[Senate Report 113-48]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 102
113th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 113-48
======================================================================
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATION BILL, 2014
_______
June 27, 2013.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 2216]
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred the
bill (H.R. 2216) making appropriations for the Department of
Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for
other purposes, reports the same to the Senate with an
amendment, and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
Amounts in new budget authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$159,999,863,000
Amount of 2013 appropriations\1\........................ 147,014,301,000
Amount of 2014 budget estimate.......................... 160,324,434,000
Amount of House allowance............................... 158,954,317,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
Amount of 2013 appropriations....................... +12,985,562,000
Amount of 2014 budget estimate...................... -324,571,000
House allowance..................................... +1,045,546,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
CONTENTS
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Page
Background:
Purpose of the Bill.......................................... 4
Committee Recommendation..................................... 4
Overview and Summary of Bill................................. 4
Title I:
Military Construction:
Items of Special Interest:
Hearings............................................. 6
Summary of Committee Recommendations................. 6
Reprogramming Guidelines............................. 6
Real Property Maintenance............................ 7
Incremental Funding.................................. 7
Energy Policy........................................ 7
Global Challenges.................................... 8
Military Construction, Army.............................. 15
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps............. 16
Military Construction, Air Force......................... 16
Military Construction, Defense-Wide...................... 17
Military Construction, Reserve Components................ 19
North Atlantic Treaty Organization....................... 20
Family Housing Overview.................................. 20
Family Housing Construction, Army........................ 20
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army........... 21
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps....... 22
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps.................................................. 23
Family Housing Construction, Air Force................... 23
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force...... 24
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide... 24
Family Housing Improvement Fund.......................... 25
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide..... 25
Base Closure Account 1990................................ 26
Base Closure Account 2005................................ 26
Department of Defense Base Closure Account............... 26
Administrative Provisions................................ 27
Title II:
Department of Veterans Affairs:
Items of Special Interest:
Hearings............................................. 29
Summary of Committee Recommendations................. 29
Department Overview.................................. 29
Claims Backlog....................................... 30
Veterans Benefits Administration......................... 33
Compensation and Pensions............................ 34
Readjustment Benefits................................ 35
Veterans Insurance and Indemnities................... 36
Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund................ 37
Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account...... 37
Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account. 38
Veterans Health Administration........................... 38
Medical Services..................................... 41
Medical Support and Compliance....................... 47
Medical Facilities................................... 48
Medical and Prosthetic Research...................... 49
Medical Care Cost Recovery Collections............... 50
Medical Care Collection Fund......................... 50
Medical Care Collection Fund--Revenues Applied....... 50
National Cemetery Administration......................... 51
Departmental Administration.............................. 51
General Administration............................... 52
General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration..................................... 54
Information Technology Systems....................... 55
Office of Inspector General.......................... 59
Construction, Major Projects......................... 60
Construction, Minor Projects......................... 61
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care
Facilities......................................... 62
Grants for Construction of Veterans Cemeteries....... 63
Administrative Provisions................................ 63
Title III:
Related Agencies:
American Battle Monuments Commission:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 66
Foreign Currency Fluctuations........................ 66
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims:
Salaries and Expenses.................................. 67
Department of Defense--Civil: Cemeterial Expenses, Army:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 67
Construction......................................... 68
Armed Forces Retirement Home: Trust Fund................. 69
Title IV: General Provisions..................................... 70
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 71
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 72
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 73
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 73
Military Construction Project Listing by Location................ 74
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 102
BACKGROUND
Purpose of the Bill
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill provides necessary funding for the
planning, design, construction, alteration, and improvement of
military facilities worldwide, for both active and reserve
forces. It also finances the cost of military family housing
and the U.S. share of the NATO Security Investment Program. In
addition, the bill provides funding, including environmental
remediation, for base closures and realignments authorized by
law. The bill provides resources to the Department of Veterans
Affairs for veterans benefits and healthcare and funding for
U.S. cemeteries and battlefield monuments both in the United
States and abroad, including Arlington National Cemetery and
the American Battle Monuments Commission. Additionally, the
bill funds the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; and
the Armed Forces Retirement Homes.
Committee Recommendation
The Committee recommends new budget authority totaling
$159,999,863,000 for fiscal year 2014 military construction,
family housing, base closure, veterans healthcare and benefits,
including fiscal year 2015 advance appropriations for veterans
medical care, and related agencies. This includes
$84,461,636,000 in mandatory funding and $75,538,227,000 in
discretionary funding. The table at the end of the report
displays the Committee recommendation in comparison with the
current fiscal year, and the President's fiscal year 2014
request.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate
Budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New budget authority........ $160,324,434,000 $159,999,863,000
Previous advances provided 54,462,000,000 54,462,000,000
for fiscal year 2014.......
Less advances provided for -55,634,227,000 -55,634,227,000
fiscal year 2015...........
-------------------------------------------
Total appropriations 159,152,207,000 158,827,636,000
for fiscal year 2014.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview and Summary of Bill
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill funds an array of programs that
are vital to America's military personnel and their families,
and to the Nations' veterans. For U.S. military forces and
their families worldwide, the bill funds critical
infrastructure, ranging from mission essential operational and
training facilities to key quality-of-life facilities,
including barracks, family housing, child care centers, schools
and hospitals. For America's 22.3 million veterans, the bill
provides the necessary funding for veterans benefits and
healthcare, from prescription drugs and clinical services to
the construction of hospitals and other medical facilities
throughout the Nation. The bill also funds veterans cemeteries
in the United States and provides funding for four independent
agencies--the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Armed Forces
Retirement Homes, and Arlington National Cemetery.
TITLE I
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Items of Special Interest
HEARINGS
The Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held two hearings related to the
fiscal year 2014 military construction budget request.
Witnesses included representatives of the Office of Secretary
of Defense and of the active and reserve components of the
Army, Navy, and Air Force.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The fiscal year 2014 budget request for military
construction and family housing totals $11,011,633,000. The
Committee recommends $10,688,000,000, which is $323,633,000
below the budget request for military construction and family
housing.
REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES
The following reprogramming guidelines apply for all
military construction and family housing projects. A project or
account (including the sub-elements of an account) which has
been specifically reduced by the Congress in acting on the
budget request is considered to be a congressional interest
item and as such, prior approval is required. Accordingly, no
reprogrammings to an item specifically reduced below the
threshold by the Congress are permitted.
The reprogramming criteria that apply to military
construction projects (25 percent of the funded amount or
$2,000,000, whichever is less) continue to apply to new housing
construction projects and to improvements over $2,000,000. To
provide the services the flexibility to proceed with
construction contracts without disruption or delay, the costs
associated with environmental hazard remediation such as
asbestos removal, radon abatement, lead-based paint removal or
abatement, and any other legislated environmental hazard
remediation may be excluded, provided that such remediation
requirements could not be reasonably anticipated at the time of
the budget submission. This exclusion applies to projects
authorized in this budget year, as well as projects authorized
in prior years for which construction has not been completed.
Furthermore, in instances where prior approval to a
reprogramming request for a project or account has been
received from the Committee, the adjusted amount approved
becomes the new base for any future increase or decrease via
below-threshold reprogrammings (provided that the project or
account is not a congressional interest item as defined above).
In addition to these guidelines, the services are directed
to adhere to the guidance for military construction
reprogrammings and notifications, including the pertinent
statutory authorities contained in Department of Defense [DOD]
Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R and relevant updates
and policy memoranda.
REAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
The Committee recommends a continuation of the following
general rules for repairing a facility under ``Operation and
Maintenance'' account funding:
--Components of the facility may be repaired by replacement,
and such replacement may be up to current standards or
code.
--Interior arrangements and restorations may be included as
repair, but additions, new facilities, and functional
conversions must be performed as military construction
projects.
--Such projects may be done concurrent with repair projects,
as long as the final conjunctively funded project is a
complete and usable facility.
--The appropriate Service Secretary shall submit a 21-day
notification prior to carrying out any repair project
with an estimated cost in excess of $7,500,000.
The Department is directed to continue to report on the
real property maintenance backlog at all installations for
which there is a requested construction project in future
budget requests. This information is to be provided on the form
1390. In addition, for all troop housing requests, the form
1391 is to continue to show all real property maintenance
conducted in the past 2 years and all future requirements for
unaccompanied housing at that installation.
INCREMENTAL FUNDING
In general, the Committee supports full funding for
military construction projects. However, it continues to be the
practice of the Committee to provide incremental funding for
certain large projects, despite administration policy to the
contrary, to enable the services to more efficiently allocate
military construction dollars among projects that can be
executed in the year of appropriation. For fiscal year 2014,
the Committee recommends incremental funding for the following
projects: Ambulatory Health Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky;
Hospital Replacement, increment 5, Fort Bliss, Texas; and
Medical Center Replacement, increment 3, Rhine Ordinance
Barracks, Germany.
ENERGY POLICY
The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy
in the Federal Government, accounting for nearly 80 percent of
the government's total energy consumption. DOD spends nearly
$4,000,000,000 annually on facility energy alone, nearly a
quarter of its total energy costs. However, installation energy
consumption accounts for nearly 40 percent of the Department's
greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee commends the Department
for its aggressive efforts to improve the energy efficiency of
its buildings and installations, reduce consumption, mitigate
its carbon footprint, invest in renewable energy projects, and
enhance energy security on its installations.
The Committee also supports the efforts of the Department
to incorporate green building technologies into both new
construction and renovations of buildings. As noted in the
past, the Committee believes that the use of these technologies
should be a fundamental consideration in the design or retrofit
of all military construction projects.
In particular, the Committee believes that the Department
should maximize the use of energy efficient, eco-friendly
roofing technologies for new construction and renovations,
including family housing construction and renovation. These
technologies include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic
panels, solar thermal roof coatings, solar parking canopies,
rooftop direct use solar lighting technology, green roofs, and
cool roofs. In an effort to capture the most innovative of
these technologies, the Committee encourages the Department and
the services to monitor new technologies emerging from
government, industry, or university research and development
programs.
Although federally mandated sustainable design policies and
energy efficiency goals are standard elements of military
construction design, the Committee encourages the Department
and the services to incorporate additional leading-edge
technologies into the construction program and to utilize new
and underutilized, low cost energy-efficient technologies that
provide the best value to taxpayers through minimal life-cycle
costs.
While strongly supportive of DOD's commitment to green
buildings, and its goal to promote cost-effective
sustainability, the Committee is concerned that the
Department's current approach to sustainable construction could
result in giving preference to one green building certification
system to the exclusion of others, particularly wood products.
The Committee expects DOD to ensure equal acceptance of
forestry certification systems, and to allow systems designated
as American National Standards to compete equally for use in
the Department's building construction and major renovations,
subject to Buy America requirements.
Cybersecure Microgrids at Military Installations.--The
Committee continues to be impressed with the Department's
investments in microgrid energy security and encourages the
Department to continue to explore ways to mitigate the risk to
mission critical assets and promote energy independence at
military installations through the Smart Power Infrastructure
Demonstration for Energy Reliability and Security [SPIDERS]
program. The pilot projects in the 2014 program are a good
start, and the Committee looks forward to progress reports on
the results of these projects and if successful, expanding the
program to ensure our energy security and independence in
future year programs.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
The U.S. military is at the forefront of protecting
America's national security interests in a rapidly shifting
global political and economic landscape. Europe, once the
epicenter of the U.S. military's overseas defense posture, has
transformed into a strong and steady national security ally,
albeit one with a myriad of economic uncertainties that
threaten its economic stability. The transformation of Europe
from a U.S. national security burden to an economic and
security partner has dramatically altered the equation for
assessing the U.S. military presence in Europe. The drawdown of
U.S. forces from Afghanistan has forced the Department of
Defense [DOD] to reevaluate its basing strategy in Southwest
Asia. And the emergence of terrorist activities and training
camps on the continent of Africa has radically changed the
mission of the Africa Command.
Nowhere has the shift in global security been more
pronounced than in the Pacific Command, where the growing
concern over China's military advances and motivations, and the
unpredictability of the North Korean regime, has prompted the
United States to pivot its overseas military strategy to
concentrate on deterring and responding to threats in the
Pacific region.
Military construction plays a central role providing the
infrastructure platform from which the Defense Department can
execute its global strategy. Following is a discussion of some
of the key issues facing the Committee in supporting the U.S.
military overseas mission priorities.
Global Defense Posture.--The Committee notes that the
Department of Defense continues to realign its overseas
installation structure through its global defense posture
initiatives. In support of this effort, the President has
requested $1,688,162,000 in fiscal year 2014 for overseas
military construction, which includes projects in the African,
Central, European, and Pacific areas of responsibility. The
Committee continues to support DOD's efforts to reassess and
realign its overseas installations to better respond to
emerging security challenges. However, the Committee is
concerned that DOD's reporting to Congress does not incorporate
all of the initiatives that impact DOD's posture nor does it
fully capture the costs and future resourcing requirements.
Without comprehensive reporting by the Department on the scope
and cost of overseas presence, the Committee is limited in its
ability to decide between competing requirements in an
environment of limited resources.
To provide Congress necessary oversight, the Committee
required the Defense Department to prepare annual reports on
the Global Defense Posture beginning in fiscal year 2008. In
order to provide greater transparency and more meaningful
context to support congressional deliberations, the Committee
extends the reporting requirement for each unified command
through the fiscal year 2018 budget submission. In addition,
the Committee directs the Department to include the following
elements in future reports:
--an overview of the current overseas basing strategy and an
explanation of any changes to the strategy;
--a complete list of all current and planned main operating
bases, forward operating sites, cooperative security
locations, and contingency locations, along with the
justification and the status of host nation agreements
for each site;
--an identification of lead service responsibilities to
manage and fund each location; and
--a full report of the total costs of global defense posture,
including the following:
--the construction costs anticipated for each location;
--the family and housing costs for each location;
--the operation and maintenance costs for establishing,
operating, and maintaining each location; and
--the number of military personnel projected for each
location and the incremental costs in rotating or
assigning the military personnel to that location,
including the costs of imminent danger pay, family
separation allowances, and hardship duty pay.
The Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to submit
the required reports with the annual Military Construction
budget submissions.
European Command [EUCOM].--The Committee is aware that the
Department of Defense is conducting a European Consolidation
Study in an effort to reduce DOD's infrastructure in Europe.
However, the final report is not due to be completed until
December, well past the normal appropriations process. DOD's
fiscal year 2014 military construction request totals nearly
$631,000,000 for 14 projects in Germany and the United Kingdom
for which it is seeking approval before the results of the
consolidation study have been finalized.
The Committee questions the rationale for funding these
projects before DOD has determined whether any missions can be
consolidated or relocated, or any installations can be returned
to the host nation. These decisions could have a major impact
on military construction requirements. For example, the request
includes $328,000,000 for five schools in Germany and the
United Kingdom, ranging from kindergarten through high school.
Consolidation of missions could change base populations, which
in turn could affect the required size or location of schools.
The Committee is also concerned that the Department is
moving forward with force structure changes in Europe without
waiting for the results of the study. For example, the Army has
just completed construction of a new base for the 173rd
Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Caserna Del Din, Vicenza,
Italy, at a cost of nearly $350,000,000. The purpose of
constructing Del Din was to consolidate elements of the 173rd
Airborne Brigade Combat Team, which had been split between
Germany and Italy, south of the Alps. However, because of the
inactivation of the 170th, 172nd and V Corps Headquarters in
Germany, the Secretary of Defense, on January 30, 2013, agreed
to allow the Army to return the 173rd to the ``split base''
model, and base a third of the forces in Germany. This decision
is in direct contravention of the original purpose of the Del
Din consolidation and is of concern to the Committee.
In addition, the Department is requesting infrastructure at
Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall in the United Kingdom to
beddown a Special Operations Force [SOF] CV-22 Osprey mission
to support Africa Command [AFRICOM]. The Committee notes that
DOD is deploying a number of assets in Europe to support
AFRICOM, including a rotational rapid response force of
approximately 500 marines and six Ospreys at Moron Air Base,
Spain; and another rotational Marine Corps Task Force of about
180 personnel and two KC-130Js at Naval Air Station Sigonella,
Italy.
Given the proliferation of special purpose missions in
Europe to support AFRICOM, the distance from the United Kingdom
to hotspots in the AFRICOM Area of Responsibility [AOR], and
the proximity of Sigonella to the AFRICOM AOR, the Committee
questions the rationale of bedding down the new SOF mission in
the United Kingdom instead of Italy. Sigonella has become a key
launch pad for missions related to Libya, and given the ongoing
turmoil in that nation as well as the emergence of terrorist
training activities in northern Africa, the Committee believes
that the Special Operations Command should reevaluate the
decision to beddown the SOF CV-22 mission at Mildenhall. For
this reason, the Committee recommendation does not include
funding for the CV-22 beddown at Mildenhall. Additionally, the
Committee has fenced funding for the remaining fiscal year 2014
military construction projects in Germany and the United
Kingdom until the European Consolidation Study is transmitted
to Congress and the Secretary of Defense certifies in writing
to the congressional defense committees the requirement for
each of the relevant projects.
The Committee believes that the request for another round
of base closures within the United States is premature until
the Department completes a thorough review of all overseas
bases and determines that all facilities that are operationally
prudent to close are done so before assessing which bases in
the United States should be closed or realigned. The Committee
urges the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the European
Consolidation Study and all overseas basing studies are
conducted without predetermined outcomes and will represent a
thorough evaluation of the needs of the Department of Defense.
Central Command [CENTCOM].--With the impending withdrawal
of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the Defense Department is in
the midst of reorienting the basing of U.S. military personnel
and assets in Southwest and Central Asia. In addition to
Afghanistan, the U.S. military currently operates out of bases
in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates
among others. In addition to sustaining the headquarters of the
U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, DOD is planning to expand
investment in these and other countries to broaden U.S.
military operational flexibility in the region. The Committee
supports the continued presence of U.S. military forces in
Southwest and Central Asia to protect national security
interests in light of the volatility of the region and U.S.
commitment to key allies. However, the Committee believes that
DOD must leverage investment in existing bases and host nation
support to achieve the optimal basing and investment in the
region. At the direction of the Committee, the Government
Accountability Office [GAO] is reviewing the extent to which
DOD has identified future plans for its posture in the region,
as well as reporting on total costs associated with its forces
and basing, with a final report due in November 2013. The
Committee expects DOD to incorporate the findings of this
report in the consideration of future posture plans and
attendant military construction requirements for U.S. military
forces in Southwest and Central Asia.
Africa Command [AFRICOM].--The Committee notes that since
AFRICOM was created in 2007, a number of events, including the
emergence of terrorist training locations and activities, have
occurred on the continent of Africa that have required the
command to respond quickly to emerging threats to protect U.S.
citizens and support our partners and allies. In light of
lessons learned from those events, as well as the currently
evolving situation on the continent, the Department of Defense
[DOD] has begun to explore expanding AFRICOM's forward presence
by posturing additional assets in both Africa and Europe and
delineating certain forces for AFRICOM's use, as appropriate.
The Committee is aware that the Comptroller General has
undertaken several studies on various aspects of global
posture, but believes that an additional study on the planning
for an expanded forward presence for AFRICOM in Africa and
Europe is appropriate. Of particular concern is the response
capability for AFRICOM assets proposed for beddown in Europe.
The Committee therefore directs the Comptroller General of
the United States to undertake a study of the nature and extent
of planning underway by DOD to meet emerging challenges to the
security of the United States on the continent of Africa. This
study should include an assessment of the following:
--the costs of the posture initiatives in Africa to the
United States;
--how posture changes in the AFRICOM area of responsibility
support U.S. goals and strategy;
--the plans for additional investments in infrastructure in
other combatant commands to support AFRICOM;
--how the operational benefits of various locations are being
balanced against their costs; and
--any other issues that the Comptroller General finds
appropriate to assist the Committee with its oversight.
The Comptroller General should periodically brief the
Committee on the status of its work and provide a report no
later than June 15, 2014.
Pacific Command [PACOM].--The recent rebalance of the U.S.
global military presence and posture to the Pacific Region will
require a significant investment in military construction to
support initiatives in Japan, Guam, Singapore, Australia, and
Hawaii.
The Committee remains concerned about the ultimate military
construction cost to implement these initiatives, particularly
in the current constrained budget environment. The centerpiece
of the planned realignment of forces in the Pacific includes a
major military buildup in Guam to support the relocation of
approximately 5,000 U.S. marines from Okinawa. Unfortunately,
the relocation plan has been plagued by delays and uncertainty
due to public opposition and a lack of cooperation by Okinawan
officials to approve the related relocation of marines from
Futenma to Camp Schwab on Okinawa, environmental issues
affecting construction on Guam, and, as a result, the failure
of DOD to be able to finalize a plan or provide a reliable cost
estimate for the Marine relocation plan for Guam.
As the Government Accountability Office [GAO] noted in a
June 11, 2013, report to Congress, ``More Reliable Cost
Estimates and Further Planning Needed to Inform the Marine
Corps Realignment Initiatives in the Pacific,'' (GAO-13-360),
the Defense Department's preliminary cost estimate for its
current Pacific realignment plan is not reliable, because it is
missing costs and is based on limited data:
``According to DOD officials, DOD has not yet been able to
put together a more reliable cost estimate because it will not
have specific detailed information on the plan's requirements
until the completion of environmental analyses and host nation
negotiations,'' the report concluded. ``Currently, DOD
estimates that it would cost approximately $12.1 billion to
implement its realignment plan--not including the Australia
segment of the realignment. Still, GAO found that DOD did not
include some up-front practices that could have provided a more
reliable estimate that are not dependent on the completion of
the environmental analyses and host nation negotiations.''
As a result of continued uncertainty over the future of the
Guam realignment plan, the Committee has deferred funding for
an $85,673,000 Navy aircraft maintenance hangar at Anderson Air
Force Base in Guam, which is the only project in the budget
request directly related to the realignment of U.S. marines
from Okinawa to Guam.
The Committee also has concerns over the status of the
Pacific Airpower Resiliency Initiative [PAR] that PACOM is
conducting to assess the protection of U.S. military air assets
in the region, particularly at Anderson Air Force Base. The
study is focused on a three-pronged approach including
hardening of facilities, dispersal of aircraft, and rapid
runway repair. Although the study has not been completed or its
findings validated, and the congressional defense committees
have not had an opportunity to review it, the budget request
nevertheless includes six Air Force PAR projects for Guam and
Saipan.
It is premature to assess air resiliency priorities without
the final results of the completed PACOM plan for the entire
Area of Responsibility [AOR]. The latest information from the
Command states that the plan will not be completed before the
end of the current fiscal year, too late in the appropriations
process for a detailed and thorough review of DOD's long-term
infrastructure needs in the Pacific. It is imperative that as
the Department rebalances forces in the Pacific region, PACOM
develops a prioritized and fiscally responsible resiliency plan
to protect, disperse and repair U.S. military assets in its
area of responsibility. The Committee urges the Department to
expedite the resiliency plan for the beddown of forces in the
Pacific AOR and to provide the plan to the congressional
defense committees at the earliest possible date.
To ensure that the fiscal year 2014 budget request for Air
Force PAR projects supports the findings of the ongoing PAR
initiative, the Committee has fenced funding for pertinent Air
Force projects in Guam and Saipan until the PAR is transmitted
to Congress, and the Secretary of Defense certifies in writing
to the congressional defense committees the requirement for
each of the relevant projects.
U.S. Special Operations Command [USSOCOM].--The Committee
is mindful that USSOCOM's force structure beddown plan is
operationally fluid, and encourages the Command to consider all
DOD priorities and studies when deciding where to permanently
station forces around the world. However, the Committee is
pleased with the U.S. Special Operations Command's long-range
training plan for CONUS bases and encourages it to stay on
schedule for future budget submissions.
Payment-in-Kind Funds [PIK].--According to an April 15,
2013, report from the Senate Armed Services Committee,
``Inquiry into U.S. Costs and Allied Contributions to Support
the U.S. Military Presence Overseas,'' (Committee Report 113-
12) the United States spends more than $10,000,000,000 a year
to support our permanent military presence overseas, with
nearly 70 percent of that $10,000,000,000 spent in Germany, the
Republic of Korea and Japan. In Germany, force reductions will
result in the return of a large number of U.S. facilities to
the German government. These returns are expected to generate
significant payments from Germany for the ``residual value'' of
U.S. investment in those facilities.
A review conducted by the Department of Defense Inspector
General found that since 1991 the United States has received
more than $920,000,000 in residual value compensation for
excess military facilities returned to Germany. Despite the
expectation that non-momentary, or ``in-kind,'' payments would
be a last resort, more than 95 percent of that $920,000,000 has
been in the form of payment-in-kind [PIK] rather than cash.
These in-kind contributions include major military
construction, repairs and base support for U.S. military
installations in Germany.
According to the Senate Armed Services Committee report,
Installation Management Command-Europe's [IMCOM-E] use of PIK
funds is largely inconsistent with the intent of Congress. In
one case, IMCOM-E solicited and accepted approximately
$60,000,000 in ``advance'' residual PIK funds from Germany--to
be repaid with future U.S. facility returns--with the intent to
fund a number of projects, including one specifically denied by
Congress during the normal appropriation process.
The Committee is concerned about the lack of transparency
in the assessment of residual value of U.S. facilities
overseas, the use of ``advance PIK'' for military construction,
the process used to determine the projects selected for PIK,
and lapses in required Congressional notifications.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to establish procedures to enhance oversight of the PIK program
and to report to the congressional defense committees within 90
days of enactment of this act on the steps DOD is taking to
address the concerns raised by the Committee. The Committee
also directs the Secretary to provide quarterly reports to the
congressional defense committees, beginning with the first
quarter after enactment of this act, on the status of approved
and pending PIK projects. Projects to be funded through advance
PIK should be identified as such. A military construction
project that has been rejected by Congress during the regular
appropriations process is to be considered ineligible for
funding through residual value cash or PIK without prior
approval by the congressional defense committees.
General/Flag Officer Quarters [GFOQ].--The Committee
remains concerned about the excessive cost of maintaining aging
and often historic General/Flag Officer Quarters and the
considerable burden on the U.S. taxpayer. In the 2014 budget
submission, the Army requests funding for 27 GFOQs with an
annual operation and maintenance cost of over $100,000, with
seven needing repairs over $100,000 each. The Navy request
includes 26 GFOQs with operation and maintenance costs
exceeding $100,000, of which 12 need repairs over $100,000. In
contrast, the Air Force submission includes one GFOQ with an
operation and maintenance cost over $100,000 based on a $97,000
repair to the quarters. The Committee has tried to work with
the services on evaluating alternatives for maintaining these
large and aging facilities, but has been stymied by an apparent
unwillingness on the part of the services to seek less
expensive alternatives. In fiscal year 2013, the Committee
directed the services to initiate a review of the operation and
maintenance costs of GFOQs and submit a report to Congress, but
to date no service has complied. Of particular concern is the
Navy's 2013 request for $433,500 for the operation of an 11,322
square foot GFOQ in Naples, which is owned by the government of
Italy, and the 2014 request for $216,000 for the same GFOQ,
only to notify Congress on April 29, 2013, that the occupant
will ``relocate from the GFOQ,'' which is located outside the
fence line of the Navy Support Site. The Navy has determined
that, ``[the GFOQ] built in 1949 is in a deteriorated condition
and is no longer suitable for the operational mission of this
billet.''
Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to initiate a review of costs exceeding $100,000 in any single
fiscal year for repairs, operating and/or maintaining a GFOQ
and provide the congressional defense committees the
justification that these quarters and the excessive costs are
in the best interests of the American taxpayer. The
justification for these costs should be included with the
congressional notification regarding the requirement.
Defense Access Roads.--Well maintained transportation
infrastructure adjacent to military facilities increases
mobility, benefits quality of life, and improves community
relations off base. The Committee urges the Department of
Defense to expand eligibility criteria for the Defense Access
Roads program and work with the United States Department of
Transportation, as well as State departments of transportation
on alternatives to more immediately address critical
transportation infrastructure shortfalls near military
installations. The Department should focus on greater
interagency coordination to effectively take advantage of all
Federal resources to address major traffic needs at military
installations affected by large growth in populations both on
and off base.
Military Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,682,100,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,119,875,000
House allowance......................................... 1,099,875,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,119,875,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Army
provides for acquisition, construction, installation, and
equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military
installations, facilities, and real property for the Army. This
appropriation also provides for facilities required as well as
funds for infrastructure projects and programs required to
support bases and installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,119,875,000 for the Army for
fiscal year 2014. This amount is $562,225,000 below the fiscal
year 2013 enacted level, and equal to the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,547,120,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,700,269,000
House allowance......................................... 1,616,281,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,614,596,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Military Construction appropriation for the Navy and
Marine Corps provides for acquisition, construction,
installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public
works, naval installations, facilities, and real property for
the Navy and the Marine Corps. This appropriation also provides
for facilities required as well as funds for infrastructure
projects and programs required to support bases and
installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,614,596,000 for Navy and Marine
Corps military construction for fiscal year 2014. This amount
is $67,476,000 above the fiscal year 2013 enacted level, and
$85,673,000 below the budget request. Further detail of the
Committee's recommendation is provided in the State table at
the end of this report.
Navy Research Laboratories.--The Committee is concerned
that key scientists and engineers who conduct critical advanced
research and development [R&D] for the Naval Sea Systems
Command work in aged and antiquated labs, some nearly 60 years
old, that are unable to support today's advanced R&D
initiatives. The Committee is encouraged that the Navy has
developed a schedule to replace these labs within the next 5
years. Because these R&D activities are a critical component of
the DOD's efforts to maintain sea and battlefield dominance and
to meet other national security requirements, the Committee
urges the Navy to replace these aging labs in a timely manner
that ensures adequate facilities. The Committee looks forward
to working with Naval Sea Systems Command to make certain that
the Navy's scientific research divisions have the modern
facilities required to meet current and future missions.
Military Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $322,117,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,156,573,000
House allowance......................................... 1,127,273,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,153,960,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Air Force
provides for acquisition, construction, installation, and
equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military
installations, facilities, and real property for the Air Force.
This appropriation also provides for facilities required as
well as funds for infrastructure projects and programs required
to support bases and installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,153,960,000 for the Air Force
in fiscal year 2014. This amount is $831,843,000 above the
fiscal year 2013 enacted level, and $2,613,000 below the budget
request. Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is
provided in the State table at the end of this report.
Air Force Infrastructure Consolidation.--The Committee
recognizes the Air Force's efforts to reduce overhead
throughout its budget. As the Air Force continues to scrutinize
its infrastructure for savings, the Committee recommends that
the Air Force pay special attention to consolidating
infrastructure and commands on its installations, including,
but not limited to, communications, civil engineering, and
administrative facilities.
Aerospace Control Alert Facilities.--Aerospace Control
Alert facilities contribute to the safety and security of our
Nation. The Air Force squadrons that sit alert at these
facilities spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on standby in
order to provide that protection to the Nation's critical
infrastructure, often in substandard temporary facilities. The
Committee encourages the Air Force to accelerate the planned
permanent construction of all alert facilities that are
currently composed of substandard mobile and modular building
units.
KC-46A FTU/MOB.--In May 2013, the Air Force released its
Preferred and Reasonable Alternatives for locating the KC-46A
tanker Formal Training Unit [FTU] and Main Operating Base [MOB]
#1. This determination was made after the release of the fiscal
year 2014 President's budget, and the Air Force submitted
amended DD 1391 forms to the Committee revising the funding
requests for the projects. Accordingly, the Committee provides
funding under ``Air Force, World Wide Unspecified'' at the
updated request level of $31,000,000 for the KC-46A FTU
Facility Projects, and $219,000,000 for the KC-46A MOB #1
Facility Projects.
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $3,577,695,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 3,985,300,000
House allowance......................................... 3,707,923,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,766,553,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Department
of Defense provides for acquisition, construction,
installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public
works, military installations, facilities, and real property
Defense-Wide. This appropriation also provides for facilities
required as well as funds for infrastructure projects and
programs required to support bases and installations around the
world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,766,553,000 for projects
considered within the ``Defense-Wide'' account in fiscal year
2014. This amount is $188,858,000 above the fiscal year 2013
enacted level and $218,747,000 below the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION
The Committee has provided $10,000,000 for the Secretary of
Defense ``Contingency Construction'' account, equal to the
request. This account provides funds which may be used by the
Secretary of Defense for unforeseen facility requirements and
military exercises, including those related to overseas
contingency operations.
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM
The Committee recommends the requested level of
$150,000,000 for the Energy Conservation Investment Program
[ECIP]. The Committee also recommends a transfer of $10,000,000
from unspecified Defense-Wide planning and design into a
separate line item for ECIP planning and design to ensure that
adequate funds are available for future ECIP project planning.
ECIP is the only dedicated stream of funding for energy
projects within DOD. Historically, ECIP has funded small
projects with rapid payback. As DOD moves more aggressively to
develop renewable energy resources and improve energy security,
ECIP is emerging as a major tool to leverage investment in
larger projects, such as net-zero energy facilities or smart
grid technologies, that are intended to produce significant
improvements in energy consumption, costs, and security at
single or multiple installations. The Committee encourages the
Department to continue using ECIP funds to leverage investments
in game-changing major energy projects, particularly renewable
energy initiatives.
The Committee believes that energy efficiency, energy
security, and renewable energy investments are mission-critical
requirements to reduce DOD's dependence on costly and
potentially unreliable sources of commercial energy, and
encourages the services and the defense agencies to
aggressively pursue opportunities to include projects designed
to improve installation energy efficiency and security in their
major construction programs as well as through ECIP.
Military Construction, Reserve Components
Appropriations, 2013\1\\2\.............................. $1,045,428,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 693,310,000
House allowance......................................... 676,310,000
Committee recommendation................................ 693,310,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
\2\Includes emergency funding of $24,235,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for Reserve
components provides for acquisition, construction, expansion,
rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training
and administration of the Reserve components. This
appropriation also provides for facilities required as well as
funds for infrastructure projects and programs required to
support bases and installations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $693,310,000 for military
construction projects for the Guard and Reserve components for
fiscal year 2014. This amount is $352,118,000 below the fiscal
year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
The Committee recommends approval of military construction,
Reserve components, as outlined in the following table:
RESERVE COMPONENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Component Budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard................... $320,815,000 $320,815,000
Air National Guard.................... 119,800,000 119,800,000
Army Reserve.......................... 174,060,000 174,060,000
Navy Reserve.......................... 32,976,000 32,976,000
Air Force Reserve..................... 45,659,000 45,659,000
---------------------------------
Total........................... 693,310,000 693,310,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army Guard Readiness Centers.--The Committee is aware that
fiscal constraints and other strategic priorities have resulted
in delays in the Army National Guard military construction
program, specifically the repair and modernization of readiness
centers. The Committee recognizes that the Army is entering a
period of strategic reset, which will affect the military
construction program of both the active and reserve components.
However, the Committee remains concerned about the substandard
condition of many readiness centers, and urges the Army to
prioritize the construction of new and replacement readiness
centers. The Committee also encourages the Army to reevaluate
its investment in reserve component construction projects to
ensure all projects included in the Infrastructure Requirements
Plan are maintained in the Future Years Defense Program.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $253,828,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 239,700,000
House allowance......................................... 199,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 239,700,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] appropriation
provides for the U.S. cost share of the NATO Security
Investment Program for the acquisition and construction of
military facilities and installations (including international
military headquarters) and for related expenses for the
collective defense of the NATO Treaty area.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $239,700,000 for the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program [NSIP]
for fiscal year 2014 as requested. This amount is $14,128,000
below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
Family Housing Overview
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,648,603,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,542,713,000
House allowance......................................... 1,542,713,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,526,113,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Family Housing appropriation provides funds for
military family housing construction activities, operation and
maintenance, the Family Housing Improvement Fund, and the
Homeowners Assistance Program. Construction accounts provide
funding for new construction, improvements and the Federal
Government share of housing privatization. Operation and
maintenance accounts fund costs associated with the maintenance
and leasing of military family housing, including utilities,
services, management, and furnishings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,526,113,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Operations and Maintenance, and the Department's
family housing improvement fund for fiscal year 2014. This
amount is $122,490,000 below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level
and $16,600,000 below the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $4,635,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 44,008,000
House allowance......................................... 44,008,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,408,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Army provides for
expenses of family housing for construction, including
acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration. This appropriation provides for the financing of
all costs for construction, improvements, and leasing of all
Army housing. In addition to quality-of-life enhancements, the
program contains initiatives to reduce operating costs and
conserve energy by upgrading or replacing facilities which can
be made more efficient through relatively modest investments in
improvements. The Department of Defense is authorized to use
limited partnerships, make direct and guaranteed loans, and
convey Department-owned property to stimulate the private
sector to increase the availability of affordable, quality
housing for the Army.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $27,408,000 for Army Family
Housing Construction in fiscal year 2014, an amount $16,600,000
below the budget request and $22,773,000 above the fiscal year
2013 enacted level.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
The following projects are to be accomplished within the
amounts provided for new construction:
ARMY FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION
[Dollars in thousands]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Location Installation Project Budget request recommendation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin............................... Fort McCoy................. Family Housing New Construction.................. $23,000 $23,000
Germany................................. South Camp Vilseck........ Family Housing New Construction.................. 16,600 ..............
-------------------------------
Total............................. ........................... ................................................. 39,600 23,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $529,352,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 512,871,000
House allowance......................................... 512,871,000
Committee recommendation................................ 512,871,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Army provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Army family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $512,871,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Army for fiscal year 2014. This
amount is $16,481,000 below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $102,047,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 73,407,000
House allowance......................................... 73,407,000
Committee recommendation................................ 73,407,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Navy and Marine
Corps provides for expenses of family housing for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion,
extension, and alteration. This appropriation provides for the
financing of all costs for construction, improvements, and
leasing of all Navy and Marine Corps housing. In addition to
quality-of-life enhancements, the program contains initiatives
to reduce operating costs and conserve energy by upgrading or
replacing facilities which can be made more efficient through
relatively modest investments in improvements. The Department
of Defense is authorized to use limited partnerships, make
direct and guaranteed loans, and convey Department-owned
property to stimulate the private sector to increase the
availability of affordable, quality housing for the Navy and
Marine Corps.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $73,407,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Navy and Marine Corps, including construction
improvements, in fiscal year 2014. This amount is $28,640,000
below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS
The following projects are to be accomplished within the
amounts provided for construction improvements:
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS
[Dollars in thousands]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Location Installation Project Budget request recommendation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana............................... MARFORRES New Orleans...... Family Housing Site Improvements................. $97 $97
Guam.................................... NAVBASE, Guam.............. Revitalize Family Housing--Enlisted and Officer.. 23,100 23,100
Japan................................... CFA Sasebo................. Revitalize Family Housing--Enlisted and Officer.. 21,616 21,616
Japan................................... MCAS Iwakuni............... Revitalize Family Housing--Officer............... 2,686 2,686
Japan................................... MCAS Iwakuni............... Revitalize Family Housing--Enlisted and Officer.. 18,251 18,251
Japan................................... MCAS Iwakuni............... Family Housing Electric Meter Installation....... 3,219 3,219
-------------------------------
Total............................. ........................... ................................................. 68,969 68,969
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $377,731,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 389,844,000
House allowance......................................... 389,844,000
Committee recommendation................................ 389,844,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Navy and Marine Corps provides for the operation and
maintenance of family housing. This includes debt payment,
leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges,
and insurance premiums of Navy and Marine Corps family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $389,844,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps, in fiscal
year 2014. This amount is $12,113,000 above the fiscal year
2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $83,713,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 76,360,000
House allowance......................................... 76,360,000
Committee recommendation................................ 76,360,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Air Force provides
for expenses of family housing for construction, including
acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration. This appropriation provides for the financing of
all costs for construction, improvements and leasing of all Air
Force housing. In addition to quality-of-life enhancements, the
program contains initiatives to reduce operating costs and
conserve energy by upgrading or replacing facilities which can
be made more efficient through relatively modest investments in
improvements. The Department of Defense is authorized to use
limited partnerships, make direct and guaranteed loans, and
convey Department-owned property to stimulate the private
sector to increase the availability of affordable, quality
housing for the Air Force.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $76,360,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Air Force, in fiscal year 2014. This amount is
$7,353,000 below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal
to the budget request.
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS
The following projects are to be accomplished within the
amounts provided for construction improvements:
AIR FORCE CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS
[Dollars in thousands]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Location Installation Project Budget request recommendation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japan................................... Kadena AB....................... Improve Infrastructure, Phase 3............. $18,562 $18,562
Japan................................... Misawa AB....................... Improve Military Family Housing 26,231 26,231
Infrastructure, Phase 3.
Japan................................... Misawa AB....................... Improve Family Housing, Phase 1............. 27,300 27,300
-------------------------------
Total............................. ................................ ............................................ 72,093 72,093
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $497,172,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 388,598,000
House allowance......................................... 388,598,000
Committee recommendation................................ 388,598,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Air Force provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Air Force family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $388,598,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Air Force, in fiscal year 2014. This
amount is $108,574,000 below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $52,169,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 55,845,000
House allowance......................................... 55,845,000
Committee recommendation................................ 55,845,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Family Housing Operation and Maintenance appropriation
for Defense-Wide provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Defense family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $55,845,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Defense-Wide, for fiscal year 2014.
This amount is $3,676,000 above the fiscal year 2013 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Improvement Fund
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,784,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,780,000
House allowance......................................... 1,780,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,780,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing improvement appropriation provides for
the Department of Defense to undertake housing initiatives and
to provide an alternative means of acquiring and improving
military family housing and supporting facilities. This account
provides seed money for housing privatization initiatives.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,780,000 for the Family Housing
Improvement Fund for fiscal year 2014. This amount is $4,000
below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $150,801,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 122,536,000
House allowance......................................... 122,536,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,536,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account provides funding for design and construction
of full-scale chemical disposal facilities and associated
projects to upgrade installation support facilities and
infrastructure required to support the Chemical
Demilitarization Program. This account was established starting
in fiscal year 2005 to comply with section 141(b) of the fiscal
year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $122,536,000 for chemical
demilitarization construction projects for fiscal year 2014, a
decrease of $28,265,000 below the fiscal year 2013 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee continues to urge the Department to take all
necessary and appropriate steps to dispose of the U.S. chemical
weapons stockpile by the 2012 Chemical Weapons Convention
deadline and, under no circumstances, later than 2017
consistent with section 8119 of Public Law 110-116. In light of
the need for the Department to carry out its mission promptly
and safely, it will need to provide close oversight over the
execution of contracts at the chemical demilitarization sites
to ensure funds are spent prudently and efficiently. The
Committee will continue to monitor closely the Department's
compliance with both deadlines.
Base Closure Account 1990
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $408,856,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base Closure Account 2005
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $126,530,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
Appropriations, 2013....................................................
Budget estimate, 2014................................... $451,357,000
House allowance......................................... 451,357,000
Committee recommendation................................ 451,357,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Section 2711 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239) consolidated the Base
Closure Account 1990 and the Base Closure Account 2005 into a
single Department of Defense Base Closure Account. The Base
Closure Account provides for cleanup and disposal of property
consistent with the four closure rounds required by the base
closure acts of 1988 and 1990, and with the 2005 closure round
required by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of
1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $451,357,000 for the
Department of Defense Base Closure Account for fiscal year
2014, equal to the budget request. Funds provided for fiscal
year 2014 are for environmental cleanup and ongoing operations
and maintenance.
BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT ENVIRONMENTAL AND MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW
From fiscal year 1990 through fiscal year 2013, a total of
$26,063,239,000 has been appropriated for the maintenance and
environmental cleanup of military installations closed or
realigned under prior BRAC rounds. The cumulative amount
appropriated for these BRAC activities, combined with the
Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2014, is
$26,514,596,000.
In appropriating these funds, the Committee continues to
provide the Department with broad flexibility to allocate funds
by service, function, and installation. The following table
displays the total amount appropriated for each round of prior
base closures, including amounts recommended for fiscal year
2014 for maintenance and environmental cleanup.
BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT
[Total legacy BRAC environmental and caretaker funding for fiscal year 1990 through fiscal year 2014]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
--------------------------------------
1990-2012 2014 Committee Total
2013 enacted\2\ recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part I.............................. $2,684,577,000 (\1\) (\1\) $2,684,577,000
Part II............................. 4,915,636,000 (\1\) (\1\) 4,915,636,000
Part III............................ 7,269,267,000 (\1\) (\1\) 7,269,267,000
Part IV............................. 10,784,903,000 $408,856,000 (\1\) 11,193,759,000
Consolidated\3\..................... ................. (\1\) $451,357,000 451,357,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total......................... 25,654,383,000 408,856,000 451,357,000 26,514,596,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Not applicable.
\2\Includes across the board reductions in sections 3001 and 3004.
\3\Consolidated account includes BRAC 1990 and BRAC 2005 funding.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 101. The Committee includes a provision that restricts
payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for work,
except in cases of contracts for environmental restoration at
base closure sites.
Sec. 102. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of funds for the hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Sec. 103. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of funds for defense access roads.
Sec. 104. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
construction of new bases inside the continental United States
for which specific appropriations have not been made.
Sec. 105. The Committee includes a provision that limits
the use of funds for purchase of land or land easements.
Sec. 106. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds to acquire land, prepare a site, or install
utilities for any family housing except housing for which funds
have been made available.
Sec. 107. The Committee includes a provision that limits
the use of minor construction funds to transfer or relocate
activities among installations.
Sec. 108. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the procurement of steel unless American producers,
fabricators, and manufacturers have been allowed to compete.
Sec. 109. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
payments of real property taxes in foreign nations.
Sec. 110. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
construction of new bases overseas without prior notification.
Sec. 111. The Committee includes a provision that
establishes a threshold for American preference of $500,000
relating to architect and engineering services for overseas
projects.
Sec. 112. The Committee includes a provision that
establishes preference for American contractors for military
construction in the United States territories and possessions
in the Pacific, and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries
bordering the Arabian Sea.
Sec. 113. The Committee includes a provision that requires
notification of military exercises involving construction in
excess of $100,000.
Sec. 114. The Committee includes a provision that limits
obligations during the last 2 months of the fiscal year.
Sec. 115. The Committee includes a provision that permits
funds appropriated in prior years to be available for
construction authorized during the current session of Congress.
Sec. 116. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of expired or lapsed funds to pay the cost of
supervision for any project being completed with lapsed funds.
Sec. 117. The Committee includes a provision that permits
obligation of funds from more than 1 fiscal year to execute a
construction project, provided that the total obligation for
such project is consistent with the total amount appropriated
for the project.
Sec. 118. The Committee includes a provision that allows
transfer of proceeds from earlier base closure accounts to the
continuing base closure account (1990, parts I-IV).
Sec. 119. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the transfer of funds from Family Housing Construction accounts
to the DOD Family Housing Improvement Fund and from Military
Construction accounts to the DOD Military Unaccompanied Housing
Improvement Fund.
Sec. 120. The Committee includes a provision that provides
transfer authority to the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
Sec. 121. The Committee includes a provision that requires
all acts making appropriations for military construction be the
sole funding source of all operation and maintenance for family
housing, including flag and general officer quarters, and
limits the repair on flag and general officer quarters to
$35,000 per unit per year without prior notification to the
congressional defense committees.
Sec. 122. The Committee includes a provision that provides
authority to expend funds from the ``Ford Island Improvement''
account.
Sec. 123. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the expenditure of funds at installations or for projects no
longer necessary as a result of BRAC 2005.
Sec. 124. The Committee includes a provision that allows
the transfer of expired funds to the Foreign Currency
Fluctuation, Construction, Defense Account.
Sec. 125. The Committee includes a provision that allows
the reprogramming of military construction and family housing
construction funds among projects and activities within the
account in which they are funded.
Sec. 126. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds in this title for planning and design and
construction of projects at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 127. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds in this act for decommissioning the Combined
Heat and Power Plant at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska,
pending a review by the Government Accountability Office.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Items of Special Interest
HEARINGS
The Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held one hearing related to the
fiscal year 2014 Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] budget
request on April 18, 2013. The subcommittee heard testimony
from the Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $147,888,328,000 for
the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2014,
including $84,461,636,000 in mandatory spending and
$63,426,692,000 in discretionary spending. The Committee also
recommends $55,634,227,000 in advance appropriations for
veterans medical care for fiscal year 2015.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Veterans Administration was established on July 21,
1930, as an independent agency by Executive Order 5398, in
accordance with the Act of July 3, 1930 (46 Stat. 1016). This
act authorized the President to consolidate and coordinate
Federal agencies specially created for or concerned with the
administration of laws providing benefits to veterans,
including the Veterans' Bureau, the Bureau of Pensions, and the
National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. On March 15,
1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet-level
status as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA's mission is to serve America's veterans and their
families as their principal advocate in ensuring they receive
the care, support, and recognition they have earned in service
to the Nation. As of September 30, 2012, there were an
estimated 22.3 million living veterans, with 22.2 million of
them residing in the United States and Puerto Rico. There were
an estimated 26.5 million dependents (spouses and dependent
children) of living veterans in the United States and Puerto
Rico, and there were 570,000 survivors of deceased veterans
receiving VA survivor benefits in the United States and Puerto
Rico. Thus, more than 49.3 million people, or 15.5 percent of
the total estimated resident population of the United States
and Puerto Rico, were recipients or potential recipients of
veterans benefits from the Federal Government. The VA's
operating units include the Veterans Benefits Administration,
Veterans Health Administration, National Cemetery
Administration, and staff support offices.
The Veterans Benefits Administration [VBA] provides an
integrated program of nonmedical veterans benefits. The VBA
administers a broad range of benefits to veterans and other
eligible beneficiaries through 56 regional offices and a
records processing center in St. Louis, Missouri. The benefits
provided include: compensation for service-connected
disabilities; pensions for wartime, needy, and totally disabled
veterans; vocational rehabilitation assistance; educational and
training assistance; home buying assistance; estate protection
services for veterans under legal disability; information and
assistance through personalized contacts; and six life
insurance programs.
The Veterans Health Administration [VHA] develops,
maintains, and operates a national healthcare delivery system
for eligible veterans; carries out a program of education and
training of healthcare personnel; conducts medical research and
development; and furnishes health services to members of the
Armed Forces during periods of war or national emergency. A
system of 152 hospitals, 1,208 outpatient clinics and Vet
Centers, 133 nursing homes, and 107 VA residential
rehabilitation treatment programs is maintained to meet the
VA's medical mission.
The National Cemetery Administration [NCA] provides for the
interment of the remains of eligible deceased servicemembers
and discharged veterans in any national cemetery with available
grave space; permanently maintains these graves; provides
headstones and markers for the graves of eligible persons in
national and private cemeteries; administers the grant program
for aid to States in establishing, expanding, or improving
State veterans cemeteries; and provides certificates to
families of deceased veterans recognizing their contributions
and service to the Nation. The National Cemetery Administration
operates 131 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers' lots and
monument sites.
Staff support offices include the Office of Inspector
General, Boards of Contract Appeals and Veterans Appeals, and
General Administration offices, which support the Secretary,
Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Benefits, Under Secretary
for Health, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, and General
Counsel.
CLAIMS BACKLOG
The backlog of veterans compensation claims for service-
related disabilities has reached crisis proportions. The
Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] reported 816,839 pending
claims as of June 10, 2013, of which 66 percent have been
pending for more than 125 days and are considered to be
backlogged. The Committee has worked with the VA over the past
several years to provide funding to hire additional claims
processors and to expedite the digitization of veterans medical
records, but the backlog has continued to grow despite these
efforts.
The problems the VA is facing today are the result of many
factors and have been building for years. They are the product
of an antiquated paper-based system; an increase in the number
of conditions and the complexity of claims being filed; a sharp
spike in supplemental claims due to the expansion of medical
conditions eligible for compensation as a result of Agent
Orange exposure; and delays in the transfer of paper records
from the Department of Defense [DOD] to the VA. To his credit,
the current VA Secretary has made transforming the claims
processing system and moving the VA into the 21st century a top
priority, and in the past year, both VA and DOD have
implemented a number of initiatives to speed the processing of
claims. This includes accelerating the deployment of VA's
paperless claims system, Veterans Benefits Management System
[VBMS], to all 56 Regional Offices. The Committee has responded
by funding every dollar and more requested by the
Administration to improve claims processing. For example, the
fiscal year 2014 request included $136,400,000 to digitize all
of the VA's current paper records of veterans. The bill fully
funds the request. This is significant because 61 percent of
current claims are supplemental claims for existing disability
compensation.
However, it is clear that problems persist, and more needs
to be done to ensure that veterans are receiving timely access
to the benefits they have earned. To that end, the bill
includes a 10-point action plan to give VA additional tools to
address the backlog and strengthen accountability to Congress
by enhancing equipment and access to electronic medical
records, and by strengthening training, oversight, and
accountability. The Committee notes that this plan is focused
not only on production but also on accuracy in an effort to
ensure veterans receive fair compensation at the outset and do
not encounter additional delays by having to appeal decisions.
The plan includes the following elements:
--Provides $20,000,000 above the request to upgrade computer
hardware, such as servers, at Regional Offices to
handle the advanced program requirements of VBMS. The
paperless claims system is scheduled to be installed in
all VA Regional Offices by the end of June 2013.
Hardware upgrades are needed to achieve maximum
performance of the system.
--Provides an additional $10,000,000 for targeted overtime
and training for claims processors as needed to
increase production and help eliminate the claims
backlog.
--Directs the VA to increase training of claims processors to
achieve not only expedited production but also to
ensure quality and accuracy to reduce claims appeals.
Additionally, training programs are to be accompanied
by regular testing and monitoring of poorly performing
Regional Offices to identify and remediate performance
problems.
--Directs the VA to provide Quality Review Teams and to
conduct spot audits at Regional Offices to assess the
performance of the claims processing operations and
flag any management or operational weaknesses.
--Directs the VA to create Centers of Excellence at selected
Regional Offices for certain types of complex claims,
such as claims for PTSD or TBI compensation. With the
VBMS paperless claims system, these centers could use
their expertise to field targeted claims from across
the Nation.
--Directs the VA to have the data management capability to
receive all DOD records in an electronic format by the
end of calendar year 2013. The Defense Department [DOD]
is implementing a program to have all service treatment
records digitized and sent electronically to VA by the
end of 2014. DOD must accelerate this effort to achieve
full electronic transmission of records by the end of
2013, and VA must be prepared to accept them.
--Requires the VA to provide monthly reports to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
on performance measures for each Regional Office,
including the number of backlogged claims, the average
number of days to complete a claim, and error rates.
--Requires the VA to submit quarterly reports that include
the number of claims personnel in each Regional Office,
corrective action taken to remedy any problems at
poorly performing offices, training programs undertaken
by Regional Offices, and Quality Review Team audits
performed during the quarter.
--Directs the VA Inspector General in coordination with the
DOD Inspector General to examine the processes and
procedures involved in the transmission of medical and
personnel records from DOD to VA to identify any
problem areas and provide recommendations for
improvements.
--Provides $88,294,000 for the Board of Veterans Appeals,
$12,862,000 over the request, to hire additional
personnel to address the backlog of appeals.
The Committee recognizes there is no silver bullet that
will solve the claims backlog overnight, but the Committee is
committed to using every tool available to it to assist the VA
in expediting the processing of claims and to ensure accuracy
and oversight of the process.
Budget Justifications.--Congressional budget justifications
are developed each year by the Department to provide a more
detailed explanation and supplemental information on the budget
submission for a given fiscal year. The Committee utilizes this
information to effectively and efficiently evaluate resource
requirements and proposals requested by the Administration. The
Committee is concerned the justifications continue to lack
specificity and the degree of detail needed to ensure informed
and timely evaluation of requested funds and proper oversight
of a Department the size of the VA. The Committee has included
specific directions in the appropriate place within this report
outlining the type of details future justifications should
include.
Military and Civilian Skills Translation.--Currently, most
servicemembers do not transition to civilian life with the
necessary civilian certifications for the job functions they
completed in the military. The Department of Defense has
traditionally viewed this as a retention issue, but in the face
of looming force reductions, this is an immediate problem. The
VOW to Hire Heroes Act took the first step in addressing this
shortfall by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs, in
partnership with the Department of Defense and Department of
Labor, to examine the issue.
The Committee strongly urges the Department of Veterans
Affairs to accelerate these efforts and ensure that as
servicemembers separate, they possess either the credentials or
precertification exam credit for the civilian job functions for
which they are qualified.
Veterans Job Corps Initiative.--High unemployment rates for
veterans transitioning from Active Duty service to the civilian
workforce remain a major concern for the Committee. The
Administration and the VA have taken a number of steps to
incentivize the hiring of veterans by the private sector. Of
note, the Administration has proposed a Veterans Job Corps
Initiative to help returning veterans find a pathway to
civilian employment. The Committee strongly supports this
initiative and urges Congress to authorize it at the earliest
possible opportunity. The Committee also encourages VA to
collaborate with the Department of Labor to address the
nationwide shortage of clinical laboratory technologists and
technicians by targeting grants to community colleges and
vocational schools to provide training for veterans to fill
these key Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [STEM] job
categories.
Open-Air Burn Pits.--The Committee is concerned about the
pace of establishing a planned VA registry of service members
exposed to hazardous pollutants as a result of open-air burn
pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Dignified Burial and Veterans
Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 requires the VA to establish
the registry by January 2014. As part of developing the
registry, the VA is soliciting input from veterans through a
Web-based questionnaire to report health concerns related to
burn pit exposure. The Committee urges the VA to increase its
outreach to veterans to inform them and their families about
the registry by employing both traditional and nontraditional
forms of communication, including a Web portal on the VA's Web
site. The VA should also work with the Department of Defense to
educate current service members about the potential health
consequences of exposure to open burn pits in theater. The
Committee directs the VA to provide the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 60 days of
enactment of this act a detailed implementation plan and
timeline for the registry which should include a detailed
outreach program to inform veterans about the registry and
solicit input from them. The Department should also provide the
Committees an explanation of its plans to inform VA physicians
about the findings of the registry and incorporate those
findings into the disability claims program.
Veterans Benefits Administration
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $73,071,831,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 84,621,534,000
House allowance......................................... 84,621,534,000
Committee recommendation................................ 84,621,534,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The Veterans Benefits Administration [VBA] is responsible
for the payment of compensation and pension benefits to
eligible service-connected disabled veterans, as well as
education benefits and housing loan guarantees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $84,621,534,000 for the Veterans
Benefits Administration. This amount is composed of
$71,248,171,000 for Compensation and pensions; $13,135,898,000
for Readjustment benefits; $77,567,000 for Veterans insurance
and indemnities; $158,430,000 for the Veterans housing benefit
program fund administrative expenses; $5,000 for the Vocational
rehabilitation loans program account, with $354,000 for
administrative expenses; and $1,109,000 for the Native American
veteran housing loan program account.
COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $60,599,855,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 71,248,171,000
House allowance......................................... 71,248,171,000
Committee recommendation................................ 71,248,171,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Compensation is payable to living veterans who have
suffered impairment of earning power from service-connected
disabilities. The amount of compensation is based upon the
impact of disabilities on a veteran's earning capacity. Death
compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation is
payable to the surviving spouses and dependents of veterans
whose deaths occur while on active duty or result from service-
connected disabilities. A clothing allowance may also be
provided for service-connected veterans who use a prosthetic or
orthopedic device. In fiscal year 2014, the Department
estimates it will obligate $65,440,857,000 for payments to
3,846,018 veterans, 364,564 survivors, and 1,206 dependents
receiving special benefits.
Pensions are an income security benefit payable to needy
wartime veterans who are precluded from gainful employment due
to nonservice-connected disabilities which render them
permanently and totally disabled. Public Law 107-103, the
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001, restored
the automatic presumption of permanent and total nonservice
connected disability for purposes of awarding a pension to
veterans age 65 and older, subject to the income limitations
that apply to all pensioners. Death pensions are payable to
needy surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime
veterans. The rate payable for both disability and death
pensions is determined on the basis of the annual income of the
veteran or their survivors. In fiscal year 2014, the Department
estimates that the Pensions program will provide benefits to
314,706 veterans and 202,226 survivors totaling $5,584,256,000.
The Compensation and Pensions program funds certain burial
benefits on behalf of eligible deceased veterans. These
benefits provide the purchase and transportation costs for
headstones and markers, graveliners, and pre-placed crypts; and
provides partial reimbursement for privately purchased outer
burial receptacles. In fiscal year 2014, the Department
estimates the Compensation and Pensions program will obligate
$223,058,000 providing burial benefits. This funding will
provide 49,221 burial allowances, 25,538 burial plot
allowances, 26,091 service-connected death awards, 500,002
burial flags, 344,826 headstones or markers, and 63,508
graveliners or reimbursement for privately purchased outer
burial receptacles.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $71,248,171,000 for Compensation
and pensions. This is an increase of $10,648,316,000 above the
fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The appropriation includes $9,232,000 in payments to the
General operating expenses, veterans benefits administration;
Medical support and compliance; and Information technology
systems accounts for expenses related to implementing
provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990,
the Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992, the Veterans' Benefits
Improvements Act of 1994, and the Veterans' Benefits
Improvements Act of 1996.
Military Sexual Trauma.--The Committee notes that in July
2010, the VA relaxed evidentiary standards for combat veterans
with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]. In doing so, the VA
acknowledged that it is often difficult for many veterans to
produce documentation verifying a specific stressor. Moving
forward, the Committee urges the VBA to take similar steps to
formally relax evidentiary standards for military sexual trauma
victims for whom PTSD has been recognized as a frequently
occurring consequence. The Committee also notes that in recent
Congressional testimony, VBA acknowledged the need to improve
the process for determining military sexual trauma cases.
Subsequently, VBA testified that it would begin reviewing
denied military sexual trauma cases in which PTSD was the
condition claimed by the veteran. Within 90 days after
enactment of this act, the Committee directs the VBA to provide
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an
update on the status of this review as well as data on the
number of denied claims it has reviewed and expects to review.
READJUSTMENT BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $12,023,458,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 13,135,898,000
House allowance......................................... 13,135,898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 13,135,898,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Readjustment benefits appropriation finances the
education and training of veterans and servicemembers under
chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42 and 43 of
title 38, United States Code. These benefits include the All-
Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (Montgomery GI
bill) and the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program. Basic
benefits are funded through appropriations made to the
readjustment benefits appropriation and by transfers from the
Department of Defense. This account also finances vocational
rehabilitation, specially adapted housing grants, specially
adapted automobile grants for certain disabled veterans, and
educational assistance allowances for eligible dependents of
those veterans who died from service-connected causes or who
have a total permanent service-connected disability, as well as
dependents of servicemembers who were captured or missing in
action.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $13,135,898,000 for Readjustment
benefits. This is an increase of $1,112,440,000 above the
fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Education Counseling Services.--The Committee is encouraged
that the Department is now required to develop a comprehensive
policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and
members of the Armed Forces through the provision of
information on institutions of higher learning as mandated in
Public Law 112-249. However, the Committee remains concerned
that a majority of veterans receiving education benefits
provided by the Department is still not requesting education
counseling services available to them pursuant to section 3697A
of title 38, United States Code. No later than 180 days after
enactment of this act, the Committee directs the Secretary to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress regarding the Department's education
counseling services provided to veterans. This report should
include: (1) an assessment of what efforts the Department has
already undertaken to improve outreach and data collection for
veterans' educational counseling and expand the availability of
such counseling to veterans pursuant to Public Law 112-249; (2)
an evaluation of the effectiveness of these efforts to reach
more veterans with this counseling and improve the data on
institutions of higher learning available to them; and (3) an
examination of the feasibility of providing education
counseling to all veterans in an efficient and affordable
manner to ensure they understand the type of education benefits
and services available to them, unless an individual veteran
requests not to receive such counseling, and a proposal as to
how this expanded counseling could be implemented by the
Department.
VETERANS INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $104,600,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 77,567,000
House allowance......................................... 77,567,000
Committee recommendation................................ 77,567,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Veterans insurance and indemnities appropriation
consists of the former appropriations for military and naval
insurance, applicable to World War I veterans; National Service
Life Insurance, applicable to certain World War II veterans;
servicemen's indemnities, applicable to Korean conflict
veterans; and veterans mortgage life insurance to individuals
who have received a grant for specially adapted housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $77,567,000 for Veterans insurance
and indemnities. This is a decrease of $27,033,000 below the
fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Department estimates there will be 6,924,298 policies in
force in fiscal year 2014 with a value of $1,344,419,710,000.
VETERANS HOUSING BENEFIT PROGRAM FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Program account expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013................ $184,859,000 $157,606,000
Budget estimate, 2014............... ................ 158,430,000
House allowance..................... ................ 158,430,000
Committee recommendation............ ................ 158,430,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Veterans housing benefit program fund provides for all
costs associated with the VA's direct and guaranteed housing
loan programs, with the exception of the Native American
veteran housing loan program.
VA loan guaranties are made to servicemembers, veterans,
reservists, and unremarried surviving spouses for the purchase
of homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes, and for
refinancing loans. VA guarantees part of the total loan,
permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a
competitive interest rate, even without a downpayment, if the
lender agrees. The VA requires that a downpayment be made for a
manufactured home. With a VA guaranty, the lender is protected
against loss up to the amount of the guaranty if the borrower
fails to repay the loan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends such sums as may be necessary for
funding subsidy payments, and $158,430,000 for administrative
expenses for fiscal year 2014. Bill language limits gross
obligations for direct loans for specially adapted housing to
$500,000.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Program account expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013................ $19,000 $346,000
Budget estimate, 2014............... 5,000 354,000
House allowance..................... 5,000 354,000
Committee recommendation............ 5,000 354,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Vocational rehabilitation loans program account covers
the cost of direct loans for vocational rehabilitation of
eligible veterans and, in addition, includes administrative
expenses necessary to carry out the direct loan program. Loans
of up to $1,108 (based on the indexed chapter 31 subsistence
allowance rate) are currently available to service-connected
disabled veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation
programs, as provided under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31, when the
veteran is temporarily in need of additional assistance.
Repayment is made in 10 monthly installments, without interest,
through deductions from future payments of compensation,
pension, subsistence allowance, educational assistance
allowance, or retirement pay. Virtually all loans are repaid in
full and most in less than 1 year.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $5,000 for program costs and
$354,000 for administrative expenses for the Vocational
rehabilitation loans program account. The administrative
expenses may be paid to the General operating expenses,
veterans benefits administration account. Bill language is
included limiting program direct loans to $2,500,000. It is
estimated that the VA will make 2,738 loans in fiscal year
2014, with an average amount of $913.
NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $1,088,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,109,000
House allowance......................................... 1,109,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,109,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Native American veteran housing loan program is
authorized by 38 U.S.C. chapter 37, section 3761 to provide
direct loans to Native American veterans living on trust lands.
The loans are available to purchase, construct, or improve
homes to be occupied as veteran residences, or to refinance a
loan previously made under this program in order to lower the
interest rate. The principal amount of a loan under this
authority generally may not exceed $417,000; however, in some
locations this limit may be higher depending on median area
home prices. Veterans pay a funding fee of 1.25 percent of the
loan amount, although veterans with a service-connected
disability are exempt from paying the fee. Before a direct loan
can be made, the veteran's tribal organization must sign a
memorandum of understanding with the VA regarding the terms and
conditions of the loan. The Native American Veteran Housing
Loan Program began as a pilot program in 1993 and was made
permanent by Public Law 109-233, the Veterans Housing
Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,109,000 for administrative
expenses associated with this program. This is $21,000 above
the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget
request.
Veterans Health Administration
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $53,287,887,000
Advance appropriations, 2014............................ 54,462,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 743,164,000
House allowance, 2014................................... 585,664,000
Committee recommendation, 2014.......................... 710,664,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2015............ 55,634,227,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2015............ 55,634,227,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2015... 55,634,227,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $27,000,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The Veterans Health Administration [VHA] operates the
largest Federal medical care delivery system in the country,
with 152 hospitals, 1,208 outpatient clinics and Vet Centers,
133 nursing homes, and 107 VA residential rehabilitation
treatment programs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections
Fund [MCCF] was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997
(Public Law 105-33). In fiscal year 2004, Public Law 108-199
allowed the Department to deposit first-party and
pharmaceutical co-payments; third-party insurance payments and
enhanced-use collections; long-term care co-payments;
Compensated Work Therapy Program collections; Compensation and
Pension Living Expenses Program collections; and Parking
Program fees into the MCCF.
The Parking Program provides funds for the construction,
alteration, and acquisition (by purchase or lease) of parking
garages at VA medical facilities authorized by 38 U.S.C. 8109.
The Secretary is required under certain circumstances to
establish and collect fees for the use of such garages and
parking facilities. Receipts from the parking fees are to be
deposited into the MCCF and are used for medical services
activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2013, the Committee provided $54,462,000,000
in advance appropriations for the VA's medical care accounts
for fiscal year 2014. This included $43,557,000,000 for Medical
services; $6,033,000,000 for Medical support and compliance;
and $4,872,000,000 for Medical facilities. The Committee also
includes an Administrative Provision allowing the Department to
carry forward into fiscal year 2015 certain amounts provided as
an advance for fiscal year 2014. For fiscal year 2014, the
Committee recommends an additional $25,000,000 for Medical
services and $100,000,000 for Medical facilities. Additionally,
the Committee recommendation includes $585,664,000 for Medical
and prosthetic research. Medical care collections are expected
to be $2,485,000,000. The recommendation also includes an
advance appropriation of $55,634,227,000 for veterans medical
care for fiscal year 2015.
Advance Appropriations Budgeting.--The Committee remains
supportive of providing advance appropriations for the three
veterans medical care accounts. The intent of advance
appropriations is to provide timely and predictable funding for
veterans medical care and provide hospitals in the field
certainty as clinical hiring decisions are made. The medical
care budget is formed primarily by an actuarial analysis which
factors in numerous data points including current and projected
veteran population, enrollment projections, and case mix
changes associated with current veteran patients. Due to the
fact that medical care funding is provided a year in advance
and that healthcare is dynamic in nature, the Department
updates the actuarial model after the advance is provided, thus
enabling the Department to make necessary changes in the
following budget submission. The Committee appreciates this
process and understands that the intention is to provide a
clearer picture of medical needs. Last year, the Committee
directed that the fiscal year 2014 Department of Veterans
Affairs budget justifications include explanations on what data
was modified for the actuarial projections and how those
changes produced savings or increased resource requirements.
This year, the VA is requesting an additional $157,500,000 for
the Medical services account. However, the justification
accompanying the budget request provides few details regarding
the modified data. Absent detailed budget justification, it is
impossible for the Committee to assess the merits of the
request. It is imperative that the Department provide detailed
explanations of the request in future budget submissions,
beginning with fiscal year 2015. Additionally, the Department
is directed to include in its budget justifications actual
operational savings achieved in the previous 2 fiscal years so
that a comparison can be made between actual and estimated
savings.
Allocation of Medical Funding.--The Veterans Equitable
Resource Allocation [VERA] serves as the mechanism by which VA
allocates funding appropriated to the three medical care
accounts to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks [VISN] and
to the medical centers. The Committee remains concerned about
the transparency of this process and is specifically concerned
about the amount of funding retained at headquarters or at the
VISNs. In order to ensure proper oversight is maintained and
the Committee has specific information to ensure the medical
centers are receiving the proper allocations, the Committee
directs the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
no later than 30 days after VA allocates the medical care
appropriations to the VISNs which identifies: (1) the amount of
general purpose funding allocated to each VISN; (2) the amount
of funding retained by central headquarters for specific
purposes, with amounts identified for each purpose; and (3) the
amount of funding retained by each VISN before allocating it to
the medical centers, identifying separately the amounts
retained for purposes such as network operations, network
initiatives, and emergencies.
AREAS OF INTEREST
VA Nursing Academy.--The Committee commends the VA for
addressing the nursing shortage through the Veterans Affairs
Nursing Academy. This pilot program established partnerships
with competitively selected nursing schools to expand the
number of teaching faculty in VA facilities and affiliated
nursing schools in order to increase student enrollment in
baccalaureate nursing programs. The Committee notes the VA's
realization of a net-positive value for the pilot overall and
urges the VA to continue its collaboration with the Department
of Defense through the Uniformed Services University of the
Health Services [USUHS] by providing nurse faculty and nursing
students in the graduate nursing education programs through the
external evaluation period.
Office of Inspector General Findings.--The Committee is
concerned by the VA's response to findings resulting from
Office of Inspector General [OIG] investigations at the
Department's healthcare facilities. To cite just one example,
past findings at the G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery VA Medical
Center [VAMC] in Jackson, Mississippi, were not appropriately
resolved. The Committee commends the Department for taking
steps to establish new leadership at the Medical Center and
charging them to make the necessary changes in order to provide
the best possible care to veterans served at the facility.
However, concern remains among patients and families regarding
the quality of care and management provided at that facility.
Therefore, the Secretary is directed to provide a report within
180 days of enactment of the act to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the resolution of
these past issues at the Montgomery VAMC. Because this is not
isolated to the Montgomery VAMC, the Committee also directs the
Secretary to develop a process for reviewing progress on
implementing recommendations made subsequent to any OIG
investigation and report. The Secretary is directed to provide
a report within 180 days of enactment of the act to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the
development of such a process.
Office of Health Information/Office of Informatics and
Analytics.--Last year, the Department was directed to provide
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
report detailing the findings of an internal VA review
regarding potential duplication of functions in the Office of
Health Information and the Office of Informatics and Analytics.
To date, the Committee has not received this report and directs
the Department to provide this review within 14 days after
enactment of this act.
Historical Artifacts.--The Department of Veterans Affairs
maintains historic buildings nationwide which house documents,
photographs, and artifacts that are not maintained at the
National Archives and are stored in various VA facilities
throughout the country under conditions that do not meet
Federal curation requirements and which are not routinely
accessible to the public and researchers. The Committee
supports efforts by the Veterans Health Administration to take
steps to improve storage conditions as well as public access to
these historic artifacts. The Committee encourages the
Department to establish training programs for VA personnel on
proper maintenance of these artifacts.
MEDICAL SERVICES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $41,516,562,000
Advance appropriations, 2014............................ 43,557,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 157,500,000
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation, 2014.......................... 25,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2015............ 45,015,527,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2015............ 45,015,527,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2015... 45,015,527,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $21,000,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical services account provides for medical services
of enrolled eligible veterans and certain dependent
beneficiaries in VA medical centers, VA outpatient clinics,
contract hospitals, State homes, and outpatient programs on a
fee basis. Hospital and outpatient care is also provided by the
private sector for certain dependents and survivors of veterans
under the civilian health and medical programs for the VA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2013, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $43,557,000,000 for fiscal year 2014. The
recommendation for fiscal year 2014 includes an additional
$25,000,000 instead of $157,500,000 requested by the
Administration for the Medical services account. As noted
previously in the report, the justification accompanying the
budget request provides few details regarding the data and
assumptions that were modified in the updated actuarial model
projection. Absent this data, the Committee cannot accurately
assess the merits of an additional request. The Committee also
notes that the Department routinely carries forward significant
funds from one fiscal year to the next and directs that any of
funding carried forward from fiscal year 2013 be applied to
unanticipated needs. In addition, the VA has the authority to
retain co-payments and third-party collections, estimated to
total $2,485,000,000 in fiscal year 2014.
The Committee recommendation also includes an advance
appropriation of $45,015,527,000 for medical services for
fiscal year 2015. This is $1,458,527,000 above the level for
fiscal year 2014 and equal to the fiscal year 2015 budget
request.
The fiscal year 2014 appropriation includes $6,974,224,000
for mental healthcare; $83,203,000 for suicide prevention;
$4,059,200,000 to provide medical care to Afghanistan and Iraq
war veterans; $245,000,000 for readjustment counseling services
at Vet Centers (a $15,000,000 increase over the original budget
request); $2,478,000,000 for prosthetics; $421,900,000 in
gender specific healthcare for women veterans; and
$1,392,742,000 for specific homeless veterans programs. The
Committee acknowledges the increase requested by the President
for these selected programs, but will be closely monitoring
each quarter to ensure that adequate funding is being allocated
to VA hospitals to meet rising demand and to reduce wait times.
Rural Health.--The Committee is encouraged by the VA's
recent efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for our
Nation's rural veterans. However, far too many of these
veterans encounter significant barriers that hinder access to
the care they need. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges the
VA to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness
of care for rural veterans by more aggressively focusing
attention and resources on contracting with local private
providers when appropriate, particularly in the area of mental
health; improving accessibility to Vet Centers and the critical
readjustment counseling and care they provide; and expanding
the VHA telemedicine program, which would allow services to be
brought to more veterans' homes or local clinics while
providing a savings through a reduction in transportation
costs.
The Committee recognizes the ongoing challenges of the VA
to recruit and retain highly qualified healthcare
professionals, particularly mental health professionals and
those in rural areas. Subsequent staffing shortages ultimately
lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for veterans as well as
decreased quality of care. The Committee urges the VHA to
expand partnerships with other Federal agencies, such as the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health
Service, to draw upon the collective resources of these
agencies, to explore additional ways to collaborate at the
Federal, State, and local levels, and to fully utilize
technological advances that bring care closer to home for more
rural Americans. Additionally, the Committee urges VHA to work
collaboratively with these agencies on workforce issues and to
thoroughly evaluate and aggressively deploy innovative
approaches to recruiting and retaining quality physicians,
surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, particularly
mental health professionals and those in rural areas.
Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural
Areas.--The Committee recognizes that Public Law 111-163 took a
number of meaningful steps to enhance care for veterans,
including authorization of a grant program that will allow
State veterans agencies and veterans service organizations to
provide better transportation options for rural veterans
seeking care at a VA facility. The Committee notes that,
although this legislation was signed into law 3 years ago, the
final rules for the grant program have yet to be published, and
no funds have been awarded. The Committee is concerned further
delay in implementation of this grant program will further
impede rural veterans from receiving the critical services they
need. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to
expedite this process and publish the final rule as soon as
possible. Additionally, the Committee directs the Department to
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 90 days after enactment of this act
progress made in publishing and implementing this rule.
National Centers for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.--The
Committee remains very concerned with the number of veterans
suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]. Over the
past several years, the Committee has provided funding for
numerous mental health initiatives to increase healthcare
services for those suffering from PTSD. The fiscal year 2014
recommendation includes an additional $3,000,000 over the
fiscal year 2014 budget estimate for the VA's National Centers
for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to establish a brain tissue
bank which will allow VA researchers to facilitate cutting edge
PTSD research and to develop a PTSD outreach program designed
to reach veterans who reside in rural or highly rural areas.
Access to Care.--Hawaii and Alaska present unique
challenges for VA in delivering timely healthcare. For
instance, if VA does not provide a particular healthcare
service within the VHA system, Hawaii and Alaska veterans are
often directed to fly thousands of miles to a VA hospital
within the continental United States, regardless of whether
adequate healthcare may exist within the State through a local
provider. The Committee remains concerned that the extensive
travel requirements, coupled with lengthy delays scheduling
this travel, create unusual hardships on Hawaii and Alaska
veterans. VA has reported it is making progress in addressing
these unique problems through the ``Care Closer to Home
Program.'' The Committee encourages VA to continue these
efforts and will continue to monitor its progress. Therefore,
no later than February 1, 2014, (and subsequently thereafter
with the submission of future budget requests) the Department
is directed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress a report on the number of Hawaii and
Alaska veterans who were directed to travel to a VA facility in
another State for medical care in fiscal year and calendar year
2013; the number of veterans who actually traveled to that
facility during fiscal and calendar year 2013; and the
Department's plans and goals for reducing the number of Hawaii
and Alaska veterans directed to travel to another State for
medical care in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. In addition, the
report should describe the criteria used in determining whether
to purchase medical care for a Hawaii or Alaska veteran within
their respective States or require the veteran to travel to a
VA facility in another State to receive that care; a
description of the medical conditions for which these veterans
were required to travel out of Hawaii and Alaska; and an
explanation of why care was not purchased in State. The
Committee is also concerned about the distances veterans have
to travel within the State of Alaska to obtain VA care. In its
report on the ``Care Closer to Home Program,'' the VA is
requested to provide data on the number of Alaska veterans who
have traveled by air within the State of Alaska during fiscal
year 2013 to obtain care at a VA facility, the communities from
which they traveled, and the facility at which the care was
provided. The Department is requested to assess whether this
care could have been provided closer to home through
partnerships with Community Health Centers, tribal health
facilities, or other available community providers.
Homeless Veterans.--The Committee recognizes the importance
of providing veterans who are at high risk of homelessness due
to traumatic brain injuries or mental health conditions, such
as post-traumatic stress disorder, with the resources that they
need to prevent homelessness. Although veteran homelessness has
declined over 7 percent since 2011, the Committee is concerned
with the increasing number of at-risk veterans. The Committee
believes there is an imminent requirement for innovative, cost-
effective strategies designed to prevent these particularly
vulnerable veterans from becoming homeless. The Committee
recommends the Department pursue models that seek to help
veterans before they become homeless.
Vet Centers.--The Committee notes that Vet Centers have
played a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of
thousands of combat veterans and their families. In doing so,
these centers have provided critical services such as
readjustment and family counseling, mental health screening,
employment assessment, outreach and education, assistance with
disability claims, and many other services. For this reason,
the Committee has included an additional $15,000,000 over the
budget request to support the Vet Centers program. The
Committee is concerned that these critical services are not
readily accessible to all veterans, and many Vet Centers are
operating at full capacity. As such, the Committee urges the VA
to formulate a multiyear plan to greatly expand the Vet Center
program to include, but not be limited to, efforts to deploy
additional mobile Vet Centers.
Pop-Up and Virtual Vet Centers for Rural Alaska.--The
Department is credited for its efforts in implementing
initiatives utilizing telemedicine technology to extend care to
veterans living in rural communities. Of note, VA utilizes vans
in the continental United States to bring the Vet Center
program to veterans who do not live near the VA's ``bricks and
mortar'' Vet Centers; however, the utilization of mobile vans
to deliver Vet Center services is not possible in the vast
stretches of roadless, rural Alaska. The Department is
encouraged to address this gap by considering ``pop-up'' Vet
Center programs at regional and statewide gatherings which
attract significant numbers of rural Alaska veterans. The
Committee also encourages VA to consider utilizing publicly
available Internet technology and virtual meeting services to
organize virtual Vet Center programs to reach veterans living
in remote areas of Alaska. The Department is directed to report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
not later than February 1, 2014, on the feasibility of
extending Vet Center services in this manner.
Caregivers.--The Committee recognizes the success of the
Caregivers Program and the value of expanding this program to
all veterans who do not otherwise have access to home care
through the Federal Government. Therefore, VA shall assess the
impact of expanding the Caregivers Program to veterans of all
eras and report such findings to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. Additionally, the VA
is directed to provide any available information regarding the
number of individuals currently providing care to veterans not
eligible for the Caregiver Program.
Mobile Surgical Units.--Over the past decade, the
Department has undertaken an effort to modernize its medical
facilities through new construction and renovation with special
focus on its outdated operating rooms. This capital improvement
effort has been a critical part of the effort to assure
delivery of the highest quality medical care. Often when a VA
surgical ward undergoes construction, the VA must find
alternative ways to provide surgical services during the
construction phase of the project. When other VA surgery
capable medical centers are too distant or lack capacity to
manage surgical cases from the VA medical center under
construction, the VA is forced to send surgical cases to non-VA
medical providers at rates that may represent a significant
additional expense. Based on the limited but positive
experience of VA medical centers which have opted to lease
mobile surgical units to cover these surgical cases, the
Committee directs the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to
perform an economic analysis to determine whether contracted
medical care or the lease or purchase of mobile facilities
offers the most cost-efficient approach to providing care while
permanent facilities are under construction.
The Committee encourages the Department to launch pilot
projects in at least two VISNs that are planning renovation or
construction projects with the intent of leasing or purchasing
mobile surgical units through full and open competition. In
preparing for such pilot projects, the VA should develop
metrics for a cost-efficiency analysis designed to determine
for each individual project whether this approach will achieve
savings for the VA when compared to contracting with local
medical providers for the same surgical services.
Nursing Quality Improvements.--The Committee maintains a
longstanding commitment to ensuring that the Nation's veterans
receive high-quality care, especially in hospital-based
settings. Studies have shown that when data are collected about
quality of care and patient outcomes, health, and well-being
can be improved. The VA has been active in making available
quality measurements on its ``Hospital Compare'' Web site and
maintains a nursing-specific quality database for VA
facilities. The Committee encourages the VA to consider
expanding this nursing quality effort by participating in a
national data quality measurement system that uses valid and
reliable data from all types of inpatient facilities, not just
those operated by the VA. The Committee understands that 54 VA
hospitals already participate in such a system and encourages
wider scale adoption of national quality measurement systems.
Veterans Affairs/Indian Health Service Collaboration.--The
Department is to be credited for its efforts to establish
partnerships with the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes
that deliver healthcare under the Indian Self Determination and
Educational Assistance Act for Indian and non-Indian veterans
who live closer to Indian health facilities in Alaska than they
do to VA facilities. The Committee intends to monitor the VA's
progress in implementing these efforts. Therefore, no later
than February 1, 2014, the Department, following consultation
with participating Alaska Native healthcare programs, is
directed to provide the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress a report on its progress in implementing
these partnerships, including challenges faced and difficulties
encountered in delivering healthcare to veterans in rural
Alaska through these partnerships.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Workforce.--With a large portion
of VA's workforce reaching retirement age and a lack of
availability of advanced degree programs necessary to train new
professionals, the Committee is concerned about the
sustainability of the orthotics and prosthetics workforce
treating veterans. The Committee recognizes the contributions
made by the VHA's Orthotic and Prosthetic Residency Program to
provide rotation opportunities through the VA system, but
acknowledges this program alone is inadequate to ensure a
sustainable workforce for the future, especially in light of
the skillset necessary to provide the increasingly complex,
state-of-the-art orthotic and prosthetic care for Iraq and
Afghanistan war veterans. The Committee directs the VHA to
explore cost effective opportunities to grow the workforce
pipeline in order to ensure the future orthotic and prosthetic
workforce required by the Nation's new generation of veterans
and to report the findings to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress within 180 days of enactment of this
act.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.--To improve
veterans access to complementary and alternative medicine
therapies at VA facilities, the Committee encourages the
Department to work with the Office of Personnel Management to
establish the necessary coding for VA to hire providers to
deliver complementary and alternative medicine therapies.
VA Trainee Support Program.--In 2006, Congress passed
Public Law 109-461 authorizing the VA to employ licensed
professional mental health counselors [LPMHC] and marriage and
family therapists [MFT]. Seven years later, the two professions
comprise less than 1 percent of the VA behavioral health
workforce, despite representing 40 percent of the general
mental health workforce. The VA's Trainee Support Program
administered by the Office of Academic Affiliations is one of
the flagship recruitment programs for the VA. However, LPMHCs
and MFTs are not eligible for paid traineeships. The Office of
Academic Affiliations has the authority to determine
participating professions and has not extended the program to
LPMHCs or MFTs despite the fact that allowing these professions
to receive stipends through the program would help address
workforce shortages within the VA. The Committee supports and
encourages the VA to provide LPMHCs and MTFs with financial
stipends equivalent to the other mental health professions
through the VA Trainee Support Program. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Veterans Health Administration to submit
a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 90 days after enactment of this act,
describing steps being taken to end this inequity and make
LPMHCs and MFTs eligible for the Trainee Support Program.
MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $5,744,161,000
Advance appropriations, 2014............................ 6,033,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2015............ 5,879,700,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2015............ 5,879,700,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2015... 5,879,700,000
The Medical support and compliance account provides funds
for management, security, and administrative expenses within
the VA healthcare system, in addition to providing costs
associated with the operation of VA medical centers and
clinics, VISN offices, and the VHA Central Office in
Washington, DC. This appropriation also covers Chief of Staff
and Facility Director operations, quality of care oversight,
legal services, billing and coding activities, procurement,
financial management, security, and human resource management.
The President's 2014 and 2015 submission for Medical
Support and Compliance is based on an actuarial analysis
founded on the current and projected veteran population,
enrollment projections of demand, and case mix changes
associated with current veteran patients.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2013, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $6,033,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 for the
Medical support and compliance account. The Committee
recommendation includes an advance appropriation of
$5,879,700,000 for Medical support and compliance for fiscal
year 2015.
The recommendation also includes an Administrative
Provision which rescinds $50,000,000 from the fiscal year 2014
Medical support and compliance account and has redirected this
funding to higher priority items within VHA. Last year, the
Committee provided explicit direction to VHA to include
detailed budget explanations for several components within the
Medical support and compliance account. For instance, the
fiscal year 2014 advance included $911,000,000 for VHA Central
Office functions. While the Committee understands that
healthcare systems require strong management to ensure that
healthcare is provided in a timely and efficient manner, the
justification accompanying the budget request lacks any detail
on how the budget was developed. Additionally, the Committee
understands that most of VHA's funding decisions are driven by
an actuarial model designed to capture the best data and
provide a realistic view of funding needs in the field.
However, budget development for central office functions and
VISN staff offices are highly driven by fixed requirements, not
ones that are dynamic in nature. Thus, the Department should be
able to show with great specificity how these budgets are
developed. Without this information, the request has no
fidelity, and the Committee is left without the appropriate
data to determine if these are in fact wise investments in an
ever shrinking budget environment. The Committee directs that
the Department include detailed budget explanations and a zero-
based budget build for components within the Medical support
and compliance account in future justifications. Without
detailed budget explanations from the Department, the Committee
will continue to use its own judgment when determining the
validity of future Medical support and compliance requests. For
fiscal year 2014, the Committee directs that VHA apply the
$50,000,000 reduction to VHA Central Office functions.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $5,445,259,000
Advance appropriations, 2014............................ 4,872,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
Committee recommendation, 2014.......................... 100,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2015............ 4,739,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2015............ 4,739,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2015... 4,739,000,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $6,000,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical facilities account provides funds for the
operation and maintenance of the VA healthcare system's vast
capital infrastructure. This appropriation provides for costs
associated with utilities, engineering, capital planning,
leases, laundry, groundskeeping, housekeeping, facility repair,
and property disposition and acquisition.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2013, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $4,872,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 for the
Medical facilities account. The Committee recommendation also
includes an additional $100,000,000 for the Medical facilities
account. The Committee remains very concerned about the backlog
of maintenance needs at existing VHA hospitals and clinics and
has included this additional funding to address this need.
Additionally, the Committee recommendation includes an advance
appropriation of $4,739,000,000 for Medical facilities for
fiscal year 2015. This is $233,000,000 below the level for
fiscal year 2014 and equal to the budget request.
Assessment of Rural Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.--
The Committee recognizes that many VA rural community-based
outpatient clinics [CBOCs] are in need of improvements,
including improvements needed to address population changes,
adherence with HIPPA privacy requirements, and Americans with
Disabilities Act requirements and regulations. The Committee
directs the VA to conduct a full assessment of all VA CBOCs in
rural and highly rural areas, including an assessment of
possible expansions and improvements needed to meet applicable
medical and healthcare-related legal requirements. The VA is
directed to report its findings to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 180 days of
enactment of the act.
MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $581,905,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 585,664,000
House allowance......................................... 585,664,000
Committee recommendation................................ 585,664,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical and prosthetic research account provides funds
for medical, rehabilitative, and health services research.
Medical research supports basic and clinical studies that
advance knowledge leading to improvements in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disabilities.
Rehabilitation research focuses on rehabilitation engineering
problems in the fields of prosthetics, orthotics, adaptive
equipment for vehicles, sensory aids and related areas. Health
services research focuses on improving the effectiveness and
economy of the delivery of health services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $585,664,000 for Medical and
prosthetic research. This is $3,759,000 above the fiscal year
2013 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee remains highly supportive of this program,
and recognizes its importance both in improving healthcare
services to veterans and recruiting and retaining high quality
medical professionals in the Veterans Health Administration.
Through the Department's research and development program,
the VA has implemented a comprehensive research agenda to
develop new treatments and tools for clinicians to ease the
physical and psychological pain of men and women returning from
war zones, to improve access to VA healthcare services, and to
accelerate discoveries and applications, especially for
neurotrauma, sensory loss, amputation, polytrauma, and related
prosthetic needs. The Committee encourages the VA to continue
its research into developing novel approaches to restoring
veterans with amputation, central nervous system injuries, loss
of sight or hearing, or other physical and cognitive
impairments to full and productive lives.
The Committee believes the published reports and findings
of VA research should be easily accessible not only for
academic researchers and medical professionals, but for
veterans and the general public as well. To that end, the
Committee also encourages the Department to exemplify and
promote the highest level of public accountability by making
its published reports and findings available in an online
database that is easily searchable, similar to the online
reporting tools utilized by the National Institutes of Health
[NIH] which provide public access to its reports, data, and
analyses of NIH research activities, including information on
NIH expenditures and the results of NIH supported research.
Alzheimer's Research.--The Committee recognizes that the
Department is a member of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's
Research, Care and Services, and applauds the VA for its
longstanding focus on research and innovations in care that
affects the lives of veterans, particularly the Resources for
Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health program that supports
caregivers. Within VA's Traumatic Brain Injury research
program, the Committee urges development of a subprogram to
advance scientific understanding of Alzheimer's disease and
dementia. Accordingly it should focus specifically on issues of
greatest impact to the veteran population. The VA is also
encouraged to actively collaborate with external communities to
develop and deploy within the Department a registry for
veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the
Department should build off this effort by developing
initiatives that could expedite clinical trial enrollments and
related activities in order to accelerate the pace of
developing disease modifying therapies and treatments.
Care of Veterans Suffering From Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis [ALS].--The Department is credited for granting ALS
the presumption of service connection and providing care to
veterans who suffer from the degenerative disease. The
Committee strongly supports VA's research efforts in the search
for therapeutics that can help veterans suffering from ALS lead
fuller and more functional lives. In particular, the Committee
encourages VA to consider making diaphragmatic pacing devices
available to veterans who may benefit from this therapy.
Therefore, no later than February 1, 2014, the Department is
directed to provide the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress a report on its efforts to care for veterans
with ALS, including its evaluation of diaphragmatic pacing
devices.
MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY COLLECTIONS
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $2,527,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 2,485,000,000
House allowance......................................... 2,485,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,485,000,000
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND--REVENUES APPLIED
Appropriations, 2013.................................... -$2,527,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... -2,485,000,000
House allowance......................................... -2,485,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -2,485,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Care Collection Fund [MCCF] was established by
the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33). In fiscal
year 2004, Public Law 108-199 allowed the Department of
Veterans Affairs to deposit first-party and pharmacy co-
payments; third-party insurance payments and enhanced-use
collections; long-term care co-payments; Compensated Work
Therapy Program collections; and Parking Program fees into the
MCCF. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the authority to
transfer funds from the MCCF to the Medical services account.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation includes the authority to
retain co-payments and third-party collections, estimated to
total $2,485,000,000 in fiscal year 2014. The Committee remains
concerned that estimates of revenues collected through the
Medical Care Collection Fund continue to be overly optimistic
and urges the VA to provide a contingency plan to ensure the
provision of healthcare does not suffer should there be a
failure to meet billing and collection expectations.
Additionally, the Department should exercise greater oversight
of its individual offices and their respective contracting
behavior so as to eliminate unnecessary or duplicated functions
and spending.
National Cemetery Administration
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $260,043,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 250,000,000
House allowance......................................... 250,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 250,000,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $2,100,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The National Cemetery Administration [NCA] was established
in accordance with Public Law 93-94, the National Cemeteries
Act of 1973. It has a four-fold mission: to provide for the
interment in any national cemetery of the remains of eligible
deceased servicemembers and discharged veterans, together with
their spouses and certain dependents, and permanently maintain
their graves; to provide headstones for, and to mark graves of,
eligible persons in national, State, and private cemeteries; to
administer the grant program for aid to States in establishing,
expanding, or improving State veterans cemeteries; and to
administer the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $250,000,000 for the National
Cemetery Administration. This is a decrease of $10,043,000
below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
The Committee has included bill language to make available
through September 30, 2015, up to $25,000,000 of the National
Cemetery Administration appropriation.
Departmental Administration
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $7,500,148,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 7,842,568,000
House allowance......................................... 7,842,568,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,894,130,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $207,531,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
Departmental Administration provides for the administration
of veterans benefits through the Veterans Benefits
Administration [VBA], the executive direction of the
Department, several top level supporting offices, the Board of
Contract Appeals, and the Board of Veterans Appeals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $7,894,130,000 for Departmental
Administration. The amount is composed of $415,885,000 for
General administration; $2,465,490,000 for General operating
expenses, veterans benefits administration; $3,703,344,000 for
Information technology systems; $121,411,000 for the Office of
the Inspector General; $342,130,000 for Construction, major
projects; $714,870,000 for Construction, minor projects;
$85,000,000 for Grants for construction of State extended care
facilities; and $46,000,000 for Grants for the construction of
State veterans cemeteries.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $424,176,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 403,023,000
House allowance......................................... 393,023,000
Committee recommendation................................ 415,885,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The General administration account provides funding for the
Office of the Secretary, six assistant secretaries, and three
independent staff offices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $415,885,000 for General
administration. This amount is $8,291,000 below the fiscal year
2013 enacted level and $12,862,000 above the budget request.
The Department's budget request includes reductions below the
fiscal year 2013 enacted level for all General Administration
offices. The Committee recommendation supports those reductions
except for the Board of Veterans Appeals. The Board is
responsible for making final decisions on behalf of the
Department for appealed veterans benefits claims. The Committee
strongly believes that the wait time and backlog at the Board
of Veterans Appeals are unacceptable and that the budget
request is insufficient to address the number of benefits
claims on appeal. Therefore, the Committee recommendation
includes an additional $12,862,000 for the Board of Veterans
Appeals. The Committee believes that the same energy being put
into reducing the current backlog and average adjudication time
of benefits claims must also be applied at the appellate level.
The Department is directed to develop and submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
strategic plan that outlines how it intends to reduce the
number of appeals pending at the Board of Veterans Appeals. The
strategic plan shall also address how the Board intends to
improve the timeliness and accuracy of decisions. The plan
shall contain an explanation of the projection model used by
the Board in calculating future workload, a staffing model to
address future workloads, and descriptions to include
performance results of any ongoing or planned initiatives
designed to speed the processing of appeals and improve the
accuracy of decisions.
The Committee has included bill language to make available
through September 30, 2015, up to $20,151,150 for General
administration. The funding recommendation for each line office
is provided in the table below.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Fiscal year
Department 2013 enacted 2014 budget Committee
level request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary......................................... 10,072 10,032 10,032
Board of Veterans Appeals....................................... 85,892 75,432 88,294
Office of General Counsel....................................... 82,989 80,365 80,365
Office of Management............................................ 45,538 44,098 44,098
Office of Human Resources and Administration.................... 70,286 68,064 68,064
Office of Policy and Planning................................... 25,980 25,009 25,009
Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness................ 18,486 17,901 17,901
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.................. 23,007 22,279 22,279
Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs................. 6,294 5,969 5,969
Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction............... 55,632 53,874 53,874
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 424,176 403,023 415,885
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franchise Fund.--The Franchise Fund was established in 1997
as a pilot program and made permanent in fiscal year 2006 under
Public Law 109-114. The Committee directs the Department to
provide a report on the Franchise Fund's business plan for
fiscal year 2013. This plan should include a list of services,
customers, overhead expenses, funds collected for services, and
the unobligated balance from the previous fiscal year. The VA
shall submit this report to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress no later than 60 days following
enactment of this act.
Oversight of Construction Activities.--The Committee
believes that VA Central Office needs to strengthen its
oversight of all construction activities in the field.
Therefore, no later than 60 days after enactment of this act,
the Office of the Secretary is directed to provide to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
report outlining processes that are in place to ensure proper
oversight of construction. This report should identify which
components of central oversight are performed outside of the
various VA administrations and whether spot audits are
performed in the field.
Veterans Outreach.--The Committee commends the Department
for its ongoing efforts to measure the overall quality of life
for veterans. The Committee also encourages communication with
veterans to increase awareness of the services available to
them, particularly those veterans whose circumstances might be
greatly enhanced by the utilization of veteran programs. The
Committee encourages the utilization of outreach and awareness
best practices, including the study of multi-channel outreach
methods, to find and communicate more effectively with
veterans.
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $2,161,218,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 2,455,490,000
House allowance......................................... 2,455,490,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,465,490,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The General operating expenses, veterans benefits
administration account provides funding for the Veterans
Benefits Administration to administer entitlement programs such
as service-connected disability compensation, education
benefits, and vocational rehabilitation services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,465,490,000 for General
operating expenses, veterans benefits administration, which is
$304,272,000 above fiscal year 2013 enacted level and
$10,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee has
included bill language to make available through September 30,
2015, up to $123,000,000 for General operating expenses,
veterans benefits administration.
Claims Processing.--The recommendation includes an
additional $10,000,000 for the General operating expenses,
veterans benefits administration account. The additional funds
are provided for targeted overtime and increased training
programs for Regional Offices that the Secretary determines
need additional resources in order to enhance claims processing
production and quality. While much of the national spotlight
has been focused on eliminating the unacceptable number of
backlogged claims, quality cannot be sacrificed in this
endeavor. The Committee is aware that over the past year, the
Department has established Quality Review Teams [QRT] and
expanded training programs. QRTs are charged with assessing the
performance of claims processing operations and bridging the
gap between local standards and national standards to ensure
that quality metrics are maintained. The Committee believes
that it is critical that QRTs perform follow-up spot audits in
Regional Offices that have undergone challenge training to
ensure that national quality standards are being followed.
Additionally, the VA must ensure that all training programs for
claims processors are routinely followed-up with testing and
monitoring at regular intervals. Moreover, when it is
determined that a poorly performing Regional Office is in need
of supplemental enrichment or challenge training, the VA must
have a clearly defined action plan to minimize operational
disruptions at the Regional Office during the supplemental
training. In order to provide better oversight of quality
reviews and training, bill language is included requiring the
Secretary to submit quarterly reports which are to include the
number and results of QRT review audits conducted, corrective
actions taken to address quality deficiencies, and training
programs provided. The Committee will utilize this material to
assess whether the VA's quality control and training programs
are adequate to ensure both timeliness and accuracy in the
claims process.
In addition to the quarterly reports, the Committee directs
the Department to provide monthly reports to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on performance
measures for each Regional Office, including the number of
backlogged claims, the average number of days to complete a
claim, the accuracy rate, and the origination date of the
oldest claim in each Regional Office's inventory. The report
may be submitted electronically and in spreadsheet format. Each
report is due no later than 10 calendar days after the last
calendar day of the previous month, and that report shall
reflect the previous month's data. The first report should be
submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 10 days after the first full month of
enactment of this act and continue for the remainder of fiscal
year 2014.
Centers of Excellence.--Over the course of the next year,
the VA will be migrating from a largely paper-based process to
an electronic system. This transformation will bring with it
the opportunity for multiple claims personnel to work a single,
complex, multiple condition claim simultaneously from anywhere
in the country. For instance, 10 years ago large paper files
had to be copied and sent via mail to another Regional Office
in order for this to occur. This process would tack on days, if
not weeks, to the adjudication of the claim. In a real time,
electronic environment it will be possible for different claims
processors with different skill sets to simultaneously work one
complex claim. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department
to establish a pilot to create Centers of Excellence for highly
complex, multiple condition claims. The pilot should focus on
those Regional Offices with highly trained specialists in
complex conditions which will allow the VA to leverage
expertise across the Nation. The Department is directed to
provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act outlining a plan to create these centers.
Rural Veterans and Access to the Internet.--The Committee
finds that access to broadband data transmission service in
rural communities is frequently lacking and poses an impediment
to rural veterans who are working to file fully developed
claims electronically. The Committee urges the VA to work with
State, local, and tribal governments to find ways to
accommodate veterans in rural areas who want to submit fully
developed claims but do not have adequate access to the
Internet. In many rural communities, public libraries are the
only provider of free Internet access. As such, the Committee
also urges the VA to work with the Institute of Museum and
Library Services and local libraries on ways to help veterans
access online VA resources.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $3,323,584,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 3,683,344,000
House allowance......................................... 3,693,344,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,703,344,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $531,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Information Technology [IT] appropriation, along with
reimbursements, funds the costs of all IT staff salaries and
expenses, the operations and maintenance of all existing
information technology systems, and the development of new
projects and programs designed to improve the delivery of
service to veterans. This appropriation also funds the costs
associated with the Office of Information and Technology, which
oversees the functions highlighted above.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,703,344,000 for the Information
technology systems account. This amount is $379,760,000 above
the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and $20,000,000 above the
budget request. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,011,400,000 for staff salaries and expenses, $2,196,653,000
for operation and maintenance of existing programs, and
$495,291,000 for program development, all according to the
Department's fiscal year 2014 budget submission.
The Committee has appropriated the Information technology
systems account as three subaccounts, with funding levels
consistent with the Department's budget submission. This
funding structure will enhance the Committee's ability to
ensure that funds are executed in a manner consistent with the
Department's budget submission. The Committee has provided
sufficient flexibility within the subaccounts by way of
authorized carryover amounts and reprogramming authority to
give the Office of Information Technology as much flexibility
as possible to accomplish its mission and goals, while ensuring
proper accountability and oversight. The Committee will
continue to work with the Department to ensure that the IT
projects currently underway, as well as the projects planned
for the future, have the resources the VA needs to make them
successful.
The Committee has included bill language that restricts the
obligation of development funds until the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs or the Chief Information Officer submits to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
certification of the amounts, in parts or in full, that will be
obligated and expended for each development project. Further,
the Office of Information Technology is directed to provide an
IT expenditure report, by project, to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on a monthly basis.
Transformation of Claims Processing.--The Committee
supports the Department's efforts to rapidly transform from an
antiquated paper-based claims processing system to one that
utilizes modern technology to process claims. To this end, the
Committee has fully supported every request for the development
and deployment of the Veterans Benefits Management System
[VBMS]. The Committee is aware that the Department has
accelerated its efforts to deploy initial VBMS capability to
all Regional Offices by the end of June 2013. In order to
minimize the risk of performance problems, the Committee
recommendation includes an additional $20,000,000 in the
Information Technology System's operation and maintenance
subaccount for VBA to increase server capacity and provide
other hardware upgrades at the 56 Regional Offices. The
Department is directed to provide quarterly updates to the
Committee on the implementation of VBMS and to provide details
of how this implementation has increased the efficiency and
timeliness of the VBA claims process
Additionally, the Committee is aware that the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense [DOD] have
entered into an agreement for DOD to provide all records to the
VA in an electronic format by the end of 2014. The Committee
supports this effort but strongly believes that this timeline
needs to be accelerated. Therefore, the Committee directs the
VA to accelerate this effort by being prepared to receive these
documents electronically by the end of calendar year 2013.
Similarly, the DOD fiscal year 2014 appropriations bill will
carry a directive instructing DOD to accelerate this program.
In order to track progress, the Committee directs the VA to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than February 1, 2014, on the
percentage of all records, including ``late and loose flowing''
records, transmitted electronically to VA from the DOD.
The chart below reflects the Administration's budget
request for development projects and includes the Committee
recommendation for each. This chart will serve as the
Department's approved list of development projects, and all
requested changes are subject to the reprogramming guidelines
as outlined in the accompanying act.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2014 Committee
Project budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Healthcare................ 3,645 3,645
Integrated Electronic Health Record 251,882 251,882
[iEHR] & VLER Health...............
New Models of Care.................. 32,647 32,647
Veterans Benefits Management System 32,834 32,834
[VBMS].............................
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record 11,352 11,352
[VLER].............................
Veterans Relationship Management 120,157 120,157
[VRM]..............................
Health Informatics.................. 7,774 7,774
International Classification of 4,600 4,600
Diseases--10.......................
Other............................... 30,400 30,400
-----------------------------------
Total, All Development........ 495,291 495,291
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Integrated Electronic Health Record [iEHR].--The Committee
is frustrated with the disappointing effort displayed over the
past year by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to
continue development of an integrated Electronic Health Record
[iEHR]. Nearly 20 years ago, the issue of incompatible
electronic records was documented for the Departments. Five
years ago, full interoperability of electronic records was
mandated by the Congress. In 2011, the Departments decided to
replace their respective existing legacy electronic health
record systems and agreed to jointly develop an electronic
health record through the Interagency Program Office [IPO]. The
original schedule estimated operating capability for iEHR by
2017.
In February 2013, because of cost and schedule issues, both
Secretaries decided to take iEHR in a different strategic
direction: focusing on creating an interoperable system and a
subsequent integrated health record, rather than building a
single integrated core system as previously agreed. The
Committee understands both Departments believe this new
approach will result in a lower overall cost of development and
an accelerated timeline for completion. However, the Committee
remains concerned by the lack of a well articulated plan
forward and the lack of results of development to date. For
instance, the Committee has yet to receive a detailed plan,
including a timeline, benchmarks, or total cost for this major
project. The Committee wants to be very clear with both
Departments: the current environment of fragmented and stove-
piped systems is not an acceptable option. The Departments must
develop and convey to the Committee a coherent path forward for
the successful deployment of an interoperable system and
integrated electronic health record. Further, the IPO must be
more transparent regarding day-to-day functioning, including
articulating a clear governance structure and a detailed plan
to manage and maintain accountability on behalf of both
Departments. In short, the IPO must prove to the Committee that
it can produce substantial achievements and adhere to a defined
plan forward within the budget estimates.
Included in Public Law 113-6 is a prohibition on obligation
or expenditure of fiscal year 2013 funds for the development of
iEHR until the Departments submit to the Appropriations
subcommittees of jurisdiction a plan for expenditure that meets
the outlined requirements. To date, no such a plan has been
submitted and therefore VA and DOD have been limited to
obligating only 25 percent of the fiscal year 2013 appropriated
funds. Due to the Departments' inability to obligate fiscal
year 2013 iEHR development funds and the lack of compliance
with the requirements outlined in the bill, the Committee
continues to include bill language limiting the obligation or
expenditure of funds to 25 percent for the development of iEHR
in fiscal year 2014 until both Departments provide the
subcommittees of jurisdiction an expenditure plan including a
long-term roadmap for the life of the project, with annual and
total spending for each Department and quarterly milestones.
The expenditure plan should also be submitted to the Government
Accountability Office [GAO] for review.
The Committee continues to expect briefings from the IPO on
a quarterly basis providing a detailed explanation of the cost
and schedule of iEHR development, including milestones,
knowledge points, and acquisition timelines as it impacts both
Departments, as well as quarterly obligation reports. Due to
concerns about electronic data security, the Committee
encourages the Department to utilize technologies like those
developed at the Department of Homeland Security's Center of
Innovation to protect and secure VA's electronic health record
system as it gains interoperability with the system maintained
by the Department of Defense.
Common Framework for Injury Registries.--The Committee
supports the development of joint registries shared by the
Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense [DOD] to track the
diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of particular injuries and
other medical conditions, such as significant eye injuries that
occur while on active duty service. Currently, most registries
are developed and administered individually, and the Committee
is encouraged by DOD plans to establish a common framework to
operate the various injury registries as a single portfolio for
both DOD and VA. A common platform will standardize data and
reporting; allow clinicians to identify patients with multiple
injuries to coordinate and improve treatment; and provide an
integrated and comprehensive dataset to more effectively
analyze medical care strategies and long-term outcomes. The
Committee directs VA to review DOD's joint registry
consolidation plan and report to the Committee within 180 days
after enactment of this act on the feasibility of such a plan
and how VA would work with DOD to execute a common framework.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $114,848,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 116,411,000
House allowance......................................... 116,411,000
Committee recommendation................................ 121,411,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established by
the Inspector General Act of 1978 and is responsible for the
audit, investigation, and inspection of all Department of
Veterans Affairs programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $121,411,000 for the Office of
Inspector General. This is $6,563,000 above the fiscal year
2013 enacted level and $5,000,000 above the budget request. The
OIG recently issued a report outlining problems veterans face
in receiving timely access to mental health services. In light
of the OIG's findings, the Committee has provided an increase
for the Inspector General to increase audits of the Veterans
Health Administration and field activities. The Committee has
included bill language to make available through September 30,
2015, up to $6,000,000 for the Office of the Inspector General.
Collaboration With the Department of Defense.--While the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense
[DOD] may have different missions they are at their core, bound
together in a mutual mission to support those who have served
in the defense of the country. Over the past several years,
collaboration between the Departments has significantly
increased and the number of joint projects and services has
expanded. The Committee applauds these efforts and believes
that future information sharing between DOD and VA must
strengthen in order to ensure a seamless transition from Active
Duty and timely access to VA benefits.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the transmission of
service treatment records from DOD to VA. These records are
essential in the VA's process of making accurate and timely
determinations of benefits to which a veteran may be entitled.
The Committee has been deeply concerned that while cooperation
between the two Departments has significantly increased, delays
in information sharing still plague the system. In order to
increase the oversight of this process, the recommendation
includes bill language directing the VA OIG to work in
coordination with the DOD Inspector General to assess the time
it takes for service treatment records to be transmitted to VA,
impediments to providing the records in a useable, electronic
format, and recommendations to streamline this process. The
Committee further directs that this report be submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than July 31, 2014. The DOD appropriations bill will
contain a similar directive to the DOD Inspector General.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $738,767,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 342,130,000
House allowance......................................... 342,130,000
Committee recommendation................................ 342,130,000
\1\Includes emergency funding of $207,000,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, major projects account provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities (including parking projects) under the jurisdiction
or for the use of the VA, including planning, architectural and
engineering services, needs assessment, and site acquisition
where the estimated cost of a project is more than the amount
set forth in 38 U.S.C. 8104(a)(3)(A). Proceeds realized from
Enhanced Use Lease activities may be deposited into the
Construction, major projects and Construction, minor projects
accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $342,130,000
for the construction of major projects. This is $396,637,000
below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
The following table reflects the President's budget request
for major construction projects and activities, and the
corresponding Committee recommendations.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2014 Committee
Location and description budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans Health Administration
[VHA]:
Seattle, Washington--Mental 149,130 149,130
Health Clinic and Research
Facility.......................
Advance Planning Fund--Various 33,000 33,000
Locations......................
Asbestos--Various Locations..... 5,000 5,000
Major Construction Staff-- 21,000 21,000
Various Locations..............
Claims Analysis--Various 2,000 2,000
Locations......................
Hazardous Waste--Various 5,000 5,000
Locations......................
-----------------------------------
Total, VHA.................... 215,130 215,130
===================================
National Cemetery Administration
[NCA]:
Central East Florida............ 40,000 40,000
Tallahassee, Florida............ 40,000 40,000
Omaha, Nebraska................. 36,000 36,000
Advance Planning Fund--Various 5,000 5,000
Locations......................
-----------------------------------
Total, NCA.................... 121,000 121,000
===================================
Veterans Benefits Administration
[VBA]:
Advance Planning Fund........... 1,000 1,000
-----------------------------------
Total, VBA.................... 1,000 1,000
===================================
General Administration--Staff 5,000 5,000
Offices, Advance Planning Fund.....
===================================
Total Construction, Major 342,130 342,130
Projects.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOD/VA Joint Medical Facilities.--The Committee understands
the National Defense Authorization Act [NDAA] for Fiscal Year
2003 directed the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense
to establish a joint incentives program to identify and provide
incentives to implement, fund, and evaluate creative healthcare
coordination and sharing initiatives between DOD and VA. In
August 2004, 12 projects were selected and approved for
implementation. Today, 3 of the 12 are still awaiting funding.
The Committee intends to monitor the VA's progress on the
implementation of approved DOD/VA joint medical facility
projects. Therefore, the VA is directed to provide the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an
update on the progress and status of the remaining three
projects that were selected and approved for implementation.
The study shall include an explanation of the VA Strategic
Capital Investment Planning [SCIP] process and methodology for
ranking of capital investment priorities, as well as any
potential recommendations by VA to resolve the implementation
of SCIP priorities that have been pending for 3 or more years.
The fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill included
report language instructing the VA and General Services
Administration [GSA] to complete a report by March 2012 on more
timely and cost-effective solutions for addressing the VA's
enormous physical infrastructure needs. Despite the urgency of
this problem, the report has yet to be submitted to the
Committee. Therefore, the Committee directs the VA and GSA to
complete and submit the final report within 45 days of
enactment of this act.
CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $606,728,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 714,870,000
House allowance......................................... 714,870,000
Committee recommendation................................ 714,870,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, minor projects account provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities (including parking) under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the VA, including planning, assessment of needs,
architectural and engineering services, and site acquisition,
where the estimated cost of a project is equal to or less than
$10,000,000. Public Law 106-117, the Veterans Millennium Health
Care and Benefits Act of 1999, gave the VA the authority to
make capital contributions from minor construction in enhanced-
use leases. Proceeds realized from enhanced-use lease
activities may be deposited into the Construction, major
projects and Construction, minor projects accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $714,870,000 for minor
construction. This is $108,142,000 above the fiscal year 2013
enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The recommendation includes $541,879,000 for the Veterans
Health Administration, $89,426,000 for the National Cemetery
Administration, $25,067,000 for General Administration--Staff
Offices, and $58,498,000 for the Veterans Benefits
Administration. The Committee directs the Department to provide
an expenditure plan within 30 days of enactment of this act for
the amount appropriated for minor construction.
The Committee is aware that capital improvement projects at
VA medical centers may result in a hospital or clinic having to
find alternatives for delivering care during the duration of
the renovation or construction project. Depending on the
alternative chosen, the total cost of the project could be
affected. For example, the cost of fee care is not built into
the cost of a renovation or construction project. Conversely,
if the hospital chooses to provide a temporary solution on the
hospital grounds, such as a mobile surgical unit, the costs are
built into the renovation or construction project. Due to the
limitation of $10,000,000 for minor construction projects, this
may result in medical centers opting for fee care rather than
providing a temporary solution at the hospital, regardless of
whether the temporary solution is more cost effective.
Therefore, if a business case or cost benefit analysis
determines that providing a temporary hospital-based solution
is more cost effective overall, the Secretary may exercise his
authority to waive the policy that requires temporary solutions
be built into the cost of the renovation or construction
project.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $84,888,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 82,650,000
House allowance......................................... 82,650,000
Committee recommendation................................ 85,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account is used to provide grants to assist States in
acquiring or constructing State home facilities for furnishing
domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans, and to expand,
remodel, or alter existing buildings for furnishing
domiciliary, nursing home, or hospital care to veterans in
State homes. The grant may not exceed 65 percent of the total
cost of the project. Public Law 102-585 granted permanent
authority for this program, and Public Law 106-117 provided
greater specificity in directing VA to prescribe regulations
for the number of beds for which grant assistance may be
furnished. This program has been a successful partnership
between the States and the VA in meeting the long-term care
needs of elderly veterans for decades.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for grants for the
construction of State extended care facilities. This is
$2,350,000 above the budget request.
The Committee is aware that many State Veterans Homes are
operating at or near the capacity allowed under the VA's
regulations for the maximum number of nursing home and
domiciliary care beds for veterans. To ensure VA regulations
appropriately provide for individual State needs, the Committee
directs the VA to conduct the review required under 38 U.S.C.
8134 in fiscal year 2014, and in carrying out that review, take
into consideration the demonstrated significant need in any
State, as evidenced by the high occupancy rate of such States'
veterans homes, and allocate additional beds for any State
demonstrating such significant need.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $45,939,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 44,650,000
House allowance......................................... 44,650,000
Committee recommendation................................ 46,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Public Law 105-368 amended title 38 U.S.C. 2408 and
established authority to provide aid to States for
establishment, expansion, and improvement of State veterans
cemeteries, which are operated and permanently maintained by
the States. This statutory change increased the maximum Federal
share from 50 percent to 100 percent in order to fund
construction costs and the initial equipment expenses when the
cemetery is established. The States remain responsible for
providing the land and for paying all costs related to the
operation and maintenance of the State cemeteries, including
the costs for subsequent equipment purchases.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $46,000,000 for grants for the
construction of State veterans cemeteries. This is $1,350,000
above the budget request.
Administrative Provisions
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Sec. 201. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
reprogramming authority and responsibilities for the Veterans
Benefits Administration.
Sec. 202. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
reprogramming authority and responsibilities for the Veterans
Health Administration.
Sec. 203. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
the use of the Salaries and expenses account.
Sec. 204. The Committee includes a provision mandating that
only construction funds may be used for land procurement.
Sec. 205. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
reimbursements to the Medical services account.
Sec. 206. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
payments of prior year obligations.
Sec. 207. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the use of fiscal year 2013 funds for prior year
obligations.
Sec. 208. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for payments from the National Service Life Insurance Fund.
Sec. 209. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
the use of funds from enhanced-use lease proceeds.
Sec. 210. The Committee includes a provision which provides
for funds for the Office of Resolution Management and the
Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication.
Sec. 211. The Committee includes a provision which sets a
limit on new leases without congressional approval.
Sec. 212. The Committee includes a provision which requires
disclosure of third-party reimbursement information.
Sec. 213. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the transfer of revenue derived from enhanced-use leases
into the construction accounts.
Sec. 214. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
authorized uses for medical services funds.
Sec. 215. The Committee includes a provision which allows
funds in the Medical Care Collection Fund to be transferred
into the Medical services and Medical facilities accounts.
Sec. 216. The Committee includes a provision which allows
eligible veterans in the State of Alaska to obtain medical care
services.
Sec. 217. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the transfer of funds into the construction accounts.
Sec. 218. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for outreach and marketing to enroll new veterans.
Sec. 219. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit quarterly financial
reports on the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 220. The Committee includes a provision outlining
transfer authority for the Information technology systems
account.
Sec. 221. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
any funds to be used to contract out any functions performed by
more than 10 employees without a fair competition process.
Sec. 222. The Committee includes a provision limiting the
amount of nonrecurring maintenance funds that can be obligated
during the last 2 months of the fiscal year.
Sec. 223. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
the transfer of funds from certain accounts to the Joint
Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Facility Demonstration Fund, as authorized by Public Law 111-
84.
Sec. 224. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
the transfer of certain funds deposited in the Medical Care
Collections Fund to the Joint Department of Defense/Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, as
authorized by Public Law 111-84.
Sec. 225. The Committee includes a provision directing a
minimum of $15,000,000 be transferred from Medical services,
Medical support and compliance, and Medical facilities to the
Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Health
Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section 8111 of
title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 226. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
funds from certain accounts and appropriating additional
amounts with 2-year authority.
Sec. 227. The Committee includes a provision requiring
notification of all bid savings for major construction
projects.
Sec. 228. The Committee includes a provision restricting
scope increases for major construction projects above that
specified in the original project justification.
Sec. 229. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds in the act for any contract using procedures
that do not give to small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans any preference with respect to such
contract, except for a preference given to small business
concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
Sec. 230. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Department to submit reports relating to the Veterans Benefits
Administration on claims processing at Regional Offices.
TITLE III
RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The American Battle Monuments Commission [ABMC] is
responsible for the following: the maintenance and construction
of U.S. monuments and memorials commemorating the achievements
in battle of our Armed Forces since April 1917 (the date of the
United States entry into World War I); the erection of
monuments and markers by U.S. citizens and organizations in
foreign countries; and the design, construction, and
maintenance of permanent military cemetery memorials in foreign
countries. The Commission maintains 24 military memorial
cemeteries and 31 monuments, memorials, and markers in 15
countries around the world, including three memorials on U.S.
soil.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $61,225,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 58,200,000
House allowance......................................... 57,980,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,200,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $63,200,000 for the Salaries and
expenses account. This amount is $1,975,000 above the fiscal
year 2013 enacted level and $5,000,000 above the budget
request. The Committee has provided additional funds to support
ABMC's interpretive program and nonrecurring maintenance needs.
FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $14,788,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 14,100,000
House allowance......................................... 14,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,100,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an estimated $14,100,000 for the
Foreign currency fluctuation account. This amount is equal to
the budget request.
The Committee has again included language in the
accompanying act, as proposed by the administration, that would
allow funding for this account on a ``such sums as necessary''
basis. Funding the account in this manner allows the Commission
to maintain cemeteries regardless of the volatility of foreign
currency fluctuations.
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
OVERVIEW
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was
established by the Veterans' Judicial Review Act of 1988. The
Court is an independent judicial tribunal with exclusive
jurisdiction to review decisions of the Board of Veterans
Appeals. It has the authority to decide all relevant questions
of law; interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory
provisions; and determine the meaning or applicability of the
terms of an action by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It is
authorized to compel action by the Secretary. It is authorized
to hold unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful and set aside
decisions, findings, conclusions, rules, and regulations issued
or adopted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Board of
Veterans Appeals, or the Chairman of the Board that are found
to be arbitrary or capricious. The Court's principal office
location is Washington, DC; however, it is a national court,
empowered to sit anywhere in the United States.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $31,601,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 35,408,000
House allowance......................................... 35,272,000
Committee recommendation................................ 35,408,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $35,408,000 for the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. This amount is $3,807,000 above
the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and equal to the budget
request.
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
OVERVIEW
The Secretary of the Army is responsible for the
administration, operation and maintenance of Arlington National
Cemetery and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.
In addition to its principal function as a national cemetery,
Arlington is the site of approximately 3,000 nonfuneral
ceremonies each year and has approximately 4 million visitors
annually.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $64,018,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 45,800,000
House allowance......................................... 70,685,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,800,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $70,800,000 for Salaries and
expenses. This amount is $6,782,000 above the fiscal year 2013
enacted level and $25,000,000 above the budget request. The
Committee is aware that Arlington National Cemetery currently
has a backlog of infrastructure repairs totaling $56,996,561.
As it did last year, the administration's budget submission for
the Department of Defense's military construction programs
contains an Administrative Provision which would allow the
Secretary of the Army to transfer funds appropriated to the
Army's Operation and Maintenance account to Arlington National
Cemetery. The justification material accompanying the budget
submission estimated that the transfer would not exceed
$25,000,000 in fiscal year 2014. However, this was merely an
estimate, and the proposed language did not seek to cap the
amount that could be transferred, nor did it provide any
mechanism for reporting to Congress the amounts transferred,
thus limiting the budgetary oversight provided by the
Committee. The Committee believes that funding for the
operation of Arlington National Cemetery should be provided
within this account and not spread across multiple accounts in
different appropriation bills. In order to address the
shortfall and provide greater visibility of budgetary resources
and oversight, the recommendation includes an additional
$25,000,000 within this account and does not provide the
transfer authority from the Army's Operation and Maintenance
account. In the future, the Committee strongly encourages the
Department of Defense to budget the appropriate resources
within the Cemeterial Expenses, Army, Salaries and Expenses
account rather than seeking broad transfer authority from the
Army's Operation and Maintenance account.
The Committee directs the Executive Director of Arlington
National Cemetery to continue the office's audits of past
contracts and outstanding financial obligations, and update the
Committee on its findings along with quarterly reports on
unexpended prior year funding, status updates on the upgrading
of the information technology systems, and reports on ANC's
expansion plans. The Committee encourages cemetery officials
and the Department of the Army to work with the Department of
Veterans Affairs in the development of a common architecture
software for the information technology system for Arlington
National Cemetery.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $100,211,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The administration did not request, and the Committee does
not recommend, any funding for the Cemeterial Expenses, Army,
Construction account. In fiscal year 2013, the Committee
provided full funding for the Millennium Project and funding
for initial planning and design for the future expansion of
Arlington National Cemetery to the Navy Annex site. The
Committee anticipates future construction requests once initial
planning and design is complete.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $65,760,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 67,800,000
House allowance......................................... 67,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 67,800,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends authority to expend $67,800,000
from the Armed Forces Retirement Home [AFRH] Trust Fund to
operate and maintain the Armed Forces Retirement Home--
Washington, DC, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Gulfport,
Mississippi.
TITLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the obligation of funds beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly so provided.
Sec. 402. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds for programs, projects, or activities not in
compliance with Federal law relating to risk assessment, the
protection of private property rights, or unfunded mandates.
Sec. 403. The Committee includes a provision that requires
pay raises to be absorbed within the levels appropriated.
Sec. 404. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds to support or defeat legislation pending
before Congress.
Sec. 405. The Committee includes a provision that
encourages the expansion of E-commerce technologies and
procedures.
Sec. 406. The Committee includes a provision that specifies
the congressional committees that are to receive all reports
and notifications.
Sec. 407. The Committee includes a provision that limits
funds from being transferred from this appropriations measure
to any instrumentality of the United States Government without
authority from an appropriations act.
Sec. 408. The Committee includes a provision regarding the
posting of congressional reports on agency Web sites.
Sec. 409. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds to establish or maintain a computer network
unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and
exchanging of pornography, except for law enforcement
investigation, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
Sec. 410. The Committee includes a provision limiting the
construction of facilities for the purposes of housing
individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 411. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds to pay for attendance of more than 50
employees at any single conference outside the United States.
Sec. 412. The Committee includes a provision requiring
agencies to report conference spending to the Inspectors
General and prohibiting the use of funds made available in this
act for travel and conference expenses not in compliance with
Office of Management and Budget memorandum M-12-12 dated May
11, 2012.
Sec. 413. The Committee includes a provision regarding the
fiscal year 2014 budget conference.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
In fiscal year 2014, for purposes of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177)
or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following
information provides the definition of the term ``program,
project, and activity'' for departments, agencies and programs
under the jurisdiction of the Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies subcommittee. The term
``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most
specific level of budget items identified in the Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2014, the House and Senate Committee
reports, and the conference report and accompanying joint
explanatory statement of managers of the committee of
conference.
If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the
Presidential order, departments, and agencies shall apply any
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2013 pursuant to
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to
all items specified in the justifications submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of
Representatives in support of the fiscal year 2014 budget
estimates, as amended, for such departments and agencies, as
modified by congressional action, and in addition, for the
Department of Defense, Military Construction, the definition
shall include specific construction locations as identified in
the explanatory notes.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
which currently lack authorization:
Title I: Department of Defense
Military Construction, Army
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Military Construction, Air Force
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
Military Construction, Army National Guard
Military Construction, Air National Guard
Military Construction, Army Reserve
Military Construction, Navy Reserve
Military Construction, Air Force Reserve
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment
Program
Family Housing Construction, Army
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Department of Defense, Family Housing Improvement Fund
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
Title II: Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration
Veterans Health Administration
National Cemetery Administration
Departmental Administration
Title III: Related Agencies
American Battle Monuments Commission
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
Armed Forces Retirement Home
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on June 27, 2013,
the Committee ordered favorably reported the bill (H.R. 2216),
making appropriations for military construction, the Department
of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes, subject to
amendment, by a recorded vote of 23-6, a quorum being present.
The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairwoman Mikulski Mr. Shelby
Mr. Leahy Mr. McConnell
Mr. Harkin Mr. Alexander
Mrs. Murray Mr. Graham
Mrs. Feinstein Mr. Coats
Mr. Durbin Mr. Johanns
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Begich
Mr. Cochran
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the committee.''
The Committee bill as recommended contains no such
provisions.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
-------------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
guidance\1\ bill guidance bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
guidance to its subcommittees of amounts for 2014:
Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... NA 81,475 NA \2\81,172
Discretionary....................................... 74,366 74,366 NA \2\76,510
Security........................................ 10,688 10,688 NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 63,678 63,678 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2014................................................ ............ ............ ............ \3\87,076
2015................................................ ............ ............ ............ 5,964
2016................................................ ............ ............ ............ 4,349
2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ 1,895
2018 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 1,440
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 144 NA -8
2014...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\There is no section 302(a) allocation to the Committee on Appropriations for fiscal year 2014.
\2\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\3\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LISTING BY LOCATION
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee recommendation compared
Committee with (+ or -)
Installation and project Budget estimate House allowance recommendation -----------------------------------
Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALABAMA
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
DECATUR:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER ADD/ALT............... 4,000 4,000 4,000 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
BIRMINGHAM IAP:
ADD TO AND ALTER DISTRIBUTED GROUND STATION F......... 8,500 8,500 8,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ALABAMA...................................... 12,500 12,500 12,500 ................ ................
ALASKA
ARMY:
FORT WAINWRIGHT:
AVIATION BATTALION COMPLEX............................ 45,000 45,000 45,000 ................ ................
AVIATION STORAGE HANGAR............................... 58,000 58,000 58,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CLEAR AFS:
BMDS UPGRADE EARLY WARNING RADAR...................... 17,204 17,204 17,204 ................ ................
FORT GREELY:
MECHANICAL-ELECTRICAL BUILDING MISSILE FIELD #1....... 82,000 82,000 82,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ALASKA....................................... 202,204 202,204 202,204 ................ ................
ARIZONA
AIR FORCE:
LUKE AFB:
F-35 FIELD TRAINING DETACHMENT........................ 5,500 5,500 5,500 ................ ................
F-35 SQ OPS/AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE UNIT #3.............. 21,400 21,400 21,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ARIZONA...................................... 26,900 26,900 26,900 ................ ................
ARKANSAS
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT CHAFFEE:
SCOUT/RECCE GUNNERY COMPLEX........................... 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ARKANSAS..................................... 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
CALIFORNIA
NAVY:
BARSTOW:
ENGINE DYNAMOMETER FACILITY........................... 14,998 14,998 14,998 ................ ................
CAMP PENDLETON:
AMMUNITION SUPPLY POINT UPGRADE....................... 13,124 13,124 13,124 ................ ................
CORONADO:
H-60 TRAINER FACILITY................................. 8,910 8,910 8,910 ................ ................
POINT MUGU:
AIRCRAFT ENGINE TEST PADS............................. 7,198 7,198 7,198 ................ ................
BAMS CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE HANGAR.................. 17,469 17,469 17,469 ................ ................
PORT HUENEME:
UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING CONVERSION...................... 33,600 33,600 33,600 ................ ................
SAN DIEGO:
STEAM PLANT DECENTRALIZATION.......................... 34,331 34,331 34,331 ................ ................
TWENTYNINE PALMS:
CAMP WILSON INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES................... 33,437 33,437 33,437 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
BEALE AFB:
DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND STATION OPERATIONS BUILDING. 62,000 62,000 62,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BRAWLEY:
SOF DESERT WARFARE TRAINING CENTER.................... 23,095 23,095 23,095 ................ ................
DEFENSE DISTRIBUTION DEPOT--TRACY:
GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSE............................. 37,554 37,554 37,554 ................ ................
MIRAMAR:
REPLACE FUEL PIPELINE................................. 6,000 6,000 6,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
CAMP PARKS:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 17,500 17,500 17,500 ................ ................
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT:
TASS TRAINING CENTER [TTC]............................ 16,500 16,500 16,500 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
MARCH AFB:
NOSC MORENO VALLEY RESERVE TRAINING CENTER............ 11,086 11,086 11,086 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
MARCH AFB:
JOINT REGIONAL DEPLOYMENT PROCESSING CENTER........... 19,900 19,900 19,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CALIFORNIA................................... 356,702 356,702 356,702 ................ ................
COLORADO
ARMY:
FORT CARSON:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 73,000 73,000 73,000 ................ ................
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 66,000 66,000 66,000 ................ ................
CENTRAL ENERGY PLANT.................................. 34,000 34,000 34,000 ................ ................
FIRE STATION.......................................... 12,000 12,000 12,000 ................ ................
HEADQUARTERS BUILDING................................. 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
RUNWAY................................................ 12,000 12,000 12,000 ................ ................
SIMULATOR BUILDING.................................... 12,200 12,200 12,200 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT CARSON:
SOF GROUP SUPPORT BATTALION........................... 22,282 22,282 22,282 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, COLORADO..................................... 264,482 264,482 264,482 ................ ................
FLORIDA
ARMY:
EGLIN AFB:
AUTOMATED SNIPER FIELD FIRE RANGE..................... 4,700 4,700 4,700 ................ ................
NAVY:
JACKSONVILLE:
P-8A TRAINING AND PARKING APRON EXPANSION............. 20,752 20,752 20,752 ................ ................
KEY WEST:
AIRCRAFT CRASH/RESCUE AND FIRE HEADQUARTERS........... 14,001 14,001 14,001 ................ ................
MAYPORT:
LCS LOGISTICS SUPPORT FACILITY........................ 16,093 16,093 16,093 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
TYNDALL AFB:
F-22 MUNITIONS STORAGE COMPLEX........................ 9,100 9,100 9,100 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
HURLBURT FIELD:
SOF ADD/ALTER OPERATIONS FACILITY..................... 7,900 7,900 7,900 ................ ................
JACKSONVILLE:
REPLACE FUEL PIPELINE................................. 7,500 7,500 7,500 ................ ................
KEY WEST:
SOF BOAT DOCKS........................................ 3,600 ................ 3,600 ................ +3,600
PANAMA CITY:
REPLACE GROUND VEHICLE FUELING FACILITY............... 2,600 2,600 2,600 ................ ................
TYNDALL AFB:
REPLACE FUEL PIPELINE................................. 9,500 9,500 9,500 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
PINELLAS PARK:
READY BUILDING........................................ 5,700 5,700 5,700 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
HOMESTEAD AFS:
ENTRY CONTROL COMPLEX................................. 9,800 9,800 9,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, FLORIDA...................................... 111,246 107,646 111,246 ................ +3,600
GEORGIA
ARMY:
FORT GORDON:
ADV INDIVIDUAL TRAINING BARRACKS COMPLEX, PHASE 2..... 61,000 61,000 61,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
ALBANY:
CERS DISPATCH FACILITY................................ 1,010 1,010 1,010 ................ ................
WEAPONS STORAGE AND INSPECTION FACILITY............... 15,600 15,600 15,600 ................ ................
SAVANNAH:
TOWNSEND BOMBING RANGE LAND ACQ--PHASE 1.............. 61,717 61,717 61,717 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT BENNING:
FAITH MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDITION.......................... 6,031 6,031 6,031 ................ ................
WHITE ELEMTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.....................
37,304 37,304 37,304 ................ ................
FORT STEWART:
DIAMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT................. 44,504 44,504 44,504 ................ ................
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD:
REPLACE FUEL ISLAND................................... 13,500 13,500 13,500 ................ ................
MOODY AFB:
REPLACE GROUND VEHICLE FUELING FACILITY............... 3,800 3,800 3,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GEORGIA...................................... 244,466 244,466 244,466 ................ ................
HAWAII
ARMY:
FORT SHAFTER:
COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY--ADMIN................... 75,000 65,000 75,000 ................ +10,000
NAVY:
KANEOHE BAY:
3RD RADIO BN MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS COMPLEX........... 25,336 25,336 25,336 ................ ................
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE EXPANSION........................ 16,968 16,968 16,968 ................ ................
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR UPGRADES.................. 31,820 31,820 31,820 ................ ................
ARMORY ADDITION AND RENOVATION........................ 12,952 12,952 12,952 ................ ................
AVIATION SIMULATOR MODERNIZATION/ADDITION............. 17,724 17,724 17,724 ................ ................
MV-22 HANGAR.......................................... 57,517 57,517 57,517 ................ ................
MV-22 PARKING APRON AND INFRASTRUCTURE................ 74,665 74,665 74,665 ................ ................
PEARL CITY:
WATER TRANSMISSION LINE............................... 30,100 30,100 30,100 ................ ................
PEARL HARBOR:
DRYDOCK WATERFRONT FACILITY........................... 22,721 22,721 22,721 ................ ................
SUBMARINE PRODUCTION SUPPORT FACILITY................. 35,277 35,277 35,277 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM:
C-17 MODERNIZE HANGAR 35, DOCKS 1 AND 2............... 4,800 4,800 4,800 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORD ISLAND:
DISA PACIFIC FACILITY UPGRADES........................ 2,615 2,615 2,615 ................ ................
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM:
ALTER WAREHOUSE SPACE................................. 2,800 2,800 2,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, HAWAII....................................... 410,295 400,295 410,295 ................ +10,000
ILLINOIS
NAVY:
GREAT LAKES:
UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING................................. 35,851 35,851 35,851 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
KANKAKEE:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 28,000 28,000 28,000 ................ ................
READINESS CENTER...................................... 14,000 14,000 14,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ILLINOIS..................................... 77,851 77,851 77,851 ................ ................
INDIANA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
HULMAN REGIONAL AIRPORT:
ADD/ALTER BUILDING 37 FOR DIST COMMON GROUND STN...... 7,300 7,300 7,300 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, INDIANA...................................... 7,300 7,300 7,300 ................ ................
KANSAS
ARMY:
FORT LEAVENWORTH:
SIMULATIONS CENTER.................................... 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KANSAS....................................... 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
KENTUCKY
ARMY:
FORT CAMPBELL:
BATTLEFIELD WEATHER SUPPORT FACILITY.................. 4,800 4,800 4,800 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
FORT CAMPBELL:
19TH AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS SQUADRON EXPANSION........ 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BLUE GRASS ARMY DEPOT:
AMMUNITION DEMILITARIZATION FACILITY, PHASE XIV....... 122,536 122,536 122,536 ................ ................
FORT CAMPBELL:
FORT CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT................. 59,278 59,278 59,278 ................ ................
MARSHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT................ 38,591 38,591 38,591 ................ ................
SOF GROUP SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION.................... 26,342 26,342 26,342 ................ ................
FORT KNOX:
AMBULATORY HEALTH CENTER.............................. 265,000 265,000 215,000 -50,000 -50,000
CONS/REPLACE VAN VOORHIS-MUDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS..... 38,023 38,023 38,023 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KENTUCKY..................................... 562,570 562,570 512,570 -50,000 -50,000
MAINE
NAVY:
BANGOR:
NCTAMS VLF COMMERCIAL POWER CONNECTION................ 13,800 13,800 13,800 ................ ................
KITTERY:
STRUCTURAL SHOPS CONSOLIDATION........................ 11,522 11,522 11,522 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MAINE........................................ 25,322 25,322 25,322 ................ ................
MARYLAND
ARMY:
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND:
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES................. 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
FORT DETRICK:
ENTRY CONTROL POINT................................... 2,500 2,500 2,500 ................ ................
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE BUILDING................... 4,600 4,600 4,600 ................ ................
NAVY:
FORT MEADE:
MARFORCYBERCOM HQ-OPS BUILDING........................ 83,988 ................ 83,988 ................ +83,988
AIR FORCE:
FORT MEADE:
CYBERCOM JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER, INCREMENT 1......... 85,000 85,000 85,000 ................ ................
JOINT BASE ANDREWS:
HELICOPTER OPERATIONS FACILITY........................ 30,000 30,000 30,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND:
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND LAB REPLACEMENT................. 210,000 110,000 210,000 ................ +100,000
BETHESDA [WRNMMC]:
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS................ 46,800 46,800 46,800 ................ ................
PARKING GARAGE........................................ 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
FORT DETRICK:
USAMRIID REPLACEMENT STAGE 1, INCR 8.................. 13,000 ................ 13,000 ................ +13,000
FORT MEADE:
HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING CENTER INC 3............... 431,000 431,000 431,000 ................ ................
NSAW RECAPITALIZE BUILDING #1/SITE M INC 2............ 58,000 58,000 58,000 ................ ................
JOINT BASE ANDREWS:
AMBULATORY CARE CENTER INC 2.......................... 76,200 63,800 76,200 ................ +12,400
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT MEADE:
175TH NETWORK WARFARE SQUADRON FACILITY............... 4,000 ................ 4,000 ................ +4,000
MARTIN STATE AIRPORT:
CYBER/ISR FACILITY.................................... 8,000 ................ 8,000 ................ +8,000
ARMY RESERVE:
BOWIE:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 25,500 25,500 25,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MARYLAND..................................... 1,119,588 898,200 1,119,588 ................ +221,388
MASSACHUSETTS
DEFENSE-WIDE:
HANSCOM AFB:
HANSCOM PRIMARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.................... 36,213 36,213 36,213 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP EDWARDS:
ENLISTED BARRACKS, TRANSIENT TRAINING ADD............. 19,000 19,000 19,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MASSACHUSETTS................................ 55,213 55,213 55,213 ................ ................
MICHIGAN
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP GRAYLING:
ENLISTED BARRACKS, TRANSIENT TRAINING................. 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MICHIGAN..................................... 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
MINNESOTA
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
STILLWATER:
READINESS CENTER...................................... 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MINNESOTA.................................... 17,000 17,000 17,000 ................ ................
MISSISSIPPI
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP SHELBY:
WATER SUPPLY/TREATMENT BUILDING, POTABLE.............. 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
PASCAGOULA:
READINESS CENTER...................................... 4,500 4,500 4,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MISSISSIPPI.................................. 7,500 7,500 7,500 ................ ................
MISSOURI
ARMY:
FORT LEONARD WOOD:
ADV INDIVIDUAL TRAINING BARRACKS COMPLEX, PHASE 1..... 86,000 86,000 86,000 ................ ................
SIMULATOR BUILDING.................................... 4,700 4,700 4,700 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
WHITEMAN AFB:
WSA MOP IGLOOS AND ASSEMBLY FACILITY.................. 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
MACON:
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP.............................. 9,100 9,100 9,100 ................ ................
WHITEMAN AFB:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
KANSAS CITY:
RESERVE TRAINING CENTER--BELTON, MISSOURI............. 15,020 15,020 15,020 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MISSOURI..................................... 125,720 125,720 125,720 ................ ................
MONTANA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
GREAT FALLS IAP:
INTRA-THEATER AIRLIFT CONVERSION...................... 22,000 22,000 22,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MONTANA...................................... 22,000 22,000 22,000 ................ ................
NEBRASKA
AIR FORCE:
OFFUTT AFB:
USSTRATCOM REPLACEMENT FACILITY, INCR 3............... 136,000 136,000 136,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEBRASKA..................................... 136,000 136,000 136,000 ................ ................
NEVADA
NAVY:
FALLON:
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT............................ 11,334 11,334 11,334 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
NELLIS AFB:
ADD RPA WEAPONS SCHOOL FACILITY....................... 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
DORMITORY (240 RM).................................... 35,000 35,000 35,000 ................ ................
F-35 ALT MISSION EQUIPMENT [AME] STORAGE.............. 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
F-35 FUEL CELL HANGAR................................. 9,400 9,400 9,400 ................ ................
F-35 PARTS STORE...................................... 9,100 9,100 9,100 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEVADA....................................... 89,834 89,834 89,834 ................ ................
NEW JERSEY
DEFENSE-WIDE:
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST:
REPLACE FUEL DISTRIBUTION COMPONENTS.................. 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST:
AUTOMATED MULTIPURPOSE MACHINE GUN [MPMG]............. 9,500 9,500 9,500 ................ ................
CENTRAL ISSUE FACILITY................................ 7,900 7,900 7,900 ................ ................
CONSOLIDATED DINING FACILITY.......................... 13,400 13,400 13,400 ................ ................
MODIFIED RECORD FIRE RANGE............................ 5,400 5,400 5,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW JERSEY................................... 46,200 46,200 46,200 ................ ................
NEW MEXICO
AIR FORCE:
CANNON AFB:
AIRMEN AND FAMILY READINESS CENTER.................... 5,500 5,500 5,500 ................ ................
DORMITORY (144 RM).................................... 22,000 22,000 22,000 ................ ................
SATELLITE DINING FACILITY............................. 6,600 6,600 6,600 ................ ................
HOLLOMAN AFB:
F-16 AIRCRAFT COVERED WASHRACK AND PAD................ 2,250 2,250 2,250 ................ ................
KIRTLAND AFB:
NUCLEAR SYSTEMS WING AND SUSTAINMENT CENTER PHASE 2... 30,500 30,500 30,500 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
HOLLOMAN AFB:
MEDICAL CLINIC REPLACEMENT............................ 60,000 60,000 60,000 ................ ................
REPLACE HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM........................... 21,400 21,400 21,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW MEXICO................................... 148,250 148,250 148,250 ................ ................
NEW YORK
ARMY:
U.S MILITARY ACADEMY:
CADET BARRACKS, INCR 2................................ 42,000 42,000 42,000 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
NEW YORK:
READINESS CENTER ADD/ALT.............................. 31,000 31,000 31,000 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT DRUM:
MQ-9 FLIGHT TRAINING UNIT HANGAR...................... 4,700 4,700 4,700 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
BULLVILLE:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 14,500 14,500 14,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW YORK..................................... 92,200 92,200 92,200 ................ ................
NORTH CAROLINA
ARMY:
FORT BRAGG:
COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY.......................... 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
NAVY:
CAMP LEJEUNE:
LANDFILL--PHASE 4..................................... 20,795 20,795 20,795 ................ ................
OPERATIONS TRAINING COMPLEX........................... 22,515 22,515 22,515 ................ ................
STEAM DECENTRALIZATION--BEQ NODES..................... 18,679 18,679 18,679 ................ ................
STEAM DECENTRALIZATION--CAMP JOHNSON.................. 2,620 2,620 2,620 ................ ................
STEAM DECENTRALIZATION--HADNOT POINT.................. 13,390 13,390 13,390 ................ ................
NEW RIVER:
CH-53K MAINTENANCE TRAINING FACILITY.................. 13,218 13,218 13,218 ................ ................
CORROSION CONTROL HANGAR.............................. 12,547 12,547 12,547 ................ ................
REGIONAL COMMUNICATION STATION........................ 20,098 20,098 20,098 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP LEJEUNE:
SOF PERFORMANCE RESILIENCY CENTER..................... 14,400 ................ 14,400 ................ +14,400
SOF SUSTAINMENT TRAINING COMPLEX...................... 28,977 28,977 28,977 ................ ................
FORT BRAGG:
CONSOLIDATE/REPLACE POPE HOLBROOK ELEMENTARY.......... 37,032 37,032 37,032 ................ ................
SOF CIVIL AFFAIRS BATTALION ANNEX..................... 37,689 37,689 37,689 ................ ................
SOF COMBAT MEDIC SKILLS SUSTAIN COURSE BUILDING....... 7,600 7,600 7,600 ................ ................
SOF ENGINEER TRAINING FACILITY........................ 10,419 10,419 10,419 ................ ................
SOF LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL CENTER...................... 64,606 64,606 64,606 ................ ................
SOF UPGRADE TRAINING FACILITY......................... 14,719 14,719 14,719 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
FORT BRAGG:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 24,500 24,500 24,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH CAROLINA............................... 369,704 355,304 369,704 ................ +14,400
NORTH DAKOTA
AIR FORCE:
MINOT AFB:
B-52 ADAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE UNIT................... 15,530 15,530 15,530 ................ ................
B-52 MUNITIONS STORAGE IGLOOS......................... 8,300 8,300 8,300 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
MINOT AFB:
REPLACE FUEL PIPELINE................................. 6,400 6,400 6,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH DAKOTA................................. 30,230 30,230 30,230 ................ ................
OHIO
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
RAVENNA ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT:
SANITARY SEWER........................................ 5,200 5,200 5,200 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
SPRINGFIELD BECKLEY-MAP:
ALTER INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS FACILITY................ 7,200 7,200 7,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OHIO......................................... 12,400 12,400 12,400 ................ ................
OKLAHOMA
NAVY:
TINKER AFB:
TACAMO E-6B HANGAR.................................... 14,144 14,144 14,144 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
TINKER AFB:
KC-46A LAND ACQUISITION............................... 8,600 8,600 8,600 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ALTUS AFB:
REPLACE REFUELER PARKING.............................. 2,100 2,100 2,100 ................ ................
TINKER AFB:
REPLACE FUEL DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES.................. 36,000 36,000 36,000 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
TINKER AFB:
AIR CONTROL GROUP SQUADRON OPERATIONS................. 12,200 12,200 12,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OKLAHOMA..................................... 73,044 73,044 73,044 ................ ................
PENNSYLVANIA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
DEF DISTRIBUTION DEPOT NEW CUMBERLAND:
UPGRADE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WAREHOUSE.................. 3,100 3,100 3,100 ................ ................
UPGRADE PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY........................ 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONAL BUILDING........... 40,000 40,000 40,000 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP:
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS AND TRAINING FACILITY....... 7,700 7,700 7,700 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, PENNSYLVANIA................................. 56,700 56,700 56,700 ................ ................
RHODE ISLAND
NAVY:
NEWPORT:
HEWITT HALL RESEARCH CENTER........................... 12,422 12,422 12,422 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
QUONSET STATE AIRPORT:
C-130J FLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING FACILITY............. 6,000 6,000 6,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, RHODE ISLAND................................. 18,422 18,422 18,422 ................ ................
SOUTH CAROLINA
NAVY:
CHARLESTON:
NUCLEAR POWER OPERATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY........... 73,932 73,932 73,932 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BEAUFORT:
BOLDEN ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL REPLACEMENT........... 41,324 41,324 41,324 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
GREENVILLE:
READINESS CENTER...................................... 13,000 13,000 13,000 ................ ................
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP.............................. 13,000 13,000 13,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SOUTH CAROLINA............................... 141,256 141,256 141,256 ................ ................
TENNESSEE
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE:
REPLACE GROUND VEHICLE FUELING FACILITY............... 2,200 2,200 2,200 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT:
TEC EXPANSION--DORMITORY AND CLASSROOM FACILITY....... 18,000 18,000 18,000 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
MEMPHIS:
RESERVE BOAT MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITY......... 4,330 4,330 4,330 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, TENNESSEE.................................... 24,530 24,530 24,530 ................ ................
TEXAS
ARMY:
FORT BLISS:
CONTROL TOWER......................................... 10,800 10,800 10,800 ................ ................
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE COMPLEX....................... 36,000 36,000 36,000 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
FORT BLISS:
F-16 BAK 12/14 AIRCRAFT ARRESTING SYSTEM.............. 3,350 3,350 3,350 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT BLISS:
HOSPITAL REPLACEMENT INCR 5........................... 252,100 152,100 202,100 -50,000 +50,000
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
SAMMC HYPERBARIC FACILITY ADDITION.................... 12,600 12,600 12,600 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT WORTH:
ARMED FORCES RESERVE CENTER ADD....................... 14,270 14,270 14,270 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, TEXAS........................................ 329,120 229,120 279,120 -50,000 +50,000
UTAH
AIR FORCE:
HILL AFB:
F-35 AIRCRAFT MX UNIT HANGAR 45E OPS #1............... 13,500 13,500 13,500 ................ ................
FIRE CRASH RESCUE STATION............................. 18,500 18,500 18,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, UTAH......................................... 32,000 32,000 32,000 ................ ................
VIRGINIA
ARMY:
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS:
ADV INDIVIDUAL TRAINING BARRACKS COMPLEX, PHASE 3..... 50,000 50,000 50,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
DAM NECK:
AERIAL TARGET OPERATION CONSOLIDATION................. 10,587 10,587 10,587 ................ ................
NORFOLK:
PIER 11 POWER UPGRADES FOR CVN-78..................... 3,380 3,380 3,380 ................ ................
QUANTICO:
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION FACILITY TECOM SCHOOLS........... 25,731 25,731 25,731 ................ ................
ATC TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER RELOCATION................... 3,630 3,630 3,630 ................ ................
FULLER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS.............................. 9,013 9,013 9,013 ................ ................
YORKTOWN:
SMALL ARMS RANGES..................................... 18,700 18,700 18,700 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS:
4-BAY CONVENTIONAL MUNITIONS INSPECTION BUILDING...... 4,800 4,800 4,800 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
DAM NECK:
SOF HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER.......................... 11,147 ................ 11,147 ................ +11,147
DEF DISTRIBUTION DEPOT RICHMOND:
OPERATIONS CENTER PHASE 1............................. 87,000 87,000 87,000 ................ ................
JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK-STORY:
SOF LOGSU TWO OPERATIONS FACILITY..................... 30,404 30,404 30,404 ................ ................
PENTAGON:
ARMY NAVY DRIVE TOUR BUS DROP OFF..................... 1,850 1,850 ................ -1,850 -1,850
BOUNDARY CHANNEL ACCESS CONTROL POINT................. 6,700 6,700 6,700 ................ ................
PFPA SUPPORT OPERATIONS CENTER........................ 14,800 14,800 14,800 ................ ................
RAVEN ROCK ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITY UPGRADE............ 32,000 32,000 32,000 ................ ................
RAVEN ROCK EXTERIOR COOLING TOWER..................... 4,100 4,100 4,100 ................ ................
QUANTICO:
QUANTICO MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT............... 40,586 40,586 40,586 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, VIRGINIA..................................... 354,428 343,281 352,578 -1,850 +9,297
WASHINGTON
ARMY:
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 79,000 79,000 79,000 ................ ................
AIRFIELD OPERATIONS COMPLEX........................... 37,000 37,000 37,000 ................ ................
AVIATION BATTALION COMPLEX............................ 28,000 28,000 28,000 ................ ................
YAKIMA:
AUTOMATED MULTIPURPOSE MACHINE GUN RANGE.............. 9,100 9,100 9,100 ................ ................
NAVY:
BREMERTON:
INTEGRATED WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM DRY DOCKS 3 AND 4... 18,189 18,189 18,189 ................ ................
KITSAP:
EXPLOSIVES HANDLING WHARF #2 (INC).................... 24,880 24,880 24,880 ................ ................
WHIDBEY ISLAND:
EA-18G FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS.......................... 32,482 32,482 32,482 ................ ................
P-8A HANGAR AND TRAINING FACILITIES................... 85,167 85,167 85,167 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
WHIDBEY ISLAND:
REPLACE FUEL PIER BREAKWATER.......................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WASHINGTON................................... 323,818 323,818 323,818 ................ ................
WISCONSIN
ARMY RESERVE:
FORT MCCOY:
ACCESS CONTROL POINT/MAIL/FREIGHT CENTER.............. 17,500 17,500 17,500 ................ ................
NCO ACADEMY DINING FACILITY........................... 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WISCONSIN.................................... 23,400 23,400 23,400 ................ ................
WYOMING
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
AFTON:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER....................... 10,200 10,200 10,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WYOMING...................................... 10,200 10,200 10,200 ................ ................
BAHRAIN ISLAND
DEFENSE-WIDE:
SW ASIA:
MEDICAL/DENTAL CLINIC REPLACEMENT..................... 45,400 45,400 45,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, BAHRAIN ISLAND............................... 45,400 45,400 45,400 ................ ................
BELGIUM
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BRUSSELS:
NATO HEADQUARTERS FACILITY............................ 38,513 38,513 38,513 ................ ................
NATO HEADQUARTERS FIT-OUT............................. 29,100 29,100 29,100 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, BELGIUM...................................... 67,613 67,613 67,613 ................ ................
DJIBOUTI
NAVY:
CAMP LEMONIER:
ARMORY................................................ 6,420 6,420 6,420 ................ ................
UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING................................. 22,580 22,580 22,580 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, DJIBOUTI..................................... 29,000 29,000 29,000 ................ ................
GERMANY
DEFENSE-WIDE:
KAISERLAUTERN AB:
KAISERSLAUTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.......... 49,907 49,907 49,907 ................ ................
RAMSTEIN AB:
RAMSTEIN HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT...................... 98,762 98,762 98,762 ................ ................
RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS:
MEDICAL CENTER REPLACEMENT, INCR 3.................... 151,545 151,545 101,545 -50,000 -50,000
WIESBADEN:
HAINERBERG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.............. 58,899 58,899 58,899 ................ ................
WIESBADEN MIDDLE SCHOOL REPLACEMENT................... 50,756 50,756 50,756 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GERMANY...................................... 409,869 409,869 359,869 -50,000 -50,000
GREENLAND
AIR FORCE:
THULE AB:
THULE CONSOLIDATION, PHASE 2.......................... 43,904 43,904 43,904 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GREENLAND.................................... 43,904 43,904 43,904 ................ ................
GUAM
NAVY:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR--NORTH RAMP............... 85,673 85,673 ................ -85,673 -85,673
BAMS FORWARD OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE HANGAR....... 61,702 61,702 61,702 ................ ................
DEHUMIDIFIED SUPPLY STORAGE FACILITY.................. 17,170 17,170 17,170 ................ ................
EMERGENT REPAIR FACILITY EXPANSION.................... 35,860 35,860 35,860 ................ ................
MODULAR STORAGE MAGAZINES............................. 63,382 63,382 63,382 ................ ................
SIERRA WHARF IMPROVEMENTS............................. 1,170 1,170 1,170 ................ ................
XRAY WHARF IMPROVEMENTS............................... 53,420 53,420 53,420 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
PAR--FUEL SYSTEM HARDENED BUILDINGS................... 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
PAR--STRIKE TACTICAL MISSILE MXS FACILITY............. 10,530 10,530 10,530 ................ ................
PAR--TANKER GP MX HANGAR/AMU/SQD OPS.................. 132,600 132,600 132,600 ................ ................
PRTC REDHORSE AIRFIELD OPERATIONS FACILITY............ 8,500 8,500 8,500 ................ ................
PRTC SF FIRE RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.......... 4,600 4,600 4,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GUAM......................................... 494,607 494,607 408,934 -85,673 -85,673
JAPAN
NAVY:
CAMP BUTLER:
AIRFIELD SECURITY UPGRADES............................ 5,820 5,820 5,820 ................ ................
YOKOSUKA:
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM UPGRADE.......................... 7,568 7,568 7,568 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ATSUGI:
REPLACE GROUND VEHICLE FUELING FACILITY............... 4,100 4,100 4,100 ................ ................
IWAKUNI:
CONSTRUCT HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM......................... 34,000 34,000 34,000 ................ ................
KADENA AB:
KADENA MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDITION/RENOVATION.............. 38,792 38,792 38,792 ................ ................
TORRI COMMO STATION:
SOF FACILITY AUGMENTATION............................. 71,451 63,621 71,451 ................ +7,830
YOKOSUKA:
UPGRADE FUEL PUMPS.................................... 10,600 10,600 10,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, JAPAN........................................ 172,331 164,501 172,331 ................ +7,830
KOREA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP WALKER:
DAEGU MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.................. 52,164 52,164 52,164 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KOREA........................................ 52,164 52,164 52,164 ................ ................
KWAJALEIN
ARMY:
KWAJALEIN ATOLL:
PIER.................................................. 63,000 63,000 63,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KWAJALEIN.................................... 63,000 63,000 63,000 ................ ................
MARIANA ISLANDS
AIR FORCE:
SAIPAN:
PAR--AIRPORT POL/BULK STORAGE AST..................... 18,500 ................ 18,500 ................ +18,500
PAR--HAZARDOUS CARGO PAD.............................. 8,000 ................ 8,000 ................ +8,000
PAR--MAINTENANCE FACILITY............................. 2,800 ................ 2,800 ................ +2,800
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MARIANA ISLANDS.............................. 29,300 ................ 29,300 ................ +29,300
PUERTO RICO
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP SANTIAGO:
MANEUVER AREA TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT SITE ADDITION.... 5,600 5,600 5,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, PUERTO RICO.................................. 5,600 5,600 5,600 ................ ................
ROMANIA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
DEVESELU:
AEGIS ASHORE MISSILE DEF SYS COMPLEX, INCREM 2........ 85,000 80,000 85,000 ................ +5,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ROMANIA...................................... 85,000 80,000 85,000 ................ +5,000
UNITED KINGDOM
AIR FORCE:
RAF CROUGHTON:
MAIN GATE COMPLEX..................................... 12,000 12,000 12,000 ................ ................
RAF LAKENHEATH:
GUARDIAN ANGEL OPERATIONS FACILITY.................... 22,047 22,047 22,047 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
RAF LAKENHEATH:
LAKENHEATH HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.................... 69,638 69,638 69,638 ................ ................
RAF MILDENHALL:
REPLACE FUEL STORAGE.................................. 17,732 17,732 17,732 ................ ................
SOF AIRFILED PAVEMENTS................................ 24,077 ................ ................ -24,077 ................
SOF HANGAR/AMU........................................ 24,371 ................ ................ -24,371 ................
SOF AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS AND HANGAR/AMU................. ................ 48,448 ................ ................ -48,448
SOF MRSP AND PARTS STORAGE............................ 6,797 6,797 ................ -6,797 -6,797
SOF SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY...................... 11,652 11,652 ................ -11,652 -11,652
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, UNITED KINGDOM............................... 188,314 188,314 121,417 -66,897 -66,897
NATO SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM.............................. 239,700 199,700 239,700 ................ +40,000
WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED
ARMY:
CLASSIFIED LOCATION:
COMPANY OPERATIONS COMPLEX............................ 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CLASSIFIED LOCATION:
AN/TPY-2 RADAR SITE................................... 15,000 15,000 15,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED......................... 48,000 48,000 48,000 ................ ................
WORLDWIDE UNSPECIFIED
ARMY:
HOST NATION SUPPORT....................................... 33,000 23,000 33,000 ................ +10,000
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 25,000 25,000 25,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 41,575 41,575 41,575 ................ ................
NAVY:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 89,830 89,830 89,830 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 19,740 19,740 19,740 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
KC-46A FTU FACILITY PROJECTS.............................. 63,000 63,000 31,000 -32,000 -32,000
KC-46A MOB #1 FACILITY PROJECTS........................... 192,700 192,700 219,080 +26,380 +26,380
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 11,314 11,314 14,321 +3,007 +3,007
UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION............................ 20,448 20,448 20,448 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION.................................. 10,000 ................ 10,000 ................ +10,000
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM.................... 150,000 150,000 150,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 50,192 50,192 40,192 -10,000 -10,000
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM................ ................ ................ 10,000 +10,000 +10,000
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT EDUCATION............. 75,905 75,905 75,905 ................ ................
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY.............................. 57,053 57,053 57,053 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 36,866 36,866 36,866 ................ ................
WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICE....................... 6,931 6,931 6,931 ................ ................
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY................................ 10,891 10,891 10,891 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, PLANNING AND DESIGN....................... 237,838 237,838 237,838 ................ ................
UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.............................. 7,430 7,430 7,430 ................ ................
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT EDUCATION............. 5,409 5,409 5,409 ................ ................
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY................................ 2,000 2,000 2,000 ................ ................
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY.............................. 1,500 1,500 1,500 ................ ................
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF................................. 9,730 9,730 9,730 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 5,170 5,170 5,170 ................ ................
TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY........................... 9,578 9,578 9,578 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION............ 43,817 43,817 43,817 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 29,005 24,005 29,005 ................ +5,000
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 12,240 12,240 12,240 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 13,400 13,400 13,400 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 13,000 13,000 13,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 14,212 14,212 14,212 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 1,748 1,748 1,748 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 2,540 2,540 2,540 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 2,229 2,229 2,229 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 1,530 1,530 1,530 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY
WISCONSIN:
FORT MCCOY:
FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (56 UNITS)............ 23,000 23,000 23,000 ................ ................
GERMANY:
SOUTH CAMP VILSECK:
FAMILIY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (29 UNITS)........... 16,600 16,600 ................ -16,600 -16,600
PLANNING AND DESIGN................................... 4,408 4,408 4,408 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.............................. 44,008 44,008 27,408 -16,600 -16,600
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 96,907 96,907 96,907 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 13,536 13,536 13,536 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 54,433 54,433 54,433 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 646 646 646 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 33,125 33,125 33,125 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 180,924 180,924 180,924 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 107,639 107,639 107,639 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 25,661 25,661 25,661 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 512,871 512,871 512,871 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS..................................... 68,969 68,969 68,969 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 4,438 4,438 4,438 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.................................. 73,407 73,407 73,407 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 94,313 94,313 94,313 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 20,596 20,596 20,596 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 60,782 60,782 60,782 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 362 362 362 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 21,073 21,073 21,073 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 74,962 74,962 74,962 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 90,122 90,122 90,122 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 27,634 27,634 27,634 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 389,844 389,844 389,844 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, AIR FORCE
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS..................................... 72,093 72,093 72,093 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 4,267 4,267 4,267 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.................................. 76,360 76,360 76,360 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 70,532 70,532 70,532 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 53,044 53,044 53,044 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 16,862 16,862 16,862 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 39,470 39,470 39,470 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 1,954 1,954 1,954 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 54,514 54,514 54,514 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE............................................... 110,786 110,786 110,786 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 41,436 41,436 41,436 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 388,598 388,598 388,598 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 12 12 12 ................ ................
FURNISHING............................................ 67 67 67 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 10,994 10,994 10,994 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 74 74 74 ................ ................
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY:
FURNISHINGS........................................... 3,196 3,196 3,196 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 40,433 40,433 40,433 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 288 288 288 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS........................................... 20 20 20 ................ ................
SERVICES.............................................. 32 32 32 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT............................................ 418 418 418 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 311 311 311 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................. 55,845 55,845 55,845 ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... 1,780 1,780 1,780 ................ ................
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT.......................... 451,357 451,357 451,357 ................ ................
RESCISSIONS FROM PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED BALANCES
ARMY.......................................................... ................ -89,000 ................ ................ +89,000
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................................... ................ -49,920 ................ ................ +49,920
DEFENSE-WIDE.................................................. ................ -358,400 ................ ................ +358,400
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY, PLANNING AND DESIGN FISCAL YEAR ................ -50,000 ................ ................ +50,000
2012.........................................................
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE, UNSPECIFIED MINOR ................ -16,470 ................ ................ +16,470
CONSTRUCTION FISCAL YEAR 2009 AND FISCAL YEAR 2010...........
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, UNSPECIFIED MINOR ................ -45,623 ................ ................ +45,623
CONSTRUCTION FISCAL YEAR 2009 AND FISCAL YEAR 2010...........
42 USC 3374 (SECTION 132)..................................... ................ -50,000 ................ ................ +50,000
REDUCTION OF FUNDS (SECTION 133).............................. ................ -4,668 ................ ................ +4,668
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS (SECTION 135).... ................ 75,000 ................ ................ -75,000
RECAP
ARMY.......................................................... 1,119,875 1,099,875 1,119,875 ................ +20,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -139,000 ................ ................ +139,000
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................................... 1,700,269 1,616,281 1,614,596 -85,673 -1,685
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -49,920 ................ ................ +49,920
AIR FORCE..................................................... 1,156,573 1,127,273 1,153,960 -2,613 +26,687
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE.................................................. 3,985,300 3,707,923 3,766,553 -218,747 +58,630
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -374,870 ................ ................ +374,870
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD........................................... 320,815 315,815 320,815 ................ +5,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD............................................ 119,800 107,800 119,800 ................ +12,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -45,623 ................ ................ +45,623
ARMY RESERVE.................................................. 174,060 174,060 174,060 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE.................................................. 32,976 32,976 32,976 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE............................................. 45,659 45,659 45,659 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NATO.......................................................... 239,700 199,700 239,700 ................ +40,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE.......... 122,536 122,536 122,536 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... 1,780 1,780 1,780 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY.......................................... 556,879 556,879 540,279 -16,600 -16,600
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (44,008) (44,008) (27,408) (-16,600) (-16,600)
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (512,871) (512,871) (512,871) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................... 463,251 463,251 463,251 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (73,407) (73,407) (73,407) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (389,844) (389,844) (389,844) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, AIR FORCE..................................... 464,958 464,958 464,958 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (76,360) (76,360) (76,360) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (388,598) (388,598) (388,598) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE.................................. 55,845 55,845 55,845 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (55,845) (55,845) (55,845) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
BRAC.......................................................... 451,357 451,357 451,357 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL............................................. 11,011,633 9,954,887 10,688,000 -323,633 +733,113
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2014
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+
or -)
Item 2013 Budget estimate House allowance Committee --------------------------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2013
appropriation Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Military construction, Army...... 1,682,100 1,119,875 1,099,875 1,119,875 -562,225 ............... +20,000
Military construction, Navy and 1,547,120 1,700,269 1,616,281 1,614,596 +67,476 -85,673 -1,685
Marine Corps....................
Military construction, Air Force. 322,117 1,156,573 1,127,273 1,153,960 +831,843 -2,613 +26,687
Military construction, Defense- 3,577,695 3,985,300 3,707,923 3,766,553 +188,858 -218,747 +58,630
Wide............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Active components... 7,129,032 7,962,017 7,551,352 7,654,984 +525,952 -307,033 +103,632
======================================================================================================================
Military construction, Army 612,989 320,815 315,815 320,815 -292,174 ............... +5,000
National Guard..................
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 24,235 ............... ............... ............... -24,235 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 637,224 320,815 315,815 320,815 -316,409 ............... +5,000
Military construction, Air 42,330 119,800 107,800 119,800 +77,470 ............... +12,000
National Guard..................
Military construction, Army 305,442 174,060 174,060 174,060 -131,382 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Navy 49,467 32,976 32,976 32,976 -16,491 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Air Force 10,965 45,659 45,659 45,659 +34,694 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Reserve components.. 1,045,428 693,310 676,310 693,310 -352,118 ............... +17,000
======================================================================================================================
Total, Military 8,174,460 8,655,327 8,227,662 8,348,294 +173,834 -307,033 +120,632
construction..............
======================================================================================================================
North Atlantic Treaty 253,828 239,700 199,700 239,700 -14,128 ............... +40,000
Organization Security Investment
Program.........................
Family housing construction, Army 4,635 44,008 44,008 27,408 +22,773 -16,600 -16,600
Family housing operation and 529,352 512,871 512,871 512,871 -16,481 ............... ...............
maintenance, Army...............
Family housing construction, Navy 102,047 73,407 73,407 73,407 -28,640 ............... ...............
and Marine Corps................
Family housing operation and 377,731 389,844 389,844 389,844 +12,113 ............... ...............
maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps...........................
Family housing construction, Air 83,713 76,360 76,360 76,360 -7,353 ............... ...............
Force...........................
Family housing operation and 497,172 388,598 388,598 388,598 -108,574 ............... ...............
maintenance, Air Force..........
Family housing operation and 52,169 55,845 55,845 55,845 +3,676 ............... ...............
maintenance, Defense-Wide.......
Department of Defense Family 1,784 1,780 1,780 1,780 -4 ............... ...............
Housing Improvement Fund........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Family housing...... 1,648,603 1,542,713 1,542,713 1,526,113 -122,490 -16,600 -16,600
======================================================================================================================
Chemical demilitarization 150,801 122,536 122,536 122,536 -28,265 ............... ...............
construction, Defense-Wide......
Base realignment and closure:
Base realignment and closure 408,856 ............... ............... ............... -408,856 ............... ...............
account, 1990...............
Base realignment and closure 126,530 ............... ............... ............... -126,530 ............... ...............
account, 2005...............
Base realignment and closure ............... 451,357 451,357 451,357 +451,357 ............... ...............
account.....................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Base realignment and 535,386 451,357 451,357 451,357 -84,029 ............... ...............
closure...................
======================================================================================================================
Military construction, Army (Sec. ............... ............... -89,000 ............... ............... ............... +89,000
126)............................
Military construction, Navy and ............... ............... -49,920 ............... ............... ............... +49,920
Marine Corps (Sec. 127).........
Military construction, Defense- -20,000 ............... -358,400 ............... +20,000 ............... +358,400
Wide (Sec. 128).................
Rescission (Public Law 113-6):
Base Realignment and Closure, -132,513 ............... ............... ............... +132,513 ............... ...............
2005........................
Fiscal year 2012 (Sec. 129).. ............... ............... -50,000 ............... ............... ............... +50,000
Military construction, Defense- ............... ............... -16,470 ............... ............... ............... +16,470
Wide, unspecified minor
construction fiscal year 2009
and fiscal year 2010 (Sec. 130).
Military construction, Air ............... ............... -45,623 ............... ............... ............... +45,623
National Guard, unspecified
minor construction fiscal year
2009 and fiscal year 2010 (Sec.
131)............................
42 USC 3374 (Sec. 132)........... ............... ............... -50,000 ............... ............... ............... +50,000
Reduction of funds (Sec. 133).... ............... ............... -4,668 ............... ............... ............... +4,668
Navy Land Transfer (Public Law 10,985 ............... ............... ............... -10,985 ............... ...............
113-6)..........................
Military construction, Navy and ............... ............... 75,000 ............... ............... ............... -75,000
Marine Corps (Sec. 135).........
======================================================================================================================
Total, title I, Department 10,621,550 11,011,633 9,954,887 10,688,000 +66,450 -323,633 +733,113
of Defense................
Appropriations......... (10,749,828) (11,011,633) (10,614,300) (10,688,000) (-61,828) (-323,633) (+73,700)
Rescissions............ (-152,513) ............... (-659,413) ............... (+152,513) ............... (+659,413)
Emergency (24,235) ............... ............... ............... (-24,235) ............... ...............
appropriations........
======================================================================================================================
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and pensions........ 60,599,855 71,248,171 71,248,171 71,248,171 +10,648,316 ............... ...............
Readjustment benefits............ 12,023,458 13,135,898 13,135,898 13,135,898 +1,112,440 ............... ...............
Veterans insurance and 104,600 77,567 77,567 77,567 -27,033 ............... ...............
indemnities.....................
Veterans housing benefit program
fund:
(indefinite)................. 184,859 ............... ............... ............... -184,859 ............... ...............
(Limitation on direct loans). (500) (500) (500) (500) ............... ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...... 157,606 158,430 158,430 158,430 +824 ............... ...............
Vocational rehabilitation loans 19 5 5 5 -14 ............... ...............
program account.................
(Limitation on direct loans). (2,729) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (-229) ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...... 346 354 354 354 +8 ............... ...............
Native American veteran housing 1,088 1,109 1,109 1,109 +21 ............... ...............
loan program account............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Benefits 73,071,831 84,621,534 84,621,534 84,621,534 +11,549,703 ............... ...............
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Veterans Health Administration
Medical services:
Advance from prior year...... (41,340,767) (43,557,000) (43,557,000) (43,557,000) (+2,216,233) ............... ...............
Current year request......... 154,795 157,500 ............... 25,000 -129,795 -132,500 +25,000
Advance appropriation, fiscal 43,557,000 45,015,527 45,015,527 45,015,527 +1,458,527 ............... ...............
year 2015...................
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 21,000 ............... ............... ............... -21,000 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 43,732,795 45,173,027 45,015,527 45,040,527 +1,307,732 -132,500 +25,000
Medical support and compliance:
Advance from prior year...... (5,744,161) (6,033,000) (6,033,000) (6,033,000) (+288,839) ............... ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal 6,033,000 5,879,700 5,879,700 5,879,700 -153,300 ............... ...............
year 2015...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 6,033,000 5,879,700 5,879,700 5,879,700 -153,300 ............... ...............
Medical facilities:
Advance from prior year...... (5,439,259) (4,872,000) (4,872,000) (4,872,000) (-567,259) ............... ...............
Current year request......... ............... ............... ............... 100,000 +100,000 +100,000 +100,000
Advance appropriation, fiscal 4,872,000 4,739,000 4,739,000 4,739,000 -133,000 ............... ...............
year 2015...................
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 6,000 ............... ............... ............... -6,000 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 4,878,000 4,739,000 4,739,000 4,839,000 -39,000 +100,000 +100,000
Medical and prosthetic research.. 581,905 585,664 585,664 585,664 +3,759 ............... ...............
Medical care cost recovery
collections:
Offsetting collections....... -2,527,000 -2,485,000 -2,485,000 -2,485,000 +42,000 ............... ...............
Appropriations (indefinite).. 2,527,000 2,485,000 2,485,000 2,485,000 -42,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
DOD-VA Joint Medical Funds (by (280,000) (254,257) (271,000) (254,257) (-25,743) ............... (-16,743)
transfer).......................
DOD-VA Health Care Sharing ............... (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) (+15,000) ............... ...............
Incentive Fund (by transfer)....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Health 55,225,700 56,377,391 56,219,891 56,344,891 +1,119,191 -32,500 +125,000
Administration............
Appropriations......... (736,700) (743,164) (585,664) (710,664) (-26,036) (-32,500) (+125,000)
Emergency (27,000) ............... ............... ............... (-27,000) ............... ...............
appropriations........
Advance appropriations, (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2015......
Advances from prior year (52,524,187) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (+1,937,813) ............... ...............
appropriations............
======================================================================================================================
National Cemetery Administration
National Cemetery Administration. 257,943 250,000 250,000 250,000 -7,943 ............... ...............
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 2,100 ............... ............... ............... -2,100 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 260,043 250,000 250,000 250,000 -10,043 ............... ...............
Departmental Administration
General administration........... 424,176 403,023 393,023 415,885 -8,291 +12,862 +22,862
General operating expenses, VBA.. 2,161,218 2,455,490 2,455,490 2,465,490 +304,272 +10,000 +10,000
Information technology systems... 3,323,053 3,683,344 3,693,344 3,703,344 +380,291 +20,000 +10,000
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 531 ............... ............... ............... -531 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 3,323,584 3,683,344 3,693,344 3,703,344 +379,760 +20,000 +10,000
Office of Inspector General...... 114,848 116,411 116,411 121,411 +6,563 +5,000 +5,000
Construction, major projects..... 531,767 342,130 342,130 342,130 -189,637 ............... ...............
Supplemental (Public Law 113- 207,000 ............... ............... ............... -207,000 ............... ...............
2) (emergency)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 738,767 342,130 342,130 342,130 -396,637 ............... ...............
Construction, minor projects..... 606,728 714,870 714,870 714,870 +108,142 ............... ...............
Grants for construction of State 84,888 82,650 82,650 85,000 +112 +2,350 +2,350
extended care facilities........
Grants for the construction of 45,939 44,650 44,650 46,000 +61 +1,350 +1,350
veterans cemeteries.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental 7,500,148 7,842,568 7,842,568 7,894,130 +393,982 +51,562 +51,562
Administration............
Emergency appropriations. (207,531) ............... ............... ............... (-207,531) ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Administrative Provisions
Fiscal year 2014 advance ............... ............... -156,000 ............... ............... ............... +156,000
rescission (Sec. 230)...........
Fiscal year 2014 current ............... ............... -24,000 ............... ............... ............... +24,000
reduction (Sec. 230)............
Section 225
Medical services................. 1,498,020 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,500,000 +1,980 +100,000 +100,000
(Rescission of advance -1,500,000 -1,400,000 -1,400,000 -1,500,000 ............... -100,000 -100,000
appropriation)..............
Medical support and compliance... 199,736 100,000 100,000 150,000 -49,736 +50,000 +50,000
(Rescission of advance -200,000 -100,000 -100,000 -200,000 ............... -100,000 -100,000
appropriation)..............
Medical facilities............... 249,670 250,000 250,000 250,000 +330 ............... ...............
(Rescission of advance -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 ............... ............... ...............
appropriation)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total. Administrative -2,574 ............... -180,000 -50,000 -47,426 -50,000 +130,000
Provisions................
======================================================================================================================
Total, title II............ 136,055,148 149,091,493 148,753,993 149,060,555 +13,005,407 -30,938 +306,562
Appropriations......... (83,306,517) (95,207,266) (95,025,766) (95,376,328) (+12,069,811) (+169,062) (+350,562)
Emergency (236,631) ............... ............... ............... (-236,631) ............... ...............
appropriations........
Rescissions of advance (-1,950,000) (-1,750,000) (-1,906,000) (-1,950,000) ............... (-200,000) (-44,000)
appropriations........
Advance appropriations, (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2015......
Advances from prior year (52,524,187) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (+1,937,813) ............... ...............
appropriations............
(Limitation on direct (3,229) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (-229) ............... ...............
loans)....................
======================================================================================================================
TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments
Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 61,225 58,200 57,980 63,200 +1,975 +5,000 +5,220
Foreign currency fluctuations 14,788 14,100 14,100 14,100 -688 ............... ...............
account.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, American Battle 76,013 72,300 72,080 77,300 +1,287 +5,000 +5,220
Monuments Commission......
======================================================================================================================
U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims
Salaries and expenses............ 31,601 35,408 35,272 35,408 +3,807 ............... +136
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
Salaries and expenses............ 64,018 45,800 70,685 70,800 +6,782 +25,000 +115
Construction program............. 100,211 ............... ............... ............... -100,211 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Cemeterial Expenses, 164,229 45,800 70,685 70,800 -93,429 +25,000 +115
Army......................
======================================================================================================================
Armed Forces Retirement Home--
Trust Fund
Operation and maintenance........ 63,814 66,800 66,400 66,800 +2,986 ............... +400
Capital program.................. 1,946 1,000 1,000 1,000 -946 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Armed Forces 65,760 67,800 67,400 67,800 +2,040 ............... +400
Retirement Home--Trust
Fund......................
======================================================================================================================
Armed Forces Retirement Home--
General Fund
Capital program.................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Armed Forces 65,760 67,800 67,400 67,800 +2,040 ............... +400
Retirement Home...........
======================================================================================================================
Total, title III........... 337,603 221,308 245,437 251,308 -86,295 +30,000 +5,871
======================================================================================================================
TITLE IV--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY
OPERATIONS
Military construction, Army...... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
Military construction, Navy and 150,768 ............... ............... ............... -150,768 ............... ...............
Marine Corps....................
Rescission (Public Law 112-10)... -150,768 ............... ............... ............... +150,768 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Total, title IV............ ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Grand total................ 147,014,301 160,324,434 158,954,317 159,999,863 +12,985,562 -324,571 +1,045,546
Appropriations......... (94,393,948) (106,440,207) (105,885,503) (106,315,636) (+11,921,688) (-124,571) (+430,133)
Rescissions............ (-152,513) ............... (-659,413) ............... (+152,513) ............... (+659,413)
Rescissions of advance (-1,950,000) (-1,750,000) (-1,906,000) (-1,950,000) ............... (-200,000) (-44,000)
appropriations........
Emergency (260,866) ............... ............... ............... (-260,866) ............... ...............
appropriations........
Advance appropriations, (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2015......
Advances from prior year (52,524,187) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (54,462,000) (+1,937,813) ............... ...............
appropriations............
(By transfer).............. (280,000) (269,257) (286,000) (269,257) (-10,743) ............... (-16,743)
(Limitation on direct (3,229) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (-229) ............... ...............
loans)....................
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