[House Report 111-626]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


111th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     111-626

======================================================================



 
                       HELP VETERANS ACT OF 2010

                                _______
                                

 September 28, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

  Mr. Filner, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 5360]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 5360) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
modify the standard of visual acuity required for eligibility 
for specially adapted housing assistance provided by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, having considered the same, 
report favorably thereon with amendments and recommend that the 
bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Amendment........................................................     2
Purpose and Summary..............................................    10
Background and Need for Legislation..............................    11
Hearings.........................................................    21
Subcommittee Consideration.......................................    23
Committee Consideration..........................................    24
Committee Votes..................................................    24
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................    24
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............    24
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures    24
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits.............................    24
Committee Cost Estimate..........................................    24
Congressional Budget Office Estimate.............................    25
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................    25
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................    25
Constitutional Authority Statement...............................    25
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................    25
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................    25
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill as Reported.............    28

                               Amendment

  The amendment is as follows:
    Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Housing, Employment, 
and Living Programs for Veterans Act of 2010'' or the ``HELP Veterans 
Act of 2010''.
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Modification of standard of visual acuity required for 
eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance provided by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 4. Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 5. Reauthorization and improvement of Department of Veterans 
Affairs small business loan program.
Sec. 6. Assistance for flight training.
Sec. 7. Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals 
pursuing internships or on-job training.
Sec. 8. Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study 
activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 9. Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain outreach 
services conducted through congressional offices.
Sec. 10. Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for on-the-job 
training programs.
Sec. 11. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 12. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
reintegration grant program.
Sec. 13. Technology review and grant program.
Sec. 14. Child care; President's Budget.
Sec. 15. Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational 
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational assistance.
Sec. 16. Modification of advance payment of initial educational 
assistance or subsistence allowance.
Sec. 17. Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to 
veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation program.
Sec. 18. Expansion of availability of employment assistance allowance 
for veterans using employment services.
Sec. 19. Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in rural 
areas.
Sec. 20. Promoting jobs for veterans through the establishment of an 
internship program.
Sec. 21. Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole source 
contracts by Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of meeting the 
contracting goals and preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans.
Sec. 22. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.
Sec. 23. Increase in the maximum amount of specially adapted housing 
assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs.
Sec. 24. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loans for construction 
of energy efficient dwellings.
Sec. 25. Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for 
veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

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 a 
repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be 
considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38, 
United States Code.

SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF STANDARD OF VISUAL ACUITY REQUIRED FOR 
                    ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING 
                    ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                    AFFAIRS.

  (a) In General.--Section 2101(b)(2)(A) is amended by striking ``with 
5/200'' and all that follows through the period and inserting the 
following: ``with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better 
eye with the use of standard correcting lenses (for purposes of this 
subparagraph, an eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the fields 
of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an 
angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be treated as having a central 
visual acuity of 20/200 or less).''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
with respect to specially adapted housing assistance provided on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. AUTHORITIES REGARDING HOUSING LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE 
                    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

  (a) Covenants and Liens in Response to Disaster-relief Assistance.--
Paragraph (3) of section 3703(d) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs, 
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien on the 
realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the Secretary may 
either disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien that----
          ``(i) is created by a duly recorded covenant running with the 
        realty in favor of--
                  ``(I) a public entity that provides assistance in 
                response to a major disaster as determined by the 
                President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
                and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); 
                or
                  ``(II) a private entity to secure an obligation to 
                such entity for the homeowner's share of the costs of 
                the management, operation, or maintenance of property, 
                services, or programs within and for the benefit of the 
                development or community in which the veteran's realty 
                is located; and
          ``(ii) the Secretary determines will not prejudice the 
        interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government by the 
        operation of such a covenant.
  ``(B) In respect to a superior lien described by subparagraph (A) 
that is created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's determination must 
have been made prior to the recordation of the covenant.''.
  (b) Extension of Authority to Pool Loans.--Paragraph (2) of section 
3720(h) is amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2016''.

SEC. 5. REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                    AFFAIRS SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM.

  (a) Reauthorization.----
          (1) In general.--Chapter 37 is amended by striking section 
        3751.
          (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 3751.
          (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 3749 is amended by 
        striking subsection (e).
  (b) Expansion of Eligibility for Small Business Loans.--Chapter 37 is 
further amended----
          (1) in section 3741--
                  (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
                  (B) by striking ``this subchapter--'' and all that 
                follows through ```disabled veteran''' and inserting 
                ``this subchapter, the term `disabled veteran'''; and
          (2) in section 3742(a)(3)(A), by striking ``veterans of the 
        Vietnam era or''.
  (c) Repeal of Authority To Make Direct Loans.--Chapter 37, as amended 
by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended----
          (1) in section 3742----
                  (A) in subsection (a)----
                          (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(A) loan 
                        guaranties, or (B) direct loans'' and inserting 
                        ``loan guaranties''; and
                          (ii) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``and 
                        that at least 51 percent of a business concern 
                        must be owned by disabled veterans in order for 
                        such concern to qualify for a direct loan'';
                  (B) in subsection (b)----
                          (i) by striking paragraph (1) and 
                        redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as 
                        paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and
                          (ii) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by 
                        striking ``make or'';
                  (C) in subsection (c), by striking ``made or'';
                  (D) in subsection (d)----
                          (i) by striking paragraph (2);
                          (ii) by striking ``(1) Except as provided in 
                        paragraph (2) of this subsection, the'' and 
                        inserting ``The''; and
                          (iii) by striking ``make or''; and
                  (E) in subsection (e)----
                          (i) in paragraph (1)----
                                  (I) in the first sentence, by 
                                striking ``or, if the loan was a direct 
                                loan made by the Secretary, may suspend 
                                such obligation''; and
                                  (II) in the second sentence, by 
                                striking ``or while such obligation is 
                                suspended'';
                          (ii) by striking ``or suspend'' each place it 
                        appears;
                          (iii) by striking ``or suspension'' each 
                        place it appears;
                          (iv) by striking ``or suspends'' each place 
                        it appears; and
                          (v) by striking ``or suspended'' each place 
                        it appears;
          (2) in section 3743----
                  (A) by striking ``that is provided a direct loan 
                under this subchapter, or'';
                  (B) by striking the comma between ``subchapter'' and 
                ``shall'';
                  (C) by striking ``direct or''; and
                  (D) by striking ``for the amount of such direct loan 
                or, in the case of a guaranteed loan,'';
          (3) in section 3746, by striking ``made or'' both places it 
        appears;
          (4) in section 3749(b), by striking ``and direct loan''; and
          (5) in section 3750, by striking ``made or''.
  (d) Authority to Enter Into a Contract.--Section 3742, as amended by 
subsection (c), is further amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection:
  ``(f) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with an appropriate 
entity for the purpose of carrying out the program under this 
subchapter.''.
  (e) Loan Fee.----
          (1) In general.--Chapter 37 is further amended by inserting 
        after section 3749 the following new section:

``Sec. 3749A. Loan Fee

  ``(a) Requirement of Fee.--(1) The Secretary shall----
          ``(A) collect a fee from each veterans' small business 
        concern obtaining a loan guaranteed under this subchapter; and
          ``(B) deposit such fee in the fund established under section 
        3749 of this title.
  ``(2) No loan may be guaranteed under this subchapter until the fee 
payable under this section has been remitted to the Secretary.
  ``(3) The fee may be included in the loan guaranteed under this 
subchapter and paid from the proceeds thereof.
  ``(b) Determination of Fee.--The amount of the fee shall be an amount 
necessary to ensure the solvency of the fund established under section 
3749 of this title, as determined by the Secretary.''.
          (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
        item relating to section 3749 the following new item:

``3749A. Loan fee.''.

          (3) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 3749(c) 
        is amended by inserting ``, fees collected under section 3749A 
        of this title,'' after ``principal and interest''.

SEC. 6. ASSISTANCE FOR FLIGHT TRAINING.

   Subsection (e)(1) of section 3032 is amended by striking ``60 
percent'' and inserting ``75 percent''.

SEC. 7. SEVEN-YEAR INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS 
                    PURSUING INTERNSHIPS OR ON-JOB TRAINING.

  During the seven-year period beginning on the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall apply----
          (1) section 3032(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code----
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80 
                percent'' for ``75 percent'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60 
                percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
                  (C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40 
                percent'' for ``35 percent'';
          (2) section 3233(a) of such title--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by substituting ``80 percent'' 
                for ``75 percent'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by substituting ``60 percent'' 
                for ``55 percent''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (3), by substituting ``40 percent'' 
                for ``35 percent'';
          (3) section 3687(b)(2) of such title----
                  (A) by substituting ``$603'' for ``$574'';
                  (B) by substituting ``$450'' for ``$429''; and
                  (C) by substituting ``$299'' for ``$285''; and
          (4) section 16131(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code----
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80 
                percent'' for ``75 percent'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60 
                percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
                  (C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40 
                percent'' for ``35 percent''.

SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY 
                    ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE EDUCATIONAL 
                    ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                    AFFAIRS.

  Paragraph (4) of section 3485(a) is amended by striking ``June 30, 
2010'' each place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2020''.

SEC. 9. EXPANSION OF WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE TO INCLUDE CERTAIN OUTREACH 
                    SERVICES CONDUCTED THROUGH CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES.

   Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
          ``(G) The following activities carried out at the offices of 
        Members of Congress for such Members:
                  ``(i) The distribution of information to members of 
                the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about 
                the benefits and services under laws administered by 
                the Secretary and other appropriate governmental and 
                non-governmental programs.
                  ``(ii) The provision of assistance in ascertaining 
                the status of claims (including appeals) for benefits 
                under laws administered by the Secretary, as well as 
                other constituent services for veterans as the 
                Secretary determines appropriate.''.

SEC. 10. TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF REQUIRED AMOUNT OF WAGES FOR ON-THE-JOB 
                    TRAINING PROGRAMS.

  (a) In General.--
          (1) Reducing requirement.--Section 3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) is 
        amended by striking ``85 per centum'' and inserting ``60 
        percent''.
          (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
        shall take effect on October 1, 2010, and shall apply to a 
        veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the job 
        approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States Code, on 
        or after such date.
  (b) Sunset.----
          (1) Reversion.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 
        3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of such title, as amended by subsection (a) 
        of this section, is amended by striking ``60 percent'' and 
        inserting ``85 percent''.
          (2) Application.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
        apply to a veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the 
        job approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States 
        Code, on or after October 1, 2013.
  (c) GAO Report.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
a report on the effects of eliminating the requirement under section 
3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 38, United States Code, for a private 
employer to provide wage increases to veterans enrolled in a program of 
training on the job approved under section 3677 of such title.

SEC. 11. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

  Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.

SEC. 12. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN 
                    REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) Grant Program.--Chapter 20 is amended by inserting after section 
2021 the following new section:

``Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with 
                    children reintegration grant program

  ``(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations provided 
for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants to programs 
and facilities that the Secretary determines provide dedicated services 
for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.
  ``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to 
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including job 
readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care services to 
expedite the reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless 
veterans with children into the labor force.
  ``(c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The 
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that Secretary 
considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the distribution and 
expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this section. The 
information shall include data with respect to the results or outcomes 
of the services provided to each homeless veteran under this section.
  ``(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in such form 
and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
  ``(d)  Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry 
out this section through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' 
Employment and Training.
  ``(e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor shall 
include as part of the report required under section 2021(d) of this 
title an evaluation of the grant program under this section, which 
shall include an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under 
this section and an analysis of the information collected under 
subsection (c).
  ``(f) Appropriated Funds.--(1) In addition to any amount authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this title, there is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
  ``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain 
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to carry 
out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and the succeeding 
fiscal year.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
2021 the following new item:

``2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
reintegration grant program.''.

SEC. 13. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW AND GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) Review and Evaluation of New Technology.--The Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall establish a team of individuals from appropriate 
disciplines to be responsible for reviewing new technologies, 
processes, and products and for determining which such technologies, 
processes, and products may be beneficial to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs or to the veterans served by the Department. Upon completion of 
the review under this subsection, the team shall submit the review to 
the Secretary, who shall disseminate the review within the Department, 
as appropriate.
  (b) Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program.----
          (1) In general.--Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the end 
        the following new section:

``Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant 
                    program

  ``(a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to 
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially 
adapted housing.
  ``(b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in 
such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify.
  ``(c) Grant Funds.--Each grant awarded under this section shall be in 
an amount of not more than $250,000 per year.
  ``(d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this section 
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in 
specially adapted housing.
  ``(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year following a year 
in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a report containing information related to each grant awarded 
under this section during the preceding calendar year, including----
          ``(1) the name of the grant recipient;
          ``(2) the amount of the grant; and
          ``(3) the goal of the grant.
  ``(f) Funding.--From amounts authorized to be appropriated to the 
Department for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is authorized 
to make a grant under this section, $1,500,000 shall be available for 
that fiscal year for the purposes of the program under this section.
  ``(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this section 
shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the 
enactment of this section.''.
          (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the 
        following new item:

``2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant 
program.''.

          (3) Effective date.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
        begin making grants under section 2108 of title 38, United 
        States Code, as added by paragraph (1), by not later than one 
        year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 14. CHILD CARE; PRESIDENT'S BUDGET.

  (a) In General.--Chapter 31 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new sections:

``Sec. 3123. Child care assistance for single parents

  ``(a) In General.--Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the 
Secretary to carry out this section, the Secretary shall provide 
reimbursements for the actual cost of child care provided by a licensed 
provider to a veteran who----
          ``(1) is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program 
        under this chapter;
          ``(2) is the sole caretaker of a child; and
          ``(3) would not otherwise be able to afford such child care.
  ``(b) Amount and Duration.--The amount of the reimbursement for the 
actual cost for child care under this section shall be not more than 
$2,000 per month for each month the veteran is participating in a 
vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter.

``Sec. 3124. Information included in support of President's budget

  ``The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to Congress by 
the Secretary in support of the President's budget for each fiscal year 
submitted under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the 
following:
          ``(1) For the calendar year preceding the submission----
                  ``(A) the percentage of veterans receiving assistance 
                under this chapter who became employed; and
                  ``(B) the percentage of veterans receiving assistance 
                under this chapter who achieved independence in daily 
                living.
          ``(2) Any changes made by the Secretary in measuring or 
        calculating the performance of the department under this 
        chapter.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``3123. Child care assistance for single parents.
``3124. Information included in support of President's budget.''.

SEC. 15. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF REPORTING FEE PAYABLE TO EDUCATIONAL 
                    INSTITUTIONS THAT ENROLL VETERANS RECEIVING 
                    EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Increase in Amount of Fee.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is 
amended----
          (1) by striking ``$7'' and inserting ``$16''; and
          (2) by striking ``$11'' and inserting ``$16''.
  (b) Technical Correction.--Subsection (a) of such section is amended 
by striking the second comma after ``34''.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall take effect on January 1, 2011.

SEC. 16. MODIFICATION OF ADVANCE PAYMENT OF INITIAL EDUCATIONAL 
                    ASSISTANCE OR SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE.

  (a) Modification.--Section 3680(d)(2) is amended by inserting after 
the third sentence the following new sentence: ``For purposes of the 
entitlement to educational assistance of the veteran or person 
receiving an advance payment under this subsection, the advance payment 
shall be charged against the final month of the entitlement of the 
person or veteran and, if necessary, the penultimate such month. In no 
event may any veteran or person receive more than one advance payment 
under this subsection during any academic year.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
with respect to an advance payment of educational assistance made on or 
after September 1, 2010.

SEC. 17. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO 
                    VETERANS PARTICIPATING IN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 
                    PROGRAM.

  (a) Increase in Subsistence Allowance.--Section 3108(b)(1) is amended 
by striking the table and inserting the following new table:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 ``Column  I                  Column  II    Column   Column  IV              Column V
---------------------------------------------------------    III    --------------------------------------------
                                                         -----------
              Type of   program                   No         One         Two        More than  two dependents
                                              dependents  dependent  dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ..........  .........  ..........  The amount in column IV, plus
                                                                                  the following for each
                                                                                  dependent in excess of two:
Full-time...................................     $576.01    $714.50     $841.98  $61.37
Three-quarter time..........................     $432.80    $536.65     $629.50  $47.19
Half-time...................................     $289.59    $358.81     $421.77  $31.49''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
with respect to a payment made for the third month beginning after the 
date of the enactment of this Act and each subsequent month.

SEC. 18. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE 
                    FOR VETERANS USING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.

  Paragraph (2) of section 3108(a) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(2) In the case of a veteran with a service-connected disability 
who the Secretary determines has reached a point of employability and 
who is participating only in a program of employment services provided 
under section 3104(a)(5) of this title, the Secretary shall pay the 
veteran a subsistence allowance as prescribed in this section for three 
months while the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.''.

SEC. 19. PROMOTING JOBS FOR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS TEACHING IN RURAL 
                    AREAS.

  (a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``Sec. 3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers

  ``(a) Reducing Administrative Burden.--The Secretary may pay to a 
rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance of $500.
  ``(b) Duration.--The aggregate period for which the Secretary may pay 
a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance under subsection 
(a) may not exceed 24 months.
  ``(c) Rural Veteran Teacher Defined.--In this section, the term 
`rural veteran teacher' means a veteran who--
          ``(1) is discharged from service in the Armed Forces under 
        honorable conditions;
          ``(2) is employed to teach full-time at an accredited 
        elementary or secondary school that is located in a rural area 
        (as determined by the Bureau of the Census);
          ``(3) on the date on which the veteran applies for a monthly 
        assistance allowance under subsection (a), is enrolled in an 
        accredited course leading to certification as a teacher;
          ``(4) has not been previously employed to teach full-time at 
        an accredited elementary or secondary school; and
          ``(5) is entitled to compensation under section 1110 of this 
        title.
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 
and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
3697A the following new item:

``3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers.''.

SEC. 20. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN 
                    INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

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

``Sec. 712. Internship program

  ``(a) Internship Program.--The Secretary may carry out an internship 
program through which the Secretary shall award internships to up to 
2,000 veterans each year in accordance with this section. The recipient 
of an internship under this section shall be employed in the Veterans 
Benefits Administration for the duration of the internship.
  ``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an internship under 
this section a veteran shall have completed a rehabilitation program 
under chapter 31 of this title. In awarding internships under this 
section, the Secretary shall give a preference to a veteran who has 
completed a program of long-term education or training, as determined 
by the Secretary.
  ``(c) Salary; Benefits.--(1) Each recipient of an internship under 
this section shall be paid at a rate determined by the Secretary, 
except that such rate shall be at least the maximum annual rate of 
basic pay payable for grade GS-3 of the General Schedule under section 
5332 of title 5, United States Code, and shall not exceed the maximum 
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-5 of such schedule. 
Payments under this paragraph shall be derived from amounts available 
in the `General operating expenses' account of the Department.
  ``(2) Each such recipient shall be entitled to leave on the same 
basis as employees of the Department who are paid at the same annual 
rate, except that such recipient may not be reimbursed for any unused 
leave at the end of the internship.
  ``(3) The Secretary shall furnish hospital care, medical services, 
and nursing home care to each recipient of an internship under this 
section on the same basis as a veteran described in subsection (B) of 
paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of section 1710 of this title unless 
the recipient is eligible for such care and services under subparagraph 
(A) of such paragraph or under paragraph (1) of such subsection.
  ``(4) The recipient of an internship under this section may receive 
an allowance under section 3108 of this title if such recipient is 
entitled to such an allowance.
  ``(d) Duration.--No internship under this section shall exceed 12 
months in duration.
  ``(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall notify each participant in a 
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title of the internship 
program under this section.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
711 the following new item:

``712. Internship program.''.

SEC. 21. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE USE OF SOLE SOURCE 
                    CONTRACTS BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR 
                    PURPOSES OF MEETING THE CONTRACTING GOALS AND 
                    PREFERENCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                    FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY 
                    VETERANS.

  (a) In General.--Section 8127(c) is amended by striking ``may'' and 
inserting ``shall''.
  (b) Deadline for Interim Policy Guidance.--By not later than 30 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall issue interim policy guidance to carry out the amendment 
made by subsection (a).

SEC. 22. VETERANS ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT.

  (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 81 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new section:

``Sec. 8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

  ``(a) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--The Secretary may 
hold an event, once every year, to provide networking opportunities, 
outreach, education, training, and support to small business concerns 
owned and controlled by veterans, veterans service organizations, and 
other entities as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
  ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2011 and 2021.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to 
subchapter II the following:

``8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.''.

SEC. 23. INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING 
                    ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE 
                    SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

  (a) In General.--Section 2102 is amended----
          (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$12,000'' and 
        inserting ``$13,756''; and
          (2) in subsection (d)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$60,000'' and 
                inserting ``$65,780''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$12,000'' and 
                inserting ``$13,756''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to assistance furnished after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 24. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOANS FOR CONSTRUCTION 
                    OF ENERGY EFFICIENT DWELLINGS.

  (a) Loans Authorized.--Section 3710(d) is amended----
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(A) 
                The Secretary'';
                  (B) by striking ``for the acquisition of'' and all 
                that follows through the end and inserting ``for any of 
                the following purposes:'';
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
          ``(i) The acquisition of an existing dwelling and the cost of 
        making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
          ``(ii) The construction of a new dwelling and the cost of 
        making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
          ``(iii) Energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling owned 
        and occupied by a veteran.''; and
                  (D) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraphs:
  ``(B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan may be 
guaranteed under this subsection only if it meets the requirements of 
this chapter.
  ``(C) The Secretary shall determine appropriate energy efficiency 
standards for purposes of this subsection and shall require that 
dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved using a loan guaranteed 
under this subsection meet such standards.''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
        and inserting the following new subparagraphs (A) and (B):
          ``(A) five percent of the total established value of the 
        property, dwelling, and improvements; or
          ``(B) $6,000, or a higher amount specifically provided by the 
        Secretary.''.
  (b) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance on appraising 
the value of energy efficiency improvements for purposes of section 
3710(d) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this Act.
  (c) Regulations.----
          (1) Interim policy guidance.--Not later than 90 days after 
        the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs shall prescribe interim policy guidance on 
        energy efficiency audits and the conditions under which the 
        performance of such audits may be included in the amount 
        guaranteed by the Secretary under section 3710(d) of title 38, 
        United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
          (2) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe 
        regulations to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
          (3) Energy efficiency audit defined.--For purposes of this 
        subsection, the term ``energy efficiency audit'' means a 
        measurement of the effects of an improvement made to a dwelling 
        for the purpose of reducing energy consumption or increasing 
        energy efficiency that is carried out by a certified 
        professional auditor, as determined by the Secretary.
  (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall apply with respect to a loan secured on or after January 1, 2011.

SEC. 25. PILOT PROGRAM ON SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR 
                    VETERANS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A 
                    FAMILY MEMBER.

  (a) Treatment of Certain Limitations.--Notwithstanding subsection (d) 
of section 2102 of title 38, United States Code, and subject to 
subsection (b), a grant under section 2102A of such title shall not 
count toward the dollar amount limitations specified in that 
subsection.
  (b) Termination.--Subsection (a) shall apply only to the first 25 
grants made during fiscal year 2011.

  Amend the title so as to read:

    A bill 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.

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 5360 was introduced on May 20, 2010, by Representative 
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota, Chairwoman of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. H.R. 5360, as amended, 
would amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs.
    H.R. 5360 is comprised of a number of bills introduced in 
the 111th Congress. These bills include H.R. 3561, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of 
educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight 
training, introduced by Representative Harry Teague of New 
Mexico; H.R. 1098, the Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009, 
introduced by Representative Thomas Perriello of Virginia; H.R. 
3484, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the 
authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for 
purposes of the educational assistance programs of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Representative 
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota; H.R. 4765, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to authorize individuals who are 
pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training 
under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
receive work-study allowances for certain outreach services 
provided through congressional offices, and for other purposes, 
introduced by Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon; H.R. 
4079, to amend title 38, United States Code, to temporarily 
lower the salary increases paid by employers as a means to 
increase the number of potential on-the-job and apprenticeship 
training programs for veterans introduced by Representative 
Thomas Perriello of Virginia; H.R. 2614, the Veterans' Advisory 
Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009, introduced 
by Representative Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona; H.R. 1171, the 
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 
2009, introduced by Representative John Boozman of Arkansas; 
H.R. 1170, to amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, 
to establish a grant program to encourage the development of 
new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing, 
introduced by Representative John Boozman of Arkansas; H.R. 
1821, the Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009, introduced 
by Representative Bob Filner of California; H.R. 3579, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the 
amount of the reporting fees payable to educational 
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational 
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for 
other purposes, introduced by Representative Bob Filner of 
California; H.R. 1336, the Veterans Education Improvement Act 
of 2009, introduced by Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin 
of South Dakota; and H.R. 297, the Veteran Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement 
Act of 2009, introduced by Representative Steve Buyer of 
Indiana, the Ranking Member of the Committee.

                  Background and Need for Legislation


Modification of standard of visual acuity required for eligibility for 
        specially adapted housing assistance provided by the Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs

    On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a hearing on adaptive housing grants which 
focused in part on adaptive housing for blinded veterans. Dr. 
Thomas Zampieri of the Blinded Veterans Association provided 
testimony emphasizing the VA's overly restrictive definition of 
blindness which ultimately leaves many visually-impaired 
veterans without access to the adaptive housing grants they 
need.
    To qualify for the VA's adaptive housing grants, a blinded 
veteran must have a visual acuity of 5/200 or less. A 5/200 
level of visual acuity means that one must stand no further 
than five feet away from a word or object that someone with 
normal vision can see clearly at 200 feet. In practice, this 
level of impairment generally manifests itself with the 
inability to perceive light, or to distinguish between being in 
a lit environment versus a dark environment. Many veterans who 
have suffered the effects of impaired vision as a result of 
their military service do not meet this very high standard of 
5/200, but still must face an impairment that significantly 
affects their quality of life as well as their own personal 
safety.
    Following the hearing, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity conducted relevant research among professionals in 
the fields of optometry and ophthalmology. Exchanges with eye 
specialists such as Michael Duenas, O.D. from the American 
Optometric Association have focused on the disparity between 
the VA's definition of blindness and what other Federal 
statutes define as blindness.
    Other Federal statutes have a less restrictive standard for 
blindness than the VA. For example, the term ``blindness'' 
means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye 
with the use of a correcting lens.
    An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the fields 
of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field 
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be 
considered for purposes in this paragraph as having a central 
visual acuity of 20/200 or less. 42. U.S.C. Sec. 416(i)(1)(B).
    The American Medical Association has espoused this 20/200 
definition of blindness since 1934, and the Social Security 
Administration adopted it in 1968. The VA created their 5/200 
definition of blindness in 1945. In 2007, Public Law 110-157 
(121 Stat. 1831) updated the VA's definition of blindness to 
20/200 for compensation rating purposes only. Unfortunately, 
eligibility criteria for adaptive housing grants were not 
affected by this bill, and the 5/200 standard currently remains 
in place for these grants. It should also be noted that the 
VA's current definition of blindness for adaptive housing does 
not include visual impairments stemming from a reduced field of 
vision. Synchronizing the VA's standard of blindness with the 
rest of the government's will be an important step in 
transforming the VA into a 21st Century agency.
    In addition, though a less restrictive adaptive housing 
grant eligibility standard will naturally lead to more grant 
awards, there are long-term health and funding gains to be made 
by instituting such a change. Several professional medical 
studies show that visual impairment is strongly associated with 
falls and hip fractures. These additional, blindness-induced 
injuries require more funds to be spent on treatments and 
disability compensation that could have been prevented if the 
blinded veteran had been able to adapt their home to a safer 
configuration in the first place.
    Without Congressional intervention, the VA's 5/200 standard 
of blindness will remain unchanged and many visually impaired 
veterans will continue to be ineligible for the adaptive 
housing grants that they urgently need.

Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the VA

    This section would authorize the VA to guarantee a loan 
regardless of whether the VA loan is subordinate to a lien 
created by a state that has provided or will provide assistance 
in response to a major disaster. The new language will also 
extend to December 31, 2016 existing authority to issue and 
guarantee certificates or other securities evidencing an 
interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The authority to issue 
and guarantee such items is set to expire on December 31, 2011. 
These two provisions were requested by the VA Secretary.
    The Secretary of VA suggested this language to ensure that 
veterans are able to use State and VA benefits after a major 
disaster as experienced in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina 
and Rita. There have been instances in the aftermath of a 
natural disaster where the affected state would offer loans and 
grants to the victims of the disaster. However, there were 
veterans with VA loans who were unable to take advantage of 
these State sponsored loans or grants due to superiority 
requirements. This section proposes new language to allow a VA 
loan to be subordinate to a public entity.

Reauthorization and improvement of VA small business loan program

    One of the most serious effects of the recent recession has 
been the inability of businesses, especially small businesses, 
to obtain credit to fund initial investment and continuing 
operations.
    Subchapter IV of chapter 37 of title 38, United States 
Code, contains a small business loan program that authorized VA 
to make both direct loans and to guarantee loans made by 
qualified financial institutions. Chapter 37 also contains 
provisions detailing qualifications and responsibilities for a 
prospective borrower, financial institutions, and the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA's authority to make any 
financial commitment for the chapter 37 small business loan 
program expired on September 30, 1986.
    This section continues the original chapter 37 small 
business financial and eligibility provisions while making 
several changes. First, the provision in the original program 
that provided VA's authority to make direct loans would not be 
reauthorized. Second, VA would be directed to contract with a 
qualified financial institution to manage the small business 
loan guaranty program. Third, the program would be funded by 
authorizing needed appropriations, adding authority for the VA 
to charge a funding fee for each guaranteed loan and set the 
fee at a rate sufficient to ensure solvency of the program.

Assistance for flight training

    The State Approving Agencies (SAA) will approve flight 
courses if a flight school or institution of higher learning 
offers the courses, and not an individual instructor. For 
approval of flight training courses that are not part of a 
degree program, certain requirements must be met. A flight 
school, other than an institution of higher learning, is a 
school or aero club, is located in the State, and meets one of 
the following requirements: the school or entity must have a 
pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school 
certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the 
entity is a flight training center or air carrier that does not 
have a pilot school certificate but has an exemption letter 
issued by the FAA, a permitting flight simulator instead of an 
aircraft; or the school or entity has issued a training center 
certificate by the FAA.
    The Committee has received concerns from veterans who are 
unable to pay for the flight training program due to the high 
cost. The current flight training education assistance 
allowance is 60 percent of the established charges for tuition 
and fees, which means that VA will reimburse the veteran 60 
percent for the approved charges. Increasing the education 
reimbursement rate to 75 percent would provide those interested 
in flight training an incentive to enroll in this program and 
the increase in financial assistance will help defray some of 
the costs.

Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals pursuing 
        apprenticeships or on-job training

    On-the-job training (OJT) offers veterans, and members of 
the Guard and Reserve, an alternative to attending a college or 
university by using their education benefit to obtain 
employment training. OJT is training that veterans received 
while actually performing a job. This program helps veterans to 
become gainfully employed by leading to an entry-level job. 
While the veteran receives training on their prospective job, 
they have the added benefit of receiving pay from the employer. 
The OJT program provides participants with a monthly training 
benefit on top of their regular salary. Approved OJT programs 
must be at least six months and no more than two years in 
length.
    The training benefit amount is based on a percentage of the 
basic full-time school rate. Public Law 108-454, The Veterans 
Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 (118 Stat. 3598), increased 
benefits for individuals pursuing apprenticeship or OJT. The 
increase was temporary, from October 1, 2005, to January 1, 
2008, increasing the benefits from:
           75 percent to 85 percent of the full-time GI 
        Bill rate for the first six months
           55 percent to 65 percent of the full-time GI 
        Bill rate for the second six months
           35 percent to 45 percent of the full-time GI 
        Bill rate for the remainder of the training program
    On January 1, 2008, this provision expired, and reduced the 
benefits to the previous rate.
    On February 13, 2008, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a hearing reviewing expiring programs. During 
this hearing Mr. Keith Pedigo, Associate Deputy Under Secretary 
for Policy and Program Management at the VA, highlighted OJT. 
According to his testimony, a ``higher monthly training 
assistance allowance supplement can provide an incentive for 
individuals to accept trainee positions they might not 
otherwise consider. The Department of Labor (DOL) states that 
jobs generally requiring OJT will account for half of all jobs 
by 2016 (DOL Report, Employment Outlook 2006-2016, November 
2007). Prior to the sunset date of the provisions in Public Law 
108-454, VA proposed legislation that would extend the 
temporary increase in the rates of payment to individuals 
pursuing apprenticeship and OJT programs. We recommend 
reinstatement of the benefit rate increase and support making 
the increase permanent.''
    In fiscal year 2009, approximately 10,200 individuals 
participated in OJT through the following VA Education 
programs: MGIB-AD (chapter 30), VEAP (chapter 32), MGIB-SR 
(chapter 1606), and REAP (chapter 1607). OJT participants are 
reported to the Education Service at the end of the fiscal 
year. Therefore, the number of participants in FY 2010 is 
unavailable at this time.
    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following 
numbers on March 12, 2010: ``The unemployment rate for veterans 
who served in the military since September 2001--a group 
referred to as Gulf War-era II veterans--was 10.2 percent in 
2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The 
jobless rate for veterans of all eras combined was 8.1 percent. 
About 21 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans reported having a 
service-connected disability in August 2009, compared with 
about 13 percent of all veterans.''

Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for 
        purposes of the educational assistance programs of the VA

    The VA is authorized to provide an educational allowance 
for student veterans who participate in work-study activities. 
Currently, student veterans enrolled three-quarter time or more 
in a college degree program, vocational program or professional 
program are eligible to participate in the Work-Study Allowance 
Program. Veterans with a service connected disability are given 
priority based on job availability within normal commuting 
distance to the student.
    Under the current work-study program, veterans that qualify 
for the VA Work-Study Allowance Program are limited to working 
on VA related work such as processing VA paperwork, performing 
outreach services, and assisting staff at VA medical facilities 
or the offices of the National Cemetery Administration.
    In fiscal year 2009, a little over 17,000 student veterans 
participated in this program. This program expired on June 30, 
2010.

Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain outreach services 
        conducted through congressional offices

    In the fall of 2009, Representative Peter A. DeFazio of 
Oregon contacted the Committee staff asserting that the VA has 
allowed student veterans to participate in VA's Work-Study 
Allowance Program to work in Congressional offices for several 
years in the past, but has recently disallowed this work. His 
concern is that student veterans will lose an opportunity to 
gain valuable work experience and dramatically reduce the 
assistance to Members of Congress in meeting the needs of 
veterans.
    This section would specifically authorize VA's Work-Study 
Allowance Program to include working in Congressional offices 
as part of VA work-study opportunities. This section also 
includes language recommended by VA to ensure student veterans 
are not tasked to represent veterans before the VA as part of 
their duties in Congressional offices.

Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for OJT programs

    OJT requires that the employer and the veteran agree on a 
training plan of at least six months long, leading to new 
skills and new pay. The employer or veteran contacts the State 
Approving Agency for assistance or review and approval. The 
veteran applies to the VA for monthly benefits to which the 
individual is entitled. The employer is required to maintain 
work and training records, evaluate the trainee's progress, and 
certify the trainee's hours to the VA each month. As part of 
the approval process, the employer must agree to at least one 
wage increase during the training period.
    This section would temporarily reduce the requirement for 
private employers to increase the final wages paid to a veteran 
participating in the VA's OJT program from 85 percent to 60 
percent of what is normally paid to employees in an equivalent 
full-time position. This waiver would be authorized for three 
years and require the GAO to provide a report to Congress on 
the effects of the temporary change. While a temporary measure, 
this language will mirror what is currently done in the public 
sector.
    The State Approving Agencies (SAA) and the Department of 
Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) are 
responsible for coordinating approval of OJT and apprenticeship 
programs. During the current economic downturn, the SAA and 
VETS are reporting that many employers who would like to offer 
OJT/apprenticeship opportunities are not able to meet the 
program's wage requirements. Therefore, the temporary reduction 
in the final wages will enable more employers to offer OJT 
positions to veterans.

Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education

    The Veterans Advisory Committee on Education (VACOE) was 
authorized by Congress to provide advice to the Secretary of VA 
on the development and administration of education and training 
programs for veterans and servicemembers, reservists and 
dependents of veterans under chapters 30, 32, 35, and 36, title 
38, and chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code.
    Reauthorizing VACOE will ensure that the Secretary continue 
to receive the advice from a diverse group of experts in 
education policy and the needs of veterans.

Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
        reintegration grant program

    This section would authorize $10 million for each of fiscal 
years 2011 through 2016 for VETS to award grants to qualified 
homeless providers that are specifically targeting services to 
homeless women veterans and veterans with children. Grants made 
under this section would fund job training, counseling, 
placement services, literacy training, and child care services.
    The Department of Labor VETS currently awards Homeless 
Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grants to assist homeless 
providers in returning homeless veterans to the workforce. The 
HVRP has been recognized by the GAO as a successful model of 
providing services to homeless veterans in general.
    Recent data regarding the prevalence of women and children 
among the ranks of homeless veterans indicate that nine percent 
of the 107,000 homeless veterans are women, and approximately 
10 percent of them have dependent children. Additionally, 4,000 
to 5,000 veterans who used HUD emergency or transitional 
housing programs last year had one or more children with them. 
Approximately 55 percent of those veterans were women and 45 
percent were male.

Technology review and grant program

    This section would authorize VA to provide a small number 
of grants to individuals or organizations to expand the types 
of technologies currently available and to make those 
technologies applicable to modifying the homes of disabled 
veterans. There is a need to encourage research and development 
in technologies that will advance the VA's ability to adapt 
homes to meet the needs of severely disabled veterans.
    The VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program provides 
grants to adapt the homes of severely injured veterans. These 
adaptations are specifically designed to enable these veterans 
to overcome the limitations of their ability to function as 
normally as possible in their homes.

Child care; President's budget

    A significant number of disabled veterans who enter VA's 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program drop 
out for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is the need 
to care for small children. This section would authorize up to 
$2,000 per month to pay for child care services.
    The VR&E program helps veterans with service-connected 
disabilities become employed, maintain employment, and provides 
them with independent living assistance. To provide better 
services and to accommodate the various employment needs of 
veterans, VR&E has implemented a Five-Track process. When a 
veteran meets with a counselor to determine his or her 
rehabilitation plan, the veteran may be placed in one of the 
five-tracks according to the veteran's skills, abilities, and 
desires. These are: reemployment, rapid access to employment, 
self employment, employment through long-term services and 
independent living.
    VR&E services can include vocational counseling, vocational 
evaluation, case management, education and training, job 
placement assistants, and independent living services. Among 
other services VR&E can also help pay for school tuition, 
provide subsistence allowance, and other expenses for veterans 
pursuing education and training. Generally, VR&E services are 
provided to veterans who have at least 10 percent disability 
rating.
    Furthermore, a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office 
Report dated January 26, 2009, recommends the following:

          To increase transparency in VR&E performance and 
        budget reports, we recommend that the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs take actions such as separately 
        reporting both the annual percentage of veterans who 
        obtain employment and the percentage of those who 
        achieve independent living, and fully disclosing 
        changes in performance measure calculations when 
        reporting trend data in key performance and budget 
        reports.

Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational assistance 
        institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational 
        assistance

    This section increases the amount of reporting fees payable 
to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving 
educational assistance from $7 to $16 and from $11 to $16.
    VA employees were initially assigned to Institutions of 
Higher Learning (IHL) to administer only one veteran education 
program for veterans. These VA employees were later removed in 
1976 and the responsibility of certifying student veterans was 
placed on IHL by paying the school $7 for each student 
certified. The Committee believes that $7 may have been a 
reasonable amount in 1976 but it no longer reflects the actual 
costs for the expanded services and administrative requirements 
in veterans education and training programs.

Modification of advance payment of initial educational assistance or 
        subsistence allowance

    This section would modify the current advance payment of 
educational assistance. It would charge the advance payment of 
educational assistance against the final months of benefits, 
thereby preventing a break in educational benefits.

Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to veterans 
        participating in vocational rehabilitation program

    This section provides a five percent increase in the rates 
of monthly assistance paid to certain participants in the VR&E 
program. Currently, the yearly increase is based on the cost-
of-living adjustment. An increase of 5.2 percent will help 
injured veterans in hard economic times. Furthermore, it will 
encourage them to remain in the VR&E program rather than elect 
to move under chapter 33 which is not catered to assisting 
injured veterans.

Expansion of availability of employment assistance allowance for 
        veterans using employment services

    This section would provide an additional month of benefits 
to bring the total to three months. The final phase of the VR&E 
program for most participants is the period during which the 
veteran is seeking employment after being determined to be 
rehabilitated. Current law continues or provides the monthly 
living stipend for a two month period. Given the economic 
downturn and the associated difficulties in finding suitable 
employment, this assistance could be a factor in successfully 
finding employment.

Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in rural areas

    Rural areas typically experience difficulties in hiring and 
retaining teachers. According to the Rural School and Community 
Trust, the national average salary of teachers in rural areas 
average 19 percent below those in suburban communities for the 
2007-2008 school year.
    Additionally, according to Educationworld.com\1\ the 
problem is ``especially acute in urban and rural districts and 
in the hard-to-fill areas of special education, mathematics, 
and science--is so severe that:
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    \1\http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin155.shtml
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     Forty-two states issue emergency credentials to 
people who have taken no education courses and have not taught 
a day in their lives. Many teachers are hired based solely on 
their experience leading church or camping groups.
     One-fourth of new teachers--if they are licensed--
are not licensed to teach in the field they are teaching.
     Twenty percent of new teachers leave within the 
first three years; most likely to leave are those with the 
highest college-entrance exam scores. A whopping 49 percent of 
those who leave do so because of job dissatisfaction or to 
pursue another career.''
    The Troops to Teachers (T2T) program has made a good start 
in enabling veterans to enter the teaching profession in high 
poverty areas by offering stipends and other incentives. 
However, a rural area may not qualify as a high poverty area, 
thus not qualifying for the T2T program. By offering the 
stipend, this section would increase a disabled veteran's 
ability to seek employment as a teacher in designated rural 
areas.
    This section would provide a $500 per month stipend to 
service-disabled veterans rated at 30 percent or more by VA for 
up to 24 months if they are teaching in areas defined as rural 
by the Bureau of the Census. This section also requires that 
such veteran is a first-time teacher that has been employed to 
teach at an accredited elementary or secondary school and is 
enrolled in an accredited course leading to a teaching 
certificate. Finally, this section authorizes an appropriation 
of $15 million per year for the proposed program.

Promoting jobs for veterans through the establishment of an internship 
        program

    Taxpayers invest significant resources in disabled veterans 
who participate in the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Program, a program primarily designed to return 
disabled veterans to the workforce. The President's Budget for 
Fiscal Year 2011 estimates VA will spend over $600 million in 
readjustment benefits for disabled veterans participating in 
the program.
    To qualify for the VA's VR&E program, a veteran must have a 
20 percent service-connected disability rating and an 
employment handicap that substantially impacts the veterans 
ability to ``prepare for, obtain, or retain employment 
consistent with such veteran's abilities, aptitudes, and 
interests.'' Veterans with a 10 percent service-connected 
disability rating which creates a ``serious employment 
handicap'' may also be eligible for VR&E benefits.
    The VR&E program includes:
           Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to 
        determine abilities, skills, and interests for 
        employment
           Vocational counseling and rehabilitation 
        planning for employment services
           Employment services such as job-training, 
        job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work 
        readiness assistance
           Assistance finding and keeping a job, 
        including the use of special employer incentives and 
        job accommodations such as OJT, apprenticeships, and 
        non-paid work experiences
           Post-secondary training at a college, 
        vocational, technical or business school
           Supportive rehabilitation services including 
        case management, counseling, medical referrals, and 
        independent living services for veterans unable to work 
        due to the severity of their disabilities
    VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Employment 
Coordinators work to evaluate disabled veterans' abilities and 
desires as a means to place the veteran in one of five tracks 
leading to employment. Because persons with disabilities, 
especially those with a significant level of disability, 
unemployment rates exceed those without a disability. In its 
report on unemployment rates for 2009, the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics listed that the national unemployment rate for 
disabled men was 15.1 percent compared with 10.3 percent for 
non-disabled men over the age of 16.
    Therefore, this section authorizes VA to hire up to 2,000 
disabled veterans as interns at rates between GS-2 and GS-5 for 
one year and to provide a range of benefits including health 
care.

Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole source contracts by 
        the VA for purposes of meeting the contracting goals and 
        preferences of the VA for small business concerns owned and 
        controlled by veterans

    There is an extensive history of promoting set aside 
contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small business 
(SDVOSB). Beginning with Public Law 106-50 (113 Stat. 233), and 
continuing through Public Law 108-183 (117 Stat. 265), Public 
Law 109-461 (120 Stat. 3403), and Executive Order 13360, the 
Federal government has made a commitment to award three percent 
of procurement dollars to SDVOSB. The Federal government has 
also established set aside goals for other small business 
groups such as HUBZone, 8(a), Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged 
Small Businesses. Among the advantages given to some of those 
groups is a requirement whereby contracting officers are 
authorized to award sole source contracts whenever they 
reasonably believe there is not more than one probable vendor 
of the good or service. In such cases, the Small Business Act 
states contracting officers ``shall'' award a sole source 
contract. However, the Small Business Act states contracting 
officers ``may'' award sole source contracts to SDVOSB.
    With the passage of Public Law 109-461, VA contracting 
officers received a significant number of new provisions to 
enable them to meet the SDVOSB contracting goals. However, the 
language of 38 United States Code 8127 retained the ``may'' 
provision. This has put SDVOSB at a potential disadvantage in 
competing with other set aside groups for VA contracts.
    This section would amend section 8127(c) title 38, United 
States Code by striking the word ``may'' and inserting the word 
``shall.'' This change would allow VA contracting officials to 
award sole source contracts under the same conditions as 
applied to certain other small business set aside groups. This 
change effectively levels the playing field between service-
disabled veteran-owned small businesses with certain other 
small business set aside groups.

Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

    This section authorizes appropriations for the VA to hold a 
yearly veterans entrepreneurial development summit. There has 
been an on-going concern by veteran small business owners that 
they are not able to meet business decision-makers. This yearly 
summit will provide the VA an opportunity to advise veterans 
with proposals, share trends and hear from the veteran small 
business community on a regular basis.

Increase in the maximum amount of specially adapted housing assistance 
        authorized to be provided by the VA

    To assist veterans whose service-connected disability 
requires modification of their living environment, the VA 
provides a grant program to adapt the veteran's home. There are 
three grant amounts based on the type and severity of the 
veteran's disability with maximum grants of $12,756 or $63,780.
    There is also a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant 
that allows the minimal adaptation of a family member's home in 
which the disabled veteran is residing on a temporary basis. 
The maximum TRA grant is either $2,000 or $14,000 depending on 
the veteran's total entitlement as described above.
    Because construction costs generally rise at a rate faster 
than the overall inflation rate, in many areas, the grant does 
not cover the entire costs of renovation or adaptation. A small 
increase to the base amounts is needed to keep pace with the 
rising cost of construction.

VA housing loans for construction of energy efficient dwellings

    The VA home loan guaranty program currently offers 
guarantees on loans to add energy efficiency improvements to a 
home. The current program is limited in the types of dwellings 
that may be improved using a VA-guaranteed energy efficiency 
loan.
    This section would clarify current law by specifically 
authorizing VA to guarantee new construction, acquisition of an 
existing dwelling, and a dwelling currently occupied by the 
veteran. The maximum amounts that would be allowed to be 
guaranteed would be the greater of five percent of the value of 
the home, property and improvements or $6,000.
    Because of an apparent inconsistency in how VA real estate 
appraisers value energy efficiency improvements, this section 
would also require VA to adopt energy efficiency standards and 
issue both interim policy guidance and regulations regarding 
these standards.

Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for veterans 
        residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member

    According to a U.S. Government Accountability Report dated 
July, 2010 (GAO-10-786), the VA has authorized fewer than 18 
Temporary Residence Adaptation grants from June 15, 2006 
through April 4, 2010. The Committee also understands that a 
barrier to using the TRA grant may be because the grant counts 
against the total adaptive housing grant that would be 
available to the disabled veteran.
    Therefore, in order to determine why so few grants have 
been used, this section would authorize VA to award up to 25 
TRA grants during fiscal year 2011 that would not count against 
the veterans total grant amount.

                                Hearings

    On June 10, 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on several bills introduced during 
the 111th Congress, including H.R. 3685.
    The following witnesses testified: The Honorable Peter 
DeFazio of Oregon; The Honorable Cliff Stearns of Florida; The 
Honorable Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska; Mr. Richard Daley, 
Associate Legislation Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; 
Ms. Catherine A. Trombley, Assistant Director, National 
Economic Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Eric A. Hilleman, 
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States; Thomas Zampieri, Ph.D., Director of 
Government Relations, Blinded Veterans Association; Michael R. 
Duenas, O.D., Associate Director, Health Sciences and Policy, 
American Optometric Association; and, Mr. Thomas J. Pamperin, 
Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Policy and Program 
Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs accompanied by Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. Joseph E. Simpson, 
Attorney, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record 
included: The Honorable Frank J. Kratovil, Jr., Representative 
of Maryland and Mr. Raymond C. Kelly, National Legislative 
Director, American Veterans (AMVETS).
    On February 25, 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity conducted a legislative hearing on various bills 
introduced during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 3484, H.R. 
3571, and H.R. 4079. The following witnesses testified: The 
Honorable John J. Hall of New York; The Honorable Adam H. 
Putnam of Florida; The Honorable Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania; 
The Honorable Adam Smith of Washington; The Honorable Michael 
R. Turner of Ohio; Mr. Robert W. Madden, Assistant Director, 
National Economic Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Justin 
Brown, Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.; Mr. Timothy S. Embree, 
Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America; Mr. James Bombard, Legislative Director, National 
Association of State Approving Agencies; Col. Mark E. Sullivan, 
USA (Ret.), Law Offices of Mark E. Sullivan, P.A.; Col. Shawn 
Shumake, U.S. Army, Director, Office of Legal Policy, Office of 
the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), 
Program Integration and Legal Policy, U.S. Department of 
Defense; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director of Education Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by Mr. Mark Bologna, Director of Loan 
Guaranty Service, Veteran Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. F. John Brizzi, Jr., 
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record included: 
The Honorable Bob Filner of California; The Honorable Ron Klein 
of Florida; Ms. Patricia E. Aby, American Bar Association; Ms. 
Stacy Bannerman, Medford, Oregon; Ms. Faith DesLauriers, 
Legislative Director, National Association of Veterans' Program 
Administrators; the National Military Family Association; the 
Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators; and, 
Mr. Brian Hawthorne, Legislative Director, Student Veterans of 
America.
    On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity conducted a legislative hearing on a number of 
bills introduced during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 2614 
and H.R. 3561. The following witnesses testified: The Honorable 
Bob Filner of California; The Honorable Ciro D. Rodriguez of 
Texas; The Honorable John R. Carter of Texas; The Honorable 
Brad Miller of North Carolina; The Honorable David Loebsack of 
Iowa; The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia; Ms. Lynn M. 
Schubert, President, The Surety and Fidelity Association of 
America; Mr. Mark Walker, Deputy Director, National Economic 
Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Justin Brown, Legislative 
Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.; Mr. John L. 
Wilson, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Richard F. Weidman, Executive Director 
for Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America; 
Ms. Christina M. Roof, National Deputy Legislative Director, 
AMVETS; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director, Office of Education 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by Mr. F. John Brizzi, Jr., Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and Ms. Gail Wegner, Acting Director, Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record included: 
Mr. Ulric I. Fiore, Jr., Director, Soldier and Family Legal 
Services, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Army, U.S. 
Department of Defense; Mr. John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S. 
Department of Labor; Mr. Jot D. Carpenter, Jr., Vice President, 
Government Affairs, CTIA--The Wireless Association; Mr. Patrick 
Campbell, Chief Legislative Counsel, Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of American; the Military Officers Association of 
America; Mr. Mark McCallum, General Counsel and Director of 
Government Relations, National Association of Surety Bond 
Producers; Mr. John S. Odom, Jr., Jones, Odom, Davis and 
Politz, L.L.P., Shreveport, Louisiana; and Mr. Brian Hawthorne, 
Legislative Director, Student Veterans of America.
    On May 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
conducted a legislative hearing on various bills introduced 
during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 1821. The following 
witnesses testified:; The Honorable Mike Coffman of Colorado; 
Mr. Richard Daley, Associate Legislation Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. John L. Wilson, Associate National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Mark 
Seavey, Assistant Director, National Legislative Commission, 
The American Legion; Mr. Raymond C. Kelley, National 
Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Wade J. Spann, Alumni, 
Wounded Warrior Project; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director, Office 
of Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; accompanied by Mr. F. John 
Brizzi, Jr., Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. John C. McWilliam, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 
U.S. Department of Labor. Submitting a statement for the record 
included The Honorable Bob Filner of California.
    On March 4, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on several bills introduced during 
the 111th Congress, including H.R. 929. The following witnesses 
testified: The Honorable Steve Israel of New York; The 
Honorable Peter Welch of Vermont; The Honorable Lloyd Doggett 
of Texas; Mr. Justin Brown, Legislative Associate, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Ms. Cheryl Beversdorf, RN, MHS, MA, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; 
Mr. John L. Wilson, Associate National Legislative Director, 
Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Mark Walker, Assistant 
Director, National Economic Commission, The American Legion; 
Thomas Zampieri, Ph.D., Director of Government Relations, 
Blinded Veterans Association; Mr. Patrick H. Boulay, Chief, 
USERRA Unit, U.S. Office of Special Counsel; Mr. Keith M. 
Wilson, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans. Those submitting 
statements for the record included: Mr. John M. McWilliam, 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training 
Service, U.S. Department of Labor; The Honorable Rodney 
Alexander of Louisiana; The Honorable Steve Buyer of Indiana; 
The Honorable Bob Filner of California; Mr. David French, Vice 
President, Government Relations, International Franchise 
Association; Mr. Thomas S. Whitaker, President and Deputy 
Chairman, North Carolina Employment Security Commission, on 
behalf of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies; 
and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

                       Subcommittee Consideration

    On July 15 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in an open markup session and ordered favorably forwarded 
to the full Committee H.R. 5360, as amended, by voice vote. 
During consideration of the bill the following amendment was 
considered:
    An amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. 
Thomas Perriello of Virginia to incorporate provisions from a 
number of bills was agreed to by voice vote.

                        Committee Consideration

    On September 15, 2010, the full Committee met in an open 
markup session, a quorum being present, and ordered H.R. 5360, 
as amended, reported favorably to the House of Representatives, 
by voice vote. During consideration of the bill the following 
amendments were considered:
    An amendment to reauthorize a VA small business loan 
program was offered by Mr. Buyer of Indiana and agreed to by 
voice vote:
    An amendment to provide assistance allowances for rural 
veteran teachers was offered by Mr. Buyer of Indiana and agreed 
to by voice vote.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes 
on the motion to report the legislation and amendments thereto. 
There were no record votes taken on amendments or in connection 
with ordering H.R. 5360 reported to the House. A motion by Mr. 
Buyer of Indiana to order H.R. 5360, as amended, reported 
favorably to the House of Representatives was agreed to by 
voice vote.

                      Committee Oversight Findings

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 
2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, 
the Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are 
reflected in the descriptive portions of this report.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance 
goals and objectives are reflected in the descriptive portions 
of this report.

   New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee will adopt as 
its own the estimate of new budget authority, entitlement 
authority, or tax expenditures or revenues contained in the 
cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional 
Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974.

                  Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits

    H.R. 5360 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives.

                        Committee Cost Estimate

    The Committee will adopt as its own the cost estimate on 
H.R. 5360 prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act 
of 1974.

               Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives a cost estimate for H.R. 5360 provided 
by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of 
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 was not available when the 
Committee filed this report.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    The Committee will adopt as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates regarding H.R. 5360 prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R. 
5360.

                   Constitutional Authority Statement

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the 
Constitutional authority for H.R. 5360 is provided by Article 
I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States.

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

             Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation


Section 1. Short title

    This section provides the short title of H.R. 5360, as 
amended, as the ``The Housing, Employment, and Living Programs 
for Veterans Act of 2010 or The HELP Veterans Act of 2010.''

Section 2. References to title 38, United States Code

    This section provides that references to sections of the 
United States Code are to title 38, United States Code.

Section 3. Modification of standard of visual acuity required for 
        eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance provided 
        by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    This section would make the VA's definition of blindness 
coincide with existing law and allow more blind veterans to 
qualify for the adapted housing benefit and provides an 
effective date as the date of enactment.

Section 4. Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    This section would authorize the VA to guarantee a loan 
regardless of whether the VA loan is subordinate to a lien 
created by a state that has provided or will provide assistance 
in response to a major disaster. The new language will extend 
to December 31, 2016 existing authority to issue and guarantee 
certificates or other securities evidencing an interest in a 
pool of mortgage loans.

Section 5. Reauthorization and improvement of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs small business loan program

    This section would authorize the VA Secretary to make loan 
guarantees to veterans seeking to start a small business 
venture.

Section 6. Assistance for flight training

    This section would increase the flight training allowance 
for Chapter 30 recipients from 60 percent to 75 percent of the 
established charges for tuition and fees.

Section 7. Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals 
        pursuing internships or on-job training

    This section provides a seven-year increase in the amount 
of educational assistance payments made by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or 
OJT under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Post-Vietnam Era 
Veterans, the Survivors and Dependents, and the Selected 
Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill educational assistance programs.

Section 8. Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study 
        activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs 
        of the Department of Veterans Affairs

    Extends to June 30, 2020, veterans work-study activities 
that expired on June 30, 2010.

Section 9. Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain 
        outreach services conducted through congressional offices

    This section would expand the VA's Work-Study Allowance 
Program to afford student veterans the opportunity to work in 
Congressional offices as part of their VA work-study 
requirements.

Section 10. Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for OJT 
        programs

    This section would temporarily reduce the requirement for 
private employers to provide a wage increase from 85 percent to 
60 percent for the remainder of the program participation. This 
waiver would be authorized for three years and require the GAO 
to provide a report to Congress on the effects of the temporary 
change.

Section 11. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on 
        Education

    This section reauthorizes the Veterans' Advisory Committee 
on Education (VACE) to December 31, 2020.

Section 12. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
        reintegration grant program

    This section would direct the Secretary of Labor to make 
grants to programs and facilities that provide a wide variety 
of services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans 
with children as a means to incentivize organizations to 
address the issues of homeless women veterans and veterans with 
children and to return homeless veterans to the workforce.

Section 13. Technology review and grant program

    This section would direct the VA Secretary to establish a 
team that would be responsible for reviewing new technologies 
and products that are beneficial to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. This section would also provide the Secretary the 
authority to make grants for the development of new assistive 
technologies for specially adapted housing. The amount of the 
grant may be no more than $250,000 per year.

Section 14. Child care; President's Budget

    This section would provide reimbursement for certified 
child care assistance for single parents participating in the 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program; are 
the sole caretaker of the child and would not otherwise be able 
to afford childcare. The total amount would not exceed $2,000 
per month for each month that the veteran is participating in 
the VR&E program.
    This section would also require the Secretary of the VA to 
report in the President's budget request the percentage of 
veterans who received the VR&E assistance and became employed, 
and the percentage of veterans who received VR&E assistance and 
achieved independence in daily living.

Section 15. Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational 
        institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational 
        assistance

    This section would increase the amount of reporting fees 
payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans 
receiving educational assistance from $7 to $16 and from $11 to 
$16.

Section 16. Modification of advance payment of initial educational 
        assistance or subsistence allowance

    This section would modify the way VA charges a veteran's 
entitlement for advance payment of educational assistance. This 
section would take the advance payment of educational 
assistance, from the final months of benefits, thereby causing 
no break in educational benefits.

Section 17. Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to 
        veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation program

    This section would increase the amount of subsistence 
allowance payable to veterans participating in VR&E by 5.2 
percent.

Section 18. Expansion of availability of employment assistance 
        allowance for veterans using employment services

    This section would provide veterans who have completed VR&E 
with a living allowance for three months after completing the 
VR&E program.

Section 19. Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in 
        rural areas

    This section would provide a $500 per month subsistence 
allowance to rural veterans, with a service-connected 
disability, seeking full-time employment as a teacher in an 
accredited elementary or secondary school. This section also 
authorizes $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and for each fiscal 
year thereafter.

Section 21. Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole-source 
        contracts by the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of 
        meeting the contracting goals and preferences of the Department 
        of Veterans Affairs for small business concerns owned and 
        controlled by veterans

    This section would require the VA Secretary to meet 
veteran-owned small contracting goals by amending the word 
``may'' to ``shall.''

Sections 22. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

    This section would authorize appropriations for the VA to 
hold a yearly veterans entrepreneurial development summit.

Section 23. Increase in the amount of specially adapted housing 
        assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs

    This section would increase the maximum amount of Specially 
Adapted Housing Assistance for two grants. The Paraplegic 
Housing grant would increase from $63,780 to $65,780 and the 
Adaptive Housing grant would change from $12,756 to $13,756.

Section 24. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loans for 
        construction of energy efficient dwellings

    This section authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
to guarantee housing loans for the construction of energy 
efficient dwellings, and for other purposes.

Section 25. Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for 
        veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family 
        member

    This section prohibits the amount of assistance afforded 
under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program from 
counting toward the dollar amount limitations under the SHA or 
SAH grant programs. This pilot program would be available to 
the first 25 veterans who apply for the two grants in fiscal 
year 2011.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

                      TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          CHAPTER 7--EMPLOYEES

Sec.
701. Placement of employees in military installations.
     * * * * * * *
712. Internship program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 712. Internship program

  (a) Internship Program.--The Secretary may carry out an 
internship program through which the Secretary shall award 
internships to up to 2,000 veterans each year in accordance 
with this section. The recipient of an internship under this 
section shall be employed in the Veterans Benefits 
Administration for the duration of the internship.
  (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an internship 
under this section a veteran shall have completed a 
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title. In 
awarding internships under this section, the Secretary shall 
give a preference to a veteran who has completed a program of 
long-term education or training, as determined by the 
Secretary.
  (c) Salary; Benefits.--(1) Each recipient of an internship 
under this section shall be paid at a rate determined by the 
Secretary, except that such rate shall be at least the maximum 
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-3 of the General 
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, and 
shall not exceed the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable 
for grade GS-5 of such schedule. Payments under this paragraph 
shall be derived from amounts available in the ``General 
operating expenses'' account of the Department.
  (2) Each such recipient shall be entitled to leave on the 
same basis as employees of the Department who are paid at the 
same annual rate, except that such recipient may not be 
reimbursed for any unused leave at the end of the internship.
  (3) The Secretary shall furnish hospital care, medical 
services, and nursing home care to each recipient of an 
internship under this section on the same basis as a veteran 
described in subsection (B) of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) 
of section 1710 of this title unless the recipient is eligible 
for such care and services under subparagraph (A) of such 
paragraph or under paragraph (1) of such subsection.
  (4) The recipient of an internship under this section may 
receive an allowance under section 3108 of this title if such 
recipient is entitled to such an allowance.
  (d) Duration.--No internship under this section shall exceed 
12 months in duration.
  (e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall notify each participant in 
a rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title of the 
internship program under this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART II--GENERAL BENEFITS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               CHAPTER 20--BENEFITS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

       SUBCHAPTER I--PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Sec.
2001. Purpose.
     * * * * * * *

                  SUBCHAPTER III--TRAINING AND OUTREACH

     * * * * * * *
2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
          reintegration grant program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER III--TRAINING AND OUTREACH

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
                    reintegration grant program

  (a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations 
provided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make 
grants to programs and facilities that the Secretary determines 
provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and 
homeless veterans with children.
  (b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to 
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including 
job readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care 
services to expedite the reintegration of homeless women 
veterans and homeless veterans with children into the labor 
force.
  (c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The 
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that 
Secretary considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the 
distribution and expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out 
this section. The information shall include data with respect 
to the results or outcomes of the services provided to each 
homeless veteran under this section.
  (2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in 
such form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
  (d)  Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor 
for Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor 
shall carry out this section through the Assistant Secretary of 
Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training.
  (e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor 
shall include as part of the report required under section 
2021(d) of this title an evaluation of the grant program under 
this section, which shall include an evaluation of services 
furnished to veterans under this section and an analysis of the 
information collected under subsection (c).
  (f) Appropriated Funds.--(1) In addition to any amount 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this 
title, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
  (2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain 
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to 
carry out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and 
the succeeding fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


      CHAPTER 21--SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS

Sec
2101. Acquisition and adaptation of housing: eligible veterans.
     * * * * * * *
2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.

Sec. 2101. Acquisition and adaptation of housing: eligible veterans

  (a) * * *
  (b) Adaptations to Residence of Veteran.--(1) * * *
          (2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the 
        veteran is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of 
        this title for a permanent and total service-connected 
        disability that meets any of the following criteria:
                  (A) The disability is due to blindness in 
                both eyes [with 5/200 visual acuity or less.] 
                with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in 
                the better eye with the use of standard 
                correcting lenses (for purposes of this 
                subparagraph, an eye which is accompanied by a 
                limitation in the fields of vision such that 
                the widest diameter of the visual field 
                subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees 
                shall be treated as having a central visual 
                acuity of 20/200 or less).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 2102. Limitations on assistance furnished

  (a) * * *
  (b) Except as provided in section 2104(b) of this title, the 
assistance authorized by section 2101(b) of this title shall be 
limited to the lesser of--
          (1) * * *
          (2) [$12,000] $13,756.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an 
individual under sections 2101(a) and 2102A of this title shall 
be limited to [$60,000] $65,780.
  (2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an 
individual under sections 2101(b) and 2102A of this title shall 
be limited to [$12,000] $13,756.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program

  (a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make 
grants to encourage the development of new assistive 
technologies for specially adapted housing.
  (b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under 
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application for 
the grant in such form and manner as the Secretary shall 
specify.
  (c) Grant Funds.--Each grant awarded under this section shall 
be in an amount of not more than $250,000 per year.
  (d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this 
section shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies 
for use in specially adapted housing.
  (e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year following a 
year in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report containing information related to 
each grant awarded under this section during the preceding 
calendar year, including--
          (1) the name of the grant recipient;
          (2) the amount of the grant; and
          (3) the goal of the grant.
  (f) Funding.--From amounts authorized to be appropriated to 
the Department for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is 
authorized to make a grant under this section, $1,500,000 shall 
be available for that fiscal year for the purposes of the 
program under this section.
  (g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this 
section shall terminate on the date that is five years after 
the date of the enactment of this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART III--READJUSTMENT AND RELATED BENEFITS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 30--ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER IV--TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT; 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3032. Limitations on educational assistance for certain 
                    individuals

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, each 
individual who is pursuing a program of education consisting 
exclusively of flight training approved as meeting the 
requirements of section 3034(d) of this title shall be paid an 
educational assistance allowance under this chapter in the 
amount equal to [60 percent] 75 percent of the established 
charges for tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced 
nonveterans enrolled in the same flight course are required to 
pay.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


   CHAPTER 31--TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-
                         CONNECTED DISABILITIES

Sec.
3100. Purposes.
     * * * * * * *
3123. Child care assistance for single parents.
3124. Information included in support of President's budget.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3108. Allowances

  (a)(1) * * *
  [(2) In any case in which the Secretary determines, at the 
conclusion of such veteran's pursuit of a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter, that such veteran 
has been rehabilitated to the point of employability, such 
veteran shall be paid a subsistence allowance, as prescribed in 
this section for full-time training for the type of program 
that the veteran was pursuing, for two months while 
satisfactorily following a program of employment services 
provided under section 3104(a)(5) of this title.]
  (2) In the case of a veteran with a service-connected 
disability who the Secretary determines has reached a point of 
employability and who is participating only in a program of 
employment services provided under section 3104(a)(5) of this 
title, the Secretary shall pay the veteran a subsistence 
allowance as prescribed in this section for three months while 
the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the 
Secretary shall determine the subsistence allowance to be paid 
to a veteran under this chapter in accordance with the 
following table, which shall be the monthly amount shown in 
column II, III, IV, or V (whichever is applicable as determined 
by the veteran's dependency status) opposite the appropriate 
type of program being pursued as specified in column I:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  [Column I                    Column II    Column    Column IV              Column V
---------------------------------------------------------    III    --------------------------------------------
                                                         -----------
               Type of program                    No         One         Two         More than two dependents
                                              dependents  dependent  dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 The amount in column IV, plus
                                                                                  the following for each
                                                                                  dependent in excess of two:
Institutional training:
  Full-time.................................       $366        $454       $535                 $39
  Three-quarter-time........................        275         341        400                  30
  Half-time.................................        184         228        268                  20
Farm cooperative, apprentice, or other on-
 job training:
  Full-time.................................        320         387        446                  29
Extended evaluation:
  Full-time.................................        366         454        535                  39
Independent living training:
  Full-time.................................        366         454        535                  39
  Three-quarter-time........................        275         341        400                  30
  Half-time.................................        184         228        268                 20]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Column  I                   Column  II    Column   Column  IV              Column V
---------------------------------------------------------    III    --------------------------------------------
                                                         -----------
              Type of   program                   No         One         Two        More than  two dependents
                                              dependents  dependent  dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ..........  .........  ..........  The amount in column IV, plus
                                                                                  the following for each
                                                                                  dependent in excess of two:
Full-time...................................     $576.01    $714.50     $841.98  $61.37
Three-quarter time..........................     $432.80    $536.65     $629.50  $47.19
Half-time...................................     $289.59    $358.81     $421.77  $31.49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                 

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
Sec. 3123. Child care assistance for single parents

  (a) In General.--Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the 
Secretary to carry out this section, the Secretary shall 
provide reimbursements for the actual cost of child care 
provided by a licensed provider to a veteran who--
          (1) is participating in a vocational rehabilitation 
        program under this chapter;
          (2) is the sole caretaker of a child; and
          (3) would not otherwise be able to afford such child 
        care.
  (b) Amount and Duration.--The amount of the reimbursement for 
the actual cost for child care under this section shall be not 
more than $2,000 per month for each month the veteran is 
participating in a vocational rehabilitation program under this 
chapter.

Sec. 3124. Information included in support of President's budget

  The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to 
Congress by the Secretary in support of the President's budget 
for each fiscal year submitted under section 1105 of title 31, 
United States Code, the following:
          (1) For the calendar year preceding the submission--
                  (A) the percentage of veterans receiving 
                assistance under this chapter who became 
                employed; and
                  (B) the percentage of veterans receiving 
                assistance under this chapter who achieved 
                independence in daily living.
          (2) Any changes made by the Secretary in measuring or 
        calculating the performance of the department under 
        this chapter.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 34--VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER IV--PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS; VETERAN-STUDENT SERVICES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3485. Work-study allowance

  (a)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (4) For the purposes of this section, the term ``qualifying 
work-study activity'' means any of the following:
          (A) The outreach services program under chapter 63 of 
        this title as carried out under the supervision of a 
        Department employee or, during the period preceding 
        [June 30, 2010] June 30, 2020, outreach services to 
        servicemembers and veterans furnished by employees of a 
        State approving agency.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (C) The provision of hospital and domiciliary care 
        and medical treatment under chapter 17 of this title, 
        including, during the period preceding [June 30, 2010] 
        June 30, 2020, the provision of such care to veterans 
        in a State home for which payment is made under section 
        1741 of this title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (F) During the period preceding [June 30, 2010] June 
        30, 2020, an activity relating to the administration of 
        a national cemetery or a State veterans' cemetery.
          (G) The following activities carried out at the 
        offices of Members of Congress for such Members:
                  (i) The distribution of information to 
                members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and 
                their dependents about the benefits and 
                services under laws administered by the 
                Secretary and other appropriate governmental 
                and non-governmental programs.
                  (ii) The provision of assistance in 
                ascertaining the status of claims (including 
                appeals) for benefits under laws administered 
                by the Secretary, as well as other constituent 
                services for veterans as the Secretary 
                determines appropriate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


           CHAPTER 36--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

                 SUBCHAPTER I--STATE APPROVING AGENCIES

Sec
3670. Scope of approval.
     * * * * * * *

                 SUBCHAPTER II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     * * * * * * *
3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                SUBCHAPTER II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 3677. Approval of training on the job

  (a) * * *
  (b)(1) The training establishment offering training which is 
desired to be approved for the purposes of this chapter must 
submit to the appropriate State approving agency a written 
application for approval which, in addition to furnishing such 
information as is required by the State approving agency, 
contains a certification that--
          (A) the wages to be paid the eligible veteran or 
        person (i) upon entrance into training, are not less 
        than wages paid nonveterans in the same training 
        position and are at least 50 per centum of the wages 
        paid for the job for which the veteran or person is to 
        be trained, and (ii) such wages will be increased in 
        regular periodic increments until, not later than the 
        last full month of the training period, they will be at 
        least [85 per centum] 60 percent of the wages paid for 
        the job for which such eligible veteran or person is 
        being trained; and

[Effective October 1, 2013 (pursuant to section 10(b)(1) of H.R. 5360, 
as reported), section 3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 38, United States Code 
(as amended by section 10(a)(1) of H.R. 5360), is amended as follows:]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  (b)(1) The training establishment offering training which is 
desired to be approved for the purposes of this chapter must 
submit to the appropriate State approving agency a written 
application for approval which, in addition to furnishing such 
information as is required by the State approving agency, 
contains a certification that--
          (A) the wages to be paid the eligible veteran or 
        person (i) upon entrance into training, are not less 
        than wages paid nonveterans in the same training 
        position and are at least 50 per centum of the wages 
        paid for the job for which the veteran or person is to 
        be trained, and (ii) such wages will be increased in 
        regular periodic increments until, not later than the 
        last full month of the training period, they will be at 
        least [60 percent] 85 percent of the wages paid for the 
        job for which such eligible veteran or person is being 
        trained; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3680. Payment of educational assistance or subsistence allowances

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Advance Payment of Initial Educational Assistance or 
Subsistence Allowance.--(1) * * *
          (2) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, and 
        under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, 
        an eligible veteran or eligible person shall be paid an 
        educational assistance allowance or subsistence 
        allowance, as appropriate, advance payment. Such 
        advance payment shall be made in an amount equivalent 
        to the allowance for the month or fraction thereof in 
        which pursuit of the program will commence, plus the 
        allowance for the succeeding month. In the case of a 
        person on active duty, who is pursuing a program of 
        education, the advance payment shall be in a lump sum 
        based upon the amount payable for the entire quarter, 
        semester, or term, as applicable. For purposes of the 
        entitlement to educational assistance of the veteran or 
        person receiving an advance payment under this 
        subsection, the advance payment shall be charged 
        against the final month of the entitlement of the 
        person or veteran and, if necessary, the penultimate 
        such month. In no event may any veteran or person 
        receive more than one advance payment under this 
        subsection during any academic year. In no event shall 
        an advance payment be made under this subsection to a 
        veteran or person intending to pursue a program of 
        education on less than a half-time basis. An advance 
        payment may not be made under this subsection to any 
        veteran or person unless the veteran or person requests 
        such payment and the Secretary finds that the 
        educational institution at which such veteran or person 
        is accepted or enrolled has agreed to, and can 
        satisfactorily, carry out the provisions of paragraphs 
        (4)(B) and (C) and (5) of this subsection. The 
        application for advance payment, to be made on a form 
        prescribed by the Secretary, shall--
                  (A) * * *
        

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3684. Reports by veterans, eligible persons, and institutions; 
                    reporting fee

  (a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this 
subsection, the veteran or eligible person and the educational 
institution offering a course in which such veteran or eligible 
person is enrolled under chapter 31, 34,[,] 35, or 36 of this 
title shall, without delay, report to the Secretary, in the 
form prescribed by the Secretary, such enrollment and any 
interruption or termination of the education of each such 
veteran or eligible person.   The date of such interruption or 
termination will be the last date of pursuit, or, in the case 
of correspondence training, the last date a lesson was serviced 
by a school.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, or 
to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing 
education or training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 
34, or 35 of this title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu 
of any other compensation or reimbursement for reports or 
certifications which such educational institution or joint 
apprenticeship training committee is required to submit to the 
Secretary by law or regulation. Such reporting fee shall be 
computed for each calendar year by multiplying [$7] $16 by the 
number of eligible veterans or eligible persons enrolled under 
this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title, or [$11] 
$16 in the case of those eligible veterans and eligible persons 
whose educational assistance checks are directed in care of 
each institution for temporary custody and delivery and are 
delivered at the time of registration as provided under section 
3680(d)(4) of this title, during the calendar year. The 
reporting fee shall be paid to such educational institution or 
joint apprenticeship training committee as soon as feasible 
after the end of the calendar year for which it is applicable. 
No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under 
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary 
against any liability of such institution for any overpayment 
for which such institution may be administratively determined 
to be liable under section 3685 of this title unless such 
liability is not contested by such institution or has been 
upheld by a final decree of a court of appropriate 
jurisdiction. The reporting fee payable under this subsection 
shall be paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment 
benefits.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3692. Advisory committee

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) The committee shall remain in existence until [December 
31, 2009] December 31, 2020.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers

  (a) Reducing Administrative Burden.--The Secretary may pay to 
a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance of $500.
  (b) Duration.--The aggregate period for which the Secretary 
may pay a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance 
under subsection (a) may not exceed 24 months.
  (c) Rural Veteran Teacher Defined.--In this section, the term 
``rural veteran teacher'' means a veteran who--
          (1) is discharged from service in the Armed Forces 
        under honorable conditions;
          (2) is employed to teach full-time at an accredited 
        elementary or secondary school that is located in a 
        rural area (as determined by the Bureau of the Census);
          (3) on the date on which the veteran applies for a 
        monthly assistance allowance under subsection (a), is 
        enrolled in an accredited course leading to 
        certification as a teacher;
          (4) has not been previously employed to teach full-
        time at an accredited elementary or secondary school; 
        and
          (5) is entitled to compensation under section 1110 of 
        this title.
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for 
fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


              CHAPTER 37--HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

                          SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL

Sec.
3701. Definitions.
     * * * * * * *

                   SUBCHAPTER IV--SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

     * * * * * * *
3749A. Loan fee.
     * * * * * * *
[3751.  Termination of program.]
     * * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3703. Basic provisions relating to loan guaranty and insurance

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(3) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs, 
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien 
on the realty. In determining whether a loan for the purchase 
or construction of a home is so secured, the Secretary may 
disregard a superior lien created by a duly recorded covenant 
running with the realty in favor of a private entity to secure 
an obligation to such entity for the homeowner's share of the 
costs of the management, operation, or maintenance of property, 
services or programs within and for the benefit of the 
development or community in which the veteran's realty is 
located, if the Secretary determines that the interests of the 
veteran borrower and of the Government will not be prejudiced 
by the operation of such covenant. In respect to any such 
superior lien to be created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's 
determination must have been made prior to the recordation of 
the covenant.]
  (3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs, 
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien 
on the realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the 
Secretary may either disregard or allow for subordination to a 
superior lien that--
          (i) is created by a duly recorded covenant running 
        with the realty in favor of--
                  (I) a public entity that provides assistance 
                in response to a major disaster as determined 
                by the President under the Robert T. Stafford 
                Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
                (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); or
                  (II) a private entity to secure an obligation 
                to such entity for the homeowner's share of the 
                costs of the management, operation, or 
                maintenance of property, services, or programs 
                within and for the benefit of the development 
                or community in which the veteran's realty is 
                located; and
          (ii) the Secretary determines will not prejudice the 
        interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government 
        by the operation of such a covenant.
  (B) In respect to a superior lien described by subparagraph 
(A) that is created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's 
determination must have been made prior to the recordation of 
the covenant.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          SUBCHAPTER II--LOANS

Sec. 3710. Purchase or construction of homes

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d)(1) [The Secretary] (A) The Secretary shall carry out a 
program to demonstrate the feasibility of guaranteeing loans 
[for the acquisition of an existing dwelling and the cost of 
making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling or for 
energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling owned and occupied 
by a veteran. A loan may be guaranteed under this subsection 
only if it meets the requirements of this chapter, except as 
those requirements are modified by this subsection.] for any of 
the following purposes:
          (i) The acquisition of an existing dwelling and the 
        cost of making energy efficiency improvements to the 
        dwelling.
          (ii) The construction of a new dwelling and the cost 
        of making energy efficiency improvements to the 
        dwelling.
          (iii) Energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling 
        owned and occupied by a veteran.
  (B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan 
may be guaranteed under this subsection only if it meets the 
requirements of this chapter.
  (C) The Secretary shall determine appropriate energy 
efficiency standards for purposes of this subsection and shall 
require that dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved 
using a loan guaranteed under this subsection meet such 
standards.
  (2) The cost of energy efficiency measures that may be 
financed by a loan guaranteed under this section may not exceed 
the greater of--
          [(A) the cost of the energy efficiency improvements, 
        up to $3,000; or
          [(B) $6,000, if the increase in the monthly payment 
        for principal and interest does not exceed the likely 
        reduction in monthly utility costs resulting from the 
        energy efficiency improvements.]
          (A) five percent of the total established value of 
        the property, dwelling, and improvements; or
          (B) $6,000, or a higher amount specifically provided 
        by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Sec. 3720. Powers of Secretary

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h)(1)* * *
  (2) The Secretary may not under this subsection guarantee the 
payment of principal and interest on certificates or other 
securities issued or approved after December 31, [2011] 2016.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                  SUBCHAPTER IV--SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

Sec. 3741. Definitions

  For the purposes of [this subchapter--
          [(1) The term disabled veteran] this subchapter, the 
        term ``disabled veteran'' means (A) a veteran who is 
        entitled to compensation under laws administered by the 
        Secretary for a disability rated at 30 percent or more, 
        or (B) a veteran whose discharge or release from active 
        duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in 
        line of duty.
          [(2) The term ``veteran of the Vietnam era'' means a 
        person (A) who served on active duty for a period of 
        more than 180 days any part of which occurred during 
        the Vietnam era, and who was discharged or released 
        therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge, or 
        (B) who was discharged or released from active duty for 
        a service-connected disability if any part of such 
        active duty was performed during the Vietnam era.]

Sec. 3742. Small business loan program

  (a)(1) * * *
  (2) Subject to paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection, financial 
assistance under this section may be provided in the form of 
[(A) loan guaranties, or (B) direct loans] loan guaranties.
  (3) The Secretary shall specify in regulations the criteria 
to be met for a business concern to qualify as a veterans' 
small business concern for the purposes of this subchapter. 
Such regulations shall include requirements--
          (A) that at least 51 percent of a business concern 
        must be owned by individuals who are [veterans of the 
        Vietnam era
        or]   disabled veterans in order for such concern to 
        qualify for a loan guaranty [and that at least 51 
        percent of a business concern must be owned by disabled 
        veterans in order for such concern to qualify for a 
        direct loan]; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) The availability of financial assistance under subsection 
(a) of this section is subject to the following limitations:
          [(1) The Secretary may not make a direct loan under 
        this section unless the veterans' small business 
        concern applying for the loan shows to the satisfaction 
        of the Secretary that the concern is unable to obtain a 
        loan guaranteed by the Department under this section or 
        made or guaranteed by the Small Business 
        Administration.]
          [(2)] (1) The Secretary may not guarantee a loan 
        under this section if the loan bears a rate of interest 
        in excess of the maximum rate of interest prescribed 
        under section 3745 of this title.
          [(3)] (2) The Secretary may not [make or] guarantee a 
        loan under this section for an amount in excess of 
        $200,000.
          [(4)] (3) The original liability of the Secretary on 
        any loan guaranteed under this section may not exceed 
        90 percent of the amount of the loan, and such 
        liability shall decrease or increase pro rata with any 
        decrease or increase of the amount of the unpaid 
        portion of the loan, but such liability may not exceed 
        the amount of the original guaranty.
  (c) Each loan [made or] guaranteed under this subchapter 
shall be of such sound value, taking into account the 
creditworthiness of the veterans' small business concern (and 
the individual owners) applying for such loan, or so secured as 
reasonably to assure payment.
  (d)[(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this 
subsection, the] The Secretary may not [make or] guarantee a 
loan under this subchapter to a veterans' small business 
concern in which an ownership interest is held by a veteran who 
also has an ownership interest in another small business 
concern if such ownership interest was considered in qualifying 
that other concern for an outstanding loan made or guaranteed 
under this subchapter or the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 
et seq.).
  [(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply if 51 
percent or more of the business concern seeking a direct or 
guaranteed loan under this   is owned by veterans of the 
Vietnam era or disabled veterans without including the 
ownership interest of the veteran whose ownership interest in 
another small business concern was previously considered in 
qualifying that other concern for an outstanding guaranteed or 
direct business loan under this subchapter or the Small 
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).]
  (e)(1) In order to protect the interest of the United States, 
upon application by a veterans' small business concern which is 
the recipient of a loan guaranteed under this subchapter, the 
Secretary (subject to the provisions of this subsection) may 
undertake the veterans' small business concern's obligation to 
make payments under such loan [or, if the loan was a direct 
loan made by the Secretary, may suspend such obligation]. While 
such payments are being made by the Secretary pursuant to the 
undertaking of such obligation [or while such obligation is 
suspended], no such payment with respect to the loan may be 
required from the concern.
  (2) The Secretary may undertake [or suspend] a veterans' 
small business concern's obligation under this subsection only 
if--
          (A) such undertaking [or suspension] of the 
        obligation is, in the judgment of the Secretary, 
        necessary to protect the interest of the United States;
          (B) with the undertaking [or suspension] of the 
        obligation, the small business concern would, in the 
        judgment of the Secretary, become or remain a viable 
        small business entity; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) The period of time for which the Secretary 
        undertakes [or suspends]   the obligation on a loan 
        under this subsection may not exceed five years. The 
        Secretary may extend the maturity of any loan on which 
        the Secretary undertakes [or suspends] the obligation 
        under this subsection for a corresponding period of 
        time.
          (4)(A) Before the Secretary may undertake [or 
        suspend] a veterans' small business concern's 
        obligation under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        require the small business concern to execute an 
        agreement to repay the aggregate amount of the payments 
        which were required under the loan during the period 
        for which the obligation was undertaken [or 
        suspended]--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (B) In addition to requiring the small business 
        concern to execute the agreement described in 
        subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the Secretary 
        shall, before the undertaking [or suspension]   of the 
        obligation, take such action and require the small 
        business concern to take such action as the Secretary 
        considers appropriate in the circumstances, including 
        the provision of such security as the Secretary 
        considers necessary or appropriate, to assure that the 
        rights and interest of the United States and any lender 
        will be safeguarded adequately during and after the 
        period in which such obligation is so undertaken [or 
        suspended].
  (f) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with an 
appropriate entity for the purpose of carrying out the program 
under this subchapter.

Sec. 3743. Liability on loans

  Each individual who has an ownership interest in a veterans' 
small business concern [that is provided a direct loan under 
this subchapter, or]   that obtains a loan guaranteed under 
this subchapter[,] shall execute a note or other document 
evidencing the [direct or]   guaranteed business loan, and such 
individuals shall be jointly and severally liable to the United 
States [for the amount of such direct loan or, in the case of a 
guaranteed loan,] for any amount paid by the Secretary on 
account of such loan.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3746. Maturity of loans

  The maturity of a loan [made or]   guaranteed under this 
subchapter that is used in whole or in part for the 
construction, conversion, or expansion of facilities or for 
acquisition of real property may not exceed twenty years plus 
such additional reasonable time as the Secretary may determine, 
at the time the loan is made, is required to complete the 
construction, acquisition, or expansion of such facilities. The 
maturity of any other loan [made or] guaranteed under this 
subchapter may not exceed ten years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3749. Revolving fund

  (a) * * *
  (b) Amounts in the fund shall be available to the Secretary 
without fiscal year limitation for all loan guaranty [and 
direct loan] operations under this subchapter other than 
administrative expenses and may not be used for any other 
purpose.
  (c)(1) * * *
  (2) There shall be deposited into the fund all amounts 
received by the Secretary derived from loan operations under 
this subchapter, including all collection of principal and 
interest, fees collected under section 3749A of this title, and 
the proceeds from the use of property held or of property sold.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e) Not later than two years after the termination of the 
authority of the Secretary to make new commitments for 
financial assistance under this subchapter the Secretary shall 
transfer into the general fund of the Treasury all amounts in 
the fund except those that the Secretary determines may be 
required for the liquidation of obligations under this 
subchapter. All amounts received thereafter derived from loan 
operations under this subchapter, except so much thereof as the 
Secretary may determine to be necessary for liquidating 
outstanding obligations under this subchapter, shall also be so 
deposited.]

Sec. 3749A. Loan Fee

  (a) Requirement of Fee.--(1) The Secretary--
          (A) collect a fee from each veterans' small business 
        concern obtaining a loan guaranteed under this 
        subchapter; and
          (B) deposit such fee in the fund established under 
        section 3749 of this title.
  (2) No loan may be guaranteed under this subchapter until the 
fee payable under this section has been remitted to the 
Secretary.
  (3) The fee may be included in the loan guaranteed under this 
subchapter and paid from the proceeds thereof.
  (b) Determination of Fee.--The amount of the fee shall be an 
amount necessary to ensure the solvency of the fund established 
under section 3749 of this title as determined by the 
Secretary.

Sec. 3750. Incorporation of other provisions by the Secretary

  The Secretary may provide that the provisions of sections of 
other subchapters of this chapter that are not otherwise 
applicable to loans [made or] guaranteed under this subchapter 
shall be applicable to loans made or guaranteed under this 
subchapter. The Secretary shall exercise authority under the 
preceding sentence by regulations prescribed after publication 
in the Federal Register and a period of not less than thirty 
days for public comment.

[Sec. 3751. Termination of program

  [The Secretary may not make commitments for financial 
assistance under this subchapter after September 30 1986.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART VI--ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


   CHAPTER 81--ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF HOSPITAL AND DOMICILIARY 
    FACILITIES; PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY; ENHANCED-USE LEASES OF REAL 
                                PROPERTY

      SUBCHAPTER I--ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF MEDICAL FACILITIES

Sec
8101. Definitions.
     * * * * * * *

                  SUBCHAPTER II--PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY

     * * * * * * *
8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER II--PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 8127. Small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans: 
                    contracting goals and preferences

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Sole Source Contracts for Contracts Above Simplified 
Acquisition Threshold.--For purposes of meeting the goals under 
subsection (a), and in accordance with this section, a 
contracting officer of the Department [may] shall award a 
contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by 
veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures 
if--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

  (a) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--The 
Secretary may hold an event, once every year, to provide 
networking opportunities, outreach, education, training, and 
support to small business concerns owned and controlled by 
veterans, veterans service organizations, and other entities as 
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2011 and 2021.

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