[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5360 Engrossed in House (EH)]
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5360
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.
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 ``Housing,
Employment, and Living Programs for Veterans Act of 2010'' or the
``HELP Veterans Act of 2010''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Modification of standard of visual acuity required for
eligibility for specially adapted housing
assistance provided by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 4. Authorities regarding housing loans guaranteed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 5. Reauthorization and improvement of Department of Veterans
Affairs small business loan program.
Sec. 6. Assistance for flight training.
Sec. 7. Seven-year increase in amount of assistance for individuals
pursuing apprenticeships or on-job
training.
Sec. 8. Extension of authority for certain qualifying work-study
activities for purposes of the educational
assistance programs of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 9. Expansion of work-study allowance to include certain outreach
services conducted through congressional
offices.
Sec. 10. Temporary reduction of required amount of wages for on-the-job
training programs.
Sec. 11. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 12. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program.
Sec. 13. Technology review and grant program.
Sec. 14. Child care; President's Budget.
Sec. 15. Increase in amount of reporting fee payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving
educational assistance.
Sec. 16. Modification of advance payment of initial educational
assistance or subsistence allowance.
Sec. 17. Increase in amount of subsistence allowance payable to
veterans participating in vocational
rehabilitation program.
Sec. 18. Expansion of availability of employment assistance allowance
for veterans using employment services.
Sec. 19. Promoting jobs for veterans teaching in rural areas.
Sec. 20. Promoting jobs for veterans through the establishment of an
internship program.
Sec. 21. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.
Sec. 22. Increase in the maximum amount of specially adapted housing
assistance authorized to be provided by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 23. Department of Veterans Affairs housing loans for construction
of energy efficient dwellings.
Sec. 24. Pilot program on specially adapted housing assistance for
veterans residing temporarily in housing
owned by a family member.
Sec. 25. Compliance with Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a
repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be
considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38,
United States Code.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF STANDARD OF VISUAL ACUITY REQUIRED FOR
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE
PROVIDED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 2101(b)(2)(A) is amended by striking
``with 5/200'' and all that follows through the period and inserting
the following: ``with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the
better eye with the use of standard correcting lenses (for purposes of
this subparagraph, an eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the
fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be treated as having
a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to specially adapted housing assistance provided on
or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. AUTHORITIES REGARDING HOUSING LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Covenants and Liens in Response to Disaster-relief
Assistance.--Paragraph (3) of section 3703(d) is amended to read as
follows:
``(3)(A) Any real estate housing loan (other than for repairs,
alterations, or improvements) shall be secured by a first lien on the
realty. In determining whether a loan is so secured, the Secretary may
either disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien that--
``(i) is created by a duly recorded covenant running with
the realty in favor of--
``(I) a public entity that provides assistance in
response to a major disaster as determined by the
President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
or
``(II) a private entity to secure an obligation to
such entity for the homeowner's share of the costs of
the management, operation, or maintenance of property,
services, or programs within and for the benefit of the
development or community in which the veteran's realty
is located; and
``(ii) the Secretary determines will not prejudice the
interests of the veteran borrower and of the Government by the
operation of such a covenant.
``(B) In respect to a superior lien described by subparagraph (A)
that is created after June 6, 1969, the Secretary's determination must
have been made prior to the recordation of the covenant.''.
(b) Extension of Authority to Pool Loans.--Paragraph (2) of section
3720(h) is amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2016''.
SEC. 5. REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) Reauthorization.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 37 is amended by striking section
3751.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item
relating to section 3751.
(b) Expansion of Eligibility for Small Business Loans.--Chapter 37
is further amended--
(1) in section 3741, by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) in section 3742(a)(3)(A), by striking ``veterans of the
Vietnam era or''.
(c) Repeal of Authority to Make Direct Loans.--Chapter 37, as
amended by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended--
(1) in section 3742--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(A)
loan guaranties, or (B) direct loans'' and
inserting ``loan guaranties''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``and
that at least 51 percent of a business concern
must be owned by disabled veterans in order for
such concern to qualify for a direct loan'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) by striking paragraph (1) and
redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as
paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
by striking ``make or'';
(C) in subsection (c), by striking ``made or'';
(D) in subsection (d)--
(i) by striking paragraph (2);
(ii) by striking ``(1) Except as provided
in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the'' and
inserting ``The''; and
(iii) by striking ``make or''; and
(E) in subsection (e)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) in the first sentence, by
striking ``or, if the loan was a direct
loan made by the Secretary, may suspend
such obligation''; and
(II) in the second sentence, by
striking ``or while such obligation is
suspended'';
(ii) by striking ``or suspend'' each place
it appears;
(iii) by striking ``or suspension'' each
place it appears;
(iv) by striking ``or suspends'' each place
it appears; and
(v) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or
suspended'' each place it appears;
(2) in section 3743--
(A) by striking ``that is provided a direct loan
under this subchapter, or'';
(B) by striking the comma between ``subchapter''
and ``shall'';
(C) by striking ``direct or''; and
(D) by striking ``for the amount of such direct
loan or, in the case of a guaranteed loan,'';
(3) in section 3745--
(A) by striking ``(a)''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b);
(4) in section 3746, by striking ``made or'' both places it
appears; and
(5) in section 3750, by striking ``made or''.
(d) Authority to Enter Into a Contract.--Section 3742, as amended
by subsection (c), is further amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(f) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with an appropriate
entity for the purpose of carrying out the program under this
subchapter.''.
(e) Funding.--Section 3742(b), as amended by subsection (c), is
further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Secretary may only guarantee a loan under this
subchapter to the extent that a limitation commitment to
guarantee loans for a fiscal year has been provided in advance
in an appropriations Act.''.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--Section 3749 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 3749. Authorization of appropriations
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subchapter such sums as may be necessary.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 37 is amended by striking the item
relating to section 3749 and inserting the following new item:
``3749. Authorization of appropriations.''.
(g) Loan Fee.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 37 is further amended by inserting
after section 3749 the following new section:
``Sec. 3749A. Loan Fee
``(a) Requirement of Fee.--(1) The Secretary shall collect a fee
from each veterans' small business concern obtaining a loan guaranteed
under this subchapter.
``(2) No loan may be guaranteed under this subchapter until the fee
payable under this section has been remitted to the Secretary.
``(3) The fee may be included in the loan guaranteed under this
subchapter and paid from the proceeds thereof.
``(b) Determination of Fee.--The amount of the fee shall be the
full cost of the loan guarantee plus an additional amount determined by
the Secretary as sufficient to cover applicable administrative
expenses.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3749 the following new item:
``3749A. Loan fee.''.
(h) Definitions.--Section 3741 is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraphs:
``(2) The term `cost ' has the meaning given the term `cost
of a loan guarantee' within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of
the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C)).
``(3) The term `guarantee'--
``(A) has the meaning given the term `loan
guarantee' in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform
Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a); and
``(B) includes a loan guarantee commitment (as
defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act
of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a)).
``(4) The term `obligation' means the loan or other debt
obligation that is guaranteed under this subchapter.''.
SEC. 6. ASSISTANCE FOR FLIGHT TRAINING.
Subsection (e)(1) of section 3032 is amended by striking ``60
percent'' and inserting ``75 percent''.
SEC. 7. SEVEN-YEAR INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
PURSUING APPRENTICESHIPS OR ON-JOB TRAINING.
During the seven-year period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall apply--
(1) section 3032(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80
percent'' for ``75 percent'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60
percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40
percent'' for ``35 percent'';
(2) section 3233(a) of such title--
(A) in paragraph (1), by substituting ``80
percent'' for ``75 percent'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by substituting ``60
percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by substituting ``40
percent'' for ``35 percent'';
(3) section 3687(b)(2) of such title--
(A) by substituting ``$603'' for ``$574'';
(B) by substituting ``$450'' for ``$429''; and
(C) by substituting ``$299'' for ``$285''; and
(4) section 16131(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by substituting ``80
percent'' for ``75 percent'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by substituting ``60
percent'' for ``55 percent''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by substituting ``40
percent'' for ``35 percent''.
SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY
ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Paragraph (4) of section 3485(a) is amended by striking ``June 30,
2010'' each place it appears and inserting ``June 30, 2020''.
SEC. 9. EXPANSION OF WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE TO INCLUDE CERTAIN OUTREACH
SERVICES CONDUCTED THROUGH CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES.
Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(G) The following activities carried out at the offices
of Members of Congress for such Members:
``(i) The distribution of information to members of
the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about
the benefits and services under laws administered by
the Secretary and other appropriate governmental and
non-governmental programs.
``(ii) The provision of assistance in ascertaining
the status of claims (including appeals) for benefits
under laws administered by the Secretary, as well as
other constituent services for veterans as the
Secretary determines appropriate.''.
SEC. 10. TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF REQUIRED AMOUNT OF WAGES FOR ON-THE-JOB
TRAINING PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Reducing requirement.--Section 3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) is
amended by striking ``85 per centum'' and inserting ``60
percent''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on October 1, 2010, and shall apply to a
veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the job
approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States Code, on
or after such date.
(b) Sunset.--
(1) Reversion.--Effective October 1, 2013, section
3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of such title, as amended by subsection (a)
of this section, is amended by striking ``60 percent'' and
inserting ``85 percent''.
(2) Application.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
apply to a veteran who enrolls in a program of training on the
job approved under section 3677 of title 38, United States
Code, on or after October 1, 2013.
(c) GAO Report.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the Comptroller
General shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate
a report on the effects of eliminating the requirement under section
3677(b)(1)(A)(ii) of title 38, United States Code, for a private
employer to provide wage increases to veterans enrolled in a program of
training on the job approved under section 3677 of such title.
SEC. 11. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.
SEC. 12. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN
REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grant Program.--Chapter 20 is amended by inserting after
section 2021 the following new section:
``Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with
children reintegration grant program
``(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
provided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants to
programs and facilities that the Secretary determines provide dedicated
services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with
children.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including job
readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care services to
expedite the reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless
veterans with children into the labor force.
``(c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that Secretary
considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the distribution and
expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this section. The
information shall include data with respect to the results or outcomes
of the services provided to each homeless veteran under this section.
``(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in such
form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
``(d) Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry
out this section through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
Employment and Training.
``(e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor shall
include as part of the report required under section 2021(d) of this
title an evaluation of the grant program under this section, which
shall include an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under
this section and an analysis of the information collected under
subsection (c).
``(f) Appropriated Funds.--(1) In addition to any amount authorized
to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this title, there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to carry
out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and the succeeding
fiscal year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
2021 the following new item:
``2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children
reintegration grant program.''.
SEC. 13. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW AND GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Review and Evaluation of New Technology.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall establish a team of individuals from appropriate
disciplines to be responsible for reviewing new technologies,
processes, and products and for determining which such technologies,
processes, and products may be beneficial to the Department of Veterans
Affairs or to the veterans served by the Department. Upon completion of
the review under this subsection, the team shall submit the review to
the Secretary, who shall disseminate the review within the Department,
as appropriate.
(b) Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant
program
``(a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially
adapted housing.
``(b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in
such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify.
``(c) Grant Funds.--Each grant awarded under this section shall be
in an amount of not more than $250,000 per year.
``(d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this section
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in
specially adapted housing.
``(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year following a year
in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report containing information related to each grant awarded
under this section during the preceding calendar year, including--
``(1) the name of the grant recipient;
``(2) the amount of the grant; and
``(3) the goal of the grant.
``(f) Funding.--From amounts authorized to be appropriated to the
Department for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is authorized
to make a grant under this section, $1,500,000 shall be available for
that fiscal year for the purposes of the program under this section.
``(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this
section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date
of the enactment of this section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:
``2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant
program.''.
(3) Effective date.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall begin making grants under section 2108 of title 38,
United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), by not later
than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 14. CHILD CARE; PRESIDENT'S BUDGET.
(a) In General.--Chapter 31 is amended by adding at the end the
following new sections:
``Sec. 3123. Child care assistance for single parents
``(a) In General.--Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the
Secretary to carry out this section, the Secretary shall provide
reimbursements for the actual cost of child care provided by a licensed
provider to a veteran who--
``(1) is participating in a vocational rehabilitation
program under this chapter;
``(2) is the sole caretaker of a child; and
``(3) would not otherwise be able to afford such child
care.
``(b) Amount and Duration.--The amount of the reimbursement for the
actual cost for child care under this section shall be not more than
$2,000 per month for each month the veteran is participating in a
vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter.
``Sec. 3124. Information included in support of President's budget
``The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to Congress by
the Secretary in support of the President's budget for each fiscal year
submitted under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the
following:
``(1) For the calendar year preceding the submission--
``(A) the percentage of veterans receiving
assistance under this chapter who became employed; and
``(B) the percentage of veterans receiving
assistance under this chapter who achieved independence
in daily living.
``(2) Any changes made by the Secretary in measuring or
calculating the performance of the department under this
chapter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``3123. Child care assistance for single parents.
``3124. Information included in support of President's budget.''.
SEC. 15. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF REPORTING FEE PAYABLE TO EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS THAT ENROLL VETERANS RECEIVING EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Increase in Amount of Fee.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``$7'' and inserting ``$16''; and
(2) by striking ``$11'' and inserting ``$16''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Subsection (a) of such section is
amended by striking the second comma after ``34''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect on January 1, 2011.
SEC. 16. MODIFICATION OF ADVANCE PAYMENT OF INITIAL EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE OR SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE.
(a) Modification.--Section 3680(d)(2) is amended by inserting after
the third sentence the following new sentence: ``For purposes of the
entitlement to educational assistance of the veteran or person
receiving an advance payment under this subsection, the advance payment
shall be charged against the final month of the entitlement of the
person or veteran and, if necessary, the penultimate such month. In no
event may any veteran or person receive more than one advance payment
under this subsection during any academic year.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to an advance payment of educational assistance made
on or after January 1, 2011.
SEC. 17. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO
VETERANS PARTICIPATING IN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
PROGRAM.
(a) Increase in Subsistence Allowance.--Section 3108(b)(1) is
amended by striking the table and inserting the following new table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Column I Column II Column Column IV Column V
--------------------------------------------------------- III --------------------------------------------
-----------
Type of program No One Two More than two dependents
dependents dependent dependents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.......... ......... .......... The amount in column IV, plus
the following for each
dependent in excess of two:
Full-time................................... $585.87 $726.72 $856.39 $62.42
Three-quarter time.......................... $440.21 $545.83 $640.27 $48.00
Half-time................................... $294.55 $364.94 $428.98 $32.03''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to a payment made for the third month beginning
after the date of the enactment of this Act and each subsequent month.
SEC. 18. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE
FOR VETERANS USING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.
Paragraph (2) of section 3108(a) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) In the case of a veteran with a service-connected disability
who the Secretary determines has reached a point of employability and
who is participating only in a program of employment services provided
under section 3104(a)(5) of this title, the Secretary shall pay the
veteran a subsistence allowance as prescribed in this section for three
months while the veteran is satisfactorily pursuing such program.''.
SEC. 19. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS TEACHING IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) In General.--Part III is amended by adding at the end the
following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 44--VETERAN TEACHERS
``Sec.
``4401. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers.
``Sec. 4401. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers
``(a) Reducing Administrative Burden.--The Secretary may pay to a
rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance of $500.
``(b) Duration.--The aggregate period for which the Secretary may
pay a rural veteran teacher a monthly assistance allowance under
subsection (a) may not exceed 24 months.
``(c) Rural Veteran Teacher Defined.--In this section, the term
`rural veteran teacher' means a veteran who--
``(1) is discharged from service in the Armed Forces under
honorable conditions;
``(2) has not been employed as a teacher prior to receiving
assistance under this section;
``(3) is employed to teach full-time at an accredited
elementary or secondary school that is located in a rural area
(as determined by the Bureau of the Census); and
``(4) on the date on which the veteran applies for a
monthly assistance allowance under subsection (a), is enrolled
in a State-approved course leading to certification as a
teacher.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012
and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The tables of chapters at the beginning
of title 38, United States Code, and of part III, are each amended by
inserting after the item relating to chapter 43 the following new item:
``44. Assistance allowance for rural veteran teachers....... 4401''.
SEC. 20. PROMOTING JOBS FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 7 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 712. Internship program
``(a) Internship Program.--From amounts available in the `General
operating expenses' account of the Department, the Secretary may carry
out an internship program through which the Secretary shall award
internships to up to 2,000 veterans each year in accordance with this
section. The recipient of an internship under this section shall be
employed in the Veterans Benefits Administration for the duration of
the internship.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an internship under
this section a veteran shall have completed a rehabilitation program
under chapter 31 of this title. In awarding internships under this
section, the Secretary shall give a preference to a veteran who has
completed a program of long-term education or training, as determined
by the Secretary.
``(c) Salary; Benefits.--(1) Each recipient of an internship under
this section shall be paid at a rate determined by the Secretary,
except that such rate shall be at least the maximum annual rate of
basic pay payable for grade GS-3 of the General Schedule under section
5332 of title 5, United States Code, and shall not exceed the maximum
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-5 of such schedule.
Payments under this paragraph shall be derived from amounts available
in the `General operating expenses' account of the Department.
``(2) Each such recipient shall be entitled to leave on the same
basis as employees of the Department who are paid at the same annual
rate, except that such recipient may not be reimbursed for any unused
leave at the end of the internship.
``(3) The Secretary shall furnish hospital care, medical services,
and nursing home care to each recipient of an internship under this
section on the same basis as a veteran described in subsection (B) of
paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of section 1710 of this title unless
the recipient is eligible for such care and services under subparagraph
(A) of such paragraph or under paragraph (1) of such subsection.
``(4) The recipient of an internship under this section may receive
an allowance under section 3108 of this title if such recipient is
entitled to such an allowance.
``(d) Duration.--No internship under this section shall exceed 12
months in duration.
``(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall notify each participant in a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title of the internship
program under this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
711 the following new item:
``712. Internship program.''.
SEC. 21. VETERANS ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 81 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit
``(a) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--The Secretary
may hold an event, once every year, to provide networking
opportunities, outreach, education, training, and support to small
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, veterans service
organizations, and other entities as determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2011 and 2021.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to
subchapter II the following:
``8129. Veterans entrepreneurial development summit.''.
SEC. 22. INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE SECRETARY OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 2102 is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$12,000'' and
inserting ``$13,756''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$60,000'' and
inserting ``$65,780''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$12,000'' and
inserting ``$13,756''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to assistance furnished after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 23. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOANS FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF ENERGY EFFICIENT DWELLINGS.
(a) Loans Authorized.--Section 3710(d) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting
``(A) The Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``for the acquisition of'' and all
that follows through the end and inserting ``for any of
the following purposes:'';
(C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(i) The acquisition of an existing dwelling and the cost
of making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
``(ii) The construction of a new dwelling and the cost of
making energy efficiency improvements to the dwelling.
``(iii) Energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling owned
and occupied by a veteran.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraphs:
``(B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan may
be guaranteed under this subsection only if it meets the requirements
of this chapter.
``(C) The Secretary shall determine appropriate energy efficiency
standards for purposes of this subsection and shall require that
dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved using a loan guaranteed
under this subsection meet such standards.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
and inserting the following new subparagraphs (A) and (B):
``(A) five percent of the total established value of the
property, dwelling, and improvements; or
``(B) $6,000, or a higher amount specifically provided by
the Secretary.''.
(b) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance on appraising
the value of energy efficiency improvements for purposes of section
3710(d) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this Act.
(c) Regulations.--
(1) Interim policy guidance.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall prescribe interim policy guidance on
energy efficiency audits and the conditions under which the
performance of such audits may be included in the amount
guaranteed by the Secretary under section 3710(d) of title 38,
United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
(2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe
regulations to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(3) Energy efficiency audit defined.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term ``energy efficiency audit'' means a
measurement of the effects of an improvement made to a dwelling
for the purpose of reducing energy consumption or increasing
energy efficiency that is carried out by a certified
professional auditor, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply with respect to a loan secured on or after January 1, 2011.
SEC. 24. PILOT PROGRAM ON SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR
VETERANS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A
FAMILY MEMBER.
(a) Treatment of Certain Limitations.--Notwithstanding subsection
(d) of section 2102 of title 38, United States Code, and subject to
subsection (b), a grant under section 2102A of such title shall not
count toward the dollar amount limitations specified in that
subsection.
(b) Termination.--Subsection (a) shall apply only to the first 25
grants made during fiscal year 2011.
SEC. 25. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO ACT OF 2010.
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.
Passed the House of Representatives September 28, 2010.
Attest:
Clerk.
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5360
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.