[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 15858-15880]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 JEFF MILLER AND RICHARD BLUMENTHAL VETERANS HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS 
                        IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016

  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 6416) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 6416

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Jeff 
     Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and 
     Benefits Improvement Act of 2016''.
       (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--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS

Sec. 101. Expedited payment of survivors' benefits.
Sec. 102. Board of Veterans' Appeals video hearings.
Sec. 103. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs publish the 
              average time required to adjudicate early-filed and 
              later-filed appeals.
Sec. 104. Comptroller General review of claims processing performance 
              of regional offices of Veterans Benefits Administration.
Sec. 105. Report on staffing levels at regional offices of Department 
              of Veterans Affairs under National Work Queue.
Sec. 106. Inclusion in annual budget submission of information on 
              capacity of Veterans Benefits Administration to process 
              benefits claims.
Sec. 107. Report on plans of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reduce 
              inventory of non-rating workload; sense of Congress 
              regarding Monday Morning Workload Report.
Sec. 108. Annual report on progress in implementing Veterans Benefits 
              Management System.
Sec. 109. Improvements to authority for performance of medical 
              disabilities examinations by contract physicians.
Sec. 110. Independent review of process by which Department of Veterans 
              Affairs assesses impairments that result from traumatic 
              brain injury for purposes of awarding disability 
              compensation.
Sec. 111. Reports on claims for disability compensation.
Sec. 112. Sense of Congress regarding American veterans disabled for 
              life.
Sec. 113. Sense of Congress on submittal of information relating to 
              claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by 
              military sexual trauma.

      TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS

Sec. 201. Extension of temporary increase in number of judges on United 
              States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 202. Life insurance program relating to judges of United States 
              Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 203. Voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors' annuity.

[[Page 15859]]

Sec. 204. Selection of chief judge of United States Court of Appeals 
              for Veterans Claims.

              TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 301. Expansion of eligibility for headstones, markers, and 
              medallions.
Sec. 302. Expansion of Presidential Memorial Certificate program.
Sec. 303. Department of Veterans Affairs study on matters relating to 
              burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national 
              cemeteries.
Sec. 304. Study on provision of interments in veterans' cemeteries 
              during weekends.
Sec. 305. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in 
              the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

     TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Sec. 401. Clarification of eligibility for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 
              David Fry Scholarship.
Sec. 402. Approval of courses of education and training for purposes of 
              the vocational rehabilitation program of the Department 
              of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 403. Authority to prioritize vocational rehabilitation services 
              based on need.
Sec. 404. Reports on progress of students receiving Post-9/11 
              Educational Assistance.
Sec. 405. Recodification and improvement of election process for Post-
              9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 406. Work-study allowance.
Sec. 407. Centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain 
              groups, districts, and consortiums of educational 
              institutions.
Sec. 408. Role of State approving agencies.
Sec. 409. Modification of requirements for approval for purposes of 
              educational assistance provided by Department of Veterans 
              Affairs of programs designed to prepare individuals for 
              licensure or certification.
Sec. 410. Criteria used to approve courses.
Sec. 411. Compliance surveys.
Sec. 412. Modification of reductions in reporting fee multipliers for 
              payments by Secretary of Veterans Affairs to educational 
              institutions.
Sec. 413. Composition of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 414. Survey of individuals using their entitlement to educational 
              assistance under the educational assistance programs 
              administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 415. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of information on 
              articulation agreements between institutions of higher 
              learning.
Sec. 416. Retention of entitlement to educational assistance during 
              certain additional periods of active duty.
Sec. 417. Technical amendment relating to in-state tuition rate for 
              individuals to whom entitlement is transferred under all-
              volunteer force educational assistance program and post-
              9/11 educational assistance.
Sec. 418. Study on the effectiveness of veterans transition efforts.

             TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

Sec. 501. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and 
              preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement 
              service for veterans.
Sec. 503. Limitation on administrative leave for employees of 
              Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 504. Required coordination between Directors for Veterans' 
              Employment and Training with State departments of labor 
              and veterans affairs.

                     TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

                        Subtitle A--Medical Care

Sec. 601. Requirement for advance appropriations for the Medical 
              Community Care account of the Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 602. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans.
Sec. 603. Priority of medal of honor recipients in health care system 
              of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 604. Requirement that Department of Veterans Affairs collect 
              health-plan contract information from veterans.
Sec. 605. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified 
              missions.
Sec. 606. Examination and treatment by Department of Veterans Affairs 
              for emergency medical conditions and women in labor.

               Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration

Sec. 611. Time period covered by annual report on Readjustment 
              Counseling Service.
Sec. 612. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and 
              furnishing of hospital care, medical services, and 
              nursing home care.
Sec. 613. Expansion of qualifications for licensed mental health 
              counselors of the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
              include doctoral degrees.
Sec. 614. Modification of hours of employment for physicians employed 
              by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 615. Repeal of compensation panels to determine market pay for 
              physicians and dentists.
Sec. 616. Clarification regarding liability for breach of agreement 
              under Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Incentive 
              Scholarship Program.
Sec. 617. Extension of period for increase in graduate medical 
              education residency positions at medical facilities of 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 618. Report on public access to research by Department of Veterans 
              Affairs.
Sec. 619. Authorization of certain major medical facility projects of 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs.

                       Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure

Sec. 631. Definitions.
Sec. 632. National Academy of Medicine assessment on research relating 
              to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
Sec. 633. Advisory board on research relating to health conditions of 
              descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving 
              in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 634. Research relating to health conditions of descendants of 
              veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the Armed 
              Forces.

                    TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

          Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits

Sec. 701. Expansion of definition of homeless veteran for purposes of 
              benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
              Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 702. Authorization to furnish certain benefits to homeless 
              veterans with discharges or releases under other than 
              honorable conditions.
Sec. 703. Waiver of minimum period of continuous active duty in Armed 
              Forces for certain benefits for homeless veterans.
Sec. 704. Training of personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
              and grant recipients.
Sec. 705. Regulations.
Sec. 706. Effective date.

                 Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters

Sec. 711. Increased per diem payments for transitional housing 
              assistance that becomes permanent housing for homeless 
              veterans.
Sec. 712. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless 
              veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
Sec. 713. Establishment of National Center on Homelessness Among 
              Veterans.
Sec. 714. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs to assess 
              comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 715. Report on outreach relating to increasing the amount of 
              housing available to veterans.

                       TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 801. Department of Veterans Affairs construction reforms.
Sec. 802. Technical and clerical amendments.

     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--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS

     SEC. 101. EXPEDITED PAYMENT OF SURVIVORS' BENEFITS.

       (a) In General.--Section 5101(a)(1) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``A specific'' and inserting ``(A) Except 
     as provided in subparagraph (B), a specific''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B)(i) The Secretary may pay benefits under chapters 13 
     and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of this title to a 
     survivor of a

[[Page 15860]]

     veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the Secretary 
     determines that the record contains sufficient evidence to 
     establish the entitlement of the survivor to such benefits.
       ``(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph and section 5110 
     of this title, the earlier of the following dates shall be 
     treated as the date of the receipt of the survivor's 
     application for benefits described in clause (i):
       ``(I) The date on which the survivor of a veteran (or the 
     representative of such a survivor) notifies the Secretary of 
     the death of the veteran through a death certificate or other 
     relevant evidence that establishes entitlement to survivors' 
     benefits identified in clause (i).
       ``(II) The head of any other department or agency of the 
     Federal Government notifies the Secretary of the death of the 
     veteran.
       ``(iii) In notifying the Secretary of the death of a 
     veteran as described in clause (ii)(I), the survivor (or the 
     representative of such a survivor) may submit to the 
     Secretary additional documents relating to such death without 
     being required to file a formal claim.''.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--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 benefits paid pursuant to covered 
     claims.
       (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include 
     the following:
       (A) The number of covered claims adjudicated during the 
     one-year period preceding the date of the report, 
     disaggregated by the following:
       (i) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to benefits 
     under chapters 13 or 15 or sections 2302, 2307, or 5121 of 
     title 38, United States Code, on the basis of the claimant's 
     status as the spouse of a deceased veteran.
       (ii) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such 
     benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the child 
     of a deceased veteran.
       (iii) Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such 
     benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the parent 
     of a deceased veteran.
       (B) The number of covered claims during such period for 
     which such benefits were not awarded, disaggregated by 
     clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
       (C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of covered 
     claims adjudicated during such period with noncovered claims 
     filed by survivors of a veteran.
       (D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to 
     adjudicating covered claims.
       (E) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for 
     legislative or administrative action to improve the 
     adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for 
     benefits under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, 
     and 5121 of title 38, United States Code.
       (3) Covered claim defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     ``covered claim'' means a claim covered by section 
     5101(a)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to claims for benefits based on a 
     death occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 102. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS VIDEO HEARINGS.

       Section 7107 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d), by amending paragraph (1) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(1)(A)(i) Upon request for a hearing, the Board shall 
     determine, for purposes of scheduling the hearing for the 
     earliest possible date, whether a hearing before the Board 
     will be held at its principal location or at a facility of 
     the Department or other appropriate Federal facility located 
     within the area served by a regional office of the 
     Department.
       ``(ii) The Board shall also determine whether to provide a 
     hearing through the use of the facilities and equipment 
     described in subsection (e)(1) or by the appellant personally 
     appearing before a Board member or panel.
       ``(B)(i) The Board shall notify the appellant of the 
     determinations of the location and type of hearing made under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Upon notification, the appellant may request a 
     different location or type of hearing as described in such 
     subparagraph.
       ``(iii) If so requested, the Board shall grant such request 
     and ensure that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest 
     possible date without any undue delay or other prejudice to 
     the appellant.''; and
       (2) in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(2) Any hearing provided through the use of the 
     facilities and equipment described in paragraph (1) shall be 
     conducted in the same manner as, and shall be considered the 
     equivalent of, a personal hearing.''.

     SEC. 103. REQUIREMENT THAT SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   PUBLISH THE AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED TO ADJUDICATE 
                   EARLY-FILED AND LATER-FILED APPEALS.

       (a) Publication Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--On an ongoing basis, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall make available to the public the 
     following:
       (A) The average length of time to adjudicate an early-filed 
     appeal.
       (B) The average length of time to adjudicate a later-filed 
     appeal.
       (2) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the 
     date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act and shall apply until the date that is three years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 39 months 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 whether publication pursuant to 
     subsection (a)(1) has had an effect on the number of early-
     filed appeals filed.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were 
     filed during the one-year period ending on the effective date 
     specified in subsection (a)(2).
       (B) The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were 
     filed during the one-year period ending on the date that is 
     two years after the effective date specified in subsection 
     (a)(2).
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appeal.--The term ``appeal'' means a notice of 
     disagreement filed pursuant to section 7105(a) of title 38, 
     United States Code, in response to notice of the result of an 
     initial review or determination regarding a claim for a 
     benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs.
       (2) Early-filed.--The term ``early-filed'' with respect to 
     an appeal means that the notice of disagreement was filed not 
     more than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of 
     the result of the initial review or determination described 
     in paragraph (1).
       (3) Later-filed.--The term ``later-filed'' with respect to 
     an appeal means the notice of disagreement was filed more 
     than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of the 
     result of the initial review or determination described in 
     paragraph (1).

     SEC. 104. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF CLAIMS PROCESSING 
                   PERFORMANCE OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF VETERANS 
                   BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Review Required.--Not later than 15 months after the 
     effective date specified in subsection (e), the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall complete a review of the 
     regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration to 
     help the Veterans Benefits Administration achieve more 
     consistent performance in the processing of claims for 
     disability compensation.
       (b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An identification of the following:
       (A) The factors, including management practices, that 
     distinguish higher performing regional offices from other 
     regional offices with respect to claims for disability 
     compensation.
       (B) The best practices employed by higher performing 
     regional offices that distinguish the performance of such 
     offices from other regional offices.
       (C) Such other management practices or tools as the 
     Comptroller General determines could be used to improve the 
     performance of regional offices.
       (2) An assessment of the effectiveness of communication 
     with respect to the processing of claims for disability 
     compensation between the regional offices and veterans 
     service organizations and caseworkers employed by Members of 
     Congress.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the effective 
     date specified in subsection (e), 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 results of the review 
     completed under subsection (a).
       (d) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means any 
     organization recognized by the Secretary for the 
     representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the 
     date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 105. REPORT ON STAFFING LEVELS AT REGIONAL OFFICES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER NATIONAL 
                   WORK QUEUE.

       Not later than 15 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 criteria and procedures that 
     the Secretary will use to determine appropriate staffing 
     levels at the regional offices of the Department under the 
     National Work Queue for the distribution of the claims 
     processing workload.

     SEC. 106. INCLUSION IN ANNUAL BUDGET SUBMISSION OF 
                   INFORMATION ON CAPACITY OF VETERANS BENEFITS 
                   ADMINISTRATION TO PROCESS BENEFITS CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--Along with the supporting information 
     included in the budget

[[Page 15861]]

     submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 
     1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the President shall 
     include information on the capacity of the Veterans Benefits 
     Administration to process claims for benefits under the laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including 
     information described in subsection (b), during the fiscal 
     year covered by the budget with which the information is 
     submitted.
       (b) Information Described.--The information described in 
     this subsection is the following:
       (1) An estimate of the average number of claims for 
     benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary, 
     excluding such claims completed during mandatory overtime, 
     that a single full-time equivalent employee of the 
     Administration should be able to process in a year, based on 
     the following:
       (A) A time and motion study that the Secretary shall 
     conduct on the processing of such claims.
       (B) Such other information relating to such claims as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) A description of the actions the Secretary will take to 
     improve the processing of such claims.
       (3) An assessment of the actions identified by the 
     Secretary under paragraph (2) in the previous year and an 
     identification of the effects of those actions.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect 
     to any budget submitted as described in subsection (a) with 
     respect to any fiscal year after fiscal year 2018.

     SEC. 107. REPORT ON PLANS OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO 
                   REDUCE INVENTORY OF NON-RATING WORKLOAD; SENSE 
                   OF CONGRESS REGARDING MONDAY MORNING WORKLOAD 
                   REPORT.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 120 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 that details the plans of the 
     Secretary to reduce the inventory of work items listed in the 
     Monday Morning Workload Report under End Products 130, 137, 
     173, 290, 400, 600, 607, 690, 930, and 960.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should include in each 
     Monday Morning Workload Report published by the Secretary the 
     following:
       (1) With respect to each regional office of the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs, the following:
       (A) The number of fully developed claims for benefits under 
     the laws administered by the Secretary that have been 
     received.
       (B) The number of claims described in subparagraph (A) that 
     are pending a decision.
       (C) The number of claims described in subparagraph (A) that 
     have been pending a decision for more than 125 days.
       (2) Enhanced information on appeals of decisions relating 
     to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the 
     Secretary that are pending, including information contained 
     in the reports of the Department entitled ``Appeals Pending'' 
     and ``Appeals Workload By Station''.

     SEC. 108. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING VETERANS 
                   BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than each of one year, two 
     years, and three 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 progress of the Secretary in 
     implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System.
       (b) Contents.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of the current functionality of the 
     Veterans Benefits Management System.
       (2) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by employees 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are involved in 
     processing claims for benefits under the laws administered by 
     the Secretary, including veterans service representatives, 
     rating veterans service representatives, and decision review 
     officers, for such legislative or administrative action as 
     the employees consider appropriate to improve the processing 
     of such claims.
       (3) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by veterans 
     service organizations who use the Veterans Benefits 
     Management System for such legislative or administrative 
     action as the veterans service organizations consider 
     appropriate to improve such system.
       (c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``veterans service organization'' means any 
     organization recognized by the Secretary for the 
     representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 109. IMPROVEMENTS TO AUTHORITY FOR PERFORMANCE OF 
                   MEDICAL DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT 
                   PHYSICIANS.

       (a) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
       (1) Temporary authority.--Section 704 of the Veterans 
     Benefits Act of 2003 (38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection (d):
       ``(d) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any law regarding the 
     licensure of physicians, a physician described in paragraph 
     (2) may conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered 
     into under subsection (b) at any location in any State, the 
     District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or 
     possession of the United States, so long as the examination 
     is within the scope of the authorized duties under such 
     contract.
       ``(2) Physician described.--A physician described in this 
     paragraph is a physician who--
       ``(A) has a current unrestricted license to practice the 
     health care profession of the physician;
       ``(B) is not barred from practicing such health care 
     profession in any State, the District of Columbia, or a 
     Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; 
     and
       ``(C) is performing authorized duties for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under 
     subsection (b).''.
       (2) Pilot program.--Section 504 of the Veterans' Benefits 
     Improvement Act of 1996 (38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection (c):
       ``(c) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any law regarding the 
     licensure of physicians, a physician described in paragraph 
     (2) may conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered 
     into under subsection (a) at any location in any State, the 
     District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or 
     possession of the United States, so long as the examination 
     is within the scope of the authorized duties under such 
     contract.
       ``(2) Physician described.--A physician described in this 
     paragraph is a physician who--
       ``(A) has a current unrestricted license to practice the 
     health care profession of the physician;
       ``(B) is not barred from practicing such health care 
     profession in any State, the District of Columbia, or a 
     Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; 
     and
       ``(C) is performing authorized duties for the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under 
     subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 110. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROCESS BY WHICH DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ASSESSES IMPAIRMENTS THAT 
                   RESULT FROM TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FOR PURPOSES 
                   OF AWARDING DISABILITY COMPENSATION.

       (a) Agreement.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies 
     of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to perform the 
     services covered by this section.
       (2) Timing.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into the 
     agreement described in paragraph (1) not later than 9 months 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Comprehensive Review.--
       (1) In general.--Under an agreement between the Secretary 
     and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine under this section, the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall conduct a 
     comprehensive review of examinations furnished by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to individuals who submit 
     claims to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of 
     title 38, United States Code, for traumatic brain injury to 
     assess the impairments of such individuals relating to such 
     injury.
       (2) Elements.--The comprehensive review carried out 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) A determination of the adequacy of the tools and 
     protocols used by the Department to provide examinations 
     described in paragraph (1).
       (B) A determination of which credentials are necessary for 
     health care specialists and providers to perform such 
     portions of such examinations that relate to an assessment of 
     all disabling effects.
       (3) Group of experienced health care providers.--In 
     carrying out the comprehensive review pursuant to paragraph 
     (1), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine shall convene a group of relevant experts, including 
     experts in clinical neuropsychology, psychiatry, physiatry, 
     neurosurgery, and neurology.
       (c) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary enters into an agreement under subsection 
     (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives 
     a report on the comprehensive review conducted under this 
     section.
       (2) Elements.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) The findings of the National Academies of Sciences, 
     Engineering, and Medicine with respect to the comprehensive 
     review conducted under this section.

[[Page 15862]]

       (B) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, 
     and Medicine may have for the improvement of the adjudication 
     of claims described in subsection (b)(1).
       (d) Alternate Contract Organization.--
       (1) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within the 
     period prescribed in subsection (a)(2) to enter into an 
     agreement described in subsection (a)(1) with the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on terms 
     acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary shall seek to 
     enter into such an agreement with another appropriate 
     organization that--
       (A) is not part of the Government;
       (B) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
       (C) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the 
     Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
       (2) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an agreement 
     with another organization as described in paragraph (1), any 
     reference in this section to the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall be treated as a 
     reference to the other organization.

     SEC. 111. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION.

       (a) Report on Reasonably Raised Claims.--Not later than 540 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees 
     on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives a report on the policies of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs with respect to processing reasonably raised 
     unrelated claims. Such report shall include--
       (1) any statistics on how frequently such unrelated claims 
     are identified by the Secretary;
       (2) how frequently the Secretary notifies claimants about 
     potential unrelated claims; and
       (3) how often the claimant later submits a claim for the 
     condition described by the unrelated claim.
       (b) Annual Reports on Complete and Incomplete Claims.--
     During the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives annual reports on complete and incomplete 
     claims for disability compensation submitted to the 
     Secretary. Each such report shall include, for the one-year 
     period covered by the report--
       (1) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary;
       (2) the total number of incomplete claims submitted to the 
     Secretary;
       (3) the total number of complete claims submitted to the 
     Secretary;
       (4) the total number of forms indicating an intent to file 
     a claim for benefits submitted to the Secretary;
       (5) the total number of electronically filed claims 
     submitted to the Secretary;
       (6) the total number of fully developed claims submitted to 
     the Secretary;
       (7) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary 
     that are not complete claims but that the Secretary treats as 
     a request by the claimant for a form to file a claim; and
       (8) of the total number of claims identified under 
     paragraph (7), the percent for which the Secretary notified 
     the claimant of the need to file a complete claim.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``claimant'' has the meaning given such term 
     in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code, and includes 
     a representative of a claimant.
       (2) The term ``reasonably raised unrelated claim'' means a 
     claim for disability compensation under the laws administered 
     by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that, in addition to the 
     condition for which such claim is made, includes evidence of 
     a separate condition that is not specifically identified as 
     part of the claim but may be inferred or logically placed at 
     issue upon a sympathetic reading of the claim and the record 
     developed with respect to that claim.

     SEC. 112. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AMERICAN VETERANS 
                   DISABLED FOR LIFE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) There are at least 4,200,000 veterans currently living 
     with service-connected disabilities.
       (2) As a result of their service, many veterans are 
     permanently disabled throughout their lives and in many cases 
     must rely on the support of their families and friends when 
     these visible and invisible burdens become too much to bear 
     alone.
       (3) October 5, which is the anniversary of the dedication 
     of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, has been 
     recognized as an appropriate day on which to honor American 
     veterans disabled for life each year.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--Congress--
       (1) expresses its appreciation to the men and women left 
     permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of their 
     service in the Armed Forces;
       (2) supports the annual recognition of American veterans 
     disabled for life each year; and
       (3) encourages the American people to honor American 
     veterans disabled for life each year with appropriate 
     programs and activities.

     SEC. 113. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUBMITTAL OF INFORMATION 
                   RELATING TO CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES INCURRED OR 
                   AGGRAVATED BY MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA.

       (a) In General.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs should submit to Congress 
     information on the covered claims submitted to the Secretary 
     during each fiscal year, including the information specified 
     in subsection (b).
       (b) Elements.--The information specified in this subsection 
     with respect to each fiscal year is the following:
       (1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered 
     by the Secretary during such fiscal year.
       (2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number 
     and percentage of such claims--
       (A) submitted by each sex;
       (B) that were approved, including the number and percentage 
     of such approved claims submitted by each sex; and
       (C) that were denied, including the number and percentage 
     of such denied claims submitted by each sex.
       (3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were 
     approved, the number and percentage, listed by each sex, 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) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of 
     such fiscal year, are pending and, separately, the number of 
     such claims on appeal.
       (6) The average number of days that covered claims take to 
     complete beginning on the date on which the claim is 
     submitted.
       (7) A description of the training that the Secretary 
     provides to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
     specifically with respect to covered claims, including the 
     frequency, length, and content of such training.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``covered claims'' means claims for disability 
     compensation submitted to the Secretary based on a mental 
     health condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated 
     by military sexual trauma.
       (2) 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).

      TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS

     SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY INCREASE IN NUMBER OF JUDGES 
                   ON UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS 
                   CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 7253(i)(2) is amended by striking 
     ``January 1, 2013'' and inserting ``January 1, 2021''.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than June 30, 2020, the chief 
     judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims 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 temporary expansions 
     of the Court under section 7253 of title 38, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the effect of the expansions on 
     ensuring appeals are handled in a timely manner.
       (B) A description of the ways in which the complexity 
     levels of the appeals acted on by the Court may have changed 
     based on service during recent conflicts compared to those 
     based on service from previous eras.
       (C) A recommendation on whether the number of judges should 
     be adjusted at the end of the temporary expansion period, 
     including statistics, projections, trend analyses, and other 
     information to support the recommendation.

     SEC. 202. LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM RELATING TO JUDGES OF UNITED 
                   STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 7281 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(j) For purposes of chapter 87 of title 5, a judge who is 
     in regular active service and a judge who is retired under 
     section 7296 of this title or under chapter 83 or 84 of title 
     5 shall be treated as an employee described in section 
     8701(a)(5) of title 5.
       ``(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Court 
     may pay on behalf of its judges, who are age 65 or older, any 
     increase in the cost of Federal Employees' Group Life 
     Insurance imposed after April 24, 1999, including any 
     expenses generated by such payments, as authorized by the 
     chief judge of the Court in a manner consistent with such

[[Page 15863]]

     payment authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United 
     States pursuant to section 604(a)(5) of title 28.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to any payment made on or after the 
     first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 203. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENLARGE SURVIVORS' 
                   ANNUITY.

       Section 7297 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(p)(1) A covered judge who makes an election under 
     subsection (b) may purchase, in three-month increments, up to 
     an additional year of service credit for each year of Federal 
     judicial service completed, under the terms set forth in this 
     section.
       ``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered judge' means 
     any of the following:
       ``(A) A judge in regular active service.
       ``(B) A retired judge who is a recall-eligible retired 
     judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 of this 
     title.
       ``(C) A retired judge who would be a recall-eligible 
     retired judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 but 
     for--
       ``(i) meeting the aggregate recall service requirements 
     under subsection (b)(3) of such section; or
       ``(ii) being permanently disabled as described by 
     subsection (b)(4) of such section.''.

     SEC. 204. SELECTION OF CHIEF JUDGE OF UNITED STATES COURT OF 
                   APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 7253(d) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraph (B):
       ``(B) have at least three years remaining in term of 
     office; and''; and
       (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2)(A) In any case in which there is no judge of the 
     Court in regular active service who meets the requirements 
     under paragraph (1), the judge of the Court in regular active 
     service who is senior in commission and meets subparagraph 
     (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall act as 
     the chief judge.
       ``(B) In any case under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph 
     in which there is no judge of the Court in regular active 
     service who meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph 
     (C) of paragraph (1), the judge of the Court in regular 
     active service who is senior in commission and meets 
     subparagraph (C) shall act as the chief judge.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to the selection of a chief judge 
     occurring on or after January 1, 2020.

              TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEADSTONES, MARKERS, 
                   AND MEDALLIONS.

       Section 2306(d) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(4)(A) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker under 
     this subsection to a deceased individual described in 
     subparagraph (B), the Secretary may furnish, upon request, a 
     medallion or other device of a design determined by the 
     Secretary to signify the deceased individual's status as a 
     veteran, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at 
     private expense.
       ``(B) A deceased individual described in this subsection is 
     an individual who--
       ``(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; 
     and
       ``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished 
     under paragraph (1) (or would be so eligible but for the date 
     of the death of the individual).''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(5)(A) In carrying out this subsection with respect to a 
     deceased individual described in subparagraph (C), the 
     Secretary shall furnish, upon request, a headstone or marker 
     under paragraph (1) or a medallion under paragraph (4) that 
     signifies the deceased's status as a medal of honor 
     recipient.
       ``(B) If the Secretary furnished a headstone, marker, or 
     medallion under paragraph (1) or (4) for a deceased 
     individual described in subparagraph (C) that does not 
     signify the deceased's status as a medal of honor recipient, 
     the Secretary shall, upon request, replace such headstone, 
     marker, or medallion with a headstone, marker, or medallion, 
     as the case may be, that so signifies the deceased's status 
     as a medal of honor recipient.
       ``(C) A deceased individual described in this subparagraph 
     is a deceased individual who--
       ``(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917;
       ``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished 
     under paragraph (1) or a medallion furnished under paragraph 
     (4) (or would be so eligible for such headstone, marker, or 
     medallion but for the date of the death of the individual); 
     and
       ``(iii) was awarded the medal of honor under section 3741, 
     6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14 
     (including posthumously).
       ``(D) In this paragraph, the term `medal of honor 
     recipient' means an individual who is awarded the medal of 
     honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or 
     section 491 of title 14.''.

     SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 112(a) is amended by striking 
     ``veterans,'' and all that follows through ``service,'' and 
     inserting the following: ``persons eligible for burial in a 
     national cemetery by reason of any of paragraphs (1), (2), 
     (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of this title,''.
       (b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to the death of a person eligible 
     for burial in a national cemetery by reason of paragraph (1), 
     (2), (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of title 38, United 
     States Code, occurring before, on, or after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 303. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STUDY ON MATTERS 
                   RELATING TO BURIAL OF UNCLAIMED REMAINS OF 
                   VETERANS IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

       (a) Study and Report Required.--Not later than one year 
     after the effective date specified in subsection (d), the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
       (1) complete a study on matters relating to the interring 
     of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under 
     the control of the National Cemetery Administration; and
       (2) 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 Secretary 
     with respect to the study required under paragraph (1).
       (b) Matters Studied.--The matters studied under subsection 
     (a)(1) shall include the following:
       (1) Determining the scope of issues relating to unclaimed 
     remains of veterans, including an estimate of the number of 
     unclaimed remains of veterans.
       (2) Assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs for working with persons or 
     entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate 
     interment of unclaimed remains of veterans in national 
     cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery 
     Administration.
       (3) Assessing State and local laws that affect the ability 
     of the Secretary to inter unclaimed remains of veterans in 
     national cemeteries under the control of the National 
     Cemetery Administration.
       (4) Developing recommendations for such legislative or 
     administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Methodology.--
       (1) Number of unclaimed remains.--In estimating the number 
     of unclaimed remains of veterans under subsection (b)(1), the 
     Secretary may review such subset of applicable entities as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate, including a subset of 
     funeral homes and coroner offices that possess unclaimed 
     veterans remains.
       (2) Assessment of state and local laws.--In assessing State 
     and local laws under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may 
     assess such sample of applicable State and local laws as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate in lieu of reviewing all 
     applicable State and local laws.
       (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. 304. STUDY ON PROVISION OF INTERMENTS IN VETERANS' 
                   CEMETERIES DURING WEEKENDS.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     conduct a study on the feasibility and the need for providing 
     increased interments in veterans' cemeteries on Saturdays and 
     Sundays to meet the needs of surviving family members to 
     properly honor the deceased.
       (2) Matters included.--The study under paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) The number of requests made for interments in veterans' 
     cemeteries on a Saturday or a Sunday since January 1, 2007.
       (B) The number of requests identified under subparagraph 
     (A) that were granted.
       (C) An estimate of the number of families that, since 
     January 1, 2007, would have selected a weekend interment if 
     such an interment would have been offered.
       (D) A review of the practices relating to weekend 
     interments among non-veterans' cemeteries, including private 
     and municipal cemeteries.
       (E) A comparison of the costs to veterans' cemeteries with 
     respect to providing regular interments only during weekdays 
     and such costs for providing regular interments during the 
     weekdays and at least one weekend day.
       (F) Any other information the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out the study under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the 
     following:
       (A) Veterans who are eligible to be interred in a veterans' 
     cemetery.
       (B) Family members of a deceased individual interred in a 
     veterans' cemetery.
       (C) Veterans service organizations.
       (D) Associations representing cemetery and funeral home 
     professionals.

[[Page 15864]]

       (E) The heads of agencies of State governments relating to 
     veterans affairs.
       (F) The directors of the veterans' cemeteries.
       (G) Any other person the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (b) Submission.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Senate a report on the study 
     conducted under subsection (a).
       (c) Veterans' Cemeteries Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``veterans' cemeteries'' means the cemeteries of the 
     National Cemetery Administration, veterans' cemeteries owned 
     by a State, and veterans' cemeteries owned by a tribal 
     organization.

     SEC. 305. 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.

     TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

     SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR MARINE GUNNERY 
                   SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY SCHOLARSHIP.

       (a) In General.--Section 701(d) of the Veterans Access, 
     Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 
     128 Stat. 1796; 38 U.S.C. 3311 note) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(d) Applicability.--
       ``(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as 
     applicable, commencing on or after January 1, 2015.
       ``(2) Deaths that occurred between september 11, 2001, and 
     december 31, 2005.--For purposes of section 3311(f)(2) of 
     title 38, United States Code, any member of the Armed Forces 
     who died during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, 
     and ending on December 31, 2005, is deemed to have died on 
     January 1, 2006.''.
       (b) Election on Receipt of Certain Benefits.--Section 
     3311(f) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``A surviving spouse'' 
     and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), a 
     surviving spouse'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
     paragraph (4):
       ``(4) Exception for certain elections.--
       ``(A) In general.--An election made under paragraph (3) by 
     a spouse described in subparagraph (B) may not be treated as 
     irrevocable if such election occurred before the date of the 
     enactment of this paragraph.
       ``(B) Eligible surviving spouse.--A spouse described in 
     this subparagraph is an individual--
       ``(i) who is entitled to assistance under subsection (a) 
     pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b); and
       ``(ii) who was the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces 
     who died during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, 
     and ending on December 31, 2005.''.
       (c) Technical Amendment.--Paragraph (5) of subsection (f) 
     of section 3311, as redesignated by subsection (b)(2), is 
     amended by striking ``that paragraph'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (9) of subsection (b)''.

     SEC. 402. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR 
                   PURPOSES OF THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 
                   PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3104(b) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new sentences: ``To the maximum extent 
     practicable, a course of education or training may be pursued 
     by a veteran as part of a rehabilitation program under this 
     chapter only if the course is approved for purposes of 
     chapter 30 or 33 of this title. The Secretary may waive the 
     requirement under the preceding sentence to the extent the 
     Secretary determines appropriate.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to a course of education or training 
     pursued by a veteran who first begins a program of 
     rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States 
     Code, on or after the date that is one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 403. AUTHORITY TO PRIORITIZE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 
                   SERVICES BASED ON NEED.

       Section 3104, as amended by section 402, is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1) The Secretary shall have the authority to 
     administer this chapter by prioritizing the provision of 
     services under this chapter based on need, as determined by 
     the Secretary. In evaluating need for purposes of this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall consider disability ratings, 
     the severity of employment handicaps, qualification for a 
     program of independent living, income, and any other factor 
     the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(2) Not later than 90 days before making any changes to 
     the prioritization of the provision of services under this 
     chapter as authorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and House of Representatives a plan describing such 
     changes.''.

     SEC. 404. REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF STUDENTS RECEIVING POST-9/11 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33 is amended--
       (1) in section 3325(c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (3):
       ``(3) the information received by the Secretary under 
     section 3326 of this title; and''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 3326. Report on student progress

       ``As a condition of approval under chapter 36 of this title 
     of a course offered by an educational institution (as defined 
     in section 3452 of this title), each year, each educational 
     institution (as so defined) that received a payment in that 
     year on behalf of an individual entitled to educational 
     assistance under this chapter shall submit to the Secretary 
     such information regarding the academic progress of the 
     individual as the Secretary may require.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new item:

``3326. Report on student progress.''.

       (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. 405. RECODIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTION PROCESS 
                   FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33, as amended 
     by section 404, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 3327. Election to receive educational assistance

       ``(a) Individuals Eligible To Elect Participation in Post-
     9/11 Educational Assistance.--An individual may elect to 
     receive educational assistance under this chapter if such 
     individual--
       ``(1) as of August 1, 2009--
       ``(A) is entitled to basic educational assistance under 
     chapter 30 of this title and has used, but retains unused, 
     entitlement under that chapter;
       ``(B) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 
     107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and has used, but retains 
     unused, entitlement under the applicable chapter;
       ``(C) is entitled to basic educational assistance under 
     chapter 30 of this title but has not used any entitlement 
     under that chapter;
       ``(D) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 
     107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but has not used any 
     entitlement under such chapter;
       ``(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who is eligible for 
     receipt of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of 
     this title and is making contributions toward such assistance 
     under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title; or
       ``(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who is not entitled 
     to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this 
     title by reason of an election under section 3011(c)(1) or 
     3012(d)(1) of this title; and
       ``(2) as of the date of the individual's election under 
     this paragraph, meets the requirements for entitlement to 
     educational assistance under this chapter.
       ``(b) Cessation of Contributions Toward GI Bill.--Effective 
     as of the first month beginning on or after the date of an 
     election under subsection (a) of an individual described by 
     paragraph (1)(E) of that subsection, the obligation of the 
     individual to make contributions under section 3011(b) or 
     3012(c) of this title, as applicable, shall cease, and the 
     requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no longer 
     applicable to the individual.
       ``(c) Revocation of Remaining Transferred Entitlement.--
       ``(1) Election to revoke.--If, on the date an individual 
     described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(C) of subsection (a) 
     makes an election under that subsection, a transfer of the 
     entitlement of the individual to basic educational assistance 
     under section 3020 of this title is in effect and a number of 
     months of the entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, 
     the individual may elect to revoke all or a portion of the 
     entitlement so transferred that remains unutilized.
       ``(2) Availability of revoked entitlement.--Any entitlement 
     revoked by an individual under this subsection shall no 
     longer be available to the dependent to whom transferred, but 
     shall be available to the individual instead for educational 
     assistance under chapter 33 of this title in accordance with 
     the provisions of this section.
       ``(3) Availability of unrevoked entitlement.--Any 
     entitlement described in paragraph (1) that is not revoked by 
     an individual in accordance with that paragraph

[[Page 15865]]

     shall remain available to the dependent or dependents 
     concerned in accordance with the current transfer of such 
     entitlement under section 3020 of this title.
       ``(d) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and except as 
     provided in subsection (e), an individual making an election 
     under subsection (a) shall be entitled to educational 
     assistance under this chapter in accordance with the 
     provisions of this chapter, instead of basic educational 
     assistance under chapter 30 of this title, or educational 
     assistance under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as 
     applicable.
       ``(2) Limitation on entitlement for certain individuals.--
     In the case of an individual making an election under 
     subsection (a) who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of that 
     subsection, the number of months of entitlement of the 
     individual to educational assistance under this chapter shall 
     be the number of months equal to--
       ``(A) the number of months of unused entitlement of the 
     individual under chapter 30 of this title, as of the date of 
     the election, plus
       ``(B) the number of months, if any, of entitlement revoked 
     by the individual under subsection (c)(1).
       ``(e) Continuing Entitlement to Educational Assistance Not 
     Available Under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the event educational assistance to 
     which an individual making an election under subsection (a) 
     would be entitled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 
     107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable, is not 
     authorized to be available to the individual under the 
     provisions of this chapter, the individual shall remain 
     entitled to such educational assistance in accordance with 
     the provisions of the applicable chapter.
       ``(2) Charge for use of entitlement.--The utilization by an 
     individual of entitlement under paragraph (1) shall be 
     chargeable against the entitlement of the individual to 
     educational assistance under this chapter at the rate of one 
     month of entitlement under this chapter for each month of 
     entitlement utilized by the individual under paragraph (1) 
     (as determined as if such entitlement were utilized under the 
     provisions of chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, 
     or 1607 of title 10, as applicable).
       ``(f) Additional Post-9/11 Assistance for Members Having 
     Made Contributions Toward GI Bill.--
       ``(1) Additional assistance.--In the case of an individual 
     making an election under subsection (a) who is described by 
     subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that 
     subsection, the amount of educational assistance payable to 
     the individual under this chapter as a monthly stipend 
     payable under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this 
     title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section 
     (as applicable), shall be the amount otherwise payable as a 
     monthly stipend under the applicable paragraph increased by 
     the amount equal to--
       ``(A) the total amount of contributions toward basic 
     educational assistance made by the individual under section 
     3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as of the date of the 
     election, multiplied by
       ``(B) the fraction--
       ``(i) the numerator of which is--

       ``(I) the number of months of entitlement to basic 
     educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title 
     remaining to the individual at the time of the election; plus
       ``(II) the number of months, if any, of entitlement under 
     chapter 30 of this title revoked by the individual under 
     subsection (c)(1); and

       ``(ii) the denominator of which is 36 months.
       ``(2) Months of remaining entitlement for certain 
     individuals.--In the case of an individual covered by 
     paragraph (1) who is described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the 
     number of months of entitlement to basic educational 
     assistance remaining to the individual for purposes of 
     paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) shall be 36 months.
       ``(3) Timing of payment.--The amount payable with respect 
     to an individual under paragraph (1) shall be paid to the 
     individual together with the last payment of the monthly 
     stipend payable to the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of 
     section 3313(c) of this title, or under paragraphs (2) 
     through (7) of that section (as applicable), before the 
     exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational 
     assistance under this chapter.
       ``(g) Continuing Entitlement to Additional Assistance for 
     Critical Skills or Specialty and Additional Service.--An 
     individual making an election under subsection (a)(1) who, at 
     the time of the election, is entitled to increased 
     educational assistance under section 3015(d) of this title, 
     or section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental educational 
     assistance under subchapter III of chapter 30 of this title, 
     shall remain entitled to such increased educational 
     assistance or supplemental educational assistance in the 
     utilization of entitlement to educational assistance under 
     this chapter, in an amount equal to the quarter, semester, or 
     term, as applicable, equivalent of the monthly amount of such 
     increased educational assistance or supplemental educational 
     assistance payable with respect to the individual at the time 
     of the election.
       ``(h) Alternative Election by Secretary.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual who, on or 
     after January 1, 2017, submits to the Secretary an election 
     under this section that the Secretary determines is clearly 
     against the interests of the individual, or who fails to make 
     an election under this section, the Secretary may make an 
     alternative election on behalf of the individual that the 
     Secretary determines is in the best interests of the 
     individual.
       ``(2) Notice.--If the Secretary makes an election on behalf 
     of an individual under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     notify the individual by not later than seven days after 
     making such election and shall provide the individual with a 
     30-day period, beginning on the date of the individual's 
     receipt of such notice, during which the individual may 
     modify or revoke the election made by the Secretary on the 
     individual's behalf. The Secretary shall include, as part of 
     such notice, a clear statement of why the alternative 
     election made by the Secretary is in the best interests of 
     the individual as compared to the election submitted by the 
     individual. The Secretary shall provide the notice required 
     under this paragraph by electronic means whenever possible.
       ``(i) Irrevocability of Elections.--An election under 
     subsection (a) or (c)(1) is irrevocable.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter, as amended by section 404, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``3327. Election to receive educational assistance.''.

       (c) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 5003 of 
     the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 
     (Public Law 110-252; 38 U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby repealed.

     SEC. 406. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.

       Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``June 30, 2013'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2013, or the 
     period beginning on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 
     2022''.

     SEC. 407. CENTRALIZED REPORTING OF VETERAN ENROLLMENT BY 
                   CERTAIN GROUPS, DISTRICTS, AND CONSORTIUMS OF 
                   EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3684(a) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``32, 33,'' after 
     ``31,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term 
     `educational institution' may include a group, district, or 
     consortium of separately accredited educational institutions 
     located in the same State that are organized in a manner that 
     facilitates the centralized reporting of the enrollments in 
     such group, district, or consortium of institutions.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to reports submitted on or after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 408. ROLE OF STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.

       (a) Approval of Certain Courses.--Section 3672(b)(2)(A) is 
     amended by striking ``the following'' and all that follows 
     through the colon and inserting the following: ``a program of 
     education is deemed to be approved for purposes of this 
     chapter if a State approving agency, or the Secretary when 
     acting in the role of a State approving agency, determines 
     that the program is one of the following programs:''.
       (b) Approval of Other Courses.--Section 3675 of such title 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) by striking ``The Secretary or a State approving 
     agency'' and inserting ``A State approving agency, or the 
     Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving 
     agency,''; and
       (B) by striking ``offered by proprietary for-profit 
     educational institutions'' and inserting ``not covered by 
     section 3672 of this title''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``the Secretary or the State approving agency'' and inserting 
     ``the State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in 
     the role of a State approving agency,''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Secretary or the 
     State approving agency'' and inserting ``the State approving 
     agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of a State 
     approving agency''.

     SEC. 409. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL FOR 
                   PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF PROGRAMS 
                   DESIGNED TO PREPARE INDIVIDUALS FOR LICENSURE 
                   OR CERTIFICATION.

       (a) Approval of Nonaccredited Courses.--Subsection (c) of 
     section 3676 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (16); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(14) In the case of a course designed to prepare an 
     individual for licensure or certification in a State, the 
     course--
       ``(A) meets all instructional curriculum licensure or 
     certification requirements of such State; and

[[Page 15866]]

       ``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an 
     individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is 
     accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized 
     by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of 
     title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1099b).
       ``(15) In the case of a course designed to prepare an 
     individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by 
     a board or agency of a State in an occupation that requires 
     approval, licensure, or certification, the course--
       ``(A) meets such standards; and
       ``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an 
     individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is 
     accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized 
     by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of 
     title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1099b).''.
       (b) Exceptions.--Such section is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(f)(1) The Secretary may waive the requirements of 
     paragraph (14) or (15) of subsection (c) in the case of a 
     course of education offered by an educational institution 
     (either accredited or not accredited) if the Secretary 
     determines all of the following:
       ``(A) The educational institution is not accredited by an 
     agency or association recognized by the Secretary of 
     Education.
       ``(B) The course did not meet the requirements of such 
     paragraph at any time during the two-year period preceding 
     the date of the waiver.
       ``(C) The waiver furthers the purposes of the educational 
     assistance programs administered by the Secretary or would 
     further the education interests of individuals eligible for 
     assistance under such programs.
       ``(D) The educational institution does not provide any 
     commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly 
     or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial 
     aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student 
     recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions 
     regarding the award of student financial assistance, except 
     for the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign 
     countries who are not eligible to receive Federal student 
     assistance.
       ``(2) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary issues a waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress notice of such waiver and a 
     justification for issuing such waiver.''.
       (c) Approval of Accredited Courses.--Section 3675(b)(3) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``and (3)'' and inserting ``(3), (14), 
     (15), and (16)''; and
       (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``(or, with respect to such paragraphs (14) and 
     (15), the requirements under such paragraphs are waived 
     pursuant to subsection (f)(1) of section 3676 of this 
     title)''.
       (d) Approval of Accredited Standard College Degree Programs 
     Offered at Public or Not-For-Profit Educational 
     Institutions.--Section 3672(b)(2) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``An accredited'' 
     and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an 
     accredited''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) A course that is described in both subparagraph 
     (A)(i) of this paragraph and in paragraph (14) or (15) of 
     section 3676(c) of this title shall not be deemed to be 
     approved for purposes of this chapter unless--
       ``(i) a State approving agency, or the Secretary when 
     acting in the role of a State approving agency, determines 
     that the course meets the applicable criteria in such 
     paragraphs; or
       ``(ii) the Secretary issues a waiver for such course under 
     section 3676(f)(1) of this title.''.
       (e) Disapproval of Courses.--Section 3679 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, 
     the Secretary or the applicable State approving agency shall 
     disapprove a course of education described in paragraph (14) 
     or (15) of section 3676(c) of this title unless the 
     educational institution providing the course of education--
       ``(1) publicly discloses any conditions or additional 
     requirements, including training, experience, or 
     examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, 
     or approval for which the course of education is designed to 
     provide preparation; and
       ``(2) makes each disclosure required by paragraph (1) in a 
     manner that the Secretary considers prominent (as specified 
     by the Secretary in regulations prescribed for purposes of 
     this subsection).''.
       (f) Applicability.--If after enrollment in a course of 
     education that is subject to disapproval by reason of an 
     amendment made by this section, an individual pursues one or 
     more courses of education at the same educational institution 
     while remaining continuously enrolled (other than during 
     regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or 
     terms) at that institution, any course so pursued by the 
     individual at that institution while so continuously enrolled 
     shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of such 
     amendment.

     SEC. 410. CRITERIA USED TO APPROVE COURSES.

       (a) Nonaccredited Courses.--Paragraph (16) of section 
     3676(c), as redesignated by section 409, is amended by 
     inserting before the period the following: ``if the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the State approving agency 
     and pursuant to regulations prescribed to carry out this 
     paragraph, determines such criteria are necessary and treat 
     public, private, and proprietary for-profit educational 
     institutions equitably''.
       (b) Accredited Courses.--Section 3675(b)(3) is amended by 
     striking ``and (3)'' and inserting ``(3), and (14)''.
       (c) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to--
       (1) criteria developed pursuant to paragraph (16) of 
     subsection (c) of section 3676 of title 38, United States 
     Code, on or after January 1, 2013; and
       (2) an investigation conducted under such subsection that 
     is covered by a reimbursement of expenses paid by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs to a State pursuant to section 
     3674 of such title on or after October 1, 2015.

     SEC. 411. COMPLIANCE SURVEYS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3693 is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
     new subsection (a):
       ``(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     Secretary shall conduct an annual compliance survey of 
     educational institutions and training establishments offering 
     one or more courses approved for the enrollment of eligible 
     veterans or persons if at least 20 such veterans or persons 
     are enrolled in any such course. The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) design the compliance surveys to ensure that such 
     institutions or establishments, as the case may be, and 
     approved courses are in compliance with all applicable 
     provisions of chapters 30 through 36 of this title;
       ``(B) survey each such educational institution and training 
     establishment not less than once during every two-year 
     period; and
       ``(C) assign not fewer than one education compliance 
     specialist to work on compliance surveys in any year for each 
     40 compliance surveys required to be made under this section 
     for such year.
       ``(2) The Secretary, in consultation with the State 
     approving agencies, shall--
       ``(A) annually determine the parameters of the surveys 
     required under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) not later than September 1 of each year, make 
     available to the State approving agencies a list of the 
     educational institutions and training establishments that 
     will be surveyed during the fiscal year following the date of 
     making such list available.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) In this section, the terms `educational institution' 
     and `training establishment' have the meanings given such 
     terms in section 3452 of this title.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (b) of such section 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking ``subsection (a) of this section for an 
     annual compliance survey'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1) 
     for a compliance survey'';
       (2) by striking ``institution'' and inserting ``educational 
     institution or training establishment''; and
       (3) by striking ``institution's demonstrated record of 
     compliance'' and inserting ``record of compliance of such 
     institution or establishment''.

     SEC. 412. MODIFICATION OF REDUCTIONS IN REPORTING FEE 
                   MULTIPLIERS FOR PAYMENTS BY SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Through September 25, 2017.--During the period 
     beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending 
     on September 25, 2017, the second sentence of section 3684(c) 
     of title 38, United States Code, shall be applied--
       (1) by substituting ``$6'' for ``$12''; and
       (2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.
       (b) September 26, 2017, Through September 25, 2026.--During 
     the period beginning on September 26, 2017, and ending on 
     September 25, 2026, the second sentence of such section shall 
     be applied--
       (1) by substituting ``$7'' for ``$12''; and
       (2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 406 of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 
     113-175; 38 U.S.C. 3684 note), as amended by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016, is 
     amended by striking ``During the three-year period beginning 
     on the date of the enactment of this Act'' and inserting 
     ``During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
     this Act and ending on the day before the date of the 
     enactment of the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans 
     Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016''.

     SEC. 413. COMPOSITION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
                   EDUCATION.

       Section 3692(a) is amended in the second sentence by 
     striking ``veterans representative of World War II'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end of that sentence 
     and inserting the following: ``a representative sample of 
     veterans and other individuals who have used, or may in the 
     future use, educational assistance benefits administered by 
     the Secretary.''.

[[Page 15867]]



     SEC. 414. SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS USING THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE EDUCATIONAL 
                   ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE 
                   SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Survey Required.--By not later than 270 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall enter into a contract with a non-government 
     entity for the conduct of a survey of a statistically valid 
     sample of individuals who have used or are using their 
     entitlement to educational assistance under chapters 30, 32, 
     33, and 35 of title 38, United States Code, to pursue a 
     program of education or training. The contract shall provide 
     that--
       (1) not later than one month before the collection of data 
     under the survey begins, the survey shall be submitted to the 
     Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
     Representatives;
       (2) the non-government entity shall complete the survey and 
     submit to the Secretary the results of the survey by not 
     later than 180 days after entering into the contract; and
       (3) the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and 
     by any other means the non-government entity determines 
     appropriate.
       (b) Information To Be Collected.--The contract under 
     subsection (a) shall provide that the survey shall be 
     designed to collect the following types of information about 
     each individual surveyed, where applicable:
       (1) Demographic information, including the highest level of 
     education completed by the individual, the military 
     occupational specialty or specialties of the individual while 
     serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces or as 
     a member of the National Guard or of a Reserve Component of 
     the Armed Forces, and whether the individual has a service-
     connected disability.
       (2) The opinion of the individual regarding participation 
     in the transition assistance program under section 1144 of 
     title 10, United States Code, and the effectiveness of the 
     program, including instruction on the use of the benefits 
     under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
       (3) The resources the individual used to help the 
     individual--
       (A) decide to use the individual's entitlement to 
     educational assistance to enroll in a program of education or 
     training; and
       (B) choose the program of education or training the 
     individual pursued.
       (4) The individual's goal when the individual enrolled in 
     the program of education or training.
       (5) The nature of the individual's experience with the 
     education benefits processing system of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (6) The nature of the individual's experience with the 
     school certifying official of the educational institution 
     where the individual pursued the program of education or 
     training who processed the individual's claim.
       (7) Any services or benefits the educational institution or 
     program of education or training provided to veterans while 
     the individual pursued the program of education or training.
       (8) The type of educational institution at which the 
     individual pursued the program of education or training.
       (9) Whether the individual completed the program of 
     education or training or the number of credit hours completed 
     by the individual as of the time of the survey, and, if 
     applicable, any degree or certificate obtained by the 
     individual for completing the program.
       (10) The employment status of the individual and whether 
     such employment status differs from the employment status of 
     the individual prior to enrolling in the program of education 
     or training.
       (11) Whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program 
     of education on a full-time or part-time basis.
       (12) The opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of 
     the educational assistance program of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs under which the individual was entitled to 
     educational assistance.
       (13) Whether the individual was ever entitled to a 
     rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States 
     Code, and whether the individual participated in such a 
     program.
       (14) A description of any circumstances that prevented the 
     individual from using the individual's entitlement to 
     educational assistance to pursue a desired career path or 
     degree.
       (15) Whether the individual is using the individual's 
     entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a program of 
     education or training or has transferred such an entitlement 
     to a dependent.
       (16) Such other matters as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the 
     results of the survey required under this section, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs 
     of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the 
     results of the survey and any recommendations of the 
     Secretary relating to such results. Such report shall also 
     include an unedited version of the results of the survey 
     submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the 
     survey.

     SEC. 415. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF 
                   INFORMATION ON ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN 
                   INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.

       (a) Information.--Department of Veterans Affairs counselors 
     who provide educational or vocational counseling services 
     pursuant to section 3697A of title 38, United States Code, 
     shall provide to any eligible individual who requests such 
     counseling services information about the articulation 
     agreements of each institution of higher learning in which 
     the individual is interested.
       (b) Certification of Eligibility.--When the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs provides to an individual a certification of 
     eligibility for educational assistance provided by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary shall also 
     include detailed information on such educational assistance, 
     including information on requesting education counseling 
     services and on articulation agreements.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``institution of higher learning'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 3452(f) of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (2) The term ``articulation agreement'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 486A of the Higher Education Act 
     of 1965 (Public Law 89-329; 20 U.S.C. 1093a).
       (d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall implement this section not later than 90 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 416. RETENTION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   DURING CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PERIODS OF ACTIVE 
                   DUTY.

       (a) Educational Assistance Allowance.--Section 
     16131(c)(3)(B)(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 
     12304b''.
       (b) Expiration Date.--Section 16133(b)(4) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting ``12304, 
     12304a, or 12304b''.

     SEC. 417. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO IN-STATE TUITION 
                   RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM ENTITLEMENT IS 
                   TRANSFERRED UNDER ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND POST-9/11 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Technical Amendment.--Subparagraph (B) of section 
     3679(c)(2) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under--
       ``(i) section 3311(b)(9) of this title; or
       ``(ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of the 
     individual's relationship to--

       ``(I) a veteran described in subparagraph (A); or
       ``(II) a member of the uniformed services described in 
     section 3319(b) of this title who is serving on active 
     duty.''.

       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to a course, semester, or term that 
     begins after July 1, 2017.

     SEC. 418. STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERANS TRANSITION 
                   EFFORTS.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of 
     Defense, shall carry out a study to evaluate programs to 
     assist veterans of the Armed Forces in their transition to 
     civilian life. Such study shall be designed to determine the 
     effectiveness of current programs, especially in regards to 
     the unique challenges faced by women veterans, veterans with 
     disabilities, Native American veterans (including Alaska 
     Native veterans and Native Hawaiian veterans), veterans who 
     are residents of a territory of the United States, veterans 
     who are part of the indigenous population of a territory of 
     the United States, and other groups of minority veterans 
     identified by the Secretaries, including whether such 
     programs--
       (1) effectively address the challenges veterans face in 
     pursuing higher education, especially the challenges faced by 
     such groups of minority veterans;
       (2) effectively address the challenges such veterans face 
     entering the civilian workforce and in translating experience 
     and skills from military service to the job market; and
       (3) effectively address the challenges faced by the 
     families of such veterans transitioning to civilian life.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the 
     findings and recommendations of the study required under 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Prohibition on Authorization of Appropriations.--No 
     additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements 
     of this section. Such requirements shall be carried out using 
     amounts otherwise authorized.

             TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

     SEC. 501. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT UNDER CONTRACTING GOALS 
                   AND PREFERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (h) of section 8127 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--

[[Page 15868]]

       ``(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 
     contracts awarded on or after such date.

     SEC. 502. LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF JOB COUNSELING, TRAINING, AND 
                   PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new section:

     ``Sec. 4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, 
       and placement service for veterans

       ``(a) Study Required.--(1) The Secretary shall enter into a 
     contract with a non-government entity to conduct a 
     longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of 
     the groups of individuals described in paragraph (2). The 
     contract shall provide for the study of each such group over 
     a period of at least five years.
       ``(2) The groups of individuals described in this paragraph 
     are the following:
       ``(A) Veterans who have received intensive services.
       ``(B) Veterans who did not receive intensive services but 
     who otherwise received services under this chapter.
       ``(C) Veterans who did not seek or receive services under 
     this chapter.
       ``(3) The study required by this subsection shall include 
     the collection of the following information for each 
     individual who participates in the study:
       ``(A) The average number of months such individual served 
     on active duty.
       ``(B) The disability ratings of such individual.
       ``(C) Any unemployment benefits received by such 
     individual.
       ``(D) The average number of months such individual was 
     employed during the year covered by the report.
       ``(E) The average annual starting and ending salaries of 
     any such individual who was employed during the year covered 
     by the report.
       ``(F) The average annual income of such individual.
       ``(G) The average total household income of such individual 
     for the year covered by the report.
       ``(H) The percentage of such individuals who own their 
     principal residences.
       ``(I) The employment status of such individual.
       ``(J) In the case of such an individual who received 
     services under this chapter, whether the individual believes 
     that any service provided by a disabled veterans' outreach 
     program specialist or local veterans' employment 
     representative helped the individual to become employed.
       ``(K) In the case of such an individual who believes such a 
     service helped the individual to become employed, whether--
       ``(i) the individual retained the position of employment 
     for a period of one year or longer; and
       ``(ii) the individual believes such a service helped the 
     individual to secure a higher wage or salary.
       ``(L) The conditions under which such individual was 
     discharged or released from the Armed Forces.
       ``(M) Whether such individual has used any educational 
     assistance to which the individual is entitled under this 
     title.
       ``(N) Whether such individual has participated in a 
     rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title.
       ``(O) Whether such individual had contact with a One-Stop 
     Career Center employee while attending a workshop or job fair 
     under the Transition GPS Program of the Department of 
     Defense.
       ``(P) Demographic information about such individual.
       ``(Q) Such other information as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Annual Report.--(1) By not later than July 1 of each 
     year covered by the study required 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 a report on the outcomes of the 
     study during the preceding year.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall include in each report submitted 
     under paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(A) Information with respect to job fairs attended by 
     One-Stop Career Center employees at which the employees had 
     contact with a veteran, including, for the year preceding the 
     year in which the report is submitted, the following:
       ``(i) The number of job fairs attended by One-Stop Career 
     Center employees at which the employees had contact with a 
     veteran.
       ``(ii) The number of veterans contacted at each such job 
     fair.
       ``(B) Such information as the Secretary determines is 
     necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of the 
     individuals in the groups described in subsection (a)(2).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new item:

``4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement 
              service for veterans.''.

     SEC. 503. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES OF 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Limitation.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 7 is amended by inserting after 
     section 715 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 717. Limitation on administrative leave

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), 
     the Secretary may not place any covered individual on 
     administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty 
     status without charge to leave, for more than a total of 14 
     days during any 365-day period.
       ``(b) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation under 
     subsection (a) and extend the administrative leave or other 
     paid non-duty status without charge to leave of a covered 
     individual placed on such leave or status under subsection 
     (a) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans' 
     Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a detailed 
     explanation of the reasons the individual was placed on 
     administrative leave or other paid non-duty status without 
     charge to leave and the reasons for the extension of such 
     leave or status. Such explanation shall include the job title 
     and grade of the covered individual and the location where 
     the individual is employed.
       ``(c) Covered Individual.--In this section, the term 
     `covered individual' means an employee of the Department--
       ``(1) who is subject to an investigation for purposes of 
     determining whether such individual should be subject to any 
     disciplinary action under this title or title 5; or
       ``(2) against whom any disciplinary action is proposed or 
     initiated under this title or title 5.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 715 the following new item:

``717. Limitation on administrative leave.''.
       (b) Application.--Section 717 of title 38, United States 
     Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply with respect 
     to any 365-day period beginning on or after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 504. REQUIRED COORDINATION BETWEEN DIRECTORS FOR 
                   VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING WITH STATE 
                   DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4103 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Coordination With State Departments of Labor and 
     Veterans Affairs.--Each Director for Veterans' Employment and 
     Training for a State shall coordinate the Director's 
     activities under this chapter with the State department of 
     labor and the State department of veterans affairs.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of such section, as 
     added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that 
     is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

                     TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

                        Subtitle A--Medical Care

     SEC. 601. REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE 
                   MEDICAL COMMUNITY CARE ACCOUNT OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Section 117(c) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community 
     Care.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1105(a)(37) of title 31, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new subparagraph:
       ``(G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community 
     Care.''.
       (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to fiscal years beginning on and after October 1, 
     2017.

     SEC. 602. 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 at the end 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;

[[Page 15869]]

       (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).
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the 
     amendments made by this section may be construed to require a 
     veteran to receive an immunization that the veteran does not 
     want to receive.

     SEC. 603. PRIORITY OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS IN HEALTH 
                   CARE SYSTEM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Enrollment Priority.--
       (1) In general.--Section 1705(a) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting the following: ``and veterans who were awarded the 
     medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 
     or section 491 of title 14.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``veterans who were 
     awarded the medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 
     of title 10 or section 491 of title 14,''.
       (2) Application.--The priority of enrollment of medal of 
     honor recipients in the system of annual patient enrollment 
     established and operated under section 1705(a) of such title, 
     as amended by paragraph (1), shall apply to each such 
     recipient, regardless of the date on which the medal is 
     awarded.
       (b) Eligibility.--Section 1710(a)(2)(D) is amended by 
     inserting after ``war'' the following: ``, who was awarded 
     the medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 
     10 or section 491 of title 14,''.
       (c) Extended Care Services.--Section 1710B(c)(2) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under 
     section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of 
     title 14.''.
       (d) Copayment for Medications.--Section 1722A(a)(3) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under 
     section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of 
     title 14.''.

     SEC. 604. REQUIREMENT THAT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   COLLECT HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACT INFORMATION FROM 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by 
     inserting after section 1705 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1705A. Management of health care: information 
       regarding health-plan contracts

       ``(a) In General.--(1) Any individual who seeks hospital 
     care or medical services under this chapter shall provide to 
     the Secretary such current information as the Secretary may 
     require to identify any health-plan contract under which such 
     individual is covered.
       ``(2) The information required to be provided to the 
     Secretary under paragraph (1) with respect to a health-plan 
     contract shall include, as applicable, the following:
       ``(A) The name of the entity providing coverage under the 
     health-plan contract.
       ``(B) If coverage under the health-plan contract is in the 
     name of an individual other than the individual required to 
     provide information under this section, the name of the 
     policy holder of the health-plan contract.
       ``(C) The identification number for the health-plan 
     contract.
       ``(D) The group code for the health-plan contract.
       ``(b) Action To Collect Information.--The Secretary may 
     take such action as the Secretary considers appropriate to 
     collect the information required under subsection (a).
       ``(c) Effect on Services From Department.--The Secretary 
     may not deny any services under this chapter to an individual 
     solely due to the fact that the individual fails to provide 
     information required under subsection (a).
       ``(d) Health-Plan Contract Defined.--In this section, the 
     term `health-plan contract' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 1725(f) of this title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1705 the following new item:

``1705A. Management of health care: information regarding health-plan 
              contracts.''.

     SEC. 605. MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED IN 
                   CLASSIFIED MISSIONS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     veterans who experience combat-related mental health wounds 
     should have immediate, appropriate, and consistent access to 
     comprehensive mental health care.
       (b) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans who served 
       in classified missions

       ``(a) Establishment of Standards.--(1) The Secretary shall 
     establish standards and procedures to ensure that each 
     eligible veteran may access mental health care furnished by 
     the Secretary in a manner that fully accommodates the 
     obligation of the veteran to not improperly disclose 
     classified information.
       ``(2) In establishing standards and procedures under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary 
     of Defense to ensure that such standards and procedures are 
     consistent with the policies on classified information of the 
     Department of Defense.
       ``(3) The Secretary shall disseminate guidance to employees 
     of the Veterans Health Administration, including mental 
     health professionals, on the standards and procedures 
     established under paragraph (1) and how to best engage 
     eligible veterans during the course of mental health 
     treatment with respect to classified information.
       ``(b) Identification.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall ensure that a veteran may elect to identify 
     as an eligible veteran on an appropriate form.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `classified information' means any 
     information or material that has been determined by an 
     official of the United States pursuant to law to require 
     protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of 
     national security.
       ``(2) The term `eligible veteran' means a veteran who--
       ``(A) is eligible to receive health care furnished by the 
     Department under this title;
       ``(B) is seeking mental health treatment; and
       ``(C) in the course of serving in the Armed Forces, 
     participated in a sensitive mission or served in a sensitive 
     unit.
       ``(3) The term `sensitive mission' means a mission of the 
     Armed Forces that, at the time at which an eligible veteran 
     seeks treatment, is classified.
       ``(4) The term `sensitive unit' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 130b(c)(4) of title 10.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1720G the following new item:

``1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified 
              missions.''.

     SEC. 606. EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND 
                   WOMEN IN LABOR.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended 
     by inserting after section 1784 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1784A. Examination and treatment for emergency medical 
       conditions and women in labor

       ``(a) In General.--In the case of a hospital of the 
     Department that has an emergency department, if any 
     individual comes to the hospital or the campus of the 
     hospital and a request is made on behalf of the individual 
     for examination or treatment for a medical condition, the 
     hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening 
     examination within the capability of the emergency 
     department, including ancillary services routinely available 
     to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an 
     emergency medical condition exists.
       ``(b) Necessary Stabilizing Treatment for Emergency Medical 
     Conditions and Labor.--(1) If any individual comes to a 
     hospital of the Department that has an emergency department 
     or the campus of such a hospital and the hospital determines 
     that the individual has an emergency medical condition, the 
     hospital must provide either--
       ``(A) within the staff and facilities available at the 
     hospital, for such further medical examination and such 
     treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical 
     condition; or
       ``(B) for transfer of the individual to another medical 
     facility in accordance with subsection (c).
       ``(2) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of 
     paragraph (1)(A) with respect to an individual if the 
     hospital offers the individual the further medical 
     examination and treatment described in that paragraph and 
     informs the individual (or a person acting on behalf of the 
     individual) of the risks and benefits to the individual of 
     such examination and treatment, but the individual (or

[[Page 15870]]

     a person acting on behalf of the individual) refuses to 
     consent to the examination and treatment. The hospital shall 
     take all reasonable steps to secure the written informed 
     consent of the individual (or person) to refuse such 
     examination and treatment.
       ``(3) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of 
     paragraph (1)(B) with respect to an individual if the 
     hospital offers to transfer the individual to another medical 
     facility in accordance with subsection (c) and informs the 
     individual (or a person acting on behalf of the individual) 
     of the risks and benefits to the individual of such transfer, 
     but the individual (or a person acting on behalf of the 
     individual) refuses to consent to the transfer. The hospital 
     shall take all reasonable steps to secure the written 
     informed consent of the individual (or person) to refuse such 
     transfer.
       ``(c) Restricting Transfers Until Individual Stabilized.--
     (1) If an individual at a hospital of the Department has an 
     emergency medical condition that has not been stabilized, the 
     hospital may not transfer the individual unless--
       ``(A)(i) the individual (or a legally responsible person 
     acting on behalf of the individual), after being informed of 
     the obligations of the hospital under this section and of the 
     risk of transfer, requests, in writing, transfer to another 
     medical facility;
       ``(ii) a physician of the Department has signed a 
     certification that, based upon the information available at 
     the time of transfer, the medical benefits reasonably 
     expected from the provision of appropriate medical treatment 
     at another medical facility outweigh the increased risks to 
     the individual and, in the case of labor, to the unborn child 
     from effecting the transfer; or
       ``(iii) if a physician of the Department is not physically 
     present in the emergency department at the time an individual 
     is transferred, a qualified medical person (as defined by the 
     Secretary for purposes of this section) has signed a 
     certification described in clause (ii) after a physician of 
     the Department, in consultation with the person, has made the 
     determination described in such clause, and subsequently 
     countersigns the certification; and
       ``(B) the transfer is an appropriate transfer to that 
     facility.
       ``(2) A certification described in clause (ii) or (iii) of 
     paragraph (1)(A) shall include a summary of the risks and 
     benefits upon which the certification is based.
       ``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an appropriate 
     transfer to a medical facility is a transfer--
       ``(A) in which the transferring hospital provides the 
     medical treatment within its capacity that minimizes the 
     risks to the health of the individual and, in the case of a 
     woman in labor, the health of the unborn child;
       ``(B) in which the receiving facility--
       ``(i) has available space and qualified personnel for the 
     treatment of the individual; and
       ``(ii) has agreed to accept transfer of the individual and 
     to provide appropriate medical treatment;
       ``(C) in which the transferring hospital sends to the 
     receiving facility all medical records (or copies thereof) 
     available at the time of the transfer relating to the 
     emergency medical condition for which the individual has 
     presented, including--
       ``(i) observations of signs or symptoms;
       ``(ii) preliminary diagnosis;
       ``(iii) treatment provided;
       ``(iv) the results of any tests; and
       ``(v) the informed written request or certification (or 
     copy thereof) provided under paragraph (1)(A);
       ``(D) in which the transfer is effected through qualified 
     personnel and transportation equipment, including the use of 
     necessary and medically appropriate life support measures 
     during the transfer; and
       ``(E) that meets such other requirements as the Secretary 
     considers necessary in the interest of the health and safety 
     of the individual or individuals transferred.
       ``(d) Payment to the Department.--The Secretary shall 
     charge for any care or services provided under this section 
     in accordance with billing and reimbursement authorities 
     available to the Secretary under other provisions of law.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `campus' means, with respect to a hospital 
     of the Department--
       ``(A) the physical area immediately adjacent to the main 
     buildings of the hospital;
       ``(B) other areas and structures that are not strictly 
     contiguous to the main buildings but are located not more 
     than 250 yards from the main buildings; and
       ``(C) any other areas determined by the Secretary to be 
     part of the campus of the hospital.
       ``(2) The term `emergency medical condition' means--
       ``(A) a medical condition manifesting itself by acute 
     symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such 
     that the absence of immediate medical attention could 
     reasonably be expected to result in--
       ``(i) placing the health of the individual (or, with 
     respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her 
     unborn child) in serious jeopardy;
       ``(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions; or
       ``(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part; or
       ``(B) in the case of a pregnant woman, a stage of labor 
     that a medical provider determines indicates--
       ``(i) that there is inadequate time to effect a safe 
     transfer to another hospital before delivery; or
       ``(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the health or 
     safety of the woman or the unborn child.
       ``(3)(A) The term `to stabilize' means--
       ``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition 
     described in paragraph (2)(A), to provide such medical 
     treatment of the condition as may be necessary to assure, 
     within reasonable medical probability, that no material 
     deterioration of the condition is likely to result from or 
     occur during the transfer of the individual from a facility; 
     or
       ``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical condition 
     described in paragraph (2)(B), to deliver (including the 
     placenta).
       ``(B) The term `stabilized' means--
       ``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition 
     described in paragraph (2)(A), that no material deterioration 
     of the condition is likely, within reasonable medical 
     probability, to result from or occur during the transfer of 
     the individual from a facility; or
       ``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical condition 
     described in paragraph (2)(B), that the woman has delivered 
     (including the placenta).
       ``(4) The term `transfer' means the movement (including the 
     discharge) of an individual outside the facilities of a 
     hospital of the Department at the direction of any person 
     employed by (or affiliated or associated, directly or 
     indirectly, with) the hospital, but does not include such a 
     movement of an individual who--
       ``(A) has been declared dead; or
       ``(B) leaves the facility without the permission of any 
     such person.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 1784 the following new item:

``1784A. Examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and 
              women in labor.''.

               Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration

     SEC. 611. TIME PERIOD COVERED BY ANNUAL REPORT ON 
                   READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICE.

       Section 7309(e)(1) is amended by striking ``calendar year'' 
     and inserting ``fiscal year''.

     SEC. 612. ANNUAL REPORT ON VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND 
                   FURNISHING OF HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL SERVICES, 
                   AND NURSING HOME CARE.

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

     ``Sec. 7330B. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration 
       and furnishing of hospital care, medical services, and 
       nursing home care

       ``(a) Report Required.--Not later than March 1 of each of 
     years 2018 through 2022, 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, for the calendar year preceding 
     the calendar year during which the report is submitted--
       ``(1) the furnishing of hospital care, medical services, 
     and nursing home care under the laws administered by the 
     Secretary; and
       ``(2) the administration of the furnishing of such care and 
     services by the Veterans Health Administration.
       ``(b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) 
     shall include each of the following for the year covered by 
     the report:
       ``(1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans 
     Health Administration in increasing the access of veterans to 
     hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care 
     furnished by the Secretary for which such veterans are 
     eligible.
       ``(2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans 
     Health Administration in improving the quality of health care 
     provided to veterans, without increasing the costs incurred 
     for such health care by the Federal Government or veterans, 
     including relevant information for each medical center and 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network of the Department set 
     forth separately.
       ``(3) An assessment of--
       ``(A) the workload of physicians and other employees of the 
     Veterans Health Administration;
       ``(B) patient demographics and utilization rates;
       ``(C) physician compensation;
       ``(D) the productivity of physicians and other employees of 
     the Veterans Health Administration;
       ``(E) the percentage of hospital care, medical services, 
     and nursing home care provided to veterans in facilities of 
     the Department and in non-Department facilities and any 
     changes in such percentages compared to the year preceding 
     the year covered by the report;
       ``(F) pharmaceutical prices; and
       ``(G) third-party health billings owed to the Department, 
     including the total amount of such billings and the total 
     amount collected by the Department, set forth separately for 
     claims greater than $1,000 and for claims equal to or less 
     than $1,000.

[[Page 15871]]

       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `hospital 
     care', `medical services', `nursing home care', `facilities 
     of the Department', and `non-Department facilities' have the 
     meanings given those terms in section 1701 of this title.''.
       (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. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and furnishing 
              of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home 
              care.''.

     SEC. 613. EXPANSION OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSED MENTAL 
                   HEALTH COUNSELORS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO INCLUDE DOCTORAL DEGREES.

       Section 7402(b)(11)(A) is amended by inserting ``or 
     doctoral degree'' after ``master's degree''.

     SEC. 614. MODIFICATION OF HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR PHYSICIANS 
                   EMPLOYED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       Section 7423(a) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) The hours'' and inserting ``(a)(1) 
     Except as provided in paragraph (2), the hours''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) Upon the advance written request of a covered 
     physician, the Secretary may modify the hours of employment 
     for a physician appointed in the Administration under any 
     provision of this chapter on a full-time basis to be more or 
     less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay period, subject to the 
     requirements in subparagraph (B). For the purpose of 
     determining pay, such a physician shall be deemed to have a 
     biweekly schedule of 80 hours of employment.
       ``(B) A physician with an irregular work schedule 
     established under subparagraph (A) shall be obligated to 
     account for at least 2,080 hours of employment (through 
     performance of work or use of leave or paid time off) in a 
     calendar year.
       ``(C) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to implement 
     this paragraph, including regulations making adjustments to 
     address the annual hours requirement for physicians who are 
     covered by this paragraph for only a portion of a calendar 
     year.''.

     SEC. 615. REPEAL OF COMPENSATION PANELS TO DETERMINE MARKET 
                   PAY FOR PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS.

       Section 7431(c) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (4);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as 
     paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
       (3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``under paragraph (6)'' and inserting ``under paragraph 
     (5)''.

     SEC. 616. CLARIFICATION REGARDING LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF 
                   AGREEMENT UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 7675(b)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``In the case 
     of a participant who is a part-time student, the'' and 
     inserting ``The''.

     SEC. 617. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR INCREASE IN GRADUATE 
                   MEDICAL EDUCATION RESIDENCY POSITIONS AT 
                   MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 301(b) of the 
     Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 
     (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 7302 note) is amended--
       (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Five-year'' and 
     inserting ``Ten-year''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``5-year period'' and 
     inserting ``10-year period''.
       (b) Report.--Paragraph (3)(A) of such section is amended by 
     striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2024''.

     SEC. 618. REPORT ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH BY DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than each of 180 days and 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 
     increasing public access to scientific publications and 
     digital data from research funded by the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) An identification of the location or locations in which 
     the public will be able to access the results of research 
     funded by the Department, whether on an Internet website of 
     the Department or through another source.
       (2) A description of the progress made by the Department in 
     meeting public access requirements set forth in the notice 
     entitled ``Policy and Implementation Plan for Public Access 
     to Scientific Publications and Digital Data from Research 
     Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs'' (80 Fed. Reg. 
     60751), including the following:
       (A) Compliance of Department investigators with 
     requirements relating to ensuring that research funded by the 
     Department is accessible by the public.
       (B) Ensuring data management plans of the Department 
     include provisions for long-term preservation of the 
     scientific data resulting from research funded by the 
     Department.
       (3) An explanation of the factors used to evaluate the 
     merit of data management plans of research funded by the 
     Veterans Health Administration.
       (4) An explanation of the process of the Department in 
     effect that enables stakeholders to petition a change to the 
     embargo period for a specific field and the factors 
     considered during such process.

     SEC. 619. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
                   PROJECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     carry out the following major medical facility projects, with 
     each project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed the 
     amount specified for that project:
       (1) Seismic, life safety, and utilities upgrades and 
     expansion of clinical services in Reno, Nevada, in an amount 
     not to exceed $213,800,000.
       (2) Seismic corrections to the mental health and community 
     living center in Long Beach, California, in an amount not to 
     exceed $317,300,000.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for 
     fiscal year 2017 or the year in which funds are appropriated 
     for the Construction, Major Projects, account $531,100,000 
     for the projects authorized in subsection (a).
       (c) Limitation.--The projects authorized in subsection (a) 
     may only be carried out using--
       (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2017 or the year in 
     which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major 
     Projects, account pursuant to the authorization of 
     appropriations in subsection (b);
       (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
     fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 that remain available for 
     obligation;
       (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
     fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 that remain available for 
     obligation;
       (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity not specific 
     to a project;
       (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 for a category of 
     activity not specific to a project; and
       (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 for a category of 
     activity not specific to a project.

                       Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure

     SEC. 631. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Armed forces.--The term ``Armed Forces'' means the 
     United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast 
     Guard.
       (2) Descendant.--The term ``descendant'' means, with 
     respect to an individual, the biological child or grandchild 
     of that individual.
       (3) Toxic exposure.--The term ``toxic exposure'' means a 
     condition in which an individual inhaled or ingested an agent 
     determined to be hazardous to the health of the individual or 
     the agent came in contact with the skin or eyes of the 
     individual in a manner that could be hazardous to the health 
     of the individual.
       (4) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 632. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE ASSESSMENT ON RESEARCH 
                   RELATING TO THE DESCENDANTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH 
                   TOXIC EXPOSURE.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Agreement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National 
     Academy of Medicine under which the National Academy of 
     Medicine conducts an assessment on scientific research 
     relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic 
     exposure.
       (2) Alternate organization.--
       (A) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within the 
     period prescribed in paragraph (1) to enter into an agreement 
     described in such paragraph with the National Academy of 
     Medicine on terms acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary 
     shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another 
     appropriate organization that--
       (i) is not part of the Federal Government;
       (ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
       (iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of 
     the National Academy of Medicine.
       (B) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an agreement 
     with another organization as described in subparagraph (A), 
     any reference in this section to the National Academy of 
     Medicine shall be treated as a reference to the other 
     organization.
       (b) Elements.--The assessment conducted pursuant to the 
     agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include the 
     following:
       (1) A scientific review of the scientific literature 
     regarding toxicological and epidemiological research on 
     descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
       (2) An assessment of areas requiring further scientific 
     study relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic 
     exposure.

[[Page 15872]]

       (3) An assessment of the scope and methodology required to 
     conduct adequate scientific research relating to the 
     descendants of individuals with toxic exposure, including--
       (A) the types of individuals to be studied, including 
     veterans with toxic exposure and the descendants of those 
     veterans;
       (B) the number of veterans and descendants described in 
     subparagraph (A) to be studied;
       (C) the potential alternatives for participation in such a 
     study, including whether it would be necessary for 
     participants to travel in order to participate;
       (D) the approximate amount of time and resources needed to 
     prepare and conduct the research; and
       (E) the appropriate Federal agencies to participate in the 
     research, including the Department of Defense and the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (4) The establishment of categories, including definitions 
     for each such category, to be used in assessing the evidence 
     that a particular health condition is related to toxic 
     exposure, such as--
       (A) sufficient evidence of a causal relationship;
       (B) sufficient evidence of an association;
       (C) limited or suggestive evidence of an association;
       (D) inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine 
     whether an association exists; and
       (E) limited or suggestive evidence of no association.
       (5) An analysis of--
       (A) the feasibility of conducting scientific research to 
     address the areas that require further study as described 
     under paragraph (2);
       (B) the value and relevance of the information that could 
     result from such scientific research; and
       (C) for purposes of conducting further research, the 
     feasibility and advisability of accessing additional 
     information held by a Federal agency that may be sensitive.
       (6) An identification of a research entity or entities 
     with--
       (A) expertise in conducting research on health conditions 
     of descendants of individuals with toxic exposure; and
       (B) an ability to conduct research on those health 
     conditions to address areas requiring further scientific 
     study as described under paragraph (2).
       (c) Report.--The agreement entered into under subsection 
     (a) shall require the National Academy of Medicine to submit, 
     not later than two years after entering into such agreement, 
     to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives--
       (1) the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to 
     such agreement, including such recommendations as the 
     National Academy of Medicine considers appropriate regarding 
     the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate 
     scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans 
     with toxic exposure; and
       (2) a determination regarding whether the results of such 
     assessment indicate that it is feasible to conduct further 
     research regarding health conditions of descendants of 
     veterans with toxic exposure, including an explanation of the 
     basis for the determination.
       (d) Certification.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the 
     results of the assessment and determination under subsection 
     (c), 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 certification of the 
     understanding of the Secretary, based on such results and 
     determination, regarding the feasibility of conducting 
     further research regarding health conditions of descendants 
     of veterans with toxic exposure that is expressed by such 
     results and determination.
       (2) Basis for certification.--The certification submitted 
     under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of the basis 
     for the certification.

     SEC. 633. ADVISORY BOARD ON RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH 
                   CONDITIONS OF DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH 
                   TOXIC EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       (a) Establishment.--Unless the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs certifies under section 632(d) that the results of 
     the assessment and determination under section 632(c) 
     indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research 
     regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with 
     toxic exposure, not later than 180 days after receiving such 
     results and determination, the Secretary shall establish an 
     advisory board (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
     Board'') to advise the Secretary in the selection of a 
     research entity or entities under section 634, advise such 
     entity or entities in conducting research under such section, 
     and advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of 
     such entity or entities under such section.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) Composition.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     National Academy of Medicine, the Director of the National 
     Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and such other 
     heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate--
       (A) shall select not more than 13 voting members of the 
     Advisory Board, of whom--
       (i) not less than two shall be members of organizations 
     exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986;
       (ii) not less than two shall be descendants of veterans 
     with toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed 
     Forces; and
       (iii) not less than seven shall be health professionals, 
     scientists, or academics who are not employees of the Federal 
     Government and have expertise in--

       (I) birth defects;
       (II) developmental disabilities;
       (III) epigenetics;
       (IV) public health;
       (V) the science of environmental exposure or environmental 
     exposure assessment;
       (VI) the science of toxic substances; or
       (VII) medical and research ethics; and

       (B) may select not more than two nonvoting members who are 
     employees of the Federal Government and who are otherwise 
     described in subparagraph (A)(iii).
       (2) Chair.--The Secretary shall select a Chair from among 
     the members of the Advisory Board selected under paragraph 
     (1)(A).
       (3) Terms.--
       (A) In general.--Each member of the Advisory Board shall 
     serve a term of two or three years as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       (B) Reappointment.--At the end of the term of a member of 
     the Advisory Board, the Secretary may reselect the member for 
     another term, except that no member may serve more than four 
     consecutive terms.
       (c) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
       (1) advise the Secretary in the selection of a research 
     entity or entities to conduct research under section 634 from 
     among those identified under section 632(b)(6);
       (2) advise such entity or entities and assess the 
     activities of such entity or entities in conducting such 
     research;
       (3) develop a research strategy for such entity or entities 
     based on, but not limited to, the results of the assessment 
     conducted under section 632;
       (4) advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of 
     such entity or entities under section 634;
       (5) submit recommendations to be included by such entity or 
     entities in the report under section 634(d)(2)(C); and
       (6) not less frequently than semiannually, meet with the 
     Secretary and representatives of such entity or entities on 
     the research conducted by such entity or entities under 
     section 634.
       (d) Meetings.--The Advisory Board shall meet at the call of 
     the Chair, but not less frequently than semiannually.
       (e) Compensation.--The members of the Advisory Board shall 
     serve without compensation.
       (f) Expenses.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     determine the appropriate expenses of the Advisory Board.
       (g) Personnel.--
       (1) In general.--The Chair may, without regard to the civil 
     service laws and regulations, appoint an executive director 
     of the Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian employee of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs, and such other personnel 
     as may be necessary to enable the Advisory Board to perform 
     its duties.
       (2) Approval.--The appointment of an executive director 
     under paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the 
     Advisory Board.
       (3) Compensation.--The Chair may fix the compensation of 
     the executive director and other personnel without regard to 
     the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 
     of title 5, United States Code, 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.

     SEC. 634. RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH CONDITIONS OF 
                   DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE 
                   WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     certifies under section 632(d) that the results of the 
     assessment and determination under section 632(c) indicate 
     that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding 
     health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic 
     exposure, not later than one year after receiving such 
     results and determination, the Secretary shall (in 
     consultation with the advisory board established under 
     section 633 (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
     Board'')) enter into an agreement with one or more research 
     entities identified under section 632(b)(6) (excluding an 
     entity of the Department of Veterans Affairs) to conduct 
     research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with 
     toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces 
     (in this section referred to as the ``research entity or 
     entities'').
       (b) Research.--
       (1) In general.--To the extent included in the research 
     strategy developed by the Advisory Board under section 
     633(c)(3), the research entity or entities shall conduct 
     research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with 
     toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces.
       (2) Studies.--In conducting research under paragraph (1), 
     the research entity or entities may study any veteran, at the 
     election of

[[Page 15873]]

     the veteran, identified under section 632(b)(3)(A) as a type 
     of individual to be studied in order to conduct adequate 
     scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans 
     with toxic exposure.
       (3) Categorization.--In conducting research under paragraph 
     (1), the research entity or entities shall assess, using the 
     categories established under section 632(b)(4), the extent to 
     which a health condition of a descendant of a veteran is 
     related to the toxic exposure of the veteran while serving as 
     a member of the Armed Forces.
       (c) Availability of Records.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs, and the head of each Federal agency 
     identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall make available to 
     the research entity or entities records held by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, 
     the Armed Forces, that Federal agency, or any other source 
     under the jurisdiction of any such Federal agency or the 
     Armed Forces, as appropriate, that the research entity or 
     entities determine are necessary to carry out this section.
       (2) Mechanism for access.--The Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of each 
     Federal agency identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall 
     jointly establish a mechanism for access by the research 
     entity or entities to records made available under paragraph 
     (1).
       (d) Annual Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after commencing 
     the conduct of research under this section, and not later 
     than September 30 each year thereafter, each research entity 
     with which the Secretary has entered into an agreement under 
     subsection (a) shall, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board, submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the functions of such entity 
     under this section during the year preceding the submittal of 
     the report.
       (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) A summary of the research efforts that have been 
     completed during the year preceding the submittal of the 
     report and that are ongoing as of the date of the submittal 
     of the report.
       (B) A description of any findings made during such year in 
     carrying out such research efforts.
       (C) Recommendations for administrative or legislative 
     action made by the Advisory Board based on such findings, 
     which may include recommendations for further research under 
     this section.
       (3) Upon request.--Upon the request of any organization 
     exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     transmit to such organization a copy of a report received by 
     the Secretary under paragraph (1).

                    TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

          Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits

     SEC. 701. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF HOMELESS VETERAN FOR 
                   PURPOSES OF BENEFITS UNDER THE LAWS 
                   ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS.

       Section 2002 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``In this chapter'' and inserting ``(a) In 
     General.--In this chapter'';
       (2) by striking ``in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento 
     Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a))'' and inserting 
     ``in subsection (a) or (b) of section 103 of the McKinney-
     Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Veteran Defined.--(1) Notwithstanding section 101(2) 
     of this title and except as provided in paragraph (2), for 
     purposes of sections 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, and 2061 of this 
     title, the term `veteran' means a person who served in the 
     active military, naval, or air service, regardless of length 
     of service, and who was discharged or released therefrom.
       ``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `veteran' 
     excludes a person who--
       ``(A) received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed 
     Forces; or
       ``(B) was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces by 
     reason of the sentence of a general court-martial.''.

     SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION TO FURNISH CERTAIN BENEFITS TO 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS WITH DISCHARGES OR RELEASES 
                   UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS.

       Section 5303(d) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``not apply to any war-risk insurance, 
     Government (converted) or National Service Life Insurance 
     policy.'' and inserting the following: ``not apply to the 
     following:
       ``(1) Any war-risk insurance, Government (converted) or 
     National Service Life Insurance policy.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) Benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 
     2061 of this title (except for benefits for individuals 
     discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces by reason of 
     the sentence of a general court-martial).''.

     SEC. 703. WAIVER OF MINIMUM PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS ACTIVE DUTY 
                   IN ARMED FORCES FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS FOR 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 5303A(b)(3) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as 
     subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new 
     subparagraph (F):
       ``(F) to benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 
     2061 of this title;''.

     SEC. 704. TRAINING OF PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS AND GRANT RECIPIENTS.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a program 
     of training and education to ensure that the following 
     persons are aware of and implement this title and the 
     amendments made by this subtitle:
       (1) Personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are 
     supporting or administering a program under chapter 20 of 
     title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Recipients of grants or other amounts for purposes of 
     carrying out such a program.

     SEC. 705. REGULATIONS.

       Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe 
     regulations, including such modifications to section 3.12 of 
     title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulation), as the Secretary considers appropriate, to 
     ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is in full 
     compliance with this title and the amendments made by this 
     subtitle.

     SEC. 706. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle 
     shall apply to individuals seeking benefits under chapter 20 
     of title 38, United States Code, before, on, and after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

                 Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters

     SEC. 711. INCREASED PER DIEM PAYMENTS FOR TRANSITIONAL 
                   HOUSING ASSISTANCE THAT BECOMES PERMANENT 
                   HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 2012(a)(2) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as 
     subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
       (2) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated, by striking ``in 
     subparagraph (D)'' and inserting ``in subparagraph (E)'';
       (3) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``under subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``under subparagraph 
     (C)'';
       (4) in subparagraph (E), as redesignated, by striking ``in 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C)'' and inserting ``in subparagraphs 
     (C) and (D)'';
       (5) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except as 
     otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), the rate''; and
       (B) by striking ``under subparagraph (B)'' and all that 
     follows and inserting ``under subparagraph (C).''; and
       (6) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraph (B):
       ``(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), in no case may 
     the rate determined under this paragraph exceed the rate 
     authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under 
     subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as the 
     Secretary may increase from time to time under subsection (c) 
     of that section.
       ``(ii) In the case of services furnished to a homeless 
     veteran who is placed in housing that will become permanent 
     housing for the veteran upon termination of the furnishing of 
     such services to such veteran, the maximum rate of per diem 
     authorized under this section is 150 percent of the rate 
     authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under 
     subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as the 
     Secretary may increase from time to time under subsection (c) 
     of that section.''.

     SEC. 712. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE RETENTION OF HOUSING BY FORMERLY 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK OF 
                   BECOMING HOMELESS.

       (a) Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 20 is amended--
       (A) by redesignating section 2013 as section 2014; and
       (B) by inserting after section 2012 the following new 
     section 2013:

     ``Sec. 2013. Program to improve retention of housing by 
       formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming 
       homeless

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
     program under which the Secretary shall provide case 
     management services to improve the retention of housing by 
     veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning 
     to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of becoming 
     homeless.
       ``(b) Grants.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out the 
     program through the award of grants.
       ``(2)(A) In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall give priority to organizations that 
     demonstrate a capability to provide case management services 
     as described in subsection (a), particularly organizations 
     that are successfully providing or have successfully provided 
     transitional housing services using amounts provided by the 
     Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title.
       ``(B) In giving priority under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall give extra priority

[[Page 15874]]

     to an organization described in such subparagraph that--
       ``(i) voluntarily stops receiving amounts provided by the 
     Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title; and
       ``(ii) converts a facility that the organization used to 
     provide transitional housing services into a facility that 
     the organization uses to provide permanent housing that meets 
     housing quality standards established under section 
     8(o)(8)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
     U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)).
       ``(C) In any case in which a facility, with respect to 
     which a person received a grant for construction, 
     rehabilitation, or acquisition under section 2011 of this 
     title, is converted as described in subparagraph (B)(ii), 
     such conversion shall be considered to have been carried out 
     pursuant to the needs of the Department and such person shall 
     not be considered in noncompliance with the terms of such 
     grant by reason of such conversion.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 2013 and inserting the following new 
     items:

``2013. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless 
              veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
``2014. Authorization of appropriations.''.

       (b) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall prescribe regulations to carry out section 2013 of such 
     title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
       (c) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than June 1, 2020, 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 required by section 
     2013 of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
       (2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include assessments of the following:
       (A) The percentage of veterans who received case management 
     services under the program who were able to retain permanent 
     housing by the end of the program, disaggregated by each 
     recipient of a grant under such section.
       (B) The percentage of veterans who received case management 
     services under the program who were not in permanent housing 
     at the end of the program, disaggregated by housing status 
     and reason for failing to retain permanent housing under the 
     program.
       (C) The use by veterans, who received case management 
     services under the program, of housing assistance furnished 
     by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a comparison 
     of the use of such assistance by such veterans before and 
     after receiving such services.
       (D) An assessment of the employment status of veterans who 
     received case management services under the program, 
     including a comparison of the employment status of such 
     veterans before and after receiving such services.

     SEC. 713. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS 
                   AMONG VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter VII of chapter 20 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 2067. National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans

       ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary shall establish and 
     operate a center to carry out the functions described in 
     subsection (b).
       ``(2) The center established under paragraph (1) shall be 
     known as the `National Center on Homelessness Among 
     Veterans'.
       ``(3) To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall 
     operate the center established under paragraph (1) 
     independently of the other programs of the Department that 
     address homelessness among veterans.
       ``(b) Functions.--The functions described in this 
     subsection are as follows:
       ``(1) To carry out and promote research into the causes and 
     contributing factors to veteran homelessness.
       ``(2) To assess the effectiveness of programs of the 
     Department to meet the needs of homeless veterans.
       ``(3) To identify and disseminate best practices with 
     regard to housing stabilization, income support, employment 
     assistance, community partnerships, and such other matters as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to 
     addressing veteran homelessness.
       ``(4) To integrate evidence-based and best practices, 
     policies, and programs into programs of the Department for 
     homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness and to 
     ensure that the staff of the Department and community 
     partners can implement such practices, policies, and 
     programs.
       ``(5) To serve as a resource center for, and promote and 
     seek to coordinate the exchange of information regarding, all 
     research and training activities carried out by the 
     Department and by other Federal and non-Federal entities with 
     respect to veteran homelessness.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter 20 is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 2066 the following new item:

``2067. National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans.''.

     SEC. 714. REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO 
                   ASSESS COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR 
                   HOMELESS VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall--
       (1) assess and measure the capacity of programs for which 
     entities receive grants under section 2011 of title 38, 
     United States Code, or per diem payments under section 2012 
     or 2061 of such title; and
       (2) assess such programs with respect to--
       (A) how well they achieve their stated goals at a national 
     level;
       (B) placements in permanent housing;
       (C) placements in employment; and
       (D) increases in the regular income of participants in the 
     programs.
       (b) Assessment at National and Local Levels.--In assessing 
     and measuring under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall 
     develop and use tools to examine the capacity of programs 
     described in such subsection at both the national and local 
     level in order to assess the following:
       (1) Whether sufficient capacity exists to meet the needs of 
     homeless veterans in each geographic area.
       (2) Whether existing capacity meets the needs of the 
     subpopulations of homeless veterans located in each 
     geographic area.
       (3) The amount of capacity that recipients of grants under 
     sections 2011 and 2061 and per diem payments under section 
     2012 of such title have to provide services for which the 
     recipients are eligible to receive per diem under section 
     2012(a)(2)(B)(ii) of title 38, United States Code, as added 
     by section 711(6).
       (c) Consideration of Other Resources.--In assessing and 
     measuring programs under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary 
     shall consider the availability to such programs of resources 
     made available to such programs and to homeless veterans, 
     including resources provided by the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs and by entities other than the Department.
       (d) Use of Information.--The Secretary shall use the 
     information collected under this section as follows:
       (1) To set specific goals to ensure that programs described 
     in subsection (a) are effectively serving the needs of 
     homeless veterans.
       (2) To assess whether programs described in subsection (a) 
     are meeting goals set under paragraph (1).
       (3) To inform funding allocations for programs described in 
     subsection (a).
       (4) To improve the referral of homeless veterans to 
     programs described in subsection (a).
       (e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the assessment required by subsection (a) 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 such assessment 
     and such recommendations for legislative and administrative 
     action as the Secretary may have to improve the programs and 
     per diem payments described in subsection (a).

     SEC. 715. REPORT ON OUTREACH RELATING TO INCREASING THE 
                   AMOUNT OF HOUSING AVAILABLE TO VETERANS.

       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 and the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Financial 
     Services of the House of Representatives a report describing 
     and assessing the outreach conducted by the Secretary to 
     realtors, landlords, property management companies, and 
     developers to educate them about the housing needs of 
     veterans and the benefits of having veterans as tenants.

                       TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 801. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONSTRUCTION 
                   REFORMS.

       (a) Application of Industry Standards; Assistance.--Section 
     8103 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsections:
       ``(f) To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary 
     shall use industry standards, standard designs, and best 
     practices in carrying out the construction of medical 
     facilities.
       ``(g) The Secretary shall ensure that each employee of the 
     Department with responsibilities, as determined by the 
     Secretary, relating to the infrastructure construction or 
     alteration of medical facilities, including such construction 
     or alteration carried out pursuant to contracts or 
     agreements, undergoes a program of ongoing professional 
     training and development. Such program shall be designed to 
     ensure that employees maintain adequate expertise relating to 
     industry standards and best practices for the acquisition of 
     design and construction services. The Secretary may provide 
     the program under this subsection directly or through a 
     contract or agreement with a non-Federal entity or with a 
     non-Department Federal entity.''.
       (b) Forensic Audits of Certain Projects.--Subsection (c) of 
     section 8104 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Not less than 30 days'' and inserting 
     ``(1) Not less than 30 days''; and

[[Page 15875]]

       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) enter into a contract or agreement with an 
     appropriate non-department Federal entity with the ability to 
     conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the 
     conduct of an external forensic audit of the expenditures 
     relating to any major medical facility or super construction 
     project for which the total expenditures exceed the amount 
     requested in the initial budget request for the project 
     submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31 by more 
     than 25 percent; and
       ``(B) enter into a contract or agreement with an 
     appropriate non-department Federal entity with the ability to 
     conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the 
     conduct of an external audit of the medical center 
     construction project in Aurora, Colorado.''.
       (c) Use of Amounts From Bid Savings.--Subsection (d)(2)(B) 
     of such section is amended--
       (1) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses 
     (iii) and (iv), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause 
     (ii):
       ``(ii) If the major construction project that is the source 
     of the bid savings is not complete--
       ``(I) the amount already obligated by the Department or 
     available in the project reserve for such project;
       ``(II) the percentage of such project that has been 
     completed; and
       ``(III) the amount available to the Department to complete 
     such project.''; and
       (3) in clauses (iii) and (iv), as redesignated by paragraph 
     (1), strike ``amounts'' and inserting ``bid savings amounts'' 
     both places it appears.
       (d) Quarterly Report on Super Construction Projects.--
       (1) In general.--At the end of subchapter I of chapter 81 
     add the following new section:

     ``Sec. 8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects

       ``(a) Quarterly Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the last day of each fiscal quarter the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
     and House of Representatives a report on the super 
     construction projects carried out by the appropriate non-
     Department Federal entity described in section 8103(e)(1) of 
     this title during such quarter. Each such report shall 
     include, for each such project--
       ``(1) the budgetary and scheduling status of the project, 
     as of the last day of the quarter covered by the report; and
       ``(2) the actual cost and schedule variances of the 
     project, as of such day, compared to the planned cost and 
     schedules for the project.
       ``(b) Super Construction Project Defined.--In this section, 
     the term `super construction project' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 8103(e)(3) of this title.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of 
     the items relating to such subchapter the following new item:

``8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects.''.

     SEC. 802. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

       Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
       (1) In section 735(a)(5), by striking ``(Public Law 104-
     191)'' and inserting ``(Public Law 104-191; 42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 
     note)''.
       (2) In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 
     17, by striking the items relating to sections 1710D and 
     1710E and inserting the following new items:

``1710D. Traumatic brain injury: comprehensive program for long-term 
              rehabilitation.
``1710E. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department facilities for 
              rehabilitation.''.

       (3) In section 1710(e)(1)(F), by inserting a comma after 
     ``1953''.
       (4) In section 7412(b), by striking ``under paragraph (1)'' 
     and inserting ``under subsection (a)''.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller 
and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement 
Act of 2016. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation represents a 
significant portion of the committee's hard work throughout the 114th 
Congress and contains numerous provisions that would improve healthcare 
benefits and services for those that are most deserving: our Nation's 
heroes.

                              {time}  1430

  I am proud to report that so far this Congress, the House has passed 
60 veterans-related bills. By the close of business tomorrow, that 
tally will be 68. The text of many of those bills can be found within 
H.R. 6416.
  While we do not have enough time for me to go through every 
worthwhile section of this legislation, I do want to touch on just a 
few. Among the provisions that would improve disability benefits is one 
that would allow physicians who are under contract with VA and who have 
unrestricted licenses to conduct disability examinations in any State, 
regardless of where that physician is licensed.
  Another provision would extend the temporary expansion of the Court 
of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges through 2020, which would 
help the court address the growing number of cases before it and ensure 
veterans receive the court's decision in a timely manner.
  Three proposals sponsored by Chairman Miller would ensure that all 
veterans have the opportunity to have future generations remember and 
respect their lives and their service by directing VA to provide a 
medallion to be affixed to the headstone in a private cemetery that 
signifies that a deceased person is a veteran, permitting VA to furnish 
a medallion or marker specifically designed for the graves of the 
deceased Medal of Honor recipients, and providing Presidential Memorial 
Certificates to those who served in the National Guard or Reserve even 
if they were never called to Active Duty.
  Other provisions of the bill would make needed improvements to 
education, vocational rehabilitation, and employment benefits to better 
support veterans by prioritizing vocational rehabilitation services for 
our most disabled veterans, increasing approval and access to oversight 
processes for education programs and schools, improving coordination 
between Federal and State agencies who provide employment services to 
veterans, expanding eligibility for work-study programs, extending the 
amount of time spouses of fallen servicemembers have to use the GI 
Bill's Fry Scholarship benefits, and by extending instate tuition rate 
limit to dependents of servicemembers who are still serving on Active 
Duty, a policy change that will allow VA to fully cover their tuition 
charges.
  Finally, this bill also contains numerous provisions that would 
improve the health and care that VA provides our veterans. To increase 
accountability, oversight, and transparency of the VA healthcare 
system, it would require VA to produce and provide an annual report on 
a number of critical measures of care.
  To improve the provision of care to those facing a health emergency, 
it would clarify VA's responsibility to provide medical screenings and 
treatment to individuals requesting to be seen in a VA emergency room, 
including women in labor, and ensure that VA emergency room physicians 
are afforded the schedule flexibility that their private sector 
colleagues enjoy and the nature of their work demands.
  To address ongoing concerns about the potential impact of toxic 
exposure during military service on veterans' descendants, it would 
require VA to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of 
Medicine to conduct an assessment and issue a report on scientific 
research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure 
and, depending on the results of those efforts, require VA to establish 
an advisory board to advise the Secretary on further research. That 
provision is strongly supported by Vietnam Veterans of America, and I 
am glad to see it included here.
  The bill also includes provisions that would require reforms to VA's 
medical facility construction processes and procedures. The many 
failures of VA's current construction program have been

[[Page 15876]]

well publicized and will continue to be a focus of this committee's 
oversight next Congress so that we can all be assured that VA both has 
the facilities it needs to provide the care our veterans deserve and is 
being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
  Unfortunately, we were unable to get every provision that cleared 
this Chamber or that the committee included in this legislation, which 
only means there is still work to be done next year and beyond. I am 
grateful to all the Members who have contributed thoughtful and, most 
importantly, needed legislation throughout this Congress in support of 
our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6416, 
a bill named in part after Chairman Miller.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Jeff Miller and 
Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 
2016.
  Naming the bill after my colleagues is a testament to the bipartisan 
nature of both the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. 
The bill before us today contains numerous pieces of legislation 
introduced or supported by Members on both sides of the aisle. I thank 
Chairman Miller and all the members of the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, both Democrats and Republicans, for their hard work putting 
together an omnibus bill that will improve the care and support we 
provide to America's veterans.
  I want to specifically acknowledge our committee members--
Representative Brown, Representative Titus, Dr. Ruiz, Representative 
O'Rourke, Representative Rice, Representative Walz, and Representative 
McNerney; and my other Democratic colleagues, Representative Pingree 
and Representative Frankel, Senator-elect Duckworth, Representative 
Gallego, Representative Hahn, and Representative Sinema--all who made 
valuable contributions to this bill.
  I also would like to take this time to congratulate Dr. Roe on his 
selection as the next chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. I look forward to working with him in order to preserve the 
bipartisan nature of this committee in the 115th Congress so that we 
can do what is best for veterans.
  It is fitting that we are taking this bill up on the eve of the 
attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941, is remembered not just for 
the 2,300 Americans that we lost that day, but also for the heroic 
response of so many Americans that followed. It is a reminder of the 
sacrifices millions of young men and women have made in service to our 
Nation. It is a reminder of the debt we owe them.
  As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and 
as a former community college trustee, I am pleased that this bill 
contains several provisions that will improve veterans' education and 
employment prospects after they serve. I have enjoyed collaborating 
with Chairman Wenstrup, and I am proud of the bills our subcommittee 
has moved forward.
  This bill before us today contains language from H.R. 2360, the 
Career-Ready Student Veterans Act, which I introduced last May, to 
ensure that veterans who use their hard-earned Post-9/11 GI Bill 
benefits will attend education programs that prepare them for a career 
in their chosen field of study.
  It requires that all career education programs meet proper 
accreditation, licensure, and certification requirements in order to 
serve student veterans who are using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
  The Department of Defense already has this policy in place to protect 
servicemembers using tuition assistance benefits. It often makes sense 
that Congress should protect student veterans in the very same way. 
This provision is supported by the American Legion, the VFW, IAVA, and 
other VSOs.
  This bill also includes H.R. 2361, Work-Study for Student Veterans 
Act, which I introduced with Chairman Wenstrup. It reauthorizes certain 
work-study activities for individuals receiving educational assistance 
through the VA. The current authorization expired in 2013. This bill 
reauthorizes the program through 2021.
  Through the VA's Student Work-Study Allowance Program, qualifying 
student veterans in college degree programs or vocational or 
professional programs are paid to work in a variety of capacities on 
campus, at VA facilities, and at other veteran-centered organizations 
to assist fellow veterans. This provision will reinstate expired 
activities to allow participating veterans more options when entering 
VA's successful work-study program.
  The work-study program achieves two important goals: offering student 
veterans a way to earn a little extra money, and providing 
transitioning veterans with the guidance and assistance of fellow 
veterans who know firsthand what that transition is like. Peer-to-peer 
support is one of the most effective methods we have to help veterans 
meet the challenges of civilian life.
  I worked with Congresswoman Radewagen to introduce H.R. 5229, the 
Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans Act, which requires VA, 
the Department of Labor, and the Department of Defense to study the 
effectiveness of veterans' transition programs for women veterans and 
other minority groups. This policy will help us learn about how we can 
specialize transition programs for minority veterans in order to meet 
their unique needs and overcome barriers to employment.
  The specific groups that will be included in this study include women 
veterans, veterans with disabilities, Native American veterans, insular 
island veterans from the U.S. territories, and other groups as 
determined by the Secretaries. This generation of veterans is the most 
diverse in American history, and we must be prepared to support every 
person who has served.
  I am pleased to have worked on this legislation in a bipartisan 
fashion, and I am glad it was included in the omnibus before us today. 
I believe it will ensure the best outcome for all veterans during their 
transition from military to civilian life.
  H.R. 6416 improves the Fry Scholarship for the children and spouses 
of fallen soldiers. The bill includes H.R. 2531, introduced by 
Representative and now Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war 
combat veteran. This provision will provide a surviving spouse whose 
husband or wife died in the line of duty after 9/11/2001 the time 
necessary to use the full 36-month benefit from the Fry Scholarship 
without fear of it being cut short during their educational pursuits.
  The Fry Scholarship is an educational benefit given to children and 
spouses of our fallen troops. Currently, public law cuts off Fry 
Scholarship eligibility 15 years from the date of a servicemember's 
death. Unfortunately, this means that spouses who lost a loved one 
shortly after 9/11 could be out of time to use an educational benefit 
that is good for 36 months of enrollment and is normally used over the 
course of 4 years. This policy will allow Gold Star families whose 
eligibility will end before they can fully use their benefit to 
complete their education.
  There are several very important provisions in H.R. 6416 that I would 
like to highlight in the area of claims processing and how we, as a 
nation, honor and memorialize our Nation's heroes.
  Chairman Abraham and Ranking Member Titus of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs have worked hard for the 
last 2 years, and it shows by the almost two dozen provisions produced 
by their subcommittee that are included in this bill.
  One of these is the long overdue Honor America's Guard-Reserve 
Retirees Act, introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz), 
which confers honorary veteran status to Guard and Reserve members who 
have served for 20 years and who would otherwise not meet the full 
requirement for veteran status under the U.S. Code. These 
servicemembers wear the same uniform, receive the same training, are 
subject to the same code of military justice, and in many cases fight 
and die alongside Active Duty troops in war. It is clear why receiving 
this honor is so important to them, and I am very happy to be here 
today to support the legislation of Mr. Walz.

[[Page 15877]]

  I would also like to highlight four bills introduced by minority 
members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs intended to expedite 
veterans' claims for various types of benefits.
  H.R. 6416 also contains the Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act, 
which requires the Board of Veterans Appeals to allow video appeal 
hearings available to veterans who choose them. Again, this simple, 
sensible approach can speed up the benefits appeal process for veterans 
who are comfortable with the videoconference format. This will mean 
that many veterans will no longer have to wait for an in-person hearing 
and will no longer need to travel; saving them time, money, and the 
stress of traveling, which is particularly difficult for our disabled 
veterans.
  This bill also includes two sections drafted by Congressman O'Rourke 
and Ranking Member Titus that will increase VA transparency so that 
congressional policymakers and the public know how the VA is doing with 
its processing of veterans' claims and appeals. The first section 
requires that the VA publish average times for processing claims and 
appeals, including those that are timely and overdue. The second 
section requires a GAO study of the Veterans Benefits Administration 
regional offices to determine the management and communication factors 
that distinguish higher performing offices from the average and lower 
performing offices.
  There is another group of veterans who deserve our greatest respect, 
and that is the men and women left permanently wounded, ill, or injured 
as a result of service in the armed services. I believe we will hear 
later from the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Frankel) about her 
resolution to honor these veterans which is included in today's bill.
  Mr. Speaker, making sure veterans get the care and benefits they have 
earned and deserve is the mission of this committee, and this bill 
helps keep that promise. For the past 2 years, the Subcommittee on 
Health has been focused on improving access to care, strengthening 
mental health care, recruiting and retaining quality providers, and 
reducing veteran homelessness. These priorities are reflected in the 
bill before us today.
  VA's construction program has been the target of several hearings and 
reports for many years now. They have exposed cost overruns, poor 
oversight, and a host of management issues. This bill would address 
some of the issues brought up over this past Congress. I thank 
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice for her leadership on these issues and for 
introducing a provision that would require a forensic audit when a 
project exceeds its authorization by more than 25 percent.

                              {time}  1445

  H.R. 6416 also ensures that eligible veterans can access mental 
health care in a manner that honors their obligation not to disclose 
classified information.
  I would like to thank Representative Sinema of Arizona for 
introducing this issue as part of H.R. 421, the Classified Veterans 
Access to Care Act.
  In addition, it adds professionals who have a doctoral degree to the 
list of qualified, VA-licensed mental health counselors.
  On the issue of veteran homelessness, we all agree that one homeless 
veteran is one too many. For the past decade, VA has been working 
diligently to dramatically reduce the homeless population among 
veterans, and those efforts have been successful--but we can always do 
more.
  An important provision of H.R. 6416, introduced by Representative 
Hahn of California, would help many of our women veterans by expanding 
the definition of ``homeless veteran.'' This will ensure that veterans 
who are victims of domestic violence are able to access emergency 
housing and are not penalized under the law.
  Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, I want to acknowledge that, while 
H.R. 6416 does indeed do a number of good things to help veterans, 
there is still much more that we need to do. I know that finding ways 
to pay for new programs without cutting existing support for veterans 
has been one of our biggest challenges in this Congress, but I look 
forward to working with our Members and our colleagues across the aisle 
to advance big policy issues that will help millions of veterans, 
issues such as appeals reform, leasing and provider agreements, and 
caregiver support.
  Once again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6416.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as we begin debate on these important bills, I would 
like to take a moment to thank outgoing Chairman Miller for his 
tireless work on behalf of our Nation's veterans and, of course, on 
behalf of Florida's First Congressional District.
  Chairman Miller has led the House Veterans' Affairs Committee through 
tumultuous times at the VA. Through his service and extensive 
oversight, he has exposed a bureaucracy that has failed veterans time 
and time again. His commitment to veterans has never wavered. He has 
started the VA on a path to reforms the agency has so desperately 
needed.
  It has been an honor to serve along beside him. I know I have got big 
shoes to fill come January. He leaves behind the legacy of a statesman 
who has never compromised his principles or forgotten the people he was 
elected to serve.
  On a personal note, Jeff has become a dear friend, and I know our 
friendship will continue long after he has left these Halls. For the 
last 6 years, veterans have had a friend in Jeff Miller, and so have I. 
I wish him well in his future endeavors and thank him for all he has 
done for this body, for Floridians, and for our heroes in the 15 years 
he served honorably in the House of Representatives, the people's 
House.
  I would also like to thank his wife, Vicki, as well as his children, 
grandchildren, and great-grandchild. As we all know, none of the work 
we do here would be possible without the support and understanding of 
our families. There is no question, Jeff has a special family.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Miller), chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Roe for those 
extremely kind words. I thank him especially for recognizing my family. 
We both know how important they are to the success that we are able to 
obtain here in the Halls of Congress.
  I rise in support of H.R. 6416. This legislation contains over 90 
sections, many of which originated in almost 70 veterans bills that the 
House will pass in the 114th Congress. Though H.R. 6416 reflects just a 
fraction of our collaborative efforts, it nonetheless contains many 
important provisions that we can all be pleased in this House to 
support.
  For example, it includes the text of H.R. 1380, which would expand 
eligibility for medallions to veterans who passed away before November 
1, 1990. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
furnishes medallions for veterans who are buried in private cemeteries 
who passed away after November 1, 1990. Many families whose loved ones 
passed away prior to that date have requested that VA provide a 
medallion to distinguish their loved one's grave so that all will know 
it is the burial place of a veteran. This bill would authorize VA to do 
just that.
  H.R. 6416 would also authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
furnish medallions designed especially for veterans who have received 
the Medal of Honor, our Nation's most prestigious award for military 
valor. This will ensure that future generations will be able to 
identify the final resting place of our Nation's most revered heroes.
  H.R. 6416 also includes a provision to provide more time for widows 
and widowers of servicemembers who have died in the line of duty to use 
their post-
9/11 GI bill educational benefits under the Fry Scholarship. The 
spouses of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice deserve nothing 
less.
  What is more, H.R. 6416 contains provisions from H.R. 1994 that would 
increase accountability by limiting the

[[Page 15878]]

amount of time that the Secretary can place a VA employee on 
administrative leave to only 14 days in a single year. It makes no 
sense that a VA employee who commits a wrongdoing can continue to 
collect a taxpayer-funded paycheck for, in some cases, years while the 
Department drags its feet determining disciplinary action.
  The bill further contains a number of provisions that would improve 
the care that VA provides to our veterans, including a provision that 
would address a longstanding concern of many of our Vietnam veterans by 
requiring VA to conduct research on the possible effects of toxic 
exposure during military service on veterans' children and their 
grandchildren.
  Importantly, H.R. 6416 also contains a provision from H.R. 310 that 
would require VA to use industry standards, standard designs, and best 
practices when constructing VA medical facilities; to provide ongoing 
professional development and training to VA employees involved in 
constructing VA medical facilities; and to regularly audit and report 
on the largest VA medical facility projects.
  Before concluding, I want to take a moment to publicly thank a number 
of individuals who have been instrumental not only in advancing this 
legislation, but also throughout my time as chairman of our committee.
  Serving as chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has been an 
immense honor, and I am grateful to all of those who put their trust 
and faith in me to fulfill that role for the last three Congresses. I 
hope that I have done each of you proud.
  I am particularly grateful to my fellow committee chairmen and 
ranking members in the House, including Mike Michaud, Corrine Brown, 
and Mark Takano; and in the Senate, including Patty Murray, Richard 
Burr, Bernie Sanders, Johnny Isakson, and Richard Blumenthal.
  I am also grateful to House leadership, including John Boehner, Paul 
Ryan, and Kevin McCarthy, and to all the committee members who strive 
day in and day out to do right by America's veteran heroes.
  The bipartisan nature of this committee is unique in this Congress. 
It is nothing less than what our veterans deserve. While much remains 
to be done, we can all be proud of the work that we have, together, 
accomplished so far.
  I have every confidence, Mr. Speaker, that the next committee 
chairman, Dr. Roe, whom I am grateful to call a friend, will continue 
the work that we have started. I look forward to seeing all that he and 
the House will continue to accomplish for the men and women who have 
worn the uniform and borne the battle and who, without a doubt, are 
most worthy of our appreciation and our support.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank my family, most especially my wife, for 
the support that they have given during my service here in this 
Congress.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, might I inquire as to how much time for 
debate remains on each side.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California has 7\1/2\ 
minutes remaining. The gentleman from Tennessee has 8 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Nevada (Ms. Titus), the ranking member of the Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the acting ranking member for 
yielding and for all the important work he has done on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6416, which includes a 
number of provisions offered by my colleagues on the committee and 
beyond to help our veterans. It actually includes two measures that I 
authored: one requires the GAO to conduct a study to find out the 
causes of underperforming VBA regional offices; the other extends the 
authorization for GME slots at the VA. This is a provision that will be 
especially valuable to UNLV's brand-new medical school, which is 
hosting its inaugural class this fall.
  Unfortunately, however, the bill fails to address a major priority of 
both the VA and veterans themselves, and that is reforming the broken 
appeals process. Right now, there are 470,000 appeals languishing 
somewhere in the VA system. Veterans have to wait 2 to 3 years for them 
to be resolved as these cases churn through the process that Congress 
hasn't updated since the 1980s. If we don't act now, we will soon be 
telling our veteran constituents that they are going to have to wait 10 
years before their appeals can be resolved, and it will be the fault of 
this Congress.
  Despite having a solution that is ready to go that is widely 
supported by the administration and the VSOs, the Republican leadership 
refuses to bring the bill I sponsored on appeals reform to the floor 
without tying it to an accountability bill that strips VA employees of 
necessary civil rights protections.
  We are told that passing appeals reform without accountability just 
won't work. Using that specious argument, we shouldn't pass any VA 
reform bill without accountability because it just won't work. So while 
I support this measure, I would urge my colleagues to address the 
appeals reform process before it is too late and we do further 
disservice to our Nation's heroes.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup), who is currently on the committee and seeing 
Active Duty military patients as a doctor.
  Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our veterans, I rise today in 
support of H.R. 6416. This bill would expand benefits and provide 
improvements to help America's greatest asset: our veterans and their 
families.
  I am especially pleased to support sections in the fourth and fifth 
titles. All but a few of those provisions passed through the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which I am honored to chair with 
Ranking Member Takano.
  Seven provisions from legislation that I had the honor to author were 
also included in H.R. 6416. When enacted, these provisions would 
streamline and simplify how schools and training programs are approved 
for the GI bill, improve disabled veterans' access to services under 
the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, survey GI bill 
users about their experience with the VA and their use of the post-9/11 
GI bill, provide conditions for expanded instate tuition requirements 
for dependents of Active-Duty servicemembers, require the Department of 
Labor to conduct a longitudinal study to track long-term outcomes of 
veterans who have used DOL-sponsored employment services, and expand 
the amount of time that a surviving spouse can use post-9/11 GI bill 
benefits under the Fry Scholarship.
  The last GI bill provision is estimated to help nearly 2,000 
surviving spouses that use the post-9/11 GI bill to go back to school. 
Our veterans' families will be better off because of this bill. I 
support this bill and the efforts of Dr. Roe, Chairman Miller, and 
others.
  At the same time, I know that we will continue to work hard for our 
veterans. In the House, we crafted and passed many important issue 
initiatives that were not in the final bill. As the 115th Congress 
approaches, I ask my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to 
reaffirm their commitment to put the interests of our veterans first, 
and I look forward to continuing that work.
  I am proud of my colleagues on the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. We have crafted good, bipartisan policies. We have worked hard 
on behalf of our Nation's veterans. We will continue to do so.
  I am also grateful for the staff of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. 
I want to especially thank my own staff on the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee for their expertise and untiring work on behalf of our 
veterans.
  A special thanks goes to Chairman Miller. His leadership and 
friendship here in the House will certainly be missed. I look forward 
to Dr. Roe's leadership.
  Once again, I support H.R. 6416, and I urge my colleagues to pass 
this bill.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McNerney), my good friend

[[Page 15879]]

and a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and the 
ranking member for their work on behalf of our Nation's veterans, and 
for bringing the omnibus veterans bill to the floor today.
  In the United States, there are about 5 million veteran-owned 
businesses and an estimated 500,000 service-disabled veteran-owned 
small businesses. Under current law, if a veteran who was rated 100 
percent disabled and owned a service-disabled veteran-owned small 
business passes away, the surviving spouse has 10 years to transition 
the business away from service-disabled veteran-owned small business 
status.
  However, if the veteran business owner is rated less than 100 percent 
disabled, or dies of a non-service-connected injury, the surviving 
spouse has only 1 year to transition the business for contracts with 
the VA.
  Current law unfairly punishes these businesses and places them at an 
economic disadvantage. That is why I introduced H.R. 1313. My bill 
allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, whose principal 
owner passes away and was rated at less than 100 percent disabled at 
the time of death, with the reasonable 3-year transition period from 
service-disabled veteran-owned status with the VA.
  It is only right that we provide our heroes and their families, and 
the employees, with the flexibility and certainty to ensure that their 
businesses continue to thrive.
  H.R. 1313 is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, 
VFW, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the American Legion.
  I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for including my 
legislation in the omnibus veterans bill, H.R. 6416, and I hope my 
colleagues will join me to pass this commonsense bill and support the 
veteran-owned businesses across the country.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello), a very hardworking member of our 
committee, and a veteran himself.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Not a veteran, but I appreciate the 
kind words.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation that will bring 
critical improvements to the way our country serves its veterans.
  In my district, Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District, 
thousands of veterans are served by the Department of Veterans Affairs 
on a range of issues critical to their lives, including disability 
benefits, education, and healthcare services.
  H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health 
Care and Benefits Improvement Act, would make improvements to these 
services by increasing the amount of time widows have to utilize 
education benefits, allowing veterans to have screenings and treatment 
at VA emergency rooms, and tracking staffing abilities so the VA is 
better suited to accommodate its workload.
  I would also like to thank my colleagues on the committee, and our 
committee staff, for working to include provisions to strengthen the 
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Since the start of the term, 
we have been working to find a way to ensure the Court is able to meet 
the needs of our veterans, and I am pleased to see that efforts to do 
this are included as part of the bill.
  I also want to thank Chairman Miller for his dedication and service 
to our committee and to our Nation's veterans. His leadership has been 
exemplary.
  I also would like to recognize and thank our committee staff for all 
of their hard work over the course of this Congress and my legislative 
aide for this session, Katharine Bruce, for her hard work.
  Finally, I want to just point out that the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee, in large measure, has accomplished and improved a great deal 
in a bipartisan way. So I want to thank not only my Republican 
colleagues on the committee but the Democratic members of the committee 
as well. We should all be proud of the work that we have done. There is 
a lot more yet to do, but we have accomplished a lot, I believe, 
because we have focused on what needs to be done, left politics at the 
door, and worked in good faith on behalf of our Nation's veterans.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Maine (Ms. Pingree).
  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. Takano, for 
yielding.
  I want to thank Chairman Miller, and thank him on his retirement and 
his service to our Congress, and also thank Ranking Member Takano and 
Representative Roe for their work on this bill.
  I am grateful that the language from the Ruth Moore Act was included 
in this bill. It is an important step in making sure that the VA 
follows through on its promises to fairly treat our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, almost every day I hear from another veteran who is the 
survivor of military sexual trauma, or MST. These are men and women of 
all ages, from every branch of the service. They include veterans from 
World War II to the war in Afghanistan and every era in between.
  Those assaults leave indelible marks on their lives in the form of 
PTSD, anxiety, depression, and so many other conditions. But despite 
some progress at the VA on their claims, too many are denied the 
disability benefits they have earned.
  I am glad the Defense Department and the VA increased training and 
prevention efforts around rape and harassment, but, let me be clear, 
the problem is not yet fixed.
  Survivors of sexual assault have been shamed and suffer continued 
harassment and recrimination. Far too many have been involuntarily 
discharged in retaliation for reporting sexual assault and harassment, 
meaning the survivor, not the perpetrator, has paid the price for this 
criminal behavior.
  Before I close, I would like to recognize a very brave woman, Ruth 
Moore, a Maine veteran, and my bill's namesake. Ruth fought for 23 
years before she was finally given the benefits we owed her.
  There are thousands and thousands of Ruth Moores out there who have 
been fighting for their benefits for years, or even decades. We can and 
must do better. This issue is too important to ignore, and this 
provision ensures that the VA and survivors know that Congress is 
watching.
  I am so glad the language from my bill was included in the 
legislation. I thank the committee again.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am 
prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all my colleagues 
to support this legislation and join me in passing H.R. 6416.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank both staffs 
of the committee, both the minority and majority staff, and on the hard 
work that both sides of the aisle did. As Mr. Costello said, this has 
been a bipartisan effort, and I want to thank everyone, Mr. Takano, 
your leadership, and others on the minority side. I encourage all 
Members to support this legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care 
and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016. I commend Chairman Miller's and 
Congressman Roe's work on this important legislation.
  I'm pleased to say that language from one of my bills, the Protecting 
Veterans' Educational Choice Act, is included in this bill as section 
415. This section will require the VA to inform student-veterans--on 
the front-end, before they spend a dime of their Post-9/11 GI Bill 
benefits--about agreements between schools regarding the transfer of 
credits.
  Despite having access to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, many veterans 
still end up having to take out student loans to cover the full cost of 
their education. In many cases, this is due to situations where 
veterans aren't aware that credits earned at one institution will not 
transfer to another school until after they have already expended a 
significant portion of their benefits.
  By requiring that the VA provide veterans with this information on 
the front-end of the

[[Page 15880]]

process, this legislation will address flaws in the system where 
veterans--many of whom are first-generation college students--are 
surprised by this feature of higher education.
  Ultimately, decisions regarding how and where to use these benefits 
are rightfully left to those who served our country. Our veterans 
earned their benefits, and this bill will empower our veterans by 
arming them with the information and resources that they need to make 
the best decisions for themselves and their families. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support H.R. 6416.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 6416.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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