House Report 111-626 - HELP VETERANS ACT OF 2010

[House Report 111-626]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 111-626

======================================================================

HELP VETERANS ACT OF 2010

_______

September 28, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

_______

Mr. Filner, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, submitted the
following

R E P O R T

[To accompany H.R. 5360]

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 5360) to amend title 38, United States Code, to
modify the standard of visual acuity required for eligibility
for specially adapted housing assistance provided by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, having considered the same,
report favorably thereon with amendments and recommend that the
bill as amended do pass.

CONTENTS

Page
Amendment........................................................ 2
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 10
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 11
Hearings......................................................... 21
Subcommittee Consideration....................................... 23
Committee Consideration.......................................... 24
Committee Votes.................................................. 24
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 24
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 24
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 24
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits............................. 24
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 24
Congressional Budget Office Estimate............................. 25
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 25
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 25
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 25
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 25
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 25
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill as Reported............. 28

Amendment

The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Housing, Employment,
and Living Programs for Veterans Act of 2010'' or the ``HELP Veterans
Act of 2010''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Modification of standard of visual acuity required for
eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance provided by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 4. Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 5. Reauthorization and improvement of Department of Veterans
Affairs small business loan program.
Sec. 6. Assistance for flight training.
Sec. 7. Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals
pursuing internships or on-job training.
Sec. 8. Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study
activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 9. Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain outreach
services conducted through congressional offices.
Sec. 10. Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for on-the-job
training programs.
Sec. 11. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 12. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program.
Sec. 13. Technology review and grant program.
Sec. 14. Child care; President's Budget.
Sec. 15. Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational assistance.
Sec. 16. Modification of advance payment of initial educational
assistance or subsistence allowance.
Sec. 17. Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to
veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation program.
Sec. 18. Expansion of availability of employment assistance allowance
for veterans using employment services.
Sec. 19. Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in rural
areas.
Sec. 20. Promoting jobs for veterans through the establishment of an
internship program.
Sec. 21. Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole source
contracts by Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of meeting the
contracting goals and preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs
for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans.
Sec. 22. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.
Sec. 23. Increase in the maximum amount of specially adapted housing
assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 24. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loans for construction
of energy efficient dwellings.
Sec. 25. Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for
veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

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

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

SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF STANDARD OF VISUAL ACUITY REQUIRED FOR
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--Section 2101(b)(2)(A) is amended by striking ``with
5/200'' and all that follows through the period and inserting the
following: ``with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better
eye with the use of standard correcting lenses (for purposes of this
subparagraph, an eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the fields
of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an
angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be treated as having a central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to specially adapted housing assistance provided on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. AUTHORITIES REGARDING HOUSING LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Covenants and Liens in Response to Disaster-relief Assistance.--
Paragraph (3) of section 3703(d) is amended to read as follows:
``(3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs,
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien on the
realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the Secretary may
either disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien that----
``(i) is created by a duly recorded covenant running with the
realty in favor of--
``(I) a public entity that provides assistance in
response to a major disaster as determined by the
President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
or
``(II) a private entity to secure an obligation to
such entity for the homeowner's share of the costs of
the management, operation, or maintenance of property,
services, or programs within and for the benefit of the
development or community in which the veteran's realty
is located; and
``(ii) the Secretary determines will not prejudice the
interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government by the
operation of such a covenant.
``(B) In respect to a superior lien described by subparagraph (A)
that is created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's determination must
have been made prior to the recordation of the covenant.''.
(b) Extension of Authority to Pool Loans.--Paragraph (2) of section
3720(h) is amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2016''.

SEC. 5. REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM.

(a) Reauthorization.----
(1) In general.--Chapter 37 is amended by striking section
3751.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item
relating to section 3751.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 3749 is amended by
striking subsection (e).
(b) Expansion of Eligibility for Small Business Loans.--Chapter 37 is
further amended----
(1) in section 3741--
(A) by striking paragraph (2); and
(B) by striking ``this subchapter--'' and all that
follows through ```disabled veteran''' and inserting
``this subchapter, the term `disabled veteran'''; and
(2) in section 3742(a)(3)(A), by striking ``veterans of the
Vietnam era or''.
(c) Repeal of Authority To Make Direct Loans.--Chapter 37, as amended
by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended----
(1) in section 3742----
(A) in subsection (a)----
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(A) loan
guaranties, or (B) direct loans'' and inserting
``loan guaranties''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``and
that at least 51 percent of a business concern
must be owned by disabled veterans in order for
such concern to qualify for a direct loan'';
(B) in subsection (b)----
(i) by striking paragraph (1) and
redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as
paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by
striking ``make or'';
(C) in subsection (c), by striking ``made or'';
(D) in subsection (d)----
(i) by striking paragraph (2);
(ii) by striking ``(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2) of this subsection, the'' and
inserting ``The''; and
(iii) by striking ``make or''; and
(E) in subsection (e)----
(i) in paragraph (1)----
(I) in the first sentence, by
striking ``or, if the loan was a direct
loan made by the Secretary, may suspend
such obligation''; and
(II) in the second sentence, by
striking ``or while such obligation is
suspended'';
(ii) by striking ``or suspend'' each place it
appears;
(iii) by striking ``or suspension'' each
place it appears;
(iv) by striking ``or suspends'' each place
it appears; and
(v) by striking ``or suspended'' each place
it appears;
(2) in section 3743----
(A) by striking ``that is provided a direct loan
under this subchapter, or'';
(B) by striking the comma between ``subchapter'' and
``shall'';
(C) by striking ``direct or''; and
(D) by striking ``for the amount of such direct loan
or, in the case of a guaranteed loan,'';
(3) in section 3746, by striking ``made or'' both places it
appears;
(4) in section 3749(b), by striking ``and direct loan''; and
(5) in section 3750, by striking ``made or''.
(d) Authority to Enter Into a Contract.--Section 3742, as amended by
subsection (c), is further amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(f) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with an appropriate
entity for the purpose of carrying out the program under this
subchapter.''.
(e) Loan Fee.----
(1) In general.--Chapter 37 is further amended by inserting
after section 3749 the following new section:

``Sec. 3749A. Loan Fee

``(a) Requirement of Fee.--(1) The Secretary shall----
``(A) collect a fee from each veterans' small business
concern obtaining a loan guaranteed under this subchapter; and
``(B) deposit such fee in the fund established under section
3749 of this title.
``(2) No loan may be guaranteed under this subchapter until the fee
payable under this section has been remitted to the Secretary.
``(3) The fee may be included in the loan guaranteed under this
subchapter and paid from the proceeds thereof.
``(b) Determination of Fee.--The amount of the fee shall be an amount
necessary to ensure the solvency of the fund established under section
3749 of this title, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3749 the following new item:

``3749A. Loan fee.''.

(3) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 3749(c)
is amended by inserting ``, fees collected under section 3749A
of this title,'' after ``principal and interest''.

SEC. 6. ASSISTANCE FOR FLIGHT TRAINING.

Subsection (e)(1) of section 3032 is amended by striking ``60
percent'' and inserting ``75 percent''.

SEC. 7. SEVEN-YEAR INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
PURSUING INTERNSHIPS OR ON-JOB TRAINING.

During the seven-year period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall apply----
(1) section 3032(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code----
(A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80
percent'' for ``75 percent'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60
percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40
percent'' for ``35 percent'';
(2) section 3233(a) of such title--
(A) in paragraph (1), by substituting ``80 percent''
for ``75 percent'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by substituting ``60 percent''
for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by substituting ``40 percent''
for ``35 percent'';
(3) section 3687(b)(2) of such title----
(A) by substituting ``$603'' for ``$574'';
(B) by substituting ``$450'' for ``$429''; and
(C) by substituting ``$299'' for ``$285''; and
(4) section 16131(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code----
(A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80
percent'' for ``75 percent'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60
percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40
percent'' for ``35 percent''.

SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY
ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.

Paragraph (4) of section 3485(a) is amended by striking ``June 30,
2010'' each place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2020''.

SEC. 9. EXPANSION OF WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE TO INCLUDE CERTAIN OUTREACH
SERVICES CONDUCTED THROUGH CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES.

Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) The following activities carried out at the offices of
Members of Congress for such Members:
``(i) The distribution of information to members of
the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about
the benefits and services under laws administered by
the Secretary and other appropriate governmental and
non-governmental programs.
``(ii) The provision of assistance in ascertaining
the status of claims (including appeals) for benefits
under laws administered by the Secretary, as well as
other constituent services for veterans as the
Secretary determines appropriate.''.

SEC. 10. TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF REQUIRED AMOUNT OF WAGES FOR ON-THE-JOB
TRAINING PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--
(1) Reducing requirement.--Section 3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) is
amended by striking ``85 per centum'' and inserting ``60
percent''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on October 1, 2010, and shall apply to a
veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the job
approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States Code, on
or after such date.
(b) Sunset.----
(1) Reversion.--Effective October 1, 2013, section
3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of such title, as amended by subsection (a)
of this section, is amended by striking ``60 percent'' and
inserting ``85 percent''.
(2) Application.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
apply to a veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the
job approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States
Code, on or after October 1, 2013.
(c) GAO Report.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the Comptroller
General shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
a report on the effects of eliminating the requirement under section
3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 38, United States Code, for a private
employer to provide wage increases to veterans enrolled in a program of
training on the job approved under section 3677 of such title.

SEC. 11. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.

SEC. 12. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN
REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) Grant Program.--Chapter 20 is amended by inserting after section
2021 the following new section:

``Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with
children reintegration grant program

``(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations provided
for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants to programs
and facilities that the Secretary determines provide dedicated services
for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including job
readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care services to
expedite the reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless
veterans with children into the labor force.
``(c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that Secretary
considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the distribution and
expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this section. The
information shall include data with respect to the results or outcomes
of the services provided to each homeless veteran under this section.
``(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in such form
and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
``(d) Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry
out this section through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
Employment and Training.
``(e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor shall
include as part of the report required under section 2021(d) of this
title an evaluation of the grant program under this section, which
shall include an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under
this section and an analysis of the information collected under
subsection (c).
``(f) Appropriated Funds.--(1) In addition to any amount authorized
to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this title, there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to carry
out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and the succeeding
fiscal year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
2021 the following new item:

``2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program.''.

SEC. 13. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW AND GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) Review and Evaluation of New Technology.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall establish a team of individuals from appropriate
disciplines to be responsible for reviewing new technologies,
processes, and products and for determining which such technologies,
processes, and products may be beneficial to the Department of Veterans
Affairs or to the veterans served by the Department. Upon completion of
the review under this subsection, the team shall submit the review to
the Secretary, who shall disseminate the review within the Department,
as appropriate.
(b) Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program.----
(1) In general.--Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:

``Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant
program

``(a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially
adapted housing.
``(b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in
such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify.
``(c) Grant Funds.--Each grant awarded under this section shall be in
an amount of not more than $250,000 per year.
``(d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this section
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in
specially adapted housing.
``(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year following a year
in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report containing information related to each grant awarded
under this section during the preceding calendar year, including----
``(1) the name of the grant recipient;
``(2) the amount of the grant; and
``(3) the goal of the grant.
``(f) Funding.--From amounts authorized to be appropriated to the
Department for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is authorized
to make a grant under this section, $1,500,000 shall be available for
that fiscal year for the purposes of the program under this section.
``(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this section
shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the
enactment of this section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:

``2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant
program.''.

(3) Effective date.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
begin making grants under section 2108 of title 38, United
States Code, as added by paragraph (1), by not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 14. CHILD CARE; PRESIDENT'S BUDGET.

(a) In General.--Chapter 31 is amended by adding at the end the
following new sections:

``Sec. 3123. Child care assistance for single parents

``(a) In General.--Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the
Secretary to carry out this section, the Secretary shall provide
reimbursements for the actual cost of child care provided by a licensed
provider to a veteran who----
``(1) is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program
under this chapter;
``(2) is the sole caretaker of a child; and
``(3) would not otherwise be able to afford such child care.
``(b) Amount and Duration.--The amount of the reimbursement for the
actual cost for child care under this section shall be not more than
$2,000 per month for each month the veteran is participating in a
vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter.

``Sec. 3124. Information included in support of President's budget

``The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to Congress by
the Secretary in support of the President's budget for each fiscal year
submitted under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the
following:
``(1) For the calendar year preceding the submission----
``(A) the percentage of veterans receiving assistance
under this chapter who became employed; and
``(B) the percentage of veterans receiving assistance
under this chapter who achieved independence in daily
living.
``(2) Any changes made by the Secretary in measuring or
calculating the performance of the department under this
chapter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``3123. Child care assistance for single parents.
``3124. Information included in support of President's budget.''.

SEC. 15. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF REPORTING FEE PAYABLE TO EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS THAT ENROLL VETERANS RECEIVING
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) Increase in Amount of Fee.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is
amended----
(1) by striking ``$7'' and inserting ``$16''; and
(2) by striking ``$11'' and inserting ``$16''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Subsection (a) of such section is amended
by striking the second comma after ``34''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect on January 1, 2011.

SEC. 16. MODIFICATION OF ADVANCE PAYMENT OF INITIAL EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE OR SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE.

(a) Modification.--Section 3680(d)(2) is amended by inserting after
the third sentence the following new sentence: ``For purposes of the
entitlement to educational assistance of the veteran or person
receiving an advance payment under this subsection, the advance payment
shall be charged against the final month of the entitlement of the
person or veteran and, if necessary, the penultimate such month. In no
event may any veteran or person receive more than one advance payment
under this subsection during any academic year.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to an advance payment of educational assistance made on or
after September 1, 2010.

SEC. 17. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO
VETERANS PARTICIPATING IN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
PROGRAM.

(a) Increase in Subsistence Allowance.--Section 3108(b)(1) is amended
by striking the table and inserting the following new table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Column I Column II Column Column IV Column V
--------------------------------------------------------- III --------------------------------------------
-----------
Type of program No One Two More than two dependents
dependents dependent dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.......... ......... .......... The amount in column IV, plus
the following for each
dependent in excess of two:
Full-time................................... $576.01 $714.50 $841.98 $61.37
Three-quarter time.......................... $432.80 $536.65 $629.50 $47.19
Half-time................................... $289.59 $358.81 $421.77 $31.49''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to a payment made for the third month beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act and each subsequent month.

SEC. 18. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE
FOR VETERANS USING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.

Paragraph (2) of section 3108(a) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) In the case of a veteran with a service-connected disability
who the Secretary determines has reached a point of employability and
who is participating only in a program of employment services provided
under section 3104(a)(5) of this title, the Secretary shall pay the
veteran a subsistence allowance as prescribed in this section for three
months while the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.''.

SEC. 19. PROMOTING JOBS FOR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS TEACHING IN RURAL
AREAS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:

``Sec. 3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers

``(a) Reducing Administrative Burden.--The Secretary may pay to a
rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance of $500.
``(b) Duration.--The aggregate period for which the Secretary may pay
a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance under subsection
(a) may not exceed 24 months.
``(c) Rural Veteran Teacher Defined.--In this section, the term
`rural veteran teacher' means a veteran who--
``(1) is discharged from service in the Armed Forces under
honorable conditions;
``(2) is employed to teach full-time at an accredited
elementary or secondary school that is located in a rural area
(as determined by the Bureau of the Census);
``(3) on the date on which the veteran applies for a monthly
assistance allowance under subsection (a), is enrolled in an
accredited course leading to certification as a teacher;
``(4) has not been previously employed to teach full-time at
an accredited elementary or secondary school; and
``(5) is entitled to compensation under section 1110 of this
title.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012
and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3697A the following new item:

``3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers.''.

SEC. 20. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Chapter 7 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:

``Sec. 712. Internship program

``(a) Internship Program.--The Secretary may carry out an internship
program through which the Secretary shall award internships to up to
2,000 veterans each year in accordance with this section. The recipient
of an internship under this section shall be employed in the Veterans
Benefits Administration for the duration of the internship.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an internship under
this section a veteran shall have completed a rehabilitation program
under chapter 31 of this title. In awarding internships under this
section, the Secretary shall give a preference to a veteran who has
completed a program of long-term education or training, as determined
by the Secretary.
``(c) Salary; Benefits.--(1) Each recipient of an internship under
this section shall be paid at a rate determined by the Secretary,
except that such rate shall be at least the maximum annual rate of
basic pay payable for grade GS-3 of the General Schedule under section
5332 of title 5, United States Code, and shall not exceed the maximum
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-5 of such schedule.
Payments under this paragraph shall be derived from amounts available
in the `General operating expenses' account of the Department.
``(2) Each such recipient shall be entitled to leave on the same
basis as employees of the Department who are paid at the same annual
rate, except that such recipient may not be reimbursed for any unused
leave at the end of the internship.
``(3) The Secretary shall furnish hospital care, medical services,
and nursing home care to each recipient of an internship under this
section on the same basis as a veteran described in subsection (B) of
paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of section 1710 of this title unless
the recipient is eligible for such care and services under subparagraph
(A) of such paragraph or under paragraph (1) of such subsection.
``(4) The recipient of an internship under this section may receive
an allowance under section 3108 of this title if such recipient is
entitled to such an allowance.
``(d) Duration.--No internship under this section shall exceed 12
months in duration.
``(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall notify each participant in a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title of the internship
program under this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
711 the following new item:

``712. Internship program.''.

SEC. 21. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE USE OF SOLE SOURCE
CONTRACTS BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR
PURPOSES OF MEETING THE CONTRACTING GOALS AND
PREFERENCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY
VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Section 8127(c) is amended by striking ``may'' and
inserting ``shall''.
(b) Deadline for Interim Policy Guidance.--By not later than 30 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall issue interim policy guidance to carry out the amendment
made by subsection (a).

SEC. 22. VETERANS ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT.

(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 81 is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:

``Sec. 8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

``(a) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--The Secretary may
hold an event, once every year, to provide networking opportunities,
outreach, education, training, and support to small business concerns
owned and controlled by veterans, veterans service organizations, and
other entities as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2011 and 2021.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to
subchapter II the following:

``8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.''.

SEC. 23. INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) In General.--Section 2102 is amended----
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$12,000'' and
inserting ``$13,756''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$60,000'' and
inserting ``$65,780''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$12,000'' and
inserting ``$13,756''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to assistance furnished after the date of the
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 24. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOANS FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF ENERGY EFFICIENT DWELLINGS.

(a) Loans Authorized.--Section 3710(d) is amended----
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(A)
The Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``for the acquisition of'' and all
that follows through the end and inserting ``for any of
the following purposes:'';
(C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(i) The acquisition of an existing dwelling and the cost of
making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
``(ii) The construction of a new dwelling and the cost of
making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
``(iii) Energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling owned
and occupied by a veteran.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraphs:
``(B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan may be
guaranteed under this subsection only if it meets the requirements of
this chapter.
``(C) The Secretary shall determine appropriate energy efficiency
standards for purposes of this subsection and shall require that
dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved using a loan guaranteed
under this subsection meet such standards.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
and inserting the following new subparagraphs (A) and (B):
``(A) five percent of the total established value of the
property, dwelling, and improvements; or
``(B) $6,000, or a higher amount specifically provided by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance on appraising
the value of energy efficiency improvements for purposes of section
3710(d) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this Act.
(c) Regulations.----
(1) Interim policy guidance.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall prescribe interim policy guidance on
energy efficiency audits and the conditions under which the
performance of such audits may be included in the amount
guaranteed by the Secretary under section 3710(d) of title 38,
United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
(2) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe
regulations to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(3) Energy efficiency audit defined.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term ``energy efficiency audit'' means a
measurement of the effects of an improvement made to a dwelling
for the purpose of reducing energy consumption or increasing
energy efficiency that is carried out by a certified
professional auditor, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply with respect to a loan secured on or after January 1, 2011.

SEC. 25. PILOT PROGRAM ON SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR
VETERANS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A
FAMILY MEMBER.

(a) Treatment of Certain Limitations.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)
of section 2102 of title 38, United States Code, and subject to
subsection (b), a grant under section 2102A of such title shall not
count toward the dollar amount limitations specified in that
subsection.
(b) Termination.--Subsection (a) shall apply only to the first 25
grants made during fiscal year 2011.

Amend the title so as to read:

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make
certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Purpose and Summary

H.R. 5360 was introduced on May 20, 2010, by Representative
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota, Chairwoman of the
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. H.R. 5360, as amended,
would amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain
improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 5360 is comprised of a number of bills introduced in
the 111th Congress. These bills include H.R. 3561, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of
educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight
training, introduced by Representative Harry Teague of New
Mexico; H.R. 1098, the Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009,
introduced by Representative Thomas Perriello of Virginia; H.R.
3484, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the
authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for
purposes of the educational assistance programs of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Representative
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota; H.R. 4765, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to authorize individuals who are
pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training
under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
receive work-study allowances for certain outreach services
provided through congressional offices, and for other purposes,
introduced by Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon; H.R.
4079, to amend title 38, United States Code, to temporarily
lower the salary increases paid by employers as a means to
increase the number of potential on-the-job and apprenticeship
training programs for veterans introduced by Representative
Thomas Perriello of Virginia; H.R. 2614, the Veterans' Advisory
Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009, introduced
by Representative Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona; H.R. 1171, the
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of
2009, introduced by Representative John Boozman of Arkansas;
H.R. 1170, to amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code,
to establish a grant program to encourage the development of
new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing,
introduced by Representative John Boozman of Arkansas; H.R.
1821, the Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009, introduced
by Representative Bob Filner of California; H.R. 3579, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the
amount of the reporting fees payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes, introduced by Representative Bob Filner of
California; H.R. 1336, the Veterans Education Improvement Act
of 2009, introduced by Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
of South Dakota; and H.R. 297, the Veteran Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement
Act of 2009, introduced by Representative Steve Buyer of
Indiana, the Ranking Member of the Committee.

Background and Need for Legislation

Modification of standard of visual acuity required for eligibility for
specially adapted housing assistance provided by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs

On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a hearing on adaptive housing grants which
focused in part on adaptive housing for blinded veterans. Dr.
Thomas Zampieri of the Blinded Veterans Association provided
testimony emphasizing the VA's overly restrictive definition of
blindness which ultimately leaves many visually-impaired
veterans without access to the adaptive housing grants they
need.
To qualify for the VA's adaptive housing grants, a blinded
veteran must have a visual acuity of 5/200 or less. A 5/200
level of visual acuity means that one must stand no further
than five feet away from a word or object that someone with
normal vision can see clearly at 200 feet. In practice, this
level of impairment generally manifests itself with the
inability to perceive light, or to distinguish between being in
a lit environment versus a dark environment. Many veterans who
have suffered the effects of impaired vision as a result of
their military service do not meet this very high standard of
5/200, but still must face an impairment that significantly
affects their quality of life as well as their own personal
safety.
Following the hearing, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity conducted relevant research among professionals in
the fields of optometry and ophthalmology. Exchanges with eye
specialists such as Michael Duenas, O.D. from the American
Optometric Association have focused on the disparity between
the VA's definition of blindness and what other Federal
statutes define as blindness.
Other Federal statutes have a less restrictive standard for
blindness than the VA. For example, the term ``blindness''
means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye
with the use of a correcting lens.
An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the fields
of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be
considered for purposes in this paragraph as having a central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less. 42. U.S.C. Sec. 416(i)(1)(B).
The American Medical Association has espoused this 20/200
definition of blindness since 1934, and the Social Security
Administration adopted it in 1968. The VA created their 5/200
definition of blindness in 1945. In 2007, Public Law 110-157
(121 Stat. 1831) updated the VA's definition of blindness to
20/200 for compensation rating purposes only. Unfortunately,
eligibility criteria for adaptive housing grants were not
affected by this bill, and the 5/200 standard currently remains
in place for these grants. It should also be noted that the
VA's current definition of blindness for adaptive housing does
not include visual impairments stemming from a reduced field of
vision. Synchronizing the VA's standard of blindness with the
rest of the government's will be an important step in
transforming the VA into a 21st Century agency.
In addition, though a less restrictive adaptive housing
grant eligibility standard will naturally lead to more grant
awards, there are long-term health and funding gains to be made
by instituting such a change. Several professional medical
studies show that visual impairment is strongly associated with
falls and hip fractures. These additional, blindness-induced
injuries require more funds to be spent on treatments and
disability compensation that could have been prevented if the
blinded veteran had been able to adapt their home to a safer
configuration in the first place.
Without Congressional intervention, the VA's 5/200 standard
of blindness will remain unchanged and many visually impaired
veterans will continue to be ineligible for the adaptive
housing grants that they urgently need.

Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the VA

This section would authorize the VA to guarantee a loan
regardless of whether the VA loan is subordinate to a lien
created by a state that has provided or will provide assistance
in response to a major disaster. The new language will also
extend to December 31, 2016 existing authority to issue and
guarantee certificates or other securities evidencing an
interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The authority to issue
and guarantee such items is set to expire on December 31, 2011.
These two provisions were requested by the VA Secretary.
The Secretary of VA suggested this language to ensure that
veterans are able to use State and VA benefits after a major
disaster as experienced in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina
and Rita. There have been instances in the aftermath of a
natural disaster where the affected state would offer loans and
grants to the victims of the disaster. However, there were
veterans with VA loans who were unable to take advantage of
these State sponsored loans or grants due to superiority
requirements. This section proposes new language to allow a VA
loan to be subordinate to a public entity.

Reauthorization and improvement of VA small business loan program

One of the most serious effects of the recent recession has
been the inability of businesses, especially small businesses,
to obtain credit to fund initial investment and continuing
operations.
Subchapter IV of chapter 37 of title 38, United States
Code, contains a small business loan program that authorized VA
to make both direct loans and to guarantee loans made by
qualified financial institutions. Chapter 37 also contains
provisions detailing qualifications and responsibilities for a
prospective borrower, financial institutions, and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA's authority to make any
financial commitment for the chapter 37 small business loan
program expired on September 30, 1986.
This section continues the original chapter 37 small
business financial and eligibility provisions while making
several changes. First, the provision in the original program
that provided VA's authority to make direct loans would not be
reauthorized. Second, VA would be directed to contract with a
qualified financial institution to manage the small business
loan guaranty program. Third, the program would be funded by
authorizing needed appropriations, adding authority for the VA
to charge a funding fee for each guaranteed loan and set the
fee at a rate sufficient to ensure solvency of the program.

Assistance for flight training

The State Approving Agencies (SAA) will approve flight
courses if a flight school or institution of higher learning
offers the courses, and not an individual instructor. For
approval of flight training courses that are not part of a
degree program, certain requirements must be met. A flight
school, other than an institution of higher learning, is a
school or aero club, is located in the State, and meets one of
the following requirements: the school or entity must have a
pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school
certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the
entity is a flight training center or air carrier that does not
have a pilot school certificate but has an exemption letter
issued by the FAA, a permitting flight simulator instead of an
aircraft; or the school or entity has issued a training center
certificate by the FAA.
The Committee has received concerns from veterans who are
unable to pay for the flight training program due to the high
cost. The current flight training education assistance
allowance is 60 percent of the established charges for tuition
and fees, which means that VA will reimburse the veteran 60
percent for the approved charges. Increasing the education
reimbursement rate to 75 percent would provide those interested
in flight training an incentive to enroll in this program and
the increase in financial assistance will help defray some of
the costs.

Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals pursuing
apprenticeships or on-job training

On-the-job training (OJT) offers veterans, and members of
the Guard and Reserve, an alternative to attending a college or
university by using their education benefit to obtain
employment training. OJT is training that veterans received
while actually performing a job. This program helps veterans to
become gainfully employed by leading to an entry-level job.
While the veteran receives training on their prospective job,
they have the added benefit of receiving pay from the employer.
The OJT program provides participants with a monthly training
benefit on top of their regular salary. Approved OJT programs
must be at least six months and no more than two years in
length.
The training benefit amount is based on a percentage of the
basic full-time school rate. Public Law 108-454, The Veterans
Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 (118 Stat. 3598), increased
benefits for individuals pursuing apprenticeship or OJT. The
increase was temporary, from October 1, 2005, to January 1,
2008, increasing the benefits from:
75 percent to 85 percent of the full-time GI
Bill rate for the first six months
55 percent to 65 percent of the full-time GI
Bill rate for the second six months
35 percent to 45 percent of the full-time GI
Bill rate for the remainder of the training program
On January 1, 2008, this provision expired, and reduced the
benefits to the previous rate.
On February 13, 2008, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a hearing reviewing expiring programs. During
this hearing Mr. Keith Pedigo, Associate Deputy Under Secretary
for Policy and Program Management at the VA, highlighted OJT.
According to his testimony, a ``higher monthly training
assistance allowance supplement can provide an incentive for
individuals to accept trainee positions they might not
otherwise consider. The Department of Labor (DOL) states that
jobs generally requiring OJT will account for half of all jobs
by 2016 (DOL Report, Employment Outlook 2006-2016, November
2007). Prior to the sunset date of the provisions in Public Law
108-454, VA proposed legislation that would extend the
temporary increase in the rates of payment to individuals
pursuing apprenticeship and OJT programs. We recommend
reinstatement of the benefit rate increase and support making
the increase permanent.''
In fiscal year 2009, approximately 10,200 individuals
participated in OJT through the following VA Education
programs: MGIB-AD (chapter 30), VEAP (chapter 32), MGIB-SR
(chapter 1606), and REAP (chapter 1607). OJT participants are
reported to the Education Service at the end of the fiscal
year. Therefore, the number of participants in FY 2010 is
unavailable at this time.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following
numbers on March 12, 2010: ``The unemployment rate for veterans
who served in the military since September 2001--a group
referred to as Gulf War-era II veterans--was 10.2 percent in
2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The
jobless rate for veterans of all eras combined was 8.1 percent.
About 21 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans reported having a
service-connected disability in August 2009, compared with
about 13 percent of all veterans.''

Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for
purposes of the educational assistance programs of the VA

The VA is authorized to provide an educational allowance
for student veterans who participate in work-study activities.
Currently, student veterans enrolled three-quarter time or more
in a college degree program, vocational program or professional
program are eligible to participate in the Work-Study Allowance
Program. Veterans with a service connected disability are given
priority based on job availability within normal commuting
distance to the student.
Under the current work-study program, veterans that qualify
for the VA Work-Study Allowance Program are limited to working
on VA related work such as processing VA paperwork, performing
outreach services, and assisting staff at VA medical facilities
or the offices of the National Cemetery Administration.
In fiscal year 2009, a little over 17,000 student veterans
participated in this program. This program expired on June 30,
2010.

Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain outreach services
conducted through congressional offices

In the fall of 2009, Representative Peter A. DeFazio of
Oregon contacted the Committee staff asserting that the VA has
allowed student veterans to participate in VA's Work-Study
Allowance Program to work in Congressional offices for several
years in the past, but has recently disallowed this work. His
concern is that student veterans will lose an opportunity to
gain valuable work experience and dramatically reduce the
assistance to Members of Congress in meeting the needs of
veterans.
This section would specifically authorize VA's Work-Study
Allowance Program to include working in Congressional offices
as part of VA work-study opportunities. This section also
includes language recommended by VA to ensure student veterans
are not tasked to represent veterans before the VA as part of
their duties in Congressional offices.

Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for OJT programs

OJT requires that the employer and the veteran agree on a
training plan of at least six months long, leading to new
skills and new pay. The employer or veteran contacts the State
Approving Agency for assistance or review and approval. The
veteran applies to the VA for monthly benefits to which the
individual is entitled. The employer is required to maintain
work and training records, evaluate the trainee's progress, and
certify the trainee's hours to the VA each month. As part of
the approval process, the employer must agree to at least one
wage increase during the training period.
This section would temporarily reduce the requirement for
private employers to increase the final wages paid to a veteran
participating in the VA's OJT program from 85 percent to 60
percent of what is normally paid to employees in an equivalent
full-time position. This waiver would be authorized for three
years and require the GAO to provide a report to Congress on
the effects of the temporary change. While a temporary measure,
this language will mirror what is currently done in the public
sector.
The State Approving Agencies (SAA) and the Department of
Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) are
responsible for coordinating approval of OJT and apprenticeship
programs. During the current economic downturn, the SAA and
VETS are reporting that many employers who would like to offer
OJT/apprenticeship opportunities are not able to meet the
program's wage requirements. Therefore, the temporary reduction
in the final wages will enable more employers to offer OJT
positions to veterans.

Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education

The Veterans Advisory Committee on Education (VACOE) was
authorized by Congress to provide advice to the Secretary of VA
on the development and administration of education and training
programs for veterans and servicemembers, reservists and
dependents of veterans under chapters 30, 32, 35, and 36, title
38, and chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code.
Reauthorizing VACOE will ensure that the Secretary continue
to receive the advice from a diverse group of experts in
education policy and the needs of veterans.

Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program

This section would authorize $10 million for each of fiscal
years 2011 through 2016 for VETS to award grants to qualified
homeless providers that are specifically targeting services to
homeless women veterans and veterans with children. Grants made
under this section would fund job training, counseling,
placement services, literacy training, and child care services.
The Department of Labor VETS currently awards Homeless
Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grants to assist homeless
providers in returning homeless veterans to the workforce. The
HVRP has been recognized by the GAO as a successful model of
providing services to homeless veterans in general.
Recent data regarding the prevalence of women and children
among the ranks of homeless veterans indicate that nine percent
of the 107,000 homeless veterans are women, and approximately
10 percent of them have dependent children. Additionally, 4,000
to 5,000 veterans who used HUD emergency or transitional
housing programs last year had one or more children with them.
Approximately 55 percent of those veterans were women and 45
percent were male.

Technology review and grant program

This section would authorize VA to provide a small number
of grants to individuals or organizations to expand the types
of technologies currently available and to make those
technologies applicable to modifying the homes of disabled
veterans. There is a need to encourage research and development
in technologies that will advance the VA's ability to adapt
homes to meet the needs of severely disabled veterans.
The VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program provides
grants to adapt the homes of severely injured veterans. These
adaptations are specifically designed to enable these veterans
to overcome the limitations of their ability to function as
normally as possible in their homes.

Child care; President's budget

A significant number of disabled veterans who enter VA's
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program drop
out for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is the need
to care for small children. This section would authorize up to
$2,000 per month to pay for child care services.
The VR&E program helps veterans with service-connected
disabilities become employed, maintain employment, and provides
them with independent living assistance. To provide better
services and to accommodate the various employment needs of
veterans, VR&E has implemented a Five-Track process. When a
veteran meets with a counselor to determine his or her
rehabilitation plan, the veteran may be placed in one of the
five-tracks according to the veteran's skills, abilities, and
desires. These are: reemployment, rapid access to employment,
self employment, employment through long-term services and
independent living.
VR&E services can include vocational counseling, vocational
evaluation, case management, education and training, job
placement assistants, and independent living services. Among
other services VR&E can also help pay for school tuition,
provide subsistence allowance, and other expenses for veterans
pursuing education and training. Generally, VR&E services are
provided to veterans who have at least 10 percent disability
rating.
Furthermore, a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office
Report dated January 26, 2009, recommends the following:

To increase transparency in VR&E performance and
budget reports, we recommend that the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs take actions such as separately
reporting both the annual percentage of veterans who
obtain employment and the percentage of those who
achieve independent living, and fully disclosing
changes in performance measure calculations when
reporting trend data in key performance and budget
reports.

Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational assistance
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance

This section increases the amount of reporting fees payable
to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving
educational assistance from $7 to $16 and from $11 to $16.
VA employees were initially assigned to Institutions of
Higher Learning (IHL) to administer only one veteran education
program for veterans. These VA employees were later removed in
1976 and the responsibility of certifying student veterans was
placed on IHL by paying the school $7 for each student
certified. The Committee believes that $7 may have been a
reasonable amount in 1976 but it no longer reflects the actual
costs for the expanded services and administrative requirements
in veterans education and training programs.

Modification of advance payment of initial educational assistance or
subsistence allowance

This section would modify the current advance payment of
educational assistance. It would charge the advance payment of
educational assistance against the final months of benefits,
thereby preventing a break in educational benefits.

Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to veterans
participating in vocational rehabilitation program

This section provides a five percent increase in the rates
of monthly assistance paid to certain participants in the VR&E
program. Currently, the yearly increase is based on the cost-
of-living adjustment. An increase of 5.2 percent will help
injured veterans in hard economic times. Furthermore, it will
encourage them to remain in the VR&E program rather than elect
to move under chapter 33 which is not catered to assisting
injured veterans.

Expansion of availability of employment assistance allowance for
veterans using employment services

This section would provide an additional month of benefits
to bring the total to three months. The final phase of the VR&E
program for most participants is the period during which the
veteran is seeking employment after being determined to be
rehabilitated. Current law continues or provides the monthly
living stipend for a two month period. Given the economic
downturn and the associated difficulties in finding suitable
employment, this assistance could be a factor in successfully
finding employment.

Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in rural areas

Rural areas typically experience difficulties in hiring and
retaining teachers. According to the Rural School and Community
Trust, the national average salary of teachers in rural areas
average 19 percent below those in suburban communities for the
2007-2008 school year.
Additionally, according to Educationworld.com\1\ the
problem is ``especially acute in urban and rural districts and
in the hard-to-fill areas of special education, mathematics,
and science--is so severe that:
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\1\http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin155.shtml
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Forty-two states issue emergency credentials to
people who have taken no education courses and have not taught
a day in their lives. Many teachers are hired based solely on
their experience leading church or camping groups.
One-fourth of new teachers--if they are licensed--
are not licensed to teach in the field they are teaching.
Twenty percent of new teachers leave within the
first three years; most likely to leave are those with the
highest college-entrance exam scores. A whopping 49 percent of
those who leave do so because of job dissatisfaction or to
pursue another career.''
The Troops to Teachers (T2T) program has made a good start
in enabling veterans to enter the teaching profession in high
poverty areas by offering stipends and other incentives.
However, a rural area may not qualify as a high poverty area,
thus not qualifying for the T2T program. By offering the
stipend, this section would increase a disabled veteran's
ability to seek employment as a teacher in designated rural
areas.
This section would provide a $500 per month stipend to
service-disabled veterans rated at 30 percent or more by VA for
up to 24 months if they are teaching in areas defined as rural
by the Bureau of the Census. This section also requires that
such veteran is a first-time teacher that has been employed to
teach at an accredited elementary or secondary school and is
enrolled in an accredited course leading to a teaching
certificate. Finally, this section authorizes an appropriation
of $15 million per year for the proposed program.

Promoting jobs for veterans through the establishment of an internship
program

Taxpayers invest significant resources in disabled veterans
who participate in the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Program, a program primarily designed to return
disabled veterans to the workforce. The President's Budget for
Fiscal Year 2011 estimates VA will spend over $600 million in
readjustment benefits for disabled veterans participating in
the program.
To qualify for the VA's VR&E program, a veteran must have a
20 percent service-connected disability rating and an
employment handicap that substantially impacts the veterans
ability to ``prepare for, obtain, or retain employment
consistent with such veteran's abilities, aptitudes, and
interests.'' Veterans with a 10 percent service-connected
disability rating which creates a ``serious employment
handicap'' may also be eligible for VR&E benefits.
The VR&E program includes:
Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to
determine abilities, skills, and interests for
employment
Vocational counseling and rehabilitation
planning for employment services
Employment services such as job-training,
job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work
readiness assistance
Assistance finding and keeping a job,
including the use of special employer incentives and
job accommodations such as OJT, apprenticeships, and
non-paid work experiences
Post-secondary training at a college,
vocational, technical or business school
Supportive rehabilitation services including
case management, counseling, medical referrals, and
independent living services for veterans unable to work
due to the severity of their disabilities
VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Employment
Coordinators work to evaluate disabled veterans' abilities and
desires as a means to place the veteran in one of five tracks
leading to employment. Because persons with disabilities,
especially those with a significant level of disability,
unemployment rates exceed those without a disability. In its
report on unemployment rates for 2009, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics listed that the national unemployment rate for
disabled men was 15.1 percent compared with 10.3 percent for
non-disabled men over the age of 16.
Therefore, this section authorizes VA to hire up to 2,000
disabled veterans as interns at rates between GS-2 and GS-5 for
one year and to provide a range of benefits including health
care.

Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole source contracts by
the VA for purposes of meeting the contracting goals and
preferences of the VA for small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans

There is an extensive history of promoting set aside
contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small business
(SDVOSB). Beginning with Public Law 106-50 (113 Stat. 233), and
continuing through Public Law 108-183 (117 Stat. 265), Public
Law 109-461 (120 Stat. 3403), and Executive Order 13360, the
Federal government has made a commitment to award three percent
of procurement dollars to SDVOSB. The Federal government has
also established set aside goals for other small business
groups such as HUBZone, 8(a), Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged
Small Businesses. Among the advantages given to some of those
groups is a requirement whereby contracting officers are
authorized to award sole source contracts whenever they
reasonably believe there is not more than one probable vendor
of the good or service. In such cases, the Small Business Act
states contracting officers ``shall'' award a sole source
contract. However, the Small Business Act states contracting
officers ``may'' award sole source contracts to SDVOSB.
With the passage of Public Law 109-461, VA contracting
officers received a significant number of new provisions to
enable them to meet the SDVOSB contracting goals. However, the
language of 38 United States Code 8127 retained the ``may''
provision. This has put SDVOSB at a potential disadvantage in
competing with other set aside groups for VA contracts.
This section would amend section 8127(c) title 38, United
States Code by striking the word ``may'' and inserting the word
``shall.'' This change would allow VA contracting officials to
award sole source contracts under the same conditions as
applied to certain other small business set aside groups. This
change effectively levels the playing field between service-
disabled veteran-owned small businesses with certain other
small business set aside groups.

Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

This section authorizes appropriations for the VA to hold a
yearly veterans entrepreneurial development summit. There has
been an on-going concern by veteran small business owners that
they are not able to meet business decision-makers. This yearly
summit will provide the VA an opportunity to advise veterans
with proposals, share trends and hear from the veteran small
business community on a regular basis.

Increase in the maximum amount of specially adapted housing assistance
authorized to be provided by the VA

To assist veterans whose service-connected disability
requires modification of their living environment, the VA
provides a grant program to adapt the veteran's home. There are
three grant amounts based on the type and severity of the
veteran's disability with maximum grants of $12,756 or $63,780.
There is also a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant
that allows the minimal adaptation of a family member's home in
which the disabled veteran is residing on a temporary basis.
The maximum TRA grant is either $2,000 or $14,000 depending on
the veteran's total entitlement as described above.
Because construction costs generally rise at a rate faster
than the overall inflation rate, in many areas, the grant does
not cover the entire costs of renovation or adaptation. A small
increase to the base amounts is needed to keep pace with the
rising cost of construction.

VA housing loans for construction of energy efficient dwellings

The VA home loan guaranty program currently offers
guarantees on loans to add energy efficiency improvements to a
home. The current program is limited in the types of dwellings
that may be improved using a VA-guaranteed energy efficiency
loan.
This section would clarify current law by specifically
authorizing VA to guarantee new construction, acquisition of an
existing dwelling, and a dwelling currently occupied by the
veteran. The maximum amounts that would be allowed to be
guaranteed would be the greater of five percent of the value of
the home, property and improvements or $6,000.
Because of an apparent inconsistency in how VA real estate
appraisers value energy efficiency improvements, this section
would also require VA to adopt energy efficiency standards and
issue both interim policy guidance and regulations regarding
these standards.

Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for veterans
residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member

According to a U.S. Government Accountability Report dated
July, 2010 (GAO-10-786), the VA has authorized fewer than 18
Temporary Residence Adaptation grants from June 15, 2006
through April 4, 2010. The Committee also understands that a
barrier to using the TRA grant may be because the grant counts
against the total adaptive housing grant that would be
available to the disabled veteran.
Therefore, in order to determine why so few grants have
been used, this section would authorize VA to award up to 25
TRA grants during fiscal year 2011 that would not count against
the veterans total grant amount.

Hearings

On June 10, 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a legislative hearing on several bills introduced during
the 111th Congress, including H.R. 3685.
The following witnesses testified: The Honorable Peter
DeFazio of Oregon; The Honorable Cliff Stearns of Florida; The
Honorable Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska; Mr. Richard Daley,
Associate Legislation Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America;
Ms. Catherine A. Trombley, Assistant Director, National
Economic Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Eric A. Hilleman,
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States; Thomas Zampieri, Ph.D., Director of
Government Relations, Blinded Veterans Association; Michael R.
Duenas, O.D., Associate Director, Health Sciences and Policy,
American Optometric Association; and, Mr. Thomas J. Pamperin,
Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Policy and Program
Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs accompanied by Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy
Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. Joseph E. Simpson,
Attorney, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record
included: The Honorable Frank J. Kratovil, Jr., Representative
of Maryland and Mr. Raymond C. Kelly, National Legislative
Director, American Veterans (AMVETS).
On February 25, 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity conducted a legislative hearing on various bills
introduced during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 3484, H.R.
3571, and H.R. 4079. The following witnesses testified: The
Honorable John J. Hall of New York; The Honorable Adam H.
Putnam of Florida; The Honorable Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania;
The Honorable Adam Smith of Washington; The Honorable Michael
R. Turner of Ohio; Mr. Robert W. Madden, Assistant Director,
National Economic Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Justin
Brown, Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.; Mr. Timothy S. Embree,
Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America; Mr. James Bombard, Legislative Director, National
Association of State Approving Agencies; Col. Mark E. Sullivan,
USA (Ret.), Law Offices of Mark E. Sullivan, P.A.; Col. Shawn
Shumake, U.S. Army, Director, Office of Legal Policy, Office of
the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness),
Program Integration and Legal Policy, U.S. Department of
Defense; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director of Education Service,
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs accompanied by Mr. Mark Bologna, Director of Loan
Guaranty Service, Veteran Benefits Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. F. John Brizzi, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record included:
The Honorable Bob Filner of California; The Honorable Ron Klein
of Florida; Ms. Patricia E. Aby, American Bar Association; Ms.
Stacy Bannerman, Medford, Oregon; Ms. Faith DesLauriers,
Legislative Director, National Association of Veterans' Program
Administrators; the National Military Family Association; the
Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators; and,
Mr. Brian Hawthorne, Legislative Director, Student Veterans of
America.
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity conducted a legislative hearing on a number of
bills introduced during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 2614
and H.R. 3561. The following witnesses testified: The Honorable
Bob Filner of California; The Honorable Ciro D. Rodriguez of
Texas; The Honorable John R. Carter of Texas; The Honorable
Brad Miller of North Carolina; The Honorable David Loebsack of
Iowa; The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia; Ms. Lynn M.
Schubert, President, The Surety and Fidelity Association of
America; Mr. Mark Walker, Deputy Director, National Economic
Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Justin Brown, Legislative
Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.; Mr. John L.
Wilson, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled
American Veterans; Mr. Richard F. Weidman, Executive Director
for Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America;
Ms. Christina M. Roof, National Deputy Legislative Director,
AMVETS; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director, Office of Education
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs accompanied by Mr. F. John Brizzi, Jr., Deputy
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
and Ms. Gail Wegner, Acting Director, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. Those submitting statements for the record included:
Mr. Ulric I. Fiore, Jr., Director, Soldier and Family Legal
Services, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Army, U.S.
Department of Defense; Mr. John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S.
Department of Labor; Mr. Jot D. Carpenter, Jr., Vice President,
Government Affairs, CTIA--The Wireless Association; Mr. Patrick
Campbell, Chief Legislative Counsel, Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of American; the Military Officers Association of
America; Mr. Mark McCallum, General Counsel and Director of
Government Relations, National Association of Surety Bond
Producers; Mr. John S. Odom, Jr., Jones, Odom, Davis and
Politz, L.L.P., Shreveport, Louisiana; and Mr. Brian Hawthorne,
Legislative Director, Student Veterans of America.
On May 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
conducted a legislative hearing on various bills introduced
during the 111th Congress, including H.R. 1821. The following
witnesses testified:; The Honorable Mike Coffman of Colorado;
Mr. Richard Daley, Associate Legislation Director, Paralyzed
Veterans of America; Mr. John L. Wilson, Associate National
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Mark
Seavey, Assistant Director, National Legislative Commission,
The American Legion; Mr. Raymond C. Kelley, National
Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Wade J. Spann, Alumni,
Wounded Warrior Project; Mr. Keith M. Wilson, Director, Office
of Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; accompanied by Mr. F. John
Brizzi, Jr., Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. John C. McWilliam, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service,
U.S. Department of Labor. Submitting a statement for the record
included The Honorable Bob Filner of California.
On March 4, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held a legislative hearing on several bills introduced during
the 111th Congress, including H.R. 929. The following witnesses
testified: The Honorable Steve Israel of New York; The
Honorable Peter Welch of Vermont; The Honorable Lloyd Doggett
of Texas; Mr. Justin Brown, Legislative Associate, National
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States; Ms. Cheryl Beversdorf, RN, MHS, MA, President and Chief
Executive Officer, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans;
Mr. John L. Wilson, Associate National Legislative Director,
Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Mark Walker, Assistant
Director, National Economic Commission, The American Legion;
Thomas Zampieri, Ph.D., Director of Government Relations,
Blinded Veterans Association; Mr. Patrick H. Boulay, Chief,
USERRA Unit, U.S. Office of Special Counsel; Mr. Keith M.
Wilson, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans. Those submitting
statements for the record included: Mr. John M. McWilliam,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training
Service, U.S. Department of Labor; The Honorable Rodney
Alexander of Louisiana; The Honorable Steve Buyer of Indiana;
The Honorable Bob Filner of California; Mr. David French, Vice
President, Government Relations, International Franchise
Association; Mr. Thomas S. Whitaker, President and Deputy
Chairman, North Carolina Employment Security Commission, on
behalf of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies;
and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Subcommittee Consideration

On July 15 2010, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
met in an open markup session and ordered favorably forwarded
to the full Committee H.R. 5360, as amended, by voice vote.
During consideration of the bill the following amendment was
considered:
An amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr.
Thomas Perriello of Virginia to incorporate provisions from a
number of bills was agreed to by voice vote.

Committee Consideration

On September 15, 2010, the full Committee met in an open
markup session, a quorum being present, and ordered H.R. 5360,
as amended, reported favorably to the House of Representatives,
by voice vote. During consideration of the bill the following
amendments were considered:
An amendment to reauthorize a VA small business loan
program was offered by Mr. Buyer of Indiana and agreed to by
voice vote:
An amendment to provide assistance allowances for rural
veteran teachers was offered by Mr. Buyer of Indiana and agreed
to by voice vote.

Committee Votes

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes
on the motion to report the legislation and amendments thereto.
There were no record votes taken on amendments or in connection
with ordering H.R. 5360 reported to the House. A motion by Mr.
Buyer of Indiana to order H.R. 5360, as amended, reported
favorably to the House of Representatives was agreed to by
voice vote.

Committee Oversight Findings

In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives,
the Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are
reflected in the descriptive portions of this report.

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance
goals and objectives are reflected in the descriptive portions
of this report.

New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures

In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee will adopt as
its own the estimate of new budget authority, entitlement
authority, or tax expenditures or revenues contained in the
cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974.

Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits

H.R. 5360 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.

Committee Cost Estimate

The Committee will adopt as its own the cost estimate on
H.R. 5360 prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974.

Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives a cost estimate for H.R. 5360 provided
by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 was not available when the
Committee filed this report.

Federal Mandates Statement

The Committee will adopt as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates regarding H.R. 5360 prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Advisory Committee Statement

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R.
5360.

Constitutional Authority Statement

Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the
Constitutional authority for H.R. 5360 is provided by Article
I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States.

Applicability to Legislative Branch

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation

Section 1. Short title

This section provides the short title of H.R. 5360, as
amended, as the ``The Housing, Employment, and Living Programs
for Veterans Act of 2010 or The HELP Veterans Act of 2010.''

Section 2. References to title 38, United States Code

This section provides that references to sections of the
United States Code are to title 38, United States Code.

Section 3. Modification of standard of visual acuity required for
eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance provided
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

This section would make the VA's definition of blindness
coincide with existing law and allow more blind veterans to
qualify for the adapted housing benefit and provides an
effective date as the date of enactment.

Section 4. Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs

Section 5. Reauthorization and improvement of the Department of
Veterans Affairs small business loan program

This section would authorize the VA Secretary to make loan
guarantees to veterans seeking to start a small business
venture.

Section 6. Assistance for flight training

This section would increase the flight training allowance
for Chapter 30 recipients from 60 percent to 75 percent of the
established charges for tuition and fees.

Section 7. Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals
pursuing internships or on-job training

This section provides a seven-year increase in the amount
of educational assistance payments made by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or
OJT under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Post-Vietnam Era
Veterans, the Survivors and Dependents, and the Selected
Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill educational assistance programs.

Section 8. Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study
activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs
of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Extends to June 30, 2020, veterans work-study activities
that expired on June 30, 2010.

Section 9. Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain
outreach services conducted through congressional offices

This section would expand the VA's Work-Study Allowance
Program to afford student veterans the opportunity to work in
Congressional offices as part of their VA work-study
requirements.

Section 10. Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for OJT
programs

This section would temporarily reduce the requirement for
private employers to provide a wage increase from 85 percent to
60 percent for the remainder of the program participation. This
waiver would be authorized for three years and require the GAO
to provide a report to Congress on the effects of the temporary
change.

Section 11. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Education

This section reauthorizes the Veterans' Advisory Committee
on Education (VACE) to December 31, 2020.

Section 12. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program

This section would direct the Secretary of Labor to make
grants to programs and facilities that provide a wide variety
of services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans
with children as a means to incentivize organizations to
address the issues of homeless women veterans and veterans with
children and to return homeless veterans to the workforce.

Section 13. Technology review and grant program

This section would direct the VA Secretary to establish a
team that would be responsible for reviewing new technologies
and products that are beneficial to the Department of Veterans
Affairs. This section would also provide the Secretary the
authority to make grants for the development of new assistive
technologies for specially adapted housing. The amount of the
grant may be no more than $250,000 per year.

Section 14. Child care; President's Budget

This section would provide reimbursement for certified
child care assistance for single parents participating in the
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program; are
the sole caretaker of the child and would not otherwise be able
to afford childcare. The total amount would not exceed $2,000
per month for each month that the veteran is participating in
the VR&E program.
This section would also require the Secretary of the VA to
report in the President's budget request the percentage of
veterans who received the VR&E assistance and became employed,
and the percentage of veterans who received VR&E assistance and
achieved independence in daily living.

Section 15. Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance

This section would increase the amount of reporting fees
payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans
receiving educational assistance from $7 to $16 and from $11 to
$16.

Section 16. Modification of advance payment of initial educational
assistance or subsistence allowance

This section would modify the way VA charges a veteran's
entitlement for advance payment of educational assistance. This
section would take the advance payment of educational
assistance, from the final months of benefits, thereby causing
no break in educational benefits.

Section 17. Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to
veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation program

This section would increase the amount of subsistence
allowance payable to veterans participating in VR&E by 5.2
percent.

Section 18. Expansion of availability of employment assistance
allowance for veterans using employment services

This section would provide veterans who have completed VR&E
with a living allowance for three months after completing the
VR&E program.

Section 19. Promoting jobs for service-disabled veterans teaching in
rural areas

This section would provide a $500 per month subsistence
allowance to rural veterans, with a service-connected
disability, seeking full-time employment as a teacher in an
accredited elementary or secondary school. This section also
authorizes $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and for each fiscal
year thereafter.

Section 21. Promoting jobs for veterans through the use of sole-source
contracts by the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of
meeting the contracting goals and preferences of the Department
of Veterans Affairs for small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans

This section would require the VA Secretary to meet
veteran-owned small contracting goals by amending the word
``may'' to ``shall.''

Sections 22. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

This section would authorize appropriations for the VA to
hold a yearly veterans entrepreneurial development summit.

Section 23. Increase in the amount of specially adapted housing
assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs

This section would increase the maximum amount of Specially
Adapted Housing Assistance for two grants. The Paraplegic
Housing grant would increase from $63,780 to $65,780 and the
Adaptive Housing grant would change from $12,756 to $13,756.

Section 24. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loans for
construction of energy efficient dwellings

This section authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to guarantee housing loans for the construction of energy
efficient dwellings, and for other purposes.

Section 25. Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for
veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family
member

This section prohibits the amount of assistance afforded
under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program from
counting toward the dollar amount limitations under the SHA or
SAH grant programs. This pilot program would be available to
the first 25 veterans who apply for the two grants in fiscal
year 2011.

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):

TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE

* * * * * * *
PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 7--EMPLOYEES

Sec.
701. Placement of employees in military installations.
* * * * * * *
712. Internship program.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 712. Internship program

(a) Internship Program.--The Secretary may carry out an
internship program through which the Secretary shall award
internships to up to 2,000 veterans each year in accordance
with this section. The recipient of an internship under this
section shall be employed in the Veterans Benefits
Administration for the duration of the internship.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an internship
under this section a veteran shall have completed a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title. In
awarding internships under this section, the Secretary shall
give a preference to a veteran who has completed a program of
long-term education or training, as determined by the
Secretary.
(c) Salary; Benefits.--(1) Each recipient of an internship
under this section shall be paid at a rate determined by the
Secretary, except that such rate shall be at least the maximum
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-3 of the General
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, and
shall not exceed the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable
for grade GS-5 of such schedule. Payments under this paragraph
shall be derived from amounts available in the ``General
operating expenses'' account of the Department.
(2) Each such recipient shall be entitled to leave on the
same basis as employees of the Department who are paid at the
same annual rate, except that such recipient may not be
reimbursed for any unused leave at the end of the internship.
(3) The Secretary shall furnish hospital care, medical
services, and nursing home care to each recipient of an
internship under this section on the same basis as a veteran
described in subsection (B) of paragraph (2) of subsection (a)
of section 1710 of this title unless the recipient is eligible
for such care and services under subparagraph (A) of such
paragraph or under paragraph (1) of such subsection.
(4) The recipient of an internship under this section may
receive an allowance under section 3108 of this title if such
recipient is entitled to such an allowance.
(d) Duration.--No internship under this section shall exceed
12 months in duration.
(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall notify each participant in
a rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title of the
internship program under this section.

* * * * * * *

PART II--GENERAL BENEFITS

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 20--BENEFITS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

SUBCHAPTER I--PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Sec.
2001. Purpose.
* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER III--TRAINING AND OUTREACH

* * * * * * *
2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program.

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER III--TRAINING AND OUTREACH

* * * * * * *

Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program

(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
provided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make
grants to programs and facilities that the Secretary determines
provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and
homeless veterans with children.
(b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including
job readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care
services to expedite the reintegration of homeless women
veterans and homeless veterans with children into the labor
force.
(c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that
Secretary considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the
distribution and expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out
this section. The information shall include data with respect
to the results or outcomes of the services provided to each
homeless veteran under this section.
(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in
such form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
(d) Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor
for Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor
shall carry out this section through the Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training.
(e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor
shall include as part of the report required under section
2021(d) of this title an evaluation of the grant program under
this section, which shall include an evaluation of services
furnished to veterans under this section and an analysis of the
information collected under subsection (c).
(f) Appropriated Funds.--(1) In addition to any amount
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this
title, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to
carry out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and
the succeeding fiscal year.

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 21--SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS

Sec
2101. Acquisition and adaptation of housing: eligible veterans.
* * * * * * *
2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.

Sec. 2101. Acquisition and adaptation of housing: eligible veterans

(a) * * *
(b) Adaptations to Residence of Veteran.--(1) * * *
(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the
veteran is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of
this title for a permanent and total service-connected
disability that meets any of the following criteria:
(A) The disability is due to blindness in
both eyes [with 5/200 visual acuity or less.]
with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in
the better eye with the use of standard
correcting lenses (for purposes of this
subparagraph, an eye which is accompanied by a
limitation in the fields of vision such that
the widest diameter of the visual field
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees
shall be treated as having a central visual
acuity of 20/200 or less).

* * * * * * *

Sec. 2102. Limitations on assistance furnished

(a) * * *
(b) Except as provided in section 2104(b) of this title, the
assistance authorized by section 2101(b) of this title shall be
limited to the lesser of--
(1) * * *
(2) [$12,000] $13,756.

* * * * * * *

(d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an
individual under sections 2101(a) and 2102A of this title shall
be limited to [$60,000] $65,780.
(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to an
individual under sections 2101(b) and 2102A of this title shall
be limited to [$12,000] $13,756.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program

(a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make
grants to encourage the development of new assistive
technologies for specially adapted housing.
(b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application for
the grant in such form and manner as the Secretary shall
specify.
(c) Grant Funds.--Each grant awarded under this section shall
be in an amount of not more than $250,000 per year.
(d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this
section shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies
for use in specially adapted housing.
(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year following a
year in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report containing information related to
each grant awarded under this section during the preceding
calendar year, including--
(1) the name of the grant recipient;
(2) the amount of the grant; and
(3) the goal of the grant.
(f) Funding.--From amounts authorized to be appropriated to
the Department for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is
authorized to make a grant under this section, $1,500,000 shall
be available for that fiscal year for the purposes of the
program under this section.
(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this
section shall terminate on the date that is five years after
the date of the enactment of this section.

* * * * * * *

PART III--READJUSTMENT AND RELATED BENEFITS

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 30--ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER IV--TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT;
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3032. Limitations on educational assistance for certain
individuals

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

(e)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, each
individual who is pursuing a program of education consisting
exclusively of flight training approved as meeting the
requirements of section 3034(d) of this title shall be paid an
educational assistance allowance under this chapter in the
amount equal to [60 percent] 75 percent of the established
charges for tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced
nonveterans enrolled in the same flight course are required to
pay.

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 31--TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-
CONNECTED DISABILITIES

Sec.
3100. Purposes.
* * * * * * *
3123. Child care assistance for single parents.
3124. Information included in support of President's budget.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3108. Allowances

(a)(1) * * *
[(2) In any case in which the Secretary determines, at the
conclusion of such veteran's pursuit of a vocational
rehabilitation program under this chapter, that such veteran
has been rehabilitated to the point of employability, such
veteran shall be paid a subsistence allowance, as prescribed in
this section for full-time training for the type of program
that the veteran was pursuing, for two months while
satisfactorily following a program of employment services
provided under section 3104(a)(5) of this title.]
(2) In the case of a veteran with a service-connected
disability who the Secretary determines has reached a point of
employability and who is participating only in a program of
employment services provided under section 3104(a)(5) of this
title, the Secretary shall pay the veteran a subsistence
allowance as prescribed in this section for three months while
the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.

* * * * * * *

(b)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the
Secretary shall determine the subsistence allowance to be paid
to a veteran under this chapter in accordance with the
following table, which shall be the monthly amount shown in
column II, III, IV, or V (whichever is applicable as determined
by the veteran's dependency status) opposite the appropriate
type of program being pursued as specified in column I:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Column I Column II Column Column IV Column V
--------------------------------------------------------- III --------------------------------------------
-----------
Type of program No One Two More than two dependents
dependents dependent dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The amount in column IV, plus
the following for each
dependent in excess of two:
Institutional training:
Full-time................................. $366 $454 $535 $39
Three-quarter-time........................ 275 341 400 30
Half-time................................. 184 228 268 20
Farm cooperative, apprentice, or other on-
job training:
Full-time................................. 320 387 446 29
Extended evaluation:
Full-time................................. 366 454 535 39
Independent living training:
Full-time................................. 366 454 535 39
Three-quarter-time........................ 275 341 400 30
Half-time................................. 184 228 268 20]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column I Column II Column Column IV Column V
--------------------------------------------------------- III --------------------------------------------
-----------
Type of program No One Two More than two dependents
dependents dependent dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.......... ......... .......... The amount in column IV, plus
the following for each
dependent in excess of two:
Full-time................................... $576.01 $714.50 $841.98 $61.37
Three-quarter time.......................... $432.80 $536.65 $629.50 $47.19
Half-time................................... $289.59 $358.81 $421.77 $31.49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
Sec. 3123. Child care assistance for single parents

(a) In General.--Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the
Secretary to carry out this section, the Secretary shall
provide reimbursements for the actual cost of child care
provided by a licensed provider to a veteran who--
(1) is participating in a vocational rehabilitation
program under this chapter;
(2) is the sole caretaker of a child; and
(3) would not otherwise be able to afford such child
care.
(b) Amount and Duration.--The amount of the reimbursement for
the actual cost for child care under this section shall be not
more than $2,000 per month for each month the veteran is
participating in a vocational rehabilitation program under this
chapter.

Sec. 3124. Information included in support of President's budget

The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to
Congress by the Secretary in support of the President's budget
for each fiscal year submitted under section 1105 of title 31,
United States Code, the following:
(1) For the calendar year preceding the submission--
(A) the percentage of veterans receiving
assistance under this chapter who became
employed; and
(B) the percentage of veterans receiving
assistance under this chapter who achieved
independence in daily living.
(2) Any changes made by the Secretary in measuring or
calculating the performance of the department under
this chapter.

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 34--VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER IV--PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS; VETERAN-STUDENT SERVICES

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3485. Work-study allowance

(a)(1) * * *

* * * * * * *

(4) For the purposes of this section, the term ``qualifying
work-study activity'' means any of the following:
(A) The outreach services program under chapter 63 of
this title as carried out under the supervision of a
Department employee or, during the period preceding
[June 30, 2010] June 30, 2020, outreach services to
servicemembers and veterans furnished by employees of a
State approving agency.

* * * * * * *

(C) The provision of hospital and domiciliary care
and medical treatment under chapter 17 of this title,
including, during the period preceding [June 30, 2010]
June 30, 2020, the provision of such care to veterans
in a State home for which payment is made under section
1741 of this title.

* * * * * * *

(F) During the period preceding [June 30, 2010] June
30, 2020, an activity relating to the administration of
a national cemetery or a State veterans' cemetery.
(G) The following activities carried out at the
offices of Members of Congress for such Members:
(i) The distribution of information to
members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and
their dependents about the benefits and
services under laws administered by the
Secretary and other appropriate governmental
and non-governmental programs.
(ii) The provision of assistance in
ascertaining the status of claims (including
appeals) for benefits under laws administered
by the Secretary, as well as other constituent
services for veterans as the Secretary
determines appropriate.

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 36--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

SUBCHAPTER I--STATE APPROVING AGENCIES

Sec
3670. Scope of approval.
* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

* * * * * * *
3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers.

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 3677. Approval of training on the job

(a) * * *
(b)(1) The training establishment offering training which is
desired to be approved for the purposes of this chapter must
submit to the appropriate State approving agency a written
application for approval which, in addition to furnishing such
information as is required by the State approving agency,
contains a certification that--
(A) the wages to be paid the eligible veteran or
person (i) upon entrance into training, are not less
than wages paid nonveterans in the same training
position and are at least 50 per centum of the wages
paid for the job for which the veteran or person is to
be trained, and (ii) such wages will be increased in
regular periodic increments until, not later than the
last full month of the training period, they will be at
least [85 per centum] 60 percent of the wages paid for
the job for which such eligible veteran or person is
being trained; and

[Effective October 1, 2013 (pursuant to section 10(b)(1) of H.R. 5360,
as reported), section 3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 38, United States Code
(as amended by section 10(a)(1) of H.R. 5360), is amended as follows:]

* * * * * * *

(b)(1) The training establishment offering training which is
desired to be approved for the purposes of this chapter must
submit to the appropriate State approving agency a written
application for approval which, in addition to furnishing such
information as is required by the State approving agency,
contains a certification that--
(A) the wages to be paid the eligible veteran or
person (i) upon entrance into training, are not less
than wages paid nonveterans in the same training
position and are at least 50 per centum of the wages
paid for the job for which the veteran or person is to
be trained, and (ii) such wages will be increased in
regular periodic increments until, not later than the
last full month of the training period, they will be at
least [60 percent] 85 percent of the wages paid for the
job for which such eligible veteran or person is being
trained; and

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3680. Payment of educational assistance or subsistence allowances

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

(d) Advance Payment of Initial Educational Assistance or
Subsistence Allowance.--(1) * * *
(2) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, and
under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe,
an eligible veteran or eligible person shall be paid an
educational assistance allowance or subsistence
allowance, as appropriate, advance payment. Such
advance payment shall be made in an amount equivalent
to the allowance for the month or fraction thereof in
which pursuit of the program will commence, plus the
allowance for the succeeding month. In the case of a
person on active duty, who is pursuing a program of
education, the advance payment shall be in a lump sum
based upon the amount payable for the entire quarter,
semester, or term, as applicable. For purposes of the
entitlement to educational assistance of the veteran or
person receiving an advance payment under this
subsection, the advance payment shall be charged
against the final month of the entitlement of the
person or veteran and, if necessary, the penultimate
such month. In no event may any veteran or person
receive more than one advance payment under this
subsection during any academic year. In no event shall
an advance payment be made under this subsection to a
veteran or person intending to pursue a program of
education on less than a half-time basis. An advance
payment may not be made under this subsection to any
veteran or person unless the veteran or person requests
such payment and the Secretary finds that the
educational institution at which such veteran or person
is accepted or enrolled has agreed to, and can
satisfactorily, carry out the provisions of paragraphs
(4)(B) and (C) and (5) of this subsection. The
application for advance payment, to be made on a form
prescribed by the Secretary, shall--
(A) * * *

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3684. Reports by veterans, eligible persons, and institutions;
reporting fee

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this
subsection, the veteran or eligible person and the educational
institution offering a course in which such veteran or eligible
person is enrolled under chapter 31, 34,[,] 35, or 36 of this
title shall, without delay, report to the Secretary, in the
form prescribed by the Secretary, such enrollment and any
interruption or termination of the education of each such
veteran or eligible person. The date of such interruption or
termination will be the last date of pursuit, or, in the case
of correspondence training, the last date a lesson was serviced
by a school.

* * * * * * *

(c) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, or
to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing
education or training under either this chapter or chapter 31,
34, or 35 of this title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu
of any other compensation or reimbursement for reports or
certifications which such educational institution or joint
apprenticeship training committee is required to submit to the
Secretary by law or regulation. Such reporting fee shall be
computed for each calendar year by multiplying [$7] $16 by the
number of eligible veterans or eligible persons enrolled under
this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title, or [$11]
$16 in the case of those eligible veterans and eligible persons
whose educational assistance checks are directed in care of
each institution for temporary custody and delivery and are
delivered at the time of registration as provided under section
3680(d)(4) of this title, during the calendar year. The
reporting fee shall be paid to such educational institution or
joint apprenticeship training committee as soon as feasible
after the end of the calendar year for which it is applicable.
No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary
against any liability of such institution for any overpayment
for which such institution may be administratively determined
to be liable under section 3685 of this title unless such
liability is not contested by such institution or has been
upheld by a final decree of a court of appropriate
jurisdiction. The reporting fee payable under this subsection
shall be paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment
benefits.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3692. Advisory committee

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3698. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers

(a) Reducing Administrative Burden.--The Secretary may pay to
a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance of $500.
(b) Duration.--The aggregate period for which the Secretary
may pay a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance
under subsection (a) may not exceed 24 months.
(c) Rural Veteran Teacher Defined.--In this section, the term
``rural veteran teacher'' means a veteran who--
(1) is discharged from service in the Armed Forces
under honorable conditions;
(2) is employed to teach full-time at an accredited
elementary or secondary school that is located in a
rural area (as determined by the Bureau of the Census);
(3) on the date on which the veteran applies for a
monthly assistance allowance under subsection (a), is
enrolled in an accredited course leading to
certification as a teacher;
(4) has not been previously employed to teach full-
time at an accredited elementary or secondary school;
and
(5) is entitled to compensation under section 1110 of
this title.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for
fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter.

* * * * * * *

CHAPTER 37--HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL

Sec.
3701. Definitions.
* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER IV--SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

* * * * * * *
3749A. Loan fee.
* * * * * * *
[3751. Termination of program.]
* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3703. Basic provisions relating to loan guaranty and insurance

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

(d)(1) * * *

* * * * * * *

[(3) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs,
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien
on the realty. In determining whether a loan for the purchase
or construction of a home is so secured, the Secretary may
disregard a superior lien created by a duly recorded covenant
running with the realty in favor of a private entity to secure
an obligation to such entity for the homeowner's share of the
costs of the management, operation, or maintenance of property,
services or programs within and for the benefit of the
development or community in which the veteran's realty is
located, if the Secretary determines that the interests of the
veteran borrower and of the Government will not be prejudiced
by the operation of such covenant. In respect to any such
superior lien to be created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's
determination must have been made prior to the recordation of
the covenant.]
(3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs,
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien
on the realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the
Secretary may either disregard or allow for subordination to a
superior lien that--
(i) is created by a duly recorded covenant running
with the realty in favor of--
(I) a public entity that provides assistance
in response to a major disaster as determined
by the President under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); or
(II) a private entity to secure an obligation
to such entity for the homeowner's share of the
costs of the management, operation, or
maintenance of property, services, or programs
within and for the benefit of the development
or community in which the veteran's realty is
located; and
(ii) the Secretary determines will not prejudice the
interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government
by the operation of such a covenant.
(B) In respect to a superior lien described by subparagraph
(A) that is created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's
determination must have been made prior to the recordation of
the covenant.

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER II--LOANS

Sec. 3710. Purchase or construction of homes

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

(d)(1) [The Secretary] (A) The Secretary shall carry out a
program to demonstrate the feasibility of guaranteeing loans
[for the acquisition of an existing dwelling and the cost of
making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling or for
energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling owned and occupied
by a veteran. A loan may be guaranteed under this subsection
only if it meets the requirements of this chapter, except as
those requirements are modified by this subsection.] for any of
the following purposes:
(i) The acquisition of an existing dwelling and the
cost of making energy efficiency improvements to the
dwelling.
(ii) The construction of a new dwelling and the cost
of making energy efficiency improvements to the
dwelling.
(iii) Energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling
owned and occupied by a veteran.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan
may be guaranteed under this subsection only if it meets the
requirements of this chapter.
(C) The Secretary shall determine appropriate energy
efficiency standards for purposes of this subsection and shall
require that dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved
using a loan guaranteed under this subsection meet such
standards.
(2) The cost of energy efficiency measures that may be
financed by a loan guaranteed under this section may not exceed
the greater of--
[(A) the cost of the energy efficiency improvements,
up to $3,000; or
[(B) $6,000, if the increase in the monthly payment
for principal and interest does not exceed the likely
reduction in monthly utility costs resulting from the
energy efficiency improvements.]
(A) five percent of the total established value of
the property, dwelling, and improvements; or
(B) $6,000, or a higher amount specifically provided
by the Secretary.

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Sec. 3720. Powers of Secretary

(a) * * *

* * * * * * *

(h)(1)* * *
(2) The Secretary may not under this subsection guarantee the
payment of principal and interest on certificates or other
securities issued or approved after December 31, [2011] 2016.

* * * * * * *

SUBCHAPTER IV--SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

Sec. 3741. Definitions

For the purposes of [this subchapter--
[(1) The term disabled veteran] this subchapter, the
term ``disabled veteran'' means (A) a veteran who is
entitled to compensation under laws administered by the
Secretary for a disability rated at 30 percent or more,
or (B) a veteran whose discharge or release from active
duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in
line of duty.
[(2) The term ``veteran of the Vietnam era'' means a
person (A) who served on active duty for a period of
more than 180 days any part of which occurred during
the Vietnam era, and who was discharged or released
therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge, or
(B) who was discharged or released from active duty for
a service-connected disability if any part of such
active duty was performed during the Vietnam era.]

Sec. 3742. Small business loan program

(a)(1) * * *
(2) Subject to paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection, financial
assistance under this section may be provided in the form of
[(A) loan guaranties, or (B) direct loans] loan guaranties.
(3) The Secretary shall specify in regulations the criteria
to be met for a business concern to qualify as a veterans'
small business concern for the purposes of this subchapter.
Such regulations shall include requirements--
(A) that at least 51 percent of a business concern
must be owned by individuals who are [veterans of the
Vietnam era
or] disabled veterans in order for such concern to
qualify for a loan guaranty [and that at least 51
percent of a business concern must be owned by disabled
veterans in order for such concern to qualify for a
direct loan]; and

* * * * * * *

(b) The availability of financial assistance under subsection
(a) of this section is subject to the following limitations:
[(1) The Secretary may not make a direct loan under
this section unless the veterans' small business
concern applying for the loan shows to the satisfaction
of the Secretary that the concern is unable to obtain a
loan guaranteed by the Department under this section or
made or guaranteed by the Small Business
Administration.]
[(2)] (1) The Secretary may not guarantee a loan
under this section if the loan bears a rate of interest
in excess of the maximum rate of interest prescribed
under section 3745 of this title.
[(3)] (2) The Secretary may not [make or] guarantee a
loan under this section for an amount in excess of
$200,000.
[(4)] (3) The original liability of the Secretary on
any loan guaranteed under this section may not exceed
90 percent of the amount of the loan, and such
liability shall decrease or increase pro rata with any
decrease or increase of the amount of the unpaid
portion of the loan, but such liability may not exceed
the amount of the original guaranty.
(c) Each loan [made or] guaranteed under this subchapter
shall be of such sound value, taking into account the
creditworthiness of the veterans' small business concern (and
the individual owners) applying for such loan, or so secured as
reasonably to assure payment.
(d)[(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this
subsection, the] The Secretary may not [make or] guarantee a
loan under this subchapter to a veterans' small business
concern in which an ownership interest is held by a veteran who
also has an ownership interest in another small business
concern if such ownership interest was considered in qualifying
that other concern for an outstanding loan made or guaranteed
under this subchapter or the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631
et seq.).
[(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply if 51
percent or more of the business concern seeking a direct or
guaranteed loan under this is owned by veterans of the
Vietnam era or disabled veterans without including the
ownership interest of the veteran whose ownership interest in
another small business concern was previously considered in
qualifying that other concern for an outstanding guaranteed or
direct business loan under this subchapter or the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).]
(e)(1) In order to protect the interest of the United States,
upon application by a veterans' small business concern which is
the recipient of a loan guaranteed under this subchapter, the
Secretary (subject to the provisions of this subsection) may
undertake the veterans' small business concern's obligation to
make payments under such loan [or, if the loan was a direct
loan made by the Secretary, may suspend such obligation]. While
such payments are being made by the Secretary pursuant to the
undertaking of such obligation [or while such obligation is
suspended], no such payment with respect to the loan may be
required from the concern.
(2) The Secretary may undertake [or suspend] a veterans'
small business concern's obligation under this subsection only
if--
(A) such undertaking [or suspension] of the
obligation is, in the judgment of the Secretary,
necessary to protect the interest of the United States;
(B) with the undertaking [or suspension] of the
obligation, the small business concern would, in the
judgment of the Secretary, become or remain a viable
small business entity; and

* * * * * * *

(3) The period of time for which the Secretary
undertakes [or suspends] the obligation on a loan
under this subsection may not exceed five years. The
Secretary may extend the maturity of any loan on which
the Secretary undertakes [or suspends] the obligation
under this subsection for a corresponding period of
time.
(4)(A) Before the Secretary may undertake [or
suspend] a veterans' small business concern's
obligation under this subsection, the Secretary shall
require the small business concern to execute an
agreement to repay the aggregate amount of the payments
which were required under the loan during the period
for which the obligation was undertaken [or
suspended]--
(i) * * *

* * * * * * *

(B) In addition to requiring the small business
concern to execute the agreement described in
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the Secretary
shall, before the undertaking [or suspension] of the
obligation, take such action and require the small
business concern to take such action as the Secretary
considers appropriate in the circumstances, including
the provision of such security as the Secretary
considers necessary or appropriate, to assure that the
rights and interest of the United States and any lender
will be safeguarded adequately during and after the
period in which such obligation is so undertaken [or
suspended].
(f) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with an
appropriate entity for the purpose of carrying out the program
under this subchapter.

Sec. 3743. Liability on loans

Each individual who has an ownership interest in a veterans'
small business concern [that is provided a direct loan under
this subchapter, or] that obtains a loan guaranteed under
this subchapter[,] shall execute a note or other document
evidencing the [direct or] guaranteed business loan, and such
individuals shall be jointly and severally liable to the United
States [for the amount of such direct loan or, in the case of a
guaranteed loan,] for any amount paid by the Secretary on
account of such loan.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3746. Maturity of loans

The maturity of a loan [made or] guaranteed under this
subchapter that is used in whole or in part for the
construction, conversion, or expansion of facilities or for
acquisition of real property may not exceed twenty years plus
such additional reasonable time as the Secretary may determine,
at the time the loan is made, is required to complete the
construction, acquisition, or expansion of such facilities. The
maturity of any other loan [made or] guaranteed under this
subchapter may not exceed ten years.

* * * * * * *

Sec. 3749. Revolving fund

(a) * * *
(b) Amounts in the fund shall be available to the Secretary
without fiscal year limitation for all loan guaranty [and
direct loan] operations under this subchapter other than
administrative expenses and may not be used for any other
purpose.
(c)(1) * * *
(2) There shall be deposited into the fund all amounts
received by the Secretary derived from loan operations under
this subchapter, including all collection of principal and
interest, fees collected under section 3749A of this title, and
the proceeds from the use of property held or of property sold.

* * * * * * *

[(e) Not later than two years after the termination of the
authority of the Secretary to make new commitments for
financial assistance under this subchapter the Secretary shall
transfer into the general fund of the Treasury all amounts in
the fund except those that the Secretary determines may be
required for the liquidation of obligations under this
subchapter. All amounts received thereafter derived from loan
operations under this subchapter, except so much thereof as the
Secretary may determine to be necessary for liquidating
outstanding obligations under this subchapter, shall also be so
deposited.]

Sec. 3749A. Loan Fee

(a) Requirement of Fee.--(1) The Secretary--
(A) collect a fee from each veterans' small business
concern obtaining a loan guaranteed under this
subchapter; and
(B) deposit such fee in the fund established under
section 3749 of this title.
(2) No loan may be guaranteed under this subchapter until the
fee payable under this section has been remitted to the
Secretary.
(3) The fee may be included in the loan guaranteed under this
subchapter and paid from the proceeds thereof.
(b) Determination of Fee.--The amount of the fee shall be an
amount necessary to ensure the solvency of the fund established
under section 3749 of this title as determined by the
Secretary.

Sec. 3750. Incorporation of other provisions by the Secretary

The Secretary may provide that the provisions of sections of
other subchapters of this chapter that are not otherwise
applicable to loans [made or] guaranteed under this subchapter
shall be applicable to loans made or guaranteed under this
subchapter. The Secretary shall exercise authority under the
preceding sentence by regulations prescribed after publication
in the Federal Register and a period of not less than thirty
days for public comment.

[Sec. 3751. Termination of program

[The Secretary may not make commitments for financial
assistance under this subchapter after September 30 1986.]

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PART VI--ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

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CHAPTER 81--ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF HOSPITAL AND DOMICILIARY
FACILITIES; PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY; ENHANCED-USE LEASES OF REAL
PROPERTY

SUBCHAPTER I--ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF MEDICAL FACILITIES

Sec
8101. Definitions.
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SUBCHAPTER II--PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY

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8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.

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SUBCHAPTER II--PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY

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Sec. 8127. Small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans:
contracting goals and preferences

(a) * * *

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(c) Sole Source Contracts for Contracts Above Simplified
Acquisition Threshold.--For purposes of meeting the goals under
subsection (a), and in accordance with this section, a
contracting officer of the Department [may] shall award a
contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by
veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures
if--
(1) * * *

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Sec. 8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit

(a) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--The
Secretary may hold an event, once every year, to provide
networking opportunities, outreach, education, training, and
support to small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans, veterans service organizations, and other entities as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2011 and 2021.

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