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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“Section 1701 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (6)(F)(i), by inserting ``(including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities that are determined to be clinically appropriate by the Secretary)'' after ``artificial limbs''. SEC. 306. MODIFICATIONS TO AND REAUTHORIZATION OF STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Coordination by Secretary.--Subsection (b) of section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-171; 38 U.S.C. 1720F note) is amended by striking the second sentence.”
“(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code, is further amended as follows: (1) In section 7410(a)(1), by-- (A) by striking ``retention allowances'' and inserting ``retention bonuses''; and (B) by striking the second comma after ``section 7401(1) of this title''; and (2) In section 7431(e)(5)(B), by striking ``retention allowances'' and inserting ``retention bonuses''. SEC. 305. INCLUSION OF ADAPTIVE PROSTHESES AND TERMINAL DEVICES FOR SPORTS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MEDICAL SERVICES FURNISHED TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.”
“``(b) Coordination of Care.--In providing care under this section, traveling physicians shall coordinate with non- Department medical providers to the extent practicable and necessary to ensure high quality and coordinated care for veterans receiving hospital care and medical services. ``(c) Pay.--In addition to pay under section 7431 of this title, the Secretary shall provide a relocation or retention bonus to traveling physicians under this section. Such relocation or retention bonus shall be substantially similar to a relocation or retention bonus offered under section 7410(a) of this title, as the Secretary considers appropriate.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7414 the following new item: ``7415. Traveling physicians.''.”
“A physician assigned to serve as a traveling physician under this section may be assigned to provide health care to veterans residing in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or the Freely Associated States (as such term is defined in section 1724(f) of this title), or any other territory or possession of the United States at Department facilities or other approved facilities located in such territory, possession, or Freely Associated State. ``(2) The Secretary may assign multiple physicians to serve as traveling physicians under this section and may assign each such physician to serve in a specific territory or possession.”
“ASSIGNMENT OF TRAVELING PHYSICIANS TO SERVE TERRITORIES, POSSESSIONS, AND FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 7415. Traveling physicians ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary may assign a physician appointed under section 7401 or section 7431 of this title to serve as a traveling physician for a period of not more than one year at a time.”
“(d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The terms ``chronic mild traumatic brain injury'' and ``mTBI'' mean a mild traumatic brain injury with symptoms that persist for not fewer than six months after the inciting injury, as determined using validated clinical criteria. (2) The term ``nonprofit organization''-- (A) means an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and (B) includes such an organization that is a hospital, nonprofit health system, academic medical center, or clinic that delivers neurorehabilitation care or conducts clinical research relating to mTBI. (3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 304.”
“Each such report shall include-- (1) the findings of the studies under subsection (a)(6)(B); (2) a description of any agreement entered into by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A); (3) recommendations of the Secretary with respect to policy and programmatic improvements to services of the Department to treat mTBI among veterans; (4) any findings derived from surveys conducted under subsection (b)(5)(D), including any recommendations of the Secretary for improvements to the structure, oversight, administration, or performance of the independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A); and (5) such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate.”
“(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to carry out this subsection. [[Page H4566]] (7) Termination date.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out the research grant program under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Reports to Congress.--Not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary commences the research grant program under subsection (a), and on an annual basis thereafter until the termination date specified in paragraph (8) of such subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the grant programs under subsections (a) and (b).”
“(D) Surveys.--The Secretary may conduct surveys of any independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subparagraph (A) in order to assess the effectiveness of such organization in administering the research grant program under this subsection. (6) Available amounts; authorization of appropriations.-- (A) Available amounts.--The Secretary may use amounts available to the Secretary for the operating budget of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to carry out the research grant program under this subsection, if the use of such amounts supplements, and does not supplant, amounts otherwise available for Department programs and services.”
“(C) Report.--An agreement under subparagraph (A) shall include a requirement that the independent organization submits to Congress and the Secretary a comprehensive report that includes-- (i) the findings of the studies required under such agreement; (ii) recommendations with respect to the expansion of successful TBI treatment methodologies and standard of care recommendations, if any, developed pursuant to the research grant program; and (iii) to the extent available from the reports and study materials of grant recipients, a summary of-- (I) the durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment, if collected under the applicable clinical protocol; (II) adverse events and serious adverse events, including self-harm or suicide-related events, if collected under the applicable clinical protocol or in the ordinary course of care; and (III) aggregate expenditures of grant funds, including administrative or overhead costs.”
“(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary, or an independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subparagraph (A), to require prior approval of, or changes to, any clinical protocol, study design, outcome measures, or follow-up schedule established by an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, except as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(5) Agreement with independent organization.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with an independent organization that is not a component of the Department and that has demonstrated expertise in randomized controlled trials, neurorehabilitation outcomes evaluation, and research integrity, under which the organization agrees to-- (i) administer the research grant program under this subsection; (ii) carry out studies and implement efforts that include-- (I) analyzing data from mTBI treatment methodologies developed pursuant to the research grant program to assess the effect, among veterans, of such methodologies on enhanced brain health outcomes, mental health, and long-term recovery, including, to the extent outcomes are collected under the applicable clinical protocol, durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment; (II) identifying data-driven best practices and providing recommendations for further research or clinical application, including recommendations for dissemination to Veterans Health Administration clinicians and facilities (as appropriate); and (III) randomized, controlled clinical trials to-- (aa) validate and deliver treatments; (bb) establish a standard of care; and (cc) improve access to such treatments for veterans; (iii) submit to the Secretary not less frequently than annually a report describing activities carried out under this section, including outcome data and methodology; and (iv) make available to the Secretary all data and findings from the grants made under this section, consistent with applicable Federal law, regulation, and Department policies relating to patient protections, data security, and privacy.”
“(C) Enforcement authority.--The Secretary may suspend, modify, or terminate a grant awarded under this subsection, if the Secretary determines that the recipient of such grant has failed to comply with the applicable terms and conditions of the grant.”
“(4) Administration.-- (A) Grant categories.--In carrying out the grant program under this subsection, each fiscal year the Secretary shall-- (i) subject to the requirement under subparagraph (B), award four grants for exploratory or pilot research and treatment projects, each of which shall be in an amount of not more than $625,000; and (ii) award five grants for collaborative or multidisciplinary research and treatment initiatives, each of which shall be in an amount of not more than $1,500,000. (B) Priority.--Of the grants awarded under subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall award not fewer than three to nonprofit organizations.”
“(3) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary determines appropriate, including a summary of-- (A) the research and treatment activities proposed to be carried out using grant funds; (B) the methodology to be used for such activities; (C) the expected outcomes of such activities; (D) how the eligible entity will coordinate, as practicable, with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds, and for dissemination of aggregate findings; (E) the budget of the entity for the use of the grant, including a narrative justification and an identification of the estimated amount of grant funds to be used for administrative or overhead costs; and (F) assurances of compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(B) An academic institution that conducts significant research on traumatic brain injury and has demonstrated the capability to conduct clinical trials relating to neurorehabilitation treatments. (C) A partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).”
“(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Grant Program for Independent Third-party Research Studies and Treatment With Respect to Supplemental Neurorehabilitation Treatments for MTBI.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and carry out a research grant program to award grants to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) to be used to carry out studies and applied programs on approaches and methodologies for the treatment of mTBI in veterans. (2) Eligible entities described.--An eligible entity described in this paragraph is any of the following: (A) A nonprofit organization that has demonstrated the capability to conduct clinical trials and to evaluate traumatic brain injury treatments through patient care delivery.”
“(7) Duration; annual review.-- (A) Duration.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out the grant program under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the Secretary may continue to use amounts made available to carry out this section after such date solely for the purpose of administering activities and obligations incurred before such termination date. (B) Annual review.--During such three-year period, the Secretary shall, on an annual basis, review the effectiveness of the grant program to determine the potential of such grant program for continuation or expansion.”
“(6) Available amounts; authorization of appropriations.-- (A) Available amounts.--The Secretary may carry out the program under this section using amounts available to the Secretary for general mental health care programs, if the use of such amounts supplements, and does not supplant, amounts otherwise available for Department mental health and traumatic brain injury programs. (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to carry out this section.”
“(E) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require prior approval of, or changes to, any clinical protocol, study design, outcome measures, or follow-up schedule of an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, except as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety. (F) Enforcement authority.--The Secretary may suspend, modify, or terminate a grant awarded under this section, if the Secretary determines that the recipient of such grant has failed to comply with reporting requirements under subparagraph (B) or other applicable terms and conditions of the grant.”
“(D) Oversight; annual evaluations.--The Secretary shall-- (i) ensure rigorous oversight of the grant program under this section, including by monitoring financial compliance and timely receipt of the reports required under subparagraph (B); and (ii) on an annual basis until the termination date specified in paragraph (9)(A), evaluate the efficacy of activities carried out using grant funds based on the reports submitted under subparagraph (B) and other appropriate information.”
“(C) Periodic reports.--As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall, not less frequently than annually during the grant period and not later than 180 days after the end of the grant period, submit to the Secretary a report that includes, with respect to the period covered by the report-- [[Page H4565]] (i) a description of how the eligible entity used such grant; (ii) a summary of the progress of activities funded with amounts from such grant; (iii) measured outcomes relating to such activities; (iv) a detailed accounting of expenditures of grant funds, including administrative or overhead costs; (v) to the extent collected under the applicable clinical protocol or in the ordinary course of care, a description of any adverse events and serious adverse events, including self-harm or suicide-related events; and (vi) a description of actions taken pursuant to the coordination plan described in subparagraph (A)(iv).”
“(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that have demonstrated the capacity to coordinate with the Department to facilitate referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds.”
“(4) Limitation on grant amount.--The Secretary may not award an eligible entity a grant under this section in an amount that exceeds $5,000,000 for any fiscal year. (5) Program administration.-- (A) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary determines appropriate, including a detailed description of-- (i) activities proposed to be conducted using the grant; (ii) expected outcomes of such activities; (iii) plans for evaluating the effectiveness of such activities; (iv) how the eligible entity will coordinate, as practicable, with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds, and for dissemination of aggregate findings; (v) the budget of the entity for the use of the grant, including a narrative justification and an identification of the estimated amount of grant funds to be used for administrative or overhead costs; and (vi) assurances of compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(3) Use of funds.--An eligible entity in receipt of a grant under this subsection shall use such grant to support activities that include-- (A) designing and testing novel or integrative treatments for mTBI that prioritize patient-centered care, including non-pharmacological therapies; (B) conducting clinical studies and assessments to measure the effectiveness of funded approaches to-- (i) improve mental health outcomes among veterans; (ii) reduce suicidality, and common risk factors for completing suicide, including depression and substance use disorders among veterans; and (iii) mitigate long-term effects of mTBI and, to the extent outcomes are collected under the applicable clinical protocol, measure durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment; (C) providing training for clinicians and outreach to veterans and their families to improve awareness and accessibility of innovative mTBI treatments, including information on available Department resources and pathways to access such resources; and (D) establishing partnerships with community organizations, academic institutions, and health care facilities, including, as practicable, coordination with Veterans Health Administration facilities to facilitate referral of eligible veterans, continuity of care, and dissemination of aggregate findings.”
“(B) An academic institution that conducts significant research on mTBI and has demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials relating to neurorehabilitation treatments. (C) A non-Department health care provider with expertise in neurorehabilitative therapies and demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials and to evaluate mTBI treatments through patient care delivery. (D) A partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).”
“(B) Relationship to other department activities.--The grant program required under subparagraph (A) shall be carried out in a manner that-- (i) supplements, and does not supplant, other clinical care and research of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to mTBI; and (ii) facilitates, as practicable, coordination with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral, continuity of care, and dissemination of findings. (2) Eligible entities described.--An eligible entity described in this paragraph is any of the following: (A) A nonprofit organization with demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials and to deliver or research effective neurorehabilitation treatments for mTBI, including through patient care delivery.”
“SEC. 303. VETERANS TBI BREAKTHROUGH EXPLORATION OF ADAPTIVE CARE OPPORTUNITIES NATIONWIDE ACT. (a) Department of Veterans Affairs Grant Program for Supplemental Neurorehabilitation Approaches to Chronic Mild TBI Treatment.-- (1) Grant program.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a three-year program (to be known as the ``TBI Innovation Grant Program'') under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) for the development, implementation, and evaluation of approaches and methodologies for prospective randomized control trials for neurorehabilitation treatments for the treatment of chronic mild traumatic brain injury (in this Act referred to as ``mTBI'') in veterans.”
“(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.”