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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“``(b) Prohibition on Withholding Information.--The Secretary may not withhold information under subsection (a) from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives solely on the basis that the information is predecisional, deliberative, advisory, procurement-sensitive, or subject to an internal policy or directive of the Department.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8106 the following new item: ``8107. Access to information for medical facility construction projects and leases.''. SEC. 331. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.”
“Access to information for medical facility construction projects and leases ``(a) In General.--For any major construction project, lease, or enhanced-use lease for a medical facility of the Department, the Secretary shall ensure that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives are provided timely access to all information, records, documents, data, analyses, communications, contracts, agreements, project schedules, cost estimates, memoranda, briefings, reports, and other materials relating to the project or lease.”
“(5) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this section the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (b) Access to Information for Medical Facility Construction Projects and Leases.-- (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8106 the following: [[Page H4581]] ``Sec. 8107.”
“8103 note) for a non-Department Federal entity to be engaged in project management and other activities for the project under paragraph (1). (3) Notification.--Not later than 60 days after making a waiver, modification, or substitution relating to the project under subsection (a), including a waiver under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a notification describing the waiver, modification, or substitution and the reason for such waiver, modification, or substitution. (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Construction, Major Projects account $1,180,000,000 for the project under paragraph (1), to remain available until expended.”
“(a) Authorization of Major Medical Facility Project of Department of Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 2027 in Manchester, New Hampshire.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a major medical facility project for the replacement of a medical center, a new central utility plant, a community living center, a residential rehabilitation treatment facility, associated parking, and demolition of existing buildings in Manchester, New Hampshire. (2) Non-department federal entity waiver.--In order to reduce cost and expedite timelines, the Secretary may waive the requirements under section 8103(e) of title 38, United States Code, and section 1096 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 38 U.S.C.”
“(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of the three consecutive fiscal years beginning the fiscal year in which the pilot program is established under subsection (a). (k) Termination.-- (1) The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2029. (2) No funds may be obligated by the Secretary to carry out a pilot program under this section after the date of termination in paragraph (1), except for activities necessary to close operations of such pilot program. SEC. 330. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 IN MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE.”
“(D) Post-traumatic stress disorder. (E) Traumatic brain injury. (F) Any other disability, condition, or diagnosis for which the Secretary determines, based on medical judgment, that it is optimal for the veteran to manage the disability, condition, or diagnosis and live independently through the assistance of a service dog. (3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the pilot program required by subsection (a)(1). (4) Service dog.--The term ``service dog'' means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks that are-- (A) for the benefit of a veteran with a disability, condition, or diagnosis described in paragraph (2); and (B) directly related to the disability, condition, or diagnosis of the veteran.”
“(i) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible veteran.--The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) who-- (A) as determined by a physician, has one or more disabilities, conditions, or diagnoses described in paragraph (2); and (B) is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, or is otherwise entitled to receive such care and services under subsection (c)(2) of such section. (2) Disability, condition, diagnosis described.--A disability, condition, or diagnosis described in this subparagraph is any of the following: (A) Blindness or visual impairment. (B) Loss of use of a limb, paralysis, or other significant mobility issue. (C) Loss of hearing.”
“(h) Oversight and Monitoring.--The Secretary-- (1) may require each recipient of a grant under this section to provide, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary, such reports or answers in writing to specific questions, surveys, or questionnaires as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the pilot program; (2) shall establish such oversight and monitoring requirement as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that grant amounts awarded under this section are used appropriately; and (3) may take such actions as the Secretary determines necessary and according to the terms of the grant agreement to address any issues identified through the enforcement of such requirements.”
“(2) Continuation.--If the Secretary provides a veterinary insurance policy to a veteran under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall continue to provide the policy to the veteran without regard to the continuation or termination of the pilot program. (g) Training and Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide training and technical assistance regarding grant application and administration to recipients of grants under this section.”
“(e) Requirements for Grant Recipients.-- (1) Notifications and information.--A recipient of a grant under this section shall-- (A) notify each veteran who receives a service dog through such grant that the service dog is being paid for, in whole or in part, by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (B) inform each such veteran of the benefits and services available from the Secretary for the veteran and the service dog. (2) Prohibition on certain fees.--A recipient of a grant under this section may not charge a fee to a veteran receiving a service dog through such grant. (f) Veterinary Insurance.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to each veteran who receives a service dog through a grant under this section a commercially available veterinary insurance policy for the service dog.”
“(B) Covered program defined.--In this paragraph, the term ``covered program'' means a program under which-- (i) service dogs are provided to participants in the program; and (ii) only eligible veterans are allowed to participate in the program. (2) Administrative expenses.--The Secretary may establish a maximum amount for each grant awarded under this section that may be used by the recipient of the grant to cover administrative expenses. (3) Other conditions and limitations.--The Secretary may establish other conditions or limitations on the use of grant amounts under this section.”
“(2) Agreement required.--Before the provision of any grant amounts to a nonprofit entity selected to receive a grant under this section, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement, containing such terms, conditions, and limitations as the Secretary determines appropriate, with such entity. (3) Maximum grant amount.--A grant awarded to a nonprofit entity under this section may not exceed $2,000,000 in a fiscal year. (4) Payments.--The Secretary shall establish intervals of payment for the administration of each grant awarded under this section. (d) Use of Funds.-- (1) In general.-- (A) Requirement.--A recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant amounts to plan, develop, implement, and manage one or more covered programs.”
“(iii) Any additional support or services that will be provided for such dogs and eligible veterans. (iv) The plan for publicizing the availability of such service dogs through a marketing campaign that targets eligible veterans. (v) The commitment to have humane standards for animals. (vi) The demonstrated experience of the nonprofit entity in training service dogs in compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). (c) Award of Grants.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award a grant to each nonprofit entity for which the Secretary has approved an application submitted under subsection (b)(1).”
“(b) Applications.-- (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a nonprofit entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. (2) Elements.--An application submitted by a nonprofit entity under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A proposal for the provision of service dogs to eligible veterans, including how the nonprofit entity will communicate with the Secretary to ensure an increasing number of service dogs are provided to veterans. (B) A description of the following services or commitments to be provided by the nonprofit entity: (i) The training that will be provided to eligible veterans. (ii) The training of dogs that will serve as service dogs.”
“DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PILOT PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICE DOGS TO VETERANS. (a) In General.-- (1) Pilot program required.--Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis based on the application elements listed in subsection (b)(2), to nonprofit entities to provide service dogs to eligible veterans. (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program during the three-year period beginning on the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section.”
“``(7) In this subsection, the term `assistive technology' means a powered medical device or electronic tool used to treat or alleviate symptoms or conditions caused by a spinal cord injury or disorder, including the following: ``(A) A personal mobility device, including a powered exoskeleton device. ``(B) A speech generating device. ``(C) A spinal cord neuromodulation technology, including non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation using sensory (afferent) pathways, intended to improve voluntary motor function, autonomic function, independence, or quality of life. ``(D) Where clinically appropriate, and consistent with the prosthetic and sensory aids [[Page H4580]] policies of the Department, an implantable spinal cord stimulation system that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.''. SEC. 329.”
“``(ii) for any assistive technology prescribed, an identification of the category of such technology, including spinal cord neuromodulation, and a summary of functional outcomes associated with the prescription of such technology, if available. ``(B) The year-to-year change (for the period covered by the report, including the two years immediately prior to the year the report is submitted) in the percent of veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder who received an evaluation under this subsection. ``(6) In reviewing the performance metrics of a Veterans Integrated Service Network for any year beginning after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, the Secretary shall consider the provision of evaluations under paragraph (1).”
“``(5) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following: ``(A) For the period covered by the report-- ``(i) the number of veterans who-- ``(I) received medical care or hospital services from the Department and used an assistive technology; ``(II) received medical care or hospital services from the Department and were assessed for the provision of an assistive technology; and ``(III) received medical care or hospital services from the Department and were prescribed an assistive technology.”
“``(B) Before issuing any guidance, rules, or regulations regarding the requirements set out in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with manufacturers of assistive technologies and other entities relevant to the provision of assistive technologies if the guidance, rules, or regulations would directly affect such manufacturers or entities. ``(C) The Secretary shall ensure, to the extent possible, that any veteran known by the Secretary to have a spinal cord injury or disorder receives information annually about the evaluation available under this subsection and the benefits to the veteran of choosing to undergo the evaluation. ``(4) As the Secretary determines clinically appropriate, the Secretary may provide training, programming, remote monitoring, and follow-up for assistive technologies through telehealth.”
“``(3)(A) In maintaining, prescribing, or amending any guidance, rules, or regulations issued by the Department regarding the requirements set out in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with-- ``(i) the spinal cord injury and disorder program managers of the Department; ``(ii) clinicians employed by the Department as specialists in spinal cord injuries and disorders; ``(iii) clinicians and technologists with demonstrated expertise in spinal cord neuromodulation therapies, including non-invasive transcutaneous approaches; and ``(iv) representatives of organizations recognized under section 5902 of this title.”
“``(E) An assessment with respect to the provision of assistive technology, including spinal cord neuromodulation technology (such as non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation), that could help maximize the veteran's voluntary motor or autonomic function, independence, or mobility, including suitability for home use and need for training, programming, and remote follow-up.”
“``(2) The evaluation described in paragraph (1) shall include the following: ``(A) An assessment of any circumstance or condition the veteran is experiencing that indicates a risk for any health complication related to the spinal cord injury or disorder, including a risk of comorbidities. ``(B) An assessment regarding chronic pain and, if applicable, the management of chronic pain. ``(C) An assessment regarding dietary management and weight management. ``(D) An assessment regarding prosthetic equipment, including which prosthetic equipment the veteran needs, how well any existing prosthetic equipment is functioning considering the needs of the veteran, and any safety concerns regarding the prosthetic equipment in use by or recommended to the veteran.”
“(5) Toxic exposure.--The terms ``toxic exposure'' and ``toxic-exposed veteran'' have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 328. VETERANS SPINAL TRAUMA ACCESS TO NEW DEVICES ACT. Section 1706 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d)(1) In managing the provision of hospital care and medical services under section 1710(a) of this title, the Secretary shall furnish (through direct provision of service, referral, or a telehealth program operated by the Department) a preventative health evaluation annually to any veteran with a spinal cord injury or disorder who elects to undergo the evaluation.”
“(2) Relevant stakeholders.--The term ``relevant stakeholders'' means-- (A) public health experts with experience in developing and maintaining registries; (B) epidemiologists with experience in studying health effects of toxic exposure on the descendants of toxic-exposed veterans; (C) descendants of toxic-exposed veterans; and (D) veterans service organizations. (3) Toxic-exposed member of the armed forces.--The term ``toxic-exposed member of the Armed Forces'' means a member of the Armed Forces who was subject to a toxic exposure in line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service. (4) Toxic-exposed veteran.--The term ``toxic-exposed veteran'' means a veteran who was subject to a toxic exposure in line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service.”
“(7) Prohibition on expansion of services.--No information collected by this program shall be used to inform the expansion of compensation or healthcare benefits furnished by the Department to the descendants of members of the Armed Forces, unless otherwise authorized by another Act of Congress on a date after the passage of this legislation. (c) Definitions.--In this subsection: (1) Active military, naval, air, or space service.--The term ``active military, naval, air, or space service'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.”
“(4) Collection of information.--In administering the health monitoring program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary may collect, process, maintain, and consolidate information on birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans and toxic-exposed members of the Armed Forces, including biological samples, environmental factors, and personal and social factors. (5) Consultation.--The Secretary shall carry out the services covered by this section in consultation with such Federal, State, and research partners as the Department considers appropriate. (6) Sunset.--This section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”
“(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- (A) leverage Government data sets to improve the program; (B) recruit additional descendants; (C) consult with relevant stakeholders to develop a strategy to coordinate collection of information under the program; and (D) ensure data from the program is used to inform basic research, translational research, and epidemiological studies to help address data and knowledge gaps identified in the literature review conducted under subsection (a)(2)(A). (3) Mechanisms for administration.--The Secretary may administer the program required by paragraph (1) either directly or through such mechanisms as the Secretary considers appropriate, such as through the award of a grant or cooperative agreement.”
“(6) Prohibition on expansion of services.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the expansion of compensation or healthcare benefits furnished by the Department to the descendants of members of the Armed Forces. (b) Program for Monitoring Health of Descendants of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Subjected to Toxic Exposure in the Armed Forces.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall use the results of the literature review conducted under subsection (a)(2)(A) to establish a health monitoring or screening program for descendants of toxic-exposed veterans and toxic-exposed members of the Armed Forces, to assist in identifying potential patterns or signals, supporting public health surveillance, and facilitating epidemiologic and clinical research related to birth defects.”
“(C) Plan.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Agency shall submit to the Secretary and to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan describing the Agency's proposed approach to carrying out the literature review under paragraph (2)(A). (ii) Contents.--The plan submitted pursuant to clause (i) shall include-- (I) the scope and key research questions to be addressed; and (II) the methodology to be used in identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant scientific and medical literature. (5) Consultation.--The Agency shall carry out the services covered by this subsection in consultation with such Federal, State, and research partners as the Agency and the Secretary jointly consider appropriate.”
“(3) Sunset.--On the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (4) Literature review.-- (A) In general.--In carrying out the literature review under paragraph (2)(A), the Agency shall review available literature to determine the association between military toxic exposures and the incidence or prevalence of birth defects among the descendants of toxic-exposed veterans and toxic-exposed members of the Armed Forces. (B) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Agency shall submit to the Secretary, the [[Page H4579]] Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report containing the findings of the Agency with respect to the activities of the Agency under paragraph (2)(A).”
“(2) Services.--Under a contract or agreement between the Secretary and the Agency under this section, the Agency shall-- (A) conduct a literature review on the health effects on descendants of toxic-exposed veterans and toxic-exposed members of the Armed Forces from their toxic exposure and identify any gaps in knowledge or research on such topic; (B) not later than 180 days after completing the literature review under subparagraph (A) establish and maintain a publicly available report with information on-- (i) the findings of the Agency with respect to such literature review; and (ii) the ongoing research and activities directed by the Agency, including a review of all relevant data to determine the strength of evidence for a positive association between a health condition researched and a toxic exposure based on the categories set forth under section 1173(c)(2) of title 38, United States Code; and (C) not later than 30 days after the date on which the first review is published under subparagraph (B) and not less frequently than once every year thereafter, publish a new report containing the information made available under clause (ii) of such subparagraph.”
“(a) Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Health Conditions of Descendants of Individuals Exposed to Toxic Substances While Serving in Armed Forces.-- (1) Contract or agreement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract or interagency agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (in this section referred to as the ``Agency'') to perform the services covered by this section.”
“(2) Definitions.--In this subsection: (A) Military sexual trauma.--The term ``military sexual trauma'' has the meaning given such term in section 1166(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code. (B) Service academy.--The term ``service academy'' means any of the following: (i) The United States Military Academy. (ii) The United States Naval Academy. (iii) The United States Air Force Academy. (iv) The United States Coast Guard Academy. (v) The United States Merchant Marine Academy. SEC. 327. RESEARCH ON HEALTH CONDITIONS OF DESCENDANTS OF TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS.”
“(b) Care Relating to Military Sexual Trauma for Individuals Who Withdraw From or Otherwise Do Not Complete Service at Service Academies.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation, shall ensure that each individual who withdraws from, or otherwise does not complete service at, a service academy is provided-- (A) information on the potential eligibility of such individual for care and counseling relating to military sexual trauma provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (B) the option to receive copies of-- (i) the individual's service treatment records or military personnel records that document military sexual trauma; (ii) reporting forms of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Transportation on sexual assault or sexual harassment for which the individual was the victim; and (iii) any investigative reports into military sexual trauma that occurred during the individual's service in the Armed Forces and for which the individual was the victim, which are in the possession of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Transportation.”
“1166 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and (B) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: ``(D) the contact information for the nearest military sexual trauma coordinator for the veteran at the Veterans Benefits Administration and a description of the assistance such coordinator can provide; ``(E) the contact information for the nearest military sexual trauma coordinator for the veteran at the Veterans Health Administration and a description of the assistance such coordinator can provide; ``(F) the types of services that individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma are eligible to receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as mental health counseling from providers trained in military sexual trauma issues and peer support services, including the nearest locations where such services are furnished, including the nearest Readjustment Counseling Service location, and the contact information for the providers of such services; and ``(G) such other information on services, care, or resources for military sexual trauma as the Secretary determines appropriate.''; and (2) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) submitting a claim for disability compensation to the Veterans Benefits Administration for a disability relating to military sexual trauma.''; and (B) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows: ``(5) The term `military sexual trauma' with respect to eligibility for health care, has the meaning given such term in section 1166(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code.''.”
“(a) Connection to Veterans Health Administration When a Disability Claim Related to Military Sexual Trauma Is Submitted to Veterans Benefits Administration.--Section 2 of the MST Claims Coordination Act (Public Law 117-303; 38 U.S.C.”
“(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 119 the following new item: ``120. Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission.''. (c) Initial Appointment.--Not later than 280 days after the date on which amounts are first appropriated to the Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission established under section 120 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall make initial appointments of members to the Commission under subsection (b)(1) of such section. SEC. 326. ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.”
“``(l) Termination.-- ``(1) The Commission shall terminate on September 30, 2032. ``(2) Not later than 1 year before the date of termination under paragraph (1), the Commission shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a final assessment on whether the Commission should be continued, modified, or allowed to terminate. ``(3) A member of the Commission shall be appointed under subsection (b)(1) for a term of 5 years, except that the Comptroller General shall designate staggered terms for the members first appointed. ``(4) No funds may be obligated by the Commission after the date of termination under paragraph (1), except for activities necessary to close out the operations of the Commission.''.”
“``(i) Detail of Federal Employees.--An employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement and without interruption or loss of civil service status or privileges. ``(j) Access of Congressional Support Agencies to Information.--The Commission shall provide to the Comptroller General, the Congressional Research Service, and the Congressional Budget Office unrestricted access to all deliberations, records, and nonproprietary data of the Commission not later than 30 days after such access is requested. ``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--The Commission shall submit requests for appropriations in the same manner as the Comptroller General submits requests for appropriations, but amounts appropriated for the Commission shall be separate from amounts appropriated for the Comptroller General.”
“``(2) Physician comparability allowance for personnel.--The Commission may provide a physician comparability allowance to physicians serving as personnel of the Commission in the same manner as physicians of the Federal Government may be provided such an allowance by an agency under section 5948 of title 5, and for such purpose, subsection (i) of such section shall apply to the Commission in the same manner as it applies to the Tennessee Valley Authority. ``(3) Treatment of personnel.--For purposes of pay (other than pay of members of the Commission) and employment benefits, rights, and privileges, all personnel of the Commission shall be treated as if they were employees of the United States Senate.”
“``(h) Compensation.-- ``(1) Members.-- ``(A) In general.--While conducting the business of the Commission (including travel time), a member of the Commission shall be entitled to compensation at the per diem equivalent of the rate provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5. ``(B) Travel expenses.--While conducting the business of the Commission away from home and the regular place of business of the member, a member may be allowed travel expenses, as authorized by the Chairman.”
“[[Page H4578]] ``(3) Information from federal agencies.-- ``(A) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from any relevant department or agency of the United States health care information the Chairman determines would be helpful to enable the Commission to carry out this section. ``(B) Timing.--Upon request of the Chairman, the head of a department or agency of the United States shall furnish information requested under subparagraph (A) to the Commission on an agreed upon schedule or not later than 180 days after the date of the request.”
“``(2) Data collection.--In order to carry out its functions, the Commission shall-- ``(A) utilize existing information, both published and unpublished, if possible, collected and assessed either by its own staff or under other arrangements made in accordance with this section; ``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, rely on existing data, reports, audits, evaluations, and assessments prepared by the Department, the Inspector General of the Department, the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and other relevant Federal entities before entering into any contract or conducting original research; and ``(C) adopt procedures allowing any interested party to submit information for use by the Commission in making reports and recommendations.”
“The Commission shall serve solely in an advisory capacity to Congress and to the Department on matters expressly authorized under laws administered by the Secretary. ``(g) Powers of Commission.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commission may-- ``(A) employ and fix the compensation: ``(i) of an Executive Director (at a rate of pay not greater than that provided for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5) who is confirmed by two-thirds vote by members of the Commission; and ``(ii) other such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service; ``(B) seek such assistance and support as may be required in the performance of its duties from appropriate departments and agencies of the United States or departments or agencies of a State; ``(C) enter into a contract or conduct original research only upon a written determination by the Chair and Vice Chair that comparable information is unavailable, insufficient, or outdated; ``(D) make advance, progress, and other payments that relate to the work of the Commission; ``(E) provide transportation and subsistence for individuals serving the Commission without compensation; and ``(F) prescribe such rules and regulations as the Commission determines necessary with respect to the internal organization and operation of the Commission.”
“``(9) Report.-- ``(A) In general.--By not later than March 15 of each year, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report containing the results and recommendations from the review conducted under paragraph (1). ``(B) Inclusion of recommendations.--A recommendation may be included in a report under subparagraph (A) if a simple majority of the members of the Commission vote to include the recommendation in the report. ``(10) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Commission to direct, control, approve, suspend, delay, or administer any program, policy, contract, personnel action, budgetary decision, clinical decision, or operational activity of the Department.”
“``(C) Special studies.--The Commission may conduct special studies requested by the chairman or ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and as the Commission determines appropriate. ``(7) Coordination.--In carrying out reviews, preparing reports, and conducting studies under this section, the Commission shall, to the extent practicable, coordinate with the Inspector General of the Department to ensure the work of the Commission does not interfere with investigations or remediations underway by the Inspector General. ``(8) Budgetary considerations.--Before making any recommendations to Congress, the Commission shall examine the budget consequences of such recommendations, directly or through consultation with appropriate expert entities.”
“``(6) Consultation and additional reviews and studies.-- ``(A) Consultation.--In carrying out the requirements of this subsection, the Commission shall consult periodically with the chairmen and ranking members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives regarding the agenda of the Commission and progress towards achieving that agenda. ``(B) Additional reviews and reports.--The Commission may conduct additional reviews, and may submit additional reports to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, from time to time on such topics relating to the activities of the Commission as may be requested by the Chairman and members and as the Commission determines appropriate.”
“``(4) Issues regarding veteran health care delivery generally.--In carrying out the requirements of this subsection, the Commission shall review the effect of policies under this title on the delivery of health care services to veterans and assess the implications of changes in health care delivery for veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary. ``(5) Transmittal of certain reports.--If the Secretary or the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs submits to Congress (or a committee of Congress) a report that is required by law and that relates to policies for health care furnished under the laws administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall transmit a copy of that report to the Commission.”
“1395 et seq.), the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), the TRICARE program under chapter 55 of title 10, and commercial health care plans with care furnished by the Veterans Health Administration. ``(3) Use of existing data.--In carrying out the requirements of this subsection, the Commission, to the extent practicable, shall use existing data that has been compiled by the Department, compiled for the Department, or purchased by the Department, including-- ``(A) data described in subsection (c)(1) of section 1704A of this title; and ``(B) the results of the independent assessments conducted under such section.”