[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1235 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.1235
One Hundred Ninth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and six
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and extend housing,
insurance, outreach, and benefits programs provided under the laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to improve and extend
employment programs for veterans under laws administered by the
Secretary of Labor, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

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(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Housing
Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

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temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

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TITLE I

-HOUSING MATTERS

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veterans to a veteran who is the spouse of a Native American.

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Veterans' Employment and Training to raise awareness of skills
of veterans and of the benefits of hiring veterans.

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TITLE II

-EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

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totally disabled veterans following separation from service.

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TITLE III

-LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE MATTERS

insurance of servicemembers released from active military
service.

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certain reserve-component members who acquire TRICARE
eligibility.

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and disabilities presumed to be associated with prisoner of
war status.

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TITLE IV

-OTHER MATTERS

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protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance.

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TITLE V

-TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

veterans in provisions relating to eligibility for
compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.

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TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A FAMILY MEMBER.
(a) Assistance Authorized.--Chapter 21 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 2102 the following new
section:
``Sec. 2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing
owned by a family member
``(a) Provision of Assistance.--In the case of a disabled veteran
who is described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this
title and who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside,
in a residence owned by a member of such veteran's family, the
Secretary may assist the veteran in acquiring such adaptations to such
residence as are determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary
because of the veteran's disability.
``(b) Amount of Assistance.--The assistance authorized under
subsection (a) may not exceed--
``(1) $14,000, in the case of a veteran described in section
2101(a)(2) of this title; or
``(2) $2,000, in the case of a veteran described in section
2101(b)(2) of this title.
``(c) Limitation.--The assistance authorized by subsection (a)
shall be limited in the case of any veteran to one residence.
``(d) Regulations.--Assistance under this section shall be provided
in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
``(e) Termination.--No assistance may be provided under this
section after the end of the five-year period that begins on the date
of the enactment of the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits
Improvement Act of 2006.''.
(b) Limitations on Adapted Housing Assistance.--Section 2102 of
such title is amended--
(1) in the matter in subsection (a) preceding paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``shall be limited in the case of any
veteran to one housing unit, and necessary land therefor,
and''; and
(B) by striking ``veteran but shall not exceed $50,000 in
any one case--'' and inserting ``veteran--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran
under sections 2101(a) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to
$50,000.
``(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran
under sections 2101(b) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to
$10,000.
``(3) No veteran may receive more than three grants of assistance
under this chapter.''.
(c) Coordination of Administration of Benefits.--Chapter 21 of such
title is further amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 2107. Coordination of administration of benefits
``The Secretary shall provide for the coordination of the
administration of programs to provide specially adapted housing that
are administered by the Under Secretary for Health and such programs
that are administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits under this
chapter, chapter 17, and chapter 31 of this title.''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended--
(1) by inserting after the item relating to section 2102 the
following new item:
``2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing owned
by a family member.'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new item:
``2107. Coordination of administration of benefits.''.
(e) GAO Reports.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than three years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit
to Congress an interim report on the implementation by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs of section 2102A of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Final report.--Not later than five years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a final report on the implementation of such section.
(f) Temporary Increase in Certain Housing Loan Fees.--For a
subsequent loan described in subsection (a) of section 3710 of title
38, United States Code, to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down
or any other subsequent loan described in that subsection, other than a
loan with 5-down or 10-down, that is closed during fiscal year 2007,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall apply section 3729(b)(2) of
such title by substituting ``3.35'' for ``3.30''.

d1a3b024443c411083c9acb175174aa4d294f57f7ea1d4b3ca8609eb59c2cd76

Section 3707A(c)(4) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``1 percentage point'' and inserting ``such percentage points
as the Secretary may prescribe''.

8fb1d5ff1153e37078ec8dda70d5778ce144edb14ab25eeee88110aab0812619

AMERICAN VETERANS.
(a) Permanent Authority.--Section 3761 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``establish and implement a pilot program
under which the Secretary may'' in the first sentence; and
(B) by striking ``shall establish and implement the pilot
program'' in the third sentence and inserting ``shall make such
loans'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``In carrying out the pilot
program under this subchapter, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(3) by striking subsection (c).
(b) Reports.--Section 3762(j) of such title is amended to read as
follows:
``(j) The Secretary shall include as part of the annual benefits
report of the Veterans Benefits Administration information concerning
the cost and number of loans provided under this subchapter for the
fiscal year covered by the report.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 3762.--Section 3762 of such title is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``under this
subchapter'' after ``to a Native American veteran'';
(B) in subsection (b)(1)(E), by striking ``the pilot
program established under this subchapter is implemented'' and
inserting ``loans under this subchapter are made'';
(C) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``carry out the
pilot program under this subchapter in a manner that
demonstrates the advisability of making direct housing loans''
in the second sentence and inserting ``make direct housing
loans under this subchapter'';
(D) in subsection (i)--
(i) by striking ``the pilot program provided for under
this subchapter and'' in paragraph (1);
(ii) by striking ``under the pilot program and in
assisting such organizations and veterans in participating
in the pilot program'' in paragraph (2)(A) and inserting
``under this subchapter and in assisting such organizations
and veterans with respect to such housing benefits''; and
(iii) by striking ``in participating in the pilot
program'' in paragraph (2)(E) and inserting ``with respect
to such benefits''.
(2) Conforming repeal.--Section 8(b) of the Veterans Home Loan
Program Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-547; 38 U.S.C. 3761
note) is repealed.
(d) Establishment of Maximum Amount of Loans.--Section
3762(c)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(B) The'' and inserting ``(B)(i) Subject to
clause (ii), the''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ii) The amount of a loan made by the Secretary under this
subchapter may not exceed the maximum loan amount authorized for loans
guaranteed under section 3703(a)(1)(C) of this title.''.
(e) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(1)(A) of section 3762 of
such title is amended by inserting ``veteran'' after ``Native
American''.
(f) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter V of
chapter 37 of such title is amended to read as follows:
``SUBCHAPTER V--DIRECT HOUSING LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS''.
(2) Section heading.--The heading for section 3761 of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3761. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
authority''.
(3) Section heading.--The heading for section 3762 of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3762. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
administration''.
(4) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the items
relating to subchapter V and sections 3761 and 3762 and inserting
the following new items:
``SUBCHAPTER V--DIRECT HOUSING LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS
``3761. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
authority.
``3762. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program
administration.''.

59355396a24712e3d26534db055035f26889eda5fe20ca3db3b5228cc4c3bc51

VETERANS TO A VETERAN WHO IS THE SPOUSE OF A NATIVE
AMERICAN.
(a) Extension.--Subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 3764 as section 3765; and
(2) by inserting after section 3763 the following new section:
``Sec. 3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans
``(a) Treatment of Non-Native American Veterans.--Subject to the
succeeding provisions of this section, for purposes of this
subchapter--
``(1) a qualified non-Native American veteran is deemed to be a
Native American veteran; and
``(2) for purposes of applicability to a non-Native American
veteran, any reference in this subchapter to the jurisdiction of a
tribal organization over a Native American veteran is deemed to be
a reference to jurisdiction of a tribal organization over the
Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American
veteran.
``(b) Use of Loan.--In making direct loans under this subchapter to
a qualified non-Native American veteran by reason of eligibility under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the tribal organization
permits, and the qualified non-Native American veteran actually holds,
possesses, or purchases, using the proceeds of the loan, jointly with
the Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American
veteran, a meaningful interest in the lot, dwelling, or both, that is
located on trust land.
``(c) Restrictions Imposed by Tribal Organizations.--Nothing in
subsection (b) shall be construed as precluding a tribal organization
from imposing reasonable restrictions on the right of the qualified
non-Native American veteran to convey, assign, or otherwise dispose of
such interest in the lot or dwelling, or both, if such restrictions are
designed to ensure the continuation in trust status of the lot or
dwelling, or both. Such requirements may include the termination of the
interest of the qualified non-Native American veteran in the lot or
dwelling, or both, upon the dissolution of the marriage of the
qualified non-Native American veteran to the Native American spouse.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3765 of such title, as
redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(5) The term `qualified non-Native American veteran' means a
veteran who--
``(A) is the spouse of a Native American, but
``(B) is not a Native American.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to
section 3764 and inserting the following new items:
``3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans.
``3765. Definitions.''.

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2004.
(a) Corrections.--Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by section 401 of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004
(Public Law 108-454; 118 Stat. 3614), is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) a new subsection (c)
consisting of the text of subsection (c) of such section 2101 as in
effect immediately before the enactment of such Act, modified--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking ``paragraph (1),
(2), or (3)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
or (D) of paragraph (2)''; and
(ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``the second
sentence'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking ``paragraph
(1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''; and
(ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``paragraph
(2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
(3) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subsection (c)'' in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting ``subsection (d)''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as of December 10, 2004, as if enacted immediately after
the enactment of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 on that
date.

8bc7cc7483da8e11182a7323029653f80fc3f4874f3d73277628650e90010e38

VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF
SKILLS OF VETERANS AND OF THE BENEFITS OF HIRING
VETERANS.
Subsection (b) of section 4102A of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) With advice and assistance from the Advisory Committee on
Veterans Employment and Training, and Employer Outreach established
under section 4110 of this title, furnish information to employers
(through meetings in person with hiring executives of corporations
and otherwise) with respect to the training and skills of veterans
and disabled veterans, and the advantages afforded employers by
hiring veterans with such training and skills, and to facilitate
employment of veterans and disabled veterans through participation
in labor exchanges (Internet-based and otherwise), and other
means.''.

5b28ded5ba488b493de88c5ec3e457f58378f2c08c69e8a1036ce16914947c91

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.
(a) Committee Name.--
(1) Change of name.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 4110 of title
38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Advisory Committee
on Veterans Employment and Training'' and inserting ``Advisory
Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer
Outreach''.
(2) Section heading.--The heading of such section is amended to
read as follows:
``Sec. 4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and
Employer Outreach''.
(3) Table of sections.--The item relating to section 4110 in
the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of such title
is amended to read as follows:
``4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and
Employer Outreach.''.
(4) References.--Any reference to the Advisory Committee
established under section 4110 of such title in any law,
regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United
States shall be considered to be a reference to the Advisory
Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach.
(b) Expansion of Duties of Advisory Committee.--Subsection (a)(2)
of such section is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their integration
into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(C) assist the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
Employment and Training in carrying out outreach activities to
employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans and
the advantages afforded employers by hiring veterans;
``(D) make recommendations to the Secretary, through the
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training,
with respect to outreach activities and the employment and training
of veterans; and''.
(c) Modification of Advisory Committee Membership.--
(1) Membership.--Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended
to read as follows:
``(c)(1) The Secretary of Labor shall appoint at least 12, but no
more than 15, individuals to serve as members of the advisory committee
as follows:
``(A) Six individuals, one each from among representatives
nominated by each of the following organizations:
``(i) The National Society of Human Resource Managers.
``(ii) The Business Roundtable.
``(iii) The National Association of State Workforce
Agencies.
``(iv) The United States Chamber of Commerce.
``(v) The National Federation of Independent Business.
``(vi) A nationally recognized labor union or organization.
``(B) Not more than five individuals from among representatives
nominated by veterans service organizations that have a national
employment program.
``(C) Not more than five individuals who are recognized
authorities in the fields of business, employment, training,
rehabilitation, or labor and who are not employees of the
Department of Labor.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Subsection (d) of such section is
amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (8), (10), (11), and
(12); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and (9) as
paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively.
(d) Reinstatement and Modification of Reporting Requirement.--
Subsection (f)(1) of such section is amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following:
``Not later than December 31 of each year, the advisory committee
shall submit to the Secretary and to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the
employment and training needs of veterans, with special emphasis on
disabled veterans, for the previous fiscal year.'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their integration
into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
(3) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs
(C) and (F), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) an assessment of the outreach activities carried out by
the Secretary of Labor to employers with respect to the training
and skills of veterans and the advantages afforded employers by
hiring veterans;''; and
(6) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as so redesignated,
the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) a description of the activities of the advisory committee
during that fiscal year;
``(E) a description of activities that the advisory committee
proposes to undertake in the succeeding fiscal year; and''.

adec7b03660bfc027152f2ce828589e4e08f34bc9099e5ae3332482d1a017e5a

REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.
Subsection (e)(1) of section 2021 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through
2009.''.

4c71af6e133c347fde9023b405b30d102a60f638c6c2e928e119ac969f909909

TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS FOLLOWING SEPARATION FROM
SERVICE.
(a) Separation or Release From Active Duty.--
(1) Extension of period of coverage.--Paragraph (1)(A) of
section 1968(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``shall cease'' and all that follows and inserting ``shall
cease on the earlier of the following dates (but in no event before
the end of 120 days after such separation or release):
``(i) The date on which the insured ceases to be
totally disabled.
``(ii) The date that is--
``(I) two years after the date of separation or
release from such active duty or active duty for
training, in the case of such a separation or release
during the period beginning on the date that is one
year before the date of the enactment of Veterans'
Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of
2006 and ending on September 30, 2011; and
``(II) 18 months after the date of separation or
release from such active duty or active duty for
training, in the case of such a separation or release
on or after October 1, 2011.''.
(2) Technical amendments.--Paragraph (1) of such section is
further amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``shall cease--'' and inserting ``shall cease as follows:'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``at'' after ``(B)''
and inserting ``At''.
(b) Separation or Release From Certain Reserve Assignments.--
Paragraph (4) of such section is amended by striking ``shall cease''
the second place it appears and all that follows and inserting ``shall
cease on the earlier of the following dates (but in no event before the
end of 120 days after separation or release from such assignment):
``(A) The date on which the insured ceases to be totally
disabled.
``(B) The date that is--
``(i) two years after the date of separation or release
from such assignment, in the case of such a separation or
release during the period beginning on the date that is one
year before the date of the enactment of Veterans' Housing
Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 and ending
on September 30, 2011; and
``(ii) 18 months after the date of separation or
release from such assignment, in the case of such a
separation or release on or after October 1, 2011.''.

c6c867f9bbf402daa56d4719784dc9e0fac65e95b226fd8bdd04b5cefa5908db

INSURANCE OF SERVICEMEMBERS RELEASED FROM ACTIVE MILITARY
SERVICE.
(a) Premium Protection.--Section 704 of the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 594) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(e) Limitation on Premium Increases.--
``(1) Premium protection.--The amount of the premium for health
insurance coverage that was terminated by a servicemember and
required to be reinstated under subsection (a) may not be
increased, for the balance of the period for which coverage would
have been continued had the coverage not been terminated, to an
amount greater than the amount chargeable for such coverage before
the termination.
``(2) Increases of general applicability not precluded.--
Paragraph (1) does not prevent an increase in premium to the extent
of any general increase in the premiums charged by the carrier of
the health care insurance for the same health insurance coverage
for persons similarly covered by such insurance during the period
between the termination and the reinstatement.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (b)(3) of such section is
amended by striking ``if the'' and inserting ``in a case in which
the''.

1f21a7d0d7ae96f3b970ff3053d75b1a7cc8d305a3f3584a546c3e03d4edeee2

CERTAIN RESERVE-COMPONENT MEMBERS WHO ACQUIRE TRICARE
ELIGIBILITY.
(a) Continuation of Coverage.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 4317 of
title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after ``by reason
of service in the uniformed services,'' the following: ``or such person
becomes eligible for medical and dental care under chapter 55 of title
10 by reason of subsection (d) of section 1074 of that title,''.
(b) Reinstatement of Coverage.--Subsection (b) of such section is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting after ``by reason of service in the
uniformed services,'' the following: ``or by reason of the
person's having become eligible for medical and dental care
under chapter 55 of title 10 by reason of subsection (d) of
section 1074 of that title,''; and
(B) by inserting ``or eligibility'' before the period at
the end of the first sentence; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) In the case of a person whose coverage under a health plan is
terminated by reason of the person having become eligible for medical
and dental care under chapter 55 of title 10 by reason of subsection
(d) of section 1074 of that title but who subsequently does not
commence a period of active duty under the order to active duty that
established such eligibility because the order is canceled before such
active duty commences, the provisions of paragraph (1) relating to any
exclusion or waiting period in connection with the reinstatement of
coverage under a health plan shall apply to such person's continued
employment, upon the termination of such eligibility for medical and
dental care under chapter 55 of title 10 that is incident to the
cancellation of such order, in the same manner as if the person had
become reemployed upon such termination of eligibility.''.

4807c9670b3b548cf8ba795578592930f03062b06ac77ac52f80bfcfb8cd6c24

AND DISABILITIES PRESUMED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH PRISONER
OF WAR STATUS.
Section 1112(b)(3) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(L) Atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular
disease (including hypertensive heart disease) and their
complications (including myocardial infarction, congestive heart
failure and arrhythmia).
``(M) Stroke and its complications.''.

ed901f487681b240ea7bf5678710e3410765aef14b06783775490031ebc2e683

(a) In General.--Part IV of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 63--OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
``6301. Purpose; definitions.
``6302. Biennial plan.
``6303. Outreach services.
``6304. Veterans assistance offices.
``6305. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel.
``6306. Use of other agencies.
``6307. Outreach for eligible dependents.
``6308. Biennial report to Congress.
``Sec. 6301. Purpose; definitions
``(a) Purpose.--The Congress declares that--
``(1) the outreach services program authorized by this chapter
is for the purpose of ensuring that all veterans (especially those
who have been recently discharged or released from active military,
naval, or air service and those who are eligible for readjustment
or other benefits and services under laws administered by the
Department) are provided timely and appropriate assistance to aid
and encourage them in applying for and obtaining such benefits and
services in order that they may achieve a rapid social and economic
readjustment to civilian life and obtain a higher standard of
living for themselves and their dependents; and
``(2) the outreach services program authorized by this chapter
is for the purpose of charging the Department with the affirmative
duty of seeking out eligible veterans and eligible dependents and
providing them with such services.
``(b) Definitions.--For the purposes of this chapter--
``(1) the term `other governmental programs' includes all
programs under State or local laws as well as all programs under
Federal law other than those authorized by this title; and
``(2) the term `eligible dependent' means a spouse, surviving
spouse, child, or dependent parent of a person who served in the
active military, naval, or air service.
``Sec. 6302. Biennial plan
``(a) Biennial Plan Required.--The Secretary shall, during the
first nine months of every odd-numbered year, prepare a biennial plan
for the outreach activities of the Department for the two-fiscal-year
period beginning on October 1 of that year.
``(b) Elements.--Each biennial plan under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
``(1) Plans for efforts to identify eligible veterans and
eligible dependents who are not enrolled or registered with the
Department for benefits or services under the programs administered
by the Secretary.
``(2) Plans for informing eligible veterans and eligible
dependents of modifications of the benefits and services under the
programs administered by the Secretary, including eligibility for
medical and nursing care and services.
``(c) Coordination in Development.--In developing the biennial plan
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following:
``(1) Directors or other appropriate officials of organizations
approved by the Secretary under section 5902 of this title.
``(2) Directors or other appropriate officials of State and
local education and training programs.
``(3) Representatives of nongovernmental organizations that
carry out veterans outreach programs.
``(4) Representatives of State and local veterans employment
organizations.
``(5) Other individuals and organizations that the Secretary
considers appropriate.
``Sec. 6303. Outreach services
``(a) Requirement To Provide Services.--In carrying out the
purposes of this chapter, the Secretary shall provide the outreach
services specified in subsections (b) through (d). In areas where a
significant number of eligible veterans and eligible dependents speak a
language other than English as their principal language, such services
shall, to the maximum feasible extent, be provided in the principal
language of such persons.
``(b) Individual Notice to New Veterans.--The Secretary shall by
letter advise each veteran at the time of the veteran's discharge or
release from active military, naval, or air service (or as soon as
possible after such discharge or release) of all benefits and services
under laws administered by the Department for which the veteran may be
eligible. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure,
through the use of veteran-student services under section 3485 of this
title, that contact, in person or by telephone, is made with those
veterans who, on the basis of their military service records, do not
have a high school education or equivalent at the time of discharge or
release.
``(c) Distribution of Information.--(1) The Secretary--
``(A) shall distribute full information to eligible veterans
and eligible dependents regarding all benefits and services to
which they may be entitled under laws administered by the
Secretary; and
``(B) may, to the extent feasible, distribute information on
other governmental programs (including manpower and training
programs) which the Secretary determines would be beneficial to
veterans.
``(2) Whenever a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit
under laws administered by the Secretary (including a request for
burial or related benefits or an application for life insurance
proceeds), the Secretary shall provide to the veteran or dependent
information concerning benefits and health care services under programs
administered by the Secretary. Such information shall be provided not
later than three months after the date of such application.
``(d) Provision of Aid and Assistance.--The Secretary shall
provide, to the maximum extent possible, aid and assistance (including
personal interviews) to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and
eligible dependents with respect to subsections (b) and (c) and in the
preparation and presentation of claims under laws administered by the
Department.
``(e) Assignment of Employees.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall assign such employees as the Secretary considers
appropriate to conduct outreach programs and provide outreach services
for homeless veterans. Such outreach services may include site visits
through which homeless veterans can be identified and provided
assistance in obtaining benefits and services that may be available to
them.
``Sec. 6304. Veterans assistance offices
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and maintain
veterans assistance offices at such places throughout the United States
and its territories and possessions, and in the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter. The Secretary may maintain such offices on
such military installations located elsewhere as the Secretary, after
consultation with the Secretary of Defense and taking into account
recommendations, if any, of the Secretary of Labor, determines to be
necessary to carry out such purposes.
``(b) Location of Offices.--In establishing and maintaining such
offices, the Secretary shall give due regard to--
``(1) the geographical distribution of veterans recently
discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service;
``(2) the special needs of educationally disadvantaged veterans
(including their need for accessibility of outreach services); and
``(3) the necessity of providing appropriate outreach services
in less populated areas.
``Sec. 6305. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel
``The Secretary may station employees of the Department at
locations other than Department offices, including educational
institutions, to provide--
``(1) counseling and other assistance regarding benefits under
this title to veterans and other persons eligible for benefits
under this title; and
``(2) outreach services under this chapter.
``Sec. 6306. Use of other agencies
``(a) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall arrange
with the Secretary of Labor for the State employment service to match
the particular qualifications of an eligible veteran or eligible
dependent with an appropriate job or job training opportunity,
including, where possible, arrangements for outstationing the State
employment personnel who provide such assistance at appropriate
facilities of the Department.
``(b) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall, in
consultation with the Secretary of Labor, actively seek to promote the
development and establishment of employment opportunities, training
opportunities, and other opportunities for veterans, with particular
emphasis on the needs of veterans with service-connected disabilities
and other eligible veterans, taking into account applicable rates of
unemployment and the employment emphases set forth in chapter 42 of
this title.
``(c) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall cooperate
with and use the services of any Federal department or agency or any
State or local governmental agency or recognized national or other
organization.
``(d) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall, where
appropriate, make referrals to any Federal department or agency or
State or local governmental unit or recognized national or other
organization.
``(e) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary may furnish
available space and office facilities for the use of authorized
representatives of such governmental unit or other organization
providing services.
``(f) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall conduct and
provide for studies, in consultation with appropriate Federal
departments and agencies, to determine the most effective program
design to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
``Sec. 6307. Outreach for eligible dependents
``(a) Needs of Dependents.--In carrying out this chapter, the
Secretary shall ensure that the needs of eligible dependents are fully
addressed.
``(b) Information as to Availability of Outreach Services for
Dependents.--The Secretary shall ensure that the availability of
outreach services and assistance for eligible dependents under this
chapter is made known through a variety of means, including the
Internet, announcements in veterans publications, and announcements to
the media.
``Sec. 6308. Biennial report to Congress
``(a) Report Required.--The Secretary shall, not later than
December 1 of every even-numbered year (beginning in 2008), submit to
Congress a report on the outreach activities carried out by the
Department.
``(b) Content.--Each report under this section shall include the
following:
``(1) A description of the implementation during the preceding
fiscal year of the current biennial plan under section 6302 of this
title.
``(2) Recommendations for the improvement or more effective
administration of the outreach activities of the Department.''.
(b) Incorporation of Recommendations To Improve Outreach and
Awareness.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent
appropriate, incorporate the recommendations for the improvement of
veterans outreach and awareness activities included in the report
submitted to Congress by the Secretary pursuant to section 805 of the
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-454).
(c) Repeal of Recodified Provisions.--Subchapter II of chapter 77
of title 38, United States Code, is repealed.
(d) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Subchapter III of chapter 77 of such title is redesignated
as subchapter II.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by striking the items relating to the heading for
subchapter II, sections 7721 through 7727, and the heading for
subchapter III and inserting the following:
``subchapter ii--quality assurance''.
(3) The tables of chapters at the beginning of such title, and
at the beginning of part IV of such title, are amended by inserting
after the item relating to chapter 61 the following new item:
``63. Outreach Activities........................................6301''.
(e) Cross-Reference Amendments.--
(1) Section 3485(a)(4)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``subchapter II of chapter 77'' and inserting
``chapter 63''.
(2) Section 4113(a)(2) of such title is amended by striking
``section 7723(a)'' and inserting ``section 6304(a)''.
(3) Section 4214(g) of such title is amended by striking
``section 7722'' and ``section 7724'' and inserting ``section
6303'' and ``section 6305'', respectively.
(4) Section 168(b)(2)(B) of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998 (29 U.S.C. 2913(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``subchapter
II of chapter 77'' and inserting ``chapter 63''.

8015b9bfa3ad1c6a4accd0323c7d5729454e31e3bcb5101a4d6fcf699d2c9952

CASES.
Section 503(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``December 31, 2004'' and inserting ``December 31, 2009''.

b3e9eae38f4b24fdce9f3fe8b492d30de34953b1cd864a066f9ba0dba141cc09

PROTECTION COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE
INSURANCE.
(a) Section 1980A.--Section 1980A of title 38, United States Code,
is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a) is amended to read as follows:
``(a)(1) A member of the uniformed services who is insured under
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance shall automatically be insured for
traumatic injury in accordance with this section. Insurance benefits
under this section shall be payable if the member, while so insured,
sustains a traumatic injury on or after December 1, 2005, that results
in a qualifying loss specified pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
``(2) If a member suffers more than one such qualifying loss as a
result of traumatic injury from the same traumatic event, payment shall
be made under this section in accordance with the schedule prescribed
pursuant to subsection (d) for the single loss providing the highest
payment.''.
(2) Subsection (b) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``issued a'' and all that follows
through ``limited to--'' and inserting ``insured against
traumatic injury under this section is insured against such
losses due to traumatic injury (in this section referred to
as `qualifying losses') as are prescribed by the Secretary
by regulation. Qualifying losses so prescribed shall
include the following:'';
(ii) by capitalizing the first letter of the first word
of each of subparagraphs (A) through (H);
(iii) by striking the semicolon at the end of each of
subparagraphs (A) through (F) and inserting a period; and
(iv) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph
(G) and inserting a period;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``subsection--'' and inserting
``subsection:'';
(ii) by striking ``the'' at the beginning of
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) and inserting ``The'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``4 limbs;'' and
inserting ``four limbs.'';
(iv) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' at the
end and inserting a period;
(v) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``1 side'' and
inserting ``one side''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) The term `inability to carry out the activities of daily
living' means the inability to independently perform two or more of
the following six functions:
``(i) Bathing.
``(ii) Continence.
``(iii) Dressing.
``(iv) Eating.
``(v) Toileting.
``(vi) Transferring.'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``, in collaboration with the Secretary
of Defense,'';
(ii) by striking ``shall prescribe'' and inserting
``may prescribe''; and
(iii) by striking ``the conditions under which coverage
against loss will not be provided'' and inserting
``conditions under which coverage otherwise provided under
this section is excluded''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) A member shall not be considered for the purposes of this
section to be a member insured under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance if the member is insured under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance only as an insurable dependent of another member pursuant to
subparagraph (A)(ii) or (C)(ii) of section 1967(a)(1) of this title.''.
(3) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:
``(c)(1) A payment may be made to a member under this section only
for a qualifying loss that results directly from a traumatic injury
sustained while the member is covered against loss under this section
and from no other cause.
``(2)(A) A payment may be made to a member under this section for a
qualifying loss resulting from a traumatic injury only for a loss that
is incurred during the applicable period of time specified pursuant to
subparagraph (B).
``(B) For each qualifying loss, the Secretary shall prescribe, by
regulation, a period of time to be the period of time within which a
loss of that type must be incurred, determined from the date on which
the member sustains the traumatic injury resulting in that loss, in
order for that loss to be covered under this section.''.
(4) Subsection (d) is amended by striking ``losses described in
subsection (b)(1) shall be--'' and all that follows and inserting
``qualifying losses shall be made in accordance with a schedule
prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation, specifying the amount
of payment to be made for each type of qualifying loss, to be based
on the severity of the qualifying loss. The minimum payment that
may be prescribed for a qualifying loss is $25,000, and the maximum
payment that may be prescribed for a qualifying loss is
$100,000.''.
(5) Subsection (e) is amended--
(A) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'' each place it
appears;
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``as the premium
allocable'' and all that follows through ``protection under
this section'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Secretary of the
concerned service'' and inserting ``Secretary concerned''; and
(D) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) and inserting
the following:
``(6) The cost attributable to insuring members under this section
for any month or other period specified by the Secretary, less the
premiums paid by the members, shall be paid by the Secretary concerned
to the Secretary. The Secretary shall allocate the amount payable among
the uniformed services using such methods and data as the Secretary
determines to be reasonable and practicable. Payments under this
paragraph shall be made on a monthly basis or at such other intervals
as may be specified by the Secretary and shall be made within 10 days
of the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the Secretary
concerned of the amount required.
``(7) For each period for which a payment by a Secretary concerned
is required under paragraph (6), the Secretary concerned shall
contribute such amount from appropriations available for active duty
pay of the uniformed service concerned.
``(8) The sums withheld from the basic or other pay of members, or
collected from them by the Secretary concerned, under this subsection,
and the sums contributed from appropriations under this subsection,
together with the income derived from any dividends or premium rate
adjustments received from insurers shall be deposited to the credit of
the revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United States
under section 1869(d)(1) of this title.''.
(6) Subsection (f) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) When a claim for benefits is submitted under this section,
the Secretary of Defense or, in the case of a member not under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned,
shall certify to the Secretary whether the member with respect to whom
the claim is submitted--
``(1) was at the time of the injury giving rise to the claim
insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for the purposes
of this section; and
``(2) has sustained a qualifying loss.''.
(7) Subsection (g) of such section is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(g)'';
(B) by striking ``will not be made'' and inserting ``may
not be made under the insurance coverage under this section'';
(C) by striking ``the period'' and all that follows through
``the date'' and inserting ``a period prescribed by the
Secretary, by regulation, for such purpose that begins on the
date'';
(D) by designating the second sentence as paragraph (2);
(E) by striking ``If the member'' and inserting ``If a
member eligible for a payment under this section'';
(F) by striking ``will be'' and inserting ``shall be''; and
(G) by striking ``according to'' and all that follows and
inserting ``to the beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the
payment would be made if the payment were life insurance under
section 1967(a) of this title.''.
(8) Subsection (h) of such section is amended--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``member's
separation from the uniformed service'' and inserting
``termination of the member's duty status in the uniformed
services that established eligibility for Servicemembers' Group
Life Insurance'';
(B) by striking the second sentence; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The
termination of coverage under this section is effective in
accordance with the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any
continuation after the date specified in that sentence of
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage pursuant to
1968(a) of this title for a period specified in that
section.''.
(9) Such section is further amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(j) Regulations under this section shall be prescribed in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense.''.
(b) Applicability to Qualifying Losses Incurred in Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Before Effective Date of
New Program.--
(1) Eligibility.--A member of the uniformed services who during
the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending at the close of
November 30, 2005, sustains a traumatic injury resulting in a
qualifying loss is eligible for coverage for that loss under
section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, if, as determined by
the Secretary concerned, that loss was a direct result of a
traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for
Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(2) Certification of persons entitled to payment.--The
Secretary concerned shall certify to the life insurance company
issuing the policy of life insurance for Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance under chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, the
name and address of each person who the Secretary concerned
determines to be entitled by reason of paragraph (1) to a payment
under section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, plus such
additional information as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
require.
(3) Funding.--At the time a certification is made under
paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned, from funds then available
to that Secretary for the pay of members of the uniformed services
under the jurisdiction of that Secretary, shall pay to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs the amount of funds the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs determines to be necessary to pay all costs
related to payments to be made under that certification. Amounts
received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under this paragraph
shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund in the
Treasury of the United States established under section 1969(d) of
title 38, United States Code.
(4) Qualifying loss.--For purposes of this subsection, the term
``qualifying loss'' means--
(A) a loss specified in the second sentence of subsection
(b)(1) of section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by subsection (a); and
(B) any other loss specified by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs pursuant to the first sentence of that subsection.
(5) Secretary concerned.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term in
paragraph (25) of section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1965 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking paragraph (11).
(2) Section 1032(c) of Public Law 109-13 (119 Stat. 257; 38
U.S.C. 1980A note) is repealed.

b709022df066360d24f8e11bbfbbd3846ad6728f43f786447531094fe1398d0a

VETERANS IN PROVISIONS RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR
COMPENSATION OR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION.
Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 1114(l) is amended by striking ``so helpless'' and
inserting ``with such significant disabilities''.
(2) Section 1114(m) is amended by striking ``so helpless'' and
inserting ``so significantly disabled''.
(3) Sections 1115(1)(E)(ii), 1122(b)(2), 1311(c)(2),
1315(g)(2), and 1502(b)(2) are amended by striking ``helpless or
blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to'' and inserting
``blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to''.

cef2d7638aad8d20cff5cf78bfde723e74c2c8f85ea0482d182f3e704b3c5eaf

Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Typographical error.--Section 1117(h)(1) is amended by
striking ``nothwithstanding'' and inserting ``notwithstanding''.
(2) Insertion of missing word.--Section 1513(a) is amended by
inserting ``section'' after ``prescribed by''.
(3) Deletion of extra words.--Section 3012(a)(1)(C)(ii) is
amended by striking ``on or''.
(4) Cross reference correction.--Section 3017(b)(1)(D) is
amended by striking ``3011(c)'' and inserting ``3011(e)''.
(5) Stylistic amendments.--Section 3018A is amended--
(A) by striking ``of this section'' in subsections (b) and
(c);
(B) by striking ``of this subsection'' in subsections
(a)(4), (a)(5), (d)(1) (both places it appears), and (d)(3);
and
(C) by striking ``of this chapter'' in subsection (d)(3)
and inserting ``of this title''.
(6) Cross reference correction.--Section 3117(b)(1) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``section 8'' and inserting ``section
4(b)(1)''; and
(B) by striking ``633(b)'' and inserting ``633(b)(1)''.
(7) Insertion of missing word.--Section 3511(a)(1) is amended
by inserting ``sections'' after ``under both''.
(8) Subsection headings.--
(A) Sections 3461, 3462, 3481, 3565, 3680, and 3690 are
each amended by revising each subsection heading for a
subsection therein (appearing as a centered heading immediately
before the text of the subsection) so that such heading appears
immediately after the subsection designation and is set forth
in capitals-and-small-capitals typeface, followed by a period
and a one-em dash.
(B) Section 3461(c) is amended by inserting after the
subsection designation the following: ``Duration of
Entitlement.--''.
(C) Section 3462 is amended--
(i) in subsection (d), by inserting after the
subsection designation the following: ``Prisoners of War.--
''; and
(ii) in subsection (e), by inserting after the
subsection designation the following: ``Termination of
Assistance.--''.
(9) Cross reference correction.--Section 3732(c)(10)(D) is
amended by striking ``clause (B) of paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and
(8) of this subsection'' and inserting ``paragraphs (5)(B), (6),
(7)(B), and (8)(B)''.
(10) Date of enactment reference.--Section 3733(a)(7) is
amended by striking ``the date of the enactment of the Veterans
Benefits Act of 2003'' and inserting ``December 16, 2003''.
(11) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 4102A is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(7)--
(i) by striking ``With respect to program years
beginning during or after fiscal year 2004, one percent
of'' and inserting ``Of''; and
(ii) by striking ``for the program year'' and inserting
``for any program year, one percent''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``By not later than
May 7, 2003, the'' and inserting ``The''.
(12) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 4105(b) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``shall provide,'' and all that follows
through ``Affairs with'' and inserting ``shall, on the 15th day
of each month, provide the Secretary and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs with updated information regarding''; and
(B) by striking ``and shall'' and all that follows through
``regarding the list''.
(13) Citation correction.--Section 4110B is amended--
(A) by striking ``this Act'' and inserting ``the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998''; and
(B) by inserting ``(29 U.S.C. 2822(b))'' before the period
at the end.
(14) Cross-reference correction.--Section 4331(b)(2)(C) is
amended by striking ``section 2303(a)(2)(C)(ii)'' and inserting
``section 2302(a)(2)(C)(ii)''.
(15) Capitalization correction.--Section 7253(d)(5) is amended
by striking ``court'' and inserting ``Court''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.

3cf5259eb9c7276b5f0ebc546528443c8198b5d572e8d795cfa11faf1bbc5172

Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006

Other Sections

TITLE I

TITLE II

TITLE III

TITLE IV

TITLE V

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