[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


Public Law 114-315
114th Congress

An Act


 
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. <>

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Jeff Miller and
Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of
2016''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

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

TITLE I--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS

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

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

Sec. 201. Extension of temporary increase in number of judges on United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 202. Life insurance program relating to judges of United States
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Sec. 203. Voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors' annuity.
Sec. 204. Selection of chief judge of United States Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims.

TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 301. Expansion of eligibility for headstones, markers, and
medallions.

[[Page 1537]]

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

TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

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

TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

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

TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Subtitle A--Medical Care

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

Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration

Sec. 611. Time period covered by annual report on Readjustment
Counseling Service.
Sec. 612. Annual report on Veterans Health Administration and furnishing
of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care.

[[Page 1538]]

Sec. 613. Expansion of qualifications for licensed mental health
counselors of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include
doctoral degrees.
Sec. 614. Modification of hours of employment for physicians employed by
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 615. Repeal of compensation panels to determine market pay for
physicians and dentists.
Sec. 616. Clarification regarding liability for breach of agreement
under Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Incentive
Scholarship Program.
Sec. 617. Extension of period for increase in graduate medical education
residency positions at medical facilities of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 618. Report on public access to research by Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 619. Authorization of certain major medical facility projects of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure

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

TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits

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

Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters

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

TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

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

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

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

TITLE I--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS

SEC. 101. EXPEDITED PAYMENT OF SURVIVORS' BENEFITS.

(a) <>  In General.--Section 5101(a)(1) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``A specific'' and inserting ``(A) Except as
provided in subparagraph (B), a specific''; and

[[Page 1539]]

(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

``(B)(i) <>  The Secretary may pay
benefits under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of
this title to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim
if the Secretary determines that the record contains sufficient evidence
to establish the entitlement of the survivor to such benefits.

``(ii) <>  For purposes of this subparagraph
and section 5110 of this title, the earlier of the following dates shall
be treated as the date of the receipt of the survivor's application for
benefits described in clause (i):
``(I) <>  The date on which the
survivor of a veteran (or the representative of such a survivor)
notifies the Secretary of the death of the veteran through a
death certificate or other relevant evidence that establishes
entitlement to survivors' benefits identified in clause (i).
``(II) The head of any other department or agency of the
Federal Government notifies the Secretary of the death of the
veteran.

``(iii) In notifying the Secretary of the death of a veteran as
described in clause (ii)(I), the survivor (or the representative of such
a survivor) may submit to the Secretary additional documents relating to
such death without being required to file a formal claim.''.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on benefits paid pursuant to covered
claims.
(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include
the following:
(A) The number of covered claims adjudicated during
the 1-year period preceding the date of the report,
disaggregated by the following:
(i) Claims in which the claimant was entitled
to benefits under chapters 13 or 15 or sections
2302, 2307, or 5121 of title 38, United States
Code, on the basis of the claimant's status as the
spouse of a deceased veteran.
(ii) Claims in which the claimant was entitled
to such benefits on the basis of the claimant's
status as the child of a deceased veteran.
(iii) Claims in which the claimant was
entitled to such benefits on the basis of the
claimant's status as the parent of a deceased
veteran.
(B) The number of covered claims during such period
for which such benefits were not awarded, disaggregated
by clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
(C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of
covered claims adjudicated during such period with
noncovered claims filed by survivors of a veteran.
(D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to
adjudicating covered claims.
(E) <>  Such
recommendations as the Secretary may have for
legislative or administrative action to improve the
adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for
benefits

[[Page 1540]]

under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and
5121 of title 38, United States Code.
(3) Covered claim defined.--In this subsection, the term
``covered claim'' means a claim covered by section 5101(a)(1)(B)
of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).

(c) <>  Effective Date.--The
amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to claims for
benefits based on a death occurring on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 102. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS VIDEO HEARINGS.

Section 7107 <>  is amended--
(1) in subsection (d), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:

``(1)(A)(i) <>  Upon request for a hearing,
the Board shall determine, for purposes of scheduling the hearing for
the earliest possible date, whether a hearing before the Board will be
held at its principal location or at a facility of the Department or
other appropriate Federal facility located within the area served by a
regional office of the Department.

``(ii) The Board shall also determine whether to provide a hearing
through the use of the facilities and equipment described in subsection
(e)(1) or by the appellant personally appearing before a Board member or
panel.
``(B)(i) <>  The Board shall notify the
appellant of the determinations of the location and type of hearing made
under subparagraph (A).

``(ii) Upon notification, the appellant may request a different
location or type of hearing as described in such subparagraph.
``(iii) If so requested, the Board shall grant such request and
ensure that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest possible date
without any undue delay or other prejudice to the appellant.''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2) to read as
follows:

``(2) Any hearing provided through the use of the facilities and
equipment described in paragraph (1) shall be conducted in the same
manner as, and shall be considered the equivalent of, a personal
hearing.''.
SEC. 103. REQUIREMENT THAT SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PUBLISH
THE AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED TO ADJUDICATE
EARLY-FILED AND LATER-FILED APPEALS.

(a) Publication Requirement.--
(1) <>  In general.--On an
ongoing basis, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make
available to the public the following:
(A) The average length of time to adjudicate an
early-filed appeal.
(B) The average length of time to adjudicate a
later-filed appeal.
(2) <>  Effective date.--
Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply until the
date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 39 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to

[[Page 1541]]

the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on whether publication pursuant to subsection (a)(1) has
had an effect on the number of early-filed appeals filed.
(2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The number of appeals and early-filed appeals
that were filed during the 1-year period ending on the
effective date specified in subsection (a)(2).
(B) <>  The number of appeals
and early-filed appeals that were filed during the 1-
year period ending on the date that is 2 years after the
effective date specified in subsection (a)(2).

(c) <>  Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appeal.--The term ``appeal'' means a notice of
disagreement filed pursuant to section 7105(a) of title 38,
United States Code, in response to notice of the result of an
initial review or determination regarding a claim for a benefit
under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Early-filed.--The term ``early-filed'' with respect to
an appeal means that the notice of disagreement was filed not
more than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of
the result of the initial review or determination described in
paragraph (1).
(3) Later-filed.--The term ``later-filed'' with respect to
an appeal means the notice of disagreement was filed more than
180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result
of the initial review or determination described in paragraph
(1).
SEC. 104. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF CLAIMS PROCESSING
PERFORMANCE OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

(a) <>  Review Required.--Not later than 15 months
after the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Comptroller
General of the United States shall complete a review of the regional
offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration to help the Veterans
Benefits Administration achieve more consistent performance in the
processing of claims for disability compensation.

(b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An identification of the following:
(A) The factors, including management practices,
that distinguish higher performing regional offices from
other regional offices with respect to claims for
disability compensation.
(B) The best practices employed by higher performing
regional offices that distinguish the performance of
such offices from other regional offices.
(C) Such other management practices or tools as the
Comptroller General determines could be used to improve
the performance of regional offices.
(2) <>  An assessment of the
effectiveness of communication with respect to the processing of
claims for disability compensation between the regional offices
and veterans service organizations and caseworkers employed by
Members of Congress.

[[Page 1542]]

(c) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the effective date
specified in subsection (e), the Comptroller General shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the
results of the review completed under subsection (a).
(d) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization recognized
by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902
of title 38, United States Code.
(e) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date that
is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 105. <>  REPORT ON STAFFING
LEVELS AT REGIONAL OFFICES OF DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER NATIONAL WORK
QUEUE.

Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report on the criteria and procedures
that the Secretary will use to determine appropriate staffing levels at
the regional offices of the Department under the National Work Queue for
the distribution of the claims processing workload.
SEC. 106. <>  INCLUSION IN ANNUAL BUDGET
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION ON CAPACITY OF
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION TO
PROCESS BENEFITS CLAIMS.

(a) <>  In General.--Along with the supporting
information included in the budget submitted to Congress by the
President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code,
the President shall include information on the capacity of the Veterans
Benefits Administration to process claims for benefits under the laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including information
described in subsection (b), during the fiscal year covered by the
budget with which the information is submitted.

(b) Information Described.--The information described in this
subsection is the following:
(1) <>  An estimate of the average number
of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary, excluding such claims completed during mandatory
overtime, that a single full-time equivalent employee of the
Administration should be able to process in a year, based on the
following:
(A) A time and motion study that the Secretary shall
conduct on the processing of such claims.
(B) Such other information relating to such claims
as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) A description of the actions the Secretary will take to
improve the processing of such claims.
(3) <>  An assessment of the actions
identified by the Secretary under paragraph (2) in the previous
year and an identification of the effects of those actions.

(c) <>  Effective Date.--This section shall
apply with respect to any budget submitted as described in subsection
(a) with respect to any fiscal year after fiscal year 2018.

[[Page 1543]]

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

(a) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that details
the plans of the Secretary to reduce the inventory of work items listed
in the Monday Morning Workload Report under End Products 130, 137, 173,
290, 400, 600, 607, 690, 930, and 960.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs should include in each Monday Morning
Workload Report published by the Secretary the following:
(1) With respect to each regional office of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, the following:
(A) The number of fully developed claims for
benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary
that have been received.
(B) The number of claims described in subparagraph
(A) that are pending a decision.
(C) The number of claims described in subparagraph
(A) that have been pending a decision for more than 125
days.
(2) Enhanced information on appeals of decisions relating to
claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary
that are pending, including information contained in the reports
of the Department entitled ``Appeals Pending'' and ``Appeals
Workload By Station''.
SEC. 108. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING VETERANS
BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

(a) In General.--Not later than each of 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on the progress of the Secretary in implementing the Veterans
Benefits Management System.
(b) <>  Contents.--Each report required by
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) <>  An assessment of the current
functionality of the Veterans Benefits Management System.
(2) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by employees
of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are involved in
processing claims for benefits under the laws administered by
the Secretary, including veterans service representatives,
rating veterans service representatives, and decision review
officers, for such legislative or administrative action as the
employees consider appropriate to improve the processing of such
claims.
(3) Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by veterans
service organizations who use the Veterans Benefits Management
System for such legislative or administrative action as the
veterans service organizations consider appropriate to improve
such system.

[[Page 1544]]

(c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization recognized
by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902
of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 109. IMPROVEMENTS TO AUTHORITY FOR PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL
DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT
PHYSICIANS.

(a) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
(1) Temporary authority.--Section 704 of the Veterans
Benefits Act of 2003 (38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection
(e); and
(B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following
new subsection (d):

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

``(c) Licensure of Contract Physicians.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any law regarding the
licensure of physicians, a physician described in paragraph (2)
may conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered into
under subsection (a) at any location in any State, the District
of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the
United States, so long as the examination is within the scope of
the authorized duties under such contract.
``(2) Physician described.--A physician described in this
paragraph is a physician who--
``(A) has a current unrestricted license to practice
the health care profession of the physician;
``(B) is not barred from practicing such health care
profession in any State, the District of Columbia, or a
Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United
States; and

[[Page 1545]]

``(C) is performing authorized duties for the
Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to a contract
entered into under subsection (a).''.
SEC. 110. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROCESS BY WHICH DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS ASSESSES IMPAIRMENTS THAT
RESULT FROM TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FOR
PURPOSES OF AWARDING DISABILITY
COMPENSATION.

(a) Agreement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to perform the services
covered by this section.
(2) <>  Timing.--The Secretary shall seek
to enter into the agreement described in paragraph (1) not later
than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Comprehensive Review.--
(1) In general.--Under an agreement between the Secretary
and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine under this section, the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine shall conduct a comprehensive review
of examinations furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs
to individuals who submit claims to the Secretary for
compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code,
for traumatic brain injury to assess the impairments of such
individuals relating to such injury.
(2) <>  Elements.--The comprehensive
review carried out pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include the
following:
(A) A determination of the adequacy of the tools and
protocols used by the Department to provide examinations
described in paragraph (1).
(B) A determination of which credentials are
necessary for health care specialists and providers to
perform such portions of such examinations that relate
to an assessment of all disabling effects.
(3) Group of experienced health care providers.--In carrying
out the comprehensive review pursuant to paragraph (1), the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall
convene a group of relevant experts, including experts in
clinical neuropsychology, psychiatry, physiatry, neurosurgery,
and neurology.

(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the date on
which the Secretary enters into an agreement under subsection
(a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a
report on the comprehensive review conducted under this section.
(2) Elements.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) The findings of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with respect to the
comprehensive review conducted under this section.
(B) <>  Such
recommendations for legislative or administrative action
as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine may have for the improvement of the
adjudication of claims described in subsection (b)(1).

[[Page 1546]]

(d) Alternate Contract Organization.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within the
period prescribed in subsection (a)(2) to enter into an
agreement described in subsection (a)(1) with the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on terms
acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary shall seek to enter
into such an agreement with another appropriate organization
that--
(A) is not part of the Government;
(B) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
(C) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that
of the Health and Medicine Division of the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
(2) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an agreement
with another organization as described in paragraph (1), any
reference in this section to the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine shall be treated as a reference to the
other organization.
SEC. 111. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION.

(a) Report on Reasonably Raised Claims.--Not later than 540 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives a report on the policies of the
Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to processing reasonably
raised unrelated claims. Such report shall include--
(1) any statistics on how frequently such unrelated claims
are identified by the Secretary;
(2) how frequently the Secretary notifies claimants about
potential unrelated claims; and
(3) how often the claimant later submits a claim for the
condition described by the unrelated claim.

(b) <>  Annual Reports on Complete and
Incomplete Claims.--During the 5-year period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives annual
reports on complete and incomplete claims for disability compensation
submitted to the Secretary. Each such report shall include, for the 1-
year period covered by the report--
(1) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary;
(2) the total number of incomplete claims submitted to the
Secretary;
(3) the total number of complete claims submitted to the
Secretary;
(4) the total number of forms indicating an intent to file a
claim for benefits submitted to the Secretary;
(5) the total number of electronically filed claims
submitted to the Secretary;
(6) the total number of fully developed claims submitted to
the Secretary;
(7) the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary
that are not complete claims but that the Secretary treats as a
request by the claimant for a form to file a claim; and
(8) of the total number of claims identified under paragraph
(7), the percent for which the Secretary notified the claimant
of the need to file a complete claim.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:

[[Page 1547]]

(1) The term ``claimant'' has the meaning given such term in
section 5100 of title 38, United States Code, and includes a
representative of a claimant.
(2) The term ``reasonably raised unrelated claim'' means a
claim for disability compensation under the laws administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that, in addition to the
condition for which such claim is made, includes evidence of a
separate condition that is not specifically identified as part
of the claim but may be inferred or logically placed at issue
upon a sympathetic reading of the claim and the record developed
with respect to that claim.
SEC. 112. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED
FOR LIFE.

(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) There are at least 4,200,000 veterans currently living
with service-connected disabilities.
(2) As a result of their service, many veterans are
permanently disabled throughout their lives and in many cases
must rely on the support of their families and friends when
these visible and invisible burdens become too much to bear
alone.
(3) October 5, which is the anniversary of the dedication of
the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, has been
recognized as an appropriate day on which to honor American
veterans disabled for life each year.

(b) Sense of Congress.--Congress--
(1) expresses its appreciation to the men and women left
permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of their
service in the Armed Forces;
(2) supports the annual recognition of American veterans
disabled for life each year; and
(3) encourages the American people to honor American
veterans disabled for life each year with appropriate programs
and activities.
SEC. 113. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUBMITTAL OF INFORMATION RELATING
TO CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES INCURRED OR
AGGRAVATED BY MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA.

(a) In General.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs should submit to Congress information on the covered
claims submitted to the Secretary during each fiscal year, including the
information specified in subsection (b).
(b) Elements.--The information specified in this subsection with
respect to each fiscal year is the following:
(1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered
by the Secretary during such fiscal year.
(2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number
and percentage of such claims--
(A) submitted by each sex;
(B) that were approved, including the number and
percentage of such approved claims submitted by each
sex; and
(C) that were denied, including the number and
percentage of such denied claims submitted by each sex.
(3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were
approved, the number and percentage, listed by each sex, of
claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability.

[[Page 1548]]

(4) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were
denied--
(A) the three most common reasons given by the
Secretary under section 5104(b)(1) of title 38, United
States Code, for such denials; and
(B) the number of denials that were based on the
failure of a veteran to report for a medical
examination.
(5) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of such
fiscal year, are pending and, separately, the number of such
claims on appeal.
(6) The average number of days that covered claims take to
complete beginning on the date on which the claim is submitted.
(7) A description of the training that the Secretary
provides to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration
specifically with respect to covered claims, including the
frequency, length, and content of such training.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered claims'' means claims for disability
compensation submitted to the Secretary based on a mental health
condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by
military sexual trauma.
(2) The term ``military sexual trauma'' shall have the
meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section
and shall include ``sexual harassment'' (as so specified).

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

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

(a) <>  In General.--Section 7253(i)(2) is
amended by striking ``January 1, 2013'' and inserting ``January 1,
2021''.

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

[[Page 1549]]

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

(a) <>  In General.--Section 7281 is amended by
adding at the end the following:

``(j) For purposes of chapter 87 of title 5, a judge who is in
regular active service and a judge who is retired under section 7296 of
this title or under chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 shall be treated as an
employee described in section 8701(a)(5) of title 5.
``(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Court may pay
on behalf of its judges, who are age 65 or older, any increase in the
cost of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after April 24,
1999, including any expenses generated by such payments, as authorized
by the chief judge of the Court in a manner consistent with such payment
authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States pursuant to
section 604(a)(5) of title 28.''.
(b) <>  Effective Date.--The
amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any payment
made on or after the first day of the first applicable pay period
beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENLARGE SURVIVORS' ANNUITY.

Section 7297 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(p)(1) <>  A covered judge who makes an
election under subsection (b) may purchase, in 3-month increments, up to
an additional year of service credit for each year of Federal judicial
service completed, under the terms set forth in this section.

``(2) <>  In this subsection, the term `covered
judge' means any of the following:
``(A) A judge in regular active service.
``(B) A retired judge who is a recall-eligible retired judge
pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 of this title.
``(C) A retired judge who would be a recall-eligible retired
judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 but for--
``(i) meeting the aggregate recall service
requirements under subsection (b)(3) of such section; or
``(ii) being permanently disabled as described by
subsection (b)(4) of such section.''.
SEC. 204. SELECTION OF CHIEF JUDGE OF UNITED STATES COURT OF
APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS.

(a) In General.--Section 7253(d) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following new subparagraph (B):
``(B) have at least 3 years remaining in term of office;
and''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

``(2)(A) In any case in which there is no judge of the Court in
regular active service who meets the requirements under paragraph (1),
the judge of the Court in regular active service who

[[Page 1550]]

is senior in commission and meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and
subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall act as the chief judge.
``(B) In any case under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph in which
there is no judge of the Court in regular active service who meets
subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), the judge
of the Court in regular active service who is senior in commission and
meets subparagraph (C) shall act as the chief judge.''.
(b) <>  Applicability.--The
amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the
selection of a chief judge occurring on or after January 1, 2020.

TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS

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

Section 2306(d) <>  is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following
new paragraph:

``(4)(A) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker under this
subsection to a deceased individual described in subparagraph (B), the
Secretary may furnish, upon request, a medallion or other device of a
design determined by the Secretary to signify the deceased individual's
status as a veteran, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished
at private expense.
``(B) A deceased individual described in this subsection is an
individual who--
``(i) <>  served in the Armed Forces on
or after April 6, 1917; and
``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under
paragraph (1) (or would be so eligible but for the date of the
death of the individual).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(5)(A) In carrying out this subsection with respect to a deceased
individual described in subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall furnish,
upon request, a headstone or marker under paragraph (1) or a medallion
under paragraph (4) that signifies the deceased's status as a medal of
honor recipient.
``(B) If the Secretary furnished a headstone, marker, or medallion
under paragraph (1) or (4) for a deceased individual described in
subparagraph (C) that does not signify the deceased's status as a medal
of honor recipient, the Secretary shall, upon request, replace such
headstone, marker, or medallion with a headstone, marker, or medallion,
as the case may be, that so signifies the deceased's status as a medal
of honor recipient.
``(C) A deceased individual described in this subparagraph is a
deceased individual who--
``(i) <>  served in the Armed Forces on
or after April 6, 1917;
``(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under
paragraph (1) or a medallion furnished under paragraph (4) (or
would be so eligible for such headstone, marker, or medallion
but for the date of the death of the individual); and
``(iii) was awarded the medal of honor under section 3741,
6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14 (including
posthumously).

[[Page 1551]]

``(D) <>  In this paragraph, the term `medal of
honor recipient' means an individual who is awarded the medal of honor
under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14.''.
SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM.

(a) <>  In General.--Section 112(a) is amended by
striking ``veterans,'' and all that follows through ``service,'' and
inserting the following: ``persons eligible for burial in a national
cemetery by reason of any of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), or (7) of section
2402(a) of this title,''.

(b) <>  Application.--The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the death of a person
eligible for burial in a national cemetery by reason of paragraph (1),
(2), (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of title 38, United States Code,
occurring before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 303. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STUDY ON MATTERS RELATING
TO BURIAL OF UNCLAIMED REMAINS OF VETERANS
IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

(a) Study and Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the
effective date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall--
(1) complete a study on matters relating to the interring of
unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the
control of the National Cemetery Administration; and
(2) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary with
respect to the study required under paragraph (1).

(b) <>  Matters Studied.--The matters studied
under subsection (a)(1) shall include the following:
(1) Determining the scope of issues relating to unclaimed
remains of veterans, including an estimate of the number of
unclaimed remains of veterans.
(2) Assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for working with persons or
entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate
interment of unclaimed remains of veterans in national
cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery
Administration.
(3) Assessing State and local laws that affect the ability
of the Secretary to inter unclaimed remains of veterans in
national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery
Administration.
(4) <>  Developing recommendations
for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary
considers appropriate.

(c) Methodology.--
(1) <>  Number of unclaimed remains.--In
estimating the number of unclaimed remains of veterans under
subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may review such subset of
applicable entities as the Secretary considers appropriate,
including a subset of funeral homes and coroner offices that
possess unclaimed veterans remains.
(2) Assessment of state and local laws.--In assessing State
and local laws under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may assess
such sample of applicable State and local laws as the Secretary
considers appropriate in lieu of reviewing all applicable State
and local laws.

[[Page 1552]]

(d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date that
is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 304. STUDY ON PROVISION OF INTERMENTS IN VETERANS' CEMETERIES
DURING WEEKENDS.

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

(b) <>  Submission.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report on the study conducted under
subsection (a).

(c) Veterans' Cemeteries Defined.--In this section, the term
``veterans' cemeteries'' means the cemeteries of the National Cemetery
Administration, veterans' cemeteries owned by a State, and veterans'
cemeteries owned by a tribal organization.
SEC. 305. <>  HONORING AS VETERANS CERTAIN
PERSONS WHO PERFORMED SERVICE IN THE
RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, United
States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, but

[[Page 1553]]

for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for
nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be
entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor.

TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

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

(a) In General.--Section 701(d) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 128 Stat. 1796; 38
U.S.C. 3311 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) <>  Applicability.--
``(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as
applicable, commencing on or after January 1, 2015.
``(2) <>  Deaths that occurred between
september 11, 2001, and december 31, 2005.--For purposes of
section 3311(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code, any member
of the Armed Forces who died during the period beginning on
September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2005, is deemed
to have died on January 1, 2006.''.

(b) Election on Receipt of Certain Benefits.--Section 3311(f)
is <>  amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``A surviving spouse'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), a surviving
spouse'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) Exception for certain elections.--
``(A) In general.--An election made under paragraph
(3) by a spouse described in subparagraph (B) may not be
treated as irrevocable if such election occurred before
the date of the enactment of this paragraph.
``(B) Eligible surviving spouse.--A spouse described
in this subparagraph is an individual--
``(i) who is entitled to assistance under
subsection (a) pursuant <> to
paragraph (9) of subsection (b); and
``(ii) who was the spouse of a member of the
Armed Forces who died during the period beginning
on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31,
2005.''.

(c) Technical Amendment.--Paragraph (5) of subsection (f) of section
3311, as redesignated by subsection (b)(2), is amended by striking
``that paragraph'' and inserting ``paragraph (9) of subsection (b)''.
SEC. 402. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR
PURPOSES OF THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--Section 3104(b) is amended by adding at the end the
following new sentences: ``To the maximum extent practicable, a course
of education or training may be pursued by a veteran as part of a
rehabilitation program under this chapter only if the course is approved
for purposes of chapter 30 or 33 of this title. <>  The Secretary may waive the requirement under the

[[Page 1554]]

preceding sentence to the extent the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.

(b) <>  Effective Date.--The
amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a course of
education or training pursued by a veteran who first begins a program of
rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, on or
after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 403. AUTHORITY TO PRIORITIZE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
SERVICES BASED ON NEED.

Section 3104, as amended by section 402, <>  is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

``(c)(1) <>  The Secretary shall have the
authority to administer this chapter by prioritizing the provision of
services under this chapter based on need, as determined by the
Secretary. <>  In evaluating need for purposes of
this subsection, the Secretary shall consider disability ratings, the
severity of employment handicaps, qualification for a program of
independent living, income, and any other factor the Secretary
determines appropriate.

``(2) <>  Not later than 90 days before
making any changes to the prioritization of the provision of services
under this chapter as authorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
House of Representatives a plan describing such changes.''.
SEC. 404. REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF STUDENTS RECEIVING POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

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

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

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

(c) <>  Effective Date.--The amendments
made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act.

[[Page 1555]]

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

(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 33, as amended by section
404, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3327. <>  Election to receive
educational assistance

``(a) Individuals Eligible To Elect Participation in Post-9/11
Educational Assistance.--An individual may elect to receive educational
assistance under this chapter if such individual--
``(1) <>  as of August 1, 2009--
``(A) is entitled to basic educational assistance
under chapter 30 of this title and has used, but retains
unused, entitlement under that chapter;
``(B) is entitled to educational assistance under
chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and has used, but
retains unused, entitlement under the applicable
chapter;
``(C) is entitled to basic educational assistance
under chapter 30 of this title but has not used any
entitlement under that chapter;
``(D) is entitled to educational assistance under
chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but has not used
any entitlement under such chapter;
``(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who is
eligible for receipt of basic educational assistance
under chapter 30 of this title and is making
contributions toward such assistance under section
3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title; or
``(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who is not
entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter
30 of this title by reason of an election under section
3011(c)(1) or 3012(d)(1) of this title; and
``(2) as of the date of the individual's election under this
paragraph, meets the requirements for entitlement to educational
assistance under this chapter.

``(b) <>  Cessation of Contributions Toward
GI Bill.--Effective as of the first month beginning on or after the date
of an election under subsection (a) of an individual described by
paragraph (1)(E) of that subsection, the obligation of the individual to
make contributions under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as
applicable, shall cease, and the requirements of such section shall be
deemed to be no longer applicable to the individual.

``(c) Revocation of Remaining Transferred Entitlement.--
``(1) Election to revoke.--If, on the date an individual
described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(C) of subsection (a) makes
an election under that subsection, a transfer of the entitlement
of the individual to basic educational assistance under section
3020 of this title is in effect and a number of months of the
entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, the individual may
elect to revoke all or a portion of the entitlement so
transferred that remains unutilized.
``(2) Availability of revoked entitlement.--Any entitlement
revoked by an individual under this subsection shall no longer
be available to the dependent to whom transferred, but shall be
available to the individual instead for educational

[[Page 1556]]

assistance under chapter 33 of this title in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
``(3) Availability of unrevoked entitlement.--Any
entitlement described in paragraph (1) that is not revoked by an
individual in accordance with that paragraph shall remain
available to the dependent or dependents concerned in accordance
with the current transfer of such entitlement under section 3020
of this title.

``(d) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and except as
provided in subsection (e), an individual making an election
under subsection (a) shall be entitled to educational assistance
under this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter, instead of basic educational assistance under chapter
30 of this title, or educational assistance under chapter 107,
1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable.
``(2) Limitation on entitlement for certain individuals.--In
the case of an individual making an election under subsection
(a) who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection, the
number of months of entitlement of the individual to educational
assistance under this chapter shall be the number of months
equal to--
``(A) the number of months of unused entitlement of
the individual under chapter 30 of this title, as of the
date of the election, plus
``(B) the number of months, if any, of entitlement
revoked by the individual under subsection (c)(1).

``(e) Continuing Entitlement to Educational Assistance Not Available
Under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.--
``(1) In general.--In the event educational assistance to
which an individual making an election under subsection (a)
would be entitled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter
107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable, is not authorized
to be available to the individual under the provisions of this
chapter, the individual shall remain entitled to such
educational assistance in accordance with the provisions of the
applicable chapter.
``(2) Charge for use of entitlement.--The utilization by an
individual of entitlement under paragraph (1) shall be
chargeable against the entitlement of the individual to
educational assistance under this chapter at the rate of 1 month
of entitlement under this chapter for each month of entitlement
utilized by the individual under paragraph (1) (as determined as
if such entitlement were utilized under the provisions of
chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title
10, as applicable).

``(f) Additional Post-9/11 Assistance for Members Having Made
Contributions Toward GI Bill.--
``(1) Additional assistance.--In the case of an individual
making an election under subsection (a) who is described by
subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that
subsection, the amount of educational assistance payable to the
individual under this chapter as a monthly stipend payable under
paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this title, or under
paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as applicable),
shall be the

[[Page 1557]]

amount otherwise payable as a monthly stipend under the
applicable paragraph increased by the amount equal to--
``(A) the total amount of contributions toward basic
educational assistance made by the individual under
section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as of the date
of the election, multiplied by
``(B) the fraction--
``(i) the numerator of which is--
``(I) the number of months of
entitlement to basic educational
assistance under chapter 30 of this
title remaining to the individual at the
time of the election; plus
``(II) the number of months, if any,
of entitlement under chapter 30 of this
title revoked by the individual under
subsection (c)(1); and
``(ii) the denominator of which is 36 months.
``(2) Months of remaining entitlement for certain
individuals.--In the case of an individual covered by paragraph
(1) who is described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the number of
months of entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining
to the individual for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) shall
be 36 months.
``(3) Timing of payment.--The amount payable with respect to
an individual under paragraph (1) shall be paid to the
individual together with the last payment of the monthly stipend
payable to the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of section
3313(c) of this title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of
that section (as applicable), before the exhaustion of the
individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this
chapter.

``(g) Continuing Entitlement to Additional Assistance for Critical
Skills or Specialty and Additional Service.--An individual making an
election under subsection (a)(1) who, at the time of the election, is
entitled to increased educational assistance under section 3015(d) of
this title, or section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental educational
assistance under subchapter III of chapter 30 of this title, shall
remain entitled to such increased educational assistance or supplemental
educational assistance in the utilization of entitlement to educational
assistance under this chapter, in an amount equal to the quarter,
semester, or term, as applicable, equivalent of the monthly amount of
such increased educational assistance or supplemental educational
assistance payable with respect to the individual at the time of the
election.
``(h) Alternative Election by Secretary.--
``(1) <>  In
general.--In the case of an individual who, on or after January
1, 2017, submits to the Secretary an election under this section
that the Secretary determines is clearly against the interests
of the individual, or who fails to make an election under this
section, the Secretary may make an alternative election on
behalf of the individual that the Secretary determines is in the
best interests of the individual.
``(2) <>  Notice.--If
the Secretary makes an election on behalf of an individual under
this subsection, the Secretary shall notify the individual by
not later than seven days after making such election and shall
provide the individual with a 30-day period, beginning on the
date of the individual's receipt of such notice, during which
the individual may modify or revoke

[[Page 1558]]

the election made by the Secretary on the individual's behalf.
The Secretary <>  shall include, as part of
such notice, a clear statement of why the alternative election
made by the Secretary is in the best interests of the individual
as compared to the election submitted by the individual. The
Secretary shall provide the notice required under this paragraph
by electronic means whenever possible.

``(i) Irrevocability of Elections.--An election under subsection (a)
or (c)(1) is irrevocable.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter, as amended by section 404, <>
is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

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

(c) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 5003 of the Post-
9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 38
U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby repealed.
SEC. 406. <>  WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.

Section 3485(a)(4) <>  is amended by striking
``June 30, 2013'' each place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2013,
or the period beginning on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022''.
SEC. 407. CENTRALIZED REPORTING OF VETERAN ENROLLMENT BY CERTAIN
GROUPS, DISTRICTS, AND CONSORTIUMS OF
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

(a) In General.--Section 3684(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``32, 33,'' after
``31,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(4) <>  For purposes of this subsection, the
term `educational institution' may include a group, district, or
consortium of separately accredited educational institutions located in
the same State that are organized in a manner that facilitates the
centralized reporting of the enrollments in such group, district, or
consortium of institutions.''.

(b) <>  Effective Date.--The
amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to reports
submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 408. ROLE OF STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.

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

[[Page 1559]]

(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``the Secretary or the State approving agency''
and inserting ``the State approving agency, or the
Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving
agency,''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Secretary or
the State approving agency'' and inserting ``the State
approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the
role of a State approving agency''.
SEC. 409. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL FOR PURPOSES
OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF PROGRAMS
DESIGNED TO PREPARE INDIVIDUALS FOR
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION.

(a) Approval of Nonaccredited Courses.--Subsection (c) of section
3676 <>  is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (16); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following new
paragraphs:
``(14) In the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure or certification in a State, the
course--
``(A) meets all instructional curriculum licensure
or certification requirements of such State; and
``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is
accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2
of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).
``(15) In the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a
board or agency of a State in an occupation that requires
approval, licensure, or certification, the course--
``(A) meets such standards; and
``(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an
individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is
accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2
of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).''.

(b) Exceptions.--Such section is further amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(f)(1) <>  The Secretary
may waive the requirements of paragraph (14) or (15) of subsection (c)
in the case of a course of education offered by an educational
institution (either accredited or not accredited) if the Secretary
determines all of the following:
``(A) The educational institution is not accredited by an
agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education.
``(B) <>  The course did not meet the
requirements of such paragraph at any time during the 2-year
period preceding the date of the waiver.
``(C) The waiver furthers the purposes of the educational
assistance programs administered by the Secretary or would
further the education interests of individuals eligible for
assistance under such programs.

[[Page 1560]]

``(D) The educational institution does not provide any
commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or
indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid
to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or
admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award
of student financial assistance, except for the recruitment of
foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not
eligible to receive Federal student assistance.

``(2) <>  Not later than 30 days
after the date on which the Secretary issues a waiver under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such waiver and a
justification for issuing such waiver.''.

(c) <>  Approval of Accredited Courses.--Section
3675(b)(3) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and (3)'' and inserting ``(3), (14), (15),
and (16)''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``(or, with respect to such paragraphs (14) and (15), the
requirements under such paragraphs are waived pursuant to
subsection (f)(1) of section 3676 of this title)''.

(d) Approval of Accredited Standard College Degree Programs Offered
at Public or Not-For-Profit Educational Institutions.--Section
3672(b)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``An accredited''
and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an
accredited''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

``(C) A course that is described in both subparagraph (A)(i) of this
paragraph and in paragraph (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this title
shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter unless--
``(i) <>  a State approving agency, or
the Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving
agency, determines that the course meets the applicable criteria
in such paragraphs; or
``(ii) <>  the Secretary issues a waiver for
such course under section 3676(f)(1) of this title.''.

(e) Disapproval of Courses.--Section 3679 is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the
Secretary or the applicable State approving agency shall disapprove a
course of education described in paragraph (14) or (15) of section
3676(c) of this title unless the educational institution providing the
course of education--
``(1) <>  publicly discloses any
conditions or additional requirements, including training,
experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license,
certification, or approval for which the course of education is
designed to provide preparation; and
``(2) <>  makes each disclosure required
by paragraph (1) in a manner that the Secretary considers
prominent (as specified by the Secretary in regulations
prescribed for purposes of this subsection).''.

(f) <>  Applicability.--If after enrollment
in a course of education that is subject to disapproval by reason of an
amendment made by this section, an individual pursues one or more
courses of education at the same educational institution while remaining
continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks
between courses, semesters, or terms) at that institution, any course

[[Page 1561]]

so pursued by the individual at that institution while so continuously
enrolled shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of such
amendment.
SEC. 410. CRITERIA USED TO APPROVE COURSES.

(a) <>
Nonaccredited Courses.--Paragraph (16) of section 3676(c), as
redesignated by section 409, is amended by inserting before the period
the following: ``if the Secretary, in consultation with the State
approving agency and pursuant to regulations prescribed to carry out
this paragraph, determines such criteria are necessary and treat public,
private, and proprietary for-profit educational institutions
equitably''.

(b) <>  Accredited
Courses.--Section 3675(b)(3) is amended by striking ``and (3)'' and
inserting ``(3), and (14)''.

(c) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to--
(1) criteria developed pursuant to paragraph (16) of
subsection (c) of section 3676 of title 38, United States Code,
on or after January 1, 2013; and
(2) an investigation conducted under such subsection that is
covered by a reimbursement of expenses paid by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to a State pursuant to section 3674 of such
title on or after October 1, 2015.
SEC. 411. COMPLIANCE SURVEYS.

(a) In General.--Section 3693 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following
new subsection (a):

``(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall
conduct an annual compliance survey of educational institutions and
training establishments offering one or more courses approved for the
enrollment of eligible veterans or persons if at least 20 such veterans
or persons are enrolled in any such course. The Secretary shall--
``(A) design the compliance surveys to ensure that such
institutions or establishments, as the case may be, and approved
courses are in compliance with all applicable provisions of
chapters 30 through 36 of this title;
``(B) survey each such educational institution and training
establishment not less than once during every 2-year period; and
``(C) assign not fewer than 1 education compliance
specialist to work on compliance surveys in any year for each 40
compliance surveys required to be made under this section for
such year.

``(2) <>  The Secretary, in
consultation with the State approving agencies, shall--
``(A) annually determine the parameters of the surveys
required under paragraph (1); and
``(B) not later than September 1 of each year, make
available to the State approving agencies a list of the
educational institutions and training establishments that will
be surveyed during the fiscal year following the date of making
such list available.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

``(c) In this section, the terms `educational institution' and
`training establishment' have the meanings given such terms in section
3452 of this title.''.

[[Page 1562]]

(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (b) of such section is
amended--
(1) by striking ``subsection (a) of this section for an
annual compliance survey'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1) for
a compliance survey'';
(2) by striking ``institution'' and inserting ``educational
institution or training establishment''; and
(3) by striking ``institution's demonstrated record of
compliance'' and inserting ``record of compliance of such
institution or establishment''.
SEC. 412. <>  MODIFICATION OF
REDUCTIONS IN REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS
FOR PAYMENTS BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

(a) Through September 25, 2017.--During the period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 25, 2017, the
second sentence of section 3684(c) of title 38, United States Code,
shall be applied--
(1) by substituting ``$6'' for ``$12''; and
(2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.

(b) September 26, 2017, Through September 25, 2026.--During the
period beginning on September 26, 2017, and ending on September 25,
2026, the second sentence of such section shall be applied--
(1) by substituting ``$7'' for ``$12''; and
(2) by substituting ``$12'' for ``$15''.

(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 406 of the Department of Veterans
Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-175; 38 U.S.C.
3684 note), as amended by the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring
Authorities Act of 2016, is amended by striking ``During the three-year
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act'' and
inserting ``During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of the
Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits
Improvement Act of 2016''.
SEC. 413. COMPOSITION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION.

Section 3692(a) <>  is amended in the second
sentence by striking ``veterans representative of World War II'' and all
that follows through the period at the end of that sentence and
inserting the following: ``a representative sample of veterans and other
individuals who have used, or may in the future use, educational
assistance benefits administered by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 414. SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS USING THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.

(a) <>  Survey Required.--By not later
than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract with a non-government
entity for the conduct of a survey of a statistically valid sample of
individuals who have used or are using their entitlement to educational
assistance under chapters 30, 32, 33, and 35 of title 38, United States
Code, to pursue a program of education or training. The contract shall
provide that--

[[Page 1563]]

(1) not later than 1 month before the collection of data
under the survey begins, the survey shall be submitted to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives;
(2) the non-government entity shall complete the survey and
submit to the Secretary the results of the survey by not later
than 180 days after entering into the contract; and
(3) the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and by
any other means the non-government entity determines
appropriate.

(b) Information To Be Collected.--The contract under subsection (a)
shall provide that the survey shall be designed to collect the following
types of information about each individual surveyed, where applicable:
(1) Demographic information, including the highest level of
education completed by the individual, the military occupational
specialty or specialties of the individual while serving on
active duty as a member of the Armed Forces or as a member of
the National Guard or of a Reserve Component of the Armed
Forces, and whether the individual has a service-connected
disability.
(2) The opinion of the individual regarding participation in
the transition assistance program under section 1144 of title
10, United States Code, and the effectiveness of the program,
including instruction on the use of the benefits under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(3) The resources the individual used to help the
individual--
(A) decide to use the individual's entitlement to
educational assistance to enroll in a program of
education or training; and
(B) choose the program of education or training the
individual pursued.
(4) The individual's goal when the individual enrolled in
the program of education or training.
(5) The nature of the individual's experience with the
education benefits processing system of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(6) The nature of the individual's experience with the
school certifying official of the educational institution where
the individual pursued the program of education or training who
processed the individual's claim.
(7) Any services or benefits the educational institution or
program of education or training provided to veterans while the
individual pursued the program of education or training.
(8) The type of educational institution at which the
individual pursued the program of education or training.
(9) Whether the individual completed the program of
education or training or the number of credit hours completed by
the individual as of the time of the survey, and, if applicable,
any degree or certificate obtained by the individual for
completing the program.
(10) The employment status of the individual and whether
such employment status differs from the employment status of the
individual prior to enrolling in the program of education or
training.

[[Page 1564]]

(11) Whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program
of education on a full-time or part-time basis.
(12) The opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of
the educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs under which the individual was entitled to educational
assistance.
(13) Whether the individual was ever entitled to a
rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code,
and whether the individual participated in such a program.
(14) A description of any circumstances that prevented the
individual from using the individual's entitlement to
educational assistance to pursue a desired career path or
degree.
(15) Whether the individual is using the individual's
entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a program of
education or training or has transferred such an entitlement to
a dependent.
(16) Such other matters as the Secretary determines
appropriate.

(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the results of
the survey required under this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the results of the survey and any
recommendations of the Secretary relating to such results. Such report
shall also include an unedited version of the results of the survey
submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the survey.
SEC. 415. <>  DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON ARTICULATION
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
LEARNING.

(a) Information.--Department of Veterans Affairs counselors who
provide educational or vocational counseling services pursuant to
section 3697A of title 38, United States Code, shall provide to any
eligible individual who requests such counseling services information
about the articulation agreements of each institution of higher learning
in which the individual is interested.
(b) Certification of Eligibility.--When the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs provides to an individual a certification of eligibility for
educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
the Secretary shall also include detailed information on such
educational assistance, including information on requesting education
counseling services and on articulation agreements.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``institution of higher learning'' has the
meaning given such term in section 3452(f) of title 38, United
States Code.
(2) The term ``articulation agreement'' has the meaning
given such term in section 486A of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (Public Law 89-329; 20 U.S.C. 1093a).

(d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall implement this section not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act.

[[Page 1565]]

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

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

(b) Expiration Date.--Section 16133(b)(4) of such title is amended
by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
SEC. 417. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO IN-STATE TUITION RATE
FOR INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM ENTITLEMENT IS
TRANSFERRED UNDER ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND POST-9/
11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) Technical Amendment.--Subparagraph (B) of section
3679(c)(2) <> is amended to read as follows:
``(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance
under--
``(i) section 3311(b)(9) of this title; or
``(ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of
the individual's relationship to--
``(I) a veteran described in
subparagraph (A); or
``(II) a member of the uniformed
services described in section 3319(b) of
this title who is serving on active
duty.''.

(b) <>  Applicability.--The
amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a course,
semester, or term that begins after July 1, 2017.
SEC. 418. STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERANS TRANSITION
EFFORTS.

(a) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with
the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out a
study to evaluate programs to assist veterans of the Armed Forces in
their transition to civilian life. <> Such study
shall be designed to determine the effectiveness of current programs,
especially in regards to the unique challenges faced by women veterans,
veterans with disabilities, Native American veterans (including Alaska
Native veterans and Native Hawaiian veterans), veterans who are
residents of a territory of the United States, veterans who are part of
the indigenous population of a territory of the United States, and other
groups of minority veterans identified by the Secretaries, including
whether such programs--
(1) effectively address the challenges veterans face in
pursuing higher education, especially the challenges faced by
such groups of minority veterans;
(2) effectively address the challenges such veterans face
entering the civilian workforce and in translating experience
and skills from military service to the job market; and
(3) effectively address the challenges faced by the families
of such veterans transitioning to civilian life.

(b) Report.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report regarding the findings and recommendations of
the study required under subsection (a).

[[Page 1566]]

(c) Prohibition on Authorization of Appropriations.--No additional
funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this section. Such
requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.

TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

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

(a) <>  In General.--Subsection (h) of section
8127 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``rated as'' and all that
follows through ``disability.'' and inserting a period; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read
as follows:
``(C) <>  The date that--
``(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran
with a service-connected disability rated as 100 percent
disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected
disability, is 10 years after the date of the veteran's
death; or
``(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a
veteran with a service-connected disability rated as
less than 100 percent disabling who does not die as a
result of a service-connected disability, is 3 years
after the date of the veteran's death.''.

(b) <>  Effective
Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the
date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall apply with respect to contracts awarded on or after such date.
SEC. 502. LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF JOB COUNSELING, TRAINING, AND
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 4115. <>  Longitudinal study of job
counseling, training, and placement service for
veterans

``(a) <>  Study Required.--(1) The Secretary shall
enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a
longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of the groups
of individuals described in paragraph (2). <> The
contract shall provide for the study of each such group over a period of
at least 5 years.

``(2) The groups of individuals described in this paragraph are the
following:
``(A) Veterans who have received intensive services.
``(B) Veterans who did not receive intensive services but
who otherwise received services under this chapter.
``(C) Veterans who did not seek or receive services under
this chapter.

``(3) The study required by this subsection shall include the
collection of the following information for each individual who
participates in the study:
``(A) The average number of months such individual served on
active duty.

[[Page 1567]]

``(B) The disability ratings of such individual.
``(C) Any unemployment benefits received by such individual.
``(D) The average number of months such individual was
employed during the year covered by the report.
``(E) The average annual starting and ending salaries of any
such individual who was employed during the year covered by the
report.
``(F) The average annual income of such individual.
``(G) The average total household income of such individual
for the year covered by the report.
``(H) The percentage of such individuals who own their
principal residences.
``(I) The employment status of such individual.
``(J) In the case of such an individual who received
services under this chapter, whether the individual believes
that any service provided by a disabled veterans' outreach
program specialist or local veterans' employment representative
helped the individual to become employed.
``(K) In the case of such an individual who believes such a
service helped the individual to become employed, whether--
``(i) the individual retained the position of
employment for a period of 1 year or longer; and
``(ii) the individual believes such a service helped
the individual to secure a higher wage or salary.
``(L) The conditions under which such individual was
discharged or released from the Armed Forces.
``(M) Whether such individual has used any educational
assistance to which the individual is entitled under this title.
``(N) Whether such individual has participated in a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title.
``(O) Whether such individual had contact with a One-Stop
Career Center employee while attending a workshop or job fair
under the Transition GPS Program of the Department of Defense.
``(P) Demographic information about such individual.
``(Q) Such other information as the Secretary determines
appropriate.

``(b) Annual Report.--(1) By not later than July 1 of each year
covered by the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the outcomes of the study during the preceding year.
``(2) The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under
paragraph (1) the following:
``(A) Information with respect to job fairs attended by One-
Stop Career Center employees at which the employees had contact
with a veteran, including, for the year preceding the year in
which the report is submitted, the following:
``(i) The number of job fairs attended by One-Stop
Career Center employees at which the employees had
contact with a veteran.
``(ii) The number of veterans contacted at each such
job fair.

[[Page 1568]]

``(B) Such information as the Secretary determines is
necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of the individuals
in the groups described in subsection (a)(2).''.

(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is <> amended by adding at the
end the following new item:

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

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

(a) Limitation.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 7 is amended by inserting after
section 715 the following new section:
``Sec. 717. <>  Limitation on administrative
leave

``(a) <>  In General.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), the Secretary may not place any covered individual on
administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status without
charge to leave, for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day
period.

``(b) <>  Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
limitation under subsection (a) and extend the administrative leave or
other paid non-duty status without charge to leave of a covered
individual placed on such leave or status under subsection (a) if the
Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and House of Representatives a detailed explanation of the reasons the
individual was placed on administrative leave or other paid non-duty
status without charge to leave and the reasons for the extension of such
leave or status. Such explanation shall include the job title and grade
of the covered individual and the location where the individual is
employed.

``(c) <>  Covered Individual.--In this section,
the term `covered individual' means an employee of the Department--
``(1) who is subject to an investigation for purposes of
determining whether such individual should be subject to any
disciplinary action under this title or title 5; or
``(2) against whom any disciplinary action is proposed or
initiated under this title or title 5.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter <> is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 715 the
following new item:

``717. Limitation on administrative leave.''.

(b) <>
Application.--Section 717 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a)(1), shall apply with respect to any 365-day period
beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 504. REQUIRED COORDINATION BETWEEN DIRECTORS FOR VETERANS'
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING WITH STATE
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) <>  In General.--Section 4103 is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:

``(c) Coordination With State Departments of Labor and Veterans
Affairs.--Each Director for Veterans' Employment and Training for a
State shall coordinate the Director's activities under

[[Page 1569]]

this chapter with the State department of labor and the State department
of veterans affairs.''.
(b) <>  Effective Date.--Subsection (c) of
such section, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date
that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Subtitle A--Medical Care

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

(a) <>  In General.--Section 117(c) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community
Care.''.

(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1105(a)(37) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical
Community Care.''.

(c) <>  Applicability.--The amendments made
by this section shall apply to fiscal years beginning on and after
October 1, 2017.
SEC. 602. IMPROVED ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR
VETERANS.

(a) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations as Medical
Services.--
(1) Covered benefit.--Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) is
amended to read as follows:
``(F) immunizations against infectious diseases,
including each immunization on the recommended adult
immunization schedule at the time such immunization is
indicated on that schedule;''.
(2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--
Section 1701 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(10) The term `recommended adult immunization schedule'
means the schedule established (and periodically reviewed and,
as appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices established by the Secretary of Health
and Human Services and delegated to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.''.

(b) Inclusion of Recommended Adult Immunizations in Annual Report.--
Section 1704(1)(A) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:
``(iii) to provide veterans each immunization
on the recommended adult immunization schedule at
the time such immunization is indicated on that
schedule.''.

(c) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

[[Page 1570]]

shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the development and implementation
by the Department of Veterans Affairs of quality measures and
metrics, including targets for compliance, to ensure that
veterans receiving medical services under chapter 17 of title
38, United States Code, receive each immunization on the
recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such
immunization is indicated on that schedule.
(2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined.--In
this subsection, the term ``recommended adult immunization
schedule'' has the meaning given that term in section 1701(10)
of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2).

(d) <>  Rule of Construction.--Nothing in
this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to
require a veteran to receive an immunization that the veteran does not
want to receive.
SEC. 603. PRIORITY OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS IN HEALTH CARE
SYSTEM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Enrollment Priority.--
(1) <>  In general.--Section 1705(a) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``and veterans who were
awarded the medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or
8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``veterans who
were awarded the medal of honor under section 3741,
6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14,''.
(2) <>  Application.--The priority
of enrollment of medal of honor recipients in the system of
annual patient enrollment established and operated under section
1705(a) of such title, as amended by paragraph (1), shall apply
to each such recipient, regardless of the date on which the
medal is awarded.

(b) Eligibility.--Section 1710(a)(2)(D) is amended by inserting
after ``war'' the following: ``, who was awarded the medal of honor
under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14,''.
(c) Extended Care Services.--Section 1710B(c)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under
section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14.''.

(d) Copayment for Medications.--Section 1722A(a)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

[[Page 1571]]

``(D) to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under
section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title
14.''.
SEC. 604. REQUIREMENT THAT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COLLECT
HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACT INFORMATION FROM
VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by inserting
after section 1705 the following new section:
``Sec. 1705A. <>  Management of health care:
information regarding health-plan contracts

``(a) In General.--(1) Any individual who seeks hospital care or
medical services under this chapter shall provide to the Secretary such
current information as the Secretary may require to identify any health-
plan contract under which such individual is covered.
``(2) The information required to be provided to the Secretary under
paragraph (1) with respect to a health-plan contract shall include, as
applicable, the following:
``(A) The name of the entity providing coverage under the
health-plan contract.
``(B) If coverage under the health-plan contract is in the
name of an individual other than the individual required to
provide information under this section, the name of the policy
holder of the health-plan contract.
``(C) The identification number for the health-plan
contract.
``(D) The group code for the health-plan contract.

``(b) Action To Collect Information.--The Secretary may take such
action as the Secretary considers appropriate to collect the information
required under subsection (a).
``(c) Effect on Services From Department.--The Secretary may not
deny any services under this chapter to an individual solely due to the
fact that the individual fails to provide information required under
subsection (a).
``(d) Health-Plan Contract Defined.--In this section, the term
`health-plan contract' has the meaning given that term in section
1725(f) of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 <> is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1705 the following new item:

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

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

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that veterans
who experience combat-related mental health wounds should have
immediate, appropriate, and consistent access to comprehensive mental
health care.
(b) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1720H. <>  Mental health treatment for
veterans who served in classified missions

``(a) <>  Establishment of Standards.--(1) The
Secretary shall establish standards and procedures to ensure that each
eligible veteran may access mental health care furnished by the
Secretary

[[Page 1572]]

in a manner that fully accommodates the obligation of the veteran to not
improperly disclose classified information.

``(2) <>  In establishing standards and
procedures under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the
Secretary of Defense to ensure that such standards and procedures are
consistent with the policies on classified information of the Department
of Defense.

``(3) <>  The Secretary shall disseminate guidance
to employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including mental
health professionals, on the standards and procedures established under
paragraph (1) and how to best engage eligible veterans during the course
of mental health treatment with respect to classified information.

``(b) Identification.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall ensure that a veteran may elect to identify as an eligible veteran
on an appropriate form.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `classified information' means any
information or material that has been determined by an official
of the United States pursuant to law to require protection
against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national
security.
``(2) The term `eligible veteran' means a veteran who--
``(A) is eligible to receive health care furnished
by the Department under this title;
``(B) is seeking mental health treatment; and
``(C) in the course of serving in the Armed Forces,
participated in a sensitive mission or served in a
sensitive unit.
``(3) The term `sensitive mission' means a mission of the
Armed Forces that, at the time at which an eligible veteran
seeks treatment, is classified.
``(4) The term `sensitive unit' has the meaning given that
term in section 130b(c)(4) of title 10.''.

(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter <> is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1720G the following new item:

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

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

(a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended by
inserting after section 1784 the following new section:
``Sec. 1784A. <>  Examination and treatment
for emergency medical conditions and women in
labor

``(a) In General.--In the case of a hospital of the Department that
has an emergency department, if any individual comes to the hospital or
the campus of the hospital and a request is made on behalf of the
individual for examination or treatment for a medical condition, the
hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening examination
within the capability of the emergency department, including ancillary
services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine
whether or not an emergency medical condition exists.
``(b) <>  Necessary Stabilizing Treatment
for Emergency Medical Conditions and Labor.--(1) If any individual comes
to a hospital of the Department that has an emergency department

[[Page 1573]]

or the campus of such a hospital and the hospital determines that the
individual has an emergency medical condition, the hospital must provide
either--
``(A) within the staff and facilities available at the
hospital, for such further medical examination and such
treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition;
or
``(B) for transfer of the individual to another medical
facility in accordance with subsection (c).

``(2) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph
(1)(A) with respect to an individual if the hospital offers the
individual the further medical examination and treatment described in
that paragraph and informs the individual (or a person acting on behalf
of the individual) of the risks and benefits to the individual of such
examination and treatment, but the individual (or a person acting on
behalf of the individual) refuses to consent to the examination and
treatment. The hospital shall take all reasonable steps to secure the
written informed consent of the individual (or person) to refuse such
examination and treatment.
``(3) A hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph
(1)(B) with respect to an individual if the hospital offers to transfer
the individual to another medical facility in accordance with subsection
(c) and informs the individual (or a person acting on behalf of the
individual) of the risks and benefits to the individual of such
transfer, but the individual (or a person acting on behalf of the
individual) refuses to consent to the transfer. The hospital shall take
all reasonable steps to secure the written informed consent of the
individual (or person) to refuse such transfer.
``(c) Restricting Transfers Until Individual Stabilized.--(1) If an
individual at a hospital of the Department has an emergency medical
condition that has not been stabilized, the hospital may not transfer
the individual unless--
``(A)(i) the individual (or a legally responsible person
acting on behalf of the individual), after being informed of the
obligations of the hospital under this section and of the risk
of transfer, requests, in writing, transfer to another medical
facility;
``(ii) <>  a physician of the
Department has signed a certification that, based upon the
information available at the time of transfer, the medical
benefits reasonably expected from the provision of appropriate
medical treatment at another medical facility outweigh the
increased risks to the individual and, in the case of labor, to
the unborn child from effecting the transfer; or
``(iii) <>  if a physician of the
Department is not physically present in the emergency department
at the time an individual is transferred, a qualified medical
person (as defined by the Secretary for purposes of this
section) has signed a certification described in clause (ii)
after a physician of the Department, in consultation with the
person, has made the determination described in such clause, and
subsequently countersigns the certification; and
``(B) the transfer is an appropriate transfer to that
facility.

``(2) <>  A certification described in clause (ii)
or (iii) of paragraph (1)(A) shall include a summary of the risks and
benefits upon which the certification is based.

``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an appropriate transfer to a
medical facility is a transfer--

[[Page 1574]]

``(A) in which the transferring hospital provides the
medical treatment within its capacity that minimizes the risks
to the health of the individual and, in the case of a woman in
labor, the health of the unborn child;
``(B) in which the receiving facility--
``(i) has available space and qualified personnel
for the treatment of the individual; and
``(ii) has agreed to accept transfer of the
individual and to provide appropriate medical treatment;
``(C) in which the transferring hospital sends to the
receiving facility all medical records (or copies thereof)
available at the time of the transfer relating to the emergency
medical condition for which the individual has presented,
including--
``(i) observations of signs or symptoms;
``(ii) preliminary diagnosis;
``(iii) treatment provided;
``(iv) the results of any tests; and
``(v) the informed written request or certification
(or copy thereof) provided under paragraph (1)(A);
``(D) in which the transfer is effected through qualified
personnel and transportation equipment, including the use of
necessary and medically appropriate life support measures during
the transfer; and
``(E) that meets such other requirements as the Secretary
considers necessary in the interest of the health and safety of
the individual or individuals transferred.

``(d) Payment to the Department.--The Secretary shall charge for any
care or services provided under this section in accordance with billing
and reimbursement authorities available to the Secretary under other
provisions of law.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `campus' means, with respect to a hospital of
the Department--
``(A) the physical area immediately adjacent to the
main buildings of the hospital;
``(B) other areas and structures that are not
strictly contiguous to the main buildings but are
located not more than 250 yards from the main buildings;
and
``(C) any other areas determined by the Secretary to
be part of the campus of the hospital.
``(2) The term `emergency medical condition' means--
``(A) a medical condition manifesting itself by
acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe
pain) such that the absence of immediate medical
attention could reasonably be expected to result in--
``(i) placing the health of the individual
(or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health
of the woman or her unborn child) in serious
jeopardy;
``(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions;
or
``(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily
organ or part; or
``(B) in the case of a pregnant woman, a stage of
labor that a medical provider determines indicates--
``(i) that there is inadequate time to effect
a safe transfer to another hospital before
delivery; or
``(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the
health or safety of the woman or the unborn child.

[[Page 1575]]

``(3)(A) The term `to stabilize' means--
``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(A), to provide such medical
treatment of the condition as may be necessary to
assure, within reasonable medical probability, that no
material deterioration of the condition is likely to
result from or occur during the transfer of the
individual from a facility; or
``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical
condition described in paragraph (2)(B), to deliver
(including the placenta).
``(B) The term `stabilized' means--
``(i) with respect to an emergency medical condition
described in paragraph (2)(A), that no material
deterioration of the condition is likely, within
reasonable medical probability, to result from or occur
during the transfer of the individual from a facility;
or
``(ii) with respect to an emergency medical
condition described in paragraph (2)(B), that the woman
has delivered (including the placenta).
``(4) The term `transfer' means the movement (including the
discharge) of an individual outside the facilities of a hospital
of the Department at the direction of any person employed by (or
affiliated or associated, directly or indirectly, with) the
hospital, but does not include such a movement of an individual
who--
``(A) has been declared dead; or
``(B) leaves the facility without the permission of
any such person.''.

(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 <> is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1784 the following new item:

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

Subtitle B--Veterans Health Administration

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

Section 7309(e)(1) <>  is amended by striking
``calendar year'' and inserting ``fiscal year''.
SEC. 612. ANNUAL REPORT ON VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND
FURNISHING OF HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL
SERVICES, AND NURSING HOME CARE.

(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330B. <>  Annual report on Veterans
Health Administration and furnishing of
hospital care, medical services, and nursing
home care

``(a) Report Required.--Not later than March 1 of each of years 2018
through 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report on,

[[Page 1576]]

for the calendar year preceding the calendar year during which the
report is submitted--
``(1) the furnishing of hospital care, medical services, and
nursing home care under the laws administered by the Secretary;
and
``(2) the administration of the furnishing of such care and
services by the Veterans Health Administration.

``(b) <>  Elements.--Each report required by
subsection (a) shall include each of the following for the year covered
by the report:
``(1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans
Health Administration in increasing the access of veterans to
hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care furnished
by the Secretary for which such veterans are eligible.
``(2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Veterans
Health Administration in improving the quality of health care
provided to veterans, without increasing the costs incurred for
such health care by the Federal Government or veterans,
including relevant information for each medical center and
Veterans Integrated Service Network of the Department set forth
separately.
``(3) <>  An assessment of--
``(A) the workload of physicians and other employees
of the Veterans Health Administration;
``(B) patient demographics and utilization rates;
``(C) physician compensation;
``(D) the productivity of physicians and other
employees of the Veterans Health Administration;
``(E) the percentage of hospital care, medical
services, and nursing home care provided to veterans in
facilities of the Department and in non-Department
facilities and any changes in such percentages compared
to the year preceding the year covered by the report;
``(F) pharmaceutical prices; and
``(G) third-party health billings owed to the
Department, including the total amount of such billings
and the total amount collected by the Department, set
forth separately for claims greater than $1,000 and for
claims equal to or less than $1,000.

``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `hospital care',
`medical services', `nursing home care', `facilities of the Department',
and `non-Department facilities' have the meanings given those terms in
section 1701 of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 <> is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 7330A the following new item:

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

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

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

[[Page 1577]]

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

Section 7423(a) <>  of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) The hours'' and inserting ``(a)(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the hours''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(2)(A) Upon the advance written request of a covered physician,
the Secretary may modify the hours of employment for a physician
appointed in the Administration under any provision of this chapter on a
full-time basis to be more or less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay
period, subject to the requirements in subparagraph (B). For the purpose
of determining pay, such a physician shall be deemed to have a biweekly
schedule of 80 hours of employment.
``(B) A physician with an irregular work schedule established under
subparagraph (A) shall be obligated to account for at least 2,080 hours
of employment (through performance of work or use of leave or paid time
off) in a calendar year.
``(C) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to implement this
paragraph, including regulations making adjustments to address the
annual hours requirement for physicians who are covered by this
paragraph for only a portion of a calendar year.''.
SEC. 615. REPEAL OF COMPENSATION PANELS TO DETERMINE MARKET PAY
FOR PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS.

Section 7431(c) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking
``under paragraph (6)'' and inserting ``under paragraph (5)''.
SEC. 616. CLARIFICATION REGARDING LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF
AGREEMENT UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM.

Section 7675(b)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``In the case of a
participant who is a part-time student, the'' and inserting ``The''.
SEC. 617. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR INCREASE IN GRADUATE MEDICAL
EDUCATION RESIDENCY POSITIONS AT MEDICAL
FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.

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

(b) Report.--Paragraph (3)(A) of such section is amended by striking
``2019'' and inserting ``2024''.
SEC. 618. REPORT ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH BY DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--Not later than each of 180 days and 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on increasing public access to scientific

[[Page 1578]]

publications and digital data from research funded by the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(b) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) An identification of the location or locations in which
the public will be able to access the results of research funded
by the Department, whether on an Internet website of the
Department or through another source.
(2) A description of the progress made by the Department in
meeting public access requirements set forth in the notice
entitled ``Policy and Implementation Plan for Public Access to
Scientific Publications and Digital Data from Research Funded by
the Department of Veterans Affairs'' (80 Fed. Reg. 60751),
including the following:
(A) Compliance of Department investigators with
requirements relating to ensuring that research funded
by the Department is accessible by the public.
(B) Ensuring data management plans of the Department
include provisions for long-term preservation of the
scientific data resulting from research funded by the
Department.
(3) An explanation of the factors used to evaluate the merit
of data management plans of research funded by the Veterans
Health Administration.
(4) An explanation of the process of the Department in
effect that enables stakeholders to petition a change to the
embargo period for a specific field and the factors considered
during such process.
SEC. 619. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the
following major medical facility projects, with each project to be
carried out in an amount not to exceed the amount specified for that
project:
(1) Seismic, life safety, and utilities upgrades and
expansion of clinical services in Reno, Nevada, in an amount not
to exceed $213,800,000.
(2) Seismic corrections to the mental health and community
living center in Long Beach, California, in an amount not to
exceed $317,300,000.

(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2017
or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major
Projects, account $531,100,000 for the projects authorized in subsection
(a).
(c) Limitation.--The projects authorized in subsection (a) may only
be carried out using--
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2017 or the year in
which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major
Projects, account pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations in subsection (b);
(2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 that remain available for
obligation;

[[Page 1579]]

(3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a
fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 that remain available for
obligation;
(4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity not specific to a
project;
(5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
a fiscal year before fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity
not specific to a project; and
(6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
a fiscal year after fiscal year 2017 for a category of activity
not specific to a project.

Subtitle C--Toxic Exposure

SEC. 631. <>  DEFINITIONS.

In this subtitle:
(1) Armed forces.--The term ``Armed Forces'' means the
United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast
Guard.
(2) Descendant.--The term ``descendant'' means, with respect
to an individual, the biological child or grandchild of that
individual.
(3) Toxic exposure.--The term ``toxic exposure'' means a
condition in which an individual inhaled or ingested an agent
determined to be hazardous to the health of the individual or
the agent came in contact with the skin or eyes of the
individual in a manner that could be hazardous to the health of
the individual.
(4) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 632. <>  NATIONAL ACADEMY OF
MEDICINE ASSESSMENT ON RESEARCH RELATING
TO THE DESCENDANTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH
TOXIC EXPOSURE.

(a) In General.--
(1) <>  Agreement.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Medicine under which the National Academy of
Medicine conducts an assessment on scientific research relating
to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
(2) Alternate organization.--
(A) In general.--If the Secretary is unable within
the period prescribed in paragraph (1) to enter into an
agreement described in such paragraph with the National
Academy of Medicine on terms acceptable to the
Secretary, the Secretary shall seek to enter into such
an agreement with another appropriate organization
that--
(i) is not part of the Federal Government;
(ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
(iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable
to that of the National Academy of Medicine.
(B) Treatment.--If the Secretary enters into an
agreement with another organization as described in
subparagraph (A), any reference in this section to the
National

[[Page 1580]]

Academy of Medicine shall be treated as a reference to
the other organization.

(b) Elements.--The assessment conducted pursuant to the agreement
entered into under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) <>  A scientific review of the scientific
literature regarding toxicological and epidemiological research
on descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
(2) An assessment of areas requiring further scientific
study relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic
exposure.
(3) An assessment of the scope and methodology required to
conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants
of individuals with toxic exposure, including--
(A) the types of individuals to be studied,
including veterans with toxic exposure and the
descendants of those veterans;
(B) the number of veterans and descendants described
in subparagraph (A) to be studied;
(C) the potential alternatives for participation in
such a study, including whether it would be necessary
for participants to travel in order to participate;
(D) the approximate amount of time and resources
needed to prepare and conduct the research; and
(E) the appropriate Federal agencies to participate
in the research, including the Department of Defense and
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4) The establishment of categories, including definitions
for each such category, to be used in assessing the evidence
that a particular health condition is related to toxic exposure,
such as--
(A) sufficient evidence of a causal relationship;
(B) sufficient evidence of an association;
(C) limited or suggestive evidence of an
association;
(D) inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine
whether an association exists; and
(E) limited or suggestive evidence of no
association.
(5) <>  An analysis of--
(A) the feasibility of conducting scientific
research to address the areas that require further study
as described under paragraph (2);
(B) the value and relevance of the information that
could result from such scientific research; and
(C) for purposes of conducting further research, the
feasibility and advisability of accessing additional
information held by a Federal agency that may be
sensitive.
(6) An identification of a research entity or entities
with--
(A) expertise in conducting research on health
conditions of descendants of individuals with toxic
exposure; and
(B) an ability to conduct research on those health
conditions to address areas requiring further scientific
study as described under paragraph (2).

(c) Report.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall
require the National Academy of Medicine to submit, not later than 2
years after entering into such agreement, to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

[[Page 1581]]

of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives--
(1) <>  the results of the
assessment conducted pursuant to such agreement, including such
recommendations as the National Academy of Medicine considers
appropriate regarding the scope and methodology required to
conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants
of veterans with toxic exposure; and
(2) <>  a determination regarding
whether the results of such assessment indicate that it is
feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions
of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure, including an
explanation of the basis for the determination.

(d) Certification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the
results of the assessment and determination under subsection
(c), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the House of Representatives a certification of the
understanding of the Secretary, based on such results and
determination, regarding the feasibility of conducting further
research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans
with toxic exposure that is expressed by such results and
determination.
(2) Basis for certification.--The certification submitted
under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of the basis
for the certification.
SEC. 633. <>  ADVISORY BOARD ON RESEARCH
RELATING TO HEALTH CONDITIONS OF
DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH TOXIC
EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED
FORCES.

(a) <>  Establishment.--Unless the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies under section 632(d) that the
results of the assessment and determination under section 632(c)
indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding
health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure, not
later than 180 days after receiving such results and determination, the
Secretary shall establish an advisory board (in this section referred to
as the ``Advisory Board'') to advise the Secretary in the selection of a
research entity or entities under section 634, advise such entity or
entities in conducting research under such section, and advise the
Secretary with respect to the activities of such entity or entities
under such section.

(b) Membership.--
(1) <>  Composition.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the National Academy of Medicine, the Director
of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and
such other heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary determines
appropriate--
(A) shall select not more than 13 voting members of
the Advisory Board, of whom--
(i) not less than two shall be members of
organizations exempt from taxation under section
501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(ii) not less than two shall be descendants of
veterans with toxic exposure while serving as
members of the Armed Forces; and

[[Page 1582]]

(iii) not less than seven shall be health
professionals, scientists, or academics who are
not employees of the Federal Government and have
expertise in--
(I) birth defects;
(II) developmental disabilities;
(III) epigenetics;
(IV) public health;
(V) the science of environmental
exposure or environmental exposure
assessment;
(VI) the science of toxic
substances; or
(VII) medical and research ethics;
and
(B) may select not more than two nonvoting members
who are employees of the Federal Government and who are
otherwise described in subparagraph (A)(iii).
(2) Chair.--The Secretary shall select a Chair from among
the members of the Advisory Board selected under paragraph
(1)(A).
(3) Terms.--
(A) In general.--Each member of the Advisory Board
shall serve a term of 2 or 3 years as determined by the
Secretary.
(B) Reappointment.--At the end of the term of a
member of the Advisory Board, the Secretary may reselect
the member for another term, except that no member may
serve more than 4 consecutive terms.

(c) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
(1) advise the Secretary in the selection of a research
entity or entities to conduct research under section 634 from
among those identified under section 632(b)(6);
(2) advise such entity or entities and assess the activities
of such entity or entities in conducting such research;
(3) develop a research strategy for such entity or entities
based on, but not limited to, the results of the assessment
conducted under section 632;
(4) advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of
such entity or entities under section 634;
(5) submit recommendations to be included by such entity or
entities in the report under section 634(d)(2)(C); and
(6) not less frequently than semiannually, meet with the
Secretary and representatives of such entity or entities on the
research conducted by such entity or entities under section 634.

(d) Meetings.--The Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the
Chair, but not less frequently than semiannually.
(e) Compensation.--The members of the Advisory Board shall serve
without compensation.
(f) Expenses.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine the
appropriate expenses of the Advisory Board.
(g) Personnel.--
(1) In general.--The Chair may, without regard to the civil
service laws and regulations, appoint an executive director of
the Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian employee of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and such other personnel as may
be necessary to enable the Advisory Board to perform its duties.

[[Page 1583]]

(2) Approval.--The appointment of an executive director
under paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the Advisory
Board.
(3) Compensation.--The Chair may fix the compensation of the
executive director and other personnel without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
title 5, United States Code, except that the rate of pay for the
executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate
payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316
of such title.
SEC. 634. <>  RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH
CONDITIONS OF DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH
TOXIC EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED
FORCES.

(a) <>  In
General.--Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies under
section 632(d) that the results of the assessment and determination
under section 632(c) indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further
research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with
toxic exposure, not later than 1 year after receiving such results and
determination, the Secretary shall (in consultation with the advisory
board established under section 633 (in this section referred to as the
``Advisory Board'')) enter into an agreement with one or more research
entities identified under section 632(b)(6) (excluding an entity of the
Department of Veterans Affairs) to conduct research on health conditions
of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members
of the Armed Forces (in this section referred to as the ``research
entity or entities'').

(b) Research.--
(1) In general.--To the extent included in the research
strategy developed by the Advisory Board under section
633(c)(3), the research entity or entities shall conduct
research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with
toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces.
(2) Studies.--In conducting research under paragraph (1),
the research entity or entities may study any veteran, at the
election of the veteran, identified under section 632(b)(3)(A)
as a type of individual to be studied in order to conduct
adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of
veterans with toxic exposure.
(3) Categorization.--In conducting research under paragraph
(1), the research entity or entities shall assess, using the
categories established under section 632(b)(4), the extent to
which a health condition of a descendant of a veteran is related
to the toxic exposure of the veteran while serving as a member
of the Armed Forces.

(c) Availability of Records.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and the head of each Federal agency identified
under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall make available to the research
entity or entities records held by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces, that
Federal agency, or any other source under the jurisdiction of
any such Federal agency or the Armed Forces, as appropriate,
that the research entity or entities determine are necessary to
carry out this section.

[[Page 1584]]

(2) Mechanism for access.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of each Federal
agency identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall jointly
establish a mechanism for access by the research entity or
entities to records made available under paragraph (1).

(d) Annual Report.--
(1) <>  In general.--Not later than 1
year after commencing the conduct of research under this
section, and not later than September 30 each year thereafter,
each research entity with which the Secretary has entered into
an agreement under subsection (a) shall, in consultation with
the Advisory Board, submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on the functions of such entity under this section during
the year preceding the submittal of the report.
(2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) <>  A summary of the research
efforts that have been completed during the year
preceding the submittal of the report and that are
ongoing as of the date of the submittal of the report.
(B) A description of any findings made during such
year in carrying out such research efforts.
(C) <>  Recommendations
for administrative or legislative action made by the
Advisory Board based on such findings, which may include
recommendations for further research under this section.
(3) <>  Upon request.--Upon the request of
any organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs may transmit to such organization a copy of a report
received by the Secretary under paragraph (1).

TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

Subtitle A--Access of Homeless Veterans to Benefits

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

Section 2002 <>  is amended--
(1) by striking ``In this chapter'' and inserting ``(a) In
General.--In this chapter'';
(2) by striking ``in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a))'' and inserting
``in subsection (a) or (b) of section 103 of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:

``(b) Veteran Defined.--(1) Notwithstanding section 101(2) of this
title and except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of sections
2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, and 2061 of this title, the term `veteran' means
a person who served in the active military,

[[Page 1585]]

naval, or air service, regardless of length of service, and who was
discharged or released therefrom.
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `veteran' excludes a
person who--
``(A) received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed
Forces; or
``(B) was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces by
reason of the sentence of a general court-martial.''.
SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION TO FURNISH CERTAIN BENEFITS TO HOMELESS
VETERANS WITH DISCHARGES OR RELEASES UNDER
OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS.

Section 5303(d) <>  is amended--
(1) by striking ``not apply to any war-risk insurance,
Government (converted) or National Service Life Insurance
policy.'' and inserting the following: ``not apply to the
following:
``(1) Any war-risk insurance, Government (converted) or
National Service Life Insurance policy.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 2061
of this title (except for benefits for individuals discharged or
dismissed from the Armed Forces by reason of the sentence of a
general court-martial).''.
SEC. 703. WAIVER OF MINIMUM PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS ACTIVE DUTY IN
ARMED FORCES FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS FOR
HOMELESS VETERANS.

Section 5303A(b)(3) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph (F):
``(F) to benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or
2061 of this title;''.
SEC. 704. <>  TRAINING OF PERSONNEL OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND
GRANT RECIPIENTS.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a program of
training and education to ensure that the following persons are aware of
and implement this title and the amendments made by this subtitle:
(1) Personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are
supporting or administering a program under chapter 20 of title
38, United States Code.
(2) Recipients of grants or other amounts for purposes of
carrying out such a program.
SEC. 705. <>  REGULATIONS.

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

[[Page 1586]]

SEC. 706. <>  EFFECTIVE
DATE.

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

Subtitle B--Other Homelessness Matters

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

Section 2012(a)(2) <>  is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as
subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
(2) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated, by striking ``in
subparagraph (D)'' and inserting ``in subparagraph (E)'';
(3) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by striking
``under subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``under subparagraph
(C)'';
(4) in subparagraph (E), as redesignated, by striking ``in
subparagraphs (B) and (C)'' and inserting ``in subparagraphs (C)
and (D)'';
(5) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except
as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B), the rate'';
and
(B) by striking ``under subparagraph (B)'' and all
that follows and inserting ``under subparagraph (C).'';
and
(6) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph (B):

``(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), in no case may the rate
determined under this paragraph exceed the rate authorized for State
homes for domiciliary care under subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of
this title, as the Secretary may increase from time to time under
subsection (c) of that section.
``(ii) In the case of services furnished to a homeless veteran who
is placed in housing that will become permanent housing for the veteran
upon termination of the furnishing of such services to such veteran, the
maximum rate of per diem authorized under this section is 150 percent of
the rate authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under
subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as the Secretary may
increase from time to time under subsection (c) of that section.''.
SEC. 712. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE RETENTION OF HOUSING BY FORMERLY
HOMELESS VETERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK OF
BECOMING HOMELESS.

(a) Program Required.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 20 is amended--
(A) <>  by redesignating section
2013 as section 2014; and
(B) by inserting after section 2012 the following
new section 2013:
``Sec. 2013. <>  Program to improve retention
of housing by formerly homeless veterans and
veterans at risk of becoming homeless

``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
under which the Secretary shall provide case management

[[Page 1587]]

services to improve the retention of housing by veterans who were
previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and
veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless.
``(b) Grants.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out the program through
the award of grants.
``(2)(A) In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
give priority to organizations that demonstrate a capability to provide
case management services as described in subsection (a), particularly
organizations that are successfully providing or have successfully
provided transitional housing services using amounts provided by the
Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title.
``(B) In giving priority under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
give extra priority to an organization described in such subparagraph
that--
``(i) voluntarily stops receiving amounts provided by the
Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title; and
``(ii) converts a facility that the organization used to
provide transitional housing services into a facility that the
organization uses to provide permanent housing that meets
housing quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B)
of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437f(o)(8)(B)).

``(C) In any case in which a facility, with respect to which a
person received a grant for construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition
under section 2011 of this title, is converted as described in
subparagraph (B)(ii), such conversion shall be considered to have been
carried out pursuant to the needs of the Department and such person
shall not be considered in noncompliance with the terms of such grant by
reason of such conversion.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter <> is
amended by striking the item relating to section 2013 and
inserting the following new items:

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

(b) <>  Regulations.--Not later
than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations to carry out section
2013 of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).

(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than June 1, 2020, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the program required by section 2013
of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include assessments of the following:
(A) The percentage of veterans who received case
management services under the program who were able to
retain permanent housing by the end of the program,
disaggregated by each recipient of a grant under such
section.
(B) The percentage of veterans who received case
management services under the program who were not in
permanent housing at the end of the program,
disaggregated by housing status and reason for failing
to retain permanent housing under the program.

[[Page 1588]]

(C) The use by veterans, who received case
management services under the program, of housing
assistance furnished by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, including a comparison of the use of such
assistance by such veterans before and after receiving
such services.
(D) An assessment of the employment status of
veterans who received case management services under the
program, including a comparison of the employment status
of such veterans before and after receiving such
services.
SEC. 713. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS AMONG
VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Subchapter VII of chapter 20 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2067. <>  National Center on
Homelessness Among Veterans

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

(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter 20 <> is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 2066 the following new item:

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

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

(a) <>  In General.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall--
(1) assess and measure the capacity of programs for which
entities receive grants under section 2011 of title 38, United

[[Page 1589]]

States Code, or per diem payments under section 2012 or 2061 of
such title; and
(2) assess such programs with respect to--
(A) how well they achieve their stated goals at a
national level;
(B) placements in permanent housing;
(C) placements in employment; and
(D) increases in the regular income of participants
in the programs.

(b) Assessment at National and Local Levels.--In assessing and
measuring under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall develop and use
tools to examine the capacity of programs described in such subsection
at both the national and local level in order to assess the following:
(1) Whether sufficient capacity exists to meet the needs of
homeless veterans in each geographic area.
(2) Whether existing capacity meets the needs of the
subpopulations of homeless veterans located in each geographic
area.
(3) The amount of capacity that recipients of grants under
sections 2011 and 2061 and per diem payments under section 2012
of such title have to provide services for which the recipients
are eligible to receive per diem under section 2012(a)(2)(B)(ii)
of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 711(6).

(c) Consideration of Other Resources.--In assessing and measuring
programs under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall consider the
availability to such programs of resources made available to such
programs and to homeless veterans, including resources provided by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and by entities other than the
Department.
(d) Use of Information.--The Secretary shall use the information
collected under this section as follows:
(1) To set specific goals to ensure that programs described
in subsection (a) are effectively serving the needs of homeless
veterans.
(2) To assess whether programs described in subsection (a)
are meeting goals set under paragraph (1).
(3) To inform funding allocations for programs described in
subsection (a).
(4) To improve the referral of homeless veterans to programs
described in subsection (a).

(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the
assessment required by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on such assessment and such recommendations for legislative and
administrative action as the Secretary may have to improve the programs
and per diem payments described in subsection (a).
SEC. 715. REPORT ON OUTREACH RELATING TO INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF
HOUSING AVAILABLE TO VETERANS.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

[[Page 1590]]

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

TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 801. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONSTRUCTION REFORMS.

(a) Application of Industry Standards; Assistance.--Section
8103 <> is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsections:

``(f) To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use
industry standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying out
the construction of medical facilities.
``(g) <>  The Secretary shall ensure that each
employee of the Department with responsibilities, as determined by the
Secretary, relating to the infrastructure construction or alteration of
medical facilities, including such construction or alteration carried
out pursuant to contracts or agreements, undergoes a program of ongoing
professional training and development. Such program shall be designed to
ensure that employees maintain adequate expertise relating to industry
standards and best practices for the acquisition of design and
construction services. The Secretary may provide the program under this
subsection directly or through a contract or agreement with a non-
Federal entity or with a non-Department Federal entity.''.

(b) Forensic Audits of Certain Projects.--Subsection (c) of section
8104 is amended--
(1) by striking ``Not less than 30 days'' and inserting
``(1) Not less than 30 days''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

``(2) The Secretary shall--
``(A) <>  enter into a contract or
agreement with an appropriate non-department Federal entity with
the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility
projects for the conduct of an external forensic audit of the
expenditures relating to any major medical facility or super
construction project for which the total expenditures exceed the
amount requested in the initial budget request for the project
submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31 by more
than 25 percent; and
``(B) <>  enter into a contract or
agreement with an appropriate non-department Federal entity with
the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility
projects for the conduct of an external audit of the medical
center construction project in Aurora, Colorado.''.

(c) Use of Amounts From Bid Savings.--Subsection (d)(2)(B) of such
section is amended--
(1) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii)
and (iv), respectively;
(2) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause
(ii):
``(ii) If the major construction project that is the source
of the bid savings is not complete--

[[Page 1591]]

``(I) the amount already obligated by the Department
or available in the project reserve for such project;
``(II) the percentage of such project that has been
completed; and
``(III) the amount available to the Department to
complete such project.''; and
(3) in clauses (iii) and (iv), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), strike ``amounts'' and inserting ``bid savings amounts''
both places it appears.

(d) Quarterly Report on Super Construction Projects.--
(1) In general.--At the end of subchapter I of chapter 81
add the following new section:
``Sec. 8120. <>  Quarterly report on super
construction projects

``(a) Quarterly Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the
last day of each fiscal quarter the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the super construction projects carried out
by the appropriate non-Department Federal entity described in section
8103(e)(1) of this title during such quarter. Each such report shall
include, for each such project--
``(1) the budgetary and scheduling status of the project, as
of the last day of the quarter covered by the report; and
``(2) the actual cost and schedule variances of the project,
as of such day, compared to the planned cost and schedules for
the project.

``(b) Super Construction Project Defined.--In this section, the term
`super construction project' has the meaning given such term in section
8103(e)(3) of this title.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter <> is
amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such
subchapter the following new item:

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

SEC. 802. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

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

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

(3) In section 1710(e)(1)(F), by inserting a comma after
``1953''.

[[Page 1592]]

(4) In section 7412(b), <>  by striking
``under paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``under subsection (a)''.

Approved December 16, 2016.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 6416:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 162 (2016):
Dec. 6, considered and passed House.
Dec. 9, considered and passed Senate.