Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit annually to Congress a future-years veterans program (program) reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that fiscal year. Requires each program to set forth a five-year VA plan to address the U.S. commitment to veterans and the resources necessary to meet that commitment.
Requires the Secretary, in 2017 and quadrennially thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting such commitment and resources requirement (quadrennial veterans review). Requires each review to be coordinated with the above program. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on each review.
Directs the Secretary to provide annually to the appropriate VA officials written policy guidance for the preparation and review of the planning and program recommendations and budget proposals of the VA elements of such officials.
Requires the Secretary to designate a Chief Strategy Officer to advise the Secretary on long-range VA strategy and implications.
Directs the Secretary to study (through an independent contractor) and report to the veterans committees on the functions and organizational structure of the Office of the Secretary and the VA, including the most efficient and economical allocation and structure for assisting the Secretary in carrying out duties and responsibilities.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2704 Introduced in House (IH)]
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2704
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program
and a quadrennial veterans review, to establish in the Department of
Veterans Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 17, 2013
Mr. Michaud (for himself and Mr. Miller of Florida) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program
and a quadrennial veterans review, to establish in the Department of
Veterans Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs
Budget Planning Reform Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF STRATEGIC PLANS TO IMPROVE PROGRAMS AND
BENEFITS FOR VETERANS.
(a) Future-Years Veterans Program.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 1 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 119. Future-Years Veterans Program
``(a) Submission to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to
Congress each year, at or about the time that the President's budget is
submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, a
Future-Years Veterans Program reflecting the estimated expenditures and
proposed appropriations included in that budget. Any such Future-Years
Veterans Program shall cover the fiscal year with respect to which the
budget is submitted and at least the four succeeding fiscal years.
``(b) Consistency.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that amounts
described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) for any fiscal year are
consistent with amounts described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph
for that fiscal year.
``(2) Amounts referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:
``(A) The amounts specified in program and budget
information submitted to Congress by the Secretary in support
of expenditure estimates and proposed appropriations in the
budget submitted to Congress by the President under section
1105(a) of title 31 for any fiscal year, as shown in the
Future-Years Veterans Program submitted pursuant to subsection
(a).
``(B) The total amounts of estimated expenditures and
proposed appropriations necessary to support the programs,
projects, and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs
included pursuant to paragraph (5) of section 1105(a) of title
31 in the budget submitted to Congress under that section for
any fiscal year.
``(c) Contents.--The Future-Years Veterans Program under subsection
(a) shall set forth the five-year plan of the Department to address the
commitment of the United States to veterans and the resources necessary
to meet that commitment and shall be developed and updated, as
appropriate, annually by the Secretary. Each Future-Years Veterans
Program shall include an explanation of--
``(1) the information that was used to develop program
planning guidance for the Future-Years Veterans Program; and
``(2) how the resource allocations included in the Future-
Years Veterans Program correlate to such five-year strategy.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 118 the following new item:
``119. Future-Years Veterans Program.''.
(3) Effective date.--Section 119 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall apply with respect to
the preparation and submission of the fiscal year 2018 budget
request for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Quadrennial Veterans Review.--
(1) In general.--Such chapter is further amended by adding
after section 119, as added by subsection (a)(1), the following
new section:
``Sec. 120. Quadrennial veterans review
``(a) Requirement.--(1) Not later than fiscal year 2017, and every
fourth year thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the
strategy for meeting the commitment of the United States to veterans
and the resources necessary to meet that commitment (in this section
referred to as a `quadrennial veterans review').
``(2) Each quadrennial veterans review shall include a
comprehensive examination of the policies and strategies of the United
States with respect to veterans, including recommendations regarding
the long-term strategy and priorities for programs, services, benefits,
and outcomes regarding veterans and guidance on the programs, assets,
capabilities, budget, policies, and authorities of the Department.
``(3) The Secretary shall conduct each quadrennial veterans review
in consultation with key officials of the Department, the heads of
other Federal agencies, and other relevant governmental and
nongovernmental entities, including State, local, and tribal government
officials, members of Congress, veterans service organizations, private
sector representatives, academics, and other policy experts.
``(4) The Secretary shall ensure that each quadrennial veterans
review is coordinated with the Future-Years Veterans Program required
under section 119 of this title.
``(b) Contents of Review.--In each quadrennial veterans review, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) delineate a veterans strategy consistent with the
commitment of the United States to veterans and refine a
strategy for the types of, and provision of, programs,
services, benefits, and outcomes consistent with current
authorities and requirements;
``(2) outline and prioritize the full range of programs and
capabilities regarding veterans provided by the Federal
Government;
``(3) identify the budget plan required to provide
sufficient resources to successfully execute the full range of
such programs and capabilities;
``(4) include an assessment of the organizational alignment
of the Department with respect to the strategy referred to in
paragraph (1) and the programs and capabilities referred to in
paragraph (2);
``(5) review and assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms
of the Department for executing the process of turning the
requirements identified in the quadrennial veterans review into
a plan to meet such requirements, including an expenditure plan
for the Department; and
``(6) identify emerging trends, problems, opportunities,
and issues that could affect veterans or the Department during
the ten-year period following the period covered by the review.
``(c) Submission to Congress.--(1) The Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report regarding each quadrennial veterans review.
The Secretary shall submit the report in the year following the year in
which the review is conducted, but not later than the date on which the
President submits the budget for the next fiscal year to Congress under
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.
``(2) Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) the results of the quadrennial veterans review;
``(B) a description of the challenges to, and opportunities
for, the assumed or defined veterans-related interests of the
Nation that were examined for the purposes of that review;
``(C) the strategy for meeting the Nation's commitment to
veterans, including a prioritized list of the missions of the
Department;
``(D) a description of the interagency cooperation,
preparedness of Federal assets, infrastructure, budget plan,
and other elements of the programs and policies of the Nation
associated with the strategy referred to in subsection (b)(1)
that are required to execute successfully the full range of
programs and capabilities identified in such strategy and the
programs and capabilities outlined under subsection (b)(2);
``(E) an assessment of the organizational alignment of the
Department with the strategy referred to in subsection (b)(1)
and the programs and capabilities outlined under subsection
(b)(2), including the Department's organizational structure,
management systems, budget and accounting systems, human
resources systems, procurement systems, and physical and
technical infrastructure;
``(F) a discussion of the status of cooperation among
Federal agencies in the effort to promote national support for
veterans;
``(G) a discussion of the status of cooperation between the
Federal Government and State, local, and tribal governments in
supporting veterans and providing programs, services, benefits,
and outcomes to assist veterans;
``(H) an explanation of any underlying assumptions used in
conducting the review; and
``(I) any other matter the Secretary considers
appropriate.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 119, as added by subsection (a)(2),
the following new item:
``120. Quadrennial Veterans Review.''.
(c) Policy Guidance.--
(1) In general.--Such chapter is further amended by adding
after section 120, as added by subsection (b)(1), the following
new section:
``Sec. 121. Policy Guidance
``The Secretary shall provide annually to the appropriate officials
of the Department written policy guidance for the preparation and
review of the planning and program recommendations and budget proposals
of the elements of the Department of such officials. Such guidance
shall include guidance on the objectives of the Department in
accordance with Future-Years Veterans Program under section 119 of this
title and the quadrennial veterans review under section 120 and the
resource levels projected to be available for the period of time for
which such recommendations and proposals are to be effective.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 120, as added by subsection (b)(2),
the following new item:
``121. Quadrennial veterans review.''.
SEC. 3. CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 323. Chief Strategy Officer
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall designate the Assistant
Secretary whose functions include planning, studies, and evaluations as
the Chief Strategy Officer of the Department. The Chief Strategy
Officer shall advise the Secretary on long-range strategy and
implications.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Chief Strategy Officer is the
principal advisor to the Secretary and other senior officials of the
Department, and shall provide independent analysis and advice to the
Secretary and such officials. The Chief Strategy Officer shall carry
out the following responsibilities:
``(1) Conducting cost estimation and cost analysis for the
programs of the Department.
``(2) Establishing policies for, and overseeing the
integration of, the planning, programming, budgeting and
execution process for the Department.
``(3) Providing analysis and advice on matters relating to
the planning and programming phase of the planning,
programming, budgeting and execution process, and the
preparation of materials and guidance for such process, as
directed by the Secretary, working in coordination with the
Assistant Secretary for Management.
``(4) Developing and executing the Future-Years Veterans
Program of the Department, as specified under section 119 of
this title.
``(5) Developing resource discussions relating to
requirements under consideration in the quadrennial veterans
review under section 120 of this title.
``(6) Formulating study guidance for analysis of
alternatives for programs and initiatives, including any
necessary acquisitions, development, or procurement
commensurate with such alternatives, and performance of such
analysis as directed by the Secretary.
``(7) Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating programs for
executing approved strategies and policies, ensuring that
information on programs and expected outcomes is presented
accurately and completely.
``(8) Ensuring that the costs of programs and alternatives
are presented accurately and completely by assisting in
establishing standards, policies, and procedures for the
conduct of cost estimation and cost analysis throughout the
Department, including guidance relating to the proper selection
of confidence levels in cost estimates generally and for
specific programs of the Department.
``(9) Conducting studies at the request of the Secretary
regarding costs, policy assumptions, and strategic implications
of current policies and possible alternatives.
``(10) Communicating directly to the Secretary and the
Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs about matters for which
the Chief Strategy Officer is responsible without obtaining the
approval or concurrence of any other official within the
Department.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
322 the following new item:
``323. Chief Strategy Officer.''.
SEC. 4. STUDY ON THE FUNCTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Secretary of Veterans Affairs Study.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall conduct a study of the functions and organizational
structure of the Office of the Secretary and of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(b) Contents of Study.--In conducting the study under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall consider whether the allocation of functions
and the organizational structure of the Department, as of the date of
the enactment of this Act, constitute the most effective, efficient,
and economical allocation and structure to assist the Secretary in
carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary. The
Secretary shall also consider--
(1) whether the organization of the Office and the
Department is--
(A) optimally structured to assist the Secretary in
the effective exercise of control over the Department,
including--
(i) policy development and strategic
planning;
(ii) programming, planning, and budget
development and policy, program, and budget
execution; and
(iii) contingency planning; and
(B) the most effective and efficient organization
for the initiation, development, and articulation of
veterans' policy and the provision of benefits and
services;
(2) means of improving and strengthening the oversight and
accountability within the Office and Department;
(3) factors inhibiting efficient and effective execution of
the functions of the Office and the Department, including
factors relating to--
(A) any duplication of functions (both within and
between the Office and Department);
(B) the availability to the Secretary of sufficient
and detailed information regarding the operation of the
Department to enable effective planning, policy
execution, and oversight; and
(C) the sufficiency of resources, including
personnel, to carry out current and projected
requirements in a more effective and efficient manner;
and
(4) possible alternative allocations and realignments of
authorities and functions within the Office and Department to
improve the Department's overall operation and better provide
benefits and services.
(c) Independent Contractor Study.--The Secretary shall enter into a
contract with an appropriate entity under which the entity shall carry
out an independent study of the same matters required to be considered
by the Secretary under subsection (b). The Secretary shall ensure that
the entity has full access to such information as the contractor
requires in order to conduct the study and that the contractor
otherwise receives full cooperation from all officials and entities of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report on the Secretary's study under subsection
(a). The report shall include--
(1) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary with
respect to each of the matters set forth in subsection (b);
(2) any recommendations of the Secretary for organizational
changes in the Office of the Secretary and the overall
Department and a description of the means for implementing each
recommendation; and
(3) a copy of the report of the independent contractor
under subsection (c), together with such comments on such
report as the Secretary considers appropriate.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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