in order to ensure that the Office distributes funds to 
     components of the Department to best achieve the goals and 
     objectives of the Office and in a timely manner.
       (7) Goals and objectives for the coordination of, and 
     sharing of resources with respect to, the provision of health 
     care services to veterans in rural areas between the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, 
     the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and 
     Human Services, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate 
     and prudent.
       (8) Specific milestones for the achievement of the goals 
     and objectives developed for the update.
       (9) Procedures for ensuring the effective implementation of 
     the update.
       (c) Transmittal to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the issuance of the update described in 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     transmit the update to Congress, together with such comments 
     and recommendations in connection with the update as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.

     SEC. 317. REPORT ON PROVISION OF TELEMEDICINE SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 following:
       (1) Issues that may be impeding the provision by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs of telemedicine services for 
     veterans, including the following:
       (A) Statutory or regulatory restrictions.
       (B) Licensure or credentialing issues for any provider 
     practicing telemedicine with veterans who live in a different 
     State than the provider.
       (C) Limited broadband access in rural areas.
       (D) Limited information technology resources or 
     capabilities.
       (E) Long distances veterans must travel to access a 
     facility or clinic with telemedicine capabilities.
       (F) Insufficient liability protection for providers.
       (G) Reimbursement issues faced by providers.
       (H) Travel limitations for providers that are unaffiliated 
     with the Department and are participating or seeking to 
     participate in a telemedicine program of the Department.
       (2) Actions taken to address the issues identified in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) An update on efforts by the Department to carry out the 
     initiative of teleconsultation for the provision of remote 
     mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments required 
     by section 1709A of title 38, United States Code.
       (4) An update on efforts by the Department to offer 
     training opportunities in telemedicine to medical residents, 
     as required by section 108(b) of the Janey Ensminger Act 
     (Public Law 112-154; 38 U.S.C. 7406 note).
       (5) An update on efforts by the Department to, in 
     partnership with primary care providers, install video 
     cameras and instruments to monitor weight, blood pressure, 
     and other vital statistics in the homes of patients.
       (b) Telemedicine Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``telemedicine'' means the use by a health care provider of 
     telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of 
     a patient's medical condition.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 318. REPORT ON EXPANSION OF PATIENT ENROLLMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     feasibility and advisability of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs expanding enrollment in the system of patient 
     enrollment established and operated under section 1705 of 
     title 38, United States Code, of veterans described in 
     subsection (a)(8) of that section.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include an analysis of the following:
       (1) The ability of the Department to manage an expansion of 
     enrollment in the system of patient enrollment under that 
     section to veterans described in subsection (a)(8) of that 
     section.
       (2) The impact of such expansion on the budget of the 
     Department.
       (3) The impact of such expansion on the ability of medical 
     centers of the Department to provide health care to veterans.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 319. REPORT ON EXPANSION OF PROGRAM OF COMPREHENSIVE 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     feasibility and advisability of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs expanding the program of comprehensive assistance for 
     family caregivers under section 1720G of title 38, United 
     States Code.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include an analysis of the following:
       (1) The ability of the Department to manage an expansion of 
     the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers 
     under that section.
       (2) The impact of such expansion on the budget of the 
     Department.
       (3) The impact of such expansion on the ability of medical 
     centers of the Department to provide health care to veterans.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 320. DESIGNATION OF CORPORAL MICHAEL J. CRESCENZ 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER.

       (a) Designation.--The medical center of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs located at 3900 Woodland Avenue in 
     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shall after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act be known and designated as the 
     ``Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     considered to be a reference to the Corporal Michael J. 
     Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

           Subtitle C--Complementary and Alternative Medicine

     SEC. 321. EXPANSION OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ON AND DELIVERY 
                   OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE TO 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Development of Plan To Expand Research, Education, and 
     Delivery.--Not later than six months after the effective date 
     specified in subsection (f), the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall develop a plan to expand materially and 
     substantially the scope

[[Page 3206]]

     of research and education on, and delivery and integration 
     of, complementary and alternative medicine services into the 
     health care services provided to veterans.
       (b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall 
     provide for the following:
       (1) Research on the following:
       (A) The comparative effectiveness of various complementary 
     and alternative medicine therapies.
       (B) Approaches to integrating complementary and alternative 
     medicine services into other health care services provided by 
     the Department.
       (2) Education and training for health care professionals of 
     the Department on the following:
       (A) Complementary and alternative medicine services 
     selected by the Secretary for purposes of the plan.
       (B) Appropriate uses of such services.
       (C) Integration of such services into the delivery of 
     health care to veterans.
       (3) Research, education, and clinical activities on 
     complementary and alternative medicine at centers of 
     innovation at Department medical centers.
       (4) Identification or development of metrics and outcome 
     measures to evaluate the provision and integration of 
     complementary and alternative medicine services into the 
     delivery of health care to veterans.
       (5) Integration and delivery of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services with other health care services 
     provided by the Department.
       (c) Consultation.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall consult with the following:
       (A) The Director of the National Center on Complementary 
     and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of 
     Health.
       (B) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs.
       (C) Institutions of higher education, private research 
     institutes, and individual researchers with extensive 
     experience in complementary and alternative medicine and the 
     integration of complementary and alternative medicine 
     practices into the delivery of health care.
       (D) Nationally recognized providers of complementary and 
     alternative medicine.
       (E) Such other officials, entities, and individuals with 
     expertise on complementary and alternative medicine as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Scope of consultation.--The Secretary shall undertake 
     consultation under paragraph (1) in carrying out subsection 
     (a) with respect to the following:
       (A) To develop the plan.
       (B) To identify specific complementary and alternative 
     medicine practices that, on the basis of research findings or 
     promising clinical interventions, are appropriate to include 
     as services to veterans.
       (C) To identify barriers to the effective provision and 
     integration of complementary and alternative medicine 
     services into the delivery of health care to veterans, and to 
     identify mechanisms for overcoming such barriers.
       (d) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
     section.
       (e) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in 
     regulations the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of 
     this section, which shall, to the degree practicable, be 
     consistent with the meaning given such term by the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services.
       (f) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 322. PROGRAM ON INTEGRATION OF COMPLEMENTARY AND 
                   ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall--
       (1) carry out, through the Office of Patient Centered Care 
     and Cultural Transformation of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, a program to assess the feasibility and advisability 
     of integrating the delivery of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services selected by the Secretary with other health 
     care services provided by the Department for veterans with 
     mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, other 
     chronic conditions, and such other conditions as the 
     Secretary determines appropriate; and
       (2) in developing the program, identify and resolve 
     barriers to the provision of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services selected by the Secretary and the 
     integration of those services with other health care services 
     provided by the Department.
       (b) Duration of Program.--The program shall be carried out 
     during the three-year period beginning on the effective date 
     specified in subsection (j).
       (c) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     at not fewer than 15 separate Department medical centers.
       (2) Polytrauma centers.--Not less than two of the medical 
     centers designated under paragraph (1) shall be located at 
     polytrauma rehabilitation centers of the Department.
       (3) Selection of locations.--In carrying out the program, 
     the Secretary shall select locations that include the 
     following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such 
     as census tracts established by the Bureau of the Census.
       (d) Provision of Services.--Under the program, the 
     Secretary shall provide covered services to covered veterans 
     by integrating complementary and alternative medicine 
     services with other services provided by the Department at 
     the medical centers designated under subsection (c)(1).
       (e) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of the program, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who--
       (1) has a mental health condition diagnosed by a clinician 
     of the Department;
       (2) experiences chronic pain; or
       (3) has a chronic condition being treated by a clinician of 
     the Department.
       (f) Covered Services.--
       (1) In general.--For purposes of the program, covered 
     services are services consisting of complementary and 
     alternative medicine as selected by the Secretary.
       (2) Administration of services.--Covered services shall be 
     administered under the program as follows:
       (A) Covered services shall be administered by clinicians 
     employed by the Secretary for purposes of this section who, 
     to the extent practicable, shall provide services consisting 
     of complementary and alternative medicine, including those 
     clinicians who solely provide such services.
       (B) Covered services shall be included as part of the 
     Patient Aligned Care Teams initiative of the Office of 
     Patient Care Services, Primary Care Program Office, in 
     coordination with the Office of Patient Centered Care and 
     Cultural Transformation.
       (C) Covered services shall be made available to both--
       (i) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain 
     conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) 
     who have received conventional treatments from the Department 
     for such conditions; and
       (ii) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain 
     conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) 
     who have not received conventional treatments from the 
     Department for such conditions.
       (g) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     veteran in the program shall be at the election of the 
     veteran and in consultation with a clinician of the 
     Department.
       (h) Reports to Congress.--
       (1) Quarterly reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter for the 
     duration of the program, 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 efforts of the Secretary to 
     carry out the program, including a description of the 
     outreach conducted by the Secretary to veterans and community 
     organizations to inform such organizations about the program.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the program, 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 program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program, including with respect to--

       (I) the utilization and efficacy of the complementary and 
     alternative medicine services established under the program;
       (II) an assessment of the benefit of the program to covered 
     veterans in mental health diagnoses, pain management, and 
     treatment of chronic illness; and
       (III) the comparative effectiveness of various 
     complementary and alternative medicine therapies.

       (ii) Barriers identified under subsection (a)(2) that were 
     not resolved.
       (iii) Such recommendations for the continuation or 
     expansion of the program as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (i) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in section 
     321(e) of this Act.
       (j) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 323. STUDIES OF BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED BY VETERANS IN 
                   RECEIVING, AND ADMINISTRATORS AND CLINICIANS IN 
                   PROVIDING, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE 
                   MEDICINE SERVICES FURNISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Studies Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     conduct comprehensive studies of the barriers encountered by 
     veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in 
     providing, complementary and alternative medicine services 
     furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Studies conducted.--
       (A) Veterans.--In conducting the study of veterans, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (i) survey veterans who seek or receive hospital care or 
     medical services furnished

[[Page 3207]]

     by the Department, as well as veterans who do not seek or 
     receive such care or services;
       (ii) administer the survey to a representative sample of 
     veterans from each Veterans Integrated Service Network; and
       (iii) ensure that the sample of veterans surveyed is of 
     sufficient size for the study results to be statistically 
     significant.
       (B) Administrators and clinicians.--In conducting the study 
     of clinicians and administrators, the Secretary shall--
       (i) survey administrators of the Department who are 
     involved in the provision of health care services;
       (ii) survey clinicians that have provided complementary and 
     alternative medicine services through the program established 
     under section 322 of this Act, after those clinicians have 
     provided those services through such program for at least 90 
     days; and
       (iii) administer the survey to administrators under clause 
     (i)--

       (I) before the introduction of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services through such program; and
       (II) not earlier than 90 days after the introduction of 
     complementary and alternative medicine services through such 
     program.

       (b) Elements of Studies.--
       (1) Veterans.--In conducting the study of veterans required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall study the following:
       (A) The perceived barriers associated with obtaining 
     complementary and alternative medicine services from the 
     Department.
       (B) The satisfaction of veterans with complementary and 
     alternative medicine services in primary care.
       (C) The degree to which veterans are aware of eligibility 
     requirements for, and the scope of services available under, 
     complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by 
     the Department.
       (D) The effectiveness of outreach to veterans on the 
     availability of complementary and alternative medicine for 
     veterans.
       (E) Such other barriers as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (2) Administrators and clinicians.--In conducting the study 
     of administrators and clinicians required by subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall study the following:
       (A) The extent of the integration of complementary and 
     alternative medicine services within the services provided by 
     the Department.
       (B) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the 
     structural and attitudinal barriers to the delivery of high 
     quality complementary and alternative medicine services by 
     the Department.
       (C) Strategies that have been used to reduce or eliminate 
     such barriers and the results of such strategies.
       (D) The satisfaction of administrators and clinicians 
     regarding the integration of complementary and alternative 
     medicine services within the services provided by the 
     Department.
       (E) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the 
     value of specific complementary and alternative medicine 
     services for inpatient and outpatient veteran populations.
       (c) Discharge by Contract.--The Secretary shall enter into 
     a contract with a qualified independent entity or 
     organization to carry out the studies required by this 
     section.
       (d) Mandatory Review of Data by the National Research 
     Advisory Council.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that the head 
     of the National Research Advisory Council reviews the results 
     of the studies conducted under this section.
       (2) Submittal of findings.--The head of the National 
     Research Advisory Council shall submit findings with respect 
     to the studies to the Under Secretary for Health and to other 
     pertinent program offices within the Department with 
     responsibilities relating to health care services for 
     veterans.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Report on implementation.--Not later than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the 
     implementation of this section.
       (2) Report on study.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
     the completion of the study, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the study required by subsection (a).
       (B) Contents.--The report required by subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) Recommendations for such administrative and legislative 
     proposals and actions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (ii) The findings of the head of the National Research 
     Advisory Council and of the Under Secretary for Health.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, $2,000,000 to carry out this section.
       (g) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given that term in section 
     321(e) of this Act.

     SEC. 324. PROGRAM ON USE OF WELLNESS PROGRAMS AS 
                   COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE 
                   FOR VETERANS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program through the award of grants to public or 
     private nonprofit entities to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of using wellness programs to complement the 
     provision of mental health care to veterans and family 
     members eligible for counseling under section 1712A(a)(1)(C) 
     of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Matters to be addressed.--The program shall be carried 
     out so as to assess the following:
       (A) Means of improving coordination between Federal, State, 
     local, and community providers of health care in the 
     provision of mental health care to veterans and family 
     members described in paragraph (1).
       (B) Means of enhancing outreach, and coordination of 
     outreach, by and among providers of health care referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) on the mental health care services 
     available to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (C) Means of using wellness programs of providers of health 
     care referred to in subparagraph (A) as complements to the 
     provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of mental 
     health care to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (D) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in enhancing the quality of life and well-being 
     of veterans and family members described in paragraph (1).
       (E) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in increasing the adherence of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) to the primary mental health 
     services provided such veterans by the Department.
       (F) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     have an impact on the sense of wellbeing of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) who receive primary mental health 
     services from the Department.
       (G) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in encouraging veterans receiving health care 
     from the Department to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.
       (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     for a period of three years beginning on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     at facilities of the Department providing mental health care 
     services to veterans and family members described in 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (d) Grant Proposals.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     seeking the award of a grant under this section shall submit 
     an application therefor to the Secretary in such form and in 
     such manner as the Secretary may require.
       (2) Application contents.--Each application submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) A plan to coordinate activities under the program, to 
     the extent possible, with the Federal, State, and local 
     providers of services for veterans to enhance the following:
       (i) Awareness by veterans of benefits and health care 
     services provided by the Department.
       (ii) Outreach efforts to increase the use by veterans of 
     services provided by the Department.
       (iii) Educational efforts to inform veterans of the 
     benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
       (B) A statement of understanding from the entity submitting 
     the application that, if selected, such entity will be 
     required to report to the Secretary periodically on 
     standardized data and other performance data necessary to 
     evaluate individual outcomes and to facilitate evaluations 
     among entities participating in the program.
       (C) Other requirements that the Secretary may prescribe.
       (e) Grant Uses.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     awarded a grant under this section shall use the award for 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary.
       (2) Eligible veterans and family.--In carrying out the 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary in paragraph (1), a 
     public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this 
     section shall use the award to furnish services only to 
     individuals specified in section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the commencement of the program, and every 180 days 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     on the program.
       (B) Report elements.--Each report required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program during the 180-day period preceding 
     the report.
       (ii) An assessment of the benefits of the program to 
     veterans and their family members during the 180-day period 
     preceding the report.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the end of 
     the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     detailing the recommendations of the Secretary as to the 
     advisability of continuing or expanding the program.

[[Page 3208]]

       (g) Wellness Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``wellness'' has the meaning given that term in regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary.

                     Subtitle D--Mental Health Care

     SEC. 331. INCLUSION OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN THE 
                   EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HEALTH 
                   PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--In carrying out the education and training 
     program required under section 7302(a)(1) of title 38, United 
     States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include 
     education and training of marriage and family therapists and 
     licensed professional mental health counselors.
       (b) Funding.--The Secretary shall apportion funding for the 
     education and training program equally among the professions 
     included in the program.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 332. REPORT ON PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR 
                   FAMILIES OF CERTAIN VETERANS AT FACILITIES OF 
                   THE DEPARTMENT.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 feasibility and advisability 
     of providing services under the program established by 
     section 304(a) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health 
     Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1712A 
     note) at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.

     SEC. 333. ANNUAL REPORT ON COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 
                   PARTNERSHIP PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not later than September 30 
     each year thereafter until the completion of the pilot 
     program described in subsection (b), the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs 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 that pilot 
     program.
       (b) Pilot Program Described.--The pilot program described 
     in this subsection is the pilot program conducted by the 
     Veterans Health Administration to connect medical centers of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs with community-based 
     mental health care providers and substance abuse treatment 
     providers for the purpose of assisting in the treatment of 
     veterans with mental health disorders, commonly known as the 
     ``Community Mental Health Partnership Pilot''.
       (c) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) The number of sites participating in the pilot program.
       (2) The number of individuals participating in the pilot 
     program at each site.
       (3) A detailed assessment of the effectiveness of, the 
     participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of 
     veterans with the pilot program.
       (4) An analysis of barriers to the effectiveness of, the 
     participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of 
     veterans with the pilot program.
       (5) A description of the plans of the Secretary to conduct 
     outreach and provide information to veterans and community 
     mental health providers with respect to the pilot program.
       (6) A description of any plans to expand the pilot program, 
     including plans that focus on the unique needs of veterans 
     located in rural areas.
       (7) An explanation of how the care provided under the pilot 
     program is consistent with the minimum clinical mental health 
     guidelines promulgated by the Veterans Health Administration, 
     including clinical guidelines contained in the Uniform Mental 
     Health Services Handbook of such Administration.

     Subtitle E--Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement

     SEC. 341. RESTORATIVE DENTAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1710(c) is amended--
       (1) in the second sentence--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively; and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
       (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)'';
       (3) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) The Secretary''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) In addition to the dental services, treatment, and 
     appliances authorized to be furnished by paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary may furnish dental services and treatment, and 
     dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran 
     that is lost as a result of any services or treatment 
     furnished under this subsection.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 342. PILOT PROGRAM ON EXPANSION OF FURNISHING OF DENTAL 
                   CARE TO ALL ENROLLED VETERANS.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 540 
     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 furnishing 
     dental care to veterans enrolled in the system of patient 
     enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States 
     Code, who are not eligible for dental services and treatment, 
     and related dental appliances, under current authorities.
       (b) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the three-year period beginning on the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (c) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program at not fewer than 16 locations as follows:
       (A) Four Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers 
     with an established dental clinic.
       (B) Four Department medical centers with a current contract 
     for the furnishing of dental care.
       (C) Four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) with 
     space available for the furnishing of services and treatment 
     under the pilot program.
       (D) Four facilities selected from among Federally Qualified 
     Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health Service facilities 
     with established dental clinics, of which--
       (i) at least one facility shall be such an Indian Health 
     Service facility; and
       (ii) any Indian Health Service facility so selected shall 
     be selected in consultation with the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in each of the following:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such 
     as census tracts established by the Bureau of Census.
       (d) Limitation on Number of Participating Veterans.--
       (1) In general.--The total number of eligible veterans who 
     may participate in the pilot program may not exceed 30,000.
       (2) Distribution of limitation.--In applying the limitation 
     in paragraph (1) to the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
     distribute the limitation across and among locations selected 
     for the pilot program in a manner that takes appropriate 
     account of the size and need of veterans for dental services 
     at each such location.
       (e) Scope of Services.--The dental services and treatment 
     furnished to veterans under the pilot program shall be 
     consistent with the dental services and treatment furnished 
     by the Secretary to veterans with service-connected 
     disabilities rated 100 percent disabling under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary.
       (f) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election of the 
     veteran.
       (g) Limitation on Amount of Services.--
       (1) In general.--The total amount the Secretary may expend 
     furnishing dental services and treatment to a veteran 
     participating in the pilot program during any one-year period 
     may not exceed such amount as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate. The amount so determined may not be less than 
     $1,000.
       (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make the 
     determination under paragraph (1)--
       (A) in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health 
     Service; and
       (B) in consultation with the Director of the Health 
     Resources and Services Administration of the Department of 
     Health and Human Services if one or more Federally Qualified 
     Health Center is selected as a location for the pilot program 
     under subsection (c)(1)(D).
       (h) Copayments.--The Secretary may collect copayments for 
     dental services and treatment furnished under the pilot 
     program in accordance with authorities on the collection of 
     copayments for medical care of veterans under chapter 17 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (i) Program Administration.--
       (1) Notice to eligible veterans on pilot program.--In 
     carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall inform 
     all veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program of 
     the services and treatment available under the pilot program.
       (2) Contracts.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
     Secretary may enter into contracts with appropriate entities 
     for the provision of dental services and treatment under the 
     pilot program. Each such contract shall specify performance 
     standards and metrics and processes for ensuring compliance 
     of the contractor concerned with such performance standards.
       (j) Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than each of 540 days and three 
     years after the date of the commencement of the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of

[[Page 3209]]

     Representatives a report on the pilot program.
       (B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include the following:
       (i) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the pilot program.
       (ii) The number of veterans receiving services and 
     treatment under the pilot program, and a description of the 
     dental services and treatment furnished to such veterans.
       (iii) An analysis of the costs and benefits of the pilot 
     program, including a comparison of costs and benefits by 
     location type.
       (iv) An assessment of the impact of the pilot program on 
     medical care, wellness, employability, and perceived quality 
     of life of veterans.
       (v) The current findings and conclusions of the Secretary 
     with respect to the pilot program.
       (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program.
       (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the pilot program.
       (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (k) Federally Qualified Health Center Defined.--In this 
     section the term ``Federally Qualified Health Center'' means 
     a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 
     1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)(2)(B)).
       (l) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 343. PROGRAM ON EDUCATION TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH IN 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program of education to promote dental health for 
     veterans who are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Construction.--Nothing in the program shall be deemed 
     to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental 
     care under the laws administered by the Secretary.
       (b) Elements.--The program required by subsection (a) shall 
     provide education for veterans on the following:
       (1) The association between dental health and overall 
     health and well-being.
       (2) Proper techniques for dental care.
       (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental 
     conditions.
       (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues.
       (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including 
     information on eligibility for dental care through the 
     Department and on purchasing private dental insurance.
       (6) Available and accessible options for obtaining low or 
     no-cost dental care, including through dental schools and 
     Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
       (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Delivery of Educational Materials.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide educational 
     materials to veterans under the program required by 
     subsection (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the 
     following:
       (A) The availability and distribution of print materials at 
     Department facilities (including at medical centers, clinics, 
     Vet Centers, and readjustment counseling centers) and to 
     providers (including members of Patient Aligned Care Teams).
       (B) The availability and distribution of materials over the 
     Internet, including through webinars and My Health eVet.
       (C) Presentations of information, including both small 
     group and large group presentations.
       (2) Selection of mechanisms.--In selecting mechanisms for 
     purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select 
     mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who 
     receive education under the program.
       (d) Federally Qualified Health Center Defined.--In this 
     section the term ``Federally Qualified Health Center'' means 
     a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 
     1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)(2)(B)).
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 344. INFORMATION ON DENTAL SERVICES FOR INCLUSION IN 
                   ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS UNDER DENTAL 
                   INSURANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 540 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall expand the dental insurance pilot 
     program established by section 17.169 of title 38, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to establish a mechanism by which 
     private sector dental care providers shall forward to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs information on dental care 
     furnished to individuals under the pilot program for 
     inclusion in the electronic medical records of the Department 
     with respect to such individuals.
       (b) Construction With Current Pilot Program Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
     to revise eligibility for participation in, or the locations 
     of, the pilot program referred to in subsection (a).
       (2) Duration.--The Secretary may continue the pilot program 
     for two years in addition to the duration otherwise provided 
     for the pilot program in section 17.169 of title 38, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines that the 
     continuation is needed to assess the mechanism required by 
     subsection (a).
       (3) Voluntary participation in mechanism.--The 
     participation in the mechanism required by subsection (a) of 
     an individual otherwise participating in the pilot program 
     shall be at the election of the individual.
       (c) Inclusion of Information on Mechanism in Reports.--Each 
     report to Congress on the pilot program after the date of the 
     commencement of the mechanism required by subsection (a) 
     shall include information on the mechanism, including a 
     current assessment of the feasability and advisability of 
     using the mechanism to include information on dental care 
     furnished individuals in the electronic medical records of 
     the Department with respect to such individuals.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 345. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015 $305,000,000 to 
     carry out this subtitle and the amendments made by this 
     subtitle. The amount so authorized to be appropriated shall 
     be available for obligation for the five-year period 
     beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

            Subtitle F--Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma

     SEC. 351. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SEXUAL TRAUMA 
                   COUNSELING AND TREATMENT TO VETERANS ON 
                   INACTIVE DUTY TRAINING.

       Section 1720D(a)(1) is amended by striking ``or active duty 
     for training'' and inserting ``, active duty for training, or 
     inactive duty training''.

     SEC. 352. PROVISION OF COUNSELING AND TREATMENT FOR SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Expansion of Coverage to Members of the Armed Forces.--
     Subsection (a) of section 1720D is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) In operating the program required by paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary may, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense, provide counseling and care and services to members 
     of the Armed Forces (including members of the National Guard 
     and Reserves) on active duty to overcome psychological trauma 
     described in that paragraph.
       ``(B) A member described in subparagraph (A) shall not be 
     required to obtain a referral before receiving counseling and 
     care and services under this paragraph.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``a veteran'' and inserting ``an 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``that veteran'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``that individual''.
       (b) Information to Members on Availability of Counseling 
     and Services.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended--
       (1) by striking ``to veterans'' each place it appears; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``members of the Armed 
     Forces and'' before ``individuals''.
       (c) Inclusion of Members in Reports on Counseling and 
     Services.--Subsection (e) of such section is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``to 
     veterans'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``women veterans'' and inserting 
     ``individuals''; and
       (B) by striking ``training under subsection (d).'' and 
     inserting ``training under subsection (d), disaggregated by--
       ``(A) veterans;
       ``(B) members of the Armed Forces (including members of the 
     National Guard and Reserves) on active duty; and
       ``(C) for each of subparagraphs (A) and (B)--
       ``(i) men; and
       ``(ii) women.'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``veterans'' and 
     inserting ``individuals''; and
       (4) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by striking ``women veterans'' and inserting 
     ``individuals'' ; and
       (B) by inserting ``, including specific recommendations for 
     individuals specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of 
     paragraph (2)'' before the period at the end.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the

[[Page 3210]]

     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 353. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SCREENING MECHANISM 
                   TO DETECT INCIDENTS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall develop and implement a screening mechanism to be used 
     when a veteran seeks healthcare services from the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to detect if the veteran has been a 
     victim of domestic abuse for purposes of improving the 
     treatment of the veteran and assessing the prevalence of 
     domestic abuse in the veteran population.
       (b) Readily Available Screening Tools.--In developing and 
     implementing a screening mechanism under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary may incorporate into the screening mechanism such 
     readily available screening tools as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for the screening mechanism.
       (c) Domestic Abuse Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``domestic abuse'' means behavior with respect to an 
     individual that--
       (1) constitutes--
       (A) a pattern of behavior resulting in physical or 
     emotional abuse, economic control, or interference with the 
     personal liberty of that individual;
       (B) a violation of Federal or State law involving the use, 
     attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against 
     that individual; or
       (C) a violation of a lawful order issued for the protection 
     of that individual; and
       (2) is committed by a person who--
       (A) is a current or former spouse or domestic partner of 
     that individual;
       (B) shares a child in common with that individual;
       (C) is a current or former intimate partner of that 
     individual that shares or has shared a common domicile with 
     that individual;
       (D) is a caregiver or family caregiver of that individual 
     (as such terms are defined in section 1720G(d) of title 38, 
     United States Code); or
       (E) is in any other type of relationship with that 
     individual that the Secretary may specify for purposes of 
     this section.

     SEC. 354. REPORTS ON MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA AND DOMESTIC 
                   ABUSE.

       (a) Report on Services Available for Military Sexual Trauma 
     in the Department of Veterans Affairs.--Not later than 630 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 treatment and services available from the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for male veterans who experience military 
     sexual trauma compared to such treatment and services 
     available to female veterans who experience military sexual 
     trauma.
       (b) Report on Domestic Abuse Among Veterans.--Not later 
     than two years after the implementation of the screening 
     mechanism required by section 353(a) of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers 
     for Disease Control and Prevention, shall jointly submit to 
     the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on domestic abuse among veterans 
     that includes the following:
       (1) A summary of the types, outcomes, and circumstances of 
     incidents of domestic abuse that have been reported by 
     veterans during the two-year period preceding the submission 
     of the report.
       (2) A summary of the treatments available from the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who experience 
     domestic abuse and an assessment of the effectiveness of 
     those treatments.
       (3) Data and analysis on any correlation between an 
     incident of military sexual trauma or sexual trauma 
     experienced after the age of 18 and domestic abuse.
       (4) Any other issues that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     or the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention determines appropriate.
       (c) Reports on Transition of Military Sexual Trauma and 
     Domestic Abuse Treatment From Department of Defense to 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.--Not later than 630 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
     thereafter for five years, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee 
     established by section 320(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a report on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse that 
     includes the following:
       (1) The processes and procedures utilized by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to 
     facilitate transition of treatment of individuals who have 
     experienced military sexual trauma or domestic abuse from 
     treatment provided by the Department of Defense to treatment 
     provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) A description and assessment of the collaboration 
     between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department 
     of Defense in assisting veterans in filing claims for 
     disabilities related to military sexual trauma or domestic 
     abuse, including permitting veterans access to information 
     and evidence necessary to develop or support such claims.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
       (2) Domestic abuse.--The term ``domestic abuse'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 353(c) of this Act.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' means psychological trauma, which in the judgment of 
     a mental health professional employed by the Department, 
     resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery 
     of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while 
     the veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for 
     training.
       (4) Sexual harassment.--The term ``sexual harassment'' 
     means repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a 
     sexual nature which is threatening in character.
       (5) Sexual trauma.--The term ``sexual trauma'' shall have 
     the meaning given that term by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs for purposes of this section.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

 Subtitle G--Adoption Assistance, Child Care Assistance, and Counseling

     SEC. 361. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE FOR SEVERELY WOUNDED VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1788. Adoption assistance

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may pay an amount, not to 
     exceed the limitation amount, to assist a covered veteran in 
     the adoption of one or more children.
       ``(b) Covered Veteran.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any severely wounded, ill, or injured 
     veteran who--
       ``(1) has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated 
     in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air 
     service; and
       ``(2) is enrolled in the system of annual patient 
     enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title.
       ``(c) Limitation Amount.--For purposes of this section, the 
     limitation amount is equal to the cost the Department would 
     incur by paying the expenses of three adoptions by covered 
     veterans, as determined by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1787 the following new item:

``1788. Adoption assistance.''.

     SEC. 362. COORDINATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON FURNISHING OF 
                   FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of 
     Defense shall share best practices and facilitate referrals, 
     as they consider appropriate, on the furnishing of fertility 
     counseling and treatment.

     SEC. 363. PROGRAM ON ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Assistance for Child Care for Certain Veterans 
     Receiving Health Care.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans 
       receiving health care

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
     program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to 
     qualified veterans described in subsection (c) to obtain 
     child care so that such veterans can receive health care 
     services described in subsection (c).
       ``(b) Limitation on Period of Payments.--Assistance may 
     only be provided to a qualified veteran under this section 
     for receipt of child care during the period that the 
     qualified veteran--
       ``(1) receives health care services described in subsection 
     (c) at a facility of the Department; and
       ``(2) requires travel to and from such facility for the 
     receipt of such health care services.
       ``(c) Qualified Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     qualified veteran is a veteran who is--
       ``(1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and
       ``(2)(A) receiving from the Department--
       ``(i) regular mental health care services;
       ``(ii) intensive mental health care services; or
       ``(iii) such other intensive health care services that the 
     Secretary determines that provision of assistance to the 
     veteran to obtain child care would improve access to such 
     health care services by the veteran; or
       ``(B) in need of regular or intensive mental health care 
     services from the Department, and but for lack of child care 
     services, would receive such health care services from the 
     Department.
       ``(d) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     in no fewer than three Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     selected

[[Page 3211]]

     by the Secretary for purposes of the program.
       ``(e) Forms of Child Care Assistance.--(1) Child care 
     assistance under this section may include the following:
       ``(A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by 
     licensed child care centers (either directly or through a 
     voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, 
     modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care 
     Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the 
     Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 
     (Public Law 107-67; 115 Stat. 552).
       ``(B) Direct provision of child care at an on-site facility 
     of the Department.
       ``(C) Payments to private child care agencies.
       ``(D) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other 
     Federal departments or agencies.
       ``(E) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) In the case that child care assistance under this 
     section is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), such 
     stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1709A the following new item:

``1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving 
              health care.''.

       (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 205(e) of the Caregivers 
     and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 
     111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by inserting ``but 
     not after the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive 
     Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay 
     Restoration Act of 2014'' before the period at the end.
       (b) Assistance for Child Care for Individuals Receiving 
     Readjustment Counseling and Related Mental Health Services.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 17, as amended by 
     subsection (a)(1) of this section, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals 
       receiving readjustment counseling and related mental health 
       services

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
     program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to 
     qualified individuals described in subsection (c) to obtain 
     child care so that such individuals can receive readjustment 
     counseling and related mental health services.
       ``(b) Limitation on Period of Payments.--Assistance may 
     only be provided to a qualified individual under this section 
     for receipt of child care during the period that the 
     qualified individual receives readjustment counseling and 
     related health care services at a Vet Center.
       ``(c) Qualified Individuals.--For purposes of this section, 
     a qualified individual is an individual who is--
       ``(1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and
       ``(2)(A) receiving from the Department regular readjustment 
     counseling and related mental health services; or
       ``(B) in need of readjustment counseling and related mental 
     health services from the Department, and but for lack of 
     child care services, would receive such counseling and 
     services from the Department.
       ``(d) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     under this section in no fewer than three Readjustment 
     Counseling Service Regions selected by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program.
       ``(e) Forms of Child Care Assistance.--(1) Child care 
     assistance under this section may include the following:
       ``(A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by 
     licensed child care centers (either directly or through a 
     voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, 
     modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care 
     Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the 
     Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 
     (Public Law 107-67; 115 Stat. 552).
       ``(B) Payments to private child care agencies.
       ``(C) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other 
     Federal departments or agencies.
       ``(D) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) In the case that child care assistance under this 
     subsection is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), 
     such stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care.
       ``(f) Vet Center Defined.--In this section, the term `Vet 
     Center' means a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for individuals under section 
     1712A of this title.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17, as amended by subsection (a)(2) of 
     this section, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 1709B the following new item:

``1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals receiving 
              readjustment counseling and related mental health 
              services.''.

     SEC. 364. COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS 
                   NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       (a) Counseling in Retreat Settings.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women 
       veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide, through the 
     Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health 
     Administration, reintegration and readjustment services 
     described in subsection (c) in group retreat settings to 
     women veterans who are recently separated from service in the 
     Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment.
       ``(b) Election of Veteran.--The receipt of services under 
     this section by a woman veteran shall be at the election of 
     the veteran.
       ``(c) Covered Services.--The services provided to a woman 
     veteran under this section shall include the following:
       ``(1) Information on reintegration into the veteran's 
     family, employment, and community.
       ``(2) Financial counseling.
       ``(3) Occupational counseling.
       ``(4) Information and counseling on stress reduction.
       ``(5) Information and counseling on conflict resolution.
       ``(6) Such other information and counseling as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate to assist the veteran in 
     reintegration into the veteran's family, employment, and 
     community.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1720G the following new item:

``1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly 
              separated from service in the Armed Forces.''.

       (b) Repeal of Superseded Pilot Program Authority.--Section 
     203 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services 
     Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is 
     hereby repealed.

               Subtitle H--Major Medical Facility Leases

     SEC. 371. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the 
     following major medical facility leases at the locations 
     specified, and in an amount for each lease not to exceed the 
     amount shown for such location (not including any estimated 
     cancellation costs):
       (1) For a clinical research and pharmacy coordinating 
     center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, an amount not to exceed 
     $9,560,000.
       (2) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Brick, New 
     Jersey, an amount not to exceed $7,280,000.
       (3) For a new primary care and dental clinic annex, 
     Charleston, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed 
     $7,070,250.
       (4) For the Cobb County community-based Outpatient Clinic, 
     Cobb County, Georgia, an amount not to exceed $6,409,000.
       (5) For the Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center, 
     Honolulu, Hawaii, including a co-located clinic with the 
     Department of Defense and the co-location of the Honolulu 
     Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration and 
     the Kapolei Vet Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     an amount not to exceed $15,887,370.
       (6) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Johnson 
     County, Kansas, an amount not to exceed $2,263,000.
       (7) For a replacement community-based outpatient clinic, 
     Lafayette, Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,996,000.
       (8) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lake Charles, 
     Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,626,000.
       (9) For outpatient clinic consolidation, New Port Richey, 
     Florida, an amount not to exceed $11,927,000.
       (10) For an outpatient clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico, an 
     amount not to exceed $11,535,000.
       (11) For lease consolidation, San Antonio, Texas, an amount 
     not to exceed $19,426,000.
       (12) For a community-based outpatient clinic, San Diego, 
     California, an amount not to exceed $11,946,100.
       (13) For an outpatient clinic, Tyler, Texas, an amount not 
     to exceed $4,327,000.
       (14) For the Errera Community Care Center, West Haven, 
     Connecticut, an amount not to exceed $4,883,000.
       (15) For the Worcester community-based Outpatient Clinic, 
     Worcester, Massachusetts, an amount not to exceed $4,855,000.
       (16) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an amount not to exceed 
     $4,232,060.
       (17) For a multispecialty clinic, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 
     an amount not to exceed $7,069,000.
       (18) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Chico, California, an amount not to exceed 
     $4,534,000.
       (19) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Chula Vista, 
     California, an amount not to exceed $3,714,000.
       (20) For a new research lease, Hines, Illinois, an amount 
     not to exceed $22,032,000.
       (21) For a replacement research lease, Houston, Texas, an 
     amount not to exceed $6,142,000.

[[Page 3212]]

       (22) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lincoln, 
     Nebraska, an amount not to exceed $7,178,400.
       (23) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lubbock, 
     Texas, an amount not to exceed $8,554,000.
       (24) For a community-based outpatient clinic consolidation, 
     Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed 
     $8,022,000.
       (25) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Phoenix, 
     Arizona, an amount not to exceed $20,757,000.
       (26) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Redding, California, an amount not to exceed 
     $8,154,000.
       (27) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient 
     clinic, Tulsa, Oklahoma, an amount not to exceed $13,269,200.

     SEC. 372. BUDGETARY TREATMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITIES LEASES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Title 31, United States Code, requires the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs to record the full cost of its 
     contractual obligation against funds available at the time a 
     contract is executed.
       (2) Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11 provides 
     guidance to agencies in meeting the statutory requirements 
     under title 31, United States Code, with respect to leases.
       (3) For operating leases, Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
     record up-front budget authority in an ``amount equal to 
     total payments under the full term of the lease or [an] 
     amount sufficient to cover first year lease payments plus 
     cancellation costs''.
       (b) Requirement for Obligation of Full Cost.--Subject to 
     the availability of appropriations provided in advance, in 
     exercising the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     to enter into leases provided in this Act, the Secretary 
     shall record, pursuant to section 1501 of title 31, United 
     States Code, as the full cost of the contractual obligation 
     at the time a contract is executed either--
       (1) an amount equal to total payments under the full term 
     of the lease; or
       (2) if the lease specifies payments to be made in the event 
     the lease is terminated before its full term, an amount 
     sufficient to cover the first year lease payments plus the 
     specified cancellation costs.
       (c) Transparency.--
       (1) Compliance.--Subsection (b) of section 8104 is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) In the case of a prospectus proposing funding for a 
     major medical facility lease, a detailed analysis of how the 
     lease is expected to comply with Office of Management and 
     Budget Circular A-11 and section 1341 of title 31 (commonly 
     referred to as the `Anti-Deficiency Act'). Any such analysis 
     shall include--
       ``(A) an analysis of the classification of the lease as a 
     `lease-purchase', `capital lease', or `operating lease' as 
     those terms are defined in Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11;
       ``(B) an analysis of the obligation of budgetary resources 
     associated with the lease; and
       ``(C) an analysis of the methodology used in determining 
     the asset cost, fair market value, and cancellation costs of 
     the lease.''.
       (2) Submittal to congress.--Such section 8104 is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h)(1) Not less than 30 days before entering into a major 
     medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives--
       ``(A) notice of the Secretary's intention to enter into the 
     lease;
       ``(B) a copy of the proposed lease;
       ``(C) a description and analysis of any differences between 
     the prospectus submitted pursuant to subsection (b) and the 
     proposed lease; and
       ``(D) a scoring analysis demonstrating that the proposed 
     lease fully complies with Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-11.
       ``(2) Each committee described in paragraph (1) shall 
     ensure that any information submitted to the committee under 
     such paragraph is treated by the committee with the same 
     level of confidentiality as is required by law of the 
     Secretary and subject to the same statutory penalties for 
     unauthorized disclosure or use as the Secretary.
       ``(3) Not more than 30 days after entering into a major 
     medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to each 
     committee described in paragraph (1) a report on any material 
     differences between the lease that was entered into and the 
     proposed lease described under such paragraph, including how 
     the lease that was entered into changes the previously 
     submitted scoring analysis described in subparagraph (D) of 
     such paragraph.''.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the 
     amendments made by this section, shall be construed to in any 
     way relieve the Department of Veterans Affairs from any 
     statutory or regulatory obligations or requirements existing 
     prior to the enactment of this section and such amendments.

                TITLE IV--EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED MATTERS

Subtitle A--Training and Other Services for Veterans Seeking Employment

     SEC. 401. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION AND 
                   VOCATIONAL BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES 
                   WITH SEVERE INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

       (a) In General.--Section 1631(b)(2) of the Wounded Warrior 
     Act (title XVI of Public Law 110-181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2016''.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the benefits provided by the Secretary under 
     section 1631(b) of such Act.
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 402. CONSOLIDATED AND COORDINATED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 
                   INTERNET PORTAL TO CONNECT CURRENT AND FORMER 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH EMPLOYERS 
                   SEEKING EMPLOYEES WITH SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 
                   DEVELOPED THROUGH MILITARY SERVICE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Although significant progress has been made, 
     unemployment among veterans remains stubbornly high.
       (2) The unemployment rate among younger veterans, ages 18 
     to 24, remains well above the national average.
       (3) This problem impacts the Department of Defense budget. 
     Over the past 10 years, the Federal Government has expended 
     more than $9,600,000,000 on unemployment compensation 
     benefits for former members of the Armed Forces.
       (4) The Department makes significant investments in members 
     of the Armed Forces including specialized technical training 
     in skills that are easily transferrable to civilian career 
     fields.
       (5) Beyond specific technical training, veterans gain 
     unique leadership, organizational, and other skills that make 
     them valued employees in the private sector.
       (6) Government agencies, private sector entities, and 
     nonprofit organizations are responding to the issue of 
     unemployment among veterans.
       (7) There are now so many programs to assist veterans in 
     finding employment, many within the Government, that veterans 
     may not know where to seek assistance in finding employment. 
     While these programs are well intentioned, many are 
     duplicative in nature and compete for scarce resources.
       (8) The Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Office of 
     Personnel Management are currently working to consolidate the 
     veterans employment initiatives of the Government into a 
     single, consolidated Internet portal with the goal of 
     connecting veterans who are seeking employment with employers 
     who want to employ them.
       (9) The consolidated portal will prevent Federal Government 
     agencies from competing with each other to accomplish the 
     same goal, and will save the Federal Government money while 
     providing a comprehensive, coordinated tool for employers and 
     veterans seeking employment.
       (10) The Federal Government can accomplish this by 
     leveraging the best practices of current programs.
       (11) While progress has been made, there is no statutory 
     requirement to streamline these Government programs and 
     coordinate the resources that are all intended to achieve the 
     same goal.
       (b) Consolidated Internet Portal Required.--Commencing not 
     later than one year after the effective date specified in 
     subsection (h), the Secretary of Labor shall, in conjunction 
     with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, and organizations concerned with veterans resources, 
     consolidate Internet portals of the Federal Government on 
     employment for current and former members of the Armed Forces 
     into a comprehensive, consolidated Internet portal within a 
     single existing platform or system for the purposes of 
     connecting current and former members of the Armed Forces who 
     are seeking employment with employers who want to employ 
     them.
       (c) Elements.--
       (1) In general.--The consolidated Internet portal under 
     subsection (b) should include the following:
       (A) A means through which current and former members of the 
     Armed Forces may connect for employment purposes with 
     employers seeking the experience and skills developed during 
     service in the Armed Forces, including a means of presenting 
     a profile of each member or former member to employers that 
     includes, at a minimum--
       (i) the skills obtained by such member or former member 
     during service in the Armed Forces and additional skills such 
     member or former member is interested in pursuing; and

[[Page 3213]]

       (ii) the current or intended residence of such member or 
     former member (including an option for members or former 
     members who are willing to reside in various locations).
       (B) A means of permitting qualified prospective employers 
     to post employment openings and seek contact with members or 
     former members based on their profile for the purposes of 
     requesting the initiation of arrangements or negotiations 
     concerning potential employment.
       (C) A means of presenting other employment resources, 
     including resume preparation, to members or former members 
     seeking employment.
       (2) Matters considered.--In developing the consolidated 
     Internet portal, the Secretaries referred to in subsection 
     (b) should consider, at a minimum, the following:
       (A) Public and private sector resources on matters relating 
     to the portal.
       (B) Opportunities to incorporate local employment networks 
     into the portal.
       (C) Methodologies to determine the most effective 
     employment resources and programs to be incorporated into the 
     portal.
       (D) Means for streamlining processes through the portal for 
     employers to find and employ former members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (d) Member Participation.--
       (1) In general.--Participation in the consolidated Internet 
     portal under subsection (b) shall be limited to members of 
     the National Guard and Reserves, members of the Armed Forces 
     on active duty who are transitioning from military service to 
     civilian life, former members of the Armed Forces, and 
     veterans.
       (2) Voluntary.--Participation by a member or former member 
     of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1) in the 
     consolidated Internet portal shall be voluntary. A member or 
     former member participating in the portal may cease 
     participation in the portal at any time.
       (e) Reports by Implementing Secretaries.--
       (1) Preliminary report.--Not later than six months after 
     the effective date specified in subsection (h), the 
     Secretaries shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the consolidated Internet portal under 
     subsection (b). The report shall include the following:
       (A) A list of the Internet portals of the Federal 
     Government that are redundant to, or duplicative of, the 
     consolidated Internet portal.
       (B) An estimate of the cost-savings to be achieved by the 
     Federal Government through the consolidated Internet portal, 
     including through the elimination or consolidation into the 
     consolidated Internet portal of the Internet portals listed 
     under subparagraph (A).
       (2) Report following implementation of portal.--Not later 
     than one year after the date of the implementation of the 
     consolidated Internet portal under subsection (b), the 
     Secretaries shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the portal.
       (3) Elements.--Each report under this subsection shall 
     include a description of the consolidated Internet portal and 
     such other information on the portal as the Secretaries 
     consider appropriate.
       (f) Comptroller General Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (h), the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on the elimination by Federal 
     agencies of Internet portals that are redundant to, or 
     duplicative of, the consolidated Internet portal under 
     subsection (b).
       (2) Elements.--The report shall include the following:
       (A) The list of the internet portals of the Federal 
     Government at the time of the implementation of the 
     consolidated Internet portal that are determined by the 
     Comptroller General to have been redundant to, or duplicative 
     of, the consolidated Internet portal.
       (B) An assessment whether the list of internet portals 
     under subsection (e)(1)(A) encompassed all the Internet 
     portals of the Federal Government that were redundant to, or 
     duplicative of, the consolidated Internet portal.
       (C) An assessment of the actions taken by Federal agencies 
     to eliminate Internet portals that were redundant to, or 
     duplicative of, the consolidated Internet portal.
       (D) A list of Internet portals of the Federal Government 
     determined to be redundant to, or duplicative of the 
     consolidated Internet portal that have yet to be eliminated 
     by Federal agencies as of the date of the report.
       (g) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce, the Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

 Subtitle B--Employment of Veterans and Recognition of Veteran Status 
               With Respect to Employment Related Matters

     SEC. 411. EMPLOYMENT OF VETERANS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 4214 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4)(A) The requirement under this paragraph is in 
     addition to the appointment of qualified covered veterans 
     under the authority specified in subparagraph (C) by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
       ``(B) The head of each agency, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall develop 
     a plan for exercising the authority specified in subparagraph 
     (C) during the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
     enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits 
     and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014.
       ``(C) The authority specified in this subparagraph is the 
     authority as follows:
       ``(i) The authority under paragraph (1).
       ``(ii) The authority available to the agency concerned 
     under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 
     (Public Law 105-339) and the amendments made by that Act.
       ``(D) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     shall ensure that under the plans developed under 
     subparagraph (B) agencies shall appoint to existing vacancies 
     not fewer than 15,000 qualified covered veterans during the 
     five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
     the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. For purposes of 
     complying with this subparagraph, an appointment pursuant to 
     the authority referred to in subparagraph (C)(ii) shall not 
     count toward the number required by this subparagraph unless 
     the appointment is to a vacancy in a full-time, permanent 
     position.'';
       (2) in subsection (d), in the third sentence, by inserting 
     ``(including, during the 5-year period beginning on the date 
     of the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     the development and implementation by each agency of the plan 
     required under subsection (b)(4), which shall include 
     information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments 
     by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments 
     are, or are converted to, career or career-conditional 
     appointments)'' after ``subsection (b) of this section''; and
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking ``to 
     the Congress'' and inserting ``to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including, during 
     the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
     the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military 
     Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, the development and 
     implementation by the agency of the plan required under 
     subsection (b)(4), which shall include information regarding 
     the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under 
     the plan and whether the appointments are, or are converted 
     to, permanent appointments)'' before the period; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) In this subsection, the term `appropriate committees 
     of Congress' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; 
     and
       ``(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee 
     on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of 
     Representatives.''.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Personnel Management shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress (as defined under section 4214(e)(3) 
     of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection 
     (a)) regarding the development of a plan to carry out the 
     amendments made by subsection (a).

     SEC. 412. STATE RECOGNITION OF MILITARY EXPERIENCE OF 
                   VETERANS IN ISSUING LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS TO 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4102A(c) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (9) and inserting the following new paragraph (9):
       ``(9)(A) As a condition of a grant or contract under which 
     funds are made available to a State under subsection (b)(5) 
     in order to carry out section 4103A or 4104 of this title, 
     the State shall--
       ``(i) establish a program under which the State administers 
     an examination to each veteran seeking a license or 
     credential issued by the State and issues such license or 
     credential to such veteran without requiring such veteran to 
     undergo any training or apprenticeship if the veteran--
       ``(I) receives a satisfactory score on completion of such 
     examination, as determined by the State;
       ``(II) has been awarded a military occupational specialty 
     that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the 
     requirements of the

[[Page 3214]]

     State for the issuance of such license or credential;
       ``(III) has engaged in the active practice of the 
     occupation for which the veteran is seeking such license or 
     credential for at least two of the five years preceding the 
     date of application; and
       ``(IV) pays any customary or usual fees required by the 
     State for such license or credential; and
       ``(ii) submit each year to the Secretary a report on the 
     exams administered under clause (i) during the most recently 
     completed 12-month period that includes, for the period 
     covered by the report the number of veterans who completed an 
     exam administered by the State under clause (i) and a 
     description of the results of such exams, disaggregated by 
     occupational field.
       ``(B) The Secretary may waive the requirement under 
     subparagraph (A) that a State establish a program described 
     in that subparagraph as a condition of a grant or contract if 
     the State certifies to the Secretary that the State--
       ``(i) takes into account previous military training for the 
     purposes of issuing licenses or credentials;
       ``(ii) permits veterans to completely satisfy through 
     examination any training or testing requirements for a 
     license or credential with respect to which a veteran has 
     previously completed military training; and
       ``(iii) for any credential or license for which a veteran 
     is unable to completely satisfy such requirements through 
     examination, the State substantially reduces training time 
     required to satisfy such requirement based on the military 
     training received by the veteran.
       ``(C) Not less frequently than once each year, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of 
     Defense a report summarizing the information received by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--
       (1) Exams.--Subparagraph (A) of section 4102A(c)(9) of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), 
     shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
     grants and contracts described in such subparagraph awarded 
     after such date.
       (2) Reports.--Subparagraph (B) of such section 4102A(c)(9), 
     as so added, shall take effect on the date that is one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act and the Secretary 
     of Labor shall submit the first report under such 
     subparagraph not later than two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 413. EMPLOYMENT OF VETERANS AS EVALUATION FACTOR IN THE 
                   AWARDING OF FEDERAL CONTRACTS.

       (a) Civilian Contracts.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 33 of title 41, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 3313. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor

       ``The head of each executive agency shall consider 
     favorably as an evaluation factor in solicitations for 
     contracts and task or delivery orders valued at or above 
     $25,000,000 the employment by a prospective contractor of 
     veterans constituting at least 5 percent of the contractor's 
     workforce.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 33 of such title is amended by adding 
     after the item relating to section 3312 the following new 
     item:

``3313. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor.''.

       (b) Defense Contracts.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 137 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 2338. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor

       ``The head of each agency shall consider favorably as an 
     evaluation factor in solicitations for contracts and task or 
     delivery orders valued at or above $25,000,000 the employment 
     by a prospective contractor of veterans constituting at least 
     5 percent of the contractor's workforce.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 137 of such title is amended by adding 
     after the item relating to section 2337 the following new 
     item:

``2338. Employment of veterans as evaluation factor.''.

       (c) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory 
     Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
     carry out the provisions of section 3313 of title 41, United 
     States Code, and section 2338 of title 10, United States 
     Code, as added by subsections (a) and (b), respectively.

     SEC. 414. REPORT ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MEMBERS OF RESERVE 
                   COMPONENTS OF ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS IN 
                   CIVILIAN LABOR MARKET.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 570 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this act, the Secretary of Labor, in 
     coordination with the heads of such agencies as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on barriers and potential 
     discrimination facing veterans in the labor market.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An evaluation of the following:
       (A) The extent to which members of the reserve components 
     of the Armed Forces and veterans face barriers to entry into 
     the civilian labor market, including whether such members and 
     veterans face obstacles in obtaining employment, maintaining 
     employment, or receiving promotions while employed.
       (B) The extent to which a member of a reserve component of 
     the Armed Forces or a veteran faces discrimination in the 
     civilian labor market based on the member's or veteran's 
     status as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
     or as a veteran, as the case may be.
       (C) The adequacy and effectiveness of Federal laws in 
     effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this 
     Act in preventing or ameliorating acts of discrimination 
     against members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces 
     and veterans seeking or retaining employment in the civilian 
     labor market.
       (D) The adequacy and effectiveness of programs of the 
     Department of Labor in effect on the day before the date of 
     the enactment of this Act in educating private sector 
     employers on matters relevant to hiring and employing 
     veterans and the military experience of veterans.
       (2) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action--
       (A) to address barriers or discrimination that members of 
     the reserve components of the Armed Forces and veterans may 
     face in the civilian labor market;
       (B) to improve education and outreach for employers in the 
     civilian labor market on issues regarding hiring and 
     employing such members and veterans; and
       (C) to assist employers in the civilian labor market in 
     matching the military experience of such members and veterans 
     with the needs of such employers.
       (3) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

Subtitle C--Improving Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of 
                         the Uniformed Services

     SEC. 421. SUSPENSION, TERMINATION, OR DEBARMENT OF 
                   CONTRACTORS FOR REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF 
                   EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF 
                   UNIFORMED SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 43 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of 
       contractors

       ``(a) Grounds for Suspension, Termination, or Debarment.--
     Payment under a contract awarded by a Federal executive 
     agency may be suspended and the contract may be terminated, 
     and the contractor who made the contract with the agency may 
     be suspended or debarred in accordance with the requirements 
     of this section, if the head of the agency determines that 
     the contractor as an employer has repeatedly been convicted 
     of failing or refusing to comply with one or more provisions 
     of this chapter.
       ``(b) Effect of Debarment.--A contractor debarred by a 
     final decision under this section is ineligible for award of 
     a contract by a Federal executive agency, and for 
     participation in a future procurement by a Federal executive 
     agency, for a period specified in the decision, not to exceed 
     5 years.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 43 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 4327 the following new item:

``4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractor.''.

       (c) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory 
     Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
     carry out section 4328 of title 38, United States Code, as 
     added by subsection (a).
       (d) Effective Date.--Section 4328 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with 
     respect to failures and refusals to comply with provisions of 
     chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, occurring on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (e) Annual Report.--Section 4332(a) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new 
     paragraph (10):
       ``(10) The number of suspensions, terminations, and 
     debarments under section 4328 of this title, disaggregated by 
     the agency or department imposing the suspension or 
     debarment.''.

[[Page 3215]]



                   Subtitle D--Small Business Matters

     SEC. 431. EXPANSION OF CONTRACTING GOALS AND PREFERENCES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO INCLUDE 
                   CONDITIONALLY OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS 100 
                   PERCENT OWNED BY VETERANS.

       Section 8127(l) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``unconditionally'' 
     before ``owned by'' each place it appears; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) The term `unconditionally owned' includes, with 
     respect to ownership of a small business concern, conditional 
     ownership of such small business concern if such business 
     concern is 100 percent owned by one or more veterans.''.

     SEC. 432. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS 
                   AND PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OWNED BY VETERANS 
                   OF SMALL BUSINESSES AFTER DEATH OF DISABLED 
                   VETERAN OWNERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 8127(h) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``rated as'' and all that 
     follows through ``disability.'' and inserting a period; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read 
     as follows:
       ``(C) The date that--
       ``(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a 
     service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling 
     or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 
     10 years after the date of the veteran's death; or
       ``(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with 
     a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent 
     disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected 
     disability, is three years after the date of the veteran's 
     death.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to 
     applications received pursuant to section 8127(f)(2) of title 
     38, United States Code, that are verified on or after such 
     date.

     SEC. 433. TREATMENT OF BUSINESSES AFTER DEATHS OF 
                   SERVICEMEMBER-OWNERS FOR PURPOSES OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONTRACTING GOALS AND 
                   PREFERENCES.

       (a) In General.--Section 8127 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as 
     subsections (j) through (m), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new 
     subsection (i):
       ``(i) Treatment of Businesses After Death of Servicemember-
     Owner.--(1) If a member of the Armed Forces owns at least 51 
     percent of a small business concern and such member is killed 
     in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air 
     service, the surviving spouse or dependent child of such 
     member who acquires such ownership rights in such small 
     business concern shall, for the period described in paragraph 
     (2), be treated as if the surviving spouse or dependent child 
     were a veteran with a service-connected disability for 
     purposes of determining the status of the small business 
     concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by 
     veterans for purposes of contracting goals and preferences 
     under this section.
       ``(2) The period referred to in paragraph (1) is the period 
     beginning on the date on which the member of the Armed Forces 
     dies and ending on the date as follows:
       ``(A) In the case of a surviving spouse, the earliest of 
     the following dates:
       ``(i) The date on which the surviving spouse remarries.
       ``(ii) The date on which the surviving spouse relinquishes 
     an ownership interest in the small business concern and no 
     longer owns at least 51 percent of such small business 
     concern.
       ``(iii) The date that is ten years after the date of the 
     member's death.
       ``(B) In the case of a dependent child, the earliest of the 
     following dates:
       ``(i) The date on which the surviving dependent child 
     relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business 
     concern and no longer owns at least 51 percent of such small 
     business concern.
       ``(ii) The date that is ten years after the date of the 
     member's death.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (i) of section 8127 of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act 
     and shall apply with respect to the deaths of members of the 
     Armed Forces occurring on or after such date.

     SEC. 434. SPECIAL RULE FOR TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS 
                   AND PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS LICENSED IN 
                   COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES.

       Section 8127, as amended by section 433 of this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(n) Special Rule for Community Property States.--Whenever 
     the Secretary assesses, for purposes of this section, the 
     degree of ownership by an individual of a small business 
     concern licensed in a community property State, the Secretary 
     shall also assess what that degree of ownership would be if 
     such small business concern had been licensed in a State 
     other than a community property State. If the Secretary 
     determines that such individual would have had a greater 
     degree of ownership of the small business concern had such 
     small business concern been licensed in a State other than a 
     community property State, the Secretary shall treat, for 
     purposes of this section, such small business concern as if 
     it had been licensed in a State other than a community 
     property State.''.

     SEC. 435. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS IN OBTAINING 
                   TRAINING ON PURCHASING AND OPERATING A 
                   FRANCHISE.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of 
     Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Administrator of the Small Business 
     Administration, and other appropriate entities, submit to 
     Congress a report on the assistance available to veterans to 
     obtain training necessary to purchase and operate a 
     franchise.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description of the assistance available for veterans 
     through the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Small Business Administration, or any other 
     agency of the Federal Government in order to obtain training 
     necessary to purchase or operate a franchise.
       (2) Information on the number of veterans who have sought 
     and obtained the training described in paragraph (1) during 
     the five calendar years preceding the report.
       (3) A description of any barriers encountered by veterans 
     in obtaining the training described in paragraph (1).
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

        TITLE V--ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS

     SEC. 501. ADMINISTRATION OF VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE 
                   NETWORKS.

       (a) Veterans Integrated Service Networks.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 73 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks

       ``(a) Organization.--(1) The Secretary shall organize the 
     Veterans Health Administration in geographically defined 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(2) Each Veterans Integrated Service Network shall be 
     organized in consideration of the following:
       ``(A) The size of the veteran population of the region of 
     the network.
       ``(B) The complexity of the medical needs of the veterans 
     in such region.
       ``(C) Patient referral patterns.
       ``(D) The availability of a full continuum of health care 
     services.
       ``(E) The ability of the Department to furnish health care 
     efficiently.
       ``(F) Partnerships with non-Department health care 
     entities.
       ``(b) Staffing Model.--(1) The Secretary shall establish a 
     staffing model for each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     that--
       ``(A) is appropriate for the mission and responsibilities 
     of the Veterans Integrated Service Network; and
       ``(B) accounts for the specific health care needs of 
     differing populations in the Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans 
     Integrated Service Network complies with the staffing model 
     established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) for such 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(c) Integrated Health Care System.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network 
     maintains a regional integrated healthcare system by--
       ``(1) implementing alliances with such other governmental, 
     public, and private health care organizations and 
     practitioners as the Secretary considers appropriate to meet 
     the needs of veterans in the Network;
       ``(2) providing oversight and management of, and taking 
     responsibility for, a regional budget for the activities of 
     the Veterans Health Administration in the geographic area of 
     the Network that is--
       ``(A) aligned with the budget guidelines of the Department 
     and the Veterans Health Administration;
       ``(B) balanced at the end of each fiscal year; and
       ``(C) sufficient to provide high-quality health care to 
     veterans within the region and to meet any unique needs of 
     the veterans of the region;
       ``(3) using national metrics to develop systems to provide 
     effective, efficient, and safe delivery of health care; and
       ``(4) ensuring high-quality clinical programs and services 
     are rendered in and through--
       ``(A) the medical centers and outpatient clinics of the 
     Department that are located in the Network; and
       ``(B) other non-Department clinical or health care delivery 
     settings located in the Network.
       ``(d) Reduction in Duplicate Functions.--The Secretary 
     shall ensure that the Veterans

[[Page 3216]]

     Integrated Service Networks identify and reduce, whenever 
     practicable, the duplication of functions in clinical, 
     administrative, and operational processes and practices of 
     the Veterans Health Administration.
       ``(e) Collaboration and Cooperation.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network--
       ``(1) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient 
     care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; 
     and
       ``(2) assesses the consolidation or realignment of 
     institutional functions, including capital asset, safety, and 
     operational support functions, in collaboration and 
     cooperation with other Veterans Integrated Service Networks 
     and the following offices or entities within the geographical 
     area of the Network:
       ``(A) The offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     and the National Cemetery Administration.
       ``(B) The offices, installations, and facilities of the 
     Department of Defense, including the offices, installations, 
     and facilities of each branch of the Armed Forces and the 
     reserve components of the Armed Forces.
       ``(C) The offices, installations, and facilities of the 
     Coast Guard.
       ``(D) Offices of State and local agencies that have a 
     mission to provide assistance to veterans.
       ``(E) Medical schools and other affiliates.
       ``(F) Offices of Congress, offices of State and local 
     elected officials, and other government offices.
       ``(G) Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness 
     organizations.
       ``(H) Community and nonprofit organizations.
       ``(I) Such other entities of the Federal Government as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(f) Headquarters.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that 
     each Veterans Integrated Service Network has only one 
     headquarters office.
       ``(2) The location of a headquarters office for a Veterans 
     Integrated Service Network shall be determined by the 
     Secretary and co-located with a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center.
       ``(3)(A) The Secretary may employ or contract for the 
     services of such full time equivalent employees and 
     contractors at the headquarters of each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network as the Secretary considers appropriate in 
     accordance with the staffing models established under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(B) Not later than December 31 each year, 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 employment at the headquarters of 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks during the most recently 
     completed fiscal year.
       ``(C) Each report submitted under subparagraph (B) shall 
     include the following for the year covered by the report:
       ``(i) The number of individuals employed at each 
     headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(ii) The number of individuals employed by the Veterans 
     Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated Service 
     Network who are not employed at the same location as the 
     headquarters of the Network.
       ``(iii) The title for each position of employment at a 
     headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network.
       ``(iv) The title for each position of employment with the 
     Veterans Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network that is not at the same location as the 
     headquarters of the Network.
       ``(v) An assessment of the impact on the budget of the 
     Department by the employment of individuals at the 
     headquarters of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(g) Triennial Structure Review, Reassessment, and 
     Report.--(1) Beginning three years after the date of the 
     enactment of this section and not less frequently than once 
     every three years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a 
     review and assessment of the structure and operations of the 
     Veterans Integrated Service Networks in order to identify 
     recommendations--
       ``(A) for streamlining and reducing costs associated with 
     the operation of each headquarters of a Veterans Integrated 
     Service Network; and
       ``(B) for reducing costs of health care within the Veterans 
     Health Administration.
       ``(2) Not later than 180 days after conducting a review and 
     assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee of Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on such review and assessment, which 
     shall include such recommendations for legislative or 
     administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate 
     to improve the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7309 the following new item:

``7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks.''.

       (b) Relocation of Headquarters.--
       (1) In general.--In the case of a headquarters office of a 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network that on the day before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act was in a location that 
     was not co-located with a Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical center and the Secretary is engaged in a lease for 
     such location, the Secretary may--
       (A) relocate such headquarters upon the expiration of such 
     lease so that such headquarters is co-located as required by 
     section 7310(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code (as added 
     by subsection (a)(1)); or
       (B) notwithstanding such section 7310(f)(2) (as so added), 
     renew such lease or enter into a new lease to keep such 
     headquarters in such location.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary renews a lease or engages in 
     a new lease under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives, before renewing such lease or engaging in 
     such lease, a report describing the reasons for such renewal 
     or engagement. Such report shall include the following:
       (A) A list of Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
     centers in the Veterans Integrated Service Network of the 
     headquarters with underutilized buildings, the number of such 
     buildings, and the total underutilized square footage for 
     each such medical center.
       (B) The cost of the current lease (the annual amount of 
     rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the 
     total cost per square foot) and the current square footage 
     being leased.
       (C) The cost of the new lease (the annual amount of rent, 
     the total cost over the life of the lease, and the total cost 
     per square foot) and the square footage to be leased.
       (c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require any change in the location or type of 
     medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center, a Department community based 
     outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for veterans under section 
     1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a ``vet 
     center''), or other facility that provides direct care or 
     services under a law administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made 
     by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 502. REGIONAL SUPPORT CENTERS FOR VETERANS INTEGRATED 
                   SERVICE NETWORKS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 73, as amended by 
     section 501(a)(1) of this Act, is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans 
       Integrated Service Networks

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish not 
     more than four regional support centers within the Veterans 
     Health Administration to assess the effectiveness and 
     efficiency of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. The 
     head of each regional support center shall report to the 
     Under Secretary of Health.
       ``(b) Functions.--The functions of the regional support 
     centers established under subsection (a) are as follows:
       ``(1) To assess the quality of work performed within 
     finance operations and other compliance related activities of 
     the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
       ``(2) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts outreach to 
     veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation 
     Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, or any other contingency 
     operation (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 
     10).
       ``(3) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs for the 
     benefit of women veterans.
       ``(4) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs that 
     address homelessness among veterans.
       ``(5) To assess how effectively and efficiently each 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network consumes energy.
       ``(6) To assess such other matters concerning the 
     operations and activities of the Veterans Integrated Service 
     Networks as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(c) Staff.--The Secretary may hire such employees and 
     contractors as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry 
     out the functions of the regional support centers.
       ``(d) Location of Regional Support Centers.--(1) Except as 
     provided in paragraph (2), the location of each regional 
     support center established under subsection (a) shall be 
     determined by the Secretary and co-located with a medical 
     center of the Department.
       ``(2) The Secretary may choose a location for a regional 
     support center established under subsection (a) that is not 
     co-located with a medical center of the Department if the 
     Secretary submits to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives, before entering into a contract for 
     a location that is not co-located with a medical center, a 
     report describing the reasons for choosing a location for the 
     regional support center that is not co-located with a medical 
     center of the Department. Such report shall include the 
     following:
       ``(A) A list of medical centers of the Department in the 
     Veterans Integrated Service

[[Page 3217]]

     Network of the regional support center with underutilized 
     buildings, the number of all Veterans Health Administration 
     buildings in such Network, and the total underutilized square 
     footage for each medical center of the Department in such 
     Network.
       ``(B) The estimated cost of such lease (the annual amount 
     of rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the 
     total cost per square foot) and the square footage to be 
     leased.''.
       (b) Initial Staffing.--In providing for the initial staff 
     of each regional support center established under section 
     7310A(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to 
     the degree practicable, transfer employees from headquarters 
     of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to regional support 
     centers who were employed in positions at such headquarters 
     that covered functions similar to those described in section 
     7310A(b) of such title, as so added.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 501(a)(2) of 
     this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 7310 the following new item:

``7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service 
              Networks.''.

       (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require any change in the location or type of 
     medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical center, a Department community based 
     outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and 
     related mental health services for veterans under section 
     1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a ``vet 
     center''), or other facility that provides direct care or 
     services under a law administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made 
     by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 503. COMMISSION ON CAPITAL PLANNING FOR DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL FACILITIES.

       (a) Establishment of Commission.--
       (1) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on 
     Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
     Facilities (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Commission'').
       (2) Membership.--
       (A) Voting members.--The Commission shall, subject to 
     subparagraph (B), be composed of 10 voting members as 
     follows:
       (i) 1 shall be appointed by the President.
       (ii) 1 shall be appointed by the Administrator of General 
     Services.
       (iii) 3 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, of whom--

       (I) 1 shall be an employee of the Veterans Health 
     Administration;
       (II) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Asset 
     Enterprise Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs; 
     and
       (III) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Construction 
     and Facilities Management of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.

       (iv) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from 
     among employees of the Army Corps of Engineers.
       (v) 1 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (vi) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (vii) 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (viii) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (B) Requirement relating to certain appointments of voting 
     members.--Of the members appointed pursuant to clause (i), 
     (ii), and (iv) through (viii) of subparagraph (A), all shall 
     have expertise in capital leasing, construction, or health 
     facility management planning.
       (C) Non-voting members.--The Commission shall be assisted 
     by 10 non-voting members, appointed by the vote of a majority 
     of members of the Commission under subparagraph (A), of 
     whom--
       (i) 6 shall be representatives of veterans service 
     organizations recognized by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs; and
       (ii) 4 shall be individuals from outside the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs with experience and expertise in matters 
     relating to management, construction, and leasing of capital 
     assets.
       (D) Date of appointment of voting members.--The 
     appointments of the members of the Commission under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be made not later than 60 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--Members shall be 
     appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the 
     Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment.
       (4) Initial meeting.--Not later than 15 days after the date 
     on which 7 members of the Commission have been appointed, the 
     Commission shall hold its first meeting.
       (5) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair.
       (6) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 
     hold hearings.
       (7) Chair and vice chair.--The Commission shall select a 
     Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.
       (b) Duties of Commission.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall undertake a 
     comprehensive evaluation and assessment of various options 
     for capital planning for Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical facilities, including an evaluation and assessment of 
     the mechanisms by which the Department currently selects 
     means for the delivery of health care, whether by major 
     construction, major medical facility leases, sharing 
     agreements with the Department of Defense, the Indian Health 
     Service, and Federally Qualified Health Clinics under section 
     330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), 
     contract care, multisite care, telemedicine, extended hours 
     for care, or other means.
       (2) Context of evaluation and assessment.--In undertaking 
     the evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall 
     consider--
       (A) the importance of access to health care through the 
     Department, including associated guidelines of the Department 
     on access to, and drive time for, health care;
       (B) limitations and requirements applicable to the 
     construction and leasing of medical facilities for the 
     Department, including applicable laws, regulations, and costs 
     as determined by both the Congressional Budget Office and the 
     Office of Management and Budget;
       (C) the nature of capital planning for Department medical 
     facilities in an era of fiscal uncertainty;
       (D) projected future fluctuations in the population of 
     veterans; and
       (E) the extent to which the Department was able to meet the 
     mandates of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced 
     Services Commission.
       (3) Particular considerations.--In undertaking the 
     evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall address, in 
     particular, the following:
       (A) The Major Medical Facility Lease Program of the 
     Department, including an identification of potential 
     improvements to the lease authorization processes under that 
     Program.
       (B) The management processes of the Department for its 
     Major Medical Facility Construction Program, including 
     processes relating to contract award and management, project 
     management, and processing of change orders.
       (C) The overall capital planning program of the Department 
     for medical facilities, including an evaluation and 
     assessment of--
       (i) the manner in which the Department determines whether 
     to use capital or non-capital means to expand access to 
     health care;
       (ii) the manner in which the Department determines the 
     disposition of under-utilized and un-utilized buildings on 
     campuses of Department medical centers, and any barriers to 
     disposition;
       (iii) the effectiveness of the facility master planning 
     initiative of the Department; and
       (iv) the extent to which sustainable attributes are planned 
     for to decrease operating costs for Department medical 
     facilities.
       (D) The current backlog of construction projects for 
     Department medical facilities, including an identification of 
     the most effective means to quickly secure the most critical 
     repairs required, including repairs relating to facility 
     condition deficiencies, structural safety, and compliance 
     with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.
       (4) Reports.--Subject to paragraph (5), the Commission 
     shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and to the 
     Committee Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, reports 
     as follows:
       (A) Not later than six months after its initial meeting 
     under subsection (a)(4), a report on the Major Medical 
     Facility Lease Program and the Congressional lease 
     authorization process.
       (B) Not later than one year after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the management processes of the Department for the 
     construction of Department medical facilities; and
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in the 
     report under subparagraph (A).
       (C) Not later than 18 months after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the overall capital planning program of the 
     Department for medical facilities; and
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in 
     earlier reports under this paragraph.
       (D) Not later than two years after its initial meeting, a 
     report--
       (i) on the current backlog of construction projects for 
     Department medical facilities;
       (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in 
     earlier reports under this paragraph; and
       (iii) including such other matters relating to the duties 
     of the Commission that the Commission considers appropriate.
       (E) Not later than 27 months after its initial meeting, a 
     report on the implementation by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs pursuant to subsection (g) of the recommendations 
     included pursuant to paragraph (5) in the reports under this 
     paragraph.

[[Page 3218]]

       (5) Recommendations.--Each report under paragraph (4) shall 
     include, for the aspect of the capital asset planning process 
     of the Department covered by such report, such 
     recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate for 
     the improvement and enhancement of such aspect of the capital 
     asset planning process.
       (c) Powers of Commission.--
       (1) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit 
     and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable 
     to carry out this section.
       (2) Information from federal agencies.--The Commission may 
     secure directly from any Federal department or agency such 
     information as the Commission considers necessary to carry 
     out this section. Upon request of the Chair of the 
     Commission, the head of such department or agency shall 
     furnish such information to the Commission.
       (d) Commission Personnel Matters.--
       (1) Compensation of members.--Each member of the Commission 
     who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government 
     shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent 
     of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of 
     the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
     States Code, for each day (including travel time) during 
     which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties 
     of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are 
     officers or employees of the United States shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to that received for their 
     services as officers or employees of the United States.
       (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Commission shall 
     be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from their homes or regular places of 
     business in the performance of services for the Commission.
       (3) Staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Chair of the Commission may, without 
     regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and 
     terminate an executive director and such other additional 
     personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to 
     perform its duties. The employment of an executive director 
     shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
       (B) Compensation.--The Chair of the Commission may fix the 
     compensation of the executive director and other personnel 
     without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 
     of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of 
     positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the 
     rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel 
     may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
       (4) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government 
     employee may be detailed to the Commission without 
     reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption 
     or loss of civil service status or privilege.
       (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.--
     The Chair of the Commission may procure temporary and 
     intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not 
     exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
     prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5316 of such title.
       (e) Termination of Commission.--The Commission shall 
     terminate 60 days after the date on which the Commission 
     submits its report under subsection (b)(4)(E).
       (f) Funding.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make 
     available to the Commission such amounts as the Secretary and 
     the Chair of the Commission jointly consider appropriate for 
     the Commission to perform its duties under this section.
       (g) Action on Recommendations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     implement each recommendation included in a report under 
     subsection (b)(4) that the Secretary considers feasible and 
     advisable and can be implemented without further legislative 
     action.
       (2) Reports.--Not later than 120 days after receipt of a 
     report under subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection 
     (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee Veterans' 
     Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the 
     following:
       (A) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
     each recommendation contained in such report.
       (B) For each recommendation assessed as feasible and 
     advisable--
       (i) if such recommendation does not require further 
     legislative action for implementation, a description of the 
     actions taken, and to be taken, by the Secretary to implement 
     such recommendation; and
       (ii) if such recommendation requires further legislative 
     action for implementation, recommendations for such 
     legislative action.

     SEC. 504. ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNTS OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 117 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``medical care accounts of the Department'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``covered accounts of the 
     Department'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``medical care accounts of the Veterans 
     Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs 
     account'' and inserting ``accounts of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs account'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(1)'';
       (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(2)'';
       (D) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``Veterans Health 
     Administration,'' after ``(3)'';
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively;
       (F) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by 
     subparagraph (E), the following new paragraphs:
       ``(1) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and 
     Pensions.
       ``(2) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment 
     Benefits.
       ``(3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities.
       ``(4) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing 
     Benefit Program Fund.
       ``(5) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational 
     Rehabilitation Loans Program Account.
       ``(6) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American 
     Veteran Housing Loan Program Account.''; and
       (G) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Medical Care 
     Accounts'' and inserting ``Covered Accounts''; and
       (3) in the section heading, by striking ``certain medical 
     care accounts'' and inserting ``certain accounts''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2016 and each 
     subsequent fiscal year.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1105 of title 31, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking the first paragraph (37) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(37) information on estimates of appropriations for the 
     fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the budget is 
     submitted for the following accounts of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs:
       ``(A) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and 
     Pensions.
       ``(B) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment 
     Benefits.
       ``(C) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance 
     and Indemnities.
       ``(D) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing 
     Benefit Program Fund.
       ``(E) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational 
     Rehabilitation Loans Program Account.
       ``(F) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American 
     Veteran Housing Loan Program Account.
       ``(G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Services.
       ``(H) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Support and 
     Compliance.
       ``(I) Veterans Health Administration, Medical 
     Facilities.''.
       (d) Technical Correction.--Such section is further amended 
     by redesignating the second paragraph (37), as added by 
     section 11(a)(2) of the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 
     (Public Law 111-352; 124 Stat. 3881), as paragraph (39).

     SEC. 505. PUBLIC ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   RESEARCH AND DATA SHARING BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS.

       (a) Establishment of Internet Website.--The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall make available on an Internet website 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs available to the public 
     the following:
       (1) Data files that contain information on research of the 
     Department.
       (2) A data dictionary on each data file.
       (3) Instructions for how to obtain access to each data file 
     for use in research.
       (b) Public Access to Manuscripts on Department Funded 
     Research.--
       (1) In general.--Beginning not later than 540 days after 
     the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary 
     shall require, as a condition on the use of any data gathered 
     or formulated from research funded by the Department, that 
     any final, peer-reviewed manuscript prepared for publication 
     that uses such data be submitted to the Secretary for deposit 
     in the digital archive under paragraph (2) and publication 
     under paragraph (3).
       (2) Digital archive.--Not later than 540 days after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary 
     shall--
       (A) establish a digital archive consisting of manuscripts 
     described in paragraph (1); or
       (B) partner with another executive agency to compile such 
     manuscripts in a digital archive.
       (3) Public availability.--
       (A) Availability of archive.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     that the digital archive under paragraph (2) and the contents 
     of such archive are available to the public via a publicly 
     accessible Internet website at no cost to the public.
       (B) Availability of manuscripts.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that each manuscript submitted to the Secretary under 
     paragraph (1) is available to the public under subparagraph 
     (A) not later than one year after the

[[Page 3219]]

     official date on which the manuscript is otherwise published.
       (4) Consistent with copyright law.--The Secretary shall 
     carry out this subsection in a manner consistent with 
     applicable copyright law.
       (5) Annual report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date the 
     Secretary begins making manuscripts available to the public 
     under this subsection and not less frequently than once each 
     year thereafter, 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 subsection during the most recent 
     one-year period.
       (B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include for the period of the report:
       (i) The number of manuscripts submitted under paragraph 
     (1).
       (ii) The titles of such manuscripts.
       (iii) The authors of such manuscripts.
       (iv) For each such manuscript, the name and issue number or 
     volume number, as the case may be, of the journal or other 
     publication in which such manuscript was published.
       (c) Recommendations for Data Sharing Between Department of 
     Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.--Not later than 
     one year after the effective date specified in subsection 
     (e), the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense 
     Joint Executive Committee established by section 320(a) of 
     title 38, United States Code, shall submit to the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense options and 
     recommendations for the establishment of a program for long-
     term cooperation and data sharing between and within the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense 
     to facilitate research on outcomes of military service, 
     readjustment after combat deployment, and other topics of 
     importance to the following:
       (1) Veterans.
       (2) Members of the Armed Forces.
       (3) Family members of veterans.
       (4) Family members of members of the Armed Forces.
       (5) Members of communities that have a significant 
     population of veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
       (d) Executive Agency Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``executive agency'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 133 of title 41, United States Code.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 506. ASSESSMENT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES OF INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE BY 
                   VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Assessment of Information Currently Available.--Not 
     later than two years after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--
       (1) conduct an assessment of the process by which the 
     Veterans Benefits Administration informs veterans, veterans 
     service organizations, and such other persons as the 
     Comptroller General considers appropriate regarding the 
     furnishing of benefits under laws administered by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine the extent to 
     which the process results in disseminated information that--
       (A) adequately supports and improves the timeliness and 
     accuracy of decisions made by the Administration with respect 
     to claims for disability compensation and such other benefits 
     furnished under laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs as the Comptroller General considers 
     appropriate; and
       (B) encourages the filing of fully developed claims for 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and
       (2) assess how the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     notifies each claimant during, and as part of, any electronic 
     filing process established by the Secretary for the filing of 
     applications for disability compensation and such other 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary as the 
     Comptroller General considers appropriate that services may 
     be available to the claimant from a veterans service 
     organization.
       (b) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 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 findings of the Comptroller 
     General under subsection (a). Such report shall include such 
     recommendations as the Comptroller General may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to improve the 
     availability of information made available to the public by 
     the Veterans Benefits Administration regarding the furnishing 
     of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means an 
     organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 507. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
                   OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Comptroller 
     General 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 advisory committees 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a)--
       (1) shall include--
       (A) recommendations or proposals for continuing, modifying, 
     or terminating certain advisory committees, including noting 
     areas of overlap and duplication among the advisory 
     committees; and
       (B) such other information as the Comptroller General 
     considers appropriate; and
       (2) may include--
       (A) a description of each advisory committee, including 
     with respect to each committee--
       (i) the purpose of the committee;
       (ii) the commencement date of the committee; and
       (iii) the anticipated termination date of the committee;
       (B) a summary of the anticipated expenses and the actual 
     expenses incurred for each advisory committee during the most 
     recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (C) with respect to meetings held by each advisory 
     committee--
       (i) the frequency with which each committee has met during 
     the shorter of--

       (I) the most recent three fiscal years ending before the 
     date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (II) the life of the committee;

       (ii) the date of the most recent meeting held by the 
     committee before such date of enactment; and
       (iii) the date of the most recent report or other written 
     product developed by the committee before such date of 
     enactment.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

           Subtitle A--Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma

     SEC. 601. MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND OPINION FOR DISABILITY 
                   COMPENSATION CLAIMS BASED ON MILITARY SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA.

       (a) In General.--Section 5103A(d) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3)(A) In the case of a claim for disability compensation 
     based on a mental health condition related to military sexual 
     trauma, the Secretary shall treat an examination or opinion 
     as being necessary to make a decision on a claim for purposes 
     of paragraph (1) if the evidence of record before the 
     Secretary, taking into consideration all information and lay 
     or medical evidence (including statements of the claimant)--
       ``(i)(I) contains competent evidence that the claimant has 
     a current disability, or persistent or recurrent symptoms of 
     disability; and
       ``(II) indicates that the disability or symptoms may be 
     associated with the claimant's active military, naval, or air 
     service; but
       ``(ii) does not contain a diagnosis or opinion by a mental 
     health professional that may assist in corroborating the 
     occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor related to a 
     diagnosable mental health condition.
       ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `military sexual trauma' 
     shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for 
     purposes of this paragraph, and shall include `sexual 
     harassment' (as so specified).''.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 number of examinations and 
     opinions conducted by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (3) 
     of section 5103A(d) of title 38, United States Code (as added 
     by subsection (a)), including the following:
       (1) The number of examinations conducted using a 
     standardized disability assessment.
       (2) The number of examinations conducted using a non-
     standardized clinical interview.

     SEC. 602. CASE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS FOR MILITARY SEXUAL 
                   TRAUMA SUPPORT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     assign to each individual seeking compensation under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary based on military sexual trauma 
     a case representative officer who shall provide advice and 
     general information to such individual on the claims process 
     for such compensation. Each case representative officer so 
     assigned shall be assigned from among current personnel of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Liaison.--A case representative officer assigned to an 
     individual under subsection (a) shall be responsible for 
     serving as a liaison between the individual, an authorized

[[Page 3220]]

     agent or attorney of the individual under section 5904 of 
     title 38, United States Code, or an otherwise accredited 
     representative of the individual, and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the claim of the 
     individual for compensation under the laws administered by 
     the Secretary.
       (c) Case Representative Officer Requirements.--
       (1) Competence and knowledge.--Each case representative 
     officer assigned under subsection (a) shall be competent and 
     knowledgeable about the following:
       (A) The claims adjudication process and applicable laws, 
     regulations, and other authority applicable to the 
     adjudication of disability claims based on military sexual 
     trauma.
       (B) Such other services to victims of sexual trauma as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Limitation on number of individuals to which 
     assigned.--A case representative officer may not be assigned 
     to more individuals described in subsection (a) than, as 
     determined by the Secretary, is appropriate for the provision 
     of individual case management assistance by such officer.
       (d) Information on Benefits and Programs Relating to 
     Military Sexual Trauma.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available to the 
     public information on the availability of case representative 
     officers under subsection (a) to assist in the application 
     for benefits based on military sexual trauma. The Secretary 
     shall revise and update the information so made available in 
     order to ensure that the information is as current as 
     possible.
       (2) Individuals separating from military service.--The 
     Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense, ensure that individuals who are being separated from 
     the active military, naval, or air service are provided 
     appropriate information about programs, requirements, and 
     procedures for applying for benefits based on military sexual 
     trauma and the availability of case representative officers 
     under subsection (a).
       (e) Information on Training for Agents and Representatives 
     of Individuals Assigned Case Representative Officer.--The 
     Secretary shall make available to the authorized agent or 
     attorney of an individual assigned a case representative 
     under subsection (a), or to the otherwise accredited 
     representative of the individual, any relevant materials used 
     to train such case representative officer for the duties of 
     such position.
       (f) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans Consideration of 
     Mechanisms To Enhance Coordination Between VBA and VHA on 
     Benefits for Military Sexual Trauma.--The Advisory Committee 
     on Women Veterans established under section 542 of title 38, 
     United States Code, shall undertake actions to identify 
     mechanisms to enhance coordination between the Veterans 
     Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health 
     Administration in the provision of benefits based on military 
     sexual trauma, including the identification of barriers to 
     the appropriate provision of benefits for military sexual 
     trauma by such Administrations and of means of eliminating or 
     reducing such barriers.
       (g) Annual Reports.--Not less frequently than annually, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee 
     on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
     setting forth the following:
       (1) A certification whether or not the case representative 
     officers assigned under subsection (a) during the preceding 
     year met the requirements specified in subsection (c).
       (2) A description of the current training the Secretary 
     provides to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     on claims for benefits based on military sexual trauma, 
     including the frequency, length, and content of such 
     training.
       (3) A description of current policies and procedures on the 
     training the Secretary provides to case representative 
     officers, including the current position descriptions for 
     case representative officers.
       (4) A description of current efforts to coordinate 
     activities and assistance provided to individuals who seek 
     care or benefits for military sexual trauma between the 
     Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits 
     Administration, including the efforts of the Advisory 
     Committee on Women Veterans under subsection (f).
       (h) Sunset.--
       (1) In general.--No case representative officer may be 
     assigned under subsection (a) after December 31, 2018.
       (2) Continuation of duties after sunset date.--Paragraph 
     (1) shall not be construed to prohibit any case 
     representative officer assigned to an individual before the 
     date specified in that paragraph from performing duties 
     pursuant to this section after that date with respect to a 
     claim for which that case representative officer was assigned 
     to such individual before that date.
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

     SEC. 603. REPORT ON STANDARD OF PROOF FOR SERVICE-CONNECTION 
                   OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS RELATED TO MILITARY 
                   SEXUAL TRAUMA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 current standard of proof for 
     service-connection under chapter 11 of title 38, United 
     States Code, for covered mental health conditions based on 
     military sexual trauma.
       (b) Recommendations.--The Secretary shall include in the 
     report under subsection (a) any recommendations the Secretary 
     considers appropriate to improve the adjudication of claims 
     for compensation based on military sexual trauma, including--
       (1) recommendations for an appropriate standard of proof 
     for such claims if the Secretary considers such 
     recommendations advisable; and
       (2) recommendations for legislative action, if necessary, 
     to carry out such improvement.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Covered mental health condition.--The term ``covered 
     mental health condition'' means post-traumatic stress 
     disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental health 
     diagnosis that the Secretary determines to be related to 
     military sexual trauma.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

     SEC. 604. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES INCURRED OR 
                   AGGRAVATED BY MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA.

       (a) Reports.--Not later than December 1, 2014, and each 
     year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the covered 
     claims submitted to the Secretary during the previous fiscal 
     year.
       (b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered 
     by the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the 
     report.
       (2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number 
     and percentage of such claims--
       (A) submitted by each gender;
       (B) that were approved, including the number and percentage 
     of such approved claims submitted by each gender; and
       (C) that were denied, including the number and percentage 
     of such denied claims submitted by each gender.
       (3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     approved, the number and percentage, listed by each gender, 
     of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability.
       (4) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     denied--
       (A) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary 
     under section 5104(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, for 
     such denials; and
       (B) the number of denials that were based on the failure of 
     a veteran to report for a medical examination.
       (5) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     resubmitted to the Secretary after denial in a previous 
     adjudication--
       (A) the number of such claims submitted to or considered by 
     the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report;
       (B) the number and percentage of such claims--
       (i) submitted by each gender;
       (ii) that were approved, including the number and 
     percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender; 
     and
       (iii) that were denied, including the number and percentage 
     of such denied claims submitted by each gender;
       (C) the number and percentage, listed by each gender, of 
     claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability; and
       (D) of such claims that were again denied--
       (i) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary 
     under section 5104(b)(1) of such title for such denials; and
       (ii) the number of denials that were based on the failure 
     of a veteran to report for a medical examination.
       (6) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of the 
     fiscal year covered by the report, are pending and, 
     separately, the number of such claims on appeal.
       (7) For the fiscal year covered by the report, the average 
     number of days that covered claims take to complete beginning 
     on the date on which the claim is submitted.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Active military, naval, or air service.--The term 
     ``active military, naval, or air service'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States 
     Code.

[[Page 3221]]

       (2) Covered claims.--The term ``covered claims'' means 
     claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary 
     based on post traumatic stress disorder alleged to have been 
     incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma.
       (3) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual 
     trauma'' shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary 
     for purposes of this section, and shall include ``sexual 
     harassment'' (as so specified).

      Subtitle B--Claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

     SEC. 611. PROGRAM ON TREATMENT OF CERTAIN APPLICATIONS FOR 
                   DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION AS FULLY 
                   DEVELOPED CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of expediting the treatment of a covered 
     dependency and indemnity compensation claim.
       (b) Covered Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims.--
     For purposes of this section, a covered dependency and 
     indemnity compensation claim is a claim submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, 
     United States Code, for which the claimant--
       (1) applies for such compensation within one-year of the 
     death of the veteran upon whose service the claim is based;
       (2) was the dependent on the claim of a veteran who was 
     receiving benefits for one or more service-connected 
     conditions as of the date of death;
       (3) submits a death certificate or other evidence with the 
     claim indicating that the veteran's death was due to a 
     service-connected or compensable disability; and
       (4) in the case that the claimant is the spouse of the 
     deceased veteran, certifies that he or she has not remarried 
     since the date of the veteran's death.
       (c) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     one-year period beginning on the date that is 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Locations.--The program shall be carried out at the 
     Pension Management Center of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs or such centers selected by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program.
       (e) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date on 
     which the program is completed, 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 program.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The number of covered dependency and indemnity 
     compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program, 
     disaggregated by the following:
       (i) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     spouse of a deceased veteran.
       (ii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     child of a deceased veteran.
       (iii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to 
     compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the 
     parent of a deceased veteran.
       (B) The number of covered dependency and indemnity 
     compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program 
     and for which compensation was not awarded, disaggregated by 
     clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       (C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of claims 
     adjudicated under the program with claims submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, 
     United States Code, that were not provided expeditious 
     treatment under the program.
       (D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the 
     program.
       (E) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to improve the 
     adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for 
     compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States 
     Code.

     SEC. 612. REPORT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON 
                   IMPROVING TIMELINESS AND ACCURACY OF 
                   ADMINISTRATION OF CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENCY AND 
                   INDEMNITY COMPENSATION AND PENSION FOR 
                   SURVIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 455 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report with recommendations for legislative 
     or administrative actions to improve the timeliness and 
     accuracy with which the Secretary processes and adjudicates 
     claims for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United 
     States Code, and pension under sections 1541 and 1542 of such 
     title.
       (b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

              Subtitle C--Agency of Original Jurisdiction

     SEC. 621. WORKING GROUP TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEE WORK CREDIT AND 
                   WORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF VETERANS BENEFITS 
                   ADMINISTRATION IN AN ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish a working group to assess and develop 
     recommendations for the improvement of the employee work 
     credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits 
     Administration in an electronic environment.
       (b) Composition.--The working group shall be composed of 
     the following:
       (1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
       (2) Individuals selected by the Secretary from among 
     employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who handle 
     claims for compensation and pension benefits and are 
     recommended to the Secretary by a labor organization for 
     purposes of this section, including at least one of each of 
     the following individuals:
       (A) A veterans service representative.
       (B) A rating veterans service representative.
       (C) A decision review officer.
       (3) Not fewer than three individuals selected by the 
     Secretary to represent different organizations recognized by 
     the Secretary for the representation of veterans under 
     section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
       (4) Individuals selected by the Secretary--
       (A) that are not employees of the Department; and
       (B) that are experts in work credit and work management 
     systems.
       (c) Duties.--The duties of the working group are to assess 
     and develop recommendations for the following:
       (1) The improvement of the employee work credit and work 
     management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration in 
     an electronic environment.
       (2) A scientific, data based methodology to be used in 
     revising the employee work credit system of the Department to 
     improve the quality and quantity of work produced by 
     employees of the Department.
       (3) The improvement of the resource allocation model of the 
     Veterans Benefits Administration, with a focus on the 
     processing of claims in an electronic environment.
       (4) A schedule by which the revisions referred to in 
     paragraph (2) will be implemented by the Department.
       (d) Review and Incorporation of Findings From Prior 
     Study.--In carrying out its duties under subsection (c), the 
     working group shall review the findings and conclusions of 
     previous studies of the employee work credit and work 
     management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration.
       (e) Role of the Secretary.--The Secretary shall consider 
     the recommendations of the working group and implement such 
     recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Interim report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the establishment of the working group, the working group 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the progress of the 
     working group.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the establishment of the working group, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress the methodology described in 
     subsection (c)(2) and the schedule described in subsection 
     (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided to implement pursuant 
     to subsection (e).
       (g) Implementation of Methodology and Schedule.--After 
     submitting the report under subsection (f), the Secretary 
     shall take such actions as may be necessary to apply the 
     methodology described in subsection (c)(2) and the schedule 
     described in subsection (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided 
     to implement pursuant to subsection (e).

     SEC. 622. TASK FORCE ON RETENTION AND TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLAIMS PROCESSORS AND 
                   ADJUDICATORS.

       (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     establish a task force to assess retention and training of 
     claims processors and adjudicators that are employed by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs and other departments and 
     agencies of the Federal Government.
       (b) Composition.--The task force shall be composed of the 
     following:
       (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs or designee.
       (2) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management or 
     designee.
       (3) The Commissioner of Social Security or designee.
       (4) An individual selected by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs who represents an organization recognized by the 
     Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 
     5902 of title 38, United States Code.
       (5) Such other individuals selected by the Secretary who 
     represent such other organizations and institutions as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Duration.--The task force established under subsection 
     (a) shall terminate not later than two years after the date 
     on which the task force is established under such subsection.
       (d) Duties.--The duties of the task force are as follows:
       (1) To identify key skills required by claims processors 
     and adjudicators to perform the duties of claims processors 
     and adjudicators in the various claims processing

[[Page 3222]]

     and adjudication positions throughout the Federal Government.
       (2) To identify reasons for employee attrition from claims 
     processing positions.
       (3) To coordinate with educational institutions to develop 
     training and programs of education for members of the Armed 
     Forces to prepare such members for employment in claims 
     processing and adjudication positions in the Federal 
     Government.
       (4) To identify and coordinate offices of the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs located 
     throughout the United States to provide information about, 
     and promotion of, available claims processing positions to 
     members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life 
     and to veterans with disabilities.
       (5) To establish performance measures to evaluate the 
     effectiveness of the task force.
       (6) Not later than one year after the date of the 
     establishment of the task force, to develop a Government-wide 
     strategic and operational plan for promoting employment of 
     veterans in claims processing positions in the Federal 
     Government.
       (7) To establish performance measures to assess the plan 
     developed under paragraph (6), to assess the implementation 
     of such plan, and to revise such plan as the task force 
     considers appropriate.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Submittal of plan.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of the establishment of the task force, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     plan developed by the task force under subsection (d)(6).
       (2) Assessment of implementation.--Not later than 120 days 
     after the termination of the task force, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress a report that assesses the implementation 
     of the plan developed by the task force under subsection 
     (d)(6).

     SEC. 623. REPORTS ON REQUESTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FOR RECORDS OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days 
     thereafter through the date that is 910 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs 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 attempts of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain records necessary to 
     adjudicate claims for benefits from another department or 
     agency of the Federal Government during the 180-day period 
     ending on the date of such report.
       (b) Elements.--
       (1) In general.--Each report shall set forth the following:
       (A) For the period covered by such report, the following:
       (i) The total number of requests made by the Department.
       (ii) The types of records requested.
       (iii) The number of requests made before the receipt of 
     each record.
       (iv) The amount of time between the initial request for 
     each record and the receipt of each record.
       (v) The number of occurrences of the receipt of a record 
     after the adjudication of the claim for which the record was 
     sought.
       (vi) A description of the efforts of the Secretary to 
     expedite the delivery of records to the Department from other 
     departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
       (B) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of 
     such report.
       (2) Presentation.--The information in a report under clause 
     (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(A) shall be set forth 
     separately for each department and agency of the Federal 
     Government covered by such report.

     SEC. 624. RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIAN TRIBES IN 
                   THE PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, AND PROSECUTION 
                   OF CLAIMS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE 
                   SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       Section 5902(a)(1) is amended by inserting ``, including 
     Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     450b))'' after ``as the Secretary may approve''.

     SEC. 625. PROGRAM ON PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL AND TRIBAL 
                   GOVERNMENTS IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF CLAIMS FOR 
                   DISABILITY COMPENSATION SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with 
     local governments and tribal organizations--
       (1) to improve the quality of claims submitted to the 
     Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, 
     United States Code, and pension under chapter 15 of such 
     title; and
       (2) to provide assistance to veterans who may be eligible 
     for such compensation or pension in submitting such claims.
       (b) Minimum Number of Participating Tribal Organizations.--
     In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall enter into, or maintain existing, memoranda 
     of understanding with at least--
       (1) two tribal organizations; and
       (2) 10 State or local governments.
       (c) Duration.--The program shall be carried out during the 
     two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of 
     the program.
       (d) Report.--
       (1) Initial report.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the commencement of the program, 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 that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program, including a description of outreach conducted by 
     the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local 
     governments.
       (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total 
     number of memoranda of understanding entered into or 
     maintained by the Secretary.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     termination of the program, 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 that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the implementation and operation of 
     the program, including a description of outreach conducted by 
     the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local 
     governments.
       (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total 
     number of memoranda of understanding entered into or 
     maintained by the Secretary.
       (C) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (D) Such recommendations for continuation or expansion of 
     the program as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (e) Tribal Organization Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``tribal organization'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 3765 of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 626. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NOTICE OF AVERAGE 
                   TIMES FOR PROCESSING COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

       (a) Public Notice.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, to the extent practicable, post the information 
     described in subsection (b)--
       (1) in physical locations, such as Regional Offices or 
     other claims in-take facilities, that the Secretary considers 
     appropriate;
       (2) on the Internet website of the Department; and
       (3) through other mediums or using such other methods, 
     including collaboration with veterans service organizations, 
     as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (b) Information Described.--
       (1) In general.--The information described in this 
     subsection is the average processing time of the claims 
     described in paragraph (2).
       (2) Claims described.--The claims described in this 
     paragraph are each of the following types of claims for 
     benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs:
       (A) A fully developed claim.
       (B) A claim that is not fully developed.
       (3) Update of information.--The information described in 
     this subsection shall be updated not less frequently than 
     once each fiscal quarter.
       (c) Expiration of Requirements.--The requirements of 
     subsection (a) shall expire on December 31, 2015.
       (d) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means an 
     organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of 
     title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 627. QUARTERLY REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS IN ELIMINATING BACKLOG OF 
                   CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION THAT HAVE NOT BEEN 
                   ADJUDICATED.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than 
     quarterly thereafter through calendar year 2015, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 backlog of claims filed with the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for compensation that have not been adjudicated by 
     the Department.
       (b) Contents.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) For each month through calendar year 2015, a projection 
     of the following:
       (A) The number of claims completed.
       (B) The number of claims received.
       (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the 
     month.
       (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month.
       (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month.
       (F) A description of the status of the implementation of 
     initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the 
     backlog, including the expected impact of those initiatives 
     on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims.
       (2) For each quarter through calendar year 2015, a 
     projection of the average accuracy of

[[Page 3223]]

     disability determinations for compensation claims that 
     require a disability rating (or disability decision).
       (3) For each month during the most recently completed 
     quarter, the following:
       (A) The number of claims completed.
       (B) The number of claims received.
       (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the 
     month.
       (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month.
       (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month.
       (F) A description of the status of the implementation of 
     initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the 
     backlog, including the impact of those initiatives on 
     accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims.
       (G) An assessment of the accuracy of disability 
     determinations for compensation claims that require a 
     disability rating (or disability decision).
       (4) For the most recently completed quarter--
       (A) the number of cases physically received at the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals and docketed;
       (B) the number of cases pending at the Board of Veterans' 
     Appeals at the end of the quarter;
       (C) the number of cases physically at the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals at the end of the quarter;
       (D) the number of notices of disagreement and appeals filed 
     to the agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section 
     7105(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code; and
       (E) the number of decisions made by the Board of Veterans' 
     Appeals and the percentage of such decisions that were 
     allowed, remanded, denied, or otherwise disposed of.
       (c) Availability to Public.--The Secretary shall make each 
     report submitted under subsection (a) available to the 
     public.
       (d) On Backlog and Pending Defined.--In this section, the 
     terms ``on backlog'' and ``pending'', with respect to a claim 
     for compensation received by the Secretary, shall have the 
     meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this 
     section.

     SEC. 628. REPORTS ON USE OF EXISTING AUTHORITIES TO EXPEDITE 
                   BENEFITS DECISIONS.

       (a) Report on Current Use of Temporary, Intermediate, and 
     Provisional Rating Decisions.--
       (1) Report required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs 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 use of temporary, 
     intermediate, and provisional rating decisions to expedite 
     the benefits decisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Report elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) With respect to temporary and intermediate rating 
     decisions, the following:
       (i) The number of temporary and intermediate rating 
     decisions issued by the Department during each of fiscal 
     years 2011, 2012, and 2013.
       (ii) A description of any reasons or obstacles that prevent 
     use of existing authorities to issue temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions.
       (iii) A description of the Quick Pay Disability initiative, 
     including the rationale for not expanding the initiative 
     beyond pilot program status.
       (B) With respect to provisional rating decisions, the 
     following:
       (i) The number of provisional rating decisions issued by 
     the Department during the oldest claims first initiative.
       (ii) Of the provisional rating decisions issued during the 
     oldest claims first initiative--

       (I) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     granted;
       (II) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     denied; and
       (III) the number of such decisions that involved a claim 
     granted in part or a claim denied in part.

       (iii) A statement of the most common reasons claims were 
     not granted earlier under the oldest claims first initiative 
     when there was sufficient evidence to render an award of 
     benefits in the provisional rating decision.
       (iv) The average number of days to issue a provisional 
     rating decision under the oldest claims first initiative.
       (v) Of the total number of decisions that were completed 
     under the oldest claims first initiative--

       (I) the number that were Category 1 claims and received a 
     final rating decision; and
       (II) the number that were Category 2 claims and received a 
     provisional rating decision.

       (vi) The number of rating decisions issued during the 
     oldest claims first imitative that involved a brokered claim, 
     set forth by number of such claims by Regional Office of the 
     Department, including--

       (I) the number of brokered claims received by each Regional 
     Office; and
       (II) the number of brokered claims issued by each Regional 
     Office.

       (vii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued 
     during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to 
     which the veteran requested that the provisional decision 
     become final in order to appeal.
       (viii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued 
     during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to 
     which the veteran requested an appeal after the expiration of 
     the 1-year period beginning on the date of notification of 
     the provisional rating decision.
       (ix) An assessment of the accuracy of provisional rating 
     decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative, 
     set forth by Category 1 claims and Category 2 claims.
       (C) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate for purposes of the report.
       (3) Supplemental information.--If the Secretary continues 
     to obtain information on rating decisions under clauses (vii) 
     and (viii) of paragraph (2)(B) after the date of the 
     submittal of the report required by paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the committees of Congress referred 
     to in paragraph (1) a report on such information that 
     supplements the information on such clauses in the report 
     under paragraph (1) when the Secretary completes accumulation 
     of such information.
       (b) Plan for Increase in Use of Temporary or Intermediate 
     Rating Decisions.--
       (1) Report on plan required.--Not later than 180 days 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 setting forth a plan to increase the 
     use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite 
     benefit decisions of the Department when the record contains 
     sufficient evidence to grant any claim at issue, including 
     service connection.
       (2) Plan elements.--The plan required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) Mechanisms to overcome obstacles to the use of 
     temporary or intermediate rating decisions, including 
     mechanisms (such as upgrades) to assure the ability of the 
     Veterans Benefits Management System to facilitate the 
     issuance of temporary or intermediate rating decisions.
       (B) Mechanisms to ensure that appropriate claimant 
     populations, such as claimants who file complex or multi-
     issue disability compensation claims, benefit from the 
     availability of temporary or intermediate rating decisions.
       (C) Mechanisms to provide for the use of temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions, including mechanisms to 
     resolve whether a request by a claimant or claimant 
     representative should trigger use of a temporary or 
     intermediate rating decision depending on the circumstances 
     of the claimant.
       (D) Mechanisms to prevent the use of temporary or 
     intermediate rating decisions in lieu of a final rating 
     decision when a final rating decision could be made with 
     little or no additional claim development.
       (E) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the Secretary considers appropriate to increase the 
     use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite 
     benefit decisions of the Department.

     SEC. 629. REPORTS ON DEPARTMENT DISABILITY MEDICAL 
                   EXAMINATIONS AND PREVENTION OF UNNECESSARY 
                   MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

       (a) Report on Disability Medical Examinations Furnished by 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 furnishing of general medical 
     and specialty medical examinations by the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for purposes of adjudicating claims for 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) The number of general medical examinations furnished by 
     the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 
     2012 for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under 
     laws administered by the Secretary.
       (B) The number of general medical examinations furnished by 
     the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 
     2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which a 
     comprehensive joint examination was conducted, but for which 
     no disability relating to a joint, bone, or muscle had been 
     asserted as an issue in the claim.
       (C) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished 
     by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim.
       (D) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished 
     by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which 
     one or more joint examinations were conducted.
       (E) A summary with citations to any medical and scientific 
     studies that provide a basis for determining that three 
     repetitions is adequate to determine the effect of repetitive 
     use on functional impairments.
       (F) The names of all examination reports, including general 
     medical examinations and

[[Page 3224]]

     Disability Benefits Questionnaires, used for evaluation of 
     compensation and pension disability claims which require 
     measurement of repeated ranges of motion testing and the 
     number of examinations requiring such measurements which were 
     conducted in fiscal year 2012.
       (G) The average amount of time taken by an individual 
     conducting a medical examination to perform the three 
     repetitions of movement of each joint.
       (H) A discussion of whether there are more efficient and 
     effective scientifically reliable methods of testing for 
     functional loss on repetitive use of an extremity other than 
     the three time repetition currently used by the Department.
       (I) Recommendations as to the continuation of the practice 
     of measuring functional impairment by using three repetitions 
     of movement of each joint during the examination as a 
     criteria for evaluating the effect of repetitive motion on 
     functional impairment with supporting rationale.
       (b) Report and Plan to Prevent the Ordering of Unnecessary 
     Medical Examinations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days 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 efforts of the Secretary in 
     reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations 
     and other efforts to comply with the provisions of section 
     5125 of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) Criteria used by the Secretary to determine if a claim 
     is eligible for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative.
       (B) The number of claims determined to be eligible for the 
     Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative during the period 
     beginning on the date of the initiation of the initiative and 
     ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     disaggregated--
       (i) by fiscal year; and
       (ii) by claims determined eligible based in whole or in 
     part on medical evidence provided by a private health care 
     provider.
       (C) The total number of claims determined to be eligible 
     for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative that required 
     an employee of the Department to supplement the evidence with 
     information obtained during a telephone interview with a 
     claimant or health care provider.
       (D) Information on any other initiatives or efforts, 
     including disability benefits questionnaires, of the 
     Department to further encourage the use of medical evidence 
     provided by a private health care provider and reliance upon 
     reports of a medical examination administered by a private 
     physician if the report is sufficiently complete to be 
     adequate for the purposes of adjudicating a claim.
       (E) A plan--
       (i) to measure, track, and prevent the ordering of 
     unnecessary medical examinations when the provision by a 
     claimant of a medical examination administered by a private 
     physician in support of a claim for benefits under chapter 11 
     or 15 of title 38, United States Code, is adequate for the 
     purpose of making a decision on that claim; and
       (ii) that includes the actions the Secretary will take to 
     eliminate any request by the Department for a medical 
     examination in the case of a claim for benefits under chapter 
     11 or 15 of such title in support of which a claimant submits 
     medical evidence or a medical opinion provided by a private 
     health care provider that is competent, credible, probative, 
     and otherwise adequate for purposes of making a decision on 
     that claim.

    Subtitle D--Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for 
                            Veterans Claims

     SEC. 631. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN MISFILED DOCUMENTS AS A NOTICE 
                   OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS 
                   CLAIMS.

       Section 7266 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(e)(1) If a person adversely affected by a final decision 
     of the Board, who has not filed a notice of appeal with the 
     United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims under 
     subsection (a), misfiles a document with the Board or the 
     agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section 
     7105(b)(1) of this title that expresses disagreement with 
     such decision and a clear intent to seek review of such 
     decision by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims, not later than 120 days after the date of such 
     decision, such document shall be treated as timely filed 
     under subsection (a).
       ``(2) The treatment of misfiled documents under paragraph 
     (1) does not limit equitable relief that may be otherwise 
     available to a person described in that paragraph.''.

     SEC. 632. DETERMINATION OF MANNER OF APPEARANCE FOR HEARINGS 
                   BEFORE BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS.

       (a) In General.--Section 7107 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``in subsection (f)'' 
     and inserting ``in subsection (g)'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
       (3) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the 
     following new subsections:
       ``(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a hearing 
     before the Board shall be conducted through picture and voice 
     transmission, by electronic or other means, in such a manner 
     that the appellant is not present in the same location as the 
     members of the Board during the hearing.
       ``(2)(A) A hearing before the Board shall be conducted in 
     person upon the request of an appellant.
       ``(B) In the absence of a request under subparagraph (A), a 
     hearing before the Board may also be conducted in person as 
     the Board considers appropriate.
       ``(e)(1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is 
     to be held as described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary 
     shall provide suitable facilities and equipment to the Board 
     or other components of the Department to enable an appellant 
     located at an appropriate facility within the area served by 
     a regional office to participate as so described.
       ``(2) Any hearing conducted as described in subsection 
     (d)(1) shall be conducted in the same manner as, and shall be 
     considered the equivalent of, a personal hearing.
       ``(f)(1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is 
     to be held as described in subsection (d)(2), the appellant 
     may request that the hearing be held at the principal 
     location of the Board or at a facility of the Department 
     located within the area served by a regional office of the 
     Department.
       ``(2) A hearing to be held within an area served by a 
     regional office of the Department shall (except as provided 
     in paragraph (3)) be scheduled to be held in accordance with 
     the place of the case on the docket under subsection (a) 
     relative to other cases on the docket for which hearings are 
     scheduled to be held within that area.
       ``(3) A hearing to be held within an area served by a 
     regional office of the Department may, for cause shown, be 
     advanced on motion for an earlier hearing. Any such motion 
     shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon which the motion 
     is based. Such a motion may be granted only--
       ``(A) if the case involves interpretation of law of general 
     application affecting other claims;
       ``(B) if the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe 
     financial hardship; or
       ``(C) for other sufficient cause shown.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to cases received by the Board of 
     Veterans' Appeals pursuant to notices of disagreement 
     submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                      TITLE VII--OUTREACH MATTERS

     SEC. 701. PROGRAM TO INCREASE COORDINATION OF OUTREACH 
                   EFFORTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES 
                   AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and 
     advisability of using State and local government agencies and 
     nonprofit organizations--
       (1) to increase awareness of veterans regarding benefits 
     and services for veterans; and
       (2) to improve coordination of outreach activities 
     regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary 
     and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit 
     providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
       (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     for a two-year period.
       (c) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the program 
     through the competitive award of grants to State and local 
     government agencies and nonprofit organizations--
       (A) to increase the awareness of veterans regarding 
     benefits and services for veterans; and
       (B) to improve coordination of outreach activities 
     regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary 
     and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit 
     providers of health care and benefit services for veterans.
       (2) Application.--
       (A) In general.--A State or local government agency or 
     nonprofit organization seeking a grant under the program 
     shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such 
     form and in such manner as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (B) Elements.--Each application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
       (i) A description of the consultations, if any, with the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of any 
     proposal under the application.
       (ii) A description of the project for which the applicant 
     is seeking a grant under the program, including a plan to 
     coordinate under the program, to the greatest extent 
     possible, the outreach activities of Federal, State, and 
     local government agencies that provide health care, benefits, 
     and services for veterans and nonprofit organizations that 
     provide such care, benefits, and services to enhance the 
     awareness and availability of such care, benefits, and 
     services.
       (iii) An agreement to report to the Secretary standardized 
     data and other performance measures necessary for the 
     Secretary to evaluate the program and to facilitate 
     evaluation of projects for which grants are awarded under the 
     program.

[[Page 3225]]

       (iv) Such other information as the Secretary may require.
       (3) Considerations.--
       (A) In general.--In awarding grants under the program to 
     carry out projects, the Secretary shall consider--
       (i) where the projects will be carried out and which 
     populations are targeted; and
       (ii) the likelihood that each potential grantee will 
     successfully carry out the grant proposal.
       (B) Considerations regarding location and target 
     population.--In taking the matters specified in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii) into consideration, the Secretary shall consider in 
     particular the advisability of awarding grants for projects--
       (i) carried out in areas with populations that have a high 
     proportion of veteran representation;
       (ii) carried out in a variety of geographic areas, 
     including urban, rural, and highly rural areas; and
       (iii) that target a variety of veteran populations, 
     including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income 
     populations, and older populations.
       (4) Use of funds.--The Secretary shall establish 
     appropriate uses of grant amounts received under the program.
       (5) Oversight of use of funds.--The Secretary shall 
     establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of the use of 
     grant amounts received under the program, including the 
     evidence grantees must submit to demonstrate use of grant 
     amounts and procedures for the recovery of grant amounts that 
     were improperly used.
       (6) Limitation.--In a fiscal year, not more than 20 percent 
     of all grant amounts awarded in that fiscal year may be 
     awarded to a single State entity.
       (d) State Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not make 
     a grant to a State under subsection (c) unless that State 
     agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the 
     State in carrying out the program or projects for which the 
     grant was awarded, the State will make available (directly or 
     through donations from public or private entities) non-
     Federal contributions in an amount equal to 50 percent of 
     Federal funds provided under the grant.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the 
     following:
       (1) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2015.
       (2) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016.
       (f) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     completion of the first calendar year beginning after the 
     date of the commencement of the program, and not less 
     frequently than once every year thereafter for the duration 
     of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report evaluating the program and the projects supported by 
     grants awarded under the program.
       (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the program.
       (B) An assessment of the benefit to veterans of the 
     program.
       (C) The performance measures used by the Secretary for 
     purposes of the program and data showing the performance of 
     grantees under the program under such measures.
       (D) The recommendations of the Secretary as to the 
     feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding or 
     modifying the program.
       (g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 702. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS AND STATES ON OUTREACH 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after 
     section 6306 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 6306A. Cooperative agreements with States

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements and arrangements with various State agencies and 
     State departments to carry out this chapter and to otherwise 
     carry out, coordinate, improve, or enhance outreach 
     activities of the Department and the States.
       ``(b) Report.--The Secretary shall include in each report 
     submitted under section 6308 of this title a description of 
     the agreements and arrangements entered into by the Secretary 
     under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 6306 the following new item:

``6306A. Cooperative agreements with States.''.

     SEC. 703. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall establish an advisory committee on outreach 
     activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Membership.--The advisory committee shall be composed 
     of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the 
     following:
       (1) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals who are 
     eminent in their respective fields of public relations.
       (2) Representatives of organizations with offices that 
     focus on communications and distribute messages through major 
     media news outlets and social media.
       (3) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with 
     experience communicating financial results and business 
     strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image.
       (4) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with 
     experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating 
     publicity for a particular product or service.
       (5) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have 
     experience in press and public relations.
       (c) Duties.--The advisory committee shall advise the 
     Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental 
     Affairs--
       (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is 
     strategically and effectively--
       (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to 
     increase awareness nationally regarding all benefits and 
     services furnished by the Department;
       (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
       (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department; 
     and
       (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-
     based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local 
     government agencies;
       (2) to assist the Secretary in conducting such other press 
     or public relations activities relating to outreach 
     activities of the Department as the Secretary and the 
     Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs 
     consider appropriate; and
       (3) to ensure coordination and collaboration on efforts 
     within the Department for the development, implementation, 
     and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that 
     include the following:
       (A) Compensation and pension benefits.
       (B) Insurance benefits.
       (C) Burial and memorial benefits.
       (D) Education benefits.
       (E) Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits.
       (F) Readjustment counseling benefits.
       (G) Loan guarantee benefits.
       (H) Such other benefits as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (d) Location of Meetings.--Each meeting of the advisory 
     committee shall take place at a location that is property of 
     the Department and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     use teleconference technology.
       (e) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with and 
     seek the advice of the advisory committee not less frequently 
     than quarterly on matters relating to the duties of the 
     advisory committee under subsection (c).
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 90 
     days for the first year and semiannually thereafter, the 
     advisory committee shall submit to Congress and to the 
     Secretary a report on outreach activities of the Department.
       (2) Recommendations.--Each report submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall include such recommendations for legislative and 
     administrative action as the advisory committee considers 
     appropriate to improve the press and public relations of the 
     Department relating to outreach.
       (g) Termination.--The advisory committee shall terminate on 
     October 1, 2015, and the requirements and authorities under 
     this section shall terminate on such date.
       (h) Outreach Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``outreach'' has the meaning given the term in section 6301 
     of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 704. ADVISORY BOARDS ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RELATING TO 
                   HEALTH CARE.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--For each entity described in paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through 
     the director of that entity, establish not later than 180 
     days after the effective date specified in subsection (h) an 
     advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach 
     activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at that 
     entity.
       (2) Entity described.--An entity described in this 
     paragraph is--
       (A) a healthcare system of the Department; or
       (B) a Veterans Integrated System Network, if such Veterans 
     Integrated System Network does not contain a healthcare 
     system.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) shall be, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, composed of individuals selected by the 
     Secretary from among the following:
       (A) Individuals who are eminent in their respective fields 
     of public relations.
       (B) Representatives of organizations with offices that 
     focus on communications and distribute messages through major 
     media news outlets and social media.
       (C) Individuals with experience communicating financial 
     results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a 
     confident brand image.

[[Page 3226]]

       (D) Individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle 
     imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or 
     service.
       (E) Employees of the Department who are involved in press 
     and public relations strategy for an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2).
       (F) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have 
     experience in press and public relations.
       (2) Voluntary participation.--The participation of an 
     individual selected under paragraph (1) shall be at the 
     election of the individual.
       (c) Duties.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) at an entity described in subsection (a)(2) 
     shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and 
     Intergovernmental Affairs--
       (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is 
     strategically and effectively--
       (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to 
     increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services 
     furnished by the Department;
       (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department;
       (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department;
       (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-
     based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local 
     government agencies; and
       (E) coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the 
     Department for the development, implementation, and review of 
     local outreach with respect to benefits that include--
       (i) compensation and pension benefits;
       (ii) insurance benefits;
       (iii) burial and memorial benefits;
       (iv) education benefits;
       (v) vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits;
       (vi) readjustment counseling benefits;
       (vii) loan guarantee benefits; and
       (viii) such other benefits as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate; and
       (2) to assist the director of that entity in conducting 
     such other press or public relations activities relating to 
     outreach activities of the Department as that advisory board 
     considers appropriate.
       (d) Meeting Location.--
       (1) In general.--If teleconference technology is not used, 
     meetings of each advisory board established under subsection 
     (a)(1) shall be held at a location that is property of the 
     Department.
       (2) Teleconference technology.--Each advisory board shall 
     use, to the maximum extent practicable, teleconference 
     technology.
       (e) Consultation.--Each director of an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2) shall consult with and seek the advice of 
     the advisory board established at such entity not less 
     frequently than once every two months on matters relating to 
     the duties of the advisory board under subsection (c).
       (f) Annual Reports.--Not less frequently than each year, 
     each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall 
     submit to the Secretary a report with such information as may 
     be beneficial to the Secretary in preparing the reports 
     required by section 6308 of title 38, United States Code.
       (g) Termination.--Each advisory board established under 
     subsection (a)(1) and the authorities and requirements of 
     this section shall terminate three years after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (h).
       (h) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 705. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR PERIODIC REPORTS TO 
                   CONGRESS ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 6308 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``even-numbered''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``biennial'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``for legislative and 
     administrative action'' after ``Recommendations''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Recommendations that such administrative actions as 
     may be taken--
       ``(A) to maximize resources for outreach activities of the 
     Department; and
       ``(B) to focus outreach efforts on activities that are 
     proven to be more effective.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Section heading.--The heading for section 6308 is 
     amended by striking ``Biennial'' and inserting ``Annual''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 6308 and inserting the following new 
     item:

``6308. Annual report to Congress.''.

     SEC. 706. BUDGET TRANSPARENCY FOR OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after 
     section 6308 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 6309. Budget transparency

       ``(a) Budget Requirements.--In the budget justification 
     materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department 
     budget for a fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the 
     President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary 
     shall include a separate statement of the amount requested 
     for such fiscal year for activities of the Office of Public 
     and Intergovernmental Affairs as follows:
       ``(1) For outreach activities of the Department in 
     aggregate.
       ``(2) For outreach activities of each element of the 
     Department specified in subsection (b)(1).
       ``(b) Procedures for Effective Coordination and 
     Collaboration.--(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of the Comprehensive Veterans Health and 
     Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, 
     the Secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for the 
     Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure the 
     effective coordination and collaboration of outreach 
     activities of the Department between and among the following:
       ``(A) Office of the Secretary.
       ``(B) Veterans Health Administration.
       ``(C) Veterans Benefits Administration.
       ``(D) National Cemetery Administration.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) beginning after the date on which the Secretary 
     establishes procedures under paragraph (1), not less 
     frequently than once every two years conduct a review of the 
     procedures established and maintained under paragraph (1) to 
     ensure that such procedures meet the requirements of such 
     paragraph;
       ``(B) make such modifications to such procedures as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate based upon reviews conducted 
     under subparagraph (A) in order to better meet such 
     requirements; and
       ``(C) not later than 45 days after completing a review 
     under subparagraph (A), submit to Congress a report on the 
     findings of such review.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 6308 the following new item:

``6309. Budget transparency.''.

                   TITLE VIII--OTHER VETERANS MATTERS

     SEC. 801. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REDUCTIONS MADE BY BIPARTISAN 
                   BUDGET ACT OF 2013.

       (a) Adjustment of Retirement Pay.--Section 403 of the 
     Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-67) is repealed 
     as of the date of the enactment of such Act.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Applicability to disability and survivor benefits.--
     Title X of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014 
     (division C of Public Law 113-76) is repealed.
       (2) Applicability to members of the armed forces who joined 
     after january 1, 2014.--Section 2 of Public Law 113-82 is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 802. CONSIDERATION BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF 
                   RESOURCES DISPOSED OF FOR LESS THAN FAIR MARKET 
                   VALUE BY INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR PENSION.

       (a) Veterans.--Section 1522 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of 
     pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or the 
     spouse of such veteran disposes of covered resources for less 
     than fair market value on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or 
     discontinue the payment of pension to such veteran under 
     section 1513 or 1521 of this title, as the case may be, for 
     months during the period beginning on the date described in 
     subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated 
     as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the veteran or, if the veteran has a spouse, the corpus of 
     the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse, that 
     the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if 
     the veteran or spouse had not disposed of such resource, it 
     would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the 
     resource) be consumed for the veteran's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the veteran or, if the veteran has a 
     spouse, the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the 
     veteran's spouse, that the Secretary considers, under all the 
     circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the 
     veteran's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the veteran applies for pension under section 1513 or 
     1521 of this title or, if later, the date on which the 
     veteran (or the spouse of the veteran) disposes

[[Page 3227]]

     of covered resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of covered resources so disposed of by the veteran 
     (or the spouse of the veteran) on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary 
     determines would reasonably have been consumed for the 
     veteran's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a veteran under section 1513 or 1521 of this 
     title, including the maximum amount of increased pension 
     payable under such sections on account of family members, but 
     not including any amount of pension payable under such 
     sections because a veteran is in need of regular aid and 
     attendance or is permanently housebound,

     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of 
     increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of 
     section 1521 of this title on account of a child, the spouse 
     of the veteran, or the child disposes of covered resources 
     for less than fair market value on or after the look-back 
     date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall 
     deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for 
     months during the period beginning on the date described in 
     subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated 
     as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the child that the Secretary considers that under all the 
     circumstances, if the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or 
     the child had not disposed of such resource, it would be 
     reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the 
     resource) be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary 
     considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable 
     to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the veteran applies for payment of increased pension 
     under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of 
     this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on 
     which the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child 
     disposes of covered resources for less than fair market 
     value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child on or after 
     the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the 
     Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for 
     the child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that 
     is payable to a veteran under subsection (c), (d), (e), or 
     (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child,

     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1)(A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue 
     payment of pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title 
     or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), 
     (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a 
     child by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2) or 
     (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an 
     individual--
       ``(i) if--
       ``(I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in 
     accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) 
     that all resources disposed of for less than fair market 
     value have been returned to the individual who disposed of 
     the resources; or
       ``(II) the Secretary determines, under procedures 
     established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph 
     (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work 
     an undue hardship; or
       ``(ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources 
     disposed of for less than fair market value have been 
     returned to the individual who disposed of the resources.
       ``(B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or 
     discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 
     (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would 
     deprive the individual during the period of denial or 
     discontinuance--
       ``(i) of medical care such that the individual's life or 
     health would be endangered;
       ``(ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities 
     of life; or
       ``(iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify 
     in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II).
       ``(C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would 
     otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the 
     application of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) is denied or 
     discontinued only in part by reason of the return of 
     resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of 
     the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to 
     subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2), as 
     applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such 
     return of resources.
       ``(2) At the time a veteran applies for pension under 
     section 1513 or 1521 of this title or increased pension under 
     subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this 
     title on account of a child, and at such other times as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) inform such veteran of the provisions of subsections 
     (a)(2) and (b)(2) providing for a period of ineligibility for 
     payment of pension under such sections for individuals who 
     make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair 
     market value, including the exception for hardship from such 
     period of ineligibility;
       ``(B) obtain from such veteran information which may be 
     used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility 
     for such payments would be required by reason of such 
     subsections; and
       ``(C) provide such veteran a timely process for determining 
     whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such 
     veteran.''.
       (b) Surviving Spouses and Children.--Section 1543 is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for 
     payment of pension under section 1541 of this title disposes 
     of covered resources for less than fair market value on or 
     after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), 
     the Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of 
     pension to such surviving spouse under section 1541 of this 
     title for months during the period beginning on the date 
     described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of 
     months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the surviving spouse that the Secretary considers that 
     under all the circumstances, if the surviving spouse had not 
     disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the 
     resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for 
     the surviving spouse's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the 
     Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be 
     reasonable to be consumed for the surviving spouse's 
     maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the surviving spouse applies for pension under section 
     1541 of this title or, if later, the date on which the 
     surviving spouse disposes of covered resources for less than 
     fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this 
     subparagraph shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     surviving spouse on or after the look-back date described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would 
     reasonably have been consumed for the surviving spouse's 
     maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a surviving spouse under section 1541 of this 
     title, including the maximum amount of increased pension 
     payable under such section on account of a child, but not 
     including any amount of pension payable under such section 
     because a

[[Page 3228]]

     surviving spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance or 
     is permanently housebound,

     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4)(A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for 
     payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or 
     (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child or 
     the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair 
     market value on or after the look-back date described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue 
     payment of such increased pension for months during the 
     period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) 
     and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in 
     subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the child that the Secretary considers that under all the 
     circumstances, if the surviving spouse or the child had not 
     disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the 
     resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for 
     the child's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary 
     considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable 
     to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the surviving spouse applies for payment of increased 
     pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of 
     this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on 
     which the surviving spouse (or the child) disposes of covered 
     resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first 
     day of the first month in or after which covered resources 
     were disposed of for less than fair market value and which 
     does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this clause 
     shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the 
     surviving spouse (or the child) on or after the look-back 
     date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary 
     determines would reasonably have been consumed for the 
     child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that 
     is payable to a surviving spouse under subsection (c), (d), 
     or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child,

     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) If a child otherwise eligible for payment of 
     pension under section 1542 of this title or any person with 
     whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for 
     such child's support disposes of covered resources for less 
     than fair market value on or after the look-back date 
     described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or 
     discontinue the payment of pension to such child under 
     section 1542 of this title for months during the period 
     beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal 
     to the number of months calculated as provided in 
     subparagraph (E).
       ``(B)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource 
     is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate 
     of the child or the corpus of the estate of any person with 
     whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for 
     such child's support that the Secretary considers that under 
     all the circumstances, if the child or person had not 
     disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the 
     resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for 
     the child's maintenance.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may 
     consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall 
     prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an 
     asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or 
     investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than 
     fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the 
     corpus of the estate described in clause (i) that the 
     Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be 
     reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance.
       ``(C)(i) The look-back date described in this clause is a 
     date that is 36 months before the date described in clause 
     (ii).
       ``(ii) The date described in this clause is the date on 
     which the child applies for pension under section 1542 of 
     this title or, if later, the date on which the child (or 
     person described in subparagraph (B)) disposes of covered 
     resources for less than fair market value.
       ``(D) The date described in this clause is the first day of 
     the first month in or after which covered resources were 
     disposed of for less than fair market value and which does 
     not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(E) The number of months calculated under this clause 
     shall be equal to--
       ``(i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the 
     portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the child 
     (or person described in subparagraph (B)) on or after the 
     look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the 
     Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for 
     the child's maintenance; divided by
       ``(ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is 
     payable to a child under section 1542 of this title,

     rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest 
     whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months.''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1)(A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue 
     payment of pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title 
     or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or 
     (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child by 
     reason of the application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or 
     (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an 
     individual--
       ``(i) if--
       ``(I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in 
     accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) 
     that all resources disposed of for less than fair market 
     value have been returned to the individual who disposed of 
     the resources; or
       ``(II) the Secretary determines, under procedures 
     established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph 
     (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work 
     an undue hardship; or
       ``(ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources 
     disposed of for less than fair market value have been 
     returned to the individual who disposed of the resources.
       ``(B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or 
     discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 
     (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would 
     deprive the individual during the period of denial or 
     discontinuance--
       ``(i) of medical care such that the individual's life or 
     health would be endangered;
       ``(ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities 
     of life; or
       ``(iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify 
     in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II).
       ``(C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would 
     otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the 
     application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2) is denied 
     or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of 
     resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of 
     the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to 
     subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2), as 
     applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such 
     return of resources.
       ``(2) At the time a surviving spouse or child applies for 
     pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title or increased 
     pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of 
     this title on account of a child, and at such other times as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) inform such surviving spouse or child of the 
     provisions of subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), and (b)(2), as 
     applicable, providing for a period of ineligibility for 
     payment of pension or increased pension under such sections 
     for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources 
     for less than fair market value, including the exception for 
     hardship from such period of ineligibility;
       ``(B) obtain from such surviving spouse or child 
     information which may be used in determining whether or not a 
     period of ineligibility for such payments would be required 
     by reason of such subsections; and
       ``(C) provide such surviving spouse or child a timely 
     process for determining whether or not the exception for 
     hardship shall apply to such surviving spouse or child.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--Subsections (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of 
     section 1522 of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a), and subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and 
     (c) of section 1543 of such title, as added by subsection 
     (b), shall take effect on the date that is one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with 
     respect to payments of pension and increased pension applied 
     for after such date and to payments of pension and increased 
     pension for which eligibility is redetermined after such 
     date, except that no reduction in pension shall be made under 
     such subsections because of any disposal of covered resources 
     made before such date.
       (d) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once 
     each year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the administration of subsections 
     (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1522 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection

[[Page 3229]]

     (a), and subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and (c) of 
     section 1543 of such title, as added by subsection (b), 
     during the most recent 12-month period.
       (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following, for the period covered by the 
     report:
       (A) The number of individuals who applied for pension under 
     chapter 15 of such title.
       (B) The number of individuals who received pension under 
     such chapter.
       (C) The number of individuals with respect to whom the 
     Secretary denied or discontinued payment of pension under the 
     subsections referred to in paragraph (1).
       (D) A description of any trends identified by the Secretary 
     regarding pension payments that have occurred as a result of 
     the amendments made by this section.
       (E) Such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Select 
     Committee on Aging of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 803. EXTENSION OF REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
                   COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR SERVICES 
                   FURNISHED BY NURSING FACILITIES.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (d)(7) of section 5503 is 
     amended by striking ``November 30, 2016'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2023''.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Section heading.--The section heading of such section 
     is amended to read as follows: ``Reduced pension for certain 
     hospitalized veterans and certain veterans receiving 
     domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing facility care''.
       (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 55 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 5503 and inserting the following new 
     item:

``5503. Reduced pension for certain hospitalized veterans and certain 
              veterans receiving domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing 
              facility care.''.

     SEC. 804. CONDITIONS ON AWARD OF PER DIEM PAYMENTS BY 
                   SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR PROVISION OF 
                   HOUSING OR SERVICES TO HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) Condition.--
       (1) In general.--Section 2012(c)(1) is amended by striking 
     ``unless the facilities'' and all that follows through ``may 
     specify.'' and inserting the following: ``unless the 
     Secretary certifies the following:
       ``(A) That the building where the grant recipient or 
     eligible entity provides housing or services for which the 
     grant recipient or eligible entity would receive such payment 
     is in compliance with the codes relevant to the operations 
     and level of care provided, including applicable provisions 
     of the most recently published version of the Life Safety 
     Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such 
     other comparable fire and safety requirements as the 
     Secretary may specify.
       ``(B) That such building and such housing or services are 
     in compliance with licensing requirements, fire and safety 
     requirements, and any other requirements in the jurisdiction 
     in which the building is located regarding the condition of 
     the building and the provision of such housing or 
     services.''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     shall apply with respect to an application for a per diem 
     payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, 
     submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Annual Inspections Required.--Section 2012 is amended 
     by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b)(1) Not less frequently than once each fiscal year, 
     the Secretary shall inspect each facility of each grant 
     recipient or entity eligible for payments under subsection 
     (a) at which the recipients and entities provide services 
     under section 2011 of this title or this section.
       ``(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1), inspections made 
     under such paragraph shall be made at such times as the 
     Secretary considers necessary.
       ``(3) An inspection of a facility of a recipient or entity 
     described in paragraph (1) made under such paragraph may be 
     made with or without prior notice to the recipient or entity, 
     as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(4) No per diem payment may be provided to a grant 
     recipient or eligible entity under this section unless the 
     facilities of the grant recipient or eligible entity meet 
     such standards as the Secretary shall prescribe.''.
       (c) Revocation of Certification Authorized.--Subsection (c) 
     of such section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (2) in paragraph (1), as amended by subsection (a)(1), by 
     striking ``in paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``in paragraph 
     (4)''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2) The Secretary may revoke any certification made under 
     paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such 
     certification is no longer accurate.''.
       (d) Congressional Notification of Termination of Per Diem 
     Required.--Such subsection is further amended by inserting 
     after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):
       ``(3) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary terminates provision of per diem payment under this 
     section to a grant recipient or an eligible entity, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives notice of such termination if such 
     termination were made because a facility of the grant 
     recipient or eligible entity did not comply with--
       ``(A) an applicable provision of the most recently 
     published version of the Life Safety Code of the National 
     Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and 
     safety requirement as the Secretary has specified; or
       ``(B) a licensing requirement, fire or safety requirement, 
     or another requirement in the jurisdiction in which the 
     facility is located regarding the condition of the 
     facility.''.
       (e) Treatment of Current Recipients of Per Diem Payments.--
       (1) Assessment.--In the case of the recipient of a per diem 
     payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, 
     that receives such a payment during the year in which this 
     Act is enacted for the provision of housing or services, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assess whether the 
     building where such housing or services are provided is and 
     whether the housing and services are in compliance as 
     required by section 2012(c)(1) of such title, as amended by 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (2) Failure to comply.--In the case described in paragraph 
     (1), if the Secretary does not certify the compliance of the 
     building and the housing or services under such section 
     before the date that is two years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary may not make any 
     additional per diem payments to the recipient for the 
     provision of such housing or services under section 2012 of 
     such title until the Secretary certifies that such building 
     is and such housing or services are in compliance.
       (f) Conforming Condition on Award of Grants by Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs for Comprehensive Service Programs.--Section 
     2011(b)(5)(A) is amended by inserting ``, including housing 
     and building codes,''.

     SEC. 805. EXCEPTION TO CERTAIN RECAPTURE REQUIREMENTS AND 
                   TREATMENT OF CONTRACTS AND GRANTS WITH STATE 
                   HOMES WITH RESPECT TO CARE FOR HOMELESS 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Exception to Certain Recapture Requirements.--Section 
     8136(b) is amended by inserting ``, or the provision of 
     services or conduct of a program pursuant to a contract or 
     grant issued or awarded by the Secretary under subchapter II 
     of chapter 20 or section 2031(a)(2) of this title,'' after 
     ``outpatient clinic''.
       (b) Construction.--The amendment made by subsection (a) may 
     not be construed to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs to enter into a contract with a State home or award a 
     grant to a State home for the furnishing of residential care 
     for a veteran without--
       (1) identifying a substantial need for such care; and
       (2) determining that the State home is the most appropriate 
     provider of such care.

     SEC. 806. EXTENDED PERIOD FOR SCHEDULING OF MEDICAL EXAMS FOR 
                   VETERANS RECEIVING TEMPORARY DISABILITY RATINGS 
                   FOR SEVERE MENTAL DISORDERS.

       Section 1156(a)(3) is amended by striking ``six months'' 
     and inserting ``18 months''.

     SEC. 807. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE VETERANS ID CARDS.

       (a) Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     issue a card to a veteran that identifies the veteran as a 
     veteran and includes a photo of the veteran and the name of 
     the veteran.
       (2) No requirement for enrollment or receipt of benefits.--
     The Secretary may issue a card under paragraph (1) to a 
     veteran, whether or not such veteran is--
       (A) enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States 
     Code; or
       (B) in receipt of educational assistance, compensation, or 
     pension under laws administered by the Secretary.
       (3) Designation.--A card issued under paragraph (1) may be 
     known as a ``Veterans ID Card''.
       (b) Recognition of Veterans ID Cards for Reduced Pricing of 
     Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Products, and Services.--The 
     Secretary may work with national retail chains that offer 
     reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and 
     services to veterans to ensure that such retail chains 
     recognize cards issued under subsection (a)(1) for purposes 
     of offering reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer 
     products, and services.
       (c) Veteran Defined.--In this section, the term ``veteran'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, 
     United States Code.

[[Page 3230]]

       (d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 808. HONORING AS VETERANS CERTAIN PERSONS WHO PERFORMED 
                   SERVICE IN THE RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, 
     United States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, 
     but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired 
     pay for nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but 
     shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor.

     SEC. 809. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM SECRETARY OF 
                   TREASURY AND COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY 
                   FOR INCOME VERIFICATION PURPOSES.

       Section 5317(g) is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2016'' and inserting ``September 30, 2018''.

     SEC. 810. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO ISSUE AND GUARANTEE CERTAIN LOANS.

       Section 3729(b)(2) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (iv), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023'';
       (3) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (4) in subparagraph (D)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``October 1, 2017'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''.

     SEC. 811. REVIEW OF DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE IN 
                   PHILIPPINES DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense and such military 
     historians as the Secretary of Defense recommends, shall 
     review the process used to determine whether a covered 
     individual served in support of the Armed Forces of the 
     United States during World War II in accordance with section 
     1002(d) of title X of Division A of the American Recovery and 
     Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5; 38 U.S.C. 107 
     note) for purposes of determining whether such covered 
     individual is eligible for payments described in such 
     section.
       (b) Covered Individuals.--In this section, a covered 
     individual is any individual who timely submitted a claim for 
     benefits under subsection (c) of section 1002 of title X of 
     Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 
     2009 (Public Law 111-5; 38 U.S.C. 107 note) based on service 
     as described in subsection (d) of that section.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report detailing any findings, actions 
     taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect 
     to the review conducted under subsection (a).
       (d) Prohibition on Benefits for Disqualifying Conduct Under 
     New Process Pursuant to Review.--If pursuant to the review 
     conducted under subsection (a) the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs determines to establish a new process for the making 
     of payments as described in that subsection, the process 
     shall include mechanisms to ensure that individuals are not 
     treated as covered individuals for purposes of such payments 
     if such individuals engaged in any disqualifying conduct 
     during service described in that subsection, including 
     collaboration with the enemy or criminal conduct.

     SEC. 812. REVIEW OF DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN SERVICE OF 
                   MERCHANT MARINERS DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security and such military historians as the 
     Secretary of Defense recommends, shall review the process 
     used to determine whether an individual performed service 
     under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of 
     a coastwise merchant seaman who is recognized pursuant to 
     section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public 
     Law 95-202; 38 U.S.C. 106 note) as having performed active 
     duty service .
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report detailing any findings, actions 
     taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect 
     to the review conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 813. REPORT ON LAOTIAN MILITARY SUPPORT OF ARMED FORCES 
                   OF THE UNITED STATES DURING VIETNAM WAR.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense and such agencies and individuals as the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs considers appropriate, shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
       (1) the extent to which Laotian military forces provided 
     combat support to the Armed Forces of the United States 
     between February 28, 1961, and May 15, 1975;
       (2) whether the current classification by the Civilian/
     Military Service Review Board of the Department of Defense of 
     service by individuals of Hmong ethnicity is appropriate; and
       (3) any recommendations for legislative action.
       (b) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 814. REPORT ON PRACTICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO ADEQUATELY PROVIDE SERVICES TO 
                   VETERANS WITH HEARING LOSS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     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 actions taken by the 
     Secretary to implement the findings and recommendations 
     included in the 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine of 
     the National Academies entitled ``Noise and Military Service: 
     Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus'' that was 
     prepared pursuant to section 104 of the Veterans Benefits Act 
     of 2002 (Public Law 107-330; 116 Stat. 2822).
       (b) Effect of Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise 
     Exposure Listing on Receipt of Benefits by Veterans.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the report 
     required by subsection (a) an evaluation of the extent to 
     which veterans who had a military occupational specialty 
     during service as a member of the Armed Forces that is not 
     included on the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise 
     Exposure Listing (in this subsection referred to as the ``MOS 
     List'') are precluded from receiving benefits related to 
     hearing loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (2) Data.--The Secretary shall include in the evaluation 
     required by paragraph (1) the following:
       (A) With respect to veterans who had a military 
     occupational specialty included on the MOS List--
       (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs that were 
     granted; and
       (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were denied.
       (B) With respect to veterans who had a military 
     occupational specialty not included on the MOS List--
       (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were granted;
       (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing 
     loss from the Department that were denied;
       (iii) of the number of denied claims under clause (ii), the 
     number of those claims that were appealed; and
       (iv) of the number of appealed claims under clause (iii), 
     the number of those appealed claims that were successfully 
     appealed.
       (c) Additional Matters.--The Secretary shall include in the 
     report required by subsection (a) the following:
       (1) In the case of a veteran with unilateral hearing loss, 
     an explanation of the scientific basis for the practice of 
     the Department of determining a disability rating level with 
     respect to hearing based on an examination of that veteran's 
     healthy ear instead of the injured ear.
       (2) An analysis of the reduction in earning capacity for 
     veterans as a result of unilateral hearing loss, with a focus 
     on the ability of those veterans--
       (A) to detect the direction of sound; and
       (B) to understand speech.
       (3) An explanation of the rationale for the practice of the 
     Department of not issuing a compensable rating for hearing 
     loss at certain levels that are severe enough to require the 
     use of hearing aids.
       (4) A survey of the audiologists that conduct compensation 
     and pension examinations for the Department to assess the 
     implementation of the most recent edition of the best 
     practices manual for hearing loss and tinnitus examinations 
     that includes the following:
       (A) A description of the training received by those 
     audiologists compared to the methods described in the most 
     recent edition of the best practices manual for hearing loss 
     and tinnitus examinations.
       (B) An assessment of how those audiologists have complied 
     with that training.

[[Page 3231]]

       (C) Whether those audiologists are using a range of tones 
     up to 8000 hertz to test the hearing of veterans.
       (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to authorize or require the Secretary to defer, 
     delay, or replace the ongoing efforts of the Secretary to 
     update the schedule of ratings required by section 1155 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 815. REPORT ON JOINT PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WITH RESPECT 
                   TO HEARING LOSS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
                   AND VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, submit 
     to Congress a report that identifies the following:
       (1) Goals for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 
     Department of Defense for the prevention, early detection, 
     and treatment of hearing loss by the National Center for 
     Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of the 
     Department of Defense.
       (2) Resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs that 
     could be made available to assist the Department of Defense 
     in conducting audiometric tests and tinnitus screenings for 
     members of the Armed Forces.
       (3) Barriers to information being added to the Hearing Loss 
     and Auditory System Injury Registry required under section 
     721(c)(1) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 
     4506).
       (4) Recommendations for any legislative or administrative 
     actions necessary with respect to the Hearing Loss and 
     Auditory System Injury Registry--
       (A) to assist in achieving the goals specified in paragraph 
     (1);
       (B) to improve the adjudication of claims for benefits with 
     respect to hearing loss; and
       (C) to further the research objectives of the National 
     Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of 
     the Department of Defense.
       (b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 816. LIMITATION ON AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF BONUSES PAYABLE 
                   TO PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2014.

       The aggregate amount of bonuses and awards payable to 
     personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 
     45 or 53 of title 5, United States Code, or any other 
     provision of such title, during fiscal year 2014 may not 
     exceed $368,000,000.

     SEC. 817. DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN WORLD WAR II CITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     designate at least one city in the United States each year as 
     an ``American World War II City''.
       (b) Criteria for Designation.--After the designation made 
     under subsection (c), the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Defense, shall make each designation under 
     subsection (a) based on the following criteria:
       (1) Contributions by a city to the war effort during World 
     War II, including those related to defense manufacturing, 
     bond drives, service in the Armed Forces, and the presence of 
     military facilities within the city.
       (2) Efforts by a city to preserve the history of the city's 
     contributions during World War II, including through the 
     establishment of preservation organizations or museums, 
     restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of 
     World War II veterans.
       (c) First American World War II City.--The city of 
     Wilmington, North Carolina, is designated as an ``American 
     World War II City''.
       (d) Expiration of Authority.--The requirements of 
     subsections (a) and (b) shall terminate on the date that is 
     five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                        TITLE IX--IRAN SANCTIONS

     SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Nuclear Weapon Free Iran 
     Act of 2014''.

     SEC. 902. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NUCLEAR WEAPON CAPABILITIES OF 
                   IRAN.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Government of Iran continues to expand the nuclear 
     and missile programs of Iran in violation of multiple United 
     Nations Security Council resolutions.
       (2) The Government of Iran has a decades-long track record 
     of violating commitments regarding the nuclear program of 
     Iran and has used diplomatic negotiations as a subterfuge to 
     advance its nuclear weapons program.
       (3) Iran remains the world's foremost state sponsor of 
     terrorism, having directed, supported, and financed acts of 
     terrorism against the United States and its allies that have 
     resulted in the thousands of deaths, including the deaths of 
     United States citizens and members of the Armed Forces of the 
     United States.
       (4) The Government of Iran and its terrorist proxies, 
     particularly Lebanese Hezbollah, continue to provide military 
     and financial support to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in 
     Syria, aiding that regime in the mass killing of the people 
     of Syria.
       (5) The Government of Iran continues to sow instability in 
     the Middle East and threaten its neighbors, including allies 
     of the United States, such as Israel.
       (6) The Government of Iran denies its people fundamental 
     freedoms, including freedom of the press, freedom of 
     assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of conscience.
       (7) Strict sanctions on Iran, imposed by the United States 
     and the international community, are responsible for bringing 
     Iran to the negotiating table.
       (8) President Hassan Rouhani of Iran has in the past 
     admitted to using diplomatic negotiations to buy time for 
     Iran to make nuclear advances.
       (9) Based on Iran's current stockpile of uranium enriched 
     to 3.5 percent and 20 percent and its current centrifuge 
     capacity, Iran could produce a sufficient quantity of 
     weapons-grade uranium for a bomb in one to 2 months' time.
       (10) If the Government of Iran commences the operation of 
     its heavy water reactor in Arak, it could establish an 
     alternate pathway to a nuclear weapon through the production 
     of plutonium.
       (11) As of the date of the enactment of this Act, 19 
     countries access nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without 
     conducting any enrichment or reprocessing activities within 
     those countries.
       (12) The Government of Iran could likewise access nuclear 
     energy for peaceful purposes without conducting any 
     enrichment or reprocessing activities within Iran.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Government of Iran must not be allowed to develop 
     or maintain nuclear weapon capabilities;
       (2) all instruments of power and influence of the United 
     States should remain on the table to prevent the Government 
     of Iran from developing nuclear weapon capabilities;
       (3) the Government of Iran does not have an absolute or 
     inherent right to enrichment and reprocessing capabilities 
     and technologies under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of 
     Nuclear Weapons, done at Washington, London, and Moscow July 
     1, 1968, and entered into force March 5, 1970 (commonly known 
     as the ``Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty'');
       (4) the imposition of sanctions under this title, including 
     sanctions on exports of petroleum from Iran, is triggered by 
     violations by Iran of any interim or final agreement 
     regarding its nuclear program, failure to reach a final 
     agreement in a discernible time frame, or the breach of other 
     conditions described in section 931;
       (5) if the Government of Israel is compelled to take 
     military action in legitimate self-defense against Iran's 
     nuclear weapon program, the United States Government should 
     stand with Israel and provide, in accordance with the law of 
     the United States and the constitutional responsibility of 
     Congress to authorize the use of military force, diplomatic, 
     military, and economic support to the Government of Israel in 
     its defense of its territory, people, and existence;
       (6) the United States should continue to impose sanctions 
     on the Government of Iran and its terrorist proxies for their 
     continuing sponsorship of terrorism; and
       (7) the United States should continue to impose sanctions 
     on the Government of Iran for--
       (A) its ongoing abuses of human rights; and
       (B) its actions in support of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

           Subtitle A--Expansion and Imposition of Sanctions

     SEC. 911. APPLICABILITY OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
                   PETROLEUM TRANSACTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1245(d)(4)(D)(i) of the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (22 U.S.C. 
     8513a(d)(4)(D)(i)) is amended--
       (1) in subclause (I), by striking ``reduced reduced its 
     volume of crude oil purchases from Iran'' and inserting 
     ``reduced the volume of its purchases of petroleum from Iran 
     or of Iranian origin''; and
       (2) in subclause (II), by striking ``crude oil purchases 
     from Iran'' and inserting ``purchases of petroleum from Iran 
     or of Iranian origin''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 1245(h) of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8513a(h)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (5) and (6), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Iranian origin.--The term `Iranian origin', with 
     respect to petroleum, means extracted, produced, or refined 
     in Iran.
       ``(4) Petroleum.--The term `petroleum' includes crude oil, 
     lease condensates, fuel oils, and other unfinished oils.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 102(b) of the Iran 
     Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 
     U.S.C. 8712(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--

[[Page 3232]]

       (A) by striking ``crude oil purchases from Iran'' and 
     inserting ``purchases of petroleum from Iran or of Iranian 
     origin''; and
       (B) by striking ``as amended by section 504,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``crude oil purchases'' 
     and inserting ``purchases of petroleum from Iran or of 
     Iranian origin''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply with respect to determinations under section 
     1245(d)(4)(D)(i) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     for Fiscal Year 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8513a(d)(4)(D)(i)) on or 
     after the date that is 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 912. INELIGIBILITY FOR EXCEPTION TO CERTAIN SANCTIONS 
                   FOR COUNTRIES THAT DO NOT REDUCE PURCHASES OF 
                   PETROLEUM FROM IRAN OR OF IRANIAN ORIGIN TO A 
                   DE MINIMIS LEVEL.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to seek to ensure that all countries reduce their 
     purchases of crude oil, lease condensates, fuel oils, and 
     other unfinished oils from Iran or of Iranian origin to a de 
     minimis level by the end of the 1-year period beginning on 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Ineligibility for Exceptions to Sanctions.--Section 
     1245(d)(4)(D) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8513a(d)(4)(D)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) Ineligibility for exception.--

       ``(I) In general.--A country that purchased petroleum from 
     Iran or of Iranian origin during the one-year period 
     preceding the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon 
     Free Iran Act of 2014 may continue to receive an exception 
     under clause (i) on or after the date that is one year after 
     such date of enactment only--

       ``(aa) if the country reduces its purchases of petroleum 
     from Iran or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level by the 
     end of the one-year period beginning on such date of 
     enactment; or
       ``(bb) as provided in subclause (II) or (III).

       ``(II) Countries that dramatically reduce purchases.--

       ``(aa) In general.--A country that would otherwise be 
     ineligible pursuant to subclause (I)(aa) to receive an 
     exception under clause (i) may continue to receive such an 
     exception during the one-year period beginning on the date 
     that is one year after the date of the enactment of the 
     Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014 if the country--
       ``(AA) dramatically reduces by at least 30 percent its 
     purchases of petroleum from Iran or of Iranian origin during 
     the one-year period beginning on such date of enactment; and
       ``(BB) is expected to reduce its purchases of petroleum 
     from Iran or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level within a 
     defined period of time that is not longer than 2 years after 
     such date of enactment.
       ``(bb) Termination of exception.--If a country that 
     continues to receive an exception under clause (i) pursuant 
     to item (aa) does not reduce its purchases of petroleum from 
     Iran or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level by the date 
     that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of the 
     Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014, that country shall not 
     be eligible for such an exception on or after the date that 
     is 2 years after such date of enactment.

       ``(III) Reinstatement of eligibility for exception.--A 
     country that becomes ineligible for an exception under clause 
     (i) pursuant to subclause (I) or (II) shall be eligible for 
     such an exception in accordance with the provisions of clause 
     (i) on and after the date on which the President determines 
     the country has reduced its purchases of petroleum from Iran 
     or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level.''.

       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1245(d)(4)(D)(i) of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (22 
     U.S.C. 8513a(d)(4)(D)(i)) is amended in the matter preceding 
     subclause (I) by striking ``Sanctions imposed'' and inserting 
     ``Except as provided in clause (iii), sanctions imposed''.

     SEC. 913. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO PORTS, 
                   SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES, AND STRATEGIC SECTORS 
                   OF IRAN.

       (a) Findings.--Section 1244(a)(1) of the Iran Freedom and 
     Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8803(a)(1)) is 
     amended by striking ``and shipbuilding'' and inserting 
     ``shipbuilding, construction, engineering, and mining''.
       (b) Expansion of Designation of Entities of Proliferation 
     Concern.--Section 1244(b) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-
     Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8803(b)) is amended by 
     striking ``in Iran and entities in the energy, shipping, and 
     shipbuilding sectors'' and inserting ``, special economic 
     zones, or free economic zones in Iran, and entities in 
     strategic sectors''.
       (c) Expansion of Entities Subject to Asset Freeze.--Section 
     1244(c) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 
     2012 (22 U.S.C. 8803(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``the date that is 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act'' and 
     inserting ``the date that is 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act'' and inserting ``the date that is 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act 
     of 2014'';
       (B) by striking ``the energy, shipping, or shipbuilding 
     sectors'' each place it appears and inserting ``a strategic 
     sector''; and
       (C) by inserting ``, special economic zone, or free 
     economic zone'' after ``port'' each place it appears; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Strategic sector defined.--
       ``(A) In general.--In this section, the term `strategic 
     sector' means--
       ``(i) the energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and mining 
     sectors of Iran;
       ``(ii) except as provided in subparagraph (B), the 
     construction and engineering sectors of Iran; and
       ``(iii) any other sector the President designates as of 
     strategic importance to Iran.
       ``(B) Exception for construction and engineering of 
     schools, hospitals, and similar facilities.--For purposes of 
     this section, a person engaged in the construction or 
     engineering of schools, hospitals, or similar facilities (as 
     determined by the President) shall not be considered part of 
     a strategic sector of Iran.
       ``(C) Notification of strategic sector designation.--The 
     President shall submit to Congress a notification of the 
     designation of a sector as a strategic sector of Iran for 
     purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii) not later than 5 days after 
     the date on which the President makes the designation.''.
       (d) Additional Sanctions With Respect to Strategic 
     Sectors.--Section 1244(d) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-
     Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8803(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``the date that is 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act'' and 
     inserting ``the date that is 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the date that is 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act'' and 
     inserting ``the date that is 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``the energy, shipping, 
     or shipbuilding sectors'' and inserting ``a strategic 
     sector''.
       (e) Sale, Supply, or Transfer of Certain Materials to or 
     From Iran.--Section 1245 of the Iran Freedom and Counter-
     Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8804) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act'' and inserting ``the date that is 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act 
     of 2014''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)(i)(I), by striking ``the energy, 
     shipping, or shipbuilding sectors'' and inserting ``a 
     strategic sector (as defined in section 1244(c)(4))''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``the date that is 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act'' and 
     inserting ``the date that is 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014''.
       (f) Provision of Insurance to Sanctioned Persons.--Section 
     1246(a)(1) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act 
     of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8805(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act'' and inserting ``the date that is 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act 
     of 2014''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``the energy, 
     shipping, or shipbuilding sectors'' and inserting ``a 
     strategic sector (as defined in section 1244(c)(4))''.
       (g) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1244 of the Iran 
     Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 
     8803), as amended by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d), is 
     further amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``the energy, 
     shipping, and shipbuilding'' and inserting ``certain ports, 
     economic zones, and'';
       (2) in subsection (b), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Ports and Entities in the Energy, Shipping, and 
     Shipbuilding Sectors of Iran'' and inserting ``Certain 
     Entities'';
       (3) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Entities in Energy, Shipping, and Shipbuilding 
     Sectors'' and inserting ``Certain Entities''; and
       (4) in subsection (d), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``the Energy, Shipping, and Shipbuilding'' and 
     inserting ``Strategic''.

     SEC. 914. IDENTIFICATION OF, AND IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH 
                   RESPECT TO, CERTAIN IRANIAN INDIVIDUALS.

       (a) Expansion of Individuals Identified.--Section 221(a) of 
     the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 
     (22 U.S.C. 8727(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``; or'' and inserting 
     a semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

[[Page 3233]]

       ``(3) an individual who engages in activities for or on 
     behalf of the Government of Iran that enables Iran to evade 
     sanctions imposed by the United States with respect to Iran;
       ``(4) an individual acting on behalf of the Government of 
     Iran who is involved in corrupt activities of that Government 
     or the diversion of humanitarian goods, including 
     agricultural commodities, food, medicine, and medical 
     devices, intended for the people of Iran; or
       ``(5) a senior official--
       ``(A) of an entity designated for the imposition of 
     sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic 
     Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) in connection with--
       ``(i) Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction 
     or delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction; or
       ``(ii) Iran's support for acts of international terrorism; 
     and
       ``(B) who was involved in the activity for which the entity 
     was designated for the imposition of sanctions.''.
       (b) Expansion of Senior Officials Described.--Section 
     221(b) of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights 
     Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8727(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) a senior official of--
       ``(A) the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran;
       ``(B) the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran;
       ``(C) the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran;
       ``(D) the Council of Ministers of Iran;
       ``(E) the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of 
     Iran;
       ``(F) the Ministry of Justice of Iran;
       ``(G) the Ministry of Interior of Iran;
       ``(H) the prison system of Iran; or
       ``(I) the judicial system of Iran.''.
       (c) Blocking of Property.--Section 221 of the Iran Threat 
     Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8727) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Blocking of Property.--
       ``(1) Officials and other actors.--In the case of an 
     individual described in paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) of 
     subsection (a) who is on the list required by that 
     subsection, the President shall block and prohibit all 
     transactions in all property and interests in property of 
     that individual if such property or interests in property are 
     in the United States, come within the United States, or are 
     or come within the possession or control of a United States 
     person.
       ``(2) Family members.--In the case of an individual 
     described in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) who is on the 
     list required by that subsection, the President shall block 
     and prohibit a transaction in property or an interest in 
     property of that individual if the property or interest in 
     property--
       ``(A) was transferred to that individual from an individual 
     described in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) who is on the 
     list required by that subsection; and
       ``(B) is in the United States, comes within the United 
     States, or is or comes within the possession or control of a 
     United States person.''.
       (d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 221 of the Iran Threat 
     Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 
     8727), as amended by subsections (a), (b), and (c), is 
     further amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting 
     ``identification of, and imposition of sanctions with respect 
     to, certain iranian individuals'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``the date of the 
     enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of the 
     enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsection (d)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (e)''.
       (e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Iran 
     Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 
     U.S.C. 8701 et seq.) is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 221 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 221. Identification of, and imposition of sanctions with respect 
              to, certain Iranian individuals.''.

     SEC. 915. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
                   TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES WITH OR FOR 
                   CERTAIN SANCTIONED PERSONS.

       (a) In General.--Title II of the Iran Threat Reduction and 
     Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8721 et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting after section 221 the following:

                     ``Subtitle C--Other Matters'';

       (2) by redesignating sections 222, 223, and 224 as sections 
     231, 232, and 233, respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after section 221 the following:

     ``SEC. 222. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
                   TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES WITH CERTAIN 
                   SANCTIONED PERSONS.

       ``(a) Imposition of Sanctions.--The President--
       ``(1) shall prohibit the opening, and prohibit or impose 
     strict conditions on the maintaining, in the United States of 
     a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a 
     foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or 
     facilitates a transaction described in subsection (b)(1); and
       ``(2) may impose sanctions pursuant to the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) with 
     respect to any other person that knowingly conducts or 
     facilitates such a transaction.
       ``(b) Transactions Described.--
       ``(1) In general.--A transaction described in this 
     subsection is a significant transaction conducted or 
     facilitated by a person related to the currency of a country 
     other than the country with primary jurisdiction over the 
     person with, for, or on behalf of--
       ``(A) the Central Bank of Iran or an Iranian financial 
     institution designated by the Secretary of the Treasury for 
     the imposition of sanctions pursuant to the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act; or
       ``(B) a person described in section 1244(c)(2) of the Iran 
     Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 
     8803(c)(2)) (other than a person described in subparagraph 
     (C)(iii) of that subsection).
       ``(2) Primary jurisdiction.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
     a country in which a person operates shall be deemed to have 
     primary jurisdiction over the person only with respect to the 
     operations of the person in that country.
       ``(c) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply with 
     respect to a transaction described in subsection (b)(1) 
     conducted or facilitated--
       ``(1) on or after the date that is 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014 
     pursuant to a contract entered into on or after such date of 
     enactment; and
       ``(2) on or after the date that is 180 days after such date 
     of enactment pursuant to a contract entered into before such 
     date of enactment.
       ``(d) Inapplicability to Humanitarian Transactions.--The 
     President may not impose sanctions under subsection (a) with 
     respect to any person for conducting or facilitating a 
     transaction for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, 
     medicine, or medical devices to Iran or for the provision of 
     humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran.
       ``(e) Waiver.--
       ``(1) In general.--The President may waive the application 
     of subsection (a) with respect to a person for a period of 
     not more than 180 days, and may renew that waiver for 
     additional periods of not more than 180 days, if the 
     President--
       ``(A) determines that the waiver is important to the 
     national interest of the United States; and
       ``(B) not less than 15 days after the waiver or the renewal 
     of the waiver, as the case may be, takes effect, submits a 
     report to the appropriate congressional committees on the 
     waiver and the reason for the waiver.
       ``(2) Form of report.--Each report submitted under 
     paragraph (1)(B) shall be submitted in unclassified form but 
     may contain a classified annex.
       ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Financial institution; iranian financial 
     institution.--The terms `financial institution' and `Iranian 
     financial institution' have the meanings given those terms in 
     section 104A(d) of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, 
     Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 
     8513b(d)).
       ``(2) Transaction.--The term `transaction' includes a 
     foreign exchange swap, a foreign exchange forward, and any 
     other type of currency exchange or conversion or derivative 
     instrument.''.
       (b) Additional Definitions.--Section 2 of the Iran Threat 
     Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (22 U.S.C. 8701) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as 
     paragraphs (5), (6), and (9), respectively;
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Account; correspondent account; payable-through 
     account.--The terms `account', `correspondent account', and 
     `payable-through account' have the meanings given those terms 
     in section 5318A of title 31, United States Code.
       ``(2) Agricultural commodity.--The term `agricultural 
     commodity' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of 
     the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602).
       ``(3) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     `appropriate congressional committees' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 14 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 
     (Public Law 104-172; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note).
       ``(4) Domestic financial institution; foreign financial 
     institution.--The terms `domestic financial institution' and 
     `foreign financial institution' have the meanings determined 
     by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to section 104(i) 
     of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and 
     Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8513(i)).''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1), the following:

[[Page 3234]]

       ``(7) Medical device.--The term `medical device' has the 
     meaning given the term `device' in section 201 of the Federal 
     Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321).
       ``(8) Medicine.--The term `medicine' has the meaning given 
     the term `drug' in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
     Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321).''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Iran 
     Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 is 
     amended by striking the items relating to sections 222, 223, 
     and 224 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 222. Imposition of sanctions with respect to transactions in 
              foreign currencies with certain sanctioned persons.

                      ``Subtitle C--Other Matters

``Sec. 231. Sense of Congress and rule of construction relating to 
              certain authorities of State and local governments.
``Sec. 232. Government Accountability Office report on foreign entities 
              that invest in the energy sector of Iran or export 
              refined petroleum products to Iran.
``Sec. 233. Reporting on the importation to and exportation from Iran 
              of crude oil and refined petroleum products.''.

     SEC. 916. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PROSPECTIVE SANCTIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that, if additional sanctions 
     are imposed pursuant to this title and the Government of Iran 
     continues to pursue an illicit nuclear weapons program, 
     Congress should pursue additional stringent sanctions on 
     Iran, such as sanctions on entities providing the Government 
     of Iran access to assets of the Government of Iran held 
     outside Iran, sanctions on Iran's energy sector, including 
     its natural gas sector, and sanctions on entities providing 
     certain underwriting, insurance, or reinsurance to the 
     Government of Iran.

                  Subtitle B--Enforcement of Sanctions

     SEC. 921. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE PROVISION OF SPECIALIZED 
                   FINANCIAL MESSAGING SERVICES TO THE CENTRAL 
                   BANK OF IRAN AND OTHER SANCTIONED IRANIAN 
                   FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the President has been engaged in intensive diplomatic 
     efforts to ensure that sanctions against Iran are imposed and 
     maintained multilaterally to sharply restrict the access of 
     the Government of Iran to the global financial system;
       (2) the European Union is to be commended for strengthening 
     the multilateral sanctions regime against Iran by prohibiting 
     all persons subject to the jurisdiction of the European Union 
     from providing specialized financial messaging services to 
     the Central Bank of Iran and other sanctioned Iranian 
     financial institutions;
       (3) in order to continue to sharply restrict access by Iran 
     to the global financial system, the President and the 
     European Union must continue to expeditiously address any 
     judicial, administrative, or other decisions in their 
     respective jurisdictions that might weaken the current 
     multilateral sanctions regime, including decisions regarding 
     the designation of financial institutions and global 
     specialized financial messaging service providers for 
     sanctions; and
       (4) existing restrictions on the access of Iran to global 
     specialized financial messaging services should be 
     maintained.

     SEC. 922. INCLUSION OF TRANSFERS OF GOODS, SERVICES, AND 
                   TECHNOLOGIES TO STRATEGIC SECTORS OF IRAN FOR 
                   PURPOSES OF IDENTIFYING DESTINATIONS OF 
                   DIVERSION CONCERN.

       (a) In General.--Section 302(b) of the Comprehensive Iran 
     Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 
     U.S.C. 8542(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
     ``; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) strategic sectors; and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``; or'' and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) that will be sold, transferred, or otherwise made 
     available to a strategic sector of Iran.''.
       (b) Strategic Sector Defined.--Section 301 of the 
     Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment 
     Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8541) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (15); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:
       ``(14) Strategic sector.--The term `strategic sector' has 
     the meaning given that term in section 1244(c)(4) of the Iran 
     Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012.''.
       (c) Submission of Report.--Section 302(a) of the 
     Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment 
     Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8542(a)) is amended by striking ``180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act'' and 
     inserting ``90 days after the date of the enactment of the 
     Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014''.

     SEC. 923. AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL MEASURES WITH RESPECT 
                   TO DESTINATIONS OF DIVERSION CONCERN.

       (a) In General.--Section 303(c) of the Comprehensive Iran 
     Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 
     U.S.C. 8543(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Not later than'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Licensing requirement.--Not later than''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Additional measures.--The President may--
       ``(A) impose restrictions on United States foreign 
     assistance or measures authorized under the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) with 
     respect to a country designated as a Destination of Diversion 
     Concern under subsection (a) if the President determines that 
     those restrictions or measures would prevent the diversion of 
     goods, services, and technologies described in section 302(b) 
     to Iranian end-users or Iranian intermediaries; or
       ``(B) prohibit the issuance of a license under section 38 
     of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) for the 
     export to such a country of a defense article or defense 
     service for which a notification to Congress would be 
     required under section 36(b) of that Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(b)).
       ``(3) Report required.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 
     2014, and every 90 days thereafter, the President shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report--
       ``(A) identifying countries that have allowed the diversion 
     through the country of goods, services, or technologies 
     described in section 302(b) to Iranian end-users or Iranian 
     intermediaries during the 180-day period preceding the 
     submission of the report;
       ``(B) identifying the persons that engaged in such 
     diversion during that period; and
       ``(C) describing the activities relating to diversion in 
     which those countries and persons engaged.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 303 of the 
     Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment 
     Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8543) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Licensing Requirement'' and inserting ``Licensing 
     and Other Measures''; and
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (c)(1)'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (c)(1)''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``is it'' and inserting 
     ``it is''.

     SEC. 924. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INCREASED STAFFING FOR 
                   AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND 
                   ENFORCEMENT OF SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) when the President submits the President's budget for 
     fiscal year 2015 to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 
     31, United States Code, the President should, in that budget, 
     prioritize--
       (A) resources for the Office of Foreign Assets Control for 
     the Department of Treasury dedicated to the implementation 
     and enforcement of sanctions with respect to Iran; and
       (B) resources for the Department of State dedicated to the 
     implementation and enforcement of sanctions with respect to 
     Iran; and
       (2) the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives should prioritize the resources described 
     in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) during 
     consideration of authorization and appropriations legislation 
     in future fiscal years.

                Subtitle C--Implementation of Sanctions

     SEC. 931. SUSPENSION OF SANCTIONS TO FACILITATE A DIPLOMATIC 
                   SOLUTION.

       (a) Suspension of New Sanctions.--
       (1) In general.--The President may suspend the application 
     of sanctions imposed under this title or amendments made by 
     this title for a 180-day period beginning on the earlier of 
     the date of the enactment of this Act or the date on which 
     the President submits a notification described in paragraph 
     (5) to the appropriate congressional committees, if the 
     President makes the certification described in paragraph (2) 
     to the appropriate congressional committees every 30 days 
     during that period.
       (2) Certification described.--A certification described in 
     this paragraph is a certification that--
       (A) Iran is complying with the provisions of the Joint Plan 
     of Action and any agreement to implement the Joint Plan of 
     Action;
       (B) Iran has agreed to specific and verifiable measures to 
     implement the Joint Plan of Action;
       (C) Iran is transparently, verifiably, and fully 
     implementing the Joint Plan of Action and any agreement to 
     implement the Joint Plan of Action;
       (D) Iran has not breached the terms of or any commitment 
     made pursuant to the Joint Plan of Action or any agreement to 
     implement the Joint Plan of Action;

[[Page 3235]]

       (E) Iran is proactively and in good faith engaged in 
     negotiations toward a final agreement or arrangement to 
     terminate its illicit nuclear activities, related 
     weaponization activities, and any other nuclear activity not 
     required for a civilian nuclear program;
       (F) the United States is working toward a final agreement 
     or arrangement that will dismantle Iran's illicit nuclear 
     infrastructure to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear 
     weapons capability and permit daily verification, monitoring, 
     and inspections of suspect facilities in Iran so that an 
     effort by Iran to produce a nuclear weapon would be quickly 
     detected;
       (G) any suspension of or relief from sanctions provided to 
     Iran pursuant to the Joint Plan of Action is temporary, 
     reversible, and proportionate to the specific and verifiable 
     measures taken by Iran with respect to terminating its 
     illicit nuclear program and related weaponization activities;
       (H) Iran has not directly, or through a proxy, supported, 
     financed, planned, or otherwise carried out an act of 
     terrorism against the United States or United States persons 
     or property anywhere in the world;
       (I) Iran has not conducted any tests for ballistic missiles 
     with a range exceeding 500 kilometers; and
       (J) the suspension of sanctions is vital to the national 
     security interests of the United States.
       (3) Renewal of suspension.--Following the 180-day period 
     described in paragraph (1), the President may renew a 
     suspension of sanctions under that paragraph for 2 additional 
     periods of not more than 30 days if, for each such renewal, 
     the President submits to the appropriate congressional 
     committees--
       (A) a certification described in paragraph (2) that covers 
     the 30 days preceding the certification; and
       (B) a certification that a final agreement or arrangement 
     with Iran to fully and verifiably terminate its illicit 
     nuclear program and related weaponization activities is 
     imminent and that Iran will, pursuant to that agreement or 
     arrangement, dismantle its illicit nuclear infrastructure to 
     preclude a nuclear breakout capability and other capabilities 
     critical to the production of nuclear weapons.
       (4) Termination of suspension of existing sanctions.--
       (A) In general.--Any sanctions deferred, waived, or 
     otherwise suspended by the President pursuant to the Joint 
     Plan of Action or any agreement to implement the Joint Plan 
     of Action, including sanctions suspended under this section 
     and sanctions relating to precious metals, petrochemicals, 
     Iran's automotive sector, and sanctions pursuant to section 
     1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8513a), shall be reinstated immediately 
     if--
       (i)(I) during the 180-day period described in paragraph 
     (1), the President does not submit a certification every 30 
     days pursuant that paragraph; or
       (II) the President does not renew the suspension of 
     sanctions pursuant to paragraph (3);
       (ii) Iran breaches its commitments under either the Joint 
     Plan of Action or a final agreement or arrangement described 
     in subsection (b)(1); or
       (iii) no final arrangement or agreement is reached with 
     Iran by the earlier of the date that is 240 days after--

       (I) the date of the enactment of this Act; or
       (II) the date on which the President submits a notification 
     described in paragraph (5) to the appropriate congressional 
     committees.

       (B) Waiver.--
       (i) In general.--The President may waive the reinstatement 
     of any sanction under subparagraph (A)(iii) for periods of 
     not more than 30 days during the period specified in clause 
     (ii) if, for each such waiver, the President submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees--

       (I) a notification of the waiver;
       (II) a certification described in paragraph (2) that covers 
     the 30 days preceding the certification;
       (III) a certification that the waiver is vital to the 
     national security interests of the United States with respect 
     to the dismantlement of Iran's illicit nuclear weapons 
     program; and
       (IV) a detailed report on the status of the negotiations 
     with the Government of Iran on a final agreement or 
     arrangement to terminate its illicit nuclear program and 
     related weaponization activities, including an assessment of 
     prospects for and the expected timeline to reach such an 
     agreement or arrangement.

       (ii) Period specified.--The period specified in this clause 
     is the period that begins on the date of the enactment of 
     this Act and ends on the earlier of the date that is one year 
     after--

       (I) such date of enactment; or
       (II) the date on which the President submits a notification 
     described in paragraph (5) to the appropriate congressional 
     committees.

       (5) Notification relating to agreement to implement joint 
     plan of action.--Not later than 3 days after Iran has agreed 
     to specific and verifiable measures to implement the Joint 
     Plan of Action, the President shall notify the appropriate 
     congressional committees of that agreement.
       (b) Suspension for a Final Agreement or Arrangement.--
       (1) In general.--Unless a joint resolution of disapproval 
     is enacted pursuant to subsection (c), the President may 
     suspend the application of sanctions imposed under this title 
     or amendments made by this title for a one-year period if the 
     President certifies to the appropriate congressional 
     committees that the United States and its allies have reached 
     a final and verifiable agreement or arrangement with Iran 
     that will--
       (A) dismantle Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure, 
     including enrichment and reprocessing capabilities and 
     facilities, the heavy water reactor and production plant at 
     Arak, and any nuclear weapon components and technology, so 
     that Iran is precluded from a nuclear breakout capability and 
     prevented from pursuing both uranium and plutonium pathways 
     to a nuclear weapon;
       (B) bring Iran into compliance with all United Nations 
     Security Council resolutions related to Iran's nuclear 
     program, including Resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 
     (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), and 1929 (2010), with a 
     view toward bringing to a satisfactory conclusion the 
     Security Council's consideration of matters relating to 
     Iran's nuclear program;
       (C) resolve all issues of past and present concern with the 
     International Atomic Energy Agency, including possible 
     military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program;
       (D) permit continuous, around the clock, on-site 
     inspection, verification, and monitoring of all suspect 
     facilities in Iran, including installation and use of any 
     compliance verification equipment requested by the 
     International Atomic Energy Agency, so that any effort by 
     Iran to produce a nuclear weapon would be quickly detected; 
     and
       (E) require Iran's full implementation of and compliance 
     with the Agreement between Iran and the International Atomic 
     Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection 
     with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 
     done at Vienna June 19, 1973, including modified Code 3.1 of 
     the Subsidiary Arrangements to that Agreement and 
     ratification and implementation of the Protocol Additional to 
     that Agreement, done at Vienna December 18, 2003; and
       (F) requires Iran's implementation of measures in addition 
     to the Protocol Additional that include verification by the 
     International Atomic Energy Agency of Iran's centrifuge 
     manufacturing facilities, including raw materials and 
     components, and Iran's uranium mines and mills.
       (2) Renewal of suspension.--The President may renew the 
     suspension of sanctions pursuant to paragraph (1) for 
     additional one-year periods if, for each such renewal, the 
     President--
       (A) certifies to the appropriate congressional committees 
     that Iran is complying with the terms of the final 
     arrangement or agreement, including by--
       (i) dismantling Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure, 
     including enrichment and reprocessing capabilities and 
     facilities, and the heavy water reactor and production plant 
     at Arak, so that Iran is prevented from pursuing both uranium 
     and plutonium pathways to a nuclear weapon;
       (ii) permitting continuous, around the clock, on-site 
     inspection, verification, and monitoring of all suspect 
     facilities in Iran, including installation and use of any 
     compliance verification equipment requested by the 
     International Atomic Energy Agency, so that any effort by 
     Iran to produce a nuclear weapon would be quickly detected;
       (iii) resolving all issues of past and present concern with 
     the International Atomic Energy Agency, including possible 
     military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program;
       (iv) remaining in full compliance with all United Nations 
     Security Council resolutions related to Iran's nuclear 
     program, including Resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 
     (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), and 1929 (2010);
       (v) fully implementing and complying with the Agreement 
     between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency for 
     the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty 
     on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, done at Vienna 
     June 19, 1973, including modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary 
     Arrangements to that Agreement and ratification and 
     implementation of the Protocol Additional to that Agreement, 
     done at Vienna December 18, 2003; and
       (vi) implementing measures, in addition to the Protocol 
     Additional, that include verification by the International 
     Atomic Energy Agency of Iran's centrifuge manufacturing 
     facilities, including raw materials and components, and 
     Iran's uranium mines and mills; and
       (B) submits to the appropriate congressional committees 
     with the certification under subparagraph (A) a detailed 
     report describing the actions taken by Iran to comply with 
     the terms of the final arrangement or agreement.
       (c) Joint Resolution of Disapproval.--
       (1) In general.--In this subsection, the term ``joint 
     resolution of disapproval'' means only a joint resolution of 
     the 2 Houses of Congress, the sole matter after the resolving 
     clause of which is as follows: ``That Congress

[[Page 3236]]

     disapproves of the suspension of sanctions imposed with 
     respect to Iran under section 931(b)(1) of the Nuclear Weapon 
     Free Iran Act of 2014 pursuant to the certification of the 
     President submitted to Congress under that section on 
     ______'', with the blank space being filled with the 
     appropriate date.
       (2) Procedures for considering resolutions.--
       (A) Introduction.--A joint resolution of disapproval--
       (i) may be introduced in the House of Representatives or 
     the Senate during the 15-day period beginning on the date on 
     which the President submits a certification under subsection 
     (b)(1) to the appropriate congressional committees;
       (ii) in the House of Representatives, may be introduced by 
     the Speaker or the minority leader or a Member of the House 
     designated by the Speaker or minority leader;
       (iii) in the Senate, may be introduced by the majority 
     leader or minority leader of the Senate or a Member of the 
     Senate designated by the majority leader or minority leader; 
     and
       (iv) may not be amended.
       (B) Referral to committees.--A joint resolution of 
     disapproval introduced in the Senate shall be referred to the 
     Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and a joint 
     resolution of disapproval in the House of Representatives 
     shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
       (C) Committee discharge and floor consideration.--The 
     provisions of subsections (c) through (f) of section 152 of 
     the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2192) (relating to committee 
     discharge and floor consideration of certain resolutions in 
     the House of Representatives and the Senate) apply to a joint 
     resolution of disapproval under this subsection to the same 
     extent that such subsections apply to joint resolutions under 
     such section 152, except that--
       (i) subsection (c)(1) shall be applied and administered by 
     substituting ``10 days'' for ``30 days''; and
       (ii) subsection (f)(1)(A)(i) shall be applied and 
     administered by substituting ``Committee on Banking, Housing, 
     and Urban Affairs'' for ``Committee on Finance''.
       (3) Rules of the house of representatives and senate.--This 
     subsection is enacted by Congress--
       (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate 
     and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such 
     is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, 
     but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be 
     followed in that House in the case of a joint resolution, and 
     it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is 
     inconsistent with such rules; and
       (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of 
     either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the 
     procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner and 
     to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that 
     House.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 14 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 
     1996 (Public Law 104-172; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note).
       (2) Joint plan of action.--The term ``Joint Plan of 
     Action'' means the Joint Plan of Action, signed at Geneva 
     November 24, 2013, by Iran and by France, Germany, the 
     Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, the 
     United Kingdom, and the United States.
       (3) United states person.--The term ``United States 
     person'' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of 
     the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and 
     Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8511).

                     Subtitle D--General Provisions

     SEC. 941. EXCEPTION FOR AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION.

       The President may provide for an exception from the 
     imposition of sanctions under the provisions of or amendments 
     made by this title for reconstruction assistance or economic 
     development for Afghanistan--
       (1) to the extent that the President determines that such 
     an exception is in the national interest of the United 
     States; and
       (2) if, not later than 15 days before issuing the 
     exception, the President submits a notification of and 
     justification for the exception to the appropriate 
     congressional committees (as defined in section 14 of the 
     Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-172; 50 U.S.C. 
     1701 note)).

     SEC. 942. EXCEPTION FOR IMPORT RESTRICTIONS.

       No provision of or amendment made by this title authorizes 
     or requires the President to impose sanctions relating to the 
     importation of goods.

     SEC. 943. APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES.

       Nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title 
     shall apply to the authorized intelligence activities of the 
     United States.

     SEC. 944. APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN NATURAL GAS PROJECTS.

       Nothing in this title or any amendment made by this title 
     shall be construed to apply with respect to any activity 
     relating to a project described in subsection (a) of section 
     603 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act 
     of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8783) to which the exception under that 
     section applies at the time of the activity.

     SEC. 945. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF 
                   FORCE AGAINST IRAN.

       Nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title 
     shall be construed as a declaration of war or an 
     authorization of the use of force against Iran.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 2753. Ms. WARREN (for herself and Mr. Rubio) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1982, to 
improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and 
for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 367, after line 14, add the following:

     SEC. 918. PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR INCREASED 
                   PENSION UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS ON BASIS OF NEED FOR REGULAR 
                   AID AND ATTENDANCE.

       (a) Development and Implementation of Standards.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     work with the heads of Federal agencies, States, and such 
     experts as the Secretary considers appropriate to develop and 
     implement Federal and State standards that protect 
     individuals from dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful 
     practices relating to increased pension available to such 
     individuals under chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, 
     on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance.
       (2) Submittal to congress.--Not later than 180 days 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 the standards developed under paragraph (1).
       (b) Conditional Recommendation by Comptroller General.--If 
     the Secretary does not, on or before the date that is 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to 
     the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives standards that are developed under subsection 
     (a)(1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall, 
     not later than the date that is 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, submit to such committees a report 
     containing standards that the Comptroller General determines 
     are standards that would be effective in protecting 
     individuals as described in such subsection.
       (c) Study by Comptroller General.--Not later than 540 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall complete a study on 
     standards implemented under this section to protect 
     individuals as described in subsection (a)(1) and submit to 
     the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report containing the findings of the 
     Comptroller General with respect to such study.

                          ____________________