[Senate Report 113-110]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 197
113th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 113-110
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HELPING HOMELESS VETERANS ACT OF 2013
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September 23, 2013.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Sanders, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 287]
The Committee on Veterans' Affairs (hereinafter, ``the
Committee''), to which was referred the bill (S. 287), to amend
title 38, United States Code (hereinafter, ``U.S.C.''), to
expand the definition of homeless veteran for the purposes of
benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, having considered the
same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute, and an amendment to the title, and recommends
that the bill, as amended, do pass.
Introduction
On February 12, 2013, Senator Mark Begich introduced S.
287, the proposed bill to amend title 38, U.S.C., to expand the
definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and
for other purposes. Senators Blumenthal, Boozman, Pryor, and
Tester were original cosponsors. Senator Shaheen was later
added as a cosponsor. The bill was referred to the Committee.
On April 25, 2013, Committee Chairman Bernard Sanders
introduced S. 825, the proposed ``Homeless Veterans Prevention
Act of 2013.'' Ranking Member Burr was an original cosponsor.
Senators Blumenthal, Murray, and Murphy were later added as
cosponsors. S. 825 would amend title 38, U.S.C., to improve
assistance to homeless veterans, and for other purposes. The
bill was referred to the Committee.
On May 23, 2013, Senator Dean Heller introduced S. 1058,
the proposed ``Creating a Reliable Environment for Veterans'
Dependents Act.'' Senator Murray was an original cosponsor. S.
1058 would authorize per diem payments under comprehensive
service programs for homeless veterans to furnish care to
dependents of homeless veterans, and for other purposes. The
bill was referred to the Committee.
Committee Hearing
On May 9, 2013, the Committee held a hearing on pending
legislation, including S. 287 and S. 825. Testimony was offered
by: Dr. Robert Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for
Health, representing the Department of Veterans Affairs
(hereinafter, ``VA'' or ``the Department''); Rick Weidman,
Executive Director for Policy & Government Affairs, Vietnam
Veterans of America; and Matt Gornick, Policy Director,
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Committee Meeting
After carefully reviewing the testimony from the foregoing
hearing, the Committee met in open session on July 24, 2013, to
consider, among other legislation, an amended version of S.
287, consisting of provisions from S. 287, as introduced, and
the legislation noted above. The Committee voted by voice vote,
without objection, to report favorably S. 287, as amended, and
as further amended, to the Senate.
Summary of S. 287 as Reported
S. 287, as reported (hereinafter, ``the Committee bill''),
consists of 13 sections, summarized below:
Section 1 would provide a short title.
Section 2 would expand the definition of homeless veteran
for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Section 3 would improve the grant program for comprehensive
service programs for homeless veterans.
Section 4 would increase per diem payments for transitional
housing assistance that becomes permanent housing for homeless
veterans.
Section 5 would authorize per diem payments for furnishing
care to dependents of certain homeless veterans.
Section 6 would require VA to assess comprehensive service
programs for homeless veterans.
Section 7 would expand VA authority to provide dental care
to homeless veterans.
Section 8 would authorize partnerships with public and
private entities to provide legal services to homeless veterans
and veterans at risk of homelessness.
Section 9 would require requests for data to evaluate and
improve services provided to veterans at risk of homelessness.
Section 10 would repeal the sunset on authority to carry
out a program of referral and counseling services for veterans
at risk for homelessness who are transitioning from certain
institutions.
Section 11 would repeal the requirement for annual reports
on assistance to homeless veterans.
Section 12 would provide extensions of authorities.
Section 13 would extend reduced pension for certain
veterans covered by Medicaid plans for services furnished by
nursing facilities.
Background and Discussion
Sec. 2. Expansion of definition of homeless veteran for purposes of
benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
Section 2 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
287, as introduced, would expand the definition of homeless
veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through VA,
to include a veteran or veteran's family fleeing domestic or
dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous
or life-threatening conditions in their current housing
situation.
Background. Congress has authorized several initiatives in
an effort to provide VA with the tools necessary to end veteran
homelessness. Those who meet the definition of homeless veteran
are eligible to participate in these initiatives. Section
2002(1) of title 38, U.S.C., defines ``homeless veteran'' as a
veteran who is homeless as that term is defined in section
11302(a) of title 42, U.S.C. A homeless veteran is thus defined
as a veteran who meets the criteria of lacking a fixed,
regular, and adequate place to sleep at night; has a primary
nighttime residence that is a public or private place not
designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping
accommodation, including a car or park; lives in a transitional
housing setting; resides in a location not meant for human
habitation; will imminently lose his or her housing; or has
experienced persistent housing instability.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's
(hereinafter, ``HUD'') definition of homeless encompasses the
aforementioned definition, but also includes an additional
class of individuals, as defined by section 11302(b) of title
42, U.S.C., which is comprised of
any individual or family who is fleeing, or is
attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-
threatening conditions in the individual's or family's
current housing situation, including where the health
and safety of children are jeopardized, and who have no
other residence and lack the resources or support
networks to obtain other permanent housing.
In July 2011, a team led by Dr. Melissa E. Dichter, Research
Health Scientist at VA's Center for Health Equity Research and
Promotion, published a study entitled ``Intimate Partner
Violence Victimization Among Women Veterans and Associated
Heart Health Risks.'' The study found almost one-third of the
veteran participants had experienced intimate partner, domestic
or dating violence, as compared with less than one-quarter of
civilian participants. Within that sample, veterans experienced
intimate partner violence at a higher rate than civilians.
Committee Bill. Section 2 of the Committee bill would
expand the definition of homeless veteran by amending section
2002(1) of title 38, U.S.C., to include veterans and their
families who may be homeless based on the circumstances defined
in section 11302(b) of title 42, U.S.C. It is the intent of the
Committee to bring VA's homeless definition in line with HUD's
ensuring that veterans fleeing domestic or dating violence and
other life-threatening situations are eligible to participate
in VA's programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 3. Improvements to grant program for comprehensive service
programs for homeless veterans.
Section 3 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would require VA to meet physical privacy, safety, and
security needs in its Homeless Grant and Per Diem (hereinafter,
``GPD'') program and would authorize VA to provide capital
improvement grants for repairs toward this end.
Background. Public Law (hereinafter, ``P.L.'') 102-590, the
``Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of
1992,'' established VA's GPD program. The grant program assists
public and nonprofit private entities in establishing,
modifying or expanding programs that provide homeless veterans
with outreach, rehabilitative services, vocational counseling
and training, and transitional housing assistance. The per diem
program provides per diem payments, or in-kind assistance in
lieu of per diem payments, to assist eligible entities that
established programs after November 10, 1992, with the daily
costs associated with providing supportive services and housing
for homeless veterans.
Section 2011 of title 38, U.S.C., sets forth the authority,
criteria, and requirements for capital grants under VA's GPD
program. The law requires VA to establish criteria and
requirements for grants awarded under this section. Eligible
entities for these grants are restricted to public or nonprofit
private entities with the capacity to administer the grant
effectively. An eligible entity must also agree to meet, as
well as have the capacity to meet, the applicable criteria and
requirements established by VA. Currently, grants can be used
to assist eligible entities with costs associated with
acquiring, renovating, or altering facilities to establish new
programs and service centers to furnish supportive services and
housing for homeless veterans, or to procure vans to transport
homeless veterans.
The law requires VA to provide to grant recipients under
section 2011 of title 38, U.S.C., per diem payments for
services furnished to any homeless veteran whom VA has referred
to the grant recipient, or for whom VA has authorized the
provision of services. Section 2012 of title 38, U.S.C., sets
forth the authority, criteria, and requirements for VA's per
diem program. The per diem rate is defined as the estimated
daily cost of care, not in excess of the per diem rate for VA's
State Home Per Diem Program.
A September 2011 report by VA's Inspector General
(hereinafter, ``IG''), entitled ``Safety, Security, and Privacy
for Female Veterans at a Chicago, IL Homeless Grant Provider
Facility,'' found safety issues at a GPD facility that was
housing both male and female veterans in close proximity
without adequately addressing the unique needs of women
veterans. The review found that women veterans had clinical
histories that detailed instances of domestic abuse and sexual
trauma, yet they were placed alongside male veterans with
criminal backgrounds, and substance abuse and mental health
issues in a facility that lacked adequate lighting, proper
locking mechanisms on doors, and adequate surveillance.
In a March 2012 report entitled ``Audit of the Homeless
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program,'' the IG noted that ``an
incomplete grant application evaluation process, a lack of
safety, security, health, and welfare standards, and an
inconsistent monitoring program impacted the GPD Program's
effectiveness.'' To resolve these issues, VA is in the process
of developing gender-specific safety and security standards, as
well as a training program and written guidance for both
homeless program staff and community providers.
According to VA, its GPD program, as described above,
provides transitional housing for up to 20,000 homeless
veterans annually. The Government Accountability Office
(hereinafter, ``GAO'') found, in a December 2011 study entitled
``Homeless Women Veterans: Actions Needed to Ensure Safe and
Appropriate Housing,'' that privacy, safety, and security
concerns were a barrier to homeless women veterans who might
otherwise make use of the facilities. The ability to ensure the
safety of all veterans in GPD housing is critical to their
participation in the program.
Committee Bill. Section 3(a) of the Committee bill would
amend section 2011(a) of title 38, U.S.C., by allowing VA to
offer capital grants under the GPD program to offset a portion
of the costs of facility maintenance in conjunction with
physical privacy, safety, and security. It is the view of the
Committee that the opportunity to apply for renovation grants,
in limited amounts and for limited purposes, will help
interested facilities provide safe transitional housing for
homeless women veterans who may need this type of care to exit
homelessness.
Section 3(b) of the Committee bill would amend section
2011(f) of title 38, U.S.C., by requiring grantees to meet the
physical privacy, safety, and security needs of homeless
veterans receiving services through their program. It is the
view of the Committee that addressing these safety concerns
will allow more homeless veterans to safely and comfortably
take advantage of the GPD program to improve their quality of
life.
Sec. 4. Increased per diem payments for transitional housing assistance
that becomes permanent housing for homeless veterans.
Section 4 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would authorize VA to award per diem grants to providers
that offer veterans transitional housing units and allow
homeless veterans to transition into permanent housing in the
same unit.
Background. A veteran's ability to successfully exit
transitional housing into independent living can be curtailed
by the availability of low-income housing in the area. As VA
continues to work toward ending homelessness among veterans, it
is important to focus on ways to ease a veteran's exit from
transitional housing into stable, independent housing in order
to break the cycle of homelessness.
The traditional GPD model is intended to provide a homeless
veteran with time-limited transitional housing assistance,
focused on housing readiness, in a congregate living or
individual unit setting. When the assistance ends, the goal is
for the veteran to leave this setting and move into permanent
housing in the community. In many communities, it is difficult
for veterans who have completed this program to find stable,
permanent housing that is affordable and safe. According to
VA's Fiscal Year (hereinafter, ``FY'') 2011 Annual Report on
Specialized Programs Offering Assistance to Homeless Veterans,
approximately 53 percent of homeless veterans discharged from
this program in FY 2011 moved into independent housing.
Several GPD grantees partner with housing developers to
create permanent housing near transitional housing sites, in
order to provide continuity of services and improve housing
stability once program assistance is complete. In September
2012, VA's GPD program awarded 31 grants to GPD providers who
agreed to implement a new GPD model, known as transition-in-
place (hereinafter, ``TIP''). Under the TIP model, grantees
provide time-limited transitional housing assistance, focused
on maintaining stable housing, in an apartment-like setting.
The goal is for the veteran to assume the responsibility of the
lease instead of moving into another location when transitional
housing assistance is complete. Grantees are responsible for
finding additional housing to replace the units and maintain
the ability to serve the number of veterans identified in the
grant application.
Implementing the TIP model can lead to additional expenses
that traditional GPD providers may not encounter, such as
housing search specialists, additional life safety code
inspections and compliance issues, increased staffing needs due
to travel time to case manage veterans, and a shift in economy
of scale. In March 2013, the National Coalition for Homeless
Veterans published the results from a survey of GPD grantees to
determine their ability to implement the TIP model. The results
found that grantees perceived challenges around the physical
footprint of their facilities, added expenses to implement the
TIP model, and an inability to replace housing units after
conversion.
Committee Bill. Section 4 of the Committee bill would amend
section 2012(a)(2) of title 38, U.S.C., to authorize VA to
offset a portion of the added cost to implement the TIP model
for GPD grantees by allowing VA to provide up to 150 percent of
the per diem rate for the duration of a veteran's participation
in the TIP program. It is the view of the Committee that the
GPD program, whether the traditional or TIP model, should focus
the transitional housing assistance provided on the skills
required to ensure housing stability upon program exit. All GPD
grantees should receive sufficient per diem payment to provide
quality services to homeless veterans. It is the intent of the
Committee to incentivize GPD grantees to invest in housing
stability by reducing potential barriers to the implementation
of a TIP model for transitional housing.
Sec. 5. Authorization of per diem payments for furnishing care to
dependents of certain homeless veterans.
Section 5 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825 and S. 1058, would modify requirements relating to per diem
payments for furnishing services to homeless veterans by
authorizing such services to include care of their dependents.
Background. In a December 2011 study entitled ``Homeless
Women Veterans: Actions Needed to Ensure Safe and Appropriate
Housing,'' GAO found the number of homeless women veterans more
than doubled between FYs 2006 and 2010, and many of those
veterans have minor children. GAO also found that ``over 60
percent of the GPD programs that serve homeless women veterans
did not house children,'' and those that did had restrictions
such as the ages and number of children allowed. The cost of
housing children was cited as the primary reason they could not
be accommodated. VA does not have the statutory authority to
reimburse GPD programs for these costs, yet Committee oversight
has found the prospect of having to separate from their
children is often cited by veterans as a disincentive to
participate in VA's homeless programs.
P.L. 112-154, the ``Honoring America's Veterans and Caring
for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012,'' modified VA's Special
Needs Grant Program to include male homeless veterans with
minor dependents as an eligible population, and to authorize VA
to fund transitional housing for dependents of veterans
receiving services funded by this grant. VA has historically
been authorized to utilize $5,000,000 annually to run the
Special Needs Grant Program. Approximately one in five grant
recipients under this program serve women or veterans with
minor dependents.
In contrast, a significant number of women veterans are
served by the larger GPD program, rather than the Special Needs
Grant Program. According to VA, women received over 185,000 bed
days of care through the GPD program in FY 2011. VA's report
entitled, ``Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education
and Networking Group (CHALENG) for Veterans Fiscal Year (FY)
2011: Services for Homeless Veterans Assessment and
Coordination,'' (hereinafter, ``CHALENG report'') found a 75
percent increase in the number of homeless families served
between FYs 2010 and 2011. One of the barriers to housing cited
by survey respondents was the ability to place veteran families
in emergency or transitional housing.
Committee Bill. Section 5 of the Committee bill would
modify section 2012(a) of title 38, U.S.C., by adding a new
paragraph that allows per diem payments to be used for
dependents of homeless veterans. It is the view of the
Committee that taking care of veterans also means taking care
of their families. Fear of separation and even permanent loss
of their children to the foster care system is a major
deterrent to homeless veteran families who may have otherwise
sought out assistance from VA, and one that must be removed.
The Committee is aware that not every GPD facility can safely
accommodate the children of homeless veterans, but intends that
VA fund this service at facilities that can appropriately
provide these services.
Sec. 6. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs to assess
comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Section 6 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would require VA to assess comprehensive service programs
to ensure they meet the needs of homeless veterans.
Background. VA's GPD program is its second largest program
focused on ending homelessness among veterans. While VA's grant
evaluation process evaluates clinical, environmental, and other
important attributes, there seems to be little, if any, focus
on the necessity of a particular type of transitional housing
in a particular community. Committee oversight has found a
disconnect between the type of GPD beds available and the
nature of the homeless population that would be best served by
the program in certain communities. For example, a community
may have an excess of empty beds reserved for homeless veterans
with substance abuse issues, along with a growing population of
homeless single parents who may not be appropriate candidates
for housing provided by that GPD grantee.
In a December 2011 study entitled ``Homeless Women
Veterans: Actions Needed to Ensure Safe and Appropriate
Housing,'' GAO found that VA does not have information needed
to plan services effectively, allocate grants to providers, and
track progress toward its overall goal of ending veteran
homelessness by 2015. In addition, in its March 2012 report
entitled ``Audit of the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem
Program,'' VA's IG concurred with the GAO finding, by noting
that the GPD program lacked mechanisms to measure bed capacity
against needs associated with underserved populations and
geographic areas or against funding priorities.
VA has developed a national homeless registry to better
understand the characteristics and needs of homeless veterans
served by the VA health care system and its grantees. The
registry is intended to improve care for homeless veterans,
standardize data collection across VA's homeless veteran
programs, increase coordination of care, and enhance outcomes
by providing a better means to track and monitor improvement.
Committee Bill. Section 6 of the Committee bill, in a
freestanding provision, requires VA to develop mechanisms to
measure the capacity of the GPD and Special Needs Grant Program
in order to determine whether existing capacity is sufficiently
meeting the needs of local homeless veterans, meeting goals set
forth through national level funding priorities, and able to
implement the TIP model for GPD.
The Committee understands that grant awards under the GPD
program are limited by the number of qualified applicants in
any given area and grant cycle. However, there are several
locations across the country where programs have few to no
admissions or where transitional housing programs funded
through the GPD program do not meet the needs of homeless
veterans in the community. The Committee intends that, to the
extent practicable, the capacity of the GPD program be right-
sized to fit the needs of each community, based on information
collected through the homeless registry, each community's
projected progress toward ending homelessness, and the mix of
other services to end homelessness among veterans. Further, the
Committee's intent is that population and capacity information
be used to set specific goals regarding the availability of
services provided to veterans and underserved populations of
homeless veterans; to evaluate progress toward reaching those
goals; to inform the grant award process; and to improve
referral patterns of homeless veterans to appropriate GPD
grantees.
Sec. 7. Expansion of Department of Veterans Affairs authority to
provide dental care to homeless veterans.
Section 7 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would expand VA's authority to provide dental care to
homeless veterans.
Background. P.L. 107-95, the ``Homeless Veterans
Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001,'' (hereinafter, ``P.L.
107-95'') authorized VA to develop the Homeless Veterans Dental
Program (hereinafter, ``HVDP''). Section 2062 of title 38,
U.S.C., sets forth the authority, criteria, and requirements
for obtaining a medically necessary, one-time course of
outpatient dental care through this program. Services are
considered medically necessary if they are needed to
successfully gain or regain employment, to alleviate pain, or
for treatment of moderate, severe, or severe and complicated
gingival and periodontal pathology. Allowable treatments
include examinations and x-rays, oral hygiene instructions,
nutritional and tobacco counseling, prophylaxis, deep cleaning,
fillings, extractions, removable partial dentures, and
dentures.
Eligible veterans include those who are enrolled for a
minimum of 60 days in a Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation
Program; a Compensated Work Therapy-Transitional Residence; a
Community Residential Care Program home, if placed by VA; a
community-based treatment program funded by the Health Care for
Homeless Veterans (hereinafter, ``HCHV'') program; or a GPD
program. According to VA, over 100 of its facilities
participate in the funded initiative. VA's FY 2011 CHALENG
report found, of the veterans surveyed, dental care ranked as
the ninth highest need among the street homeless and number one
need among formerly homeless veterans who moved into permanent
housing.
Historically, VA has pursued the housing-ready model of
homeless rehabilitation, where a veteran participates in
transitional housing while dealing with the issues that led to
housing instability and is then moved into permanent housing.
With the recent shift toward the housing first model, where
obtaining permanent housing is the catalyst for a veteran being
able to deal with issues causing housing instability, the
number of veterans moving from chronic homelessness directly
into permanent housing is increasing. VA continues work to
ensure that, as often as practicable, the Department of Housing
and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
(hereinafter, ``HUD-VASH'') vouchers continue to be targeted
toward the most vulnerable veterans. An unintended consequence
of this shift is that chronically homeless veterans who are
moved directly into permanent housing are made ineligible for
participation in the HVDP. These veterans have been homeless
for longer than others and likely have more complex dental
conditions.
In some instances, organizations who provide transitional
housing to veterans do not apply for VA funding, for a number
of reasons. Homeless veterans, who may be referred there by VA,
are not included in the population of HVDP-eligible veterans
because their housing is not paid for by the Department. This
creates further unintended consequences, for the sole reason
that VA is not paying for their care.
Committee Bill. Section 7 of the Committee bill would amend
section 2062(b) of title 38, U.S.C., by expanding the
eligibility requirements for HVDP to include veterans who, for
a period of 60 consecutive days, are receiving assistance
through the HUD-VASH program. Section 7 also expands
eligibility requirements to include veterans who are residing
in transitional housing that is not paid for by VA, if they
cannot reasonably access free dental care in their community
and their housing provider verifies they have resided there for
a period of 60 consecutive days. It is the intent of the
Committee that veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program
and in non-VA funded transitional housing also be eligible for
services provided through the HVDP.
Sec. 8. Partnerships with public and private entities to provide legal
services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of
homelessness.
Section 8 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would authorize VA to develop partnerships with public and
private entities to provide legal services to homeless veterans
and veterans at risk of homelessness.
Background. VA's FY 2011 CHALENG report revealed that legal
assistance ranked among the top four unmet needs, as identified
by homeless veterans for the last 4 years. A number of legal
issues can contribute to and result from homelessness,
including outstanding warrants, outstanding fines, an inability
to obtain identification, an inability to prevent eviction, and
an inability to successfully negotiate manageable child support
payments, among others.
VA offers two programs for these purposes, which combined
serve about 40,000 veterans annually. The Health Care for
Reentry Veterans (hereinafter, ``HCRV'') program prepares
veterans for release from institutions by providing the
information and resources they need to prepare for reentering
society. It also provides follow up services to ensure that
they continue to have access to the necessary medical and
social resources to avoid homelessness.
The Veterans Justice Outreach (hereinafter, ``VJO'')
program is tasked with locating and assisting veterans in the
early stages of involvement with the justice system. Each VA
Medical Center has at least one VJO Specialist who ensures
justice-involved veterans have access to VA services,
particularly mental health services, including treatment for
substance abuse, as well as housing and employment assistance.
VJO Specialists serve as advocates to identify instances where
veterans may have broken the law due to service-connected
mental illnesses that can be better addressed by treatment
programs than imprisonment. These specialists also work to
educate law enforcement, judges and other relevant community
groups about the unique experiences and resulting challenges
faced by this population. The goal is to avoid prison sentences
in the first place, which will make finding gainful employment
and stable housing a much easier process for these veterans.
A lack of statutory authority to provide legal services to
homeless veterans has led to nearly 40 VA Medical Centers
providing office space to non-VA legal providers such as law
school clinics, private pro bono lawyers, and Legal Aid clinics
to provide onsite services to homeless and at-risk veterans.
Currently, VA's Regional Counsels and local VJO Specialists
facilitate partnerships with these legal service providers.
According to VA, the ability to strengthen partnerships with a
financial component would ``significantly enhance VA's ability
to address this widely unmet need among homeless and at-risk
veterans.''
Committee Bill. Section 8 of the Committee bill would
modify chapter 20 of title 38, U.S.C., by adding a new section
after section 2022 that authorizes VA to enter into
partnerships with public and private entities to fund a portion
of the legal services provided to homeless veterans and
veterans at risk of homelessness. This section also requires VA
to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, these partnerships
are distributed evenly across the country, including in areas
that are considered rural or tribal lands.
It is the intent of the Committee that VA partner with both
legal service providers and housing providers who offer legal
services to develop networks of pro bono legal assistance
providers and for purposes related to improving outcomes of the
legal assistance provided. Further, the Committee recognizes
that these funds may have the most impact for communities that
have already begun to help justice-involved veterans through
the establishment of Veterans Treatment Courts or Pro Bono
Networks of legal services for veterans. The Committee intends
that VA, to the extent practicable, prioritize the award of
grants for legal services to communities with an existing
programmatic framework for preventing homelessness among
justice-involved veterans.
Further, it is the intent of the Committee that VA consult
with organizations that may be able to assist the Department
with identifying organizations that are capable of partnering
with VA to provide these services to homeless and at-risk
veterans. In the Committee's view, consulting with the
Department of Interior regarding outreach to organizations that
serve Native Americans and Native Hawaiians, for the purposes
of this program, would be of particular benefit to ensure these
underserved populations of homeless veterans are benefiting
from partners that may be overlooked.
Sec. 9. Requests for data to evaluate and improve services provided to
veterans at risk of homelessness.
Section 9 of the Committee bill, an original provision,
would require VA to periodically evaluate its programs for
justice-involved veterans and request data from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Prisons, and other
appropriate law enforcement agencies to do so.
Background. Among the populations most at risk for
homelessness are those veterans who have become involved in the
justice system. In order to avoid homelessness, these
individuals need access to counseling and other supportive
services that specifically address the added difficulties they
will have in finding employment and stable housing upon their
release.
VA operates several programs, such as the HCRV and VJO
programs, targeted at meeting the complex needs of this
population. It is critical that the Department conduct periodic
program evaluations to ensure that the programs remain relevant
and are meeting the needs of the veterans they serve. VA
currently reviews these programs on a triennial basis to
determine whether they are successful or whether improvements
are needed. It is critically important that the Department is
able to access the data needed from other Federal agencies to
determine whether these programs continue to be effective.
Committee Bill. Section 9 of the Committee bill would amend
section 2022 of title 38, U.S.C., by adding a new subsection
that would require VA to request data on recidivism and other
relevant information from the Bureau of Prisons, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies to
evaluate the effectiveness of homeless prevention programs for
justice-involved veterans. Any federal agency receiving a
request for data related to these programs would be compelled,
within reason, to comply. The Committee believes this change
will ensure VA has the data it needs to evaluate and improve
upon these programs.
Sec. 10. Repeal of sunset on authority to carry out program of referral
and counseling services for veterans at risk of homelessness
who are transitioning from certain institutions.
Section 10 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would repeal the sunset on authority to carry out programs
of referral and counseling services for veterans at risk of
homelessness who are transitioning from certain institutions.
Background. Congress has authorized several initiatives in
an effort to provide VA with the tools it needs to end veteran
homelessness. Referral and counseling services for veterans at
risk of homelessness are an invaluable tool that has been found
to effectively assist veterans facing such problems.
P.L. 107-95, the ``Homeless Veterans Comprehensive
Assistance Act of 2001,'' created several programs to assist
veterans transitioning from prison or jail, codified in section
2023 of title 38, U.S.C. The Department of Labor (hereinafter,
``DOL'') uses the authority provided to operate the
Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program, which provides
employment services such as job training and placement
assistance, job readiness and life skills support, and
referrals for housing, health care and other benefits to
incarcerated and transitioning veterans who are at risk of
homelessness. VA uses the authority provided to operate the
HCRV and VJO programs. According to VA, the VJO program serves
over 30,000 justice-involved veterans annually and the HCRV
program serves over 9,000 reentry veterans annually. The
authority under this section is set to expire on September 30,
2013.
Committee Bill. Section 10 would provide VA and DOL
permanent authority to carry out programs of referral and
counseling services for veterans at risk for homelessness who
are transitioning from certain institutions. It is the view of
the Committee that these programs are necessary to help these
particular veterans, who face more barriers than most to
achieve housing stability.
Sec. 11. Repeal of requirement for annual reports on assistance to
homeless veterans.
Section 11 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would repeal the requirement for annual reports on
assistance to homeless veterans.
Background. P.L. 107-95, the ``Homeless Veterans
Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001,'' required VA to submit
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report on the activities conducted by the
Department to assist homeless veterans during the calendar year
preceding the report. Each report contained detailed data from
the previous year about general, health care related, and
benefits related content.
The large amount of time needed to gather the appropriate
information for the reports has the unintended result of
requiring VA to provide data that is outdated and unresponsive
to the Committees' needs.
Committee Bill. Section 11 would repeal the requirement for
annual reports on assistance to homeless veterans. It is the
intent of the Committee that the time and resources used to
compile the annual reports can be better used by VA to complete
more focused program evaluations and strategizing to improve
services offered to homeless and at-risk veterans.
Sec. 12. Extensions of authorities.
Section 12 of the Committee bill, which is derived from S.
825, would authorize continued operation of programs to help
homeless veterans.
Background. Congress has authorized several initiatives in
an effort to provide VA with the tools it needs to address
veteran homelessness. According to HUD and VA, there were
62,619 homeless veterans in January 2012. This number
represents a 17 percent decrease since 2009. While the number
has continued to decrease, continued support is needed to
ensure that VA can eliminate homelessness among veterans.
Section 2013 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes funding to be
appropriated to VA to carry out the GPD program. $250,000,000
is authorized to be appropriated for FY 2013, and $150,000,000
is authorized to be appropriated for FY 2014 and each
subsequent FY.
Section 2021 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes the DOL to
carry out the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program
(hereinafter, ``HVRP''), subject to the availability of
appropriations. HVRP is a competitive grant program that awards
funding to eligible applicants to provide employment assistance
and case management to homeless veterans while linking them to
supportive services available in the community. Section 2021 of
title 38 authorizes up to $50,000,000 to be appropriated for
each fiscal year, beginning in FY 2002 through FY 2013.
Section 2031 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to provide
outreach services, care, treatment, rehabilitative services,
and certain other assistance to veterans suffering from serious
mental illness. The two main health care programs administered
by VA pursuant to this section are the HCHV program and the
Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans program. The authority
under this section is set to expire on December 31, 2013.
Section 2033 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA, subject to
the availability of appropriations, to operate a program to
expand and improve its provision of benefits and services to
homeless veterans. VA administers this program through its
Community Resource and Referral Center (hereinafter, ``CRRC'')
program. The authority for this program is scheduled to expire
on December 31, 2013.
Section 2041 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to sell,
lease, or donate property acquired through default on a direct
loan or guaranty to community-based and governmental
organizations in order to assist homeless veterans and their
families in acquiring shelter. No agreements may be entered
into after December 31, 2013.
Section 2044 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes funds to be
appropriated for supportive services for very low-income
veteran families in permanent housing. VA carries out these
services through its Supportive Services for Veterans Families
(hereinafter, ``SSVF'') Program. $300,000,000 is authorized to
be appropriated for FY 2013. $1,000,000 is authorized to be
appropriated through FY 2012 to provide technical assistance
grants to eligible entities to train participating grantees on
planning, development, and provision of services to
participating veteran families.
Section 2061 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes appropriations
for the grant program for veterans with special needs through
FY 2013. $5,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for this
program from FYs 2007 through 2013.
Section 2064 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes appropriations
for technical assistance for nonprofit and community groups
applying for grant funding through VA's homeless programs.
$1,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for this program
from FYs 2007 through 2012.
Section 2066 of title 38, U.S.C., establishes within VA the
Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans (hereinafter,
``ACHV''). Membership is comprised of a range of stakeholders,
including formerly homeless veterans, veterans service
organizations, State veterans affairs officials and experts on
mental health and substance abuse. Currently, section 2066 of
title 38 requires the Committee to cease to exist on December
31, 2013.
The authorities described in this section have been
extended several times, most recently in 2012, pursuant to P.L.
112-154, the ``Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp
Lejeune Families Act of 2012.''
Committee Bill. Section 12 of the Committee bill would
extend the authorities of many of VA's programs to address
veteran homelessness.
Section 12(a) of the Committee bill would amend section
2013 of title 38, U.S.C., to authorize $250,000,000 to be
appropriated for the GPD program in FY 2014. It is the intent
of the Committee to maintain the program's current level of
funding.
Section 12(b) of the Committee bill would amend section
2021(e)(1)(F) of title 38, U.S.C., by authorizing up to
$50,000,000 to be appropriated for HVRP in FY 2014.
Section 12(c) of the Committee bill would amend section
2031(b) of title 38, U.S.C., to extend the HCHV program and the
Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans program through December
31, 2014.
Section 12(d) of the Committee bill would amend section
2033(d) of title 38, U.S.C., to extend the CRRC program through
December 31, 2014.
Section 12(e) of the Committee bill would amend section
2041(c) of title 38, U.S.C., to extend VA's authority to sell,
lease, or donate property to house homeless veterans through
December 31, 2014.
Section 12(f)(1) of the Committee bill would amend section
2044(e) of title 38, U.S.C., by authorizing up to $300,000,000
to be appropriated for FY 2014 for financial assistance and
supportive services through SSVF.
Section 12(f)(2) of the Committee bill would amend section
2044(e) of title 38, U.S.C., by authorizing for FY 2014
$1,000,000 to be appropriated for technical assistance for SSVF
grantees.
Section 12(g) of the Committee bill would amend section
2061(d)(1) of title 38, U.S.C., to authorize $5,000,000 to be
appropriated for FY 2014 for VA's Special Needs Grant Program.
Section 12(h) of the Committee bill would amend section
2064(b) of title 38, U.S.C., to authorize $1,000,000 to be
appropriated for technical assistance to grant applicants in FY
2014.
Section 12(i) of the Committee bill would amend section
2066(d) of title 38, U.S.C., to extend the ACHV through
December 31, 2014.
Sec. 13. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by
Medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities.
Section 13 of the Committee bill would extend current law
regarding pension payments received by veterans who reside in
nursing facilities covered by Medicaid.
Background. Section 5503 of title 38, U.S.C., sets forth
the criteria under which eligibility for income-based pension
payments and aid and attendance allowances are affected by
domiciliary or nursing home residence. In instances where a
veteran, or surviving spouse, has neither a spouse nor a child,
and is receiving Medicaid-covered nursing home care, the
veteran or surviving spouse is eligible to receive no more than
$90 per month in VA pension or death pension payments. Under
current law, this authority shall cease to exist on November
30, 2016. This authority has been extended several times, most
recently pursuant to P.L. 112-260, the ``Dignified Burial and
Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012.''
Committee Bill. Section 13 of the Committee bill would
amend section 5503(d)(7) to extend, through March 31, 2018,
current eligibility restrictions for recipients of a VA pension
who receive Medicaid-covered nursing home care. It is the view
of the Committee that the VA pension program should not be used
to subsidize other federal benefits programs. The Committee
also intends that pension recipients have available funds for
incidentals and personal expenses.
Committee Bill Cost Estimate
In compliance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee, based on
information supplied by the Congressional Budget Office
(hereinafter, ``CBO''), estimates that enactment of the
Committee bill would, relative to current law, have a
discretionary cost of $842 million over the 2014-2018 period,
assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts. In addition,
CBO estimates that enacting the bill would decrease net direct
spending by $294 million over the 2014-2023 period. S. 287, as
amended, contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
The cost estimate provided by CBO, setting forth a detailed
breakdown of costs, follows:
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, August 23, 2013.
Hon. Bernard Sanders,
Chairman,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 287, the Helping
Homeless Veterans Act of 2013.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Ann E.
Futrell.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Elmendorf,
Director.
Enclosure.
S. 287--Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2013
Summary: S. 287 would reauthorize and expand several
programs for homeless veterans that are administered by the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). CBO estimates that
implementing the bill would cost $842 million over the 2014-
2018 period, assuming appropriation of the specified and
estimated amounts.
In addition, CBO estimates that enacting the bill would
decrease net direct spending by $294 million over the 2014-2023
period; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply to the bill.
Enacting S. 287 would not affect revenues.
S. 287 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of S. 287 is summarized in Table 1. The costs
of this legislation fall within budget function 700 (veterans
benefits and services).
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes the
legislation will be enacted early in fiscal year 2014, that the
necessary amounts will be appropriated for each year, and that
outlays will follow historical spending patterns for similar
and existing programs.
Table 1.--Estimated Budgetary Effects of S. 287, The Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
---------------------------------------------
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014-2018
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Estimated Authorization Level..................................... 598 82 54 56 58 850
Estimated Outlays................................................. 493 156 75 58 58 842
CHANGES IN DIRECT SPENDING a
Estimated Authorization Level..................................... 0 0 0 -198 -96 -294
Estimated Outlays................................................. 0 0 0 -198 -96 -294
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aEnacting S. 287 would not affect direct spending beyond 2018.
Spending subject to appropriation
CBO estimates that implementing S. 287 would have a
discretionary cost of $842 million over the 2014-2018 period,
assuming appropriation of the specified and estimated amounts
(see Table 2). Most of those costs stem from extending certain
authorities for programs to assist homeless veterans.
Extension of Certain Programs for Homeless Veterans.
Section 12 would extend and modify certain programs
administered by VA to assist homeless veterans. CBO estimates
that implementing this section would cost $599 million over the
2014-2018 period, assuming appropriation of the specified and
estimated amounts.
Specified Authorizations. Section 12 would authorize the
appropriation of $457 million for fiscal year 2014 by extending
for 1 year the expired or expiring authorities for the
following programs, or by increasing their existing
authorization levels:
Comprehensive Service Programs,
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs,
Financial assistance for supportive services for
very low-income veteran families in permanent housing,
Grant program for homeless veterans with special
needs, and
Technical assistance grants for nonprofit
community-based groups.
Table 2.--Estimated Changes in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 287
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------
2014-
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2018
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Extension of Certain Programs for Homeless Veterans
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. 564 37 0 0 0 601
Estimated Outlays.............................................. 463 112 22 2 0 599
Referral and Counseling Services
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. 34 34 35 36 37 176
Estimated Outlays.............................................. 30 34 35 36 37 172
Dental Care
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. * 11 18 19 20 68
Estimated Outlays.............................................. * 10 17 19 20 66
Legal Services for Homeless Veterans
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. * * 1 1 1 3
Estimated Outlays.............................................. * * 1 1 1 3
Definition of Homeless Veteran
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. * * * * * 1
Estimated Outlays.............................................. * * * * * 1
Assessment of Homeless Service Programs
Estimated Authorization Level.................................. * * * * * 1
Estimated Outlays.............................................. * * * * * 1
--------------------------------------------
Total Changes
Estimated Authorization Level.............................. 598 82 54 56 58 850
Estimated Outlays.......................................... 493 156 75 58 58 842
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Details may not add to totals because of rounding; * = less than $500,000.
CBO estimates that extending those authorities will cost
$455 million over the 2014-2018 period.
Other extended authorities. Section 12 would extend, for 1
year, the authority for VA to provide outreach services,
medical and psychiatric examinations, and community-based
residential treatment to veterans suffering from chronic mental
conditions or homelessness. It also would authorize the
Advisory Committee for Homeless Veterans to continue to operate
through the end of calendar year 2014. The authority to provide
those services is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2013.
Based on spending levels for programs providing similar
services, CBO estimates that extending those provisions would
cost $144 million over the 2014-2018 period.
Referral and Counseling Services. Section 10 would make
permanent the authority for VA to provide referral and
counseling services for incarcerated veterans who are at risk
of homelessness. The Veterans Justice Program (VJP), which is
scheduled to expire on September 30, 2013, offers outreach,
referrals to VA services, and short-term case management. Based
on information from VA on their anticipated costs for the VJP
program if it were extended--$30 million for 2014--and
adjusting for inflation, CBO estimates that implementing this
provision would cost $172 million over the 2014-2018 period.
Dental Care. Section 7 would expand the eligibility for
one-time dental care to certain veterans. Under current law,
veterans who receive short-term housing assistance may receive
dental care to alleviate pain, as part of treatment for a more
severe periodontal disease, or to aid in getting a job.
This section would provide that same out-patient dental
care to certain veterans receiving longer-term housing
assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban
Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program and
transitional housing through a non-VA entity. Based on
information from VA, CBO estimates about 6,000 HUD-VASH
participants and veterans in transitional housing would take
advantage of this benefit in 2014, growing to nearly 9,000 by
2018. At an average cost of about $2,000 per veteran in 2014,
and adjusting for medical inflation and a 1-year delayed
implementation, CBO estimates that providing the dental care to
additional homeless veterans would cost $66 million over the
2014-2018 period.
Legal Services for Homeless Veterans. Section 8 would allow
the VA to collaborate with public and private entities to
provide legal assistance (in areas such as housing, family law,
and criminal defense) to veterans at risk of homelessness.
Based on existing participation in the Supportive Service Low
Income Vets and Families program, CBO estimates that roughly
15,000 veterans would take advantage of the proposed legal
assistance. Based on the stipends provided to the health
professional trainees (which includes fellows, residents and
students) rotating through VA, CBO determines that VA would
award stipends of $20,000 (adjusted by inflation, annually) to
about 50 legal fellows to provide services to veterans. Because
of the time necessary to write regulations and to develop
partnerships, CBO expects that this program would not be fully
implemented for several years. As a result, CBO estimates that
implementing section 8 would cost $3 million over the 2014-2018
period.
Definition of Homeless Veteran. Section 2 would expand the
definition of a homeless veteran to include veterans who are
fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other life threatening
conditions. This expansion would make veterans who are victims
of such conditions eligible for services provided to homeless
veterans by VA. CBO anticipates this expansion in benefits
would primarily affect female veterans.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 80
percent of the victims of domestic abuse between 1994 and 2010
were female. Based on information from BJS on the incidence of
domestic abuse--less than half a percent of the U.S. population
in 2010--and adjusting for the number of female veterans
enrolled in VA health care, CBO estimates that the current
costs for homeless benefits for transitional housing and
supportive services would increase slightly. In total, CBO
estimates that implementing section 2 would cost about $1
million over the 2014-2018 period.
Assessment of Homeless Service Programs. Section 5 would
require VA to conduct, at a national and local level, an
assessment of the comprehensive services provided to homeless
veterans. CBO estimates such an assessment would cost $1
million over the 2014-2018 period.
Direct spending
Section 13 would extend from November 30, 2016, to March
31, 2018, the expiration date of a provision of current law
that sets a $90 per month limit on pensions paid to any veteran
who does not have a spouse or child and who is receiving
Medicaid benefits in a Medicaid-approved nursing home; that
provision also applies to any survivor of a veteran who is
receiving such coverage. Using data provided by VA, CBO
estimates that about 15,000 veterans and 19,000 survivors would
be affected by this provision in both fiscal year 2017 and 2018
and that the average monthly savings to VA in those years would
be about $1,800 per veteran and $1,200 per survivor. (Those
projections account for inflation, mortality rates, and new
nursing home patients.) On that basis, CBO estimates that
enacting the provision would reduce VA spending by about $763
million over the 2014-2023 period.
Higher Medicaid payments to nursing homes would offset some
of those savings. We estimate that those costs would total $468
million over that same time period, resulting in a net
reduction in direct spending of $198 million in 2017 and $96
million in 2018.
Pay-As-You-Go Considerations: The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go
Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement
procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or
revenues. The changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-
as-you-go procedures are shown in the following table.
Table 3.--CBO Estimate of Pay-As-You-Go Effects for S. 287 as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on July 24, 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2013-2018 2013-2023
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE OR DECREASE (-) IN THE DEFICIT
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact................................. 0 0 0 0 -198 -96 0 0 0 0 0 -294 -294
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 287
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA. As a condition of federal assistance, local
governments that provide housing or housing services to
eligible veterans would be required to meet the privacy,
safety, and security needs of veterans receiving such services.
Any costs to those governments would be incurred voluntarily.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Ann E. Futrell and
Dwayne M. Wright; Impact on State, Local, and Tribal
Governments: Lisa Ramirez-Branum; Impact on the Private Sector:
Elizabeth Bass.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Regulatory Impact Statement
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs has made an evaluation of the regulatory impact that
would be incurred in carrying out the Committee bill. The
Committee finds that the Committee bill would not entail any
regulation of individuals or businesses or result in any impact
on the personal privacy of any individuals and that the
paperwork resulting from enactment would be minimal.
Tabulation of Votes Cast in Committee
In compliance with paragraph 7 of rule XXVI of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, the following is a tabulation of votes
cast in person or by proxy by Members of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs at its July 24, 2013, meeting. Pursuant to
rule I(G) of the Committee Rules, Senator Hirono offered an
amendment to section 8 of S. 287, as amended, which would
include as eligible partners, organizations that serve Native
Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, and Native Americans, for the
provision of legal services to homeless and at-risk veterans.
The Committee accepted the amendment by voice vote, without
dissent. The Committee voted, without dissent, to report S.
287, as amended, and as further amended, to the Senate.
Agency Report
On May 9, 2013, Robert L. Jesse, M.D., Ph.D., Principal
Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans
Affairs, appeared before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
submitted testimony on, among other things, S. 287 and S. 825.
In addition, on September 11, 2013, VA provided views on
various bills incorporated into the Committee bill. Excerpts
from both the testimony and Department views are reprinted
below:
STATEMENT OF ROBERT L. JESSE, M.D., Ph.D., PRINCIPAL DEPUTY UNDER
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Good Morning Chairman Sanders, Ranking Member Burr, and
Members of the Committee. Thank you for inviting me here today
to present our views on several bills that would affect
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits programs and
services. Joining me today is Susan Blauert, Deputy Assistant
General Counsel.
We do not yet have cleared views on sections 4, 10, 11, or
12 of S. 131, S. 287, section 3 of S. 522, S. 800, S. 832, S.
845, S. 851, S. 852, or the draft bill described as ``The
Veterans Affairs Research Transparency Act of 2013.'' Also, we
do not have estimated costs associated with implementing S.
131, S. 422, S. 455, or S. 825. We will forward the views and
estimated costs to you as soon as they are available.
* * * * * * *
S. 825, HOMELESS VETERANS PREVENTION ACT OF 2013
This bill would amend title 38 to improve the provision of
services for homeless Veterans and their families. VA supports
many of the sections of this bill, including increasing the
amount of per diem payments for Veterans that are participating
in the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program through a ``transition
in place'' grant, providing permanent authority for VA's
Veteran Justice Outreach program, authorizing VA to fund
entities to provide legal services to Veterans who are homeless
or at risk of homelessness, and extending a number of VA's
existing homeless authorities, provided that any additional
resources necessary to implement these provisions are enacted.
However, we do have reservations concerning the following
sections.
Section 4 would amend 38 U.S.C. section 2012(a) to permit a
grantee receiving per diem payments under VA's Homeless
Provider GPD program to use part of these payments for the care
of a dependent of a homeless Veteran who is receiving services
covered by the GPD program grant. This authority would be
limited to the time period during which the Veteran is
receiving services under the grant.
VA supports the intent of section 4. We feel that this
authority is needed to fully reach the entire homeless
population. However, we are concerned that full implementation
of the legislation would require additional funding to avoid
diminished services for the population of homeless Veterans now
being served by VA.
Section 5 would require the Secretary to assess and measure
the capacity of programs receiving grants under 38 U.S.C.
section 2011.
VA does not support section 5 because it would be an
unnecessary and duplicative reporting requirement. VA already
monitors occupancy rates and geographic distribution of GPD
grantees through a number of resources. Furthermore, section 5
would impose a new reporting requirement on GPD grantees, a
burden that would be felt by community providers not just the
Department.
Section 9 would extend dental benefits under 38 U.S.C.
section 2062 to a Veteran enrolled in VA's health care system
who is also receiving for a period of 60 consecutive days
assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act
of 1937 (commonly referred to as section 8 vouchers).
VA supports the intent of section 9, but must condition
this support on assurance of the additional resources that
would be required were this provision enacted. VA recognizes
the need for dental care and supports the improvement of oral
health and well-being for Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Studies have shown that after dental care, Veterans report
significant improvement in perceived oral health, general
health, and overall self-esteem; thus, supporting the notion
that dental care is an important aspect of the overall concept
of homeless rehabilitation. Increasing access to dental care
for HUD-VA Supportive Housing program participants is,
therefore, an important step in VA's Plan to End Veteran
Homelessness.
Additionally, to help clarify that subsection (c) of
section 8 describes legal services provided, rather than the
organizations that provide them, we recommend adding the phrase
``capable of providing the legal services'' after the word
``organizations'' in section 8(d)(1).
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement. Thank you for
the opportunity to appear before you today. I would be pleased
to respond to questions you or the other Members may have.
------
Enclosure
VA Views
S. 287, EXPANSION OF THE DEFINITION OF HOMELESS VETERAN
VA supports S. 287, which would broaden the definition of
``homeless Veteran'' in 38 U.S.C. Sec. 2002(1). Section
2002(1) currently defines homeless Veteran by reference to the
definition of homeless person found in subsection (a) of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11302.
The bill would amend Sec. 2002(1) to also refer to subsection
(b) of Sec. 11302, which includes in the definition of
homeless person ``any individual or family who is fleeing, or
is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-
threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current
housing situation, including where the health and safety of
children are jeopardized, and who have no other residence and
lack the resources or support networks to obtain other
permanent housing.''
VA serves Veterans fleeing from domestic violence and
intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) when they otherwise meet the
definition of homeless and when it is clinically appropriate to
do so. Even when it is not clinically appropriate to place a
Veteran affected by DV/IPV in a VA homeless program, VA works
closely with local community organizations to identify
resources that would most effectively address the needs of the
Veteran. S. 287 would more closely align the definitions of
homeless used by VA and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. This would facilitate data sharing and promote
comprehensive interagency program evaluation.
Although VA supports the bill, we note that it may not
always be clinically appropriate to merely place a victim of
DV/IPV in a VA homeless program. VA clinical experience and
empirical research has shown that effective DV/IPV intervention
involves collaboration among many programs and agencies. An
array of services, from crisis intervention to long-term
assistance, is needed to serve Veterans fleeing violent
relationships. Immediate crisis intervention may include
medical care and assistance with food, shelter, child care and
general safety. Long-term assistance may include ongoing
medical care, counseling to cope with the lasting emotional and
psychological effects of DV/IPV, and services to address
economic and housing stability.
In recognition of the complex needs of Veterans affected by
DV/IPV, VA recently chartered a Domestic Violence Task Force.
The Task Force will develop a national plan to address DV/IPV
issues in depth. However, as noted, effectively addressing the
problem of DV/IPV will require collaboration between many
programs and local, State, and Federal agencies.
Within VA, there is a continuum of care with homeless
services ranging from rapid stabilization to permanent
supportive housing. VA's homeless programs may help prevent
future DV/IPV by providing Veterans with alternative housing
options so that they can safely exit abusive relationships. VA
is committed to Veterans affected by DV/IPV, and VA programs
addressing DV/IPV specifically will continue to collaborate
with VA homeless programs to ensure those fleeing DV/IPV get
the care and support they need.
VA is not able to provide an accurate cost estimate for S.
287 because we lack detailed data regarding the size and
characteristics of this population. We do note that many VA
providers have limited training related to DV/IPV, and that S.
287 would likely require additional training. This would
generate additional costs and a commensurate requirement for
funding.
The definition of ``homeless veteran'' in 38 U.S.C. 2002(1)
also applies to the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs
(HVRP) administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. VA defers
to the Secretary of Labor on the application of the new
definition of homelessness to the HVRP program.
* * * * * * *
S. 825, HOMELESS VETERANS PREVENTION ACT OF 2013
S. 825 would amend title 38 to improve the provision of
services for homeless Veterans and their families. In our May
9, 2013 testimony, VA indicated that it supported many of the
sections of S. 825 but did not provide detailed views on all
sections. Outlined below are VA's views and costs on sections
2-3 and 5-10 of S. 825. VA is working to develop a cost
estimate for section 4.
Section 2(a) of S. 825 would amend current law to authorize
the Secretary, when awarding grants under the Grant and Per
Diem (GPD) Program, to assist eligible entities not only in
establishing, but also in maintaining programs to furnish
services for homeless Veterans (i.e., outreach services;
rehabilitative services; vocational counseling and training;
and transitional housing assistance). VA supports Section 2(a).
As VA works toward ending Veteran homelessness, VA does not
anticipate a pressing need to create additional transitional
housing beds. Consequently, rehabilitating and maintaining
current GPD beds would be a more cost effective way of
maintaining GPD transitional beds nationwide.
Section 2(b) would amend current law to prohibit the
Secretary from making a grant under the GPD Program unless the
prospective grantee agrees to maintain the physical privacy,
safety and security needs of homeless Veterans receiving
services though the project. VA supports Section 2(b). This new
requirement would reinforce the GPD Program's inspection
efforts and ensure that grantees comply with VA's ongoing
efforts to meet the privacy, safety and security needs of
Veterans participating in the program. As a practical matter,
current GPD grantees would absorb the costs of these
improvements because VA lacks authority to remodel or renovate
existing GPD facilities.
VA does not anticipate that section 2(a) would lead to
additional costs beyond the current authorization of
appropriations (38 U.S.C. 2013). The provision would allow VA
to allocate existing funds to support rehabilitating and
maintaining existing GPD projects. Section 2(b) also would not
result in any additional costs. If subsequent legislation
provided more specific definitions of physical, privacy, safety
and security, however, it is possible that VA could incur costs
or costs that cannot presently be determined.
Section 3 would amend current law to increase the per diem
payments for Veterans who are participating in the GPD Program
through a ``transition in place'' (TIP) grant. The per diem
payments under GPD TIP would be increased by 150 percent of the
VA State Home rate. VA supports Section 3. Supporting Veterans'
transition from homelessness to permanent housing is
fundamental to ending homelessness among Veterans. By allowing
Veterans to ``transition in place'' to permanent housing, the
Department would provide a valuable alternative for Veterans
who may not need or be interested in participating in the
Housing and Urban Development--VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
program.
VA estimates that section 3 would be cost neutral since the
funds would come from existing appropriations to the GPD
program.
As indicated in our testimony on May 9, 2013, VA supports
the intent of section 4. VA has not yet completed its cost
analysis for this provision, however, and will provide the
completed cost estimate as soon as it is completed.
Section 5 would require VA to assess and measure the
capacity of programs receiving grants under 38 U.S.C. 2011 or
per diem payments under 38 U.S.C. 2012 and 2061 and to use the
information to set goals, inform funding allocation decisions,
and improve the referral of homeless Veterans to programs
receiving funding. VA supports the intent of section 5 but does
not believe legislation is needed because VA conducts internal
assessments of service programs.
VA estimates that section 5 would cost approximately
$21,000 to gather and analyze the required information, and to
draft the required report.
Section 6 would repeal section 2065 of 38 U.S.C. to remove
the requirement that VA report to the Senate and House of
Representatives Veterans' Affairs Committees on VA's activities
during the preceding calendar year related to VA's programs
homeless assistance programs.
VA supports section 6. Time spent on this reporting
function would be better used by VA personnel to internally
asses the programs and implement changes to enhance the
benefits and services provided to homeless Veterans. VA
conducts ongoing data analysis of VA homeless programs and
remains committed to reporting data to the Committees upon
request.
Section 6 would result in a small cost savings for VA. In
fiscal year 2013, VHA Homeless Programs prepared the fiscal
year 2012 VA Specialized Homeless Programs Report to Congress.
At that time, VHA Homeless Programs estimated that it cost
approximately $2,800 to produce the report. If Section 6 were
enacted, VA expects that this would save at least $2,800 in
each subsequent FY.
Section 7 would strike section 2023(d) of 38 U.S.C. and
replace it with section 2023(e). This would eliminate the
September 30, 2013 end date for VA's Veteran Justice Outreach
(VJO) Program and VA's Health *Care for Reentry Veterans (HCRV)
Program, programs that provide referral and counseling services
for Veterans who are transitioning out of penal institutions
and are at risk of homelessness. VJO's goal is to avoid the
unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended
incarceration among Veterans by ensuring that eligible Veterans
involved with the criminal justice system have timely access to
VA's mental health and substance use services when clinically
indicated, and other VA services and benefits as appropriate.
Similarly, HCRV's goals are to prevent homelessness, reduce the
impact of medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse problems
upon community readjustment, and decrease the likelihood of re-
incarceration for Veterans leaving prison.
VA supports section 7. Making these programs permanent
would recognize the crucial role these programs play in
preventing and ending Veteran homelessness.
Section 7 would not result in any new costs. The provision
permanently authorizes VA's Veterans Justice Programs,
including VJO and HCRV, but does not require direct spending
and would be subject to available appropriations.
Section 7 would also eliminate the September 30, 2013 end
date for the Department of Labor's Incarcerated Veterans
Transition Program. VA defers to the Secretary of Labor for his
views on the extension of this program.
Section 8 would authorize the Secretary to fund entities to
provide legal services to Veterans, particularly those who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness. Section 8 recognizes that
the Secretary may partner with a wide variety of organizations
for the provision of services. Additionally, the language
authorizes VA to fund only a portion of the cost of legal
services; VA may not pay for all of these services. This would
require VA to properly leverage any expenditure under this
authority by finding viable public or private entities capable
of providing legal services.
VA supports section 8. Homeless and at-risk Veteran access
to legal services remains a crucial but largely unmet need.
Lack of access to legal representation for outstanding warrants
or fines, child support arrearages, driver's license
revocation, and other legal matters continues to contribute to
Veterans' risk of becoming and remaining homeless. A
demonstration project conducted by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of
Child Support Enforcement, and the American Bar Association
indicates that legal services are instrumental in assisting
Veterans who have child support arrearages.
VA estimates that section 8 would cost $750,000 in fiscal
year 2014; $3.9 million over 5 years; and $8.2 million over 10
years.
Section 9 would extend dental benefits under 38 U.S.C.
Sec. 2062 to enrolled Veterans who are receiving, for a period
of 60 consecutive days, assistance under section 8(o) of the
U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (commonly referred to as section 8
vouchers). Section 9 would also amend current law to permit
breaks in the continuity of assistance or care for which the
Veteran is not responsible.
VA supports the intent of section 9, conditioned on the
availability of additional resources that would be required if
the provision is enacted. VA recognizes the need for dental
care and supports the improvement of oral health and well-being
for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Studies have shown that
after dental care, Veterans report significant improvement in
perceived oral health, general health and overall self-esteem,
thus, supporting the notion that dental care is an important
aspect of the overall concept of homeless rehabilitation.
Increasing access to dental care for HUD-VASH program
participants is, therefore, an important step in VA's Plan to
End Veteran Homelessness.
VA estimates that section 9 would cost $88.6 million in
fiscal year 2014; $148.5 million over 5 years; and $216 million
over 10 years.
Section 10 contains extensions to various existing VA
authorities in U.S. Code. Section 10(a) would authorize
appropriations of $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and
$150,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for VA's GPD Program.
VA supports Section 10(a) in part. Under current law, the
amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2014 will
be reduced from $250,000,000 to $150,000,000 and then remain
the same for each subsequent fiscal year. We support section
10(a) to the extent that it would retain the program's current
level of authorization for fiscal year 2014. We have concerns,
however, about decreasing the authorization level to
$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and each subsequent year.
Such a decrease would be highly problematic. At the current
rate, GPD expenditures would far exceed the amount authorized
to be appropriated for the program for fiscal year 2015 and
thereafter. VA would require additional funding to support the
existing projects at anticipated per diem and occupancy rates
in fiscal year 2015 and beyond. Otherwise, VA would be forced
to cut per diem payments to GPD community providers or to
summarily terminate GPD projects presently serving homeless
Veterans.
Section 10(b) would extend the authorization of annual
appropriations of $50,000,000 for the U.S. Department of
Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs through fiscal
year 2014. We defer to the views of the Secretary of Labor on
this provision.
Section 10(c) would extend VA's general treatment and
rehabilitation authority (codified at 38 U.S.C. 2031(a)) for
seriously mentally ill and homeless Veterans from December 31,
2013 to December 31, 2014. VA supports reauthorizing VA's
Health Care for Homeless Veterans program, VA's program
offering outreach services and contract therapeutic housing,
but suggests that section 2031 be amended in subsection (b) by
striking ``2013'' and inserting ``2016.'' VA does not
anticipate any additional costs associated with this section.
Section 10(d) would extend VA's operation of comprehensive
service centers for homeless Veterans under section 2033 of 38
U.S.C. from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014. VA supports
section 10(d), which would re-authorize VA's Community Resource
and Referral Centers but suggests that section 2033 be amended
in subsection (d) by striking ``2013'' and inserting ``2016.''
VA does not anticipate any additional costs associated with
this section.
Section 10(e) would extend through December 31, 2014, the
Secretary's authority under section 2041 of 38 U.S.C. to sell,
lease, or donate properties to nonprofit organizations that
provide shelter to homeless Veterans. Under current law, the
authority will expire on December 31, 2013. VA supports section
10(e) because it will help VA meet the Secretary's goal of
ending Veteran homelessness by 2015. While any extension of
authority under 38 U.S.C. 2041 would result in a reduction in
property sales proceeds, neither a 1-year, nor a 5-year
extension would result in any significant loan subsidy costs.
Section 10(f) would require VA to make available (from
amounts appropriated for Medical Services) $300,000,000 for
fiscal year 2013 for its program under section 2044 of 38
U.S.C. offering financial assistance for supportive services
for very low-income Veteran families in permanent housing
(Supportive Services for Veterans Families, or SSVF). VA has
already budgeted $300 million for the SSVF Program in fiscal
year 2014. VA supports section 10(f), which would re-authorize
appropriations for the SSVF Program, VA's premier prevention
and rapid re-housing program. However, VA suggests that 38
U.S.C. 2044(e)(1) be amended by adding after subparagraph (E):
``(F) Such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014, and
thereafter.'' This change would provide VA with the flexibility
to devote the necessary funding to operations under the SSVF
Program. SSVF is an essential part of VA's plan to end Veteran
homelessness, and VA may need to devote more resources to SSVF
as VA concludes the Veteran homelessness initiative. There are
no costs associated with this section as it provides
authorization for appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2014.
VA also suggests that 38 U.S.C. 2044(e)(3) be amended to
read: ``From amounts appropriated to the Department for Medical
Services, there shall be authorized $1,500,000 for each fiscal
year to carry out the provisions of subsection (d).'' These
changes would allow VA to devote more resources to technical
assistance for SSVF grantees. By the beginning of fiscal year
2014, VA will have more than tripled the number of SSVF
grantees from the first grant round. With this influx of
grantees, VA needs a larger authorization so that VA can
provide ongoing training and assistance to these grantees.
Section 10(g) would extend VA's GPD Program for homeless
Veterans with Special Needs through 2015. VA supports this
measure but suggests that 38 U.S.C. 2061 be amended in
subsection (d) by striking ``for each of fiscal years 2007
through 2013.'' VA does not anticipate any additional costs
associated with this section.
Section 10(h) would extend VA's authority under 39 U.S.C.
2064 to offer technical assistance grants for non-profit
community-based groups. VA supports this measure. VA does not
anticipate any additional costs associated with this section.
Section 10(i) would extend VA's Advisory Committee on
Homeless Veterans from December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2014.
VA supports this measure but suggests that 38 U.S.C. 2066 be
amended in subsection (d) by striking ``2013 and inserting
``2016.'' This technical change would authorize the Advisory
Committee through the end of the Veteran homelessness
initiative so that the Committee can assess the successes of
the initiative and identify actions that could be taken to
improve other VA Programs as well as other homelessness
programs across the country. VA does not anticipate any
additional costs associated with this section.
* * * * * * *
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of Rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman).
Title 38. Veterans' Benefits
* * * * * * *
Part II. General Benefits
* * * * * * *
Chapter 20. Benefits for Homeless Veterans
SEC.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III. TRAINING AND OUTREACH
2021. HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.
2021A. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN
REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.
2022. COORDINATION OF OUTREACH SERVICES FOR VETERANS AT RISK OF
HOMELESSNESS.
2022A. PARTNERSHIPS WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO PROVIDE LEGAL
SERVICES TO HOMELESS VETERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK
OF HOMELESSNESS.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER VII. OTHER PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
[2065. ANNUAL REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS VETERANS.]
* * * * * * *
Subchapter I. Purpose; Definitions; Administrative Matters
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2002. DEFINITIONS
In this chapter:
(1) The term ``homeless veteran'' means a veteran who
is homeless (as that term is defined [in section 103(a)
of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11302(a))] in subsection (a) or (b) of section
103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11302)).
* * * * * * *
Subchapter II. Comprehensive Service Programs
SEC. 2011. GRANTS
(a) Authority to make grants.--Subject to the availability
of appropriations provided for such purpose, the Secretary
shall make grants to assist eligible entities in establishing
programs to furnish, and expanding [or modifying] , modifying,
or maintaining existing programs for furnishing, privately,
safely, and securely, the following to homeless veterans:
* * * * * * *
(f) * * *
* * * * * * *
(5) * * *
(6) To meet the physical privacy, safety, and
security needs of homeless veterans receiving services
through the project.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2012. PER DIEM PAYMENTS
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
(2)(A) [The rate] Except as otherwise provided in
subparagraph (B), the rate for such per diem payments
shall be the daily cost of care estimated by the grant
recipient or eligible entity adjusted by the Secretary
[under subparagraph (B). In no case may the rate
determined under this paragraph exceed the rate
authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under
subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as
the Secretary may increase from time to time under
subsection (c) of that section.] under subparagraph
(C).
(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), in no case
may the rate determined under this paragraph exceed the
rate authorized for State homes for domiciliary care
under subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this
title, as the Secretary may increase from time to time
under subsection (c) of that section.
(ii) In the case of services furnished to a homeless
veteran who is placed in housing that will become
permanent housing for the veteran upon termination of
the furnishing of such services to such veteran, the
maximum rate of per diem authorized under this section
is 150 percent of the rate described in clause (i).
(C) [(B)] The Secretary shall adjust the rate
estimated by the grant recipient or eligible entity
under subparagraph (A) to exclude other sources of
income described [in subparagraph (D)] in subparagraph
(E) that the grant recipient or eligible entity
certifies to be correct.
(D) [(C)] Each grant recipient or eligible entity
shall provide to the Secretary such information with
respect to other sources of income as the Secretary may
require to make the adjustment [under subparagraph (B)]
under subparagraph (C).
(E) [(D)] The other sources of income referred to [in
subparagraphs (B) and (C)] in subparagraphs (C) and (D)
are payments to the grant recipient or eligible entity
for furnishing services to homeless veterans under
programs other than under this subchapter, including
payments and grants from other departments and agencies
of the United States, from departments or agencies of
State or local government, and from private entities or
organizations.
(3) * * *
(4) Services for which a recipient of a grant under
section 2011 of this title (or an entity described in
paragraph (1)) may receive per diem payments under this
subsection may include furnishing care for a dependent
of a homeless veteran who is under the care of such
homeless veteran while such homeless veteran receives
services from the grant recipient (or entity).
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2013. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subchapter amounts as follows:
* * * * * * *
[(4) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
[(5) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
[(6) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each
subsequent fiscal year.]
(4) $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012
through 2014.
(5) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and each
subsequent fiscal year.
* * * * * * *
Subchapter III. Training and Outreach
SEC. 2021. HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS
* * * * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007
through [2013] 2014.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2022. COORDINATION OF OUTREACH SERVICES FOR VETERANS AT RISK OF
HOMELESSNESS
* * * * * * *
(f) Requests for Data To Evaluate and Improve Services
Provided to Veterans at Risk of Homelessness.--(1) The
Secretary shall from time to time request from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Prisons, the Bureau of
Justice Statistics, and other appropriate Federal law
enforcement agencies data in the possession of such agencies
useful for the evaluation and improvement of the services
provided to veterans at risk of homelessness under this section
and section 2023 of this title.
(2) Such agencies shall make reasonable efforts to comply
with any such request by the Secretary.
(g) [(f)] Reports.--
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2022A. PARTNERSHIPS WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO PROVIDE
LEGAL SERVICES TO HOMELESS VETERANS AND VETERANS AT
RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
(a) Partnerships Authorized.--Subject to the availability
of funds for that purpose, the Secretary may enter into
partnerships with public or private entities to fund a portion
of the general legal services specified in subsection (c) that
are provided by such entities to homeless veterans and veterans
at risk of homelessness.
(b) Locations.--The Secretary shall ensure that, to the
extent practicable, partnerships under this section are made
with entities equitably distributed across the geographic
regions of the United States, including rural communities,
tribal lands of the United States, Native Americans, and tribal
organizations (as defined in section 3765 of title 38, United
States Code).
(c) Legal Services.--Legal services specified in this
subsection include legal services provided by public or private
entities that address the needs of homeless veterans and
veterans at risk of homelessness as follows:
(1) Legal services related to housing, including
eviction defense and representation in landlord-tenant
cases.
(2) Legal services related to family law, including
assistance in court proceedings for child support,
divorce, and estate planning.
(3) Legal services related to income support,
including assistance in obtaining public benefits.
(4) Legal services related to criminal defense,
including defense in matters symptomatic of
homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and
driver's license revocation, to reduce recidivism and
facilitate the overcoming of reentry obstacles in
employment or housing.
(d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out
partnerships under this section, the Secretary shall, to the
extent practicable, consult with public and private entities--
(1) for assistance in identifying and contacting
organizations capable of providing the legal services
described in subsection (c); and
(2) to coordinate appropriate outreach relationships
with such organizations.
(e) Reports.--The Secretary may require entities that have
entered into partnerships under this section to submit to the
Secretary periodic reports on legal services provided to
homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness pursuant
to such partnerships.
SEC. 2023. REFERRAL AND COUNSELING SERVICES: VETERANS AT RISK OF
HOMELESSNESS WHO ARE TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN
INSTITUTIONS
(a) * * *
[(b) Location of program.--The program shall be carried out
in at least 12 locations. One location shall be a penal
institution under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Prisons.]
(b) [(c)] Scope of program.--
(1) [To the extent practicable, the program] The
program shall provide both referral and counseling
services, and in the case of counseling services, shall
include counseling with respect to job training and
placement (including job readiness), housing, health
care, and other benefits to assist the eligible veteran
in the transition from institutional living.
* * * * * * *
[(d) Duration.--The authority of the Secretaries to provide
referral and counseling services under the demonstration
program shall cease on September 30, 2013.]
(c) [(e)] Definition.--In this section, the term ``eligible
veteran'' means a veteran who--
(1) * * *
(2) is at risk for homelessness absent referral and
counseling services [provided under the demonstration
program] (as determined under guidelines established by
the Secretaries).
* * * * * * *
Subchapter IV. Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seriously Mental Ill
and Homeless Veterans
SEC. 2031. GENERAL TREATMENT
* * * * * * *
(b) The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a)
expires on [December 31, 2013] December 31, 2014.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2033. ADDITIONAL SERVICES AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS
* * * * * * *
(d) The program under this section shall terminate on
[December 31, 2013] December 31, 2014.
* * * * * * *
Subchapter V. Housing Assistance
SEC. 2041. HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
* * * * * * *
(c) The Secretary may not enter into agreements under
subsection (a) after [December 31, 2013] December 31, 2014.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2044. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-
INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING
* * * * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(F) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
* * * * * * *
(3) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2009 through [2012] 2014
to carry out the provisions of subsection (d).
* * * * * * *
Subchapter VII. Other Provisions
SEC. 2061. GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
* * * * * * *
(d) Funding.--
(1) From amounts appropriated to the Department for
``Medical Services'' [for each of fiscal years 2007
through 2013, $5,000,000 shall be available] for each
of fiscal years 2007 through 2014, $5,000,000 shall be
available for each such fiscal year for the purposes of
the program under this section.
(2) * * *
SEC. 2062. DENTAL CARE
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(b) Eligible Veterans.--Subsection (a) applies to a
veteran--
[(1) who is enrolled for care under section 1705(a)
of this title; and
[(2) who, for a period of 60 consecutive days, is
receiving care (directly or by contract) in any of the
following settings:
[(A) A domiciliary under section 1710 of this
title.
[(B) A therapeutic residence under section
2032 of this title.
[(C) Community residential care coordinated
by the Secretary under section 1730 of this
title.
[(D) A setting for which the Secretary
provides funds for a grant and per diem
provider.
[(3) For purposes of paragraph (2), in determining
whether a veteran has received treatment for a period
of 60 consecutive days, the Secretary may disregard
breaks in the continuity of treatment for which the
veteran is not responsible.]
(b) Eligible Veterans.--(1) Subsection (a) applies to a
veteran who--
(A) is enrolled for care under section 1705(a) of
this title; and
(B) for a period of 60 consecutive days, is
receiving--
(i) assistance under section 8(o) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437f(o)); or
(ii) care (directly or by contract) in any of
the following settings:
(I) A domiciliary under section 1710
of this title.
(II) A therapeutic residence under
section 2032 of this title.
(III) Community residential care
coordinated by the Secretary under
section 1730 of this title.
(IV) A setting for which the
Secretary provides funds for a grant
and per diem provider.
(V) A setting--
(aa) in which the veteran is
receiving transitional housing
assistance;
(bb) for which funding is not
provided for transitional
housing assistance under the
laws administered by the
Secretary;
(cc) for which the Secretary
receives verification from the
provider of care that the
veteran is receiving care for a
period of 60 consecutive days;
and
(dd) from which the Secretary
determines that the veteran
cannot reasonably access
comparable dental services at
no cost and in a reasonable
period of time.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), in determining whether a
veteran has received assistance or care for a period of 60
consecutive days, the Secretary may disregard breaks in the
continuity of assistance or care for which the veteran is not
responsible.
(c) * * *
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2064. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR NONPROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED
GROUPS
(a) * * *
(b) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007
through [2012] 2014 to carry out the program under this
section.
[SEC. 2065. ANNUAL REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS VETERANS
[(a) Annual report.--Not later than June 15 of each year,
the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on
the activities of the Department during the calendar year
preceding the report under programs of the Department under
this chapter and other programs of the Department for the
provision of assistance to homeless veterans.
[(b) General contents of report.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
[(1) The number of homeless veterans provided
assistance under the programs referred to in subsection
(a).
[(2) The cost to the Department of providing such
assistance under those programs.
[(3) The Secretary's evaluation of the effectiveness
of the programs of the Department in providing
assistance to homeless veterans, including--
[(A) residential work-therapy programs;
[(B) programs combining outreach, community-
based residential treatment, and case-
management; and
[(C) contract care programs for alcohol and
drug-dependence or use disabilities.
[(4) The Secretary's evaluation of the effectiveness
of programs established by recipients of grants under
section 2011 of this title and a description of the
experience of those recipients in applying for and
receiving grants from the Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development to serve primarily homeless persons
who are veterans.
[(5) Information on the efforts of the Secretary to
coordinate the delivery of housing and services to
homeless veterans with other Federal departments and
agencies, including--
[(A) the Department of Defense;
[(B) the Department of Health and Human
Services;
[(C) the Department of Housing and Urban
Development;
[(D) the Department of Justice;
[(E) the Department of Labor;
[(F) the Interagency Council on Homelessness;
[(G) the Social Security Administration; and
[(H) any other Federal department or agency
with which the Secretary coordinates the
delivery of housing and services to homeless
veterans.
[(6) Any other information on those programs and on
the provision of such assistance that the Secretary
considers appropriate.
[(c) Health care contents of report.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include, with respect to programs of the
Department addressing health care needs of homeless veterans,
the following:
[(1) Information about expenditures, costs, and
workload under the program of the Department known as
the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program (HCHV).
[(2) Information about the veterans contacted through
that program.
[(3) Information about program treatment outcomes
under that program.
[(4) Information about supported housing programs.
[(5) Information about the Department's grant and per
diem provider program under subchapter II of this
chapter.
[(6) The findings and conclusions of the assessments
of the medical needs of homeless veterans conducted
under section 2034(b) of this title.
[(7) Other information the Secretary considers
relevant in assessing those programs.
[(d) Benefits content of report.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include, with respect to programs and
activities of the Veterans Benefits Administration in
processing of claims for benefits of homeless veterans during
the preceding year, the following:
[(1) Information on costs, expenditures, and workload
of Veterans Benefits Administration claims evaluators
in processing claims for benefits of homeless veterans.
[(2) Information on the filing of claims for benefits
by homeless veterans.
[(3) Information on efforts undertaken to expedite
the processing of claims for benefits of homeless
veterans.
[(4) Other information that the Secretary considers
relevant in assessing the programs and activities.]
SEC. 2066. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HOMELESS VETERANS
* * * * * * *
(d) Termination.--The Committee shall cease to exist
[December 31, 2013] December 31, 2014.
* * * * * * *
Part IV. General Administrative Provisions
Chapter 55. Minors, Incompetents, and Other Wards
SEC.
5501. COMMITMENT ACTIONS.
5502. PAYMENTS TO AND SUPERVISION OF FIDUCIARIES.
[5503. HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AND ESTATES OF INCOMPETENT
INSTITUTIONALIZED VETERANS.]
5503. REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AND CERTAIN
VETERANS RECEIVING DOMICILIARY, NURSING HOME, OR
NURSING FACILITY CARE.
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 5503. HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AND ESTATES OF INCOMPETENT
INSTITUTIONALIZED VETERANS]
SEC. 5503. REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AND
CERTAIN VETERANS RECEIVING DOMICILIARY, NURSING
HOME, OR NURSING FACILITY CARE
* * * * * * *
(d) (1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(7) This subsection expires on [November 30, 2016] March
31, 2018.
* * * * * * *