[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3234 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3234
To improve employment, training, and placement services furnished to
veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 20, 2010
Mrs. Murray (for herself, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Begich, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr.
Reid, Mr. Durbin, and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve employment, training, and placement services furnished to
veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veteran Employment Assistance Act of
2010''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In 2008, the unemployment rate of veterans between the
ages of 18 and 24 was 14.1 percent.
(2) In 2009, the unemployment rate of male veterans between
the ages of 18 and 24 was 21.6 percent and the unemployment
rate of female veterans in the same age group was 19.2 percent.
(3) The unemployment rate of veterans in all age groups is
expected to increase as a result of the economic downturn that
began in 2008.
(4) In 2004, approximately 22 percent of veterans were
either purchasing or starting a new business, or considering
doing so.
(5) One of the most critical problems identified by veteran
small business owners is a lack of knowledge about programs of
assistance available to small businesses.
(6) Members of the Armed Forces learn a wide range of
technical skills during their time in the Armed Forces, but
often find it difficult to transfer these skills into civilian
professions.
(7) The Commissioner of Labor Statistics estimates that
career opportunities in the fields of health care and
information technology will expand significantly in the coming
decade.
SEC. 3. VETERANS BUSINESS CENTER PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 32 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
657b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f), by inserting ``subsections (a)
through (e) of'' before ``this section''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Veterans Business Center Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary of Labor, shall establish a veterans
business center program to provide entrepreneurial training and
counseling to veterans in accordance with this subsection.
``(2) Director.--The Administrator shall appoint a Director
of the veterans business center program, who shall--
``(A) implement and oversee the veterans business
center program; and
``(B) report directly to the Associate
Administrator.
``(3) Designation of veterans business centers.--The
Director shall--
``(A) by regulation establish an application,
review, and notification process under which the
Director may designate entities as veterans business
centers for purposes of this section; and
``(B) publicize the designation of an entity as a
veterans business center and the award of a grant to a
veterans business center under this subsection.
``(4) Funding for veterans business centers.--
``(A) Initial grants.--The Director may make a
grant to each veterans business center each year in the
amount of $150,000. The Director may not make more than
5 grants under this subparagraph to a veterans business
center.
``(B) Growth funding grants.--If a veterans
business center has received 5 initial grants, the
Director may make a grant to the veterans business
center each year in the amount of $100,000. The
Director may not make more than 3 grants under this
subparagraph to a veterans business center.
``(5) Accountability.--Each veterans business center
receiving an initial grant or a growth funding grant shall--
``(A) meet performance benchmarks (which shall be
established by the Director for the veterans business
center and reflect the purposes of this subsection) to
be eligible for an initial grant or growth funding
grant in a subsequent year; and
``(B) submit to the Director an annual report on
the performance of the veterans business center, which
shall include--
``(i) a description of the use of the grant
under this subsection and matching funds to
carry out the activities of the veterans
business center; and
``(ii) a description of the progress of the
veterans business center in meeting the
performance benchmarks described in
subparagraph (A).
``(6) Center responsibilities.--Each veterans business
center receiving an initial grant or a growth funding grant
shall use the funds received under the grant for--
``(A) veteran entrepreneurial development;
``(B) counseling of veterans who own small business
concerns or who are seeking to own a small business
concern through one-on-one instruction and classes,
including counseling relating to financial literacy;
``(C) education about services available through
one-stop centers referred to in section 134(c) of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(c)),
including veterans employment assistance and job
announcement services;
``(D) education about tax provisions relating to
first time owners of business concerns, owners of small
business concerns, and veterans;
``(E) information on the availability of mentoring
services and referrals, as appropriate; and
``(F) information on government procurement
assistance available to veterans.
``(7) Matching funds.--
``(A) In general.--A veterans business center
receiving an initial grant or a growth funding grant
shall provide a contribution, in cash or in-kind, that
is not less than 50 percent of the amount of the grant.
``(B) Source of contribution.--Not more than 25
percent of a contribution under subparagraph (A) may be
provided from other Federal funds. The contribution may
be provided from funds made available by a State, local
government, or private person.
``(C) Waiver.--
``(i) In general.--The Director may, upon
request, waive a portion of the matching
contribution under this paragraph upon a
determination of hardship to the veterans
business center.
``(ii) Considerations.--In determining
whether a veterans business center is
experiencing a hardship, the Director shall
consider--
``(I) whether the veterans business
center is operating at an economic
loss;
``(II) whether the veterans
business center would continue to
operate without a waiver; and
``(III) other factors the Director
considers appropriate.
``(8) Targeted areas.--The Director shall give priority to
applications to be designated a veterans business center and
for initial grants and growth funding grants under this
subsection that will establish a veterans business center in a
geographic area, as determined by the Director--
``(A) that is not currently served by a veterans
business center; and
``(B) in which--
``(i) the number of veterans per capita
exceeds the national median of the number of
veterans per capita;
``(ii) the number of veterans of Operation
Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom per
capita exceeds the national median of the
number of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom
or Operation Enduring Freedom per capita; or
``(iii) the expected number of veterans of
Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring
Freedom per capita, as determined by the
Secretary of Defense, will exceed the national
median of the number of veterans of Operation
Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom per
capita.
``(9) Training program.--The Director shall develop and
implement, directly or by contract, an annual training program
for the employees of veterans business centers to provide
education, support, and information on best practices with
respect to the establishment and operation of a veterans
business center. The Director shall develop the training
program under this paragraph in consultation with veterans
business centers, the task force, the Employment and Training
Administration and the Veterans' Employment and Training
Service of the Department of Labor, and veterans service
organizations.
``(10) Inclusion of other organizations in program.--The
Director shall designate as a veterans business center, and may
make a initial grant to--
``(A) a Veterans Business Outreach Center
established by the Administrator under section 8(b)(17)
on or before the date of enactment of this subsection;
and
``(B) each person or entity that--
``(i) received funds during fiscal year
2006 from the National Veterans Business
Development Corporation established under
section 33; and
``(ii) is in operation on the date of
enactment of this subsection.
``(11) Annual report on effectiveness of veteran business
centers.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this subsection, and every year
thereafter, the Administrator shall submit a report on
the performance of the veterans business center program
to--
``(i) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate;
``(ii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
the Committee on Appropriations, and the
Committee on Small Business of the House of
Representatives; and
``(iii) relevant Federal agencies,
including the Department of Veterans Affairs
and the Department of Labor.
``(B) Contents.--Each report under subparagraph (A)
shall include, for the 1-year period ending on the date
of the report--
``(i) an assessment of the compliance of
each veterans business center receiving an
initial grant or growth funding grant with the
performance benchmarks established for the
veterans business center under paragraph
(5)(A);
``(ii) the number of veterans assisted by a
veterans business center receiving an initial
grant or growth funding grant;
``(iii) comments, if any, from veterans who
sought the assistance of a veterans business
center;
``(iv) the success rate, as determined by
the Administrator, of small business concerns
owned and controlled by veterans who sought
assistance from a veterans business center; and
``(v) any other performance indicators and
information the Administrator determines
appropriate.
``(C) Public availability.--The Director shall
disseminate the findings of each report under
subparagraph (A) online and to the veteran, small
business, and workforce development communities.
``(12) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection--
``(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(h) Additional Grants Available to Veterans Business Centers.--
``(1) Access to capital grant program.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish a
grant program under which the Director may make grants
to veterans business centers to--
``(i) develop specialized programs to
assist small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans in securing capital and
repairing damaged credit;
``(ii) provide informational seminars on
financial literacy, securing loans, and
Federal, State and local tax provisions and
incentives for small business concerns owned
and controlled by veterans;
``(iii) provide one-on-one counseling to
small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans to improve the financial presentations
of the small business concern to lenders;
``(iv) facilitate the access of small
business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans to traditional and non-traditional
financing sources; and
``(v) establish links to and partnerships
with local workforce boards and business
mentoring organizations.
``(B) Award size.--The Director may not make grants
under this paragraph to a veterans business center in a
total amount of more than $75,000 during any 1-year
period.
``(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
paragraph $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and
2012.
``(2) Procurement assistance grant program.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish a
grant program under which the Director may make grants
to veterans business centers to--
``(i) assist small business concerns owned
and controlled by veterans in identifying
contracts that are suitable for the small
business concern;
``(ii) prepare small business concerns
owned and controlled by veterans to act as
subcontractors and prime contractors for
contracts made available under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public
Law 111-5; 123 Stat. 115) through training and
business advice, particularly with respect to
the construction trades; and
``(iii) provide technical assistance to
small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans relating to the Federal procurement
process, including assisting in compliance with
Federal regulations and bonding requirements.
``(B) Award size.--The Director may not make grants
under this paragraph to a veterans business center in a
total amount of more than $75,000 during any 1-year
period.
``(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
paragraph $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and
2012.
``(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business grant
program.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish a
grant program under which the Director may make grants
to veterans business centers to--
``(i) develop outreach programs for
service-disabled veterans with respect to the
benefits of self-employment;
``(ii) provide tailored training to
service-disabled veterans with respect to
business plan development, marketing,
budgeting, accounting, and merchandising;
``(iii) assist small business concerns
owned and controlled by service-disabled
veterans in locating and securing business
opportunities; and
``(iv) link service-disabled veterans to
services provided through one-stop centers
referred to in section 134(c) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(c)),
including information on labor market trends,
entrepreneurial and related training and
training providers, student financial aid, and
specialized services for veterans.
``(B) Award size.--The Director may not make grants
under this paragraph to a veterans business center in a
total amount of more than $75,000 during any 1-year
period.
``(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
paragraph $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and
2012.
``(i) Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Summit.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the veterans business
center program established under subsection (g) may hold an
event, once every 2 years, to provide networking opportunities,
outreach, education, training, and support to veterans business
centers designated under subsection (g), small business
concerns owned and controlled by veterans, veterans service
organizations, workforce investment boards of State and local
governments, the Employment and Training Administration and the
Veterans' Employment and Training Service of the Department of
Labor, and other entities as determined appropriate by the
Director.
``(2) Presentation of report.--The findings of the most
recently submitted report under subsection (g)(12) shall be
presented at an event held under this subsection.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $450,000 for
each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `Associate Administrator' means the
Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development
appointed under section 4(b)(1);
``(2) the term `Director' means the Director of the
veterans business center program;
``(3) the term `growth funding grant' means a grant under
subsection (g)(5)(B);
``(4) the term `initial grant' means a grant under
subsection (g)(5)(A);
``(5) the term `task force' means the interagency task
force established under subsection (c)(1);
``(6) the term `veterans business center' means an entity
designated as a veterans business center under subsection
(g)(4)(A); and
``(7) the term `veterans business center program' means the
veterans business center program established under subsection
(g)(2).''.
(b) Report Regarding Direct Loan Program.--The Administrator of the
Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and
the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training shall
jointly--
(1) assess the efficacy of establishing a Federal direct
loan program for small business concerns owned and controlled
by veterans (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 632)); and
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, submit a report regarding the assessment under
paragraph (1) to--
(A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the
Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship, and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate;
and
(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the
Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 32 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``by the Associate
Administrator for Veterans Business Development'' and all that
follows and inserting ``by the Associate Administrator.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``(in this section
referred to as the `task force')''.
SEC. 4. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE.
Section 32(c) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657b(c)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, and every 6 months thereafter, the
Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the
appointments made to and activities of the task force.''.
SEC. 5. PERIOD FOR COMPLETION OF TRAINING OF NEW DISABLED VETERANS'
OUTREACH PROGRAM SPECIALISTS AND LOCAL VETERANS'
EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVES BY NATIONAL VETERANS'
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES INSTITUTE.
(a) In General.--Section 4102A(c)(8)(A) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``three-year period'' and inserting ``one-
year period''.
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) Applicability to new employees.--The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a State employee
assigned to perform the duties of a disabled veterans' outreach
program specialist or a local veterans' employment
representative under chapter 41 of such title who is so
assigned on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Applicability to previously hired employees.--In the
case of such a State employee who is so assigned on or after
January 1, 2006, and before the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Labor shall require the State to require,
as a condition of a grant or contract under which funds are
made available to the State in order to carry out section 4103A
or 4104 of title 38, United States Code, each such employee to
complete satisfactorily the training described in section
4102A(c)(8)(A) of such title by not later than the date that is
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Cross-Training.--The Secretary of Labor shall require State
employees described by subsection (b) in the performance of duties
described in that subsection--
(1) to educate staff of one-stop centers about the services
such State employees provide and the programs of assistance
available to veterans; and
(2) in order to strengthen coordination and enhance
services to veterans, to learn about the employment and
training and related information and services made available
through the one-stop delivery system.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) One-stop center.--The term ``one-stop center'' means a
one-stop center described in section 134(c) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(c)).
(2) One-stop delivery system.--The term ``one-stop delivery
system'' means a one-stop delivery system described in such
section 134(c).
SEC. 6. EMPLOYMENT TRAINING ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 42 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 4216. Employment training assistance for unemployed veterans
``(a) Subsistence Allowance.--(1) The Secretary of Labor shall,
acting through the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and
Training, pay to each covered veteran a monthly training subsistence
allowance under this section for each month that a covered veteran is
enrolled in a full time employment and training program that--
``(A) is offered by an eligible provider of training
services under section 122 of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998 (29 U.S.C. 2842); and
``(B) teaches a skill that is connected to a career in an
in-demand industry, as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
``(2) The amount of the monthly training subsistence allowance paid
to a covered veteran under this subsection shall be equal to the
monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section
403 of title 37 for a member of the Armed Forces with dependents in pay
grade E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses all or
the majority portion of the ZIP code area in which the covered veteran
resides.
``(3) A covered veteran is entitled to training subsistence
allowance under this subsection for not more than six months during
each 10-year period beginning on the date in which the covered veteran
first receives training subsistence allowance under this section.
``(b) Relocation Stipend.--(1) In addition to the training
subsistence allowance payable to a covered veteran under subsection
(a), the Secretary of Labor shall, acting through the Assistant
Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, pay to each covered
veteran a relocation stipend for expenses incurred by the veteran for
one relocation--
``(A) related to the veteran's participation in an
employment and training program described in subsection (a)(1);
or
``(B) to an employment opportunity related to the field or
subject matter in which the veteran was trained in an
employment and training program described in subsection (a)(1).
``(2) The amount of relocation stipend paid to a covered veteran
under paragraph (1) may not exceed the lesser of--
``(A) $5,000; and
``(B) the actual amount of expenses incurred by the
veteran.
``(c) Covered Veteran.--For purposes of this section, a covered
veteran is a veteran who is--
``(1) unemployed for a period of not less than four
consecutive months at the time of applying for training
subsistence allowance under subsection (a);
``(2) able to complete successfully the employment and
training program described in subsection (a)(1), as determined
by the Secretary of Labor; and
``(3) except as provided under this section, ineligible for
education or training assistance under this title.
``(d) Annual Report.--The Secretary of Labor shall submit to
Congress each year a report on the effectiveness of the training
subsistence allowance under subsection (a) and the relocation stipend
under subsection (b) during the preceding year. Each report shall
include, for the year concerned by such report, the following:
``(1) The number of veterans who received the subsistence
allowance.
``(2) The number of veterans who received the relocation
stipend.
``(3) The percentage of veterans who received the
subsistence allowance or relocation stipend and completed an
employment and training program described in subsection (a)(1).
``(4) The percentage of veterans who received the
subsistence allowance or relocation stipend and were employed
and retained upon completion of an employment and training
program described in subsection (a)(1), as measured by the
Secretary of Labor.
``(5) The percentage of veterans who--
``(A) received the subsistence allowance or
relocation stipend; and
``(B) were employed in the fourth calendar quarter
of such year following graduation from an employment
and training program described in subsection (a)(1).
``(6) The average earnings of veterans, as measured by the
Secretary of Labor, who--
``(A) received the subsistence allowance or
relocation stipend; and
``(B) completed an employment and training program
described in subsection (a)(1).
``(7) Such other matters relating to the effectiveness of
the subsistence allowance and the relocation stipend as the
Secretary of Labor considers appropriate.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Labor to carry out this section
$100,000,000 for each fiscal year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter 42 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``4216. Employment training assistance for unemployed veterans.''.
SEC. 7. USE OF ENTITLEMENT UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR
APPRENTICESHIPS AND ON-JOB TRAINING.
(a) Entitlement.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3319
the following new section:
``Sec. 3319A. Apprenticeships and on-job training
``(a) Monthly Benefit.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and
(c), the amount of the monthly benefit payment to an individual
pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-job training
under this chapter is--
``(1) for each of the first six months of the individual's
pursuit of such program, 75 percent of the monthly benefit
payment otherwise payable to such individual under this
chapter;
``(2) for each of the second six months of the individual's
pursuit of such program, 55 percent of such monthly benefit
payment; and
``(3) for each of the months following the first 12 months
of the individual's pursuit of such program, 35 percent of such
monthly benefit payment.
``(b) Reduction.--In any month in which an individual pursuing a
program of education consisting of a program of apprenticeship or other
on-job training fails to complete 120 hours of training, the amount of
the monthly benefit payment payable under this chapter to the
individual shall be limited to the same proportion of the applicable
rate determined under subsection (a) as the number of hours worked
during such month, rounded to the nearest eight hours, bears to 120
hours.
``(c) Housing Allowance.--An individual receiving a monthly benefit
pursuant to this section shall receive a monthly housing stipend amount
equal to the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable
under section 403 of title 37 for a member with dependents in pay grade
E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses all or the
majority portion of the ZIP code area in which the individual resides.
``(d) Charge to Entitlement.--For each month that an individual is
paid a monthly benefit payment under this chapter, the individual's
entitlement under this chapter shall be charged at the rate of--
``(1) 75 percent of a month in the case of payments made in
accordance with subsection (a)(1);
``(2) 55 percent of a month in the case of payments made in
accordance with subsection (a)(2); and
``(3) 35 percent of a month in the case of payments made in
accordance with subsection (a)(3).
``(e) Reduced Charge to Entitlement.--For any month in which an
individual fails to complete 120 hours of training, the entitlement
otherwise chargeable under subsection (d) shall be reduced in the same
proportion as the monthly benefit payment payable is reduced under
subsection (b).
``(f) Program of Apprenticeship Defined.--In this section, the term
`program of apprenticeship' means a program of apprenticeship
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
`National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664; chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50
et seq.).''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3319 the following new item:
``3319A. Apprenticeships and on-job training.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3313 of such title is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``or section 3319A of
this title'' after ``subsections (e) and (f)''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Approved Programs of Education.--A program of education is an
approved program of education for purposes of this chapter if the
program of education--
``(1) is--
``(A) offered by an institution of higher learning
(as that term is defined in section 3452(f) of this
title); and
``(B) approved for purposes of chapter 30 of this
title (including approval by the State approving agency
concerned); or
``(2) in the case of an individual who is not serving on
active duty, includes a program of apprenticeship or of other
on-job training approved as provided in paragraph (1) or (2),
as appropriate, of section 3687(a) of this title.''.
(c) Technical Correction.--Section 3002(3)(C) of such title is
amended by striking ``clause'' and inserting ``paragraph''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans
Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (title V of Public Law 110-252).
SEC. 8. VETERANS CONSERVATION CORPS GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grant Program Required.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary
of the Interior, establish a program to award grants to States
to establish veterans conservation corps.
(2) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant awarded to a
State under this section in any year may not exceed $250,000.
(b) Veterans Conservation Corps.--For purposes of this section, a
veterans conservation corps is a corps that--
(1) is established by a State--
(A) within the veterans agency of the State; or
(B) in affiliation with the veterans agency of the
State; and
(2) provides veterans with volunteer and employment
opportunities with respect to conservation projects for one or
more of the following:
(A) To restore natural habitat.
(B) To maintain Federal, State, or local--
(i) forest lands;
(ii) parks and reserves; and
(iii) other reservations, water, and
outdoor lands.
(C) To maintain and improve urban and suburban
storm water management facilities and other water
management facilities.
(D) To carry out hazardous materials and spills
response, energy efficiency and other environmental
maintenance, stewardship, and restoration projects.
(c) Training, Education, and Certification.--
(1) In general.--A State receiving a grant under this
section to establish a veterans conservation corps shall ensure
that such corps incorporates into the volunteer and employment
opportunities provided by such corps training, education, and
certification in environmental restoration and management
fields.
(2) Consultation.--Such State shall ensure that, in
incorporating training, education, and certification into
volunteer and employment opportunities under paragraph (1), the
veterans conservation corps consults with the following:
(A) State and local workforce investment boards.
(B) Local institutions of higher education,
including community colleges.
(C) Private schools.
(D) State or local agencies, including State
employment agencies and State forest services.
(E) Labor organizations.
(F) Business involved in the environmental
industry.
(G) Such other entities as the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs considers appropriate.
(d) Employment Assistance.--A State receiving a grant under this
section to establish a veterans conservation corps shall ensure that
such corps partners with one-stop centers, State and local workforce
investment boards, and other State agencies to assist veterans enrolled
in such corps in obtaining employment in the fields of environmental
restoration and management, and other related fields.
(e) Services.--
(1) In general.--A State receiving a grant under this
section to establish a veterans conservation corps shall ensure
that such corps--
(A) assesses of the veterans participating in the
Corps the skills to help such veterans identify
appropriate employment opportunities in their local
communities that utilize the skills they developed
while in the Armed Forces;
(B) assists with or provides referrals for
obtaining benefits available to veterans;
(C) facilitates internships or job shadowing for
veterans; and
(D) matches veterans with conservation projects
that are aligned with the goals of the veterans.
(2) Partnership with state and local workforce investment
boards.--In carrying out subparagraph (A) and (C) of paragraph
(1), the State shall partner with State and local workforce
investment boards.
(f) Reports.--Each State receiving a grant under this section shall
submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the performance of the veterans conservation corps of such
State, including the following:
(1) A description of how the grant amount was used.
(2) An assessment of the performance of such corps,
including a description of the current veterans labor market in
such State and the veterans labor market in such State in the
previous year.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(3) One-stop center.--The term ``one-stop center'' means a
one-stop center described in section 134(c) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(c)).
(4) State and local workforce investment boards.--The term
``State and local workforce investment boards'' means a State
workforce investment board and a local workforce investment
board as such terms are defined in section 101 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801).
SEC. 9. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN REFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION TO AFFORD
ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR MILITARY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training, establish a center of
excellence for the purpose described in paragraph (2).
(2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph is
the support of research, development, planning, implementation,
and evaluation of methods for educational institutions to
afford academic credit for military experience and training
to--
(A) veterans who were discharged or released from
service in the Armed Forces not more than 48 months
before applying for admission to a program of education
at such institutions; or
(B) members of the reserve components of the Armed
Forces.
(b) Grants and Contracts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may, acting through the
center of excellence, award grants to or enter into contracts
with eligible institutions for the purpose described in
subsection (a)(2).
(2) Minimum and maximum amounts.--The Secretary may not
award a grant or contract under this section in an amount that
is less than $2,000,000 or more than $5,000,000.
(c) Eligible Institutions.--For purposes of this section, an
eligible institution is any partnership that--
(1) meets such requirements as the Secretary may specify
for purposes of this section; and
(2) consists of an institution of higher education and one
or more of the following:
(A) A community college.
(B) A university teaching hospital.
(C) A military installation, including a facility
of the National Guard.
(D) A Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center.
(E) A military medical treatment facility.
(d) Selection of Grant and Contract Recipients.--
(1) Application.--An eligible institution seeking a grant
or contract under this section shall submit to the Secretary an
application therefor in such form and in such manner as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Priority for certain applications.--In selecting
applicants for a grant or contract under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to applicants who include as a
partner an institution of higher education or other educational
institution that--
(A) affords appropriate recognition to military
experience and training in screening candidates for
admission to such institution;
(B) has an established practice of, or proposes to
establish a practice of, affording appropriate academic
credit for military experience and training;
(C) if the applicant proposes to establish a
practice as described in subparagraph (B), includes
with the application submitted by the applicant under
paragraph (1) a review of such plan by a professional
organization;
(D) has established a professional development and
delivery system using evidence-based practices; or
(E) has demonstrated experience working with the
Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans
Affairs;
(3) Standards, procedures, and distribution criteria.--The
Secretary shall, by regulation, establish application and
evaluation standards and procedures and such other forms,
standards, definitions, and procedures as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate for purposes of this section.
(e) Use of Grants and Contract Funds.--Each eligible institution
receiving a grant or contract under this section shall use the grant or
contract for one or more of the following:
(1) To develop or implement a plan to modify programs of
education and admissions programs at institutions of higher
education to afford academic credit to veterans and members
described in subsection (a)(2).
(2) To develop standards for the identification of military
experience and training in individuals applying for enrollment
at institutions of higher education.
(3) To train professors, educators, and instructors at
institutions of higher education on means of best teaching
students at such institutions with military experience and
training.
(4) To develop curriculum for institutions of higher
education that are appropriately tailored to individuals with
military experience and training.
(5) To develop admissions and recruitment guidelines for
institutions of higher education to attract veterans and
members described in subsection (a)(2) and afford them
appropriate recognition for military experience and training in
their admissions processes.
(6) To establish a program, method, or standards to be
utilized by institutions of higher education for assessing the
education and training of veterans and members described in
subsection (a)(2) during the pursuit of a program of education
and at the completion of such program.
(f) Institution of Higher Education Defined.--In this section, the
term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a)).
SEC. 10. PUBLICATION OF DATA ON EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN VETERANS BY
FEDERAL CONTRACTORS.
Section 4212(d) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) The Secretary of Labor shall establish and maintain an
Internet website that publicly discloses the information reported by
contractors to the Secretary of Labor under paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 11. MILITARY PATHWAYS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Military Pathways Demonstration Programs.--Section 171 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Information Technology Military Pathways Demonstration
Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor, after
consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
Secretary of Defense, shall establish a demonstration program
and carry out the program by making grants, on a competitive
basis, to not more than 5 entities for demonstration projects.
The projects shall be designed to test the feasibility of
methods of enabling transitioning military members to build on
the technical skills learned in many military jobs, to enter
the information technology workforce or continue their skills
development in the information technology disciplines to meet
the demand for information technology workforce readiness in
computer specialist and related information technology jobs.
``(2) Issues to be examined.--In carrying out the program,
the Secretary may examine the feasibility of methods such as
the following:
``(A) Methods to improve the transitions, skills
development, and employment of transitioning military
members for and in information technology occupations
with wages sufficient to support families.
``(B) Methods to align the information technology
skills acquired in military occupations with skills
required in civilian information technology occupations
in new, emerging, or viable industries, including
aligning the skills--
``(i) using guidelines for assessments and
credentials that employers value in the hiring
process, and credentials that are industry-
recognized and approved by the Secretary; and
``(ii) by means that may include the use of
a modified or enhanced Department of Defense
transition program or a Department of Labor
transition program, such as the program carried
out under chapter 41 of title 38, United States
Code.
``(C) Methods to ensure that military members
receive education and training, including training
through apprenticeship programs registered under the
Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (referred to individually in this
subsection as an `apprenticeship program'), and
necessary support services, that are flexible,
available (including available for deployed military
members), adequate for individuals seeking to make the
transition to civilian information technology
occupations, and consistent with academic requirements
of the institution involved.
``(D) Methods to enable military members to
accelerate application for admission, acceptance, and
graduation as students in computer science,
engineering, and related disciplines at 2-year and 4-
year institutions of higher education, based on
military credentials and experience.
``(E) Methods to help military members obtain
information technology credentials that are industry-
recognized, are approved by the Secretary, and satisfy
both military requirements and civilian requirements,
prior to release of the members from the military.
``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an entity shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require, including each of the
following:
``(A) An assurance that the entity agrees that, in
carrying out the project, the entity will work in
conjunction with a local board and enter into a
partnership that includes, as principal partners,
employers, labor organizations, postsecondary education
institutions including institutions of higher
education, veterans service organizations, and other
community organizations.
``(B) Information--
``(i) demonstrating the capability of the
entity in working with transitioning military
members;
``(ii) demonstrating that the entity has a
history of effective collaboration with--
``(I) the information technology
industry or an industry with
significant information technology
jobs;
``(II) State boards or local
boards, as appropriate; and
``(III) institutions of higher
education and other information
technology educators or trainers; and
``(iii) demonstrating knowledge of training
and best practices of the information
technology industry.
``(C) An assurance that the entity will participate
in the Secretary's evaluation plan for the
demonstration program, including participating in
required reporting for the plan.
``(4) Selection criteria.--In order to select entities to
receive grants for projects under this subsection, the
Secretary shall establish selection criteria consistent with
this subsection and shall ensure that the criteria give
priority to each of the following types of entities:
``(A) Entities that demonstrate the ability to
leverage public or private funds to sustain such a
project after the grant period.
``(B) Entities that have relationships with
institutions of higher education or with qualified
community-based organizations that provide training.
``(C) Entities that have relationships with
employers, labor organizations, and other entities that
will provide earn and learn opportunities to veterans.
``(D) Entities that have experience working with
veterans and facilitating transitions from military to
civilian work environments.
``(E) Entities that have experience designing
contextualized learning programs that integrate basic
adult education with skills training.
``(5) Program evaluation and technical assistance.--Using
not more than 10 percent of the amount made available to carry
out this subsection, the Secretary may--
``(A) conduct an evaluation to determine promising
methods of increasing the number of highly skilled
transitioning military members who enter civilian
information technology occupations and earn wages
sufficient to support families; and
``(B) provide technical assistance to entities
receiving grants under this subsection, relating to the
promising methods.
``(6) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress and Federal agencies a
final report on the findings and outcomes of the demonstration
program carried out under this subsection. The Secretary shall
broadly distribute the report through the veterans service
organizations, State boards, and local boards.
``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Information technology.--The term
`information technology' means any equipment or
interconnected system or subsystem of equipment--
``(i) used in the automatic acquisition,
storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation,
management, movement, control, display,
switching, interchange, transmission, or
reception of data or information; and
``(ii) includes the following:
``(I) Computers.
``(II) Ancillary equipment for
computers (including imaging
peripherals, and input, output, and
storage devices necessary for security
and surveillance).
``(III) Peripheral equipment
designed to be controlled by the
central processing unit of a computer.
``(IV) Software.
``(V) Computer services (including
support services).
``(VI) Other computer-related
resources.
``(B) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given
the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
``(C) Postsecondary education.--The term
`postsecondary education' means--
``(i) a 4-year program of instruction, or
not less than a 1-year program of instruction
that is acceptable for credit toward a
baccalaureate degree or an associate degree,
offered by an institution of higher education;
or
``(ii) a certificate or apprenticeship
program at the postsecondary level offered by
an institution of higher education, a nonprofit
educational institution, or a labor-management
partnership.
``(8) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for
each fiscal year.
``(g) Nursing, Public Health and Allied Health Professional, and
Physician Assistant Military Pathways Demonstration Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor, after
consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary
of Defense, and Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall
establish a demonstration program and carry out the program by
making grants, on a competitive basis, to not more than 5
entities for demonstration projects. The projects shall be
designed to test the feasibility of methods of enabling
transitioning military members to build on the technical skills
learned in many military jobs, to enter the nursing, public
health and allied health professional, and physician assistant
workforces or continue their skills development in disciplines
related to those workforces to meet the demand for nurses,
public health and allied health professionals, and physician
assistants.
``(2) Issues to be examined.--In carrying out the program,
the Secretary may examine the feasibility of methods such as
the following:
``(A) Methods to improve the transitions, skills
development, and employment of transitioning military
members for and in nursing, public health and allied
health professional, and physician assistant
occupations with wages sufficient to support families.
``(B) Methods to align nursing, public health and
allied health professional, and physician assistant
skills acquired in military occupations with skills
required in related civilian health occupations,
including aligning the skills--
``(i) using guidelines for assessments and
credentials that employers value in the hiring
process, and credentials that are industry-
recognized and approved by the Secretary; and
``(ii) by means that may include the use of
a modified or enhanced Department of Defense
transition program or a Department of Labor
transition program, such as the program carried
out under chapter 41 of title 38, United States
Code.
``(C) Methods to ensure that military members
receive education and training, including training
through apprenticeship programs, and necessary support
services, that are flexible, available (including
available for deployed military members), adequate for
individuals seeking to make the transition to civilian
nursing, public health and allied health, and physician
assistant occupations, and consistent with academic
requirements of the institution involved.
``(D) Methods to align education and training
programs, including apprenticeship programs, for
veterans in nursing, public health and allied health
professional, and physician assistant occupations with
education and training programs for those occupations
that are provided for the public.
``(E) Methods to enable military members to
accelerate application for admission, acceptance, and
graduation as students in nursing, public health and
allied health, and physician assistant disciplines at
2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education,
based on military credentials and experience.
``(F) Methods to help military members obtain
credentials related to those health care occupations
that are industry-recognized, are approved by the
Secretary, and satisfy both military requirements and
civilian requirements, prior to release of the members
from the military.
``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an entity shall submit an application to the
Secretary of such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require including each of the
following:
``(A) An assurance that the entity agrees that, in
carrying out the project, the entity will work in
conjunction with a local board and enter into a
partnership that includes, as principal partners,
employers, labor organizations, postsecondary education
institutions including institutions of higher
education, veterans service organizations, and other
community organizations.
``(B) Information--
``(i) in demonstrating the capability of
the entity in working with transitioning
military members;
``(ii) demonstrating that the entity has a
history of effective collaboration with--
``(I) health care employers;
``(II) State boards or local
boards, as appropriate; and
``(III) institutions of higher
education and other nursing, public
health and allied health professional,
and physician assistant educators or
trainers; and
``(iii) demonstrating knowledge of training
and best practices of the health care industry.
``(C) An assurance that the entity will participate
in the Secretary's evaluation plan for the
demonstration program, including participating in
required reporting for the plan.
``(4) Selection criteria.--In order to select entities to
receive grants for projects under this subsection, the
Secretary shall establish selection criteria consistent with
this subsection and shall ensure that the criteria give
priority to entities that demonstrate the ability to leverage
of public or private funds to sustain such a project after the
grant period.
``(5) Program evaluation and technical assistance.--Using
not more than 10 percent of the amount made available to carry
out this subsection, the Secretary may--
``(A) conduct an evaluation to determine promising
methods of increasing the number of highly skilled
transitioning military members who enter civilian
nursing, public health and allied health, or physician
assistant occupations and earn wages sufficient to
support families; and
``(B) provide technical assistance to entities
receiving grants under this subsection, relating to the
promising methods.
``(6) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress and Federal agencies a
final report on the findings and outcomes of the demonstration
program carried out under this subsection. The Secretary shall
broadly distribute the report through the veterans service
organizations, State boards, and local boards.
``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Allied health professional.--The term `allied
health professional' means a health professional (other
than a registered nurse or physician assistant) who--
``(i) has received a certificate, an
associate degree, a baccalaureate degree, a
master's degree, a doctoral degree, or
postbaccalaureate training, in a science
relating to health care;
``(ii) shares in the responsibility for the
delivery of health care services or related
services, including--
``(I) services relating to the
identification, evaluation, and
prevention of disease and disorders;
``(II) dietary and nutrition
services;
``(III) health promotion services;
``(IV) rehabilitation services; or
``(V) health systems management
services; and
``(iii) has not received--
``(I) a degree of doctor of
medicine;
``(II) a degree of doctor of
osteopathy;
``(III) a degree of doctor of
dentistry or an equivalent degree;
``(IV) a degree of doctor of
veterinary medicine or an equivalent
degree;
``(V) a degree of doctor of
optometry or an equivalent degree;
``(VI) a degree of doctor of
podiatric medicine or an equivalent
degree;
``(VII) a degree of bachelor of
science in pharmacy or an equivalent
degree;
``(VIII) a degree of doctor of
pharmacy or an equivalent degree;
``(IX) a graduate degree in public
health or an equivalent degree;
``(X) a degree of doctor of
chiropractic or an equivalent degree;
``(XI) a graduate degree in health
administration or an equivalent degree;
``(XII) a doctoral degree in
clinical psychology or an equivalent
degree;
``(XIII) a degree in social work or
an equivalent degree; or
``(XIV) a degree in counseling or
an equivalent degree.
``(B) Other terms.--The terms `apprenticeship
program', `institution of higher education', and
`postsecondary education' have the meanings given the
terms in subsection (f).
``(8) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for
each fiscal year.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 174(b)(1) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2919(b)(1)) is amended by inserting
``(other than subsection (f) or (g) of section 171)'' after ``through
172''.
SEC. 12. VETERANS ENERGY-RELATED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998 (29 U.S.C. 2913) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) activities described in subsection (b).'';
and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program.--
``(1) Establishment of pilot program.--
``(A) In general.--To encourage the employment of
eligible veterans in the energy industry, the Secretary
shall carry out a Veterans Energy-Related Employment
Program as a pilot program and as a program described
in subsection (a).
``(B) Grants.--Under the pilot program, the
Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to
3 States for the establishment and administration of
State Energy-Related Employment Programs. In
administering such a program, the State shall make
grants to energy employers and labor-management
organizations that collectively provide covered
training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs
registered as described in section 171(f)(2)(C)
(referred to individually in this subsection as an
`apprenticeship program'), and certification classes to
eligible veterans. Such a program may be referred to in
this subsection as a `State program'.
``(2) Eligibility for grants.--To be eligible to receive a
grant under the pilot program, a State shall submit to the
Secretary an application that includes each of the following:
``(A) A proposal for the expenditure of grant funds
to establish, and administer through a public-private
partnership, a State Energy-Related Employment Program
designed to provide covered training, on-the-job
training, apprenticeship programs, and certification
classes to a significant number of eligible veterans
and ensure lasting and sustainable employment in well-
paying jobs in the energy industry.
``(B) Evidence that the State has--
``(i) a population of eligible veterans, of
an appropriate size for the State program;
``(ii) a robust and diverse energy
industry; and
``(iii) the ability to carry out the State
program described in the proposal under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Such other information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(3) Use of funds.--A State that is the recipient of a
grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds for each
of the following purposes:
``(A) Making grants to energy employers and labor-
management organizations to reimburse such employers
and organizations for the cost of providing covered
training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs,
and certification classes to eligible veterans.
``(B) Conducting outreach to inform energy
employers, labor-management organizations, and
veterans, including veterans in rural areas, of their
eligibility or potential eligibility for participation
in the State program.
``(4) Conditions.--Under the pilot program, each State that
receives a grant under this subsection shall be subject to each
of the following conditions:
``(A) Repayment.--The State shall repay to the
Secretary, on such date as shall be determined by the
Secretary, any amount received under the pilot program
that is not used for the purposes described in
paragraph (3).
``(B) Submission of reports.--The State shall
submit to the Secretary, at such times and containing
such information as the Secretary shall require,
reports on the use of the grant funds.
``(5) Employer requirements.--In order to receive a grant
made by a State under the pilot program, an energy employer
seeking the grant shall, or a labor-management organization
seeking such a grant shall (in coordination with the energy
employer involved)--
``(A) submit to the administrator of the State
program an application that includes--
``(i) the rate of pay for each eligible
veteran proposed to be served using grant
funds;
``(ii) the average rate of pay for an
individual employed by the energy employer in a
similar position who is not an eligible
veteran; and
``(iii) such other information and
assurances as the administrator may require;
and
``(B) agree to submit to the administrator, for
each quarter, a report containing such information as
the Secretary may specify.
``(6) Limitation.--None of the funds made available to an
energy employer or labor-management organization through a
grant under the pilot program may be used to provide services
of any kind to a person who is not an eligible veteran.
``(7) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the pilot program. The Secretary shall
submit the report together with the report required to be
submitted annually under section 4107(c) of title 38, United
States Code, and with respect to the same year as is covered by
such report. The report on the pilot program shall include a
detailed description of activities carried out under this
subsection and an evaluation of the program.
``(8) Administrative and reporting costs.--Of the amounts
appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations
under paragraph (10), 2 percent shall be made available to the
Secretary for administrative costs associated with implementing
and evaluating the pilot program under this subsection and for
preparing and submitting the report required under paragraph
(7). The Secretary shall determine the appropriate maximum
amount of each grant awarded under this subsection that may be
used by the recipient for administrative and reporting costs.
``(9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Covered training, on-the-job training,
apprenticeship programs, and certification classes.--
The term `covered training, on-the-job training,
apprenticeship programs, and certification classes'
means training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship
programs, and certification classes that are--
``(i) designed to provide a veteran with
skills that are particular to an energy
industry and not directly transferable to
employment in another industry; and
``(ii) approved as provided in paragraph
(1) or (2), as appropriate, of subsection (a)
of section 3687 of title 38, United States
Code.
``(B) Eligible veteran.--The term `eligible
veteran' means a veteran described in subsection (a)
who is employed by an energy employer and enrolled or
participating in a covered training, on-the-job
training, apprenticeship program, or certification
class.
``(C) Energy employer.--The term `energy employer'
means an entity that employs individuals in a trade or
business in an energy industry.
``(D) Energy industry.--The term `energy industry'
means any of the following industries:
``(i) The energy-efficient building,
construction, or retrofits industry.
``(ii) The renewable electric power
industry, including the wind and solar energy
industries.
``(iii) The biofuels industry.
``(iv) The energy efficiency assessment
industry that serves the residential,
commercial, or industrial sector.
``(v) The oil and natural gas industry.
``(vi) The nuclear industry.
``(10) Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2011 through 2015, for the purpose of carrying out the
pilot program described in this subsection.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 174(a)(1) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2919(a)(1)) is amended by inserting
``(other than section 168(b))'' after ``168''.
SEC. 13. GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL TRAINING FOR
VETERANS.
Section 330J(c)(8) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
254c-15(c)(8)) is amended by inserting before the period the following:
``, including, as provided by the Secretary, may use funds to provide
to military veterans required coursework and training that take into
account, and are not duplicative of, previous medical coursework and
training received when such veterans were active members of the Armed
Forces, to enable such veterans to satisfy emergency medical services
personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate
State regulatory entity''.
SEC. 14. VETERANS TO WORK PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Veterans To Work Program.--Subchapter III of chapter 169 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section
2856 the following new section:
``Sec. 2857. Veterans to Work pilot program
``(a) Pilot Program; Purposes.--The Secretary of Defense shall
carry out a pilot program (to be known as the `Veterans to Work pilot
program') to determine--
``(1) the maximum feasible extent to which apprentices may
be employed to work on military construction projects
designated under subsection (b);
``(2) the maximum feasible extent to which the apprentices
so employed are veterans; and
``(3) the feasibility of expanding the employment of
apprentices to military construction projects in addition to
those projects designated under subsection (b).
``(b) Designation of Military Construction Projects for Pilot
Program.--(1) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015, the Secretary
of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military
departments, designate for inclusion in the pilot program not less than
20 military construction projects (including unspecified minor military
construction projects under section 2805(a) of this title) that will be
conducted in that fiscal year.
``(2) In designating military construction projects under this
subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall--
``(A) to the greatest extent possible, designate military
construction projects that are located where there are veterans
enrolled in qualified apprenticeship programs or veterans who
could be enrolled in qualified apprenticeship programs in a
cost-effective, timely, and feasible manner;
``(B) ensure geographic diversity among the military
construction projects designated; and
``(C) select projects to be carried out in the continental
United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern
Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(3) Unspecified minor military construction projects may not
exceed 40 percent of the military construction projects designated
under this subsection for a fiscal year.
``(c) Contract Provisions.--Any agreement that the Secretary of
Defense or the Secretary of a military department enters into for a
military construction project that is designated for inclusion in the
pilot program shall ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible,
apprentices shall be employed on the project and that, to the maximum
extent feasible, such apprentices shall be veterans.
``(d) Qualified Apprenticeship and Other Training Programs.--
``(1) Participation by each contractor required.--Each
contractor and subcontractor that seeks to provide construction
services on military construction projects designated by the
Secretary of Defense pursuant to subsection (b) shall submit
adequate assurances with its bid or proposal that it
participates in a qualified apprenticeship or other training
program for each craft or trade classification of worker that
it intends to employ to perform work on the project.
``(2) Qualified apprenticeship or other training program
defined.--
``(A) In general.--In this section, the term
`qualified apprenticeship or other training program'
means an apprenticeship or other training program that
qualifies as an employee welfare benefit plan, as
defined in section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(1)).
``(B) Certification of other programs in certain
localities.--In the event that the Secretary of Labor
certifies that a qualified apprenticeship or other
training program (as defined in subparagraph (A)) for a
craft or trade classification of workers that a
prospective contractor or subcontractor intends to
employ, is not operated in the locality where the
project will be performed, an apprenticeship or other
training program that is not an employee welfare
benefit plan (as defined in such section) may be
certified by the Secretary as a qualified
apprenticeship or other training program provided it is
registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the
Department of Labor, or a State apprenticeship agency
recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship for Federal
purposes
``(e) Report.--(1) Not later than 150 days after the end of each
fiscal year during which the pilot program is active, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to Congress a report that includes the following:
``(A) The progress of military construction projects
designated pursuant to subsection (b) and the role of
apprentices in achieving that progress.
``(B) Any challenges, difficulties, or problems encountered
in recruiting apprentices or in recruiting veterans to become
apprentices.
``(C) Cost differentials in the designated military
construction projects when compared with similar projects
completed contemporaneously, but not designated for the pilot
program.
``(D) Evaluation of benefits derived from employing
apprentices, including the following:
``(i) Workforce sustainability.
``(ii) Workforce skills enhancement.
``(iii) Increased short and long term cost-
effectiveness.
``(iv) Improved veteran employment in sustainable
wage fields.
``(E) Any additional benefits derived from employing
apprentices and veteran apprentices.
``(F) Recommendations on how to more effectively employ
apprentices in subsequent fiscal years.
``(G) Any other information the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate.
``(2) Not later than March 1, 2016, the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to Congress a report that--
``(A) analyzes the pilot program in terms of its effect on
the sustainability of a workforce to meet the military
construction needs of the Armed Forces;
``(B) studies overall improvements in veteran employment in
sustainable wage fields or professions; and
``(C) makes recommendations on the continuation,
modification, or expansion of the pilot program on the basis of
such factors as the Secretary of Defense determines
appropriate, including the following:
``(i) Workforce sustainability.
``(ii) Cost-effectiveness.
``(iii) Community development.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `apprentice' means an individual who is
employed pursuant to and individually registered in a
`qualified apprenticeship or other training program,' as
defined in subsection (d)(2)(A) or other apprenticeship or
training programs recognized in accordance with subsection
(d)(2)(B).
``(2) The term `State' means any of the several States, the
District of Columbia, or territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the
Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(3) The term `veteran' has the meaning given such term
under section 101(2) of title 38.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
subchapter III of chapter 169 of such title is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 2856 the following new item:
``2857. Veterans to Work pilot program.''.
SEC. 15. REPORT ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
Employment and Training, shall jointly submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report setting forth recommendations for
improvements and enhancements of the Transition Assistance Program
(TAP) in order to better meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces
and veterans.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) A description and assessment of the extent to which the
current Transition Assistance Program meets the needs of
members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
(2) Recommendations for improvements and enhancements of
the Transition Assistance Program in order to ensure--
(A) the comprehensiveness of the programs and
activities under the program; and
(B) the consistency of the programs and activities
under the program across the Armed Forces and among the
military installations at which the program is carried
out.
(3) Recommendations for improvements and enhancements of
the Transition Assistance Program to ensure that the program
meets the needs of veterans residing in localities in the
vicinity of military installations at which the program is
carried out.
(4) A description and assessment of the programs and
activities offered to veterans who have completed participation
in the Transition Assistance Program in order to further assist
such veterans in their continuing transition from military life
to civilian life, and recommendations for programs and
activities to improve and enhance such assistance.
(5) An estimate of the cost of implementing the
recommendations set forth pursuant to paragraphs (2), (3), and
(4) during the five fiscal years beginning after the date of
the submittal of the report.
(6) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Labor jointly consider appropriate.
(c) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 16. STUDY ON PROGRAM OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE MODELED ON NATIONAL
GUARD EMPLOYMENT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM OF THE WASHINGTON
NATIONAL GUARD.
(a) Study Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall complete a study
of the National Guard Employment Enhancement Program of the Washington
National Guard to assess the feasibility and advisability of carrying
out a program of assistance modeled after such program for all members
of reserve components of the Armed Forces who transition from activity
military service to civilian life.
(b) Report.--Upon completion of the study required by subsection
(a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report that includes the following:
(1) The findings of the Secretary as a result of the study.
(2) The recommendation of the Secretary as to the
feasibility and advisability of carrying out a program of
assistance as described in subsection (a).
(3) If the Secretary determines that carrying out a program
of assistance as described in subsection (a) is feasible and
advisable, an estimate of the cost to implement the program of
assistance.
(c) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives.
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