The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2014” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H7578-H7581 on Sept. 16, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2014
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5404) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5404
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 ``Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Scoring of budgetary effects.
TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE
Sec. 101. Extension of requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Sec. 102. Extension of authority for pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 103. Extension of authority for pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care.
Sec. 104. Extension of authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans.
Sec. 105. Extension of requirement for report on activities of
Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs
Interagency Program Office.
Sec. 106. Extension of authority for the performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians.
Sec. 107. Extension of authority for collection of copayments for hospital care and nursing home care.
Sec. 108. Extension of authority for recovery from third parties of cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability.
TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS
Sec. 201. Extension of current funding level for comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 202. Extension of authority for homeless veterans reintegration programs.
Sec. 203. Extension of authority to provide referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness.
Sec. 204. Extension of authority for treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans.
Sec. 205. Extension of authority to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans.
Sec. 206. Extension of authority to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.
Sec. 207. Extension of authority for grant program for homeless veterans with special needs.
Sec. 208. Extension of authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless
Veterans.
TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS
Sec. 301. Extension of authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 302. Extension of authority for calculating net value of real property at time of foreclosure.
Sec. 303. Extension of authority relating to vendee loans.
TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 401. Extension of authority to transport certain individuals to and from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Sec. 402. Extension of authority for operation of the Department of
Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.
Sec. 403. Extension of requirement to provide reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative error.
Sec. 404. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Minority
Veterans.
Sec. 405. Extension of authority for temporary expansion of eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance for certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating.
Sec. 406. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers.
Sec. 407. Extension of authority for agreement with National Academy of
Sciences.
Sec. 408. Health professionals education debt reduction.
Sec. 409. Amendments to Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 3. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE
SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME
CARE TO CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITIES.
Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON
COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN
VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE
ARMED FORCES.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of section 203 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1143; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2015.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (f) of such section is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2010 and 2011'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2015''.
SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS
RECEIVING HEALTH CARE.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 205 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1144; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2015.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (h) of such section is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting
``2015''.
SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO VETERANS
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF
HIGHLY RURAL VETERANS.
Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1154; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.
SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT ON ACTIVITIES
OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS INTERAGENCY PROGRAM OFFICE.
Section 1635(h)(1) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 460; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.
SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF
MEDICAL DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT
PHYSICIANS.
Section 704(c) of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-183; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking
``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS
FOR HOSPITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME CARE.
Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY FROM THIRD
PARTIES OF COST OF CARE AND SERVICES FURNISHED
TO VETERANS WITH HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACTS FOR NON-
SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY.
Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2014'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.
TITLE II--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF CURRENT FUNDING LEVEL FOR
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS
VETERANS.
Section 2013(7) is amended by striking ``$150,000,000'' and inserting ``$250,000,000''.
SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.
Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.
SEC. 203. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE REFERRAL AND
COUNSELING SERVICES FOR CERTAIN VETERANS AT
RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of section 2023 is amended by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting
``September 30, 2015''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(3) of such section is amended by striking ``enter into contracts'' and inserting
``make grants''.
SEC. 204. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY
ILL AND HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) General Treatment.--Section 2031(b) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
(b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section 2033(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
SEC. 205. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE HOUSING
ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 2041(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
SEC. 206. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY
LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT
HOUSING.
Section 2044(e)(1)(E) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2013 and 2014'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2013 through 2015''.
SEC. 207. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR
HOMELESS VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.
SEC. 208. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
TITLE III--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO BENEFITS
SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE VETERANS' ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CALCULATING NET VALUE OF
REAL PROPERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE.
Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2014'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.
SEC. 303. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.
Section 3733(a)(7) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``September 30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 2014,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015,''.
TITLE IV--OTHER EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 401. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSPORT CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS TO AND FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS FACILITIES.
Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 402. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE
IN MANILA, THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Section 315(b) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''.
SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REPORTS TO
CONGRESS REGARDING EQUITABLE RELIEF IN THE CASE
OF ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR.
Section 503(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 404. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
MINORITY VETERANS.
Section 544(e) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 405. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH
DISABILITIES CAUSING DIFFICULTY AMBULATING.
Section 2101(a)(4) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``fiscal year 2014'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015''.
SEC. 406. RESTORATION OF PRIOR REPORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS.
During the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the second sentence of section 3684(c) shall be applied--
(1) by substituting ``$9'' for ``$12''; and
(2) by substituting ``$13'' for ``$15''.
SEC. 407. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-4; 105 Stat. 13; 38 U.S.C. 1116 note) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''.
SEC. 408. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION.
Section 7683 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection:
``(a) In General.--Education debt reduction payments under the Education Debt Reduction Program shall consist of--
``(1) payments to individuals selected to participate in the program of principal and interest on loans described in section 7682(a)(2) of this title; or
``(2) payments for the principal and interest on such loans of such individuals to the holders of such loans.'';
(2) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking ``payments to'' both places it appears and inserting ``payments to or for''; and
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``made to'' and inserting
``made to or for''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``payable to that'' and inserting ``payable to or for that''.
SEC. 409. AMENDMENTS TO VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014.
(a) Expanded Availability of Hospital Care and Medical Services.--Section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``provide the veteran an appointment that exceeds the wait-time goals described in such subsection or'' before ``place such''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``(or other digital channel)'' after ``website'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by adding at the end the following new sentences: ``An agreement entered into pursuant to this subparagraph may not be treated as a Federal contract for the acquisition of goods or services and is not subject to any provision of law governing Federal contracts for the acquisition of goods or services. Before entering into an agreement pursuant to this subparagraph, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with the requirements of this section, furnish such care and services to such veterans under this section with such entities pursuant to sharing agreements, existing contracts entered into by the Secretary, or other processes available at medical facilities of the Department.'';
(3) in subsection (l)(1), by inserting ``a copy of'' before
``any medical record''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(t) Waiver of Certain Printing Requirements.--Section 501 of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply in carrying out this section.''.
(b) Collaboration Between VA and Indian Health Service.--Section 102 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish'' and inserting the following: ``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Indian Health Service shall jointly establish and implement'';
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Entering into an agreement between the Department and the Indian Health Service described in paragraph (2)(A) with respect to the effect of such agreement on the priority access of any Indian to health care services provided through the Indian Health Service, the eligibility of any Indian to receive health services through the Indian Health Service, and the quality of health care services provided to any Indian through the Indian Health Service.''; and
(3) by striking subsection (d).
(c) Prompt Payment.--Section 105 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``section 1315'' and inserting ``part 1315'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``chapter 39'' and inserting ``chapter 39 of title 31''; and
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``required by subsection
(b)'' and inserting ``required by subsection (c)''.
(d) Improvement of Access to Mobile Vet Centers.--Section 204 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and readjustment counseling services'' after ``other health care''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and events'' after
``locations''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and outreach contacts'' after ``appointments''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``and readjustment counseling'' after ``telemedicine services''; and
(ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and outreach contacts'' after ``appointments'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and readjustment counseling'' after ``health care services''; and
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``mobile vet centers and''.
(e) Improved Transparency.--Section 206(b) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``comprehensive database'' and inserting ``comprehensive, machine-readable data set'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``notice in the database of the reason'' and inserting ``notice of the reason''; and
(3) in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), by striking
``database'' each place it appears and inserting ``data''.
(f) Information on Credentials.--Section 207 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014
(Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by striking ``successor database'' each place it appears and inserting ``successor data set''.
(g) Report on Staffing Shortages.--Section 301(b)(3) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014
(Public Law 113-146) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Not later'' and all that follows through ``2019'' and inserting the following:
``On October 1 of each year beginning in 2015 and ending in 2019''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``at each'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: ``or guidelines of the Department with respect to determining the ratio of residents to staff supervising residents.''; and
(B) by striking clause (v) and inserting the following new clause:
``(v) Efforts of the Department, as of the date of the submittal of the report, to recruit and retain medical residents to work for the Veterans Health Administration as full-time employees.''.
(h) Project ARCH.--Section 403(j) of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is amended--
(1) by striking ``In carrying out'' and inserting
``Notwithstanding any provision of law relating to the use of competitive procedures in entering into contracts, in carrying out''; and
(2) by inserting ``under this section'' after ``make use of contracts entered into''.
(i) Clarification of Approval of Courses of Education Provided by Public Institutions of Higher Learning and In-State Tuition Rate for Veterans.--Paragraph (1) of section 3679(c) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher learning if the institution charges tuition and fees for that course for covered individuals who are pursuing the course with educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living in the State in which the institution is located at a rate that is higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State in which the institution is located, regardless of the covered individual's State of residence.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) and the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.
General Leave
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5404, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Colorado?
There was no objection.
Mr. LAMBORN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the amendment to H.R. 5404 would extend a number of expiring current authorities and critical programs at both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor. These programs include authorizations for veterans' health care and homeless programs, benefits for disabled veterans, and home loan programs.
These noncontroversial programs are set to expire at the end of this fiscal or calendar year. These are not new programs, and the costs have either been fully offset or have been assumed in the baseline budget for this year.
The amendment to H.R. 5404 would also make certain technical and conforming changes to Public Law 113-146, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. These changes are needed to ensure proper and swift implementation of this important law that provides veterans whose care at VA is delayed with a choice to obtain private care and provides the Secretary the tools he needs to hold senior VA managers accountable. The changes have the support of the majority and minority leadership of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for all of the hard work and dedication that went into H.R. 5404, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014.
This bill would extend a number of important programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. We must ensure that the VA has the resources and authority to provide high-quality health care services and benefits that veterans have earned and deserve, no matter where they choose to live.
H.R. 5404 extends the Department's authority to deliver nursing home care to our veterans, give child care assistance for veterans so they can make their medical appointments, and provide counseling retreats for our women veterans.
For veterans who live in highly rural areas like my district, this bill extends VA's authority to give grants to veterans' service organizations to transport our rural veterans to their medical appointments, which is critical for increasing access to VA health care.
This bill also extends critical homeless programs that the VA needs to end veteran homelessness by 2015. Programs such as housing assistance, financial assistance, counseling, and reintegration services will continue so that veterans who experience homelessness or are at risk of being homeless have a safety net of services to help themselves in their time of need.
Finally, H.R. 5404 contains several extensions that will assist the Department in its efforts to provide specially adapted housing to veterans who have difficulty getting around their own homes, permit the VA to recruit and retain needed medical specialists, improve education benefit programs, and allow the VA to maintain an effective, functioning home loan guaranty program.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5404, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham), the sponsor of the bill and a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee who has made many important contributions to the welfare of veterans such as this bill we are considering right now.
Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to tackle the pressing need for VA health care reform, the last thing our veterans need is even more uncertainty with the many other benefits that have an equally important impact on their lives.
H.R. 5404, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act, extends several important VA authorities that support the services they rely on every single day.
As current military forces overseas draw down, our country must prepare to welcome back thousands of returning soldiers, many of whom are young and aspiring to build a new life for themselves and their loved ones.
For the next year, veterans can continue to utilize programs that help them pay off school debt, for health education, and buy affordable homes, helping their transition into civilian life be an easier one.
For those veterans who require more day-to-day medical care, they can continue to qualify for child care assistance and specially adaptive housing grants, as well as accessing expanded health services, such as those provided by the VA's 70-plus mobile vet centers around the country.
Transportation services to VA medical facilities will also continue, giving peace of mind to the many disabled or rural-based vets that too often find themselves restricted by mobility or distance. In rural districts like mine across the country, veterans often travel over 90 miles for an appointment, disrupting their lives and causing physical and financial hardship.
Additionally, this bill reinforces our fight against homelessness by expanding rehabilitation, counseling, and housing programs to help these underserved veterans get back on their feet. Since 2009, veteran homelessness has dropped 23 percent, largely due to the success of these services. Whenever I travel back to my district and meet with local veteran constituents and organizations, it is clear that these grant programs are making a real difference.
In California's Central Valley, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Stockton has received a grant from the VA that is helping preserve 791 households in San Joaquin County from the threat of homelessness. That is 791 families who have a chance to build a stable home life and keep their kids in school.
As cochair of the Veterans Jobs Caucus, I place especially high importance on the continuance of our essential reintegration and job training programs. Through their service, these hardworking men and women gain the skills and qualities that are highly valued by employers. We must do all we can to connect them with the resources and training they need to land worthwhile jobs that will bring this financial security and dignity to their lives.
In closing, I would just like to thank the ranking member and the chairman as well as all of the committee for their hard work in putting this bill together. This is a great bipartisan bill that will continue to help the lives of those that have given everything for the freedoms of our country.
Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Walorski), who is also a member of the Veterans Affairs' Committee and likewise has made very solid and important contributions for veterans.
Mrs. WALORSKI. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5404. This legislation will continue to protect millions of American veterans who swore to protect and defend this great Nation, including the 54,000 in my district who depend on the VA for care and support.
Earlier this summer, I served as a member of the VA Conference Committee. My fellow conferees and I were able to work together and again prove that helping vets is not political or partisan; it is American.
When that legislation was signed into law, I said it was the first step toward reforming the VA. Today's legislation is yet another step in the right direction. H.R. 5404 would extend the number of important veterans' service programs to vets in rural areas, homeless vets, vets with mental illness, all in an effort to improve their quality of life.
Of the 8 million veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, roughly 3 million live in rural areas. These vets live 30 or more miles from their nearest VA and must travel long distances to receive care. This legislation would give more funding to VSOs to drive their vets to doctors' appointments, increasing their access to care.
This bill also funds programs to help our homeless veterans get back on their feet and reduce the number of homeless veterans. It also helps to fund job training, counseling, and placement services for those vets so they can find a good-paying job. Additionally, and just as importantly, this bill also addresses suffering from mental health issues. This legislation will help fund programs to help vets with mental illness with greater outreach, rehabilitation services, care, and treatment.
Today is an important opportunity as Members of Congress to take another step forward towards meaningful reform and to take another step in the right direction. Today we stand together to help our Nation's heros. We owe it to our veterans to provide them with nothing but the best.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5404 and send this important, must-pass measure to the Senate to ensure that these important programs and services continue.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman.
I too urge all Members of the House to support H.R. 5404, as amended.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Salmon). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5404, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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