Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
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“(d) Report on Feasibility and Advisability of Establishing a Retirement Plan or Retirement Savings for Family Caregivers of Certain Veterans.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the heads of such other relevant entities as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines necessary, shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of, for individuals serving as family caregivers under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code-- (1) establishing an individual retirement plan (as defined in section 7701(a)(37) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(37))) or similar retirement plan; or (2) permitting such individuals to join an already established pathway to retirement savings.”
“(c) Comptroller General Report on Efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs in Supporting Family Caregivers Transitioning Away From Caregiving.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report assessing the efforts of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to support individuals serving as family caregivers under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code, in transitioning away from caregiving, either by assisting those individuals with retirement planning or returning to work.”
“(B) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completion of the study under subparagraph (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 study, which shall include-- (i) a plan for increasing employment opportunities at facilities of the Department for individuals who were designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code; and (ii) such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.”
“(6) Study on incorporating former caregivers into workforce of department of veterans affairs.-- (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete a study on barriers and incentives to hiring individuals who were designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code, at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address staffing needs.”
“(5) Study on provision of returnship program.-- (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Secretary of Labor, shall complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of conducting a returnship program to assist individuals who are designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code, or who were discharged from such program, in returning to the workforce. (B) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completion of the study under subparagraph (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 study.”
“(3) Assistance returning to workforce.--Subclause (VI) of such subsection is further amended-- (A) in item (aa), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and (B) by adding at the end the following new item: ``(cc) assistance returning to the workforce upon discharge or dismissal from the program required by paragraph (1) unless such designation was revoked for fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct; and''. (4) Bereavement counseling and support.--Subsection (a)(3)(A)(i)(III) of such section is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, including bereavement counseling and support following the death of the eligible veteran''.”
“(2) Expansion of available services.--Subsection (a)(3)(A)(ii) of such section is amended-- [[Page H4564]] (A) in subclause (V), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subclause (VI)-- (i) in the matter preceding item (aa), by inserting ``or agreements'' after ``contracts''; (ii) in item (aa), by inserting ``, including retirement planning services,'' after ``services''; and (iii) in item (bb), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subclause: ``(VII) such instruction, preparation, training, and support as the Secretary considers appropriate to assist in transitioning away from caregiving during the 180-day period following the date on which the family caregiver is no longer participating in the program required by paragraph (1), unless such designation was revoked for fraud, abuse, or mistreatment, or other misconduct.''.”
“``(C) In consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, access to existing employment assistance resources and programs as considered appropriate. ``(2) An individual described in paragraph (1) shall have access to assistance described in such paragraph-- ``(A) while participating in the program established under subsection (a)(1); and ``(B) during the 180-day period following the date on which the individual is no longer participating in such program unless the designation of such individual under subsection (a)(7)(A) was revoked for fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct. ``(3) The maximum lifetime amount that may be reimbursed for an individual under paragraph (1)(A) is $1,000.''.”
“(b) Employment and Other Benefits for Caregivers Designated as Primary Providers of Personal Care Services for Veterans.-- (1) Employment assistance.--Section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Employment Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall, subject to paragraph (2), provide to an individual designated as a primary provider of personal care services under subsection (a)(7)(A) employment assistance as follows: ``(A) Reimbursement of fees associated with certifications or relicensure necessary for such employment. ``(B) For purposes of gaining credit for continuing professional education requirements, access to training modules of the Department at no cost.”
“(a) Extension of Period of Medical Care Coverage for Caregivers Designated as Primary Providers of Personal Care Services for Veterans.--Section 1781(a)(4) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the comma at the end the following: ``, including during the 180-day period following discharge from the program under section 1720G(a) of this title unless the designation of the individual was revoked due to fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct''.”
“``(2) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given that term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517). ``(3) Nearby.--The term `nearby', with respect to a rural area, includes rural areas adjacent to a highly rural area and rural areas geographically between the highly rural area and the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. ``(4) Rural; highly rural.--The terms `rural' and `highly rural' have the meanings given those terms under the Rural- Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system of the Department of Agriculture.''. SEC. 302. VETERAN CAREGIVER REEDUCATION, REEMPLOYMENT, AND RETIREMENT ACT.”
“``(c) Eligibility of Previous Areas.--Areas eligible for assistance under the grant program under this section on the day before the date of the enactment of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act shall remain eligible for such assistance on and after such date of enactment.''; and (5) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (3)-- (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (5); and (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: ``(1) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).”
“``(2) Priority.--A recipient of a grant under this section shall prioritize the provision of innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas, and shall demonstrate to the Secretary such priority, and may only provide services under paragraph (1) to veterans in nearby rural areas if-- ``(A) it does not impede the services provided to veterans in highly rural areas; and ``(B) the grantee has excess capacity and resources available to provide such services to veterans in nearby rural areas.”
“``(ii) Limitations.--The Secretary may prescribe limitations on the number of vehicles purchased by each recipient under this section.''; (2) by striking subsection (d); (3) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (4) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: ``(b) Additional Services.-- ``(1) Nearby rural areas.--In addition to providing innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas, a recipient of a grant under this section may use amounts provided under the grant to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in nearby rural areas.”
“``(C) Purchasing a vehicle.-- ``(i) Amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under this section to a recipient may be increased by not more than $80,000 if the recipient is purchasing a vehicle to comply with requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) in carrying out this section.”
“``(F) County veterans service organizations.''; (B) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``State veterans service agency or veterans service organization awarded'' and inserting ``recipient of''; and (C) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: ``(4) Maximum amount.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the amount of a grant under this section may not exceed $50,000. ``(B) Off-road communities.--In the case of a county that has more than five communities that are off the road system, the amount of a grant awarded with respect to that county under this section may be increased by an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the amount specified in subparagraph (A).”
“The Secretary shall use such feedback to evaluate and improve the implementation of the program.''. TITLE III--HEALTH CARE SEC. 301. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Section 307 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(C) Indian tribes. ``(D) Tribal organizations. ``(E) Native Hawaiian organizations.”
“Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the numerator shall not count in a case in which the individual is employed by the same organization that was the provider of the individual's program of education or a case in which the individual is employed, by a parent or affiliate of such organization, as an instructor for a substantially similar program of education. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall also report the rates of full-time employment, part-time employment, and self- employment.''; and (2) in subsection (g) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) The Secretary on an ongoing basis shall solicit, collect, and analyze feedback about the program from covered individuals who participate in the program and from the GI Bill School Feedback Tool.”
“(b) Employment Rate Calculation for VET-TEC High Technology and Emerging Technology Program.--Section 3699C of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (f)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting after ``House of Representatives'' the following: ``, and make available to the public,''; and (B) in paragraph (3) by adding at the end the following: ``Such rate shall be calculated as a fraction, the denominator of which is the number of covered individuals who completed such a program during such year and the numerator of which is the number of individuals counted in the denominator who are employed on the date that is 180 days after the date on which the individual completed the program, and expressed as a percentage.”
“(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3699C and inserting the following new item: ``3699C. High technology and emerging technology program.''. (3) Conforming amendments.--Section 3680A of title 38, United States Code, is amended in subsections (a)(4)(B) and (d)(8) by striking ``high technology'' each place such term appears and inserting ``high technology or emerging technology''.”
“(a) Inclusion of Emerging Technologies in High Technology Program.-- (1) In general.--Section 3699C of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in the section heading by striking ``High technology'' and inserting ``High technology and emerging technology''; (B) by striking ``high technology'' and inserting ``high technology or emerging technology'' each place such term appears; and (C) in subsection (c)(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Such criteria shall also identify which technologies of critical importance, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, shall be treated as emerging technologies for purposes of this section.''.”
“Section 3313(g)(3)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``using educational assistance under this chapter''; and (2) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``80 percent'' and inserting ``100 percent''. SEC. 211. IMPROVING EMERGING TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS.”
“[[Page H4563]] ``(e) Covered Assistance Defined.--In this section, the term `covered assistance' means educational assistance available under-- ``(1) this chapter, chapter 30 of this title, chapter 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 of title 10; or ``(2) any other provision of law providing educational assistance to a veteran, or to another individual in connection with the service of a veteran in the Armed Forces.''. SEC. 210. INCREASE OF AMOUNT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PAID BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR FIRST YEAR OF A FULL-TIME PROGRAM OF APPRENTICESHIP OR OTHER ON-JOB TRAINING.”
“Section 3315 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``educational assistance under this chapter'' and inserting ``covered assistance''; (2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``under this chapter'' and inserting ``with respect to covered assistance''; (3) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``under this chapter'' and inserting ``with respect to covered assistance''; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Warnings.--Before providing any payment to or on behalf of an individual described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide notice to the individual a warning that use of entitlement under this section for a licensing or certification test may not lead to a license or certification.”
“(4) State defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 209. EXPANSION OF ENTITLEMENT FOR PAYMENT FOR LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION TESTS FOR VETERANS ENTITLED TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.”
“(b) Expansion of VetSuccess on Campus Program to at Least One Location in Each State.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the VetSuccess on Campus program of the Department of Veterans Affairs is located in every State. (2) Counselors.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that at least one counselor of the VetSuccess on Campus program is located in each State, notwithstanding the number of individuals in a State or at an educational institution who may qualify to participate in the program. (3) Preference.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall give preference to educational institutions that have the largest populations of students who are pursuing programs of education at such institutions with educational assistance provided under laws administered by the Secretary.”
“ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT THAT ON-CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING IS PROVIDED BY CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES. (a) In General.--Section 3697B(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking the second sentence; (2) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) Any individual providing services under paragraph (1) on behalf of the Department who is not an employee of the Department shall be subject to the same oversight, training, and accountability standards applicable to Department employees providing such services.''.”
“(b) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, and to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report that-- (1) identifies each veterans service organization that participated in a presentation under paragraph (20) of section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a); (2) contains the number of members of the Armed Forces who attended such presentations; and (3) includes any recommendations of the Secretary regarding changes to such presentation or to such paragraph. SEC. 208.”
“Such presentation-- ``(A) shall be standardized; ``(B) shall, before implementation, be reviewed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Defense in collaboration with veterans service organizations that provide claims assistance under the benefits delivery at discharge program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; ``(C) shall be submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives for review at least 90 days before implementation; ``(D) where available, shall be presented with the participation of-- ``(i) an employee or representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs assisted by a representative of a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38; or ``(ii) an employee or representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs assisted by an individual recognized under section 5903 of such title and authorized by the Secretary concerned to so participate; ``(E) shall include information on how a veterans service organization may assist the member in filing a claim described in paragraph (19); ``(F) may not encourage the member to join a particular veterans service organization; and ``(G) may not be longer than one hour.''.”
“(a) In General.--Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(20) A presentation that promotes the benefits available to veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.”
“Such report shall include observations and recommendations of the Comptroller General regarding, with respect to members and employers who participate in Skillbridge-- (A) differences in criteria for participation between the Armed Forces; (B) other differences in Skillbridge programs between the Armed Forces; (C) best practices in Skillbridge programs across the Armed Forces, including-- (i) the selection of employers; and (ii) the development of contracts; and (D) the feasibility of making Skillbridge programs uniform across the Armed Forces. SEC. 207. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: PRESENTATION IN PRESEPARATION COUNSELING TO PROMOTE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO VETERANS.”
“(b) Skillbridge: GAO Study.-- (1) Study required.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the Skillbridge programs under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code. (2) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services, and the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report regarding such study.”
“(D) The number of members who receive such preseparation counseling and apply for unemployment compensation under subchapter II of chapter 85 of title 5, United States Code. (E) The total amount of such unemployment compensation paid to members separating from the Armed Forces. (8) Contracting: standardization.--Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Contracting.--A Secretary concerned may enter into an agreement with an entity under which such entity shall provide preseparation counseling under this section. If more than one Secretary seeks to enter into such an agreement, such Secretaries concerned shall, to the extent practicable, seek to enter into such agreements with the same entity.''.”
“Such a report shall include a list of the seven military installations located inside the continental United States, and three military installations located outside the continental United States, where members are least likely to receive preseparation counseling in accordance with such time periods. Such a report shall also include the following. (A) The number of members who, in the course of such preseparation counseling, were referred to another Federal agency or department. (B) The Federal agencies or departments to which members were so referred. (C) The number of members who should have been, but were not, so referred, and reasons why such referrals did not occur.”
“``(C) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor shall each submit to the Committees on Armed Services and on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report that identifies the number of times, and reasons why, an employee of the department under the jurisdiction of such Secretary failed to carry out subparagraph (B) in the year preceding the date of the report.''. (7) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for four years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services, and the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report on data recorded with such tracking system during the year preceding the date of such report.”
“``(3)(A) Before a member described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) separates, retires, or is discharged, the Secretary concerned shall provide such member with the contact information of an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs and an employee of the Department of Labor; and ``(B) Each employee described in subparagraph (A) shall contact the member described in such subparagraph not later than 60 days after such member separates, retires, or is discharged.”
“(6) Coordination between departments of defense, veterans affairs, and labor.--Such section is further amended, in subsection (d)-- (A) by striking the heading and inserting ``Transmission of Certain Information to Other Departments''; (B) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``In the case''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(2) Before a member described in subsection (a) separates, retires, or is discharged, the Secretary concerned shall transmit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the Department of Defense Form DD-2648 regarding such member.”
“(5) Pathways: record of pathway assignment.--Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that the pathway in which a member is placed, and the reasons for such placement, are noted in the service record of such member.''.”
“(3) Repeat attendance.--Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) A member who received preseparation counseling under this section may, before separation, retirement, or discharge, request to receive, on a space-available basis, such preseparation counseling a second time.''. (4) Pathways: standardization; establishment of pathway for members of the reserve components.--Such section is further amended, in paragraph (1) of subsection (c), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)(1)-- [[Page H4562]] (A) by striking ``Each Secretary concerned'' and inserting ``The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security''; and (B) by striking ``pathways for members of the military department concerned'' and inserting ``pathways, standardized across the armed forces''.”
“(2) Requirement of preseparation counseling: number of days.--Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (1)-- (A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Within''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(B) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that a member described in subparagraph (A) receives preseparation counseling in the following amounts: ``(i) In the case of a member who has accepted an offer of full-time employment, or has enrolled in a program of education or vocational training, that shall commence after the member separates, retires, or is discharged, not fewer than three days. ``(ii) In the case of a member other than a member described in clause (i), not fewer than five days.''.”
“``(2) The Secretary shall provide to eligible veterans and eligible persons who are enrolled in a course or program of education or training notice of the opportunity to opt in to sending and receiving correspondence using tailored lines of communication pursuant to paragraph (1). ``(3) In this subsection, the term `tailored lines of communication' includes mailings, text messaging, virtual chatting, and other electronic forms of messaging.''. SEC. 206. IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND SKILLBRIDGE. (a) Transition Assistance Program: Amendments; Pilot Program; Reports.-- (1) Special operations forces.--Subsection (a) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(including each member of the special operations forces)'' after ``armed forces''.”
“(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Use of Tailored Lines of Communication for Correspondence Relating to Educational Assistance Benefits.--Section 3680 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(i) Mechanism for Tailored Lines of Communication.--(1) The Secretary shall provide a mechanism by which an eligible veteran or eligible person may use tailored lines of communication to send and receive correspondence with the Department related to entitlement to and use of educational assistance benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary. The Secretary shall ensure that an eligible veteran or eligible person is provided with an opportunity to opt into sending and receiving such correspondence using such lines of communication rather than by mail.”
“(a) Improvement to Certain Outreach Under Solid Start Program of Department of Veterans Affairs.--Section 6320(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(B)-- (A) by striking ``calling'' and inserting ``communicating with''; and (B) by inserting ``through the use of tailored lines of communication, including mailings, text messaging, virtual chatting, and other electronic forms of messaging'' after ``Armed Forces''; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``tailored mailings'' and inserting ``tailored lines of communication, including mailings, text messaging, virtual chatting, and other electronic forms of messaging,''.”
“(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to a program of education beginning on or after August 1, 2027. SEC. 204. CLARIFICATION REGARDING INCLUSION OF MEDICALLY NECESSARY AUTOMOBILE ADAPTATIONS IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DEFINITION OF ``MEDICAL SERVICES''. Section 1701(6)(I) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(I) The provision of any medically necessary automobile adaptations for driver or passenger use, including-- ``(i) ramp and kneeling systems; ``(ii) raised doors or lowered floors; ``(iii) raised roofs; ``(iv) air conditioning; ``(v) occupied and unoccupied mobility lifts; ``(vi) ingress or egress accessibility modifications; ``(vii) wheelchair tiedowns; and ``(viii) adapted seating.''. SEC. 205. DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS: SOLID START PROGRAM; EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.”
“(a) In General.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``and (iii)'' and inserting ``, (iii), and (iv)''; (2) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and (3) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause (iv): ``(iv) In the case of an individual pursuing, solely through distance learning, a program of education that is shorter than 12 weeks during the summer, for each month the individual pursues the program of education, a monthly housing stipend equal to the product of-- ``(I) the national average of the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section 403 of title 37 for a member with dependents in pay grade E-5, multiplied by ``(II) the lesser of-- ``(aa) 1.0 and ``(bb) the number of course hours borne by the individual in pursuit of the program of education, divided by the minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit of the program of education, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10.''.”
“(2) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after publishing the report under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall provide to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such report. Such briefing shall include any response from the Secretary to the Comptroller General regarding the recommendations in the report. SEC. 203. MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER THE POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO PURSUE SUMMER PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION SOLELY THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING.”
“Such report shall include the determinations of the Comptroller General regarding the following: (A) The capacity of the office determined by the Secretary under such subsection, to carry out processing described in such subsection, including-- (i) a comprehensive assessment of employees of the Department who carry out chapter 39 of such title; (ii) a comprehensive skills assessment indicating what resources the Secretary requires to otherwise improve such centralization, including additional funds, employees, or contractors; and (iii) a review of systems of information technology, including systems in use or to be acquired, to carry out such centralization. (B) Recommendations to improve such processing. (C) Estimated costs to the United States to implement such recommendations.”
“(d) GAO Report; Briefing.-- (1) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary completes centralization under subsection (f) of section 3902 of title 38, United States Code, as added by this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall review such centralization and publish a report containing the results of such review.”
“Each such report shall include, with respect to the period of six months preceding the date of the report, the following elements: (1) The average and median number of days between receipt of an invoice for payment under such section by the Claims Intake Center of the Department and the day when the Secretary makes such payment, disaggregated by whether the claim was under review or being processed by-- (A) the Veterans Health Administration; (B) the Veterans Benefits Administration; or (C) the seller. (2) Improvements to information technology of the Department that the Secretary determines would reduce the time required for such review or processing.”
“(c) Reporting.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and publish on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Veterans Affairs, four semiannual reports after the date of the enactment of this Act, regarding the administration of section 3902 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this section.”