[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 14, 2022)] [House] [Pages H7814-H7822] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS CERTAIN BILLS Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 11 of House Resolution 1339, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bills: H.R. 1468, S. 4205, H.R. 7939, H.R. 7846, H.R. 7735, H.R. 5916, H.R. 8260, and H.R. 5865. The Clerk read the title of the bills. The text of the bills are as follows: Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act H.R. 1468 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act''. SEC. 2. LEASING OF SPACE FOR SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. (a) In General.--Section 3304 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Leasing of Space for Securities and Exchange Commission.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Securities and Exchange Commission may not lease general purpose office space. The Administrator may lease such space for the Securities and Exchange Commission under section 585 and this chapter.''. (b) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--The amendment made by subsection (a) may not be construed to invalidate or otherwise affect a lease entered into by the Securities and Exchange Commission before the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. INDEPENDENT LEASING AUTHORITIES. (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the review described in subsection (b). (b) Review.--The Comptroller General shall complete a review under which the Comptroller General shall update the 2016 report of the Comptroller General (GAO-16-648) with a specific focus on the following: (1) Updating the information included in Appendix II: Federal Entities That Reported Having Independent Leasing Authority for Domestic Offices and Warehouses of such report. (2) Determining to what extent Federal entities with independent leasing authorities have had such authorities rescinded or amended and the number and amount of office and warehouse space such entities lease. (3) Determining to what extent have agencies with independent leasing authority utilized the General Services Administration for leasing, including utilization of delegation of authority. (4) Identifying progress made on implementing the recommendations in such report. Planning for Animal Wellness Act S. 4205 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Planning for Animal Wellness Act'' or the ``PAW Act''. SEC. 2. WORKING GROUP GUIDELINES. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2) Working group.--The term ``working group'' means the advisory working group established under subsection (b). (b) Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an advisory working group. (c) Membership.--The working group shall consist of-- (1) not less than 2 representatives of State governments with experience in animal emergency management; (2) not less than 2 representatives of local governments with experience in animal emergency management; (3) not less than 2 representatives from academia; (4) not less than 2 veterinary experts; (5) not less than 2 representatives from nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of households pets and service animals in emergencies or disasters; (6) representatives from the Federal Animal Emergency Management Working Group; and (7) any other members determined necessary by the Administrator. (d) Duties.--The working group shall-- (1) encourage and foster collaborative efforts among individuals and entities working to address the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and (2) review best practices and Federal guidance, as of the date of enactment of this Act, on congregate and noncongregate sheltering and evacuation planning relating to the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. (e) No Compensation.--The members of the working group shall serve on the working group on a voluntary basis. (f) Guidance Determination.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall determine whether the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are sufficient. (g) New Guidance.--Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, determines that the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are insufficient, the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, shall publish updated Federal guidance. (h) Sunset.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the working group shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the date described in paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines an extension is appropriate. Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act of 2022 H.R. 7939 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 ``Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act of 2022''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Educational assistance benefits during emergency situations. Sec. 3. Extension of time limitations for use of entitlement. Sec. 4. Extension of payment of vocational rehabilitation subsistence allowances. Sec. 5. Payment of work-study allowances during emergency situations. Sec. 6. Payment of allowances to veterans enrolled in educational institutions closed for emergency situations. Sec. 7. Apprenticeship or on-job training requirements. Sec. 8. Prohibition of charge to entitlement of students unable to pursue a program of education due to an emergency situation. Sec. 9. Department of Veterans Affairs approval of certain study-abroad programs. Sec. 10. Eligibility for educational assistance under Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of certain individuals who receive sole survivorship discharges. Sec. 11. Uniform application for Department of Veterans Affairs approval of courses of education. Sec. 12. Notice requirements for Department of Veterans Affairs education surveys. Sec. 13. Exception to requirement to submit verification of enrollment of certain individuals. Sec. 14. Expansion of eligibility for self-employment assistance under veteran readiness and employment program. Sec. 15. Possible definitions of certain terms relating to educational assistance. Sec. 16. Department of Veterans Affairs loan fees. Sec. 17. Termination of certain consumer contracts by servicemembers and dependents who enter into contracts after receiving military orders for permanent change of station but then receive stop movement orders due to an emergency situation. Sec. 18. Residence for tax purposes. Sec. 19. Portability of professional licenses of members of the uniformed services and their spouses. Sec. 20. Determination of budgetary effects. SEC. 2. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. (a) In General.--Chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subchapters I and II as subchapters II and III, respectively; and (2) by inserting before subchapter II, as so redesignated, the following new subchapter:''. ``SUBCHAPTER I--EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ``Sec. 3601. Definition of emergency situation ``In this chapter, the term `emergency situation' means a situation that-- [[Page H7815]] ``(1) the President declares is an emergency; and ``(2) the Secretary determines is an emergency for purposes of the laws administered by the Secretary. ``Sec. 3602. Continuation of educational assistance benefits during emergency situations ``(a) Authority.--If the Secretary determines under subsection (c) that an individual is negatively affected by an emergency situation, the Secretary may provide educational assistance to that individual under the laws administered by the Secretary as if such negative effects did not occur. The authority under this section is in addition to the other authorities of the Secretary to provide benefits in emergency situations, but in no case may the Secretary provide more than a total of four weeks of additional educational assistance by reason of any other such authority and this section. ``(b) Housing and Allowances.--In providing educational assistance to an individual pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may-- ``(1) continue to pay a monthly housing stipend under chapter 33 of this title, during a month the individual would have been enrolled in a program of education or training but for the emergency situation at the same rate such stipend would have been payable if the individual had not been negatively affected by the emergency situation, except that the total number of weeks for which stipends may continue to be so payable may not exceed four weeks; and ``(2) continue to pay payments or subsistence allowances under chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, and 35 of this title and chapter 1606 of title 10 during a month for a period of time that the individual would have been enrolled in a program of education or training but for the emergency situation, except that the total number of weeks for which payments or allowances may continue to be so payable may not exceed four weeks. ``(c) Determination of Negative Effects.--The Secretary shall determine that an individual was negatively affected by an emergency situation if-- ``(1) the individual is enrolled in a covered program of education of an educational institution or enrolled in training at a training establishment and is pursuing such program or training using educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary; ``(2) the educational institution or training establishment certifies to the Secretary that such program or training is truncated, delayed, relocated, canceled, partially canceled, converted from being on-site to being offered by distance learning, or otherwise modified or made unavailable by reason of the emergency situation; and ``(3) the Secretary determines that the modification to such program or training specified under paragraph (2) would reduce the amount of educational assistance (including with respect to monthly housing stipends, payments, or subsistence allowances) that would be payable to the individual but for the emergency situation. ``(d) Effect on Entitlement Period.--If the Secretary determines that an individual who received assistance under this section did not make progress toward the completion of the program of education in which the individual is enrolled during the period for which the individual received such assistance, any assistance provided pursuant to this section shall not be counted for purposes of determining the total amount of an individual's entitlement to educational assistance, housing stipends, or payments or subsistence allowances under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of this title and chapter 1606 of title 10. ``Sec. 3603. Continuation of educational assistance benefits for certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergency situations ``In the case of a program of education approved by a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving agency, that is converted from being offered on-site at an educational institution or training establishment to being offered by distance learning by reason of an emergency or health-related situation, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may continue to provide educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary without regard to such conversion, including with respect to paying any-- ``(1) monthly housing stipends under chapter 33 of this title; or ``(2) payments or subsistence allowances under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of this title and chapter 1606 of title 10. ``Sec. 3604. Effects of closure of educational institution and modification of courses by reason of emergency situation ``(a) Closure or Disapproval.--Any payment of educational assistance described in subsection (b) shall not-- ``(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational assistance of the individual concerned; or ``(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by such individual. ``(b) Educational Assistance Described.--Subject to subsection (d), the payment of educational assistance described in this subsection is the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course or program of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of this title or chapter 1606 of title 10, if the Secretary determines that the individual-- ``(1) was unable to complete such course or program as a result of-- ``(A) the closure of the educational institution, or the full or partial cancellation of a course or program of education, by reason of an emergency situation; or ``(B) the disapproval of the course or a course that is a necessary part of that program under this chapter because the course was modified by reason of such emergency; and ``(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward completion of the program of education being so pursued. ``(c) Housing Assistance.--In this section, educational assistance includes, as applicable-- ``(1) monthly housing stipends payable under chapter 33 of this title for any month the individual would have been enrolled in a course or program of education; and ``(2) payments or subsistence allowances under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of this title and chapter 1606 of title 10 during a month the individual would have been enrolled in a course or program of education. ``(d) Period Not Charged.--The period for which, by reason of this section, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of this title shall not exceed the aggregate of-- ``(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect to which the individual lost training time, as determined under subsection (b)(2); and ``(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title. ``(e) Continuing Pursuit of Disapproved Courses.--(1) The Secretary may treat a course of education that is disapproved under this chapter as being approved under this chapter with respect to an individual described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines, on a programmatic basis, that-- ``(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described in subsection (b)(1)(B); and ``(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best interest of the individual. ``(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of this title or chapter 1606 of title 10, as of the date on which the course is disapproved as described in subsection (b)(1)(B). ``(f) Status as Full-time Student for Purposes of Housing Stipend Calculation.--In the case of an individual who, as of the first day of an emergency situation was enrolled on a full-time basis in a program of education and was receiving educational assistance under chapter 33 of this title or subsistence allowance under chapter 31 of this title, and for whom the Secretary makes a determination under subsection (b), the individual shall be treated as an individual enrolled in a program of education on a full-time basis for the purpose of calculating monthly housing stipends payable under chapter 33 of this title, or subsistence allowance payable under chapter 31 of this title, for any month the individual is enrolled in the program of education on a part- time basis to complete any course of education that was partially or fully canceled by reason of the emergency situation. ``(g) Notice of Closures.--Not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Secretary receives notice that an educational institution will close or is closed by reason of an emergency situation, the Secretary shall provide to each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education at such educational institution using entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 of title 10 notice of-- ``(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and ``(2) the effect of such closure on the individual's entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this section. ``Sec. 3605. Payment of educational assistance in cases of withdrawal ``(a) In General.--In the case of any individual who withdraws from a program of education or training, other than a program by correspondence, in an educational institution under chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title for a covered reason during the period of an emergency situation, the Secretary shall find mitigating circumstances for purposes of section 3680(a)(1)(C)(ii) of this title. ``(b) Covered Reason.--In this section, the term `covered reason' means any reason related to an emergency situation, including-- ``(1) illness, quarantine, or social distancing requirements; ``(2) issues associated with accessibility; ``(3) access or availability of childcare; ``(4) providing care for a family member or cohabitants; ``(5) change of location or residence due to the emergency situation or associated school closures; ``(6) employment changes or financial hardship; and ``(7) issues associated with changes in format or medium of instruction.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended-- (1) by striking the item relating to subchapter II and inserting the following new item: [[Page H7816]] ``subchapter iii-miscellaneous provisions''. (2) by striking the item relating to subchapter I and inserting the following new item: ``subchapter ii-state approving agencies''. (3) by inserting before the item relating to subchapter II the following new items: ``subchapter i-emergency situations ``3601. Definition of emergency situation. ``3602. Continuation of educational assistance benefits during emergency situations. ``3603. Continuation of educational assistance benefits for certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergency situations. ``3604. Effects of closure of educational institution and modification of courses by reason of emergency situation. ``3605. Payment of educational assistance in cases of withdrawal.''. (c) Conforming Repeals.--The following provisions of law are repealed: (1) Sections 1102, 1103, and 1104 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315). (2) Public Law 116-128. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATIONS FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT. (a) Montgomery Gi Bill.--Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(i) In the case of an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing the individual's chosen program of education before the expiration of the 10-year period for the use of entitlement under this chapter otherwise applicable under this section because the educational institution or training establishment closed (temporarily or permanently) under an established policy based on an Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation, such 10-year period-- ``(1) shall not run during the period the individual is so prevented from pursuing such program; and ``(2) shall again begin running on the first day after the individual is able to resume pursuit of a program of education with educational assistance under this chapter.''. (b) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.-- (1) In general.--Section 3321(b)(1) of such title is amended-- (A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Subsections''; and (B) by striking ``and (d)'' and inserting ``(d), and (i)''; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 shall apply with respect to the running of the 15-year period described in paragraphs (4)(A) and (5)(A) of this subsection in the same manner as such subsection applies under section 3031 with respect to the running of the 10-year period described in section 3031(a).''. (2) Transfer period.--Section 3319(h)(5) of such title is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or (C)'' after ``subparagraph (B)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Emergency situations.--In any case in which the Secretary determines that an individual to whom entitlement is transferred under this section has been prevented from pursuing the individual's chosen program of education before the individual attains the age of 26 years because the educational institution or training establishment closed (temporarily or permanently) under an established policy based on an Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation, the Secretary shall extend the period during which the individual may use such entitlement for a period equal to the number of months that the individual was so prevented from pursuing the program of education, as determined by the Secretary.''. (c) Vocational Rehabilitation and Training.-- (1) Period for use.--Section 3103 of such title is amended-- (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``or (g)'' and inserting ``(g), or (h)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a veteran has been prevented from participating in a vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter within the twelve- year period of eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) due to an emergency situation, such twelve-year period-- ``(1) shall not run during the period the individual is so prevented from participating such program; and ``(2) shall again begin running on the first day after the individual is able to resume participation in such program.''. (2) Duration of program.--Section 3105(b) of such title is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3)(A) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a veteran has been prevented from participating in counseling and placement and postplacement services described in section 3104(a)(2) and (5) of this title due to an emergency situation, the Secretary shall extend the period during which the Secretary may provide such counseling and placement and postplacement services for the veteran for a period equal to the number of months that the veteran was so prevented from participating in such counseling and services, as determined by the Secretary. ``(B) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a veteran has been prevented from participating in a vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter due to an emergency situation, the Secretary shall extend the period of the veteran's vocational rehabilitation program for a period equal to the number of months that the veteran was so prevented from participating in the vocational rehabilitation program, as determined by the Secretary.''. (d) Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve.--Section 16133(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) In any case in which the Secretary concerned determines that a person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter has been prevented from using such person's entitlement due to an emergency situation, the Secretary concerned shall extend the period of entitlement prescribed in subsection (a) for a period equal to the number of months that the person was so prevented from using such entitlement, as determined by the Secretary.''. (e) Emergency Situation Defined.-- (1) Post-9/11 educational assistance program.--Section 3301 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) The term `emergency situation' has the meaning given such term in section 3601 of this title.''. (2) MGIB.--Section 3002 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(9) The term `emergency situation' has the meaning given such term in section 3601 of this title.''. (3) Vocational rehabilitation and training.--Section 3101 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(10) The term `emergency situation' has the meaning given such term in section 3601 of this title.''. (4) Educational assistance for members of the selected reserve.--Section 16133 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) The term `emergency situation' has the meaning given such term in section 3601 of title 38.''. (f) Conforming Repeal.--Section 6 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) is repealed. SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF PAYMENT OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCES. (a) In General.--Section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) In the case of any veteran whom the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines is satisfactorily following a program of employment services provided under subsection (a)(5) during the period of an emergency situation, the Secretary may pay the veteran a subsistence allowance, as prescribed in section 3108 of this title for full-time training for the type of program that the veteran was pursuing, for two additional months, if the Secretary determines that the veteran is negatively affected by the emergency situation.''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 8 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) is repealed. SEC. 5. PAYMENT OF WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCES DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. (a) In General.--Section 3485 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f)(1) In case of an individual who is in receipt of work-study allowance pursuant to an agreement described in subsection (a)(3) as of the date on which an emergency situation occurs and who is unable to continue to perform qualifying work-study activities described in subsection (a)(4) by reason of the emergency situation-- ``(A) the Secretary may continue to pay work-study allowance under this section or make deductions described in subsection (e)(1) during the period of such emergency situation, notwithstanding the inability of the individual to perform such work-study activities by reason of such emergency situation; and ``(B) at the option of the individual, the Secretary shall extend the agreement described in subsection (a)(3) with the individual for any subsequent period of enrollment initiated during the emergency situation, notwithstanding the inability of the individual to perform work-study activities described in subsection (a)(4) by reason of such emergency situation. ``(2) The amount of work-study allowance payable to an individual under paragraph (1)(A) during the period of an emergency situation shall be an amount determined by the Secretary but may not exceed the amount that would be payable under subsection (a)(2) if the individual worked 25 hours per week paid during such period. ``(3) The term `emergency situation' has the meaning given that term in section 3601 of this title.''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 3 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) is repealed. [[Page H7817]] SEC. 6. PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO VETERANS ENROLLED IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CLOSED FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. (a) In General.--Section 3680 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Payments During Emergency Situations.--(1) The Secretary may pay allowances to an eligible veteran or eligible person under subsection (a)(2)(A), if the veteran or person is enrolled in a program or course of education that-- ``(A) is provided by an educational institution or training establishment that is closed by reason of an emergency situation; or ``(B) is suspended by reason of an emergency situation. ``(2) The total number of weeks for which allowances may be paid by reason of this subsection may not exceed four weeks. ``(3) Any amount paid under this subsection shall not be counted for purposes of the limitation on allowances under subsection (a)(2)(A).''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 4 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) is repealed. SEC. 7. APPRENTICESHIP OR ON-JOB TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 3687(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph (2): ``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), for any month in which an individual fails to complete 120 hours of training, the entitlement otherwise chargeable under paragraph (1) shall be reduced in the same proportion as the monthly training assistance allowance payable is reduced under subsection (b)(3). ``(B) In the case of an individual who is unemployed by reason of an emergency situation during any month, the 120- hour requirement under subparagraph (A) for that month shall be reduced proportionately to reflect the individual's period of unemployment, except that the amount of monthly training assistance otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (b)(3) shall not be reduced. ``(C) Any period during which an individual is unemployed by reason of an emergency situation shall not-- ``(i) be charged against any entitlement to educational assistance of the individual; or ``(ii) be counted against the aggregate period for which section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by such individual. ``(D) Any amount by which the entitlement of an individual is reduced under subparagraph (A) shall not-- ``(i) be charged against any entitlement to educational assistance of the individual; or ``(ii) be counted against the aggregate period for which section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by such individual. ``(E) In the case of an individual who fails to complete 120 hours of training during a month, but who completed more than 120 hours of training during the preceding month, the individual may apply the number of hours in excess of 120 that the individual completed for that month to the month for which the individual failed to complete 120 hours. If the addition of such excess hours results in a total of 120 hours or more, the individual shall be treated as an individual who has completed 120 hours of training for that month. Any excess hours applied to a different month under this subparagraph may only be applied to one such month. ``(F) This paragraph applies to amounts described in section 3313(g)(3)(B)(iv) and section 3032(c)(2) of this title and section 16131(d)(2) of title 10. ``(G) In this paragraph: ``(i) The term `unemployed' includes being furloughed or being scheduled to work zero hours. ``(ii) The term `fails to complete 120 hours of training' means, with respect to an individual, that during any month, the individual completes at least one hour, but fewer than 120 hours, of training, including in a case in which the individual is unemployed for part of, but not the whole, month.''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 1106 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315) is repealed. SEC. 8. PROHIBITION OF CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT OF STUDENTS UNABLE TO PURSUE A PROGRAM OF EDUCATION DUE TO AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. (a) Permanent Applicability.--Section 3699(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the end and inserting ``or'' ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) the temporary closure of an educational institution or training establishment or the temporary closure or termination of a course or program of education by reason of an emergency situation; and''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 5 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) is repealed. SEC. 9. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROVAL OF CERTAIN STUDY-ABROAD PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Section 3680A(f) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (2) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2)(A) In the case of a covered study-abroad course, the Secretary may approve the course for a period of not more than five years, if the contract or other written agreement under which the course is offered provides that-- ``(i) the educational institution that offers a course that is approved under this chapter agrees to-- ``(I) assume responsibility for the quality and content of the covered study-abroad course; and ``(II) serve as the certifying official for the course for purposes of this chapter; and ``(ii) the educational institution that offers the covered study-abroad course agrees to seek the approval of the course under this chapter by not later than five years after the date of the agreement. ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `covered study-abroad course' means a course that-- ``(i) is provided as a part of a program of education offered by an educational institution under a contract or other written agreement by another educational institution that offers a course that is approved under this chapter; ``(ii) is provided at a location in a foreign country; and ``(iii) has not been approved under this chapter.''. (b) Treatment of Certain Courses.--In the case of any covered study-abroad course, under the meaning given such term in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subsection (f) of section 3680A of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), that is being offered under a contract or other written agreement as of the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may approve such course under such paragraph (2) for the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, if such contract or other written agreement meets the criteria provided in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph. SEC. 10. ELIGIBILITY FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVE SOLE SURVIVORSHIP DISCHARGES. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Sgt. Wolf Kyle Weninger Veterans Education Fairness Act of 2022''. (b) Eligibility.--Subsection (b)(2) of section 3311 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``who''; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii); (3) by inserting before clause (i), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph (A): ``(A) who--''; (4) in clause (ii), as so redesignated-- (A) by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``clause (i)''; and (B) by striking the period and inserting ``or by reason of a sole survivorship discharge (as that term is defined in section 1174(i) of title 10); or''; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph (B): ``(B) who-- ``(i) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, completes at least 30 continuous days of service described in subsection (d) (1) or (2); and ``(ii) after completion of service described in clause (i), is discharged or released by reason of a sole survivorship discharge (as that term is defined in section 1174(i) of title 10).''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (d) of such section is amended by striking ``The following'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (b)(2)(B), the following''. SEC. 11. UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3672 the following new section: ``Sec. 3672A. Uniform application ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary, in partnership with State approving agencies, educational institutions, and training establishments, shall require the use of a uniform application by any educational institution or training establishment seeking the approval of a new course of education under this chapter. ``(2) The Secretary shall maintain one uniform application for institutions of higher learning and one such application for other educational institutions and training establishments. ``(3) In the case of any State that uses approval criteria not covered by a uniform application under this section, the State approving agency for that State shall require the use of the uniform application and may require the submittal of additional information. ``(b) Requirements.--The uniform application required under subsection (a) shall meet the following requirements: ``(1) A requirement that the appropriate executive of the educational institution or training establishment seeking the approval of a course of education attests on behalf of [[Page H7818]] the educational institution or training establishment that the educational institution or training establishment-- ``(A) is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the approval of courses of education under this chapter; and ``(B) during the five-year period preceding the date of the application-- ``(i) has not been subject to, or been party to a contract with any individual or entity that has been subject to, any adverse administrative or judicial action that-- ``(I) related to the instruction or training, including with respect to the quality of education, provided by the institution or establishment; and ``(II) resulted in a fine or penalty in an amount equal to or more than five percent of the amount of funding provided to the institution or establishment under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for the fiscal year preceding the year in which the application is submitted; or ``(ii) has not employed an individual, or been party to a contract with any individual or entity, that has been convicted of a Federal fraud charge related to the instruction or training provided by the institution or establishment. ``(2) In the case of any educational institution or training establishment that is not participating in title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, a requirement for the inclusion of-- ``(A) a copy of-- ``(i) the articles of incorporation filed on behalf of the institution or establishment or proof of licensing to operate as an educational institution or training establishment in the State where the institution or establishment is located; and ``(ii) the financial position of the institution or establishment, as prepared by an appropriate third-party entity; or ``(B) other adequate evidence, as determined by the Secretary, that the institution or establishment is authorized to provide post-secondary education or training in the State where the institution or establishment is located. ``(3) In the case of any course of education that is offered by an educational institution or training establishment that has never offered a course of education that was approved under this chapter, a requirement for the inclusion of information about the course of education covered by the application, including-- ``(A) the number of students who have entered and graduated from the course during the preceding two-year period; and ``(B) if available, the cohort default rate for funds provided to the institution or establishment under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. ``(4) In the case of any educational institution or training establishment that is not an institution of higher learning, a requirement for the inclusion of-- ``(A) a list of individuals who will serve as fully qualified instructors for the course of education, as of the date of the application, and an attestation that such individuals-- ``(i) have a degree or other training, as appropriate, in the field of the course; ``(ii) effectively teach the skills offered under the course; and ``(iii) have demonstrated relevant industry experience in the field of the course; and ``(B) a list of individuals who will serve as career services employees for students enrolled in the course and an attestation that such individuals are skilled at identifying professions in the relevant industry that are in need of new employees to hire, tailoring the course of education to meet market needs, and identifying the employers likely to hire graduates. ``(c) Requirements for State Approving Agencies.--During the approval process with respect to a uniform application submitted by an educational institution or training establishment, a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving agency, shall contact the Secretary of Education to determine whether the course of education subject to such approval process has withdrawn, or been denied or suspended, from receiving for benefits under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. ``(d) Appropriate Executive.--In this section, the appropriate executive of an educational institution or training establishment is a senior executive official, senior administrator, owner, or operator designated by the institution or establishment.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3672 the following new item: ``3672A. Uniform application.''. (c) Applicability.--The application required by section 3672A of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall-- (1) be developed by not later than October 1, 2023; and (2) be required for the approval of any new course of education proposed on or after that day. SEC. 12. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATION SURVEYS. (a) Risk-based Survey.--Section 3673A of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Notice.--To the maximum amount feasible, the Secretary, or a State approving agency, as applicable, shall provide not more than one business day of notice to an educational institution before conducting a targeted risk- based survey of the institution under this section.''. (b) Compliance Surveys.--Section 3693 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c): ``(c) To the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary, or a State approving agency, as applicable, shall provide not more than ten business days of notice to an educational institution or training establishment before conducting a compliance survey of the institution or establishment under this section.''. SEC. 13. EXCEPTION TO REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. Section 3313(l) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), the Secretary''; and (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph (4): ``(4) Exception.--An educational institution is not required to submit verification of an individual under paragraph (1)(A) if-- ``(A) the individual is enrolled in a course or program of education offered by the educational institution on at least a full-time basis before the date on which the individual is able to withdraw from the course or program of education without penalty; ``(B) the educational institution charges the same amount of tuition and fees for students who are enrolled on a full- time basis and students who are enrolled on a more-than-full- time basis; and ``(C) the individual remains enrolled in the course or program of education after the date on which the individual is able to withdraw from the course or program of education without penalty.''. SEC. 14. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE UNDER VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. (a) Expansion of Eligibility.--Paragraph (12) of subsection (a) of section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(12) Such license fees and essential equipment, supplies, and minimum stocks of materials as the Secretary determines to be necessary for a veteran to begin self-employment and are within the criteria and cost limitations that the Secretary shall prescribe in regulations for the furnishing of such fees, equipment, supplies, and stocks.''. (b) Priority.--Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by inserting before the first period the following: ``, including with respect to providing priority for services under subsection (a)(12) to veterans with the most severe service-connected disabilities who require homebound training or self-employment, or both homebound training and self- employment''. (c) Technical Amendments.--Section 3117 of such title is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(2)(C), by striking ``this clause'' and inserting ``this subparagraph''; and (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``insure'' and inserting ``ensure''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``clause'' both places it appears and inserting ``paragraph''. SEC. 15. POSSIBLE DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN TERMS RELATING TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing possible definitions of the Secretary for each of the following terms: (1) Student services. (2) Marketing. (3) Classroom instruction. SEC. 16. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LOAN FEES. The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``January 14, 2031'' each place it appears and inserting ``January 19, 2031''. SEC. 17. TERMINATION OF CERTAIN CONSUMER CONTRACTS BY SERVICEMEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS WHO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AFTER RECEIVING MILITARY ORDERS FOR PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION BUT THEN RECEIVE STOP MOVEMENT ORDERS DUE TO AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. (a) In General.--Section 305A of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3956) is amended-- (1) in the section heading, by striking ``telephone, multichannel video programming, and internet access service'' and inserting ``certain consumer''; (2) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the heading, by adding ``or Dependent of a Servicemember'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``after the date the servicemember receives military orders to relocate for a period of not less than 90 days to a location that does not support the contract.'' and inserting ``after--''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(A) the date the servicemember receives military orders to relocate for a period of not less than 90 days to a location that does not support the contract; or ``(B) the date the servicemember, while in military service, receives military orders for [[Page H7819]] a permanent change of station, thereafter enters into the contract, and then receives a stop movement order issued by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security in response to a local, national, or global emergency, effective for an indefinite period or for a period of not less than 30 days, that prevents the servicemember from using the services provided under the contract.''; and (C) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(D) The spouse or dependent of a servicemember, described in paragraph (1)(B), who accompanies such servicemember during the period of relocation.''; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: ``(b) Covered Contracts.--A contract described in this subsection is a contract-- ``(1) for-- ``(A) commercial mobile service; ``(B) telephone exchange service; ``(C) internet access service; ``(D) multichannel video programming service; ``(E) a gym membership or fitness program; or ``(F) home security services; and ``(2) entered into by a servicemember before receiving the military orders referred to in subsection (a)(1).''; and (4) in subsection (g)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), resepectively; and (B) by inserting, after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph (2): ``(2) The terms `military orders' and `permanent change of station' have the meanings given such terms in section 305.''. (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to stop movement orders issued on or after March 1, 2020. SEC. 18. RESIDENCE FOR TAX PURPOSES. Section 511(a) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 4001(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Spouses.--A spouse of a servicemember shall neither lose nor acquire a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation with respect to the person, personal property, or income of the spouse by reason of being absent or present in any tax jurisdiction of the United States solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders. ``(3) Election.--For any taxable year of the marriage, a servicemember and the spouse of such servicemember may elect to use for purposes of taxation, regardless of the date on which the marriage of the servicemember and the spouse occurred, any of the following: ``(A) The residence or domicile of the servicemember. ``(B) The residence or domicile of the spouse. ``(C) The permanent duty station of the servicemember.''. SEC. 19. PORTABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES AND THEIR SPOUSES. (a) In General.--Title VII of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 4021 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 705 (50 U.S.C. 4025) the following new section: ``SEC. 705A. PORTABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES OF SERVICEMEMBERS AND THEIR SPOUSES. ``(a) In General.--In any case in which a servicemember or the spouse of a servicemember has a covered license and such servicemember or spouse relocates his or her residency because of military orders for military service to a location that is not in the jurisdiction of the licensing authority that issued the covered license, such covered license shall be considered valid at a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for in the jurisdiction of such new residency for the duration of such military orders if such servicemember or spouse-- ``(1) provides a copy of such military orders to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which the new residency is located; ``(2) remains in good standing with-- ``(A) the licensing authority that issued the covered license; and ``(B) every other licensing authority that has issued to the servicemember or the spouse of a servicemember a license valid at a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied in the jurisdiction of such licensing authority; ``(3) submits to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements. ``(b) Interstate Licensure Compacts.--If a servicemember or spouse of a servicemember is licensed and able to operate in multiple jurisdictions through an interstate licensure compact, with respect to services provided in the jurisdiction of the interstate licensure compact by a licensee covered by such compact, the servicemember or spouse of a servicemember shall be subject to the requirements of the compact or the applicable provisions of law of the applicable State and not this section. ``(c) Covered License Defined.--In this section, the term `covered license' means a professional license or certificate-- ``(1) that is in good standing with the licensing authority that issued such professional license or certificate; ``(2) that the servicemember or spouse of a servicemember has actively used during the two years immediately preceding the relocation described in subsection (a); and ``(3) that is not a license to practice law.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 705 the following new item: ``Sec. 705A. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses.''. SEC. 20. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022 H.R. 7846 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. INCREASE IN RATES OF DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION. (a) Rate Adjustment.--Effective on December 1, 2022, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase, in accordance with subsection (c), the dollar amounts in effect on November 30, 2022, for the payment of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the provisions specified in subsection (b). (b) Amounts To Be Increased.--The dollar amounts to be increased pursuant to subsection (a) are the following: (1) Wartime disability compensation.--Each of the dollar amounts under section 1114 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Additional compensation for dependents.--Each of the dollar amounts under section 1115(1) of such title. (3) Clothing allowance.--The dollar amount under section 1162 of such title. (4) Dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouse.--Each of the dollar amounts under subsections (a) through (d) of section 1311 of such title. (5) Dependency and indemnity compensation to children.-- Each of the dollar amounts under sections 1313(a) and 1314 of such title. (c) Determination of Increase.--Each dollar amount described in subsection (b) shall be increased by the same percentage as the percentage by which benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased effective December 1, 2022, as a result of a determination under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)). (d) Special Rule.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may adjust administratively, consistent with the increases made under subsection (a), the rates of disability compensation payable to persons under section 10 of Public Law 85-857 (72 Stat. 1263) who have not received compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 3. PUBLICATION OF ADJUSTED RATES. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal Register the amounts specified in section 2(b), as increased under that section, not later than the date on which the matters specified in section 215(i)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(2)(D)) are required to be published by reason of a determination made under section 215(i) of such Act during fiscal year 2023. Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022 H.R. 7735 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING APPRAISAL DELIVERY TIMES. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives recommendations for improving the delivery times for appraisals for loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. SEC. 3. UPDATE OF APPRAISAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Updated Regulations Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe updated regulations or program requirements to clarify when an appraisal is required, how an appraisal is to be conducted, and who is eligible to conduct an appraisal for a loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, for any purpose described in section 3710(a) of such title. In prescribing updated [[Page H7820]] regulations or program requirements under this section, the Secretary shall take into consideration the recommendations of the Secretary submitted under section 2. (b) Waiver of Requirement for Certain Properties.--In prescribing updated regulations or program requirements under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider making changes applicable to-- (1) certification requirements for appraisers; (2) minimum property requirements; (3) the process for selecting and reviewing comparable sales; (4) quality control processes; (5) the Assisted Appraisal Processing Program; and (6) the use of waivers or other alternatives to existing appraisal processes. (c) Desk Top Appraisals.--In prescribing updated regulations or program guidance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide guidance for the use of the authority under section 3731(b)(3) of title 38, United States Code, taking into consideration-- (1) situations in which the use of such authority would provide for cost savings for the borrower; and (2) situations in which a traditional appraisal requirement could cause a delay substantial enough to jeopardize the ability of a borrower to complete a transaction. SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Wounded Warrior Access Act H.R. 5916 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wounded Warrior Access Act''. SEC. 2. ELECTRONIC REQUEST OF CERTAIN RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Electronic Record Requests.--Section 5702 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b)(1) The Secretary shall establish and maintain a secure website or online tool for a claimant or a duly recognized agent or representative of that claimant to submit an electronic request for such records. ``(2) The Secretary, upon receipt of a valid request made through the website or online tool established under paragraph (1), shall provide to the requestor-- ``(A) not later than 10 days after receipt, confirmation of such receipt; and ``(B) not later than 120 days after receipt, such records requested in the form selected by the requestor.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 5702(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``in writing'' and inserting ``in writing, including an electronic request submitted through the website or online tool established under subsection (b),''; (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end; (3) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) the format in which such copy is desired, including whether in printed form or by downloadable file.''. (c) Deadline; Establishment of Website or Online Tool.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish the website or online tool required under section 5702(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, as added by this Act, and, to the extent practicable, the Secretary shall utilize existing online resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purposes of such establishment. SEC. 3. WARNINGS TO CLAIMANTS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REGARDING UNRECOGNIZED REPRESENTATIVES. (a) In General.--Section 5901 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Except''; (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Warnings About Potential Predatory Practices.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that, each time a claimant under a law administered by the Secretary logs in to a website or online tool of the Department, such website or online tool issues to the claimant, in plain language-- ``(A) a warning about individuals who seek to act in violation of this chapter; ``(B) a link to an online tool of the Department through which the claimant may report such an individual; ``(C) a link to an online tool of the Department through which the claimant may search for a recognized agent, attorney, or other entity recognized by the Secretary for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim under laws administered by the Secretary; and ``(D) a link to a website or an online tool of the Department providing final decisions on discipline of agents, attorneys, and entities, described in subparagraph (C), by the Secretary for violations of this chapter. ``(2) The Secretary shall provide all information under paragraph (1) in the following languages: ``(A) English. ``(B) Spanish. ``(C) Tagalog. ``(D) The seven other languages most commonly spoken in the United States.''. (b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out subsection (b) of such section, as added by subsection (a) of this section-- (1) after consulting with stakeholders (including veterans service organizations recognized under section 5902 of such title) regarding the wording of the warning under such subsection; and (2) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022 H.R. 8260 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. TIMEFRAME FOR DESIGNATION OF ALTERNATE BENEFICIARIES AND PAYMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAMS. (a) National Service Life Insurance.--Section 1917(f)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``two years'' and inserting ``one year''; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``four'' and inserting ``two''. (b) United States Government Life Insurance.--Section 1952(c)(1) of such title is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``two years'' and inserting ``one year''; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``four'' and inserting ``two''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of an insured person occurring on or after the date that is two years before the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION PROCESS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAMS. (a) NSLI.--Section 1917 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: ``(a)(1) A person who enrolls in insurance maturing on or after August 1, 1946, may designate a beneficiary of the insurance policy. The insured shall, subject to regulations, at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such insurance without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries. ``(2) If a person enrolled in insurance maturing on or after August 1, 1946, does not designate a beneficiary under paragraph (1) before the veteran dies, or if a designated beneficiary predeceases the veteran, the Secretary shall determine the beneficiary in the following order: ``(A) The surviving spouse of the insured person. ``(B) The children of the insured person and descendants of deceased children by representation. ``(C) The parents of the insured person or the survivors of the parents. ``(D) The duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of the insured person. ``(E) Other next of kin of the insured person entitled under the laws of domicile of the insured person at the time of the death of the insured person.''. (b) USGLI.-- (1) In general.--Section 1949 of such title is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 1949. Beneficiaries ``(a) Designation.--A person who enrolls in United States Government life insurance may designate a beneficiary of the insurance policy. Subject to regulations, the insured person shall at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of a United States Government life insurance policy without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries. ``(b) Determination in Cases of Non-Designation.--If a person enrolled in United States Government life insurance does not designate a beneficiary under subsection (a) before the insured person dies, or if a designated beneficiary predeceases the insured person, the Secretary shall determine the beneficiary in the following order: ``(1) The surviving spouse of the insured person. ``(2) The children of the insured person and descendants of deceased children by representation. ``(3) The parents of the insured person or the survivors of the parents. ``(4) The duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of the insured person. ``(5) Other next of kin of the insured person entitled under the laws of domicile of the insured person at the time of the death of the insured person.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 19 of [[Page H7821]] such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 1949 and inserting the following new item: ``1949. Beneficiaries.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of an insured person occurring on or after the date that is two years before the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IMPROVEMENT OF TREATMENT OF UNDISBURSED LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS. (a) Improvement of Processes.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall improve the processes and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to identifying, locating, and paying hard-to-find beneficiaries of life insurance policies issued under chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, including by-- (1) improving the search tools available on the website of the Department; (2) conducting outreach to veterans, veterans service organizations, and the general public with respect to such search tools; (3) improving the processes for searching for information relating to potential recipients through internal Department sources and sources available through other Federal agencies, State government agencies, and non-government entities; and (4) ensuring the Department has sufficient dedicated staff whose primary responsibilities are identifying, locating, and paying hard-to-find beneficiaries, with the goal of disbursing by not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, all funds that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are owed to a beneficiary of a life insurance policy issued under chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should work with interagency partners to determine the types of records, reports, and other materials that may be required to identify, locate, and disburse undisbursed life insurance benefits to hard-to-find beneficiaries. (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out this section. (d) Undisbursed Life Insurance Benefits Defined.--The term ``undisbursed life insurance benefits''-- (1) means any amount of money that is owed to a beneficiary of a life insurance policy issued under chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, and that has not been disbursed for a period of two years or longer; and (2) does not include any amount of money that-- (A) has not been disbursed due to a contested claim; or (B) is in dispute by two or more parties over who is the entitled beneficiary. SEC. 5. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Leonard Scarcella Post Office Building H.R. 5865 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. LEONARD SCARCELLA POST OFFICE BUILDING. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4110 Bluebonnet Drive in Stafford, Texas, shall be known and designated as the ``Leonard Scarcella Post Office Building''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Leonard Scarcella Post Office Building''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 11 of House Resolution 1339, the ordering of the yeas and nays on postponed motions to suspend the rules with respect to such measures is vacated to the end that all such motions are considered as withdrawn. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bills. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 397, nays 29, not voting 6, as follows: [Roll No. 426] YEAS--397 Adams Aderholt Aguilar Allen Amodei Armstrong Arrington Auchincloss Axne Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Banks Barr Barragan Bass Beatty Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice (OK) Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NC) Blumenauer Blunt Rochester Bonamici Bost Bourdeaux Bowman Boyle, Brendan F. Brady Brown (MD) Brown (OH) Brownley Buchanan Bucshon Burchett Burgess Bush Bustos Butterfield Calvert Cammack Carbajal Cardenas Carey Carl Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Cartwright Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Cawthorn Chabot Cherfilus-McCormick Chu Cicilline Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Clyde Cohen Cole Comer Connolly Conway Cooper Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crenshaw Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davidson Davis, Danny K. Davis, Rodney Dean DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Demings DeSaulnier DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Donalds Doyle, Michael F. Duncan Dunn Ellzey Emmer Escobar Eshoo Espaillat Evans Fallon Feenstra Ferguson Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Flores Foster Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, C. Scott Fulcher Gallagher Gallego Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gibbs Gimenez Golden Gomez Gonzales, Tony Gonzalez (OH) Gonzalez, Vicente Gottheimer Granger Graves (LA) Graves (MO) Green, Al (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Harder (CA) Harshbarger Hartzler Hayes Hern Herrell Herrera Beutler Higgins (LA) Higgins (NY) Hill Himes Hinson Hollingsworth Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Huffman Huizenga Issa Jackson Jackson Lee Jacobs (CA) Jacobs (NY) Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (OH) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jones Jordan Joyce (OH) Kahele Kaptur Katko Keating Keller Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Khanna Kildee Kilmer Kim (CA) Kim (NJ) Kind Kinzinger Kirkpatrick Krishnamoorthi Kuster Kustoff LaHood LaMalfa Lamb Lamborn Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latta LaTurner Lawrence Lawson (FL) Lee (CA) Lee (NV) Leger Fernandez Lesko Letlow Levin (CA) Levin (MI) Lieu Lofgren Long Loudermilk Lowenthal Lucas Luetkemeyer Luria Lynch Mace Malinowski Malliotakis Maloney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Sean Mann Manning Matsui McBath McCarthy McCaul McClain McClintock McCollum McEachin McGovern McHenry McKinley McNerney Meeks Meijer Meng Meuser Mfume Miller (IL) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Moolenaar Mooney Moore (AL) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Morelle Moulton Mrvan Mullin Murphy (FL) Murphy (NC) Nadler Napolitano Neal Neguse Nehls Newhouse Newman Norcross O'Halleran Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Omar Palazzo Pallone Panetta Pappas Pascrell Payne Peltola Pence Perlmutter Perry Peters Phillips Pingree Pocan Porter Posey Pressley Price (NC) Quigley Raskin Reschenthaler Rice (NY) Rice (SC) Rodgers (WA) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Ross Rouzer Roybal-Allard Ruiz Ruppersberger Rush Rutherford Ryan (NY) Ryan (OH) Salazar Sanchez Sarbanes Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schiff Schneider Schrader Schrier Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sempolinski Sewell Sherman Sherrill Simpson Sires Slotkin Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Soto Spanberger Spartz Speier Stansbury Stanton Stauber Steel Stefanik Steil Stevens Strickland Suozzi Swalwell Takano Tenney Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Titus Tlaib Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Trone Turner Underwood Upton Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Vargas Veasey Velazquez Wagner Walberg Waltz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Welch Wenstrup Westerman Wexton Wild Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yarmuth Zeldin NAYS--29 Biggs Boebert Brooks Buck Crawford Curtis Estes Gohmert Good (VA) Gooden (TX) Gosar Green (TN) Greene (GA) Harris Hice (GA) Joyce (PA) Massie Mast Norman Owens Palmer Pfluger Rosendale Roy Schweikert Sessions Steube Stewart Taylor NOT VOTING--6 Allred Budd Cheney Gaetz Hudson Rose [[Page H7822]] {time} 1514 So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bills were passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Baird (Bucshon) Bass (Correa) Bush (Bowman) Cardenas (Correa) Conway (Valadao) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Dingell (Kuster) Fallon (Nehls) Higgins (NY) (Pallone) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Jones (Beyer) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lawrence (Beatty) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Levin (MI) (Correa) McEachin (Beyer) Miller (WV) (Kim (CA)) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Newman (Beyer) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Rice (NY) (Deutch) Schiff (Deutch) Schrader (Correa) Scott (VA) (Beyer) Scott, Austin (Cammack) Stansbury (Pallone) Stevens (Kuster) Tlaib (Bowman) Upton (Katko) Wexton (Beyer) ____________________