House Motion on H.R. 7105, the DELIVER Act, September 23, 2020 — Congressional Record
Summary
This House page of the Congressional Record for September 23, 2020 opens with remarks urging passage of H.R. 5245, the SHIELD for Veterans Act, as amended. The remarks say the Department of Veterans Affairs collected $1.6 billion in debts from veterans last fiscal year and that the bill would let a veteran remove a dependent through eBenefits. The question on the motion offered by Takano was taken, two-thirds being in the affirmative, and the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. Takano then moves to suspend the rules and pass a bill to provide flexibility for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in caring for homeless veterans during a covered public health emergency.
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“House Motion on H.R. 7105, the DELIVER Act, September 23, 2020 — Congressional Record.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-09-23-crec-2020-09-23-pt1-pgh4754-a784bf4498/
, SHA-256 61bb0307efa857ee1d69502c3475d4f090cb80758111bd2a9c4d5790910f1206.Full text
H4754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 23, 2020
Because the removal of a veteran de- accounting of how these debts were ac- reached that this is, indeed, a problem
pendent requires a manual review, a crued. we should have fixed many years ago.
debt is often created because VA’s Unfortunately, Jeff is not alone in Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
lengthy review process results in over- this experience, and too many of our leagues to join me in passing H.R. 5245,
payments to veterans that, by law, VA veterans are badly surprised when they as amended, and I yield back the bal-
must attempt to recoup. receive letters saying they owe the VA ance of my time.
I thank my good friend and fellow money. Sometimes these debts reach The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
veteran, the ranking member of the thousands of dollars. During the hear- question is on the motion offered by
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance ings held by our Oversight and Inves- the gentleman from California (Mr.
and Memorial Affairs, Congressman tigations Subcommittee, we heard TAKANO) that the House suspend the
MIKE BOST from Illinois, for amending from veterans service organizations rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5245, as
this bill while it was being considered about the pain and hardship that these amended.
in committee to require VA to estab- surprises may bring. The question was taken; and (two-
lish a process to allow a veteran to re- Last fiscal year, the VA collected $1.6 thirds being in the affirmative) the
move a dependent through eBenefits as billion in debts from veterans. Some- rules were suspended and the bill, as
seamlessly as they add a dependent. times these debts result from mistakes amended, was passed.
This would remove the bureaucratic in disability payouts, changes in eligi- A motion to reconsider was laid on
and archaic hurdles of the current bility, or simple accounting errors that the table.
paper-based process and reduce the cre- place an undue, unexpected financial f
ation of debts. burden on our veterans. DEPENDABLE EMPLOYMENT AND
The remainder of the bill would It is long past the time to clean this LIVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR
streamline and improve VBA’s debt issue up. That is why today I am ask- VETERANS ECONOMIC RECOVERY
collection process, so veterans have a ing my colleagues to support the ACT
transparent understanding of their SHIELD for Veterans Act, which re-
rights and how to dispute debts when forms VA debt collection processes and Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
they do occur. ensures we are making good on the move to suspend the rules and pass the
I thank the chairman and ranking promises we have made to our vet- bill (H.R. 7105) to provide flexibility for
member of the Subcommittee on Over- erans. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in
sight and Investigation, Congressman The SHIELD Act prevents VA from caring for homeless veterans during a
CHRIS PAPPAS from New Hampshire and collecting overpayments that came as covered public health emergency, and
General JACK BERGMAN from Michigan, a result of their own delays in proc- for other purposes, as amended.
for their work on this bill. I also thank essing and requires the VA to provide The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
Chairman PAPPAS for amending the bill our veterans notice of an overpayment
H.R. 7105
that we reported out of the committee and their plan to collect it. It also re-
to address late-identified CBO scoring quires VA to notify veterans of their Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives of the United States of America in
issues. ability to dispute the overpayment or Congress assembled,
I believe that our bipartisan efforts request a waiver. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
produced a policy that is good for vet- Under this bill, VA will issue a report (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as
erans and taxpayers alike, and I en- to Congress on a plan to improve com- the ‘‘Dependable Employment and Living
courage my colleagues to join me in munications with our veterans on the Improvements for Veterans Economic Recov-
supporting this bill today. debt issue. ery Act’’ or the ‘‘DELIVER Act’’.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- The last thing that my constituent (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
ance of my time. needs, and other constituents need, is tents for this Act is as follows:
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I to be hounded by debt collectors, espe- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from cially if they have done everything TITLE I—ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS
New Hampshire (Mr. PAPPAS), my good right. VETERANS
friend, the chairman of the Sub- This is a bipartisan, commonsense Sec. 101. Flexibility for the Secretary of
committee on Oversight and Investiga- bill, and I really want to thank the ma- Veterans Affairs in caring for
homeless veterans during a cov-
tions, and also the author of this im- jority and minority staff for their
ered public health emergency.
portant piece of legislation. work. I thank my ranking member, Sec. 102. Expansion of eligibility for HUD–
Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I General BERGMAN, as well as Congress- VASH.
thank the gentleman for yielding. man BOST, for their contributions to Sec. 103. Legal services for homeless vet-
Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman helping make this bill better. erans and veterans at risk for
TAKANO and Ranking Member ROE for It is simply unacceptable that VA’s homelessness.
their words, as well as for their efforts mistakes or inefficiencies are going to Sec. 104. Gap analysis of Department of Vet-
erans Affairs Programs that
to help us get to yes on this important hurt the men and women that they are
provide assistance to women
piece of legislation. supposed to serve veterans who are homeless.
I rise in support of H.R. 5245, a bill I Madam Speaker, I urge my col- Sec. 105. Improvements to grants and agree-
introduced along with my colleague, leagues to support this legislation. ments between the Secretary of
Congressman MAX ROSE, to fix some Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Veterans Affairs and entities
major problems directly affecting our Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- that provide services to home-
veterans. leagues to support this commonsense less veterans.
Last year, I heard from one of my bill. It is one of the most common Sec. 106. Repeal of sunset on authority to
carry out program of referral
constituents, New Hampshire veteran things we hear in our office, about an and counseling services for vet-
Jeff Varney, who contacted my office outrageous debt that a veteran owes erans at risk for homelessness
for assistance. Jeff, like thousands of back that they didn’t know they owed who are transitioning from cer-
other veterans across the country, is because of a bureaucratic snafu. We tain institutions.
facing tremendous financial hardship have all heard these cases. Sec. 107. Coordination of case management
due to VA errors. I thank my colleagues for bringing services for veterans receiving
Jeff was in disbelief when the VA in- this up. We should have done this years housing vouchers under Tribal
formed him that he needed to repay HUD-VASH program.
ago. Sec. 108. Contracting for HUD-VASH case
years of benefit overpayments because Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- managers.
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of an apparent error that VA made dec- leagues to support this bill, and I yield Sec. 109. Report on HUD-VASH staffing,
ades ago. back the balance of my time. training, and data systems.
So after a lifetime of service, and Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I, TITLE II—RETRAINING ASSISTANCE FOR
through no fault of his own, Jeff was too, urge passage of this commonsense VETERANS
told he is on the hook for more than solution. I very much also appreciate Sec. 201. COVID–19 Veteran Rapid Retrain-
$11,000, even though VA produced no the bipartisan agreement that we have ing Assistance Program.
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September 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4755
Sec. 202. Access for the Secretaries of Labor rate authorized for State homes for domi- (1) such veterans;
and Veterans Affairs to the ciliary care under section 1741 of such title.’’. (2) case managers of the Department of
Federal directory of new hires. (2) USE OF PER DIEM PAYMENTS.—During a programs for homeless veterans authorized
Sec. 203. Expansion of eligible class of pro- covered public health emergency, a recipient under such chapter; and
viders of high technology pro- of a grant or an eligible entity under the (3) community-based service providers for
grams of education for vet- grant and per diem program of the Depart- homeless veterans receiving funds from the
erans. ment (in this subsection referred to as the Department through grants or contracts.
Sec. 204. Pilot program for off-base transi- ‘‘program’’) may use per diem payments
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
tion training for veterans and under sections 2012 and 2061 of title 38,
(1) COVERED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.—
spouses. United States Code, to provide assistance re-
Sec. 205. Grants for provision of transition The term ‘‘covered public health emergency’’
quired for safety and survival (such as food,
assistance to members of the means an emergency with respect to COVID–
shelter, clothing, blankets, and hygiene
Armed Forces after separation, 19 declared by a Federal, State, or local au-
items) for—
retirement, or discharge. thority.
(A) homeless veterans; and
Sec. 206. One-year independent assessment (2) HOMELESS VETERAN; VETERAN.—The
(B) formerly homeless veterans residing in
of the effectiveness of Transi- terms ‘‘homeless veteran’’ and ‘‘veteran’’
a facility operated wholly or in part by such
tion Assistance Program. a recipient or eligible entity receiving per have the meanings given those terms in sec-
Sec. 207. Longitudinal study on changes to diem payments under section 2012 of such tion 2002 of title 38, United States Code.
TAP. title. (3) TELEHEALTH.—
Sec. 208. Department of Veterans Affairs (3) ADDITIONAL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘telehealth’’
loan fees. (A) IN GENERAL.—During a covered public means the use of electronic information and
TITLE I—ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS health emergency, under the program, the telecommunications technologies to support
VETERANS Secretary may provide amounts for addi- and promote long-distance clinical health
tional transitional housing beds to facilitate care, patient and professional health-related
SEC. 101. FLEXIBILITY FOR THE SECRETARY OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS IN CARING FOR access to housing and services provided to education, public health, and health admin-
HOMELESS VETERANS DURING A homeless veterans. istration.
COVERED PUBLIC HEALTH EMER- (B) NOTICE; COMPETITION; PERIOD OF PER- (B) TECHNOLOGIES.—For purposes of sub-
GENCY. FORMANCE.—The Secretary may provide paragraph (A), ‘‘telecommunications tech-
(a) GENERAL SUPPORT.— amounts under subparagraph (A)— nologies’’ include video conferencing, the
(1) USE OF FUNDS.—During a covered public (i) without notice or competition; and internet, streaming media, and terrestrial
health emergency, the Secretary of Veterans (ii) for a period of performance determined and wireless communications.
Affairs may use amounts appropriated or by the Secretary. (f) EMERGENCY DESIGNATIONS.—
otherwise made available to the Department (4) INSPECTIONS AND LIFE SAFETY CODE RE- (1) IN GENERAL.—This section is designated
of Veterans Affairs to carry out sections QUIREMENTS.— as an emergency requirement pursuant to
2011, 2012, 2031, and 2061 of title 38, United (A) IN GENERAL.—During a covered public section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go
States Code, to provide to homeless veterans health emergency, the Secretary may waive Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)).
and veterans participating in the program any requirement under subsection (b) or (c) (2) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate,
carried out under section 8(o)(19) of the of section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, this section is designated as an emergency
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. in order to allow the recipient of a grant or requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H.
1437f(o)(19)) (commonly referred to as ‘‘HUD– an eligible entity under the program— Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent
VASH’’), as the Secretary determines is (i) to quickly identify temporary alternate resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.
needed, the following: sites of care for homeless veterans that are
(A) Assistance required for safety and sur- SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HUD–
suitable for habitation; VASH.
vival (such as food, shelter, clothing, blan- (ii) to facilitate social distancing or isola-
kets, and hygiene items). tion needs; or (a) HUD PROVISIONS.—Section 8(o)(19) of
(B) Transportation required to support sta- (iii) to facilitate activation or continu- the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
bility and health (such as for appointments ation of a program for which a grant has U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) is amended by adding at
with service providers, conducting housing been awarded. the end the following new subparagraph:
searches, and obtaining food and supplies). (B) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may waive ‘‘(D) VETERAN DEFINED.—In this paragraph,
(C) Communications equipment and serv- a requirement pursuant to the authority pro- the term ‘veteran’ has the meaning given
ices (such as tablets, smartphones, dispos- vided by subparagraph (A) with respect to a that term in section 2002(b) of title 38,
able phones, and related service plans) re- facility of a recipient of a grant or an eligi- United States Code.’’.
quired to support stability and health (such ble entity under the program only if the fa- (b) VHA CASE MANAGERS.—Subsection (b)
as maintaining contact with service pro- cility meets applicable local safety require- of section 2003 of title 38, United States Code,
viders, prospective landlords, and family). ments, including fire safety requirements. is amended by adding at the end the fol-
(D) Such other assistance as the Secretary (c) INSPECTION AND LIFE SAFETY CODE RE- lowing: ‘‘In the case of vouchers provided
determines is needed. QUIREMENTS FOR THERAPEUTIC HOUSING.— under the HUD–VASH program under section
(2) HOMELESS VETERANS ON LAND OF THE DE- (1) IN GENERAL.—During a covered public 8(o)(19) of such Act, for purposes of the pre-
PARTMENT.— health emergency, the Secretary may waive ceding sentence, the term ‘veteran’ shall
(A) COLLABORATION.—During a covered any inspection or life safety code require- have the meaning given such term in section
public health emergency, to the extent pos- ment under subsection (c) of section 2032 of 2002(b) of this title.’’.
sible, the Secretary may collaborate with title 38, United States Code—
one or more organizations to manage use of (A) to allow quick identification of tem- (c) ANNUAL REPORT.—
land of the Department for homeless vet- porary alternate sites of care for homeless (1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than
erans for living and sleeping. veterans that are suitable for habitation; once each year, the Secretary of Veterans
(B) ELEMENTS.—Collaboration under sub- (B) to facilitate social distancing or isola- Affairs shall submit to the Committee on
paragraph (A) may include the provision by tion needs; or Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com-
either the Secretary or the organization of (C) to facilitate the operation of housing mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of
food services and security for property, under such section. Representatives a report on the homeless-
buildings, and other facilities owned or con- (2) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may waive ness services provided under programs of the
trolled by the Department. a requirement pursuant to the authority pro- Department of Veterans Affairs, including
(b) GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM.— vided by paragraph (1) with respect to a resi- services under the program carried out under
(1) LIMITS ON RATES FOR PER DIEM PAY- dence or facility referred to in such section section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing
MENTS.—Section 20013(b) of the Coronavirus 2032 only if the residence or facility, as the Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) (commonly
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act case may be, meets applicable local safety referred to as ‘‘HUD-VASH’’).
(Public Law 116–136) is amended— requirements, including fire safety require- (2) INCLUDED INFORMATION.—Each such an-
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) ments. nual report shall include, with respect to the
as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (d) ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS year preceding the submittal of the report—
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph AFFAIRS TELEHEALTH SERVICES.—To the ex- (A) a statement of the number of eligible
(A), as so redesignated, by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ be- tent practicable, during a covered public individuals who were furnished such home-
fore ‘‘In the case’’; and health emergency, the Secretary shall en- lessness services;
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(C) by adding at the end the following: sure that veterans participating in or receiv- (B) the number of individuals furnished
‘‘(2) If the Secretary waives any limit on ing services from a program under chapter 20 such services under each such program,
grant amounts or rates for per diem pay- of title 38, United States Code, have access disaggregated by the number of men who re-
ments under paragraph (1), notwithstanding to telehealth services to which such veterans ceived such services and the number of
section 2012(a)(2)(B) of such title, the max- are eligible under the laws administered by women who received such services; and
imum rate for per diem payments described the Secretary, including by ensuring that (C) such other information the Secretary
in paragraph (1)(B) shall be three times the telehealth capabilities are available to— determines appropriate.
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H4756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 23, 2020
SEC. 103. LEGAL SERVICES FOR HOMELESS VET- ‘‘(f) LOCATIONS.—To the extent practicable, (2) by adding at the end the following new
ERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK FOR the Secretary shall make grants under this clause:
HOMELESSNESS. section to eligible entities in a manner that ‘‘(iii) With respect to a homeless veteran
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 20 of title 38, is equitably distributed across the geo- who has care of a minor dependent while re-
United States Code, is amended by inserting graphic regions of the United States, includ- ceiving services from the grant recipient or
after section 2022 the following new section: ing with respect to— eligible entity, the daily cost of care shall be
‘‘§ 2022A. Legal services for homeless veterans ‘‘(1) rural communities; the sum of the daily cost of care determined
and veterans at risk for homelessness ‘‘(2) Tribal lands; under subparagraph (A) plus, for each such
‘‘(a) GRANTS.—Subject to the availability ‘‘(3) Native Americans; and minor dependent, an amount that equals 50
of appropriations provided for such purpose, ‘‘(4) Tribal organizations. percent of such daily cost of care.’’.
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make ‘‘(g) REPORTS.—On a biennial basis, the (b) REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN FEES.—
grants to eligible entities that provide legal Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Such section is further amended by adding at
services to homeless veterans and veterans Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- the end the following new subsection:
at risk for homelessness. tives and the Senate a report on grants ‘‘(e) REIMBURSEMENT OF ENTITIES FOR CER-
‘‘(b) CRITERIA.—(1) The Secretary shall— under this section. To the extent feasible, TAIN FEES.—The Secretary may reimburse
‘‘(A) establish criteria and requirements each such report shall include the following the recipient of a grant under section 2011,
for grants under this section, including cri- with respect to the year covered by the re- 2012, 2013, or 2061 of this title for fees charged
teria for entities eligible to receive such port: to that grant recipient for the use of the
grants; and ‘‘(1) The number of homeless veterans and homeless management information system
‘‘(B) publish such criteria and require- veterans at risk for homelessness assisted. described in section 402 of the McKinney-
ments in the Federal Register. ‘‘(2) A description of the legal services pro- Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Public Law
‘‘(2) In establishing criteria and require- vided. 100–77; 42 U.S.C. 11630a)—
ments under paragraph (1), the Secretary ‘‘(3) A description of the legal matters ad- ‘‘(1) in amounts the Secretary determines
shall— dressed. to be reasonable; and
‘‘(A) take into consideration any criteria ‘‘(4) An analysis by the Secretary with re- ‘‘(2) if the Secretary determines that the
and requirements needed with respect to car- spect to the operational effectiveness and grant recipient is unable to obtain informa-
rying out this section in rural communities, cost-effectiveness of the services provided.’’. tion contained in such system through other
Tribal lands, and the territories and posses- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of means and at no cost to the grant recipi-
sions of the United States; and sections at the beginning of such chapter is ent.’’.
‘‘(B) consult with organizations that have amended by inserting after the item relating SEC. 106. REPEAL OF SUNSET ON AUTHORITY TO
experience in providing services to homeless to section 2022 the following new item: CARRY OUT PROGRAM OF REFER-
veterans, including veterans service organi- ‘‘2022A. Legal services for homeless veterans RAL AND COUNSELING SERVICES
zations, the Equal Justice Works FOR VETERANS AT RISK FOR HOME-
and veterans at risk for home-
LESSNESS WHO ARE TRANSITIONING
AmeriCorps Veterans Legal Corps, and other lessness.’’. FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.
organizations the Secretary determines ap- (c) CRITERIA.—Not later than 180 days after
Section 2023 of title 38, United States Code,
propriate. the date of the enactment of this Act, the
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—The Secretary is amended—
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish
may make a grant under this section to an (1) by striking subsection (d); and
the criteria and requirements in the Federal
entity applying for such a grant only if the (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub-
Register pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of sec-
applicant for the grant— section (d).
tion 2022A of title 38, United States Code, as
‘‘(1) is a public or nonprofit private entity SECTION 107. COORDINATION OF CASE MANAGE-
added by subsection (a).
MENT SERVICES FOR VETERANS RE-
with the capacity (as determined by the Sec- SEC. 104. GAP ANALYSIS OF DEPARTMENT OF CEIVING HOUSING VOUCHERS
retary) to effectively administer a grant VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAMS UNDER TRIBAL HUD-VASH PRO-
under this section; THAT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO GRAM.
‘‘(2) demonstrates that adequate financial WOMEN VETERANS WHO ARE HOME-
LESS.
Section 2003 of title 38, United States Code,
support will be available to carry out the is amended by adding at the end the fol-
services for which the grant is sought con- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet-
erans Affairs shall complete an analysis of lowing new subsection:
sistent with the application; ‘‘(c) MOU ON IHS ASSISTANCE.—The Sec-
‘‘(3) agrees to meet the applicable criteria programs of the Department of Veterans Af-
retary may enter into a memorandum of un-
and requirements established under sub- fairs that provide assistance to women vet-
derstanding with the Secretary of Health
section (b)(1); and erans who are homeless or precariously
and Human Services under which case man-
housed to identify the areas in which such
‘‘(4) has, as determined by the Secretary, agers of the Indian Health Service may pro-
programs are failing to meet the needs of
demonstrated the capacity to meet such cri- vide case management assistance to veterans
such women.
teria and requirements. (b) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after who receive housing vouchers under the
‘‘(d) USE OF FUNDS.—Grants under this sec- Tribal HUD-VASH program of the Depart-
the date of the enactment of this Act, the
tion shall be used to provide homeless vet- ment of Housing and Urban Development.’’.
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
erans and veterans at risk for homelessness SEC. 108. CONTRACTING FOR HUD-VASH CASE
Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com-
the following legal services: MANAGERS.
mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of
‘‘(1) Legal services related to housing, in- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 304 of the Hon-
Representatives a report on the analysis
cluding eviction defense, representation in oring America’s Veterans and Caring for
completed under subsection (a).
landlord-tenant cases, and representation in Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public
SEC. 105. IMPROVEMENTS TO GRANTS AND
foreclosure cases. AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE SEC- Law 112–154; 38 U.S.C. 2041 note) is amended—
‘‘(2) Legal services related to family law, RETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND (1) in subsection (a)—
including assistance in court proceedings for ENTITIES THAT PROVIDE SERVICES (A) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘The Sec-
child support, divorce, estate planning, and TO HOMELESS VETERANS. retary’’;
family reconciliation. (a) INCREASE IN PER DIEM PAYMENTS.—Sub- (B) by adding at the end the following new
‘‘(3) Legal services related to income sup- section (a)(2)(B) of section 2012 of title 38, paragraphs:
port, including assistance in obtaining pub- United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(2)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
lic benefits. (1) by striking clause (i) and inserting the (C), the director of a covered medical center
‘‘(4) Legal services related to criminal de- following: shall seek to enter into a contract or agree-
fense, including defense in matters sympto- ‘‘(i) Except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii) ment described in paragraph (1).
matic of homelessness, such as outstanding and subject to the availability of appropria- ‘‘(B) A contract or agreement under sub-
warrants, fines, and driver’s license revoca- tions, the Secretary shall determine the rate paragraph (A) may require that a case man-
tion, to reduce recidivism and facilitate the under this paragraph, which— ager employed by an eligible entity have cre-
overcoming of reentry obstacles in employ- ‘‘(I) may not— dentials equivalent to those of a case man-
ment or housing. ‘‘(aa) be lower than the amount in effect ager of the Department.
‘‘(5) Legal services related to requests to under this clause as in effect immediately ‘‘(C) The Secretary may waive the require-
upgrade the characterization of a discharge preceding the enactment of the Dependable ment under subparagraph (A) if the Sec-
or dismissal of a former member of the Employment and Living Improvements for retary determines that fulfilling such re-
Armed Forces under section 1553 of title 10. Veterans Economic Recovery Act; or quirement is infeasible. If the Secretary
‘‘(6) Such other legal services as the Sec- ‘‘(bb) exceed the amount that is 115 percent grants such a waiver, the Secretary shall
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retary determines appropriate. of the rate authorized for State homes for submit, not later than 90 days after granting
‘‘(e) FUNDS FOR WOMEN VETERANS.—For domiciliary care under subsection (a)(1)(A) of such waiver, to the Committees on Veterans’
any fiscal year, not less than 10 percent of section 1741 of this title, as the Secretary Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep-
the amount authorized to be appropriated for may increase from time to time under sub- resentatives, a report containing—
grants under this section shall be used to section (c) of that section; and ‘‘(i) an explanation of that determination;
provide legal services described in subsection ‘‘(II) may be determined on the basis of lo- ‘‘(ii) a plan to increase the number of case
(d) to women veterans. cality.’’; and managers of the Department; and
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September 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4757
‘‘(iii) a plan for the covered medical center to 12 months of retraining assistance to an the final list under subparagraph (C) is com-
to increase use of such vouchers. eligible veteran for the pursuit of a covered plete.
‘‘(D) In this paragraph, the term ‘covered program of education. Such retraining as- (B) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of
medical center’ means a medical center of sistance shall be in addition to any other en- Veterans Affairs shall enter into an agree-
the Department that the Secretary deter- titlement to educational assistance or bene- ment with a federally funded research and
mines— fits for which a veteran is, or has been, eligi- development corporation or another appro-
‘‘(i) had more than 15 percent of all vouch- ble. priate non-Department entity for the con-
ers allocated to that medical center under (b) ELIGIBLE VETERANS.— duct of a study to determine which occupa-
the program described in paragraph (1) (1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec- tions are high-demand occupations. Such
through the fiscal year preceding such deter- tion, the term ‘‘eligible veteran’’ means a study shall be completed not later than 90
mination go unused due to a lack of case veteran who— days after the date of the enactment of this
management services provided by the Sec- (A) as of the date of the receipt by the De- Act.
retary; and partment of Veterans Affairs of the applica- (C) FINAL LIST.—The Secretary—
‘‘(ii) has a case manager position that has tion for assistance under this section, is at (i) may add or remove occupation from the
been vacant for at least nine consecutive least 22 years of age but not more than 66 list in use pursuant to subparagraph (A) dur-
months immediately preceding the date of years of age; ing the 90-day period following the comple-
such determination.’’; and (B) as of such date, is unemployed by rea- tion of the study required by subparagraph
(2) in subsection (b)(2)— son of the covered public health emergency, (B);
(A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), as certified by the veteran; (ii) shall issue a final list of high-demand
by striking ‘‘, including because—’’ and in- (C) as of such date, is not eligible to re- occupations for use under this section by not
serting a period; and ceive educational assistance under chapter later than 90 days after the date of the com-
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), and 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, United States pletion of the study; and
(C). Code, or chapter 1606 of title 10, United (iii) shall make such final list publicly
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments States Code; available on a website of the Department.
made by this section shall take effect on the (D) is not enrolled in any Federal or State (D) USE OF LIST.—The Secretary shall use
first day of the first fiscal year to begin on jobs program; the list developed under this paragraph in
or after the date of the enactment of this (E) is not in receipt of compensation for a order to apply the requirement that retrain-
Act. service-connected disability rated totally ing assistance under this section is used for
SEC. 109. REPORT ON HUD-VASH STAFFING, disabling by reason of unemployability; and training for a high-demand occupation, but
TRAINING, AND DATA SYSTEMS. (F) will not be in receipt of unemployment the Secretary may remove occupations from
Not later than 180 days after the date of compensation (as defined in section 85(b) of the list as the Secretary determines appro-
the enactment of this Act, and every three the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including priate.
years thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans any cash benefit received pursuant to sub- (4) FULL-TIME DEFINED.—For purposes of
Affairs shall submit to the Committees on title A of title II of division A of the CARES this subsection, the term ‘‘full-time’’ has the
Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- Act (Public Law 116–136), as of the first day meaning given such term under section 3688
tives and the Senate a report that includes on which the veteran would receive a hous- of title 38, United States Code.
the following: ing stipend payment under this section.
(1) An assessment of the hiring needs of the (2) TREATMENT OF VETERANS WHO TRANSFER (d) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE.—
program carried out under section 8(o)(19) of ENTITLEMENT.—For purposes of paragraph (1) RETRAINING ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary
the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 (1)(C), a veteran who has transferred all of of Veterans Affairs shall provide to an eligi-
U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) (commonly referred to as the veteran’s entitlement to educational as- ble veteran pursuing a covered program of
‘‘HUD-VASH’’), including— sistance under section 3319 of title 38, United education under the retraining assistance
(A) identification of the number of HUD- States Code, shall be considered to be a vet- program under this section an amount equal
VASH case managers as of the date of the re- eran who is not eligible to receive edu- to the amount of educational assistance pay-
port including— cational assistance under chapter 33 of such able under section 3313(c)(1)(A) of title 38,
(i) the total number of vacancies; and title. United States Code, for each month the vet-
(ii) the vacancies at each medical center of (3) FAILURE TO COMPLETE.—A veteran who eran pursues the covered program of edu-
the Department of Veterans Affairs; receives retraining assistance under this sec- cation. Such amount shall be payable di-
(B) the number of HUD-VASH case man- tion to pursue a program of education and rectly to the educational institution offering
agers that the Secretaries of Veterans Af- who fails to complete the program of edu- the covered program of education pursued by
fairs and Housing and Urban Development cation shall not be eligible to receive addi- the veteran as follows:
determine necessary to meet the needs of the tional assistance under this section. (A) 50 percent of the total amount payable
Department and program; and (c) COVERED PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION.— shall be paid when the eligible veteran be-
(C) the amount of turnover among HUD- (1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec- gins the program of education.
VASH case managers and whether the turn- tion, a covered program of education is a (B) 25 percent of the total amount payable
over was planned or unexpected. program of education (as such term is de- shall be paid when the eligible veteran com-
(2) An assessment of how compensation, in- fined in section 3452(b) of title 38, United pletes the program of education.
cluding recruitment and retention incen- States Code) for training, pursued on a full- (C) 25 percent of the total amount payable
tives, for HUD-VASH case managers affects time or part-time basis— shall be paid when the eligible veteran finds
turnover, and what percentage of retention (A) that— employment in a field related to the pro-
compensation is provided to case managers (i) is approved under chapter 36 of such gram of education.
at each medical center of the Department of title; (2) FAILURE TO COMPLETE.—
Veterans Affairs (compared to other posi- (ii) does not lead to a bachelors or grad- (A) PRO-RATED PAYMENTS.—In the case of a
tions). uate degree; and veteran who pursues a covered program of
(3) A comparison of compensation de- (iii) is designed to provide training for a education under the retraining assistance
scribed in paragraph (2) with the compensa- high-demand occupation, as determined program under this section, but who does not
tion provided to State, local, and nongovern- under paragraph (3); or complete the program of education, the Sec-
mental housing employees at comparable (B) that is a high technology program of retary shall pay to the educational institu-
training and experience levels. education offered by a qualified provider, tion offering such program of education a
(4) Examples of how the Departments have under the meaning given such terms in sec- pro-rated amount based on the number of
worked with non-Federal partners (such as tion 116 of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans months the veteran pursued the program of
local governments, nongovernmental organi- Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Public education in accordance with this paragraph.
zations, veterans service organizations, and Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note). (B) PAYMENT OTHERWISE DUE UPON COMPLE-
employee unions) to meet the staffing needs (2) ACCREDITED PROGRAMS.—In the case of TION OF PROGRAM.—The Secretary shall pay
of the HUD-VASH program. an accredited program of education, the pro- to the educational institution a pro-rated
(5) Examples of how medical centers of the gram of education shall not be considered a amount under paragraph (1)(B) when the vet-
Department of Veterans Affairs with high re- covered program of education under this sec- eran provides notice to the educational insti-
tention rates for HUD-VASH case managers tion if the program has received a show tution that the veteran no longer intends to
have been able to maintain their staffing cause order from the accreditor of the pro- pursue the program of education.
levels. gram during the five-year period preceding (C) NONRECOVERY FROM VETERAN.—In the
TITLE II—RETRAINING ASSISTANCE FOR
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the date of the enactment of this Act. case of a veteran referred to in subparagraph
VETERANS (3) DETERMINATION OF HIGH-DEMAND OCCUPA- (A), the educational institution may not
SEC. 201. COVID–19 VETERAN RAPID RETRAINING TIONS.— seek payment from the veteran for any
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (A) INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION.—In carrying amount that would have been payable under
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- out this section, the Secretary shall use the paragraph (1)(B) had the veteran completed
erans Affairs shall carry out a program list of high-demand occupations compiled by the program of education.
under which the Secretary shall provide up the Commissioner of Labor Statistics until (D) PAYMENT DUE UPON EMPLOYMENT.—
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H4758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 23, 2020
(i) VETERANS WHO FIND EMPLOYMENT.—In (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans (3) The term ‘‘active service’’ has the
the case of a veteran referred to in subpara- Affairs shall seek to enter into a memo- meaning given such term in section 101 of
graph (A) who finds employment in a field randum of understanding with one or more title 10, United States Code.
related to the program of education during qualified nonprofit organizations for the pur- (n) FUNDING.—
the 180-day period beginning on the date on pose of facilitating the employment of vet- (1) IN GENERAL.—For each fiscal year for
which the veteran withdraws from the pro- erans who participate in the retraining as- which the Secretary provides retraining as-
gram of education, the Secretary shall pay sistance program under this section. sistance under this section, such sums as
to the educational institution a pro-rated (2) QUALIFIED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.— may be necessary shall be made available for
amount under paragraph (1)(C) when the vet- For purposes of this subsection, a qualified such assistance from funds appropriated to,
eran finds such employment. nonprofit organization is a nonprofit organi- or otherwise made available to, the Depart-
(ii) VETERANS WHO DO NOT FIND EMPLOY- zation that— ment for the payment of readjustment bene-
MENT.—In the case of a veteran referred to in (A) is an association of businesses; and fits.
subparagraph (A) who does not find employ- (B) has at least two years of experience (2) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—There is au-
ment in a field related to the program of providing job placement services for vet- thorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 to
education during the 180-day period begin- erans. carry out administrative functions of this
ning on the date on which the veteran with- (h) FOLLOW UP OUTREACH.—The Secretary section.
draws from the program of education— of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the (o) INITIATION OF PAYMENTS.—The Sec-
(I) the Secretary shall not make a payment Secretary of Labor shall contact each vet- retary may begin providing retraining assist-
to the educational institution under para- eran who completes a covered program of ance under this section on the date that is
graph (1)(C); and education under the retraining assistance 180 days after the date of the enactment of
(II) the educational institution may not program under this section 30, 60, 90, and 180 this Act.
seek payment from the veteran for any days after the veteran completes such pro- SEC. 202. ACCESS FOR THE SECRETARIES OF
amount that would have been payable under gram of education to ask the veteran about LABOR AND VETERANS AFFAIRS TO
THE FEDERAL DIRECTORY OF NEW
paragraph (1)(C) had the veteran found em- the experience of the veteran in the retrain- HIRES.
ployment during such 180-day period. ing assistance program and the veteran’s em-
Section 453A(h) of the Social Security Act
(3) HOUSING STIPEND.—For each month that ployment status.
(42 U.S.C. 653a(h)) is amended by adding at
an eligible veteran pursues a covered pro- (i) QUARTERLY REPORTS.—Not later than the end the following new paragraph:
gram of education under the retraining as- the date that is one year after the date of the ‘‘(4) VETERAN EMPLOYMENT.—The Secre-
sistance program under this section, the Sec- enactment of this Act, and quarterly there- taries of Labor and of Veterans Affairs shall
retary shall pay to the veteran a monthly after, the Secretary of Labor shall submit to have access to information reported by em-
housing stipend in an amount equal to— the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the ployers pursuant to subsection (b) of this
(A) in the case of a covered program of edu- Senate and House of Representatives a re- section for purposes of tracking employment
cation leading to a degree, or a covered pro- port containing the following information of veterans.’’.
gram of education not leading to a degree, at about veterans who participate in the re-
SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE CLASS OF
an institution of higher learning (as that training assistance program under this sec- PROVIDERS OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY
term is defined in section 3452(f) of title 38, tion: PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION FOR
United States Code) pursued on more than a (1) The percentage of such veterans who VETERANS.
half-time basis, the amount specified under found employment before the end of the sec- Section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery Vet-
subsection (c)(1)(B) of section 3313 of title 38, ond calendar quarter after exiting the pro- erans Educational Assistance Act of 2017
United States Code; gram. (Public Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note) is
(B) in the case of a covered program of edu- (2) The percentage of such veterans who amended—
cation other than a program of education found employment before the end of the (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end
leading to a degree at an institution other fourth calendar quarter after exiting the pro- the following: ‘‘The Secretary shall treat an
than an institution of higher learning pur- gram. individual as an eligible veteran if the Sec-
sued on more than a half-time basis, the (3) The median earnings of all such vet- retary determines that the individual shall
amount specified under subsection erans for the second quarter after exiting the become an eligible veteran fewer than 180
(g)(3)(A)(ii) of such section; or program. days after the date of such determination. If
(C) in the case of a covered program of edu- (4) The percentage of such veterans who at- an individual treated as an eligible veteran
cation pursued on less than a half-time basis, tain a recognized postsecondary credential by reason of the preceding sentence does
or a covered program of education pursued during the 12-month period after exiting the anything to make the veteran ineligible dur-
solely through distance learning on more program. ing the 180-day period referred to in such
than a half-time basis, the amount specified (j) LIMITATION.—Not more than 17,250 eligi- sentence, the Secretary may require the vet-
under subsection (c)(1)(B)(iii) of such section. ble veterans may receive retraining assist- eran to repay any benefits received by such
(4) FAILURE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT.—The ance under this section. veteran by reason of such sentence.’’;
Secretary shall not make a payment under (k) TERMINATION.—No retraining assistance (2) in subsection (c)—
paragraph (1)(C) with respect to an eligible may be paid under this section after the date (A) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ‘‘has
veteran who completes or fails to complete a that is 21 months after the date of the enact- been operational for at least 2 years’’ and in-
program of education under the retraining ment of this Act. serting ‘‘employs instructors whom the Sec-
assistance program under this section if the (l) GAO REPORT.—Not later than 180 days retary determines are experts in their re-
veteran fails to find employment in a field after the termination of the retraining as- spective fields in accordance with paragraph
related to the program of education within sistance program under subsection (k), the (6)’’; and
the 180-period beginning on the date on Comptroller General shall submit to the (B) by adding at the end the following new
which the veteran withdraws from or com- Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen- paragraph:
pletes the program. ate and House of Representatives a report on ‘‘(6) EXPERTS.—The Secretary shall deter-
(e) NO TRANSFERABILITY.—Retraining as- the outcomes and effectiveness of the pro- mine whether instructors are experts under
sistance provided under this section may not gram. paragraph (3)(A) based on evidence furnished
be transferred to another individual. (m) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: to the Secretary by the provider regarding
(f) EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE.— (1) The term ‘‘covered public health emer- the ability of the instructors to—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Labor gency’’ means the declaration— ‘‘(A) identify professions in need of new
shall contact each veteran who pursues a (A) of a public health emergency, based on employees to hire, tailor the programs to
covered program of education under this sec- an outbreak of COVID–19 by the Secretary of meet market needs, and identify the employ-
tion— Health and Human Services under section 319 ers likely to hire graduates;
(A) not later than 30 days after the date on of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. ‘‘(B) effectively teach the skills offered to
which the veteran begins the program of edu- 247d); or eligible veterans;
cation to notify the veteran of the avail- (B) of a domestic emergency, based on an ‘‘(C) provide relevant industry experience
ability of employment placement services outbreak of COVID–19 by the President, the in the fields of programs offered to incoming
upon completion of the program; and Secretary of Homeland Security, or State, or eligible veterans; and
(B) not later than 14 days after the date on local authority. ‘‘(D) demonstrate relevant industry experi-
which the veteran completes, or terminates (2) The term ‘‘veteran’’ means— ence in such fields of programs.’’;
participation in, such program to facilitate (A) a person who served in the active mili- (3) in subsection (d), in the matter pre-
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the provision of employment placement serv- tary, naval, or air service, and who was dis- ceding paragraph (1)—
ices to such veteran. charged or released therefrom under condi- (A) by inserting ‘‘(not including an indi-
(2) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—The Sec- tions other than dishonorable; or vidual described in the second sentence of
retary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to (B) a member of a reserve component of subsection (b))’’ after ‘‘each eligible vet-
the Secretary of Labor such information as the Armed Forces who performs active serv- eran’’; and
may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1). ice for a period of 30 days or longer by reason (B) by inserting ‘‘or part-time’’ after ‘‘full-
(g) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.— of the covered public health emergency. time’’;
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September 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4759
(4) in subsection (g), by striking assistance, interview training, job recruit- (11) other topics the Secretary and the cov-
‘‘$15,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$45,000,000’’; and ment training, and related services leading ered officials determine would aid members
(5) by adding at the end the following new directly to successful transition, as deter- of the Armed Forces as they transition to ci-
subsection (i): mined by the Secretary. vilian life.
‘‘(i) PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN ACCOUNTING OF (c) ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.—To be eligi- (b) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after
ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary may not con- ble for a grant under this section, an organi- the completion of the independent assess-
sider enrollment in a high technology pro- zation shall submit to the Secretary an ap- ment under subsection (a), the Secretary and
gram of education under this section to be plication containing such information and the covered officials, shall submit to the
assistance under a provision of law referred assurances as the Secretary, in consultation Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen-
to in section 3695 of title 38, United States with the Secretary of Labor, may require. ate and House of Representatives and the
Code.’’. (d) PRIORITY.—In making grants under this Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
section, the Secretary shall give priority to
SEC. 204. PILOT PROGRAM FOR OFF-BASE TRAN- and House of Representatives—
SITION TRAINING FOR VETERANS an organization that—
(1) the findings and recommendations (in-
AND SPOUSES. (1) provides multiple forms of services de-
cluding recommended legislation) of the
(a) EXTENSION OF PILOT PROGRAM.—Sub- scribed in subsection (b); or
independent assessment prepared by the en-
section (a) of section 301 of the Dignified (2) is located in a State with—
tity described in subsection (a); and
Burial and Other Veterans’ Benefits Im- (A) a high rate of veteran unemployment;
(2) responses of the Secretary and the cov-
provement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 10 (B) a high rate of usage of unemployment
ered officials to the findings and rec-
U.S.C. 1144 note) is amended— benefits for recently separated members of
ommendations described in paragraph (1).
(1) by striking ‘‘During the two-year period the Armed Forces; or
(C) a labor force or economy that has been (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
beginning on the date of the enactment of (1) The term ‘‘covered officials’’ means—
this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘During the 5-year significantly impacted by the covered public
health emergency (as such term is defined in (A) the Secretary of Defense;
period beginning on the date of the enact- (B) the Secretary of Labor;
ment of the Dependable Employment and section 201(l)(1)).
(e) AMOUNT OF GRANT.—A grant under this (C) the Administrator of the Small Busi-
Living Improvements for Veterans Economic ness Administration; and
section shall be in an amount that does not
Recovery Act’’; and (D) the Secretaries of the military depart-
exceed 50 percent of the amount required by
(2) by striking ‘‘to assess the feasibility the organization to provide the services de- ments.
and advisability of providing such program scribed in subsection (b). (2) The term ‘‘military department’’ has
to eligible individuals at locations other (f) DEADLINE.—The Secretary shall carry the meaning given that term in section 101 of
than military installations’’. out this section not later than six months title 10, United States Code.
(b) LOCATIONS.—Subsection (c) of such sec- after the effective date of this Act. SEC. 207. LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON CHANGES TO
tion is amended— (g) TERMINATION.—The authority to pro- TAP.
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘not less vide a grant under this section shall termi- (a) STUDY.—Not later than 90 days after
than three and not more than five States’’ nate on the date that is five years after the the date of the enactment of this Act, the
and inserting ‘‘not fewer than 50 locations in date on which the Secretary implements the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consulta-
States (as defined in section 101 of title 38, grant program under this section. tion with the Secretaries of Defense and
United States Code)’’; (h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—
Labor and the Administrator of the Small
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘at least There is authorized to be appropriated
Business Administration, shall conduct a
two’’ and inserting ‘‘at least 20’’; and $10,000,000 to carry out this section.
five-year longitudinal study regarding the
(3) by adding at the end the following new SEC. 206. ONE-YEAR INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT
OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSI-
Transition Assistance Program under sec-
paragraphs:
TION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. tions 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States
‘‘(5) PREFERENCES.—In selecting States for
(a) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT.—Not later Code (in this section referred to as ‘‘TAP’’),
participation in the pilot program, the Sec-
than 90 days after the date of the enactment on three separate cohorts of members of the
retary shall provide a preference for any
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Af- Armed Forces who have separated from the
State with—
fairs, in consultation with the covered offi- Armed Forces, including—
‘‘(A) a high rate of usage of unemployment
cials, shall enter into an agreement with an (1) a cohort that has attended TAP coun-
benefits for recently separated members of
appropriate entity with experience in adult seling as implemented on the date of the en-
the Armed Forces; or
education to carry out a one-year inde- actment of this Act;
‘‘(B) a labor force or economy that has
pendent assessment of the Transition Assist- (2) a cohort that attends TAP counseling
been significantly impacted by the covered
ance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of after the Secretaries of Defense and Labor
public health emergency.
title 10, United States Code (in this section implement changes recommended in the re-
‘‘(6) COVERED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.—
referred to as ‘‘TAP’’), including— port under section 206(b); and
In this subsection, the term ‘covered public
(1) the effectiveness of TAP for members of (3) a cohort that has not attended TAP
health emergency’ means the declaration—
each military department during the entire counseling.
‘‘(A) of a public health emergency, based
military life cycle; (b) PROGRESS REPORTS.—Not later than 90
on an outbreak of COVID–19 by the Sec-
(2) the appropriateness of the TAP career days after the date that is one year after the
retary of Health and Human Services under
readiness standards; date of the initiation of the study under sub-
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act
(3) a review of information that is provided section (a) and annually thereafter for the
(42 U.S.C. 247d); or
to the Department of Veterans Affairs under three subsequent years, the Secretaries of
‘‘(B) of a domestic emergency, based on an
TAP, including mental health data; Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Labor, and
outbreak of COVID–19 by the President, the
(4) whether TAP effectively addresses the the Administrator of the Small Business Ad-
Secretary of Homeland Security, or State, or
challenges veterans face entering the civil- ministration, shall submit to the Commit-
local authority.’’.
ian workforce and in translating experience tees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and
(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—Subsection (e) of
and skills from military service to the job House of Representatives and the Commit-
such section is amended by adding at the end
market; tees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the following new sentence: ‘‘Each such re-
(5) whether TAP effectively addresses the House of Representatives a progress report of
port shall include information about the em-
challenges faced by the families of veterans activities under the study during the imme-
ployment outcomes of the eligible individ-
making the transition to civilian life; diately preceding year.
uals who received such training during the
(6) appropriate metrics regarding TAP out- (c) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 180 days
year covered by the report.’’.
(d) CONFORMING REPEAL.—Subsection (f) of comes for members of the Armed Forces one after the completion of the study under sub-
such section is repealed. year after separation, retirement, or dis- section (a), the Secretaries of Veterans Af-
charge from the Armed Forces; fairs, Defense, and Labor, and the Adminis-
SEC. 205. GRANTS FOR PROVISION OF TRANSI-
TION ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF (7) what the Secretary, in consultation trator of the Small Business Administration,
THE ARMED FORCES AFTER SEPA- with the covered officials and veterans serv- shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’
RATION, RETIREMENT, OR DIS- ice organizations determine to be successful Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep-
CHARGE. outcomes for TAP; resentatives and the Committees on Armed
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- (8) whether members of the Armed Forces Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
erans Affairs shall make grants to eligible achieve successful outcomes for TAP, as de- resentatives a report of final findings and
organizations for the provision of transition termined under paragraph (7); recommendations based on the study.
assistance to members of the Armed Forces (9) how the Secretary and the covered offi- (d) ELEMENTS.—The final report under sub-
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who are separated, retired, or discharged cials provide feedback to each other regard- section (c) shall include information regard-
from the Armed Forces, and spouses of such ing such outcomes; ing the following:
members. (10) recommendations for the Secretaries (1) The percentage of each cohort that re-
(b) USE OF FUNDS.—The recipient of a grant of the military departments regarding how ceived unemployment benefits during the
under this section shall use the grant to pro- to improve outcomes for members of the study.
vide to members of the Armed Forces and Armed Forces after separation, retirement, (2) The numbers of months members of
spouses described in subsection (a) resume and discharge; and each cohort were employed during the study.
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H4760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 23, 2020
(3) Annual starting and ending salaries of (6) The annual income of members of each (11) Other criteria the Secretaries and the
members of each cohort who were employed cohort. Administrator of the Small Business Admin-
during the study. (7) The total household income of members istration determine appropriate.
(4) How many members of each cohort en- of each cohort.
(8) How many members of each cohort own SEC. 208. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
rolled in an institution of higher learning, as LOAN FEES.
that term is defined in section 3452(f) of title their principal residences.
38, United States Code. (9) How many dependents that members of The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of
(5) The academic credit hours, degrees, and each cohort have. title 38, United States Code, is amended by
(10) The percentage of each cohort that striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
certificates obtained by members of each co-
achieves a successful outcome for TAP, as
hort during the study. following:
determined under section 206(a)(7).
(E)(i) Interest rate reduction refi- 0.50 0.50 NA
nancing loan issued before Janu-
ary 1, 2021
(E)(ii) Interest rate reduction refi- 0.85 0.85 NA
nancing loan issued on or after
January 1, 2021, and before Janu-
ary 15, 2027
(E)(iii) Interest rate reduction refi- 0.50 0.50 NA
nancing loan issued on or after
January 15, 2027
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The section also allows VA flexibility erative agreements would only be
ant to the rule, the gentleman from to more quickly pay out grant and per available to highly rated public or non-
California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- diem payments. This means housing profit entities.
tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DAVID P. more veterans more quickly. Additionally, Representative WILD
ROE) each will control 20 minutes. Finally, Mr. LEVIN’s bill authorizes has included legislation to ensure that
The Chair recognizes the gentleman VA to use resources to contract at least 10 percent of the funds made
from California. healthcare services for veterans in the available each fiscal year for this grant
GENERAL LEAVE Health Care for Homeless Veterans, or program must be reserved for providing
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask HCHV, program during a public health legal services to homeless women vet-
unanimous consent that all Members emergency. erans.
may have 5 legislative days in which to As we know, women veterans are the
b 1315
revise and extend their remarks and to fastest growing population of homeless
insert extraneous material on H.R. These are crucial improvements that veterans, and I thank Representative
7105, as amended. VA has asked for, and we stand with PANETTA and Representative WILD for
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there them to deliver this assistance. their work on this section.
objection to the request of the gen- Now, section 102 of this legislation Section 104 of the underlying bill in-
tleman from California? represents H.R. 2398 from Representa- cludes Representative BEATTY’s legisla-
There was no objection. tive SCOTT PETERS. His Veteran tion to carry out a gap analysis study
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I HOUSE Act would finally expand HUD- to determine if VA programs are prop-
yield myself such time as I may con- VASH to cover veterans with other- erly serving homeless women veterans.
sume. than-honorable discharges. Section 105 of the legislation rep-
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Veterans with other-than-honorable resents bipartisan legislation just in-
H.R. 7105, as amended, the DELIVER discharges make up 3 percent of the troduced by Minority Leader MCCAR-
Act. population, but they compose 15 per- THY and Chairman LEVIN. Their legisla-
H.R. 7105, as amended, was intro- cent of the homeless veteran popu- tion, the Reducing Veteran Homeless-
duced by Representative MIKE LEVIN, lation. There is no question that this
chairman of the Subcommittee on Eco- ness Act, would encourage VA to con-
commonsense expansion of the pro- tract out vacant HUD-VASH case-
nomic Opportunity, in June of this
gram would mean fewer homeless vet- worker positions, increase the grant
year. But the package before us encom-
erans, and I thank Representative per diem rates, and allow grant per
passes many of the issues his sub-
PETERS for his tireless work on this diem participants to gain access to the
committee has worked on to reduce
homelessness and improve employment section. homeless management information
Now, included in section 103 of the systems. This will make our commu-
opportunities for veterans.
This bipartisan package encompasses bill is H.R. 3749, Representative PA- nity providers more effective at deliv-
seven bipartisan, bicameral pieces of NETTA’s Legal Services for Homeless ering for their communities.
legislation to improve the lives of vet- Veterans Act. This would authorize VA Section 105 also includes Representa-
erans experiencing hardships. to provide grants or enter into coopera- tive BROWNLEY’s Homeless Veteran
First, section 101 of this package in- tive agreements with eligible entities Families Act.
cludes Chairman LEVIN’s Homeless that provide legal services to homeless Many homeless veterans with chil-
Veterans Coronavirus Response Act. veterans and veterans at risk for home- dren are unable to obtain transitional
This section includes temporary au- lessness. housing and support assistance through
thorities for the Department of Vet- Madam Speaker, according to com- the program because providers only re-
erans Affairs to effectively assist vet- munity organizations, legal services ceive payments from the VA for the
erans during this difficult time. are one of the top unmet needs for veteran, not their minor dependents.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Madam Speaker, that means giving homeless veterans. Under this section, This section would authorize VA to pay
VA the ability to serve more meals and VA would be required to consult with a partial per diem to GPD providers
providing blankets, clothing, basic hy- organizations that have experience pro- supporting our Nation’s homeless vet-
giene products, and permanent and viding services to homeless veterans erans with children.
temporary shelter to veterans experi- when establishing these criteria and re- Finally, this legislation would also
encing homelessness. quirements, and these grants or coop- have VA more accurately track HUD-
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September 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4761
VASH case manager vacancies and help aisle to better support those who have in this country. The retraining pro-
Congress determine how to more effec- served. gram my bill would create would put
tively keep the program staffed so that It contains the text of H.R. 8275, the those veterans back on track to com-
it may most effectively serve our Na- Reducing Veteran Homeless Act of pete for gainful, long-term employ-
tion’s veterans. 2020, which is sponsored by Republican ment opportunities.
Sections 201 through 203 represent Leader KEVIN MCCARTHY of California The second provision named after
Ranking Member ROE and Chairman and Congressman MIKE LEVIN of Cali- Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Wil-
LEVIN’s Rapid Retraining Assistance fornia, the chairman of the Sub- liam ‘‘Bill’’ Mulder is H.R. 2326, as
Program for Veterans. Now, this pro- committee of Economic Opportunity, amended, which was introduced by my
gram will train 7,500 veterans who have to increase funding for transitional friend Congressman LEVIN and my
been economically impacted by housing providers and improve case friends Congressman BILIRAKIS from
COVID–19, putting their skills and management in the Department of Florida and Congressman JODEY
knowledge back to work in our econ- Housing and Urban Development—De- ARRINGTON from Texas, who are, re-
omy. partment of Veterans Affairs Sup- spectively, the current and former Re-
We have a commitment to our Na- portive Housing, or the HUD-VASH publican leaders of the Subcommittee
tion’s veterans to support them regard- program, which we have used in my on Economic Opportunity.
less of the challenges they face. district numerous times. These efforts Their bill, which passed the House
COVID–19 is no different, and I am would help connect homeless veterans earlier this summer, would improve
pleased that we were able to find a way with stable housing and get them back servicemembers’ transition to civilian
to pass concrete employment measures on their own two feet. life by authorizing a review of the cur-
for our Nation’s veterans. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to riculum of the Transition Assistance
Last but certainly not least, sections Leader MCCARTHY and Congressman Program, or TAP program, and author-
204 through 207 represent Chairman LEVIN for bringing these important izing TAP at off-base locations and
LEVIN’s Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer issues to our attention and working to providing grant funds to community
William ‘‘Bill’’ Mulder, Retired, Tran- address them. organizations that help servicemem-
sition Improvement Act. The DELIVER Act also contains an- bers as they transition.
This section would make much-need- other bill that was introduced by Re- This bill is a culmination of the work
ed improvements to our servicemem- publican Leader MCCARTHY, H.R. 5766, the Subcommittee on Economic Oppor-
bers’ transition process, including the VET TEC Expansion Act. tunity started last Congress to improve
more accessible transition sites and The VET TEC program was created TAP.
providing grants for organizations to by Leader MCCARTHY in the Forever GI Madam Speaker, I am grateful to
assist with resume assistance, inter- Bill in 2017 to support veterans pur- Congressmen LEVIN, BILIRAKIS, and
view training, and job recruitment suing careers in the technology sector ARRINGTON for their continued work to
training. by providing them with tuition and a support those transitioning out of the
All told, this is one of the most living stipend as they complete their military and for including their bill in
meaningful pieces of legislation deal- training. the DELIVER Act today.
The VET TEC program is very pop- Madam Speaker, I also thank the Na-
ing with economic hardship we will
ular among veterans, with over 1,100 of tional Coalition for Homeless Veterans
have a chance to consider, and I am
them completing the program and
grateful to the countless Members of for their help in crafting the homeless
many already finding jobs with an av-
Congress for their hard work to make veteran provisions in this bill and the
erage starting salary of $60,000 per
it a reality. numerous military and veteran service
year. That is money well invested when
Our time here is short, so we call on organizations that helped advocate for
you have veterans getting those kinds
our colleagues in the Senate, who have the employment, education, and transi-
of jobs.
also worked on many of these provi- The VET TEC Expansion Act would tion provisions in the bill. Their stead-
sions, to send this bill to the President help streamline processes and author- fast advocacy is critical to getting vet-
before we finish our work this year. ize additional funding for the VET TEC erans into safe, stable homes and back
Madam Speaker, I encourage all my program so that even more veterans to work, and I am grateful to them for
colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. can benefit from it. their strong partnership that we have
7105, as amended. Madam Speaker, I once again thank fostered in my nearly 12 years in Con-
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Republican Leader MCCARTHY, who is a gress.
ance of my time. champion for our Nation’s servicemem- Madam Speaker, I encourage all
Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. bers and veterans and never fails to Members to support the DELIVER Act
Madam Speaker, I yield myself as support efforts for them to succeed, for today, and I reserve the balance of my
much time as I may consume. his work on this bill. time.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Madam Speaker, the DELIVER Act Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
port of H.R. 7105, as amended, the De- also contains two provisions that are yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
pendable Employment and Living Im- named for Navy SEAL Chief Petty Offi- California (Mr. LEVIN), my good friend
provements for Veterans Economic Re- cer William ‘‘Bill’’ Mulder, who trag- and the chairman of the Subcommittee
covery, or DELIVER, Act. ically died by suicide in 2017 after years on Economic Opportunity, who is also
This bill would help veterans who are of honorable service to our country. the author of this impressive, com-
homeless, provide needed job training The first is H.R. 7111, which I was prehensive H.R. 7105.
and education benefits to veterans who pleased to introduce this summer with Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam
are unemployed, and support veterans Congressman LEVIN and Senators Speaker, I thank Chairman TAKANO for
who are transitioning out of the mili- JERRY MORAN of Kansas and JON yielding.
tary and into civilian life. TESTER of Montana, the chairman and As chair of the House Committee on
It would contain provisions that help ranking member of the Senate Com- Veterans’ Affairs’ Subcommittee on
homeless veteran service providers mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. Economic Opportunity, and as a Rep-
meet the increasing demands associ- As we work to restore the record- resentative for tens of thousands of
ated with the COVID–19 pandemic, pro- breaking economy we had in place be- veterans around Marine Corps Base
vide additional flexibility to fund serv- fore COVID–19, we must do all we can Camp Pendleton, I strongly believe
ices for homeless veterans with chil- to prepare unemployed veterans for that we have got to do more to support
dren, authorize grant funding for legal success in the new post-pandemic econ- those who have served our country. We
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
services for homeless veterans, and as- omy. My bill would do that by author- can’t allow men and women who have
sist incarcerated veterans who are izing a rapid retraining program for served to fall into homelessness, end up
leaving the criminal justice system. veterans who find themselves unem- without a job, or go without the basic
This bill also contains the text of nu- ployed as a result of COVID–19. services that they deserve.
merous other bills that have been spon- Last month, it was estimated that Today, we are taking a significant
sored by Members on both sides of the there are 560,000 unemployed veterans step in making sure veterans are no
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H4762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 23, 2020
longer left behind. I am so proud to I am just so grateful to everybody Our veterans face unique challenges
lead the DELIVER Act, a robust, ac- that has been involved, both the Mem- when they return home and if we can
tion-forward package to help get our bers and their staff. It was really a do a better job on the front end, engag-
veterans back on their feet. The legis- wonderful, bipartisan, bicameral effort. ing them earlier and providing them
lation includes six of my bipartisan I reserve the balance of my time. the education, training, equipping
bills to help get veterans the housing Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. them to reintegrate so that we can, on
and employment opportunities they de- Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the back end, prevent the struggles
serve. the gentleman from Texas (Mr. with addiction, unemployment, home-
It includes the Homeless Veteran ARRINGTON), a former member of the lessness, suicide, that is the goal here.
Coronavirus Response Act, a bill I in- Veterans’ Affairs Committee who I had Those are things that disproportion-
troduced with my friend, Representa- the privilege of visiting in his district ately affect our veterans and we can do
tive GUS BILIRAKIS—I don’t see Gus and I know his commitment to our vet- something about it, and I believe this
here, but I am grateful to him—to ex- erans. legislation will address that in a mean-
pand and strengthen VA services to Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, ingful way.
homeless veterans during the COVID–19 for the record, it is my friend, PHIL As we recognize September as Na-
pandemic. ROE, who likes to say that there would tional Suicide Prevention Awareness
It includes the Veteran HOUSE Act, be no Texas if there weren’t a Ten- Month, I can think of no other cause
a bill I co-led with my friend Rep- nessee. I have to say that in his honor, more worthy for our support in this
resentative SCOTT PETERS, also from and then I will have to defend my great body than helping our veterans
San Diego, to expand the HUD-VASH honor now when I go back to Texas. transition to a more productive and
program to homeless veterans dis- That is my gift to the gentleman as he healthy and fulfilling civilian life after
charged under conditions other than departs. they sacrificed so much for our coun-
honorable. He is a distinguished gentleman and try.
It includes the Reducing Veteran statesman and an effective leader for By the way, I can’t think of a better
Homelessness Act, a bill I introduced our Nation and for our veterans. I way to honor Bill Mulder and those
with Republican Leader KEVIN MCCAR- thank the gentleman for that from the just like him. So I stand in support.
bottom of my heart. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
THY to ensure that homeless veterans
I thank Chairman TAKANO for his ca- time of the gentleman has expired.
and their families receive the resources Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee.
and services they deserve by filling maraderie and our common cause of
serving the veterans. We served to- Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman
gaps in the HUD-VASH case manage- from Texas an additional 1 minute.
ment system. gether when I was in my first term on
Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I
It includes the Housing for Women the VA Committee, and he has a pas-
almost rushed the most important
Veterans Act, a bill I introduced with sion for our veterans. While we may
part. This is not only a cause worthy of
Representative FITZPATRICK to require disagree about things from time to
our support as a Congress, but it will
the VA to complete an analysis of its time, I respect that about the gen-
honor men and women just like Bill
programs that provide assistance to tleman and I wish him all the best suc-
Mulder. I believe if we do it right, and
women veterans who are homeless to cess as we try to do right by those men
if the VA and the Defense Department
identify the areas in which such pro- and women who gave up their today so
actually implement it right—that is
grams are failing to meet their needs. we could have our tomorrow.
the next big hurdle—then we will save
It includes the Veterans Economic Now, to Chairman LEVIN, nothing
lives.
Recovery Act, a bill I introduced with would honor me more than to honor And that is why we got into this gig,
Ranking Member ROE. the Mulder family and my friend Bill right? We want to make a difference.
And we are all going to miss Dr. ROE. Mulder. And for the gentleman to allow We want to help our fellow Americans.
We are grateful for all that he does. us to carry his name forward, rep- We want to save lives.
That bill will, as Dr. ROE just said, resentative of the men and women who Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
create a rapid retraining program for have served and who have returned thank the gentleman from Texas for
unemployed veterans and reservists. with honor but with wounds that you his kind words and comments, and I ap-
And it includes the Chief Petty Offi- can’t see and that end up taking their preciate his passion for our veterans.
cer William ‘‘Bill’’ Mulder Transition lives and taking so much from this And I am very pleased that we can
Improvement Act, a bill I introduced country because they have so much honor his friend by the naming of the
with my friend Representative more to offer, I thank the gentleman. bill.
ARRINGTON to make the transition We need to recognize when things are Madam Speaker, I have no further
process easier for servicemembers re- working around here, and I will say speakers, and I am prepared to close. I
turning to civilian life. that any time we can govern for this reserve the balance of my time.
I have said it before, and I will say it great country and we can do the right Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee.
again: Even one homeless veteran is thing and put our country first, I will Madam Speaker, I am prepared to
one too many. commend anybody any day and all day. close, and I yield myself the balance of
So God bless you gentlemen for your my time.
b 1330 leadership. This is a bill that contains a lot of ef-
We have a moral obligation to make Madam Speaker, I rise in support of fort, as you can see, from both sides of
robust Federal investments in pro- H.R. 7105, a package that includes leg- the aisle, both Republicans and Demo-
grams to help get veterans off the islation that I, along with Chairman crats, and as Mr. ARRINGTON said, try-
street, and we have got to do a better LEVIN, introduced to honor Navy SEAL ing to do the right thing for our Na-
job of ensuring that our Nation’s he- Chief Petty Officer Bill Mulder. This tion’s heroes.
roes have the housing assistance and legislation aims to improve the VA’s I remember in 2008 when I was a can-
services they need. Each of the bills transition assistance program to help didate for Congress, the HUD-VASH
that we have talked about today will our Nation’s servicemembers success- voucher program was rolled out. I
make a real difference for the veterans fully reintegrate back into civilian life didn’t really understand it. It is a pro-
I serve and countless others across the when they return home from serving gram that helps homeless veterans.
country. our Nation. And when I got into Congress, I re-
You hear a lot about how things in Bill Mulder was a friend, a leader, member General Shinseki, who was the
Washington are broken and how we and an American hero who, as I men- Secretary at that time, stated that
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
can’t get a lot done around here, but I tioned, due to the invisible wounds during the housing crisis there were
am very proud of the bipartisan that often plague our soldiers when over 100,000 homeless veterans in Amer-
progress we have made today for our they return, tragically ended his own ica, the wealthiest country in the
veterans. I am hopeful the Senate will life just a few months after retiring world. I found that shameful.
take the bill up quickly and get it on from serving our Nation with distinc- His goal was to eliminate homeless-
the President’s desk. tion. ness among veterans in the next 6
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September 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4763
years. He didn’t achieve that goal, but homelessness is the least that we can do as program receive pay that is based on local or
it was a worthy goal. That number now a country to repay our debt of gratitude. regional conditions rather than a standard
is under 40,000, less than that. And, The VET TEC Expansion Act, which I intro- across-the-board rate, in order to prevent pro-
hopefully, with this bill that has help duced with my colleague from California, Ro viders operating in parts of the country with
for families and children in it, that we Khanna, builds upon the success of the exist- higher living costs from having to reduce serv-
can get these veterans off the street, ing VET TEC pilot program, which was cre- ices.
and into productive lives. ated by the original VET TEC Act that I intro- I would like to thank Subcommittee Chair-
You can see in part of the bill that duced and which President Trump signed into man LEVIN, Committee Ranking Member PHIL
Congressman LEVIN, myself, and leader law in 2017 as part of a broader bipartisan ROE and the members of the House Veterans
MCCARTHY supported, it takes veterans veterans bill. Upon realizing the potential that Affairs Committee for ensuring that our na-
who have lost their jobs and gets them non-traditional, ‘‘nanodegree’’ educational pro- tion’s veterans receive the supportive services
skills that they can transition into grams have for our veterans after visiting such that they deserve by including these two
this new economy post-pandemic, and a program in 2017, I discovered that GI Bill pieces of legislation in the DELIVER Act. Ac-
has money to take care of their fami- benefits did not cover the cost of enrolling in cordingly, I ask my colleagues on both sides
lies. these types of programs, which is why I intro- of the aisle to join me in supporting this bill so
I know the transition assistance pro- duced the VET TEC Act. that we may better serve the veterans who
gram that was mentioned. I know when The VET TEC pilot program began accept- have so valiantly served our country.
I got out of the military, the only ing veteran applications in May 2019, and in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
thing I was worried about was the gate seeking to keep the program aligned with its question is on the motion offered by
of the fort I was in hitting me on the mission to provide veterans with access to the gentleman from California (Mr.
backside on the way out. That is how technology-oriented and industry-responsive TAKANO) that the House suspend the
much help I got at the end of Vietnam. educational courses, I introduced the VET rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7105, as
Nobody really said: What are you going TEC Expansion Act just under one year after amended.
to do next? the pilot’s official launch. This bill would allow The question was taken; and (two-
They just said: You are out of here. the VA to accept more course providers into thirds being in the affirmative) the
We had this little helmet, I remem- the VET TEC pilot program, expand VET TEC rules were suspended and the bill, as
ber, when I was in service, with two pilot program eligibility to include certain amended, was passed.
feet coming out from under it. And servicemembers who are starting the transition The title of the bill was amended so
that meant you were short. You had to civilian life—so they may get a jumpstart on as to read: ‘‘A bill to provide flexibility
less than 100 days left in-country. obtaining new skills that can help them secure for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in
Well, today, we are doing a much bet- a job—and would allow the VA to accept edu- caring for homeless veterans during a
ter job with our transitioning, and we cation providers that offer part-time courses, covered public health emergency, to di-
are starting to think, when these such as night classes, into the pilot program. rect the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
young people go into the military to All of these provisions were developed in to carry out a retraining assistance
serve our country and our Nation and consultation with feedback from veteran orga- program for unemployed veterans, and
protect us, what are you going to do nizations and I am confident that these for other purposes.’’.
when you transition out? changes will allow the VA to provide even A motion to reconsider was laid on
In other words, when you go in, start more veterans with access to the most up-to- the table.
thinking about what you are going to date, non-traditional educational courses pos-
f
do when your military career is over. sible. The VET TEC pilot program is incredibly
This bill will help us get to that. I am popular, so I am pleased that the DELIVER VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE PRE-
very proud to encourage all of my col- Act also authorizes $30 million in additional VENTION, ACCESS TO CARE, AND
leagues to support this bill, and I yield annual funding for this pilot program until its TREATMENT ACT OF 2020
back the balance of my time. expiration in Fiscal Year 2023. This funding in- Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I crease appropriately responds to the current move to suspend the rules and pass the
yield myself the balance of my time. overwhelming demand from veterans who are bill (H.R. 8247) to make certain im-
Madam Speaker, I just want to say seeking to participate in non-traditional edu- provements relating to the transition
that this is a tremendously comprehen- cational courses that prepare them for employ- of individuals to services from the De-
sive bill. It represents the tremendous ment in our dynamic, technology-centric econ- partment of Veterans Affairs, suicide
work of Members from both sides of the omy. An August 2020 VA report to Congress prevention for veterans, and care and
aisle. recently found that thousands of veterans who services for women veterans, and for
I have to say that I am recalling at applied to participate in a VET TEC-approved other purposes, as amended.
this very moment a woman veteran course received a ‘‘Certificate of Eligibility’’ to The Clerk read the title of the bill.
who drove all the way from Los Ange- participate beginning on October 1, 2020, the The text of the bill is as follows:
les into my district to a townhall start of the 2021 Fiscal Year, as VET TEC’s H.R. 8247
meeting where she first made me aware popularity caused it to run out of funding in its
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
of the issue of veterans with children first pilot year. To me, this is a strong testa- resentatives of the United States of America in
not having enough money, not enough ment to the demand for flexible educational Congress assembled,
benefits to be able to get into homeless benefits from our nation’s student veterans. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
housing, and I am so pleased that the The Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as
bill by Ms. BROWNLEY to address that 2020, which I introduced with my colleague the ‘‘Veterans Comprehensive Prevention,
issue is in this piece of legislation. from California, MIKE LEVIN, just last week, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020’’
I just urge all of my colleagues to provides solutions to address issues that or the ‘‘Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020’’.
pass H.R. 7105, as amended, and I yield homeless providers have raised with me in re- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
back the balance of my time. cent years. The successful HUD-VA Sup- tents for this Act is as follows:
Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise portive Housing Program (or HUD-VASH Pro- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
today in support of the DELIVER Act, a bipar- gram) has long been plagued by understaffing TITLE I—IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION
tisan veterans legislative package that in- of case managers, which prevents supportive OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM
cludes two bills that I have introduced this housing vouchers allocated through the pro- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Congress, the VET TEC Expansion Act and gram from reaching veterans in need. Sec. 101. Pilot program on information shar-
the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of My legislation requires the VA to contract ing between Department of Vet-
2020. out HUD-VASH case manager services to erans Affairs and designated
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
I believe that a nation’s character can be community experts when these VA case man- relatives and friends of vet-
erans regarding assistance and
judged by how well it treats its veterans when ager positions remain unfilled for a long period
benefits available to the vet-
they complete their service and return home. of time and HUD-VASH housing vouchers in erans.
Providing veterans with flexible education ben- the region remain unutilized. It also modern- Sec. 102. Annual report on Solid Start pro-
efits to meet current workforce needs and pro- izes the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program so gram of Department of Vet-
tecting our most vulnerable veterans from that homeless providers that participate in this erans Affairs.
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