No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3466 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3466
To improve health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 11, 2025
Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Ms. Alsobrooks, Mr. King, Ms. Duckworth,
Ms. Hirono, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Cortez Masto) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
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; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Honor Our Promise
to Veterans Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Implementation.
TITLE I--IMPROVEMENTS TO CARE
Subtitle A--Scheduling
Sec. 101. Timing for scheduling of appointments.
Sec. 102. Consideration of telehealth in determining whether an
appointment can be scheduled within the
access standards of the Department of
Veterans Affairs and limitation on
availability of telehealth through
community care.
Sec. 103. Information for veterans regarding access to care.
Subtitle B--Provider Requirements
Sec. 111. Extension of period for submittal of claims by health care
entities and providers.
Sec. 112. Rating program relating to military sexual trauma for
providers under Veterans Community Care
Program of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 113. Requirements relating to quality of community care providers.
Sec. 114. Community care provider training requirements.
Sec. 115. Waivers for network adequacy.
Sec. 116. Contracting requirements.
Sec. 117. Inspector General oversight authority over community care.
Sec. 118. Requirement that health care providers under Veterans
Community Care Program provide certain
data.
Sec. 119. Full practice authority for certain positions within
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 119A. Treatment of psychologists.
Subtitle C--Reports and Related Matters
Sec. 121. Information on lessons learned to improve contracting for
community care.
Sec. 122. Analysis of impact of spending under Veterans Community Care
Program on budgets of medical centers and
Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 123. Study on recovery of revenue from private health insurers.
Sec. 124. Matters relating to emergency care.
Sec. 125. Review of dialysis care furnished by Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 126. Benefits for persons disabled by treatment under Veterans
Community Care Program of Department of
Veterans Affairs.
TITLE II--STAFFING MATTERS
Subtitle A--Salaries
Sec. 201. Modification of limitation on waiver for pay of critical
health care personnel.
Sec. 202. Increase of maximum amount of incentive pay for Department
pharmacist executives.
Sec. 203. Modification of special pay authority for nurse executives.
Subtitle B--Recruitment and Retention
Sec. 211. Inclusion of police officers of Department of Veterans
Affairs as law enforcement officers.
Sec. 212. Mentorship program for executive leadership teams at medical
centers of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 213. Requirement for equivalent role postings for vacant positions
at Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 214. Hiring processes.
Sec. 215. Staffing models.
Sec. 216. Telework policy.
Subtitle C--Education
Sec. 221. Establishment of Start and Stay at VA Program.
Sec. 222. Building and maintenance professionals educational assistance
program.
Sec. 223. Expansion of reimbursement of continuing professional
education expenses.
Sec. 224. Payment of licensure exam costs for recipients of
scholarships from Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Subtitle D--Reports
Sec. 231. Department of Veterans Affairs personnel transparency.
Sec. 232. Report on Grow Our Own Program.
Sec. 233. Provision of data on educational assistance programs of
Veterans Health Administration.
TITLE III--INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Subtitle A--Investing in Department of Veterans Infrastructure to
Increase Capacity to Serve Veterans
Sec. 311. Authorization of funding for certain land acquisitions for
medical facilities of Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 312. Detachment of congressional committee approval requests of
major medical facility leases from annual
budget submission of Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 313. Improvement of capital asset staffing of Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 314. Development of performance metrics of capital asset
management by Department of Veterans
Affairs and monitoring for improvement.
Sec. 315. Expansion of membership of the Capital Asset Planning
Committee.
Sec. 316. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B--Reviews and Reports
Sec. 321. Review of resilience of facilities, land, and other relevant
capital assets of Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 322. Reports on key capital asset investments, activities, and
performance of Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 323. Report on long-term care physical infrastructure needs of
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 324. Report on women veterans retrofit initiative.
Sec. 325. Report on capital asset and information technology needs of
the research and development program of
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 326. Review and report on provisions of law relating to Department
of Veterans Affairs capital asset
management and oversight.
Sec. 327. Improving prevention, detection, and reporting of waste,
fraud, and abuse in Department of Veterans
Affairs capital asset projects and
activities.
Sec. 328. Comptroller General report on continued need for non-
Department of Veterans Affairs project
management for super construction projects.
SEC. 2. IMPLEMENTATION.
Unless otherwise specified, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act by not later
than the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
TITLE I--IMPROVEMENTS TO CARE
Subtitle A--Scheduling
SEC. 101. TIMING FOR SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1706A the following
new section:
``Sec. 1706B. Requirements for timing of scheduling of appointments
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall ensure that an appointment
for a veteran for care or services under this chapter, including under
section 1703 of this title--
``(1) in the case of a non-urgent appointment, is scheduled
(but may occur at a later date) not later than seven days after
the earlier of the date on which--
``(A) a clinician of the Department determines that
the veteran requires care; or
``(B) the veteran presents to the Department
requesting care; and
``(2) in the case of an appointment for urgent care, is
completed not later than 48 hours after the earlier of the date
on which--
``(A) a clinician of the Department determines that
the veteran requires care; or
``(B) the veteran presents to the Department
requesting care.
``(b) Report on Community Care Scheduling.--
``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than quarterly, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House
of Representatives a report on the average time it takes each
medical facility of the Department to schedule appointments for
care or services under section 1703 of this title,
disaggregated by primary care, mental health care, and each
type of specialty care.
``(2) Data included.--Each report required under paragraph
(1) shall indicate what data for wait times for various types
of care, services, or locations, if any, were not included in
the calculation of the average times and why that data was not
included.
``(3) Inclusion in existing reports.--The Secretary may
include each report required under paragraph (1) in any
existing report required to be submitted to Congress that
relates to the same or a similar topic.
``(4) Analysis of reasons for noncompliance.--
``(A) In general.--Each medical facility of the
Department for which any average time reported under
paragraph (1) for the facility is more than seven days
shall submit to the Under Secretary for Health, not
later than 30 days after the date of the report--
``(i) an analysis of why such average time
is more than seven days, including the extent
to which staffing shortages of a type or
position of employee, insufficient provider
networks, surges of appointments, or any other
factor is increasing such average times;
``(ii) a remediation plan to bring such
average time to not more than seven days; and
``(iii) an explanation for how each issue
specified in clause (i) is being mitigated.
``(B) Treatment of insufficient provider network.--
With respect to any analysis under subparagraph (A)(i)
that determines an insufficient provider network, the
Under Secretary for Health shall--
``(i) consult with any third party
administrator responsible for administering
such network regarding--
``(I) if such network insufficiency
has been previously identified, whether
mitigation is planned for areas where
average times exceed seven days; and
``(II) if such network
insufficiency has not been previously
identified or if previous mitigation
plans have not worked, how network
insufficiency can be overcome; and
``(ii) examine whether the third party
administrator is meeting contractual
obligations regarding network sufficiency.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1706A the following new item:
``1706B. Requirements for timing of scheduling of appointments.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall comply
with the requirements under section 1706B of title 38, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 102. CONSIDERATION OF TELEHEALTH IN DETERMINING WHETHER AN
APPOINTMENT CAN BE SCHEDULED WITHIN THE ACCESS STANDARDS
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND LIMITATION ON
AVAILABILITY OF TELEHEALTH THROUGH COMMUNITY CARE.
(a) In General.--Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(5) In determining under paragraph (1)(D) whether the Department
is able to furnish care or services in a manner that complies with
designated access standards under section 1703B of this title, for
purposes of determining the availability of an appointment, a
telehealth appointment shall be considered as an available appointment,
subject to subsection (r), if the veteran accepts the use of telehealth
or the only option for the appointment is via telehealth.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (q) as subsection (r); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (p) the following new
subsection (q):
``(q) Availability of Telehealth.--(1) If a covered veteran is
authorized to receive care or services under this section, the covered
veteran may only seek such care or services via telehealth if--
``(A) such care or services via telehealth are not
available through the Department;
``(B) the wait time for such care or services via
telehealth is longer through the Department than through a
provider under this section; or
``(C) the veteran has already established related in-person
care or services through a provider under this section.
``(2) When discussing options for care or services for a covered
veteran under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the veteran
is informed of the ability of the veteran to seek care or services via
telehealth, either through a medical facility of the Department or
through a non-Department provider, if telehealth--
``(A) is available to the veteran; and
``(B) is appropriate for the type of care or services the
veteran is seeking, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Limitation on Telehealth Through Community Care Providers.--
When a veteran is authorized to seek care from a non-Department of
Veterans Affairs provider under the laws administered by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs other than under section 1703 of title 38, United
States Code, the veteran may only seek care via telehealth under such
laws if--
(1) such care via telehealth is not available through the
Department;
(2) the wait time for such care via telehealth is longer
through the Department than through a community provider; or
(3) the veteran has already established related in-person
care through the community provider.
SEC. 103. INFORMATION FOR VETERANS REGARDING ACCESS TO CARE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1704A the following
new section:
``Sec. 1704B. Information regarding access to care
``(a) Provision of Information.--
``(1) In general.--To the greatest extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that veterans are provided, for each
episode of care sought under the laws administered by the
Secretary, information on current wait time and average driving
time options for such episode of care, disaggregated by care
provided--
``(A) in person at a facility of the Department of
Veterans Affairs;
``(B) via telehealth through a provider of the
Department;
``(C) in person through the nearest suitable non-
Department facility with which the Department has a
provider agreement or other arrangement for non-
Department care pursuant to section 1703 of this title;
and
``(D) via telehealth through a non-Department
provider with which the Department has a provider
agreement or other arrangement for non-Department care
pursuant to such section with the shortest wait time.
``(2) Form of information.--Information provided under
paragraph (1)--
``(A) may be provided electronically; and
``(B) shall be documented in the health record of
the veteran.
``(3) Opt out.--The Secretary shall permit a veteran to opt
out of receiving information under paragraph (1).
``(b) Publication and Update of Information.--Not less frequently
than weekly, the Secretary shall update the Access to Care website of
the Department (or successor website) to include updated information
with respect to the following:
``(1) The information required under subsection (a).
``(2) The national average wait times for each appointment
at the Department and a non-Department facility for the receipt
of primary care, specialty care (which shall include a
disaggregated average wait time for outpatient in-person
individual mental health care), and hospital care.
``(3) Total completed appointments for care under the laws
administered by the Secretary disaggregated by appointments
completed during the following period following a request for
appointment:
``(A) Within 30 days.
``(B) More than 30 days.
``(C) More than 90 days.
``(D) More than 180 days.
``(4) Historical data, at a minimum dating back 10 years if
available, for each data point required to be calculated
under--
``(A) subsection (a);
``(B) section 206 of the Veterans Access, Choice,
and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38
U.S.C. 1701 note);
``(C) section 195 of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and
Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and
Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 (division U of
Public Law 117-328; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note); or
``(D) any other provision of law that requires data
to be included in the Access to Care website of the
Department (or successor website).
``(c) Briefing.--Not less frequently than quarterly, the Secretary
shall provide to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
briefing that includes a presentation or overview of the trends in the
data published on the Access to Care website of the Department (or
successor website).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 1704A the following new item:
``1704B. Information regarding access to care.''.
Subtitle B--Provider Requirements
SEC. 111. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR SUBMITTAL OF CLAIMS BY HEALTH CARE
ENTITIES AND PROVIDERS.
Section 1703D of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(a) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``the reason for denying the
claim and what, if any, additional information is required to process
the claim'' and inserting ``the reason for denying the claim and
request additional missing information, if any, that is required to
process the claim'';
(b) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Submittal of Claims by Health Care Entities and Providers.--
(1) A health care entity or provider that furnishes hospital care, a
medical service, or an extended care service under this chapter
pursuant to a contract, agreement, or other arrangement shall submit to
the Secretary a claim for payment for furnishing the hospital care,
medical service, or extended care service not later than one year after
the date on which the entity or provider furnished the hospital care,
medical service, or extended care service.
``(2) No health care entity or provider may seek payment from a
patient if the health care entity or provider failed to comply with the
timely filing requirement set forth in paragraph (1).''; and
(c) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) The Secretary may suspend a health care entity or provider
from furnishing hospital care, medical services, and extended care
services under this chapter if the Secretary has reason to believe the
entity or provider has submitted to the Secretary fraudulent health
care claims for payment by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 112. RATING PROGRAM RELATING TO MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA FOR
PROVIDERS UNDER VETERANS COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a
program under which the Secretary provides a rating of ``MST Aware''
for any community care provider that complies with the qualifications
under subsection (b).
(b) Provider Qualifications.--The Secretary shall provide a
community care provider with a rating of ``MST Aware'' pursuant to the
program established under subsection (a) if the provider--
(1) completes core training modules relating to military
sexual trauma recommended or required of similar employees of
the Department or recommended by the Office of Integrated
Veteran Care, or successor office, and other relevant training
modules as determined by the Secretary;
(2) completes core training modules relating to the
treatment of women veterans, such as the training module
created under section 5203 of the Deborah Sampson Act of 2020
(title V of Public Law 116-315; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note), as
determined by the Secretary; and
(3) complies with such other criteria as the Secretary may
determine appropriate.
(c) Timing.--The Secretary shall determine how often a community
care provider shall be required to complete any training and updates to
the training or comply with any criteria required under subsection (b)
in order to maintain the ``MST Aware'' rating.
(d) Plan.--The Secretary shall establish a plan to promote the
program established under subsection (a) and encourage the
participation of community care providers in such program by offering
incentives, such as continuing medical education credits, to providers
that complete core or other relevant training modules.
(e) Publication of List.--
(1) In general.--Each Third Party Administrator shall
publish on a publicly available and user-friendly website a
list of all community care providers administered by the Third
Party Administrator that includes a designation of whether each
provider has earned an ``MST Aware'' rating pursuant to the
program established under subsection (a).
(2) Update.--Each Third Party Administrator shall update
the list required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than
weekly.
(3) Oversight.--The Secretary shall develop an oversight
plan to ensure the lists under this subsection are maintained
and accurate.
(4) Display of rating.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
Provider Profile Management System, or any successor system,
displays the ``MST Aware'' rating pursuant to the program
established under subsection (a) for any provider that achieves
such rating.
(5) Third party administrator defined.--In this subsection,
the term ``Third Party Administrator'' has the meaning given
that term in section 1703B of title 38, United States Code.
(f) Report.--Not later than one year after the establishment of the
program under subsection (a), and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report on the program, including--
(1) a description of the training modules determined by the
Secretary for purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection
(b);
(2) the number of community care providers who have earned
an ``MST Aware'' rating during the prior year, disaggregated by
community care region, provider type, and specialty;
(3) an assessment of the effectiveness of the training
modules and other criteria required under subsection (b); and
(4) the status of the plans of the Secretary for promotion
of the program and provision of incentives under subsection
(d).
(g) Community Care Provider Defined.--In this section, the term
``community care provider'' means a health care provider specified
under section 1703(c) of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 113. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO QUALITY OF COMMUNITY CARE PROVIDERS.
(a) Monthly Checks Against List of Excluded Individuals or
Entities.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that third
party administrators under the Veterans Community Care Program perform
automated monthly checks for all community care providers against the
list of excluded individuals or entities set forth by the Office of
Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services using
social security number, date of birth, and other unique identifiers.
(b) Revision of Provider Exclusion Standard Operating Procedures.--
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall ensure that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care
revises its provider exclusion standard operating procedures to require
automated matching of community care providers in the provider profile
management system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the system
for award management exclusions of the General Services Administration
using both taxpayer identification number and national provider
identifier as identifiers.
(c) Process To Identify Department Providers Terminated or
Resigning From Employment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall ensure that the Under
Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs develops a
process to identify health care providers that are terminated, retire,
or resign from employment with the Department for quality of care
concerns or while under investigation for quality of care concerns so
those health care providers can be prevented from participating in the
Veterans Community Care Program.
(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the
Office of Integrated Veteran Care, shall develop a process to ensure
that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than
monthly--
(1) update their lists of community care providers to
reflect accurate provider contact information;
(2) annotate providers that are not currently accepting
patients under the Veterans Community Care Program; and
(3) remove providers from the provider profile management
system that--
(A) are on the list of excluded individuals or
entities set forth by the Office of Inspector General
of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(B) are in the system for award management
exclusions of the General Services Administration; or
(C) have been terminated from employment with the
Department of Veterans Affairs due to quality of care
concerns or left such employment voluntarily, through
resignation, or through retirement, while under
investigation for quality of care concerns.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Veterans community care program.--The term ``Veterans
Community Care Program'' means the Veterans Community Care
Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) Community care provider.--The term ``community care
provider'' means a health care provider specified under section
1703(c) of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 114. COMMUNITY CARE PROVIDER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1703G the following
new section:
``Sec. 1703H. Required training for community care providers
``(a) In General.--Each non-Department health care provider that
provides health care to veterans under this subchapter shall complete
covered training.
``(b) Continuing Education Requirements.--The Secretary shall offer
covered training under this section in such a manner as to qualify for
or fulfill continuing education requirements for health care
professionals.
``(c) Timeline.--
``(1) In general.--Covered training must be completed by a
health care provider under this section--
``(A) except as provided in paragraph (2), within
the same time period in which a newly hired health care
provider employed by the Department is required to
complete such training or substantially similar
training; and
``(B) in the case of any recurring or newly added
training, within the same time period in which a health
care provider employed by the Department is required to
complete such training or substantially similar
training.
``(2) Existing providers.--With respect to health care
providers providing care to veterans under this subchapter as
of the date of the enactment of the Honor Act of 2025, covered
training under paragraph (1)(A) must be completed by not later
than one year after such date of enactment.
``(d) Lack of Compliance.--
``(1) Supervision.--A non-Department health care provider
that does not complete covered training within the timelines
required under this section shall be able to provide care under
the laws administered by the Secretary only under direct
supervision by a provider who has completed covered training
and has an equivalent or higher licensure as the provider in
question.
``(2) Removal.--A non-Department health care provider that
has not completed covered training as of the date that is 180
days after the due date for such training shall be--
``(A) ineligible to provide health care under the
laws administered by the Secretary until completing
covered training;
``(B) removed from any network of non-Department
health care providers; and
``(C) ineligible to reapply to be a part of any
such network for not less than 180 days and until
completing covered training.
``(e) Publication of Training Status.--
``(1) Provider profile management system.--The status of
the completion by a non-Department health care provider of
covered training shall be reflected in the Provider Profile
Management System, or any successor system.
``(2) Publicly available website.--Each Third Party
Administrator (as defined in section 1703B of this title) shall
publish the status of the completion by non-Department health
care providers administered by the Third Party Administrator of
covered training on a publicly available and user-friendly
website and update such a website not less frequently than
weekly.
``(f) Covered Training Defined.--In this section, the term `covered
training' means--
``(1) course modules that are required of similarly
practicing and licensed providers of the Department relating to
miliary culture, post-traumatic stress disorder, evaluation and
management of suicide, preventing suicide through lethal means
safety, traumatic brain injury, and opioid safety provided by
or through the Department; or
``(2) course modules determined by the Secretary as
comparable in length and scope to those specified in paragraph
(1).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1703G the following new item:
``1703H. Required training for community care providers.''.
SEC. 115. WAIVERS FOR NETWORK ADEQUACY.
Section 1703B(f)(3) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
the Honor Act of 2025, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, each Third Party Administrator shall publish on a publicly
available and user-friendly website an overview of waivers requested by
the Third Party Administrator under subparagraph (A) and approved by
the Department, which shall include an indication of any services and
geographic locations with active waivers.''.
SEC. 116. CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 1703(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) The Secretary may terminate a contract with an entity entered
into under paragraph (1) at such time and upon such notice to the
entity as the Secretary may specify for purposes of this section, if
the Secretary notifies the appropriate committees of Congress that, at
a minimum--
``(i) the entity--
``(I) failed to comply substantially with the
provisions of the contract or with the provisions of
this section and the regulations prescribed under this
section; or
``(II) failed to comply with the access standards
or the standards for quality established by the
Secretary;
``(ii) it is reasonable to terminate the contract based on
the health care needs of veterans; or
``(iii) it is reasonable to terminate the contract based on
coverage provided by contracts or sharing agreements entered
into under authorities other than this section.'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (D);
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following new subparagraphs:
``(B)(i) The Secretary shall terminate a contract with an entity
entered into under paragraph (1) at such a time and upon such notice to
the entity as the Secretary may specify for the purposes of this
section, if the entity--
``(I) is excluded from participation in a Federal health
care program (as defined in section 1128B(f) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(f))) under section 1128 or
1128A of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7 and 1320a-
7a);
``(II) has been convicted of a felony or other serious
offense under Federal or State law and the continued
participation of the entity would be detrimental to the best
interests of veterans or the Department;
``(III) is identified as an excluded source on the list
maintained in the System for Award Management, or any successor
system; or
``(IV) failed to comply with provisions of the contract or
provisions of this section related to training or return of
medical record documentation for care or services provided
under this section.
``(ii) The Secretary may issue a waiver for entities subject to
clause (i) for a one-year period, and such a waiver shall be reported
to Congress not later than 30 days after such waiver is issued.
``(C) Any entities ineligible to enter into contracts with the
Department due to one or more reasons specified in this paragraph may
be listed on a publicly available website of the Department or
appropriate third party administrator.'';
(D) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated by
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, by striking ``in
subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``in this paragraph'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) Any contract or agreement between the Department and a third
party administrator or between a third party administrator and a health
care provider specified in subsection (c) that is made with respect to
care or services provided under this section shall include--
``(A) notice of obligations to comply with Federal laws and
the consequences for failure to comply with those laws,
including specific information regarding claims for payment and
consequences for any false claims, statements, or documents, or
concealment of a material fact;
``(B) confirmation by the health care provider that they
are accredited to provide any specialized services subject to
the contract or agreement and that they will only use qualified
staff to provide those services; and
``(C) confirmation that the health care provider will
identify any individuals providing specialized services or
treatments included in the contract or agreement and provide
proof of the licensure of those individuals to the
Department.''.
SEC. 117. INSPECTOR GENERAL OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER COMMUNITY CARE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1703H, as added by
section 114, the following new section:
``Sec. 1703I. Inspector General oversight authority over community care
``(a) In General.--The Office of Inspector General of the
Department may audit any entity providing care under the laws
administered by the Secretary.
``(b) Authority.--The authority under subsection (a) includes--
``(1) the authority to perform unannounced visits, audits,
or investigations; and
``(2) the authority to request and obtain any necessary
documents without a subpoena.
``(c) Elements of Audits.--Audits under subsection (a) may be
conducted--
``(1) to ensure conformance with required standards of care
prescribed by the Department;
``(2) to conduct inspections for safety;
``(3) to ensure compliance in general with the law;
``(4) to ensure compliance with contractual obligations; or
``(5) for such other purposes as the Inspector General may
determine appropriate.
``(d) Notification.--Notification of the authority under this
section and any other related information as the Secretary determines
appropriate shall be included in the provider handbooks of third party
administrators.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--Such chapter is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1703H the following new item:
``1703I. Inspector General oversight authority over community care.''.
SEC. 118. REQUIREMENT THAT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS UNDER VETERANS
COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM PROVIDE CERTAIN DATA.
(a) In General.--Beginning not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
require that covered providers electronically submit to the Secretary,
at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, data
required to be collected and considered by the Secretary under section
1703C(a)(3) of title 38, United States Code.
(b) Exclusion of Covered Providers.--The Secretary may not permit a
covered provider to participate in the Veterans Community Care Program
under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, if the provider has
not provided to the Secretary data required under subsection (a).
(c) Other Providers.--The Secretary shall encourage health care
providers specified in section 1703(c) of title 38, United States Code,
that are not covered providers to submit to the Secretary, on a
voluntary basis, data described in subsection (a).
(d) Type of Data Required and Waiver.--
(1) Type of data.--The Secretary shall determine the data
required to be submitted by each type of covered provider under
subsection (a).
(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement to
submit data under subsection (a) for a particular type of
covered provider if the Secretary determines that the submittal
by that type of provider of such data would not be appropriate
or relevant.
(e) List of High-Performing Providers.--
(1) In general.--Each Third Party Administrator (as defined
in section 1703B of title 38, United States Code) shall publish
and maintain a publicly available and user-friendly website,
updated not less frequently than weekly, that contains an up-
to-date list of all covered providers administered by the Third
Party Administrator that--
(A) have provided data described in subsection (a);
and
(B) are designated as high-performing providers, as
determined by the Secretary.
(2) Display of designation.--The Secretary shall ensure
that the Provider Profile Management System, or any successor
system, shows the designation of a covered provider as a high-
performing provider under paragraph (1)(B).
(3) Use of designation.--When scheduling an episode of care
for a veteran with a health care provider, an employee of the
Department shall consult a list under paragraph (1) or the
Provider Profile Management System, or any successor system, to
determine if the health care provider is designated as a high-
performing provider under paragraph (1)(B) and share such
information with the veteran.
(f) Covered Provider Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered
provider'' means a health care provider specified in section 1703(c) of
title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary determines has
sufficient resources to submit the data required under subsection (a)
at the time and in the manner required by the Secretary under such
subsection.
SEC. 119. FULL PRACTICE AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN POSITIONS WITHIN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Full Practice Authority.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall prescribe regulations to provide full practice authority to
physician assistants and such other licensed health care professionals
of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary considers
appropriate consistent with the education, training, and certification
of such physician assistant or health care professional.
(b) Limitations.--Regulations prescribed under subsection (a) may
be subject to--
(1) the limitations imposed by the Controlled Substances
Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.);
(2) any limitation on the State licensure of an individual
regarding the authority to prescribe or administer controlled
substances; and
(3) any other limitations on the provision of care under
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs set
forth in applicable Federal law and policy.
(c) Physician Assistant Defined.--In this section, the term
``physician assistant'' has the meaning given that term in section
1861(aa)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(5)(A)).
SEC. 119A. TREATMENT OF PSYCHOLOGISTS.
(a) Treatment as Title 38 Employees.--Section 7401 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``psychologists,'' after
``chiropractors,''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``psychologists,''.
(b) Inclusion in Contracts for Scarce Medical Specialist
Services.--Section 7409(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended
by inserting ``psychologists,'' after ``chiropractors,''.
Subtitle C--Reports and Related Matters
SEC. 121. INFORMATION ON LESSONS LEARNED TO IMPROVE CONTRACTING FOR
COMMUNITY CARE.
(a) Establishment of Formal Process.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a formal lessons-
learned process, consistent with leading practices, for contracts under
the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38,
United States Code, to inform the plans of the Department of Veterans
Affairs for contracts under such program entered into after the date of
the enactment of this Act and the continuing oversight efforts of the
Department with respect to such program.
(b) Report on Process.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the process
established under subsection (a).
SEC. 122. ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF SPENDING UNDER VETERANS COMMUNITY CARE
PROGRAM ON BUDGETS OF MEDICAL CENTERS AND VETERANS
INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORKS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct an
analysis of the impact of spending under the Veterans Community Care
Program on the budgets of individual medical centers and Veterans
Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs for
fiscal years 2020 through 2025.
(b) Elements.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A breakdown of how Veterans Equitable Resource
Allocations to medical centers of the Department are tracked
for the Medical Services account, Medical Community Care
account, Medical Support and Compliance account, and Medical
Facilities account of the Department for each fiscal year.
(2) The top 10 services for which care is sought under the
Veterans Community Care Program for each fiscal year at each
medical center.
(3) The number of full-time equivalent employees dedicated
to local offices of the Office of Integrated Veteran Care of
the Department.
(4) To the extent possible, a breakdown by medical center
of health care coverage of patients authorized to receive care
under the Veterans Community Care Program, including private
insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
(5) The administrative fee for each claim, or the aggregate
fee for such claims, for care under the Veterans Community Care
Program at each medical center.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report on the analysis conducted
under subsection (a).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Veterans community care program.--The term ``Veterans
Community Care Program'' means the Veterans Community Care
Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) Non-service-connected; service-connected.--The terms
``non-service-connected'' and ``service-connected'' have the
meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 38, United
States Code.
SEC. 123. STUDY ON RECOVERY OF REVENUE FROM PRIVATE HEALTH INSURERS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a
study assessing the feasibility and advisability of maximizing
opportunities to bill private health insurers of veterans for
recoverable claims.
(b) Elements.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall--
(1) consider aligning and prioritizing the processing of
potentially recoverable claims to filing deadlines for private
health insurers;
(2) consider how information systems controls can be
strengthened to ensure complete and accurate claims information
is transferred between applicable current and future payment
systems, the workflow tool of the Consolidated Patient Account
Centers, and patient treatment files in VistA; and
(3) determine if staffing resources and workload are
sufficiently aligned to process the anticipated volume of
claims billed to private health insurers of veterans and
outline changes to such resources and workload that might be
needed.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report on the study conducted under
subsection (a).
SEC. 124. MATTERS RELATING TO EMERGENCY CARE.
(a) Comprehensive Review of Authorities Relating to Emergency
Care.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
seek to enter into a contract with an independent entity under
which the entity shall complete and submit to the Secretary a
comprehensive review of the existing authorities of the
Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse the cost of
emergency treatment provided to veterans, including emergency
transportation services, and determine whether and how those
authorities should be modified to streamline the process and
reduce confusion by veterans regarding what is covered.
(2) Timing.--The review required under paragraph (1) shall
be completed not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(3) Input.--The review required under paragraph (1) shall
consider input from key stakeholders of the Department,
including veterans service organizations.
(b) Analysis of Inpatient Emergency Care Spending Under Veterans
Community Care Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
conduct a detailed analysis to review inpatient emergency care
spending under the Veterans Community Care Program, which shall
include an assessment of--
(A) how the Department of Veterans Affairs could
repatriate veterans admitted to hospitals under the
Veterans Community Care Program when it is medically
appropriate;
(B) how the Department could require third party
administrators to inform the Department when patients
require inpatient admission or high-dollar procedures;
and
(C) how the Department could conduct intensive case
management for individuals with a high likelihood of
emergency department visits or inpatient admissions to
help reduce costs, including by using similar practices
already used by private health care plans.
(2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the analysis conducted under paragraph (1) and publish the
report on a publicly available website of the Department.
(3) Veterans community care program defined.--In this
subsection, the term ``Veterans Community Care Program'' means
the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title
38, United States Code.
(c) Report on Expansion of Tele-Emergency Care.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the feasibility and advisability of
expanding tele-emergency care in a consistent and standardized
manner throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) information on how long it would take to
implement an expansion of tele-emergency care
throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(B) an assessment of staffing needs for such an
expansion;
(C) an assessment of any legislative changes needed
for such an expansion;
(D) a cost analysis of potential savings in
implementing such an expansion; and
(E) an assessment of impacts on quality of care and
coordination of care for veterans resulting from such
an expansion.
SEC. 125. REVIEW OF DIALYSIS CARE FURNISHED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Review by the Office of Inspector General.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the
Department of Veterans Affairs shall conduct an investigation
and publish a report on the quality and availability of
dialysis care provided at facilities of the Department or
authorized by the Department to be provided through non-
Department providers.
(2) Input.--The review required under paragraph (1) shall
consider input from key stakeholders of the Department,
including veterans service organizations and labor
organizations representing staff of the Department and staff of
non-Department providers.
(3) Assessment.--The review required by paragraph (1) shall
include an assessment of--
(A) facilities of the Department that provide
dialysis care, including an assessment of--
(i) the capacity and utilization of such
facilities;
(ii) the staffing and vacancy levels for
providing such care; and
(iii) the volume of dialysis care provided
to veterans via non-Department providers in the
catchment area of such facilities; and
(B) non-Department facilities and providers that
are authorized to and have provided dialysis care to
veterans via an agreement with the Department,
including an assessment of--
(i) conformance with required standards of
care prescribed by the Department;
(ii) patient safety;
(iii) compliance in general with the law;
(iv) staffing levels;
(v) changes in access to and utilization of
care by veterans related to staffing levels and
patient capacity of such facility;
(vi) billing practices for care authorized
by the Department; and
(vii) such other topics as the Inspector
General determines appropriate.
(4) Recommendations.--Not later than 120 days after the
publication of the report under paragraph (1), and not less
frequently than quarterly thereafter until all recommendations
contained in such report are closed by the Inspector General of
the Department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives
a report on the implementation of such recommendations.
(b) Contract Enforcement.--
(1) In general.--Any violation of any contract or agreement
with the Department of Veterans Affairs or violation of the law
by a non-Department entity found by the review conducted under
subsection (a) shall be immediately and expeditiously remedied
by the Secretary and any obligations under any such contract or
agreement, or pursuant to such law, including any penalties,
shall be immediately and expeditiously enforced by the
Department.
(2) Follow-up.--Not later than one year after the
publication of the report under subsection (a)(1), the
Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall--
(A) conduct a follow-up review containing any
findings and recommendations related to violations
described in paragraph (1); and
(B) submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on any ongoing violations.
(3) Financial penalties.--After receipt of the report under
paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall impose financial
penalties commensurate with the level and quantity of
violations until those violations are resolved.
SEC. 126. BENEFITS FOR PERSONS DISABLED BY TREATMENT UNDER VETERANS
COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 1151 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
(2) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``or'' at the end; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph (2):
``(2) the disability or death was caused by hospital care,
a medical service, or an extended care service furnished the
veteran by a non-Department provider under section 1703 of this
title and the proximate cause of the disability or death was--
``(A) carelessness, negligence, lack of proper
skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault
on the part of the provider in furnishing the hospital
care, medical service, or extended care service; or
``(B) an event not reasonably foreseeable; or''.
(b) Offset of Awards.--Such section is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(d) The amount of any judgment awarded to an individual in a
civil action brought by the individual against a non-Department
provider in a court of competent jurisdiction for a disability or death
caused by hospital care, a medical service, or an extended care service
furnished by a non-Department provider as described in subsection
(a)(2) shall be offset by the amount of any compensation awarded to the
individual under such subsection for such disability or death.''.
TITLE II--STAFFING MATTERS
Subtitle A--Salaries
SEC. 201. MODIFICATION OF LIMITATION ON WAIVER FOR PAY OF CRITICAL
HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL.
Section 7431(e)(6) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as
subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), respectively.
SEC. 202. INCREASE OF MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF INCENTIVE PAY FOR DEPARTMENT
PHARMACIST EXECUTIVES.
Section 7410(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$40,000'' and inserting
``$100,000''; and
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``Special'' and inserting ``(A)
Special'';
(B) by striking ``bonuses and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) Recruitment, relocation, or retention bonuses under
subsections (a) and (b) of section 706 of this title and critical
skills incentives under subsection (d) of such section shall be
excluded from the calculation of the limitation under subparagraph
(A).''.
SEC. 203. MODIFICATION OF SPECIAL PAY AUTHORITY FOR NURSE EXECUTIVES.
Section 7452(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Department nurse
executives, the Secretary may, in accordance with'' and all
that follows through ``The Central Office.'' and inserting
``nurse executives for the Veterans Health Administration, the
Under Secretary for Health may pay special pay to personnel of
the Veterans Health Administration who are nurse executives.'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) The Under Secretary for Health shall define through
regulations which positions of the Veterans Health Administration
qualify as nurse executives for purposes of special pay under paragraph
(1).''.
Subtitle B--Recruitment and Retention
SEC. 211. INCLUSION OF POLICE OFFICERS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
(a) CSRS and FERS.--
(1) In general.--Title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in section 8331(20), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``, or an individual
described in section 8401(17)(E)'' after
``criminal laws of the United States''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, or so described,''
after ``engaged in this activity''; and
(B) in section 8401(17)--
(i) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraph (A)
and (B)'' and inserting ``subparagraph
(A), (B), or (E)''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(ii) in the flush text following
subparagraph (D)(iii), by adding ``and'' at the
end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) an employee of the Department of Veterans
Affairs who is a Department police officer under
section 902 of title 38, as determined by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs;''.
(2) Application.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to any--
(A) individual who is appointed as a law
enforcement officer--
(i) as defined in section 8331(20) or
8401(17) of title 5, United States Code, as
amended by this subsection; and
(ii) on or after the date of enactment of
this Act; and
(B) incumbent, as defined in subsection (b),
consistent with the requirements of that subsection.
(b) Incumbent Law Enforcement Officers.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
(B) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Civil
Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
(C) Incumbent.--The term ``incumbent'' means an
individual who--
(i) was appointed as a law enforcement
officer before the date of enactment of this
Act; and
(ii) is serving as a law enforcement
officer on the date of enactment of this Act.
(D) Law enforcement officer.--The term ``law
enforcement officer'' means an individual who satisfies
the requirements of section 8331(20) or 8401(17) of
title 5, United States Code, solely by virtue of the
amendments made by subsection (a).
(E) Prior service.--The term ``prior service''
means, with respect to an incumbent who makes an
election under paragraph (2)(B), service performed by
the incumbent before the date on which appropriate
retirement deductions begin to be made under the
election.
(F) Service.--The term ``service'' means service
performed by an individual as a law enforcement
officer.
(2) Treatment of service performed by incumbents.--
(A) Service on or after date of enactment.--Service
performed by an incumbent on or after the date of
enactment of this Act shall be treated as service
performed as a law enforcement officer.
(B) Service before date of enactment.--Service
performed by an incumbent before the date of enactment
of this Act shall, for purposes of subchapter III of
chapter 83 and chapter 84 of title 5, United States
Code, be treated as service performed as a law
enforcement officer only if the incumbent submits a
written election to the Director by the earlier of--
(i) the date that is 5 years after the date
of enactment of this Act; or
(ii) the day before the date on which the
incumbent separates from service.
(3) Individual contributions for prior service.--
(A) In general.--An incumbent who makes an election
under paragraph (2)(B) may, with respect to prior
service performed by the incumbent, pay a deposit into
the Fund equal to the sum of--
(i) the difference between--
(I) the amount that would have been
deducted during the period of prior
service under section 8334 or 8422 of
title 5, United States Code, from the
pay of the incumbent if the amendments
made by subsection (a) had been in
effect during the prior service; and
(II) the amount that was deducted
during the period of prior service
under section 8334 or 8422 of title 5,
United States Code; and
(ii) interest on the amount described in
clause (i)(I), as computed under--
(I) paragraphs (2) and (3) of
section 8334(e) of title 5, United
States Code; and
(II) regulations promulgated by the
Director.
(B) Effect of not contributing.--If an incumbent
does not pay the full amount of the deposit described
in subparagraph (A), all prior service of the
incumbent--
(i) shall remain fully creditable as a law
enforcement officer; and
(ii) the resulting annuity shall be
reduced--
(I) in a manner similar to that
described in section 8334(d)(2) of
title 5, United States Code; and
(II) to the extent necessary to
make up the amount unpaid.
(4) Government contributions for prior service.--
(A) In general.--If an incumbent makes an election
under paragraph (2)(B), an agency that employed the
incumbent during any prior service of the incumbent
shall remit to the Director, for deposit in the Fund,
an amount equal to the sum of--
(i) the difference between--
(I) the total amount of Government
contributions that would have been paid
under section 8334 or 8423 of title 5,
United States Code, if the amendments
made by subsection (a) had been in
effect during the prior service; and
(II) the total amount of Government
contributions paid under section 8334
or 8423 of title 5, United States Code;
and
(ii) interest on the amount described in
clause (i)(I), as computed in accordance with--
(I) paragraphs (2) and (3) of
section 8334(e) of title 5, United
States Code; and
(II) regulations promulgated by the
Director.
(B) Contributions to be made ratably.--Government
contributions under this paragraph on behalf of an
incumbent shall be made by the agency ratably (not less
frequently than annually) over the 10-year period
beginning on the date described in paragraph (1)(E).
(5) Exemption from mandatory separation.--Notwithstanding
section 8335(b) or 8425(b) of title 5, United States Code, a
law enforcement officer shall not be subject to mandatory
separation during the 3-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(6) Regulations.--The Director shall prescribe regulations
to carry out this subsection, including regulations for the
application of this subsection in the case of any individual
entitled to a survivor annuity (based on the service of an
incumbent who dies before making an election under paragraph
(2)(B)), to the extent of any rights that would have been
available to the decedent if still living.
(7) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed to apply in the case of a reemployed annuitant.
SEC. 212. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAMS AT MEDICAL
CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may establish a
program to connect covered individuals (in this section referred to as
``mentees'') with peer mentors to facilitate sharing of best practices
and leadership experiences and to foster opportunities to develop
knowledge and skills required to lead successfully at medical
facilities of the Department (in this section referred to as the
``mentorship program'').
(b) Covered Individual Defined.--In this section, the term
``covered individual'' means--
(1) an individual in the position of Facility Director,
Chief of Staff, Associate Director of Patient Care Services,
Associate Director, Assistant Director, or Deputy Director at a
medical center of the Department; or
(2) any other employee of the Department who is determined
by the Secretary to be an executive leader at a medical center
of the Department.
(c) Eligibility.--The following employees of the Department are
eligible for participation as mentees in the mentorship program:
(1) An employee appointed to a position as a covered
individual who has been in that position for less than one
year.
(2) A covered individual employed at a medical center of
the Department (regardless of appointment commencement date)
that meets one or more of the following criteria:
(A) Reports poor performance, as defined by the
Secretary, on the Strategic Analytics for Improvement
and Learning Value Model of the Department, or
successor similar model.
(B) Reports data under section 1703C(a)(3) of title
38, United States Code, as published on the Access to
Care website of the Department, or successor similar
website, that--
(i) does not consistently meet the level
reported in the community surrounding such
medical center, as determined by the Secretary;
or
(ii) does not meet a threshold level
determined by the Secretary.
(C) Has one or more recommendations from a report
by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of
Veterans Affairs that is still open more than one year
after the report was published.
(3) A covered individual employed at a medical center of
the Department (regardless of appointment commencement date)
who is recommended by the Director of the Veterans Integrated
Service Network overseeing such medical center.
(d) Criteria for Peer Mentors.--Each peer mentor to be paired with
a mentee under subsection (a) shall meet each of the following
criteria:
(1) Previous or current employment in the same position
title as the mentee.
(2) Employment in that position for not less than two
years.
(3) Employment at a medical center of the Department that
reports--
(A) above average performance, as defined by the
Secretary, on the Strategic Analytics for Improvement
and Learning Value Model of the Department, or
successor similar model; and
(B) data under section 1703C(a)(3) of title 38,
United States Code, as published on the Access to Care
website of the Department, or successor similar
website, that exceeds the level reported in the
community surrounding such medical center, as
determined by the Secretary.
(e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for an additional three
years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the mentorship program, including--
(1) the number of mentees and peer mentors participating in
the mentorship program, disaggregated by medical center of the
Department;
(2) the number of mentor-mentee pairings initiated under
each of the eligibility criteria outlined in paragraphs (1),
(2), and (3) of subsection (c), including information on any
circumstances in which multiple criteria under such paragraphs
were met;
(3) a description of the actions taken by the Department to
encourage communication between mentees and peer mentors;
(4) aggregated feedback from participants in the mentorship
program; and
(5) the turnover rate for covered individuals.
SEC. 213. REQUIREMENT FOR EQUIVALENT ROLE POSTINGS FOR VACANT POSITIONS
AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Whenever possible and practicable, if the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs is issuing a posting for vacant positions
at the Department of Veterans Affairs that may be filled by more than
one type of professional or clinician, the Secretary shall issue
postings for all possible clinicians or professionals who could fill
the position.
(b) Application to Certain Positions.--The Secretary shall consider
the requirement under subsection (a) in particular with respect to
hard-to-recruit, hard-to-retain, primary care, and mental health care
positions.
SEC. 214. HIRING PROCESSES.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 7 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 701 the following
new section:
``Sec. 702. Hiring processes
``(a) Standardized Approval Process for Filling Vacant Positions.--
``(1) Process required.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
standardized, nationwide approval process for filling
vacant employment positions within the Department.
``(B) Variability.--The process required by
subparagraph (A) may be different for each type of
employment position in the Department.
``(C) Approval windows.--The process required by
subparagraph (A) shall include a standardized approval
window for each approval step.
``(2) Timeline.--For any employment position going through
the process established under subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(1), if the time for a step in the approval process exceeds
five business days beyond the allotted time set forth under
subparagraph (C) of such paragraph, it shall be automatically
approved.
``(3) Delegation.--If the approval authority for a step in
the hiring process established under paragraph (1) is vacant,
on leave, or otherwise unable to respond to requests for
approval, such authority for approval will be delegated to the
supervisor of such approval authority or such other designee as
may be specified in the chain of command.
``(4) Time to fill goal.--Each window of time allotted for
each approval step under paragraph (1)(C) when added together
shall not exceed the goal of the Department to fill window for
that employment position.
``(b) Standardized Process for Creating, Editing, and Approving
Facility-Specific Lists.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop a
standardized, nationwide process for creating, editing, and
approving facility-specific hard-to-recruit or hard-to-retain
lists.
``(2) Extended authority.--Under the process required by
paragraph (1), flexibilities, authorities, and policies
regarding a list created with such process may be considered
applicable for 90 days after an employment position in the
Department is no longer on the list and for any posting for
that position that was vacant at the time the position dropped
off the hard-to-recruit or hard-to-retain list.
``(c) Process for Tentative Offers of Employment.--The Secretary
shall develop a standardized process for issuing tentative offers of
employment with the Department and such process shall require that each
such offer includes a specified rate of basic pay.
``(d) Third-Party Contracts.--The Secretary may conduct laboratory
testing, background clearances, and other candidate approval and
vetting procedures through a contract with a third party.
``(e) Electronic Signatures.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary shall allow electronic
signatures on any hiring, recruitment, retention, or other
employment documents once a standardized process for such
signatures is developed and implemented.
``(2) Standardized process.--The Secretary shall develop a
standardized process for use of electronic signatures as
described in paragraph (1), which shall include exceptions and
limitations as the Secretary considers appropriate and that
allows for use of electronic signatures for employment
documents, including standard form 1152 and related successor
forms, SF 2823 and related successor forms, and SF 3102-FERS
and related successor forms.
``(f) Employee Community Building Program.--The Secretary shall
establish an employee community building program that connects
employees in similar positions, offices, and programs to connect with
each other nationwide.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 7 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 701 the following new item:
``702. Hiring processes.''.
SEC. 215. STAFFING MODELS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7415. Staffing models
``(a) Staffing Models.--The Secretary shall establish a staffing
model for each service or program within the Veterans Health
Administration.
``(b) Reevaluation.--The Secretary shall reevaluate each staffing
model established under subsection (a) not less frequently than once
every 5 years.
``(c) Consultation.--In establishing and reevaluating staffing
models under this section, the Secretary shall consult with the
Comptroller General of the United States, the Inspector General of the
Department, labor representatives, veterans service organizations, and
appropriate professional associations.
``(d) Reporting.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report containing any staffing model or
reevaluation of a staffing model under this section, including
any feedback provided under paragraph (2).
``(2) Feedback.--
``(A) In general.--Before submitting under
paragraph (1) a report containing any staffing model or
reevaluation of a staffing model, the Secretary shall
submit such model or reevaluation to the entities
specified under subsection (c) for feedback.
``(B) Incorporation of feedback.--The Secretary
shall include in the report submitted under paragraph
(1) any original documents, a description of feedback
provided under subparagraph (A), and the new documents
updated with such feedback.
``(3) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include--
``(A) a description of--
``(i) the staffing model for each service
or program within the Veterans Health
Administration;
``(ii) where and how the staffing model
shall be applied; and
``(iii) the rationale for such staffing
model;
``(B) an identification of the ratio of staff
required to administer such service or program to the
number of veterans served by such service or program;
and
``(C) such other matters as the Secretary
determines appropriate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
7414 the following new item:
``7415. Staffing models.''.
SEC. 216. TELEWORK POLICY.
(a) Policy Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in
accordance with the requirements of this section and the requirements
of section 6502 of title 5, United States Code, establish a policy for
telework within the Department of Veterans Affairs for all employees of
the Department.
(b) Default Status.--The policy established pursuant to subsection
(a) shall establish the default status for employees as being allowed
to telework with exemptions outlined for employees who must perform
some or all of their work in person due to the nature of their work or
because they do not meet the requirements for telework permission set
forth in section 6502 of title 5, United States Code, as of the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(c) Report on Savings.--Not later than one year after the date on
which the policy established pursuant to subsection (a) goes into
effect, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives a report on amounts saved each year
because of the number of employees who are permitted to telework.
(d) Effective Date and Changes.--
(1) Effective date of initial policy.--The initial policy
established by pursuant to subsection (a) shall go into effect
not later than 180 days after the date on which the policy is
established.
(2) Effective date of subsequent changes.--Any change made
to the policy established pursuant to subsection (a) after the
effective date set forth in paragraph (1) shall take effect not
less than one year after the date on which the change is made.
(3) Notice.--For any change made to the policy established
pursuant to subsection (a) after the effective date set forth
in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, not later than one year
after the date on which the change is made--
(A) notify all affected employees of the
Department;
(B) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the House of Representatives a report on the changes;
and
(C) make available to the public a copy of the
changes.
(e) Relation to Memoranda.--The policy established pursuant to
subsection (a) shall supplant any memoranda signed by the President or
the Secretary to the degree that such memoranda conflict with such
policy.
Subtitle C--Education
SEC. 221. ESTABLISHMENT OF START AND STAY AT VA PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER X--START AND STAY AT VA PROGRAM
``Sec. 7699C. Start and Stay at VA Program
``(a) In General.--As part of the Educational Assistance Program,
the Secretary shall carry out a program under this subchapter to
provide--
``(1) scholarships under section 7699C-1 of this title; and
``(2) lump sum education debt reduction under section
7699C-2 of this title.
``(b) Name of Program.--The program under this subchapter shall be
known as the `Start and Stay at VA Program' (in this subchapter
referred to as the `Program').
``Sec. 7699C-1. Scholarships
``(a) Covered Costs.--A scholarship provided to an individual under
the Program shall consist of payment of reasonable education expenses
of the individual for a course of education or training described in
subsection (b)(3), including tuition, fees, books, and laboratory
expenses.
``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible to receive a
scholarship under the Program if the individual--
``(1) is an employee of the Department serving as a medical
support assistant, advanced medical support assistant, lead
medical support assistant, or supervisory medical support
assistant;
``(2) as of the date on which the individual submits an
application for participation in the Program, has been
continuously employed by the Department in one or more of the
positions specified in paragraph (1) for a period of not less
than two years;
``(3) has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled as a
student in a course of education or training--
``(A) listed as a requirement for any shortage
occupation position, as determined by the Secretary;
``(B) related to business, health care
administration, or human resources; or
``(C) completion of which results in any other
degree or certification that the Secretary considers
appropriate for purposes of the Program; and
``(4) has a record of employment with the Department that,
in the judgment of the Secretary, demonstrates a high
likelihood that the individual will be successful in completing
such course of education or training and in gaining employment
in a field related to such course of education or training.
``(c) Period of Obligated Service.--
``(1) Agreement.--
``(A) In general.--An agreement between the
Secretary and a participant under the Program who seeks
a scholarship under this section, in addition to the
requirements set forth in section 7604 of this title,
shall include the following:
``(i) The agreement of the Secretary to
provide the participant with a scholarship
under the Program for a specified number of
school years, which may not exceed the credit
equivalent of four full school years, during
which the participant pursues a course of
education or training described in subsection
(b)(3) that meets the requirements set forth in
section 7602(a) of this title.
``(ii) Subject to subparagraph (B), the
agreement of the participant to serve as a
full-time employee in the Department in a
position described in subsection (b)(3)(A) for
a period of time, not less than one year, that
is equal to the period of the course of
education or training for which a scholarship
is provided under this section (in this section
referred to as the `period of obligated
service' of the participant).
``(B) Part-time students.--In the case of a
participant who is a part-time student during a school
year with respect to which a scholarship is provided to
the participant under this section, the period of
obligated service of the participant incurred during
that school year shall be reduced in accordance with
the proportion that the number of credit hours carried
by the participant in that school year bears to the
number of credit hours required to be carried by a
full-time student in the course of education or
training pursued by the participant during that school
year, but in no event may the total period of obligated
service of the participant be reduced to less than one
year.
``(2) Service commencement date.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (F) or (G), not later than 60 days before
the service commencement date of a participant under
this section, the Secretary shall notify the
participant of that service commencement date. That
date is the beginning of the period of obligated
service of the participant.
``(B) Doctors and similar health care
professionals.--In the case of a participant receiving
a degree from a school of medicine, osteopathy,
dentistry, optometry, or podiatry, the service
commencement date of the participant is the date the
participant becomes licensed to practice medicine,
osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, or podiatry, as the
case may be, in a State.
``(C) Nurses.--In the case of a participant
receiving a degree from a school of nursing, the
service commencement date of the participant is the
later of--
``(i) the course completion date of the
participant; or
``(ii) the date the participant becomes
licensed as a registered nurse in a State.
``(D) Other health care professionals.--In the case
of a participant not covered by subparagraph (B) or
(C), the service commencement date of the participant
is the later of--
``(i) the course completion date of the
participant; or
``(ii) the date the participant meets any
applicable licensure or certification
requirements.
``(E) Treatment of part-time students.--The
Secretary shall specify the service commencement date
for participants who were part-time students, which
shall include terms as similar as practicable to the
terms set forth in subparagraphs (B) through (D).
``(F) Service during course of education or
training.--A participant may serve the period of
obligated service of the participant, or any portion of
such period of obligated service, during the period in
which the participant is enrolled as a student in a
course of education or training under subsection (b)(3)
if the participant is employed in a position described
in subparagraph (A) of such subsection.
``(G) Service following licensure or ongoing
training.--With respect to a participant who is
licensed but may enter a residency or similar training
program, the Secretary may adjust the beginning of the
period of obligated service of the participant to begin
following completion of the residency or similar
training program.
``(H) Course completion date defined.--In this
section, the term `course completion date' means the
date on which a participant under this section
completes the course of education or training of the
participant under this section.
``(d) Liability for Breach of Agreement.--
``(1) Liability during course of education or training.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph
(3), a participant under this section shall be liable
to the United States for the amount that has been paid
to or on behalf of the participant under the agreement
under subsection (c)(1) if any of the following occurs:
``(i) The participant fails to maintain an
acceptable level of academic standing in the
educational institution in which the
participant is enrolled (as determined by the
educational institution pursuant to direction
by the Secretary).
``(ii) The participant is dismissed from
such educational institution for disciplinary
reasons.
``(iii) The participant voluntarily
terminates the course of education or training
in such educational institution before the
completion of such course of education or
training.
``(iv) The participant, as applicable,
during a period of time determined by the
Secretary--
``(I) fails to become licensed to
practice medicine, osteopathy,
dentistry, podiatry, or optometry in a
State;
``(II) fails to become licensed as
a registered nurse in a State; or
``(III) in the case of any other
health-care personnel who is not
covered under subclause (I) or (II),
fails to meet any applicable licensure
or certification requirement.
``(B) In lieu of service obligation.--Liability
under this paragraph is in lieu of any period of
obligated service arising under the agreement of the
participant under subsection (c)(1).
``(2) Liability during period of obligated service.--Except
as provided in paragraph (3), if a participant under this
section breaches the agreement under subsection (c)(1) by
failing for any reason to complete the period of obligated
service of the participant, the United States shall be entitled
to recover from the participant an amount equal to--
``(A) the total amount paid under this section to
the participant; multiplied by
``(B) a fraction--
``(i) the numerator of which is--
``(I) the total number of months in
the period of obligated service of the
participant; minus
``(II) the number of months served
by the participant; and
``(ii) the denominator of which is the
total number of months in the period of
obligated service of the participant.
``(3) Limitation on liability for reduction in force.--
Liability shall not arise under paragraph (1) or (2) in the
case of a individual covered by either such paragraph if the
individual does not obtain, or fails to maintain, employment as
an employee of the Department due to staffing changes approved
by the Secretary.
``(e) Payment of Amounts and Limitations.--
``(1) Total amount for a school year.--The total amount of
a scholarship payable to a participant under this section--
``(A) may not exceed $20,000 for the equivalent of
one year of full-time coursework in a course of
education or training; or
``(B) in the case of a participant who is a part-
time student, may not exceed an amount that bears the
same ratio to the amount that would be paid under
subparagraph (A) if the student were a full-time
student in the course of education or training being
pursued by the participant as the coursework carried by
the participant compares to full-time coursework in
that course of education or training.
``(2) Maximum number of school years.--
``(A) Total years.--The number of school years for
which a scholarship may be paid to a participant under
this section may not exceed eight school years.
``(B) Full-time equivalent.--A participant may not
receive a scholarship under this section for more than
the equivalent of four years of full-time coursework.
``(3) Maximum total amount.--The total amount paid to or on
behalf of a participant through a scholarship under this
section may not exceed $80,000.
``(4) Payment of educational expenses by educational
institutions.--The Secretary may arrange with an educational
institution in which a participant under this section is
enrolled for the payment of education expenses under subsection
(a). Such payments may be made without regard to subsections
(a) and (b) of section 3324 of title 31.
``Sec. 7699C-2. Lump sum education debt reduction
``(a) Covered Costs.--Lump sum education debt reduction provided by
the Secretary under this section to an individual shall consist of
payment of principal and interest under a loan, the proceeds of which
were used by or on behalf of that individual to pay costs relating to a
course of education or training, including tuition expenses and other
reasonable educational expenses, including fees, books, laboratory
expenses, and reasonable living expenses.
``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible to receive lump sum
education debt repayment under this section if the individual--
``(1) owes any amount of principal and interest under a
loan, the proceeds of which were used by or on behalf of that
individual to pay costs relating to a course of education or
training;
``(2) commits to a period of obligated service under
subsection (d); and
``(3) has been offered employment in the Department in the
position of a medical support assistant, advanced medical
support assistant, lead medical support assistant, or
supervisory medical support assistant.
``(c) Payments.--
``(1) In general.--A lump sum education debt reduction
payment under this section shall consist of a payment to a
participant under this section of an amount not to exceed the
lesser of--
``(A) the principal and interest on loans described
in subsection (a) that is outstanding for such
participant at the time of the payment; or
``(B) $40,000.
``(2) Proof of use of amounts.--Participants under this
section in receipt of a lump sum education debt reduction
payment under this section must provide proof of payment
verifying the full lump sum payment received was paid to the
lender for the loan held by such participant not later than 45
days after receiving the lump sum payment.
``(d) Period of Obligated Service.--
``(1) In general.--In exchange for a one-time lump sum
education debt payment under this section, a participant under
this section shall agree to be employed for not less than three
years at the Department (in this section referred to as the
`period of obligated service').
``(2) Positions of employment.--
``(A) Medical support.--Not fewer than two of the
years of the period of obligated service of a
participant under this section shall be served in the
position of medical support assistant, advanced medical
support assistant, lead medical support assistant, or
supervisory medical support assistant of the
Department.
``(B) Hard-to-hire or hard-to-recruit.--The
remainder of any period of obligated service not
covered under subparagraph (A) shall be served in a
hard-to-hire or hard-to-recruit position as determined
by the Secretary.
``(e) Liability During Period of Obligated Service.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), if
a participant under this section fails to complete the period
of obligated service of the participant for any reason, the
United States shall be entitled to recover from the participant
an amount equal to--
``(A) the total amount paid under this section to
the participant; multiplied by
``(B) a fraction--
``(i) the numerator of which is--
``(I) the total number of months in
the period of obligated service of the
participant; minus
``(II) the number of months served
by the participant; and
``(ii) the denominator of which is the
total number of months in the period of
obligated service of the participant.
``(2) Exception.--Liability shall not arise under paragraph
(1) in the case of an individual covered by that paragraph if
the individual does not obtain, or fails to maintain,
employment as an employee of the Department due to staffing
changes approved by the Secretary.
``Sec. 7699C-3. Administration
``(a) Outreach.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop an outreach
program to Tribal Colleges and Universities, historically Black
colleges and universities, high schools in rural areas,
community colleges, transition assistance programs for members
of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life, and spouses
of such members to provide information about the Program.
``(2) Tribal college or university defined.--In this
subsection, the term `Tribal College or University' has the
meaning given that term under section 316 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
``(b) Mentors.--The Secretary shall ensure that a mentor or mentors
are available for each individual participating in the Program at the
facility at which the individual is employed.
``Sec. 7699C-4. Limitation
``No individual may receive both a scholarship under section 7699C-
1 of this title and a lump sum education debt reduction under section
7699C-2 of this title.
``Sec. 7699C-5. Termination
``The authority to carry out the Program shall terminate on the
date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of the Honor Act
of 2025.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``subchapter x--start and stay at va program
``Sec.
``7699C. Start and Stay at VA Program.
``7699C-1. Scholarships.
``7699C-2. Lump sum education debt reduction.
``7699C-3. Administration.
``7699C-4. Limitation.
``7699C-5. Termination.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Establishment of program.--Section 7601(a) of such
title is amended--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'';
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(8) the program to provide scholarships and lump sum
education debt reduction provided for in subchapter X of this
chapter.''.
(2) Eligibility.--Section 7602 of such title is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) by striking ``or IX'' and inserting
``IX, or X'';
(ii) by striking ``or for which a
scholarship'' and inserting ``for which a
scholarship''; and
(iii) by inserting ``or for which a
scholarship or lump sum education debt
reduction may be provided under subchapter X of
this chapter,'' before ``as the case may be'';
and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``or IX'' and
inserting ``IX, or X''.
(3) Application.--Section 7603(a)(1) of such title is
amended by striking ``or IX'' and inserting ``IX, or X''.
(4) Terms of agreement.--Section 7604 of such title is
amended by striking ``or IX'' each place it appears and
inserting ``IX, or X''.
(5) Annual report.--Section 7632 of such title is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and the
Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program''
and inserting ``the Readjustment Counseling Service
Scholarship Program, and the Start and Stay at VA
Program''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and per
participant in the Readjustment Counseling Service
Scholarship Program'' and inserting ``per participant
in the Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship
Program, and per participant in the Start and Stay at
VA Program''.
SEC. 222. BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by section 221(a), is further amended by adding at the end the
following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER XI--BUILD AND MAINTAIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
PROGRAM
``Sec. 7699D. Requirement for program
``(a) In General.--As part of the Educational Assistance Program,
the Secretary shall carry out a program under this subchapter to
provide education and employment assistance under this subchapter.
``(b) Name of Program.--The program under this subchapter shall be
known as the `Build and Maintain Department of Veterans Affairs
Program' (in this subchapter referred to as the `Program').
``Sec. 7699D-1. Education and employment assistance
``(a) Covered Costs.--A scholarship provided to an individual under
the Program shall consist of payment of reasonable education expenses
of the individual for a course of education or training described in
subsection (b), including tuition, fees, books, and laboratory
expenses.
``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible to receive a
scholarship under the Program if the individual has been accepted for
enrollment or is enrolled as a student in a course of education or
training related to qualifications required by the Department in order
to be eligible for employment as--
``(1) a heating, air conditioning, industrial or boiler
plant equipment mechanic;
``(2) a boiler plant, utility systems, or air conditioning
equipment operator;
``(3) a general, biomedical, or industrial engineer; or
``(4) other such positions related to infrastructure,
maintenance, or facilities management deemed essential by the
Secretary for the operation of Department facilities.
``(c) Period of Obligated Service.--
``(1) Agreement.--An agreement between the Secretary and a
participant under the Program who seeks a scholarship under
this section, in addition to the requirements set forth in
section 7604 of this title, shall include the following:
``(A) The agreement of the Secretary to provide the
participant with a scholarship under the Program for a
specified number of school years during which the
participant pursues a course of education or training
described in subsection (b).
``(B) Subject to subparagraph (A), the agreement of
the participant to serve as a full-time employee in the
Department in a position described in subsection (b)
for a specified period of time (in this section
referred to as the `period of obligated service' of the
participant).
``(2) Service commencement date.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (F) or (G), not later than 60 days before
the service commencement date of a participant under
this section, the Secretary shall notify the
participant of that service commencement date. That
date is the beginning of the period of obligated
service of the participant.
``(B) Service commencement date.--The service
commencement date of the participant is the later of--
``(i) the course completion date of the
participant; or
``(ii) the date the participant meets any
applicable licensure or certification
requirements.
``(C) Treatment of part-time students.--The
Secretary shall specify the service commencement date
for participants who were part-time students, which
shall include terms as similar as practicable to the
terms set forth in subparagraph (B).
``(D) Service during course of education or
training.--A participant may serve the period of
obligated service of the participant, or any portion of
such period of obligated service, during the period in
which the participant is enrolled as a student in a
course of education or training under subsection (b) as
deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
``(E) Service following licensure or ongoing
training.--With respect to a participant who is
licensed but may enter a related and appropriate
further training program, the Secretary may adjust the
beginning of the period of obligated service of the
participant to begin following completion or desertion
of the additional training.
``(d) Termination.--The authority to carry out the Program shall
terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment
of the Honor Act of 2025.
``Sec. 7699D-2. Partnerships
``As part of the Program, the Secretary may coordinate and develop
partnerships and agreements with training programs and schools with the
capability of providing the education required to fill the types of
positions outlined in section 7699D-1(b).
``Sec. 7699D-3. Administration
``(a) Outreach.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop an outreach
program to Tribal Colleges and Universities, historically Black
colleges and universities, high schools in rural areas,
community colleges, transition assistance programs for members
of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life, and spouses
of such members to provide information about the Program.
``(2) Tribal college or university defined.--In this
subsection, the term `Tribal College or University' has the
meaning given that term under section 316 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
``(b) Mentors.--The Secretary shall ensure that a mentor or mentors
are available for each individual participating in the Program at the
facility at which the individual is employed.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``subchapter xi--build and maintain department of veterans affairs
program
``Sec.
``7699D. Requirement for program.
``7699D-1. Education and Employment Assistance.
``7699D-2. Partnerships.
``7699D-3. Administration.''.
SEC. 223. EXPANSION OF REIMBURSEMENT OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATION EXPENSES.
(a) In General.--Section 7411 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 7411. Reimbursement of continuing professional education
expenses
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall reimburse certain full-time
health care professionals of the Department for expenses incurred for
continuing professional education in amounts as follows:
``(1) With respect to any physician, dentist, podiatrist,
chiropractor, optometrist, registered nurse, or physician
assistant appointed under section 7401(1) of this title, not
more than $1,000 per year for each such individual.
``(2) With respect to any licensed practical or vocational
nurse including but not limited to nurse practitioners and
advanced practice registered nurses, medical technologist,
pharmacist, pharmacy technician, psychologist, diagnostic
radiologic technologist, or social worker appointed under
section 7401(3) of this title, not more than $1,000 per year
for each such individual.
``(b) Report Required.--
``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than annually after
the end of the first fiscal year following the date of the
enactment of the Honor Act of 2025, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives
information on utilization of reimbursement under subsection
(a), including--
``(A) locations at which reimbursement is claimed;
``(B) position title and specialty of the
individual claiming reimbursement;
``(C) average amount claimed per position and
specialty; and
``(D) percent utilization by each position and
specialty overall.
``(2) Authority to include in existing report.--The
information required under paragraph (1) may be submitted
independently or included in another annual report to Congress.
``(c) Priority Reimbursements.--In providing reimbursement under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize reimbursement for--
``(1) individuals providing direct patient care or
individuals who are decision-makers for direct patient care;
and
``(2) professional education directly related to the duties
and responsibilities of the position of the employee or related
to the position or positions of employees overseen by the
employee.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended
by striking the item relating to section 7411 and inserting the
following new item:
``7411. Reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses.''.
SEC. 224. PAYMENT OF LICENSURE EXAM COSTS FOR RECIPIENTS OF
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall pay the
costs of any licensing examinations and certifications required by the
Secretary for any current recipient of a covered health professional
scholarship from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Licensing Examinations and Certifications.--Subsection (a)
shall apply to the payment of costs for--
(1) the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1,
Step 2, and Step 3;
(2) the National Council Licensure Exam;
(3) the National Board Dental Examination;
(4) the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination;
(5) the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical
Examination and Integrated National Board Dental Examination;
(6) the National Licensing Exams for Registered Nurses,
Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse
Specialists, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists;
(7) the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam;
(8) the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam;
(9) the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam;
(10) the Examination for Professional Practice in
Psychology;
(11) the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation
and Education Professionals certification examinations;
(12) the Association of Social Workers Boards Exam;
(13) the National Physical Therapy Licensing Examination
for Physical Therapists;
(14) The Board of Registration Examination for
Kinesiotherapy; and
(15) such other licensing examinations and certifications
as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section
that includes the following data for each State and territory of the
United States for the one-year period preceding the date of the report:
(1) Utilization by the Secretary of the requirement under
subsection (a) broken down by position and career type.
(2) Number of times each examination or certification
described in subsection (b) was paid for by the Department and
total funds expended by the Department for each such
examination or certification.
(d) Covered Health Professional Scholarship Defined.--In this
section, the term ``covered health professional scholarship'' means--
(1) the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional
Scholarship Program under subchapter II of chapter 76 of title
38, United States Code;
(2) the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Incentive
Scholarship Program under subchapter VI of such chapter,
including--
(A) the National Nursing Education Initiative; and
(B) the VA National Education for Employees
Program;
(3) the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment
Counseling Service Scholarship Program under subchapter IX of
such chapter;
(4) the Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility
Professionals Scholarship Program under chapter 75 of such
title;
(5) the Veterans Healing Veterans Medical Access and
Scholarship Program under section 304 of the VA MISSION Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-182; 38 U.S.C. 7601 note);
(6) the Physician Assistant Education and Training Pilot
Program for Former Members of the Armed Forces under section
246 of division J of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-141; 38 U.S.C. 7601 note); and
(7) such other programs as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
Subtitle D--Reports
SEC. 231. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PERSONNEL TRANSPARENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 505 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K.
Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
182; 38 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter before subparagraph (A),
by striking ``information,'' and all that
follows through ``facility:'' and inserting
``information:'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting ``(i)'' before
``The number''; and
(II) by adding at the end the
following new clause:
``(ii) Information made available under
this subparagraph shall be updated not less
frequently than once each quarter to account
for delays in data processing and shall reflect
the most recently available data.'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``vacancies, by occupation.'' and inserting
``positions currently undergoing a recruitment
action, disaggregated by occupation and by
stage of recruitment, including Manager Request
Initiation Stage, recruitment stage, onboarding
stage, and waiting to start stage, or successor
stages if modified.'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E)(iii), by striking
``potential hires or''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) The number of positions vacated during the
quarter for which the Department has not initiated a
recruitment action, including the date the position was
vacated, disaggregated by occupation.'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(6);
(C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following
new paragraph (5):
``(5) Display of information.--The display of information
made publicly available on an internet website of the
Department pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be disaggregated--
``(A) by departmental component;
``(B) in the case of information relating to
Veterans Health Administration positions, by medical
facility; and
``(C) in the case of information relating to
Veterans Benefits Administration positions, by regional
office.''; and
(D) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by
subparagraph (B), by striking ``shall'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``shall--
``(A) review the administration of the website
required under paragraph (1);
``(B) develop recommendations relating to the
improvement of such administration; and
``(C) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the House of Representatives a report containing--
``(i) the findings of the Inspector General
with respect to the most recent review
conducted under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) the recommendations most recently
developed under subparagraph (B).''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Annual Report.--Each year, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress an annual report that includes the following:
``(1) A description of the steps the Department is taking
to achieve full staffing capacity.
``(2) A description of the actions the Department is taking
to improve the onboard timeline for facilities of the
Department, including--
``(A) in the case of facilities of the Veterans
Health Administration, for facilities for which the
duration of the onboarding process exceeds the metrics
laid out in the Time to Hire Model of the Veterans
Health Administration, or successor model; and
``(B) in the case of Veterans Benefits
Administration, for regional offices that exceed the
time-to-hire target of the Office of Personnel
Management.
``(3) The amount of additional funds necessary to enable
the Department to reach full staffing capacity.
``(4) Such recommendations for legislative or
administrative action as the Secretary may have in order to
achieve full staffing capacity at the Department.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply
with respect to the first update under section 505(a)(3) of such Act
beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act and each update
thereafter.
SEC. 232. REPORT ON GROW OUR OWN PROGRAM.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations
of the House of Representatives a report on--
(1) the implementation of the pilot program under section
246 of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (division J of Public Law
115-141; 38 U.S.C. 7601 note);
(2) the current status of such pilot program; and
(3) the status of such pilot program since the origin of
such pilot program.
SEC. 233. PROVISION OF DATA ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Beginning not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
provide to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives data on
graduate medical education programs, health profession scholarship
programs, and any other educational assistance programs within the
Veterans Health Administration.
(b) Elements.--The data required to be provided under subsection
(a) shall include, for each program, the following:
(1) The number of active participants, broken down by
position or expected future position or licensure.
(2) The amount of funds spent each fiscal year.
(3) The number of participants who have completed their
education and are currently completing their service
requirements at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4) The number of participants who were previously active
in the program but left the program before completing their
education or service requirement during the year preceding the
date on which the data is provided.
(5) An overview of outreach by the Department to
prospective participants in the program.
(6) Such other information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(c) Update and Submittal of Data.--The data required to be provided
under subsection (a)--
(1) shall be updated not less frequently than annually; and
(2) may be submitted to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives as part of another report required by
law.
TITLE III--INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Capital asset.--The term ``capital asset'' means the
physical infrastructure, land, buildings, and other related
items under the operation and control of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, including the information technology and
other support systems needed to ensure physical space can be
used to deliver intended services and functions of the
Department.
Subtitle A--Investing in Department of Veterans Infrastructure to
Increase Capacity to Serve Veterans
SEC. 311. AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDING FOR CERTAIN LAND ACQUISITIONS FOR
MEDICAL FACILITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 8104(a)(2)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``No funds'' and inserting ``(i) No
funds'';
(2) by inserting ``land acquisition or'' before ``advance
planning''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ii) The exception under clause (i) for land acquisition shall
apply only to a major medical facility project that has been included
in the five-year development plan, or any successor similar plan, of
the Department included in the budget of the President for a fiscal
year submitted under section 1105(a) of title 31.''.
SEC. 312. DETACHMENT OF CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE APPROVAL REQUESTS OF
MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES FROM ANNUAL BUDGET
SUBMISSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 8104(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in
the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``, on the same
day,''.
SEC. 313. IMPROVEMENT OF CAPITAL ASSET STAFFING OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Capital Asset Personnel of the Department.--
(1) Requirement for dedicated offices and sufficient
staff.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the Department of
Veterans Affairs has dedicated offices or entities and
sufficient staff, including at each medical center of
the Department, to conduct relevant critical
responsibilities for the life-cycle of capital asset
management at the local, regional, and central office
level.
(B) Offices and staff included.--The requirement
for offices or entities and sufficient staff under
subparagraph (A) may include ensuring such mix as the
Secretary considers appropriate of personnel with
duties from the following categories:
(i) Facility planning.
(ii) Long-range capital planning.
(iii) Management of projects and capital
assets relating to the execution of major
construction projects, minor construction
projects, major leases, minor leases,
nonrecurring maintenance, and related matters
at medical centers and facilities of the
Department in the surrounding catchment areas
of those centers and facilities.
(iv) Property disposal or transfer,
environmental remediation, and historic
preservation.
(v) Engineering, including matters relating
to seismic repairs and projects.
(vi) Maintenance and repair of existing
infrastructure.
(vii) The collection of views of veterans
and employees of the Department to understand
the capital assets needs of the Department.
(viii) Other relevant functions relating to
the full life-cycle of capital asset management
of the Department, as determined by the
Secretary.
(2) Tasks.--To the greatest extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that each of the categories of duties
under paragraph (1)(B) are assigned to a different individual
or group of individuals so as--
(A) to organize common work in a cohesive manner;
and
(B) not to overburden a small number of individuals
with such requirements.
(3) Lead official.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(A) designate one individual as the lead senior
official responsible for integration and coordination
of, and accountability for, the evaluation of the
capital asset workforce needs of the Department, to
include the workforce staffing model established under
paragraph (4), and the ongoing implementation and
monitoring of actions to ensure adequate capital asset
staffing across the Department, including those at the
field, regional, and central offices of the Veterans
Health Administration, the National Cemetery
Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration,
and the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and
Construction; and
(B) notify the appropriate committees of Congress
who have been designated under subparagraph (A).
(4) Staffing model.--
(A) In general.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
establish a staffing model for the relevant
administrations, staff offices, and other elements of
the Department to carry out paragraph (1) that--
(i) ensures a minimum base level of capital
asset staffing; and
(ii) is adjusted based on the volume and
complexity of capital asset work of a
particular facility, catchment area, region, or
central office responsibility.
(B) Update.--The Secretary shall update the
staffing model under subparagraph (A) regularly to
ensure it is effective in carrying out paragraph (1).
(5) Treatment of states and territories without a medical
center.--In the case of a State or territory of the United
States in which the Department does not operate a full-service
medical center, the Secretary shall, in carrying out paragraph
(1), ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that the
Department has a dedicated office or entity and sufficient
staff at the largest medical facility of the Department in that
State or territory, and any reference in this section to a
medical center shall be deemed to be a reference to that
medical facility.
(6) Purpose and intent.--
(A) In general.--The purpose of this subsection is
to ensure that field, regional, and central offices of
the Department of Veterans Affairs have an
appropriately sized and credentialed capital asset
workforce to allow for efficient and effective
execution of their relevant segment of capital asset
work.
(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
subsection is intended to mandate a realignment of
capital asset workforce roles, responsibilities, and
reporting structures.
(b) Qualifications.--The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate
professional certifications, educational background, and other
qualifications are in effect for individuals employed in a position at
a dedicated office or entity required by subsection (a) to manage the
duties under the categories set forth under subsection (a)(1)(B).
(c) Duties of Dedicated Offices or Entities at Medical Centers.--
(1) In general.--The duties of a dedicated office or entity
required by subsection (a) at a medical center of the
Department may include such combination of the following duties
as the Secretary considers appropriate to achieve efficient and
effective capital asset management and performance as it
pertains to relevant activities at the field level:
(A) The development, monitoring, and implementation
of capital asset objectives for the catchment area
surrounding the medical center, including community-
based outpatient clinics and other sites of care of the
Department in that area.
(B) The coordination of capital asset management
and planning with counterparts at other medical centers
of the Department in the region and facility planners
for the Veterans Integrated Service Network or Networks
in the region.
(C) Effective delivery of capital asset projects.
(D) Maintenance and repair of infrastructure.
(E) Capital asset disposal or transfer,
environmental remediation, and historic preservation.
(F) Regularly monitoring state-of-the-art best
practices in health care capital asset delivery and
management.
(G) Constantly monitoring the needs of veterans and
employees of the Department as it relates to medical
space and services at the medical center and facilities
in the catchment area surrounding the medical center to
forward plan and identify and submit plans, through
processes of the Department, to meet those needs,
including by formulating local and regional capital
improvement and asset management plans for medical
facilities of the Department through the regular
collection of--
(i) views and expectations of veterans,
including as expressed by relevant local or
national veterans service organizations, in
that area who are eligible users of health care
and related services provided by the Department
with respect to--
(I) preferences and needs of those
veterans for the care received from
medical facilities of the Department in
that area; and
(II) the need for improvements and
enhancements to infrastructure of the
Department; and
(ii) views of relevant medical staff of the
Department at the medical center and facilities
in that catchment area regarding their
preferences and needs for how to deliver health
care to veterans and how those preferences
impact the infrastructure needs of the
Department.
(H) Understanding the capital asset policies,
procedures, and directives of the Department, including
those issued by the central office of the Department,
the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Integrated
Service Networks, the Office of Acquisition, Logistics,
and Construction, the Office of Asset Enterprise
Management, the Office of General Counsel, the Office
of Information and Technology, or any successor
offices, and any other office of the Department with
significant responsibility over capital asset
management and planning.
(I) Implementing locally the policies, procedures,
and directives described in subparagraph (H).
(J) Providing feedback regarding ways in which the
policies, procedures and directives described in
subparagraph (H) can be improved.
(K) Understanding the importance for collaboration
and coordination among all relevant offices of the
Department, including the Office of Acquisition,
Logistics, and Construction, the Office of Asset
Enterprise Management, the Office of Information and
Technology, or successor offices with similar
functions, and other internal stakeholders as required
to achieve success in all phases of capital asset
management.
(2) Collection of views and expectations.--
(A) In general.--Views and expectations may be
collected under paragraph (1)(G) through multiple
channels and the process used for such collection shall
ensure that the views and expectations collected
provide a representative sample of the population from
which such views and expectations are collected.
(B) Confidentiality.--Any information collected
under paragraph (1)(G) shall be collected in a manner
that provides an option for submission of views that
are anonymous and confidential.
(C) Inclusion of diverse viewpoints.--In collecting
views and expectations of veterans and medical staff
under paragraph (1)(G), an office, entity, or relevant
staff described in subsection (a) for a medical center
of the Department shall ensure that the viewpoints of a
diverse population of veterans being served by the
medical center and medical staff of the medical center
or in the catchment area of the medical center are
captured.
(D) Coordination with existing efforts of the
department.--In carrying out paragraph (1)(G) and this
paragraph, the Secretary shall use, as the Secretary
considers appropriate, existing efforts and expertise
of the Department through the Veterans Health
Administration, the Office of Acquisition, Logistics,
and Construction, the Office of Asset Enterprise
Management, and the Veterans Experience Office.
(E) Usage of views and expectations.--The views and
expectations collected under paragraph (1)(G) shall be
used to inform the offices, entities, or relevant staff
described in subsection (a)(1) and the broader
leadership of medical centers and Veterans Integrated
Service Networks of the Department to develop plans for
capital asset improvement.
(d) Development of Standard Process To Solicit Views on
Effectiveness.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary
shall develop a standardized process to regularly solicit
feedback from individuals and entities described in paragraph
(2) regarding the effectiveness of and ways to improve--
(A) the infrastructure and capital asset management
investment processes and procedures of the central
office of the Department and Veterans Integrated
Service Networks of the Department; and
(B) the guidance of the central office and Veterans
Integrated Service Networks regarding such processes
and procedures to the medical centers, facilities in
the surrounding catchment areas of those medical
centers, and Veterans Integrated Service Networks, as
appropriate.
(2) Individuals and entities described.--The individuals
and entities described in this paragraph are the following:
(A) Each office, entity, or relevant staff
described in subsection (a)(1) for a medical center of
the Department.
(B) Medical staff of the Department at facilities
in the surrounding catchment area of the medical
center.
(C) Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
(D) Staff of offices within the central office of
the Department, including the Office of Acquisition,
Logistics, and Construction, the Office of Asset
Enterprise Management, and the Office of Information
and Technology, or successor offices with similar
functions.
(E) The Veterans Health Administration, including
the Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities
Programs.
(F) Such other offices as the Secretary determines
relevant.
(3) Alignment with market area assessments.--To the degree
practicable, the Secretary shall align the process developed
and standardized under paragraph (1) with the performance of
market area assessments under section 7330C(a) of title 38,
United States Code.
(4) Confidentiality.--Any information collected under
paragraph (1) shall be collected in a manner that provides an
option for submission of views that are anonymous and
confidential.
(e) Use of Report Findings.--The Secretary shall use the results of
the report required under section 326 in establishing the offices,
entities, or organizational structures required under subsection (a)
and carrying out any other requirements of this section.
SEC. 314. DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE METRICS OF CAPITAL ASSET
MANAGEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND
MONITORING FOR IMPROVEMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(1) develop meaningful and measurable goals and metrics--
(A) to assess the performance of the capital asset
management programs of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, including those carried out by a non-
Department Federal entity under section 8103(e)(1) of
title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary to
make sound decisions regarding construction, leasing,
acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of capital
assets; and
(B) that are in alignment with strategic plans and
budgets of the Department and the mission of the
Department to serve veterans, their families, and
caregivers;
(2) develop an internal dashboard or other tool to monitor
progress towards meeting those goals;
(3) establish and implement internal governance processes
to direct necessary changes to improve performance and
achievement of those goals; and
(4) submit to appropriate committees of Congress a report
on the development of the goals and metrics under paragraph (1)
and the implementation of the internal dashboard or other tool
under paragraph (2) and the internal governance process under
paragraph (3).
(b) Internal Dashboard.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
internal dashboard developed under subsection (a)(2) includes
meaningful and relevant metrics that--
(1) evaluate capital asset management performance of the
Department and provide relevant information to guide necessary
improvements; and
(2) are developed consistent with recommendations set forth
by the Comptroller General of the United States.
SEC. 315. EXPANSION OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE CAPITAL ASSET PLANNING
COMMITTEE.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, in order to facilitate Federal health infrastructure planning,
coordination, and investment, the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall
modify the membership of the Capital Asset Planning Committee
established as a subordinate entity of the Department of Veterans
Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established
under section 320 of title 38, United States Code, to include the
following:
(1) Not fewer than one officer or employee of the Indian
Health Service.
(2) Not fewer than one officer or employee of the
Department of Health and Human Services who is not an employee
of the Indian Health Service.
SEC. 316. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Minor Construction.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for the Construction, Minor Projects
account, the following:
(1) For fiscal year 2026, $1,000,000,000.
(2) For fiscal year 2027, $2,000,000,000.
(3) For fiscal year 2028, $3,000,000,000.
(4) For fiscal year 2029, $4,000,000,000.
(5) For fiscal year 2030, $5,000,000,000.
(6) For fiscal year 2031, $5,000,000,000.
(7) For fiscal year 2032, $5,000,000,000.
(8) For fiscal year 2033, $5,000,000,000.
(9) For fiscal year 2034, $5,000,000,000.
(10) For fiscal year 2035, $5,000,000,000.
(11) For fiscal year 2036, $5,000,000,000.
(12) For fiscal year 2037, $5,000,000,000.
(b) Major Construction.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for the Construction, Major Projects
account, the following:
(1) For fiscal year 2026, $2,000,000,000.
(2) For fiscal year 2027, $3,000,000,000.
(3) For fiscal year 2028, $4,000,000,000.
(4) For fiscal year 2029, $5,000,000,000.
(5) For fiscal year 2030, $6,000,000,000.
(6) For fiscal year 2031, $7,000,000,000.
(7) For fiscal year 2032, $7,000,000,000.
(8) For fiscal year 2033, $7,000,000,000.
(9) For fiscal year 2034, $7,000,000,000.
(10) For fiscal year 2035, $7,000,000,000.
(11) For fiscal year 2036, $7,000,000,000.
(12) For fiscal year 2037, $7,000,000,000.
(c) Grants for Extended Care Facilities.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be used for
grants for extended care facilities, the following:
(1) For fiscal year 2026, $300,000,000.
(2) For fiscal year 2027, $400,000,000.
(3) For fiscal year 2028, $500,000,000.
(4) For fiscal year 2029, $550,000,000.
(5) For fiscal year 2030, $600,000,000.
(6) For fiscal year 2031, $600,000,000.
(7) For fiscal year 2032, $600,000,000.
(8) For fiscal year 2033, $600,000,000.
(9) For fiscal year 2034, $600,000,000.
(10) For fiscal year 2035, $600,000,000.
(11) For fiscal year 2036, $600,000,000.
(d) Requirement for Detailed Justification.--
(1) In general.--For any fiscal year in which the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs requests an amount that is less than an
amount specified in any of subsections (a) through (c), the
Secretary shall include as part of the budget of the President
for that fiscal year submitted under section 1105(a) of title
31, United States Code--
(A) a detailed justification and analysis for why
the requested funding levels are sufficient to meet the
infrastructure needs of the Department of Veterans
Affairs; and
(B) an identification of which projects--
(i) with respect to subsections (a) and
(b), included in the Strategic Capital
Investment Planning process, or successor
process, will not be funded based on the level
of funding requested; and
(ii) with respect to subsection (c),
included in the most recent approved State Home
Construction Grants Priority List, will not be
funded based on the level of funding requested.
(2) Comparison to amount sent to office of management and
budget.--In providing information under paragraph (1) for a
fiscal year, the Secretary shall indicate whether the numbers
that appear in the budget for the accounts specified under
subsections (a) through (c) match or do not match what the
Secretary submitted for review to the Office of Management and
Budget as part of the budget development process of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for that fiscal year.
Subtitle B--Reviews and Reports
SEC. 321. REVIEW OF RESILIENCE OF FACILITIES, LAND, AND OTHER RELEVANT
CAPITAL ASSETS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the
resilience of mission critical assets of the Department of Veterans
Affairs as it relates to extreme weather events.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An assessment and description of which mission critical
existing facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets of
the Department, disaggregated by State, territory of the United
States, and type of facility, land, or asset, are at highest
risk due to vulnerabilities relating to proximity to--
(A) a body of water; or
(B) an area prone to--
(i) flooding, including flooding due to
rising sea levels;
(ii) wildfire; or
(iii) tornadoes, hurricanes, or other
storms or extreme weather events.
(2) A description of strategies to improve the resilience
of existing facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets
assessed to be at highest risk pursuant to paragraph (1),
including potential modifications to facility operations and
maintenance practices.
(3) Recommendations of the Secretary for best practices,
standards, and solutions for future placement, planning,
renovation, leasing, purchase, construction, and disposal of
facilities, land, and other mission critical assets of the
Department to avoid or mitigate the challenges resulting from
the placement of a facility or asset in an area at risk of
being vulnerable to harm from the impacts of changing
environmental conditions and an assessment of whether
additional resources are necessary to address the risks at each
such facility or for each such asset.
(4) A description of--
(A) recommendations for legislative or
administrative action to mitigate and respond to the
findings under paragraphs (1) through (3);
(B) actions taken by the Secretary during the three
fiscal years immediately preceding the date of the
submission of the report and actions planned to be
taken by the Secretary during the three fiscal years
immediately following such date to improve the
resilience of existing facilities, land,
infrastructure, and other relevant capital assets under
the jurisdiction or control of the Department of
Veterans Affairs that are mission critical and assessed
to be highest risk pursuant to paragraph (1);
(C) changes in policies, directives, and procedures
of the Department to mitigate, plan for, and improve
resilience of future constructed, leased, or other
facilities, land, infrastructure, and other relevant
capital assets under the jurisdiction or control of the
Department;
(D) how the Department has incorporated or will
incorporate resilience information into the processes
and procedures of the Department for capital asset
investment decisions;
(E) changes the Department will make to ensure the
facilities, land, infrastructure, and other relevant
capital assets of the Department are available to
furnish care and services under section 1785 of title
38, United States Code, during or following a disaster
or emergency;
(F) the estimated cost to implement the changes
described in the report;
(G) the estimated timeline to implement the changes
described in the report; and
(H) such other matters as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
SEC. 322. REPORTS ON KEY CAPITAL ASSET INVESTMENTS, ACTIVITIES, AND
PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 8120 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 8120. Reports on key capital asset investments, activities, and
performance
``(a) Capital Asset Investment, Activities, and Performance.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the end of
each fiscal year, and every 60 days thereafter until the end of
that fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on key capital asset
investments, activities, and performance of the Department.
``(2) Elements.--
``(A) First report in each fiscal year.--The first
report under paragraph (1) in each fiscal year shall
include the following:
``(i) A brief summary of work that was
completed on each capital asset project that
was completed in the previous fiscal year.
``(ii) A brief summary of the
accomplishments, impediments, and challenges
experienced by the Department with respect to
capital asset projects in the previous fiscal
year and a description of efforts made to
address any such impediments and challenges.
``(iii) With respect to each capital asset
project completed in such year, the following:
``(I) The type of project (major
construction, minor construction, non-
recurring maintenance, leases, or other
category, including disposals).
``(II) The estimated total cost and
the actual total cost of the project.
``(III) A description of the
project.
``(IV) The location and facility
with respect to which the project was
carried out.
``(V) The fiscal quarter the
project was expected to begin, the
fiscal quarter the project began, the
month and year the project was
completed, and the fiscal quarter the
facility in connection to such project
was in use by veterans, employees of
the Department, or other relevant
users, as the case may be.
``(iv) In the case of any capital asset
project completed during the previous fiscal
year with respect to which the final cost of
the project (or any increment of the project)
was more than 10 percent greater than the
estimated cost of the project (or increment) or
the completion of such project (or increment)
was more than 180 days later than the planned
schedule for such project (or increment)--
``(I) the reason for any such
overage or delay; and
``(II) actions being taken to
prevent any such overage or delay in
future projects.
``(v) A list of any capital asset projects
cancelled during the previous fiscal year,
including any projects in the design phase and
including the reason for the cancellation.
``(vi) A summary of total actual
obligations for capital asset projects for the
previous fiscal year, broken out by major
construction, minor construction, non-recurring
maintenance, and leases from the medical
facilities appropriation account of the
Department.
``(vii) A projected list of capital asset
projects, broken out by type of project under
subclause (I), that are expected to be
initiated during the current fiscal year and
those that are expected to be completed during
the current fiscal year, which shall include
the following:
``(I) The type of project (major
construction, minor construction, non-
recurring maintenance, leases, or other
category, including disposals).
``(II) The estimated total cost of
the project.
``(III) A description of the
project.
``(IV) The location and facility
with respect to which the project was
carried out or is expected to be
carried out.
``(V) The fiscal quarter the
project is expected to begin, the
fiscal quarter the project is expected
to be completed, and the fiscal quarter
the facility in connection to such
project is expected to be in use by
veterans, employees of the Department,
or other relevant users, as the case
may be.
``(viii) Projected total obligations for
capital asset projects for the current fiscal
year, broken out by major construction, minor
construction, non-recurring maintenance, and
leases, from the medical facilities
appropriation account of the Department.
``(ix) Such observations of best practices,
impediments, and accomplishments related to the
capital asset management and performance of the
Department, including any legislative or
administrative action, as the Secretary
considers appropriate with respect to such
practices, impediments, and accomplishments.
``(x) Meaningful metrics that show the
progress of the Department toward meeting
relevant goals of the Department relating to
capital asset management.
``(xi) Such other matters as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
``(B) Subsequent reports.--Each report in a fiscal
year after the first report shall include, at a
minimum, relevant updates on any capital asset projects
that are ongoing during that fiscal year, including any
updates to information provided with respect to such
projects under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Metrics.--Beginning not later than two years
after the date of the enactment of the Honor Act of
2025, the metrics described in subparagraph (A)(x)
shall include the metrics developed under section
314(a)(1) of such Act.
``(3) Matters relating to reporting costs.--In each report
under paragraph (1), when reporting on costs for capital asset
projects, the Secretary may include information regarding
Federal requirements, including those specific to the
Department, that may not exist in the non-Federal construction
sector that may increase costs for capital asset projects.
``(b) Super Construction Projects.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the end of
each fiscal year, and every 60 days thereafter until the end of
that fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the super construction
projects carried out by the appropriate non-Department Federal
entity described in section 8103(e)(1) of this title during
such year.
``(2) Elements.--Each report required under paragraph (1)
shall include, for each project described in such paragraph--
``(A) the budgetary and scheduling status of the
project, as of the last day of the most recent fiscal
quarter ending before the date on which the report is
required to be submitted; and
``(B) the actual cost and schedule variances of the
project, as of such day, compared to the planned cost
and schedules for the project.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
`appropriate committees of Congress' means--
``(A) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives.
``(2) Capital asset project.--The term `capital asset
project' means a capital asset investment or activity of the
Department.
``(3) Super construction project.--The term `super
construction project' has the meaning given such term in
section 8103(e)(3) of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking the
item relating to section 8120 and inserting the following new item:
``8120. Reports on key capital asset investments, activities, and
performance.''.
SEC. 323. REPORT ON LONG-TERM CARE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report, disaggregated by
medical center or other relevant health care facility of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, identifying the physical infrastructure needs of
the Department to support current and future anticipated long-term care
needs and models of care for veterans, including--
(1) infrastructure needed to support the delivery of long-
term care for women veterans, veterans with spinal cord
injuries and diseases, veterans with traumatic brain injury,
veterans with unique behavioral health needs, veterans with
memory loss, and other population groups with unique needs or
projected future needs;
(2) information regarding the plans of the Department to
provide such care as the Department builds internal capacity
but space is not yet available to meet the demand for such
care; and
(3) with respect to any projects needed to provide the
infrastructure specified under paragraph (1)--
(A) the estimated individual project cost and total
cost to accomplish those projects; and
(B) the estimated individual project timeline to
accomplish each such project upon receipt of
appropriate funding.
(b) Inclusion of Information Regarding Prioritization of Certain
Projects.--The Secretary shall include in the report required under
subsection (a) information regarding how the infrastructure
prioritization processes of the Department, such as the Strategic
Capital Investment Planning process, or successor process, could be
modified to include higher prioritization of projects that support the
provision of a health care service that is not widely available, or is
not available in compliance with appropriate quality or access
standards, from non-Department providers.
(c) Development of Report.--In developing the report required under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with relevant regional and
national program offices of the Veterans Health Administration with
responsibility for managing the various health care services covered by
the report, including long-term care and care relating to spinal cord
injuries and diseases, to ensure that the report contains a holistic,
comprehensive, and integrated plan to address the capital asset and
other space needs for the population of veterans who require those
services.
(d) Indication of Types of Projects.--In the report required under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall indicate the projects that can be
most efficiently and effectively accomplished through smaller
individual infrastructure projects or through a larger medical facility
replacement or new site of care, as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 324. REPORT ON WOMEN VETERANS RETROFIT INITIATIVE.
Section 5102 of the Deborah Sampson Act of 2020 (title V of Public
Law 116-315; 38 U.S.C. 8110 note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection (c):
``(c) Report on Projects.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of the Honor Act of 2025, the Secretary shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
containing--
``(A) an identification of the funding requested
and the funding provided to the Department for
retrofitting prioritized under subsection (a) as of the
date of the report;
``(B) a list of projects conducted with such
funding as of such date, including--
``(i) amounts obligated for each such
project;
``(ii) the locations of each such project;
``(iii) a short description of each such
project; and
``(iv) the status of each such project,
including an estimated timeline to complete the
project; and
``(C) a list of projects for retrofitting
prioritized under subsection (a) as of such date that
remain unfunded as of such date, including--
``(i) the estimated funding required for
those projects to be completed, on a project by
project basis; and
``(ii) an estimated timeline to complete
each such project if necessary funding and
other resources are provided.
``(2) Updates.--Not later than one year after the submittal
of the report under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter
until the earlier of the date that is 10 years after the
submittal of such report or the date on which all projects
listed under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of such paragraph have
been completed, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on--
``(A) the progress made by the Secretary in
completing such projects; and
``(B) an identification of the funding requested
and the funding provided to the Department to complete
such projects.
``(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--In this
subsection, the term `appropriate committees of Congress'
means--
``(A) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives.''.
SEC. 325. REPORT ON CAPITAL ASSET AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS OF
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to Congress a report on the capital asset and information
technology needs of the research and development program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Contents.--
(1) In general.--The report required by subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(A) A comprehensive summary of new facilities,
renovations of existing facilities, leasing of
facilities, and any other such facilities or physical
infrastructure the Department requires to effectively
perform its research and development functions,
including projected functions.
(B) Detailed information on the information
technology resources, projects, equipment, and related
information technology needs, disaggregated by type of
information technology funding categories, such as
development or operations and maintenance, the
Department requires in order to make the research and
development program and activities of the Department
functional and high performing in the short, medium,
and long term, and those needed to enable employees of
the Department to perform their research and
development activities in an effective and efficient
manner.
(C) Such matters as the Secretary determines
relevant to maintain and further improve and advance
the research and development functions of the
Department through improved capital asset and
information technology support.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) Facilities.--
(i) Summaries by project.--In providing
information under paragraph (1)(A), the
Secretary shall provide estimated summaries for
each project with cost data as well as a
realistic multi-year plan to design and deliver
the capital asset projects, assuming required
funding is provided.
(ii) Identification of projects.--The
Secretary shall identify each project under
paragraph (1)(A) by its project type, such as
major construction, minor construction,
nonrecurring maintenance, major lease, minor
lease, or such other category as the Secretary
determines may be appropriate.
(B) Information technology.--In providing
information under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall
provide estimated summaries for each project or
investment with individual and total cost data as well
as a realistic multi-year plan to develop relevant
requirements and acquire and deploy the relevant
information technology services, projects, equipment,
and related matters.
(C) Scope.--The scope of the report submitted under
subsection (a) is on the capital asset, information
technology, and other related critical support
functions, excluding human capital related needs,
needed for the Department to perform research and
development in an effective and efficient manner.
(c) Considerations.--In preparing the report required by subsection
(a), the Secretary may consider the following:
(1) The findings of the 2012 final report of the Research
Infrastructure Program of the Department.
(2) Current and updated data providing the most accurate
and holistic presentation of the physical infrastructure,
information technology, and other relevant support function
needs of the research and development program of the
Department.
(3) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
SEC. 326. REVIEW AND REPORT ON PROVISIONS OF LAW RELATING TO DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT AND
OVERSIGHT.
(a) Review.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall review all
relevant authorities of the Secretary, including those in section 312A
of title 38, United States Code, and determine whether the provisions
of such authorities are meaningful, relevant, and reflect the current
operational needs, organization structure, and all other necessary
requirements for the full life-cycle of effective and efficient
management of capital assets.
(b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
regarding whether the authorities reviewed under subsection (a) should
be revised to align more closely with current and future projected
operational needs of the Department.
(c) Contents.--The report required by subsection (b) shall include
the following:
(1) An assessment of whether other offices,
administrations, or entities of the Department should be
directed to formally assume certain functions currently
assigned to officials of the Department, including to the
Deputy Secretary, the Director of Construction and Facilities
Management, the Under Secretary for Health, the Assistant
Secretary for Management, and the Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to statute or Departmental practice, so as to match
operational realities and needs, directives, policies, and
procedures of the Department, to improve efficiencies,
streamline management and lines of authority, responsibility,
and accountability, or other reasons that would be beneficial
to the capital asset management of the Department.
(2) An assessment of whether capital asset functions
currently not clearly assumed or controlled by other entities
of the Department should be more clearly assigned to relevant
offices of the Department to match operational realities and
needs, directives, policies, and procedures of the Department,
to improve efficiencies, streamline management and lines of
authority and responsibility, or other reasons that would be
beneficial to the capital asset management of the Department.
(3) An identification of whether any new offices,
structures, positions, or reporting lines should be created or
modified in the Department to improve operational
effectiveness, performance, and accountability for capital
asset management, including the views of the Department on the
advisability of--
(A) consolidating the planning, management,
oversight, and procurement of all leasing activities of
the Department, regardless of administration or sub-
agency entity, to include major and minor leases,
within one office within the Office of Construction and
Facilities Management to consolidate and improve
organization, oversight, expertise, and efficiency; and
(B) consolidating the planning, management,
oversight, and procurement of all minor construction
activities of the Department, regardless of
administration or sub-agency entity, within one office
within the Office of Construction and Facilities
Management to consolidate and improve organization,
oversight, expertise, and efficiency.
(4) An assessment of whether a modified Departmental
organizational structure and changes to relevant statutory
provisions could create a clearly identified single line of
accountability and responsibility for the full life-cycle of
capital asset management activities of the Department so as to
improve effectiveness, efficiency, performance, and stability
of capital asset management of the Department.
(5) An assessment of whether the qualifications
requirements for the Director of Construction and Facilities
Management under section 312A(b)(1) of title 38, United States
Code, should be modified to ensure the Department is able to
hire from a broad candidate pool of qualified applicants.
(6) Specific reasons for the statutory or other changes
that are recommended in the report or if no changes are
necessary, a justification for not making any changes,
including a statement providing the single responsible
executive and office in charge of managing all capital asset
management activities of the Department as of the date of the
report.
(7) An identification of such legislative or administrative
action as the Secretary determines necessary to implement the
changes necessary to improve capital asset management of the
Department.
SEC. 327. IMPROVING PREVENTION, DETECTION, AND REPORTING OF WASTE,
FRAUD, AND ABUSE IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CAPITAL ASSET PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on actions the
Department of Veterans Affairs is taking or plans to take to enhance
the ability of the Department to prevent, detect, and report waste,
fraud, and abuse occurring in capital asset projects of the Department,
whether by employees, contractors, or other relevant persons or
entities involved with the Department.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An assessment of whether new training or enhancements
to existing training should be undertaken to improve the
prevention, detection, and reporting of waste, fraud, and
abuse.
(2) Recommendations for such legislative and administrative
action as the Secretary determines appropriate to improve the
prevention, detection, and reporting of waste, fraud, and
abuse.
(3) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary--
(1) shall consult with the Inspector General of the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Comptroller General of
the United States on matters relating to best practices and
strategies to improve detection and prevention by the
Department of waste, fraud, and abuse in capital asset projects
and management; and
(2) may consult with such other persons and entities on
such matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.
SEC. 328. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON CONTINUED NEED FOR NON-
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR
SUPER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
containing the following:
(1) The metrics or evaluation criteria by which Congress
should judge whether the Department of Veterans Affairs has
evolved in their management capabilities, performance, and
results so as to permit the removal of the requirement under
section 8103(e)(1) of title 38, United States Code, that the
Department use a non-Department Federal entity to provide full
project management services for all super construction
projects.
(2) A description of the cost arrangements and premiums
paid by the Department, as of the date of the report, to use a
non-Department Federal entity for a super construction project
as required under such section and what savings may be
generated through the removal of that requirement.
(3) Such other matters as the Comptroller General considers
relevant related to the management of infrastructure projects
of the Department.
(b) Super Construction Project Defined.--In this section, the term
``super construction project'' has the meaning given that term in
section 8103(e)(3) of title 38, United States Code.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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