[Senate Report 113-174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 400
113th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 113-174
======================================================================
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATION BILL, 2015
_______
May 22, 2014.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 4486]
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred the
bill (H.R. 4486) making appropriations for military
construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related
agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for
other purposes, reports the same to the Senate with an
amendment, and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
Amounts in new budget authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$168,438,803,000
Amount of 2014 appropriations\1\........................ 159,160,796,000
Amount of 2015 budget estimate.......................... 168,437,946,000
Amount of House allowance............................... 168,039,751,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
Amount of 2014 appropriations....................... +9,278,007,000
Amount of 2015 budget estimate...................... +857,000
House allowance..................................... +399,052,000
CONTENTS
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Page
Background:
Purpose of the Bill.......................................... 4
Committee Recommendation..................................... 4
Overview and Summary of Bill................................. 4
Title I:
Military Construction:
Items of Special Interest:
Hearings............................................. 6
Summary of Committee Recommendations................. 6
Military Construction, Army.............................. 14
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps............. 14
Military Construction, Air Force......................... 15
Military Construction, Defense-Wide...................... 16
Military Construction, Reserve Components................ 18
North Atlantic Treaty Organization....................... 18
Family Housing Overview.................................. 19
Family Housing Construction, Army........................ 19
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army........... 21
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps....... 21
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps.................................................. 22
Family Housing Construction, Air Force................... 22
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force...... 22
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide... 23
Family Housing Improvement Fund.......................... 23
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide..... 24
Department of Defense Base Closure Account............... 24
Administrative Provisions................................ 25
Title II:
Department of Veterans Affairs:
Items of Special Interest:
Hearings............................................. 28
Summary of Committee Recommendations................. 28
Department Overview.................................. 28
Veterans Benefits Administration......................... 36
Compensation and Pensions............................ 36
Readjustment Benefits................................ 38
Veterans Insurance and Indemnities................... 38
Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund................ 39
Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account...... 39
Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account. 40
Veterans Health Administration........................... 40
Medical Services..................................... 45
Medical Support and Compliance....................... 56
Medical Facilities................................... 57
Medical and Prosthetic Research...................... 59
Medical Care Cost Recovery Collections............... 60
National Cemetery Administration......................... 61
Departmental Administration.............................. 62
General Administration............................... 63
Board of Veterans Appeals............................ 64
General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration..................................... 65
Information Technology Systems....................... 68
Office of Inspector General.......................... 71
Construction, Major Projects......................... 71
Construction, Minor Projects......................... 73
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care
Facilities......................................... 74
Grants for Construction of Veterans Cemeteries....... 75
Administrative Provisions................................ 76
Title III:
Related Agencies:
American Battle Monuments Commission:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 79
Foreign Currency Fluctuations........................ 79
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims:
Salaries and Expenses.................................. 80
Department of Defense--Civil: Cemeterial Expenses, Army:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 81
Armed Forces Retirement Home: Trust Fund................. 82
Title IV: General Provisions..................................... 83
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 84
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 85
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 86
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 87
Military Construction Project Listing by Location................ 88
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 109
BACKGROUND
Purpose of the Bill
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill provides necessary funding for the
planning, design, construction, alteration, and improvement of
military facilities worldwide, for both active and reserve
forces. It also finances the cost of military family housing
and the U.S. share of the NATO Security Investment Program. In
addition, the bill provides funding, including environmental
remediation, for base closures and realignments authorized by
law. The bill provides resources to the Department of Veterans
Affairs for veterans benefits and healthcare and funding for
U.S. cemeteries and battlefield monuments both in the United
States and abroad, including Arlington National Cemetery and
the American Battle Monuments Commission. Additionally, the
bill funds the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and
the Armed Forces Retirement Homes.
Committee Recommendation
The Committee recommends new budget authority totaling
$165,410,828,000 for fiscal year 2015 military construction,
family housing, base closure, veterans healthcare and benefits,
including fiscal year 2016 advance appropriations for veterans
medical care, and related agencies. This includes
$93,512,828,000 in mandatory funding and $71,898,000,000 in
discretionary funding. The table at the end of the report
displays the Committee recommendation in comparison with the
current fiscal year, and the President's fiscal year 2015
request.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate
Budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New budget authority........ $168,437,946,000 $168,438,803,000
Previous advances provided 55,634,227,000 55,634,227,000
for fiscal year 2015.......
Less advances provided for -58,662,202,000 -58,662,202,000
fiscal year 2016...........
-------------------------------------------
Total appropriations 165,409,971,000 165,410,828,000
for fiscal year 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview and Summary of Bill
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill funds an array of programs that
are vital to America's military personnel and their families,
and to the Nations' veterans. For U.S. military forces and
their families worldwide, the bill funds critical
infrastructure, ranging from mission essential operational and
training facilities to key quality-of-life facilities,
including barracks, family housing, child care centers, schools
and hospitals. For America's 22.3 million veterans, the bill
provides the necessary funding for veterans benefits and
healthcare, from prescription drugs and clinical services to
the construction of hospitals and other medical facilities
throughout the Nation. The bill also funds veterans cemeteries
in the United States and provides funding for four independent
agencies--the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Armed Forces
Retirement Homes, and Arlington National Cemetery.
TITLE I
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Items of Special Interest
HEARINGS
The Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held two hearings related to the
fiscal year 2015 military construction budget request.
Witnesses included representatives of the Office of Secretary
of Defense and of the active and reserve components of the
Army, Navy, and Air Force.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The fiscal year 2015 budget request for military
construction and family housing totals $6,557,447,000. The
Committee recommends $6,559,000,000, which is equal to the
Congressional Budget Office's reestimate of the President's
budget request for military construction and family housing.
REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES
The following reprogramming guidelines apply for all
military construction and family housing projects. A project or
account (including the sub-elements of an account) which has
been specifically reduced by the Congress in acting on the
budget request is considered to be a congressional interest
item and as such, prior approval is required. Accordingly, no
reprogrammings to an item specifically reduced below the
threshold by the Congress are permitted.
The reprogramming criteria that apply to military
construction projects (25 percent of the funded amount or
$2,000,000, whichever is less) continue to apply to new housing
construction projects and to improvements over $2,000,000. To
provide the services the flexibility to proceed with
construction contracts without disruption or delay, the costs
associated with environmental hazard remediation such as
asbestos removal, radon abatement, lead-based paint removal or
abatement, and any other legislated environmental hazard
remediation may be excluded, provided that such remediation
requirements could not be reasonably anticipated at the time of
the budget submission. This exclusion applies to projects
authorized in this budget year, as well as projects authorized
in prior years for which construction has not been completed.
Furthermore, in instances where prior approval to a
reprogramming request for a project or account has been
received from the Committee, the adjusted amount approved
becomes the new base for any future increase or decrease via
below-threshold reprogrammings (provided that the project or
account is not a congressional interest item as defined above).
In addition to these guidelines, the services are directed
to adhere to the guidance for military construction
reprogrammings and notifications, including the pertinent
statutory authorities contained in Department of Defense [DOD]
Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R and relevant updates
and policy memoranda.
REAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
The Committee recommends a continuation of the following
general rules for repairing a facility under ``Operation and
Maintenance'' account funding:
--Components of the facility may be repaired by replacement,
and such replacement may be up to current standards or
code.
--Interior arrangements and restorations may be included as
repair, but additions, new facilities, and functional
conversions must be performed as military construction
projects.
--Such projects may be done concurrent with repair projects,
as long as the final conjunctively funded project is a
complete and usable facility.
--The appropriate Service Secretary shall submit a 21-day
notification prior to carrying out any repair project
with an estimated cost in excess of $7,500,000.
The Department is directed to continue to report on the
real property maintenance backlog at all installations for
which there is a requested construction project in future
budget requests. This information is to be provided on the form
1390. In addition, for all troop housing requests, the form
1391 is to continue to show all real property maintenance
conducted in the past 2 years and all future requirements for
unaccompanied housing at that installation.
INCREMENTAL FUNDING
In general, the Committee supports full funding for
military construction projects. However, it continues to be the
practice of the Committee to provide incremental funding for
certain large projects, despite administration policy to the
contrary, to enable the services to more efficiently allocate
military construction dollars among projects that can be
executed in the year of appropriation. For fiscal year 2015,
the Committee recommends incremental funding for the following
project: Medical Center Replacement, increment 4, Rhine
Ordinance Barracks, Germany.
ENERGY POLICY
The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy
in the Federal Government, accounting for nearly 80 percent of
the government's total energy consumption. DOD spends nearly
$4,100,000,000 annually on facility energy alone, nearly a
quarter of its total energy costs. However, installation energy
consumption accounts for nearly 40 percent of the Department's
greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee commends the Department
for its aggressive efforts to improve the energy efficiency of
its buildings and installations, reduce consumption, mitigate
its carbon footprint, invest in renewable energy projects, and
enhance energy security on its installations.
The Committee also supports the efforts of the Department
to incorporate green building technologies into both new
construction and renovations of buildings. As noted in the
past, the Committee believes that the use of these technologies
should be a fundamental consideration in the design or retrofit
of all military construction projects.
European Infrastructure Consolidation [EIC] Study.--The
Committee is aware that the Department of Defense is conducting
an EIC study in an effort to reduce excess DOD infrastructure
in Europe. However, the study has not yet been finalized, nor
have the recommendations been presented to Congress or to the
host nations. Moreover, the timeline for completing that
process remains uncertain.
As noted last year, the Committee continues to question the
rationale for funding certain projects in Europe before DOD has
determined the overall outcome of this study.
In particular, the Committee is interested in the savings-
to-investment ratio of the EIC. The fiscal year 2015 budget
request includes $92,223,000 for the first of a three-phase
Joint Intelligence Analysis Center at Royal Air Force Base
Croughton in the United Kingdom. The project would consolidate
U.S. intelligence gathering operations for the European [EUCOM]
and Africa [AFRICOM] Commands and establish a NATO Intelligence
Fusion Center. The overall cost of this three-phase project is
estimated to be in excess of $300,000,000.
The Committee is concerned that reliance on new
construction to consolidate facilities as a means to reduce
excess infrastructure can come with a heavy price tag. This is
particularly troubling during a time in which the Defense
Department is strapped for cash, and the military construction
budget request for fiscal year 2015 plunged 40 percent from the
fiscal year 2014 request.
While the Committee recognizes the importance of having a
modernized intelligence center in Europe, it is concerned about
the full cost and scope of this project, the rationale for an
AFRICOM component when the AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart,
Germany, is still being analyzed, and the associated costs of
significantly expanding the U.S. military and family population
at RAF Croughton, which is likely to require additional family
housing, schools, health facilities, commissaries, and exchange
facilities.
For this reason, the Committee has fenced funding for the
Croughton project until the European Infrastructure
Consolidation Study is transmitted to Congress and the
Secretary of Defense certifies in writing to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the requirement for
this project. This restriction is consistent with the
restrictions on funding included in the fiscal year 2014
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies Appropriations bill for projects in Germany and
England associated with the EIC.
The Committee further believes that the Department's
request for another round of base closures within the United
States is premature until DOD completes a thorough review of
all overseas bases and determines that all facilities that are
operationally prudent to close are done so before assessing
which bases in the United States should be closed or realigned.
The Committee urges the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the
European Infrastructure Consolidation Study and all overseas
basing studies are conducted without predetermined outcomes and
will represent a thorough evaluation of the needs of the
Department of Defense.
The Committee also directs the Department to provide to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
savings-to-investment report on the EIC proposal, detailing the
metrics and assumptions used to determine the savings
associated with the EIC. This report should accompany the
submission of the final EIC recommendations to Congress.
Pacific Resiliency Study.--The Committee remains concerned
that the Pacific Command [PACOM] has not completed a resiliency
plan for the laydown of forces in the Pacific Area of
Responsibility [AOR]. It is imperative that as DOD rebalances
forces in the Pacific region, PACOM develop a prioritized
resiliency plan to protect, disperse and/or repair U.S.
military assets within the AOR. The Committee urges PACOM to
include robust, permanent ballistic missile defense as part of
this plan, particularly on Guam. The temporary deployment of a
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Guam is a
positive first step, but given the planned U.S. military build-
up in Guam, a permanent missile defense capability is needed.
The Committee urges DOD to expedite its efforts to finalize the
resiliency plan for the beddown of forces in the Pacific AOR
and directs DOD to report its recommendations to the Committees
on Appropriations of both houses of Congress upon completion,
or within 90 days of enactment of this act, whichever occurs
first.
Department of Defense Studies.--The Committee notes that
the Department of Defense frequently fails to complete and
deliver to Congress significant studies in a timely manner. The
European Consolidation Study is now overdue, and the Pacific
Resiliency Study has been delayed nearly a year. As a result,
the Committee is handicapped in its ability to adequately
evaluate the Department's request for additional projects due
to the realignment of forces, consolidation of facilities, or
major force structure changes. The Committee is supportive of
the Department's efforts to re-evaluate its long range overseas
mission and basing strategy, but notes that premature requests
to fund projects that could be impacted by the results of the
re-evaluation before the studies have been completed and
provided to Congress for review are not in the best interests
of either the Department or the American taxpayer.
Afghanistan Military Construction.--With the ongoing
drawdown of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the Committee is
concerned about the status of unfinished military construction
projects in the country and plans for the divestment of these
and other military construction facilities that will no longer
be required to support U.S. military operations.
The Committee recognizes that military construction
decisions during contingency operations are difficult for
several reasons: timeframes are often unclear or subject to
unanticipated change; troop and equipment levels fluctuate;
enemy activity may compel changes in force protection measures;
and the relative permanence of structures may signal misleading
intent on the part of U.S. forces. Nonetheless, in order to
provide security and support for our troops and associated
personnel, military leaders must make decisions about military
construction during contingencies, all of which are funded by
American taxpayers. However, the Committee is aware of
instances in which military construction projects in
Afghanistan continued to be funded and executed even though
local commanders had determined there was no longer a need for
those facilities, potentially wasting millions of dollars.
The Government Accountability Office, the Congressional
Research Service, and several non-governmental organizations
have issued reports on the cost of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan and have highlighted, among other things, the costs
associated with building and maintaining structures in a
contingency environment. While these reports have provided
great insights into the broader DOD processes and related costs
for supporting contingency operations, they have not focused
specifically on the means by which the Department makes
decisions about construction in a contingency environment or
the challenges faced when making those decisions. In light of
the recent end of the war in Iraq and the continued drawdown of
forces in Afghanistan, the Committee recommends a comprehensive
review of this issue with the intent that any lessons learned
could be applied in future contingencies. Therefore, the
committee directs the Comptroller General to conduct a review
of the following:
--The processes Department of Defense officials used to make
decisions about military construction in Iraq and
Afghanistan, to include procedures for determining
whether a structure should be permanent, enduring, or
temporary;
--The costs associated with decisions made about military
construction in Iraq and Afghanistan, to include the
source or sources of funding;
--Any lessons the Department has learned about military
construction during contingency operations based on the
experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan; and
--Any other issues related to the military construction in a
contingency environment that may come to light during
the course of the review.
The Committee directs that the Comptroller General provide
a briefing to the Committee on this work no later than March 1,
2015, with a report to follow.
The Committee also directs the Department of Defense to
provide to the congressional defense committees a quarterly
report on the status of all active military construction
projects in Afghanistan, including the fiscal year and
appropriations act in which the funding was provided, amount of
appropriation, scheduled completion date, contract award date,
contract award amount, and percent complete. The report shall
also include the disposition of all major military construction
projects at installations that the Department has determined
will not be enduring U.S. locations following the end of major
combat operations in Afghanistan. This assessment should
include the cost, by project and quarter, of maintaining or
demolishing any facilities that will not be returned to the
host nation, as well as the cost of repairing or renovating any
facilities that will be turned over to the Afghan government.
The initial report should be provided at the end of the first
quarter following enactment of this act, and each quarter
thereafter until the Department has determined the disposition
of all major military construction projects at non-enduring
locations in Afghanistan.
Payment-in-Kind Funds.--The Committee remains concerned
over the use of payment-in-kind [PIK] funds derived from
residual value compensation for overseas military construction.
An April 15, 2013, Senate Armed Services Committee report
(Committee Report 113-12) found that Installation Management
Command-Europe's [IMCOM-E] use of PIK funds was in some cases
inconsistent with the intent of Congress. Specific concerns
identified in the report include the opaque residual value
assessments of overseas U.S. facilities, the use of ``advance
PIK'' for military construction, the selection process for PIK
projects, and lapses in required Congressional notifications
before beginning residual value negotiations for in-kind
payments used for military construction projects.
In response to these findings, the Senate Appropriations
Committee included language in the report accompanying the
Senate fiscal year 2014 Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill directing the
Secretary of Defense to establish procedures to enhance
oversight of the PIK program. The language also directed the
Secretary to provide a report within 90 days of enactment of
the act on the steps the Department is taking to address the
concerns raised by both Committees, and to provide quarterly
reports on the status of approved and pending PIK projects.
The Committee understands that in response to the
directive, the Department is undertaking a comprehensive review
of the PIK process to develop a revised PIK project submission
and approval process. According to the Department, the new
procedures will result in projects being prioritized by a
Combatant Command and submitted for inclusion in the
President's budget request instead of being funded outside of
normal budget channels. The Committee is aware that this
redesign is still in the early stages, and urges the Department
to move forward as quickly as possible to finalize and
implement the new procedures. The Committee further directs the
Secretary to provide a report to the congressional defense
committees within 90 days of enactment of this act on the
status of the PIK program reorganization.
Missile Defense.--The Committee continues to support
implementation of the European Phased Adaptive Approach [EPAA]
to protect our deployed forces and European NATO allies from
ballistic missile attacks. Last October the Missile Defense
Agency broke ground on the first Aegis Ashore missile defense
site in Deveselu, Romania. Construction continues at the site,
and the project is under budget and on schedule with a planned
completion date of December 2014. Activation of this site will
begin to provide the United States and our European allies with
a defensive capability against the growing threat of Iranian
ballistic missiles. The Committee is encouraged by the
significant progress made to date and urges the Department to
aggressively pursue opportunities to expedite construction and
deployment of the second Aegis Ashore system in Redzikowo,
Poland. The Committee expects the fiscal year 2016 budget
request to include full funding for the expedited construction
of this second site.
MDA Long Range Discrimination Radar.--The Committee fully
funds the President's request of $29,000,000 for planning and
design for the Missile Defense Agency [MDA] Long Range
Discrimination Radar [LRDR] in the Pacific Region. The
Committee understands that the Administration intends to seek
funds for the construction of the LRDR in its fiscal year 2016
military construction program, with the objective of delivering
the LRDR by the end of 2019 to meet 2020 MDA Enhanced Homeland
Defense Capability goals. The LRDR will serve as a midcourse
sensor to mitigate threat evolution and improve discriminating
capability in the Ballistic Missile Defense System architecture
focused on threats in the Pacific. The Committee encourages the
Department of Defense to remain on course to deliver the system
in line with the program's schedule.
While a site determination has not yet been made, MDA
indicates that the LRDR will likely be located in Alaska, where
assuring one-hundred percent reliable, secure, and cost
effective power generation is a key concern. The Committee is
concerned that sufficient and reliable power generation be
available to support both the LRDR and the candidate
installations' current and expected future mission needs.
Accordingly, when determining different energy supply options
and upgrades needed to support the LRDR, MDA should coordinate
with the services to assess current power generation
capabilities at the candidate installations, and to determine
the cost of any expansion or enhancements required to ensure
that future power needs are taken into consideration.
Defense Access Roads.--Nationwide, there are immediate and
significant transportation needs in many States and communities
that are experiencing substantial population growth as a result
of defense activities. The Department of Defense's Office of
Economic Adjustment estimates that there are a considerable
number of mission critical transportation projects in need of
funding. Providing Department of Defense funding in conjunction
with State transportation improvement programs to address
defense-related transportation projects, including those
required as a result of Base Realignment and Closure
development, would enhance the ability of work on these
projects to begin promptly. By including mission growth
transportation projects as eligible infrastructure projects for
Federal defense funding, important improvements can be made
while creating jobs and strengthening national security. The
Committee supports adjustment in Defense Access Road
eligibility thresholds and requirements for installations of
strategic importance, and a separate Defense Access Road
funding source to offset the impacts of base expansion and
resultant traffic congestion.
The Committee further urges the Secretary of Defense to
prioritize the construction of Defense Access Roads to relieve
traffic congestion associated with mission growth and base
realignment activities.
U.S. Special Operations Command [USSOCOM].--The Committee
commends the Department of Defense for following through on
previous Committee direction to prioritize SOCOM's long-range
training plan for bases in the continental United States
[CONUS]. Accordingly, the Committee fully funds the President's
fiscal year 2015 request for CONUS Special Operations Forces
projects, and urges the Department of Defense to execute the
fiscal year 2015 SOCOM projects as expeditiously as possible.
Redevelopment Potential for Military Properties and
Facilities.--The Committee directs the Department of Defense to
report to Congress within 120 days after enactment of this act
on steps DOD could take to assess the local redevelopment
potential for military properties and facilities. Prior to
approving new construction or upgrades, the Department should
consider local interest, property value, and related cost
savings that could result from the transfer and disposal of
facilities or properties.
Military Construction Funding Initiatives.--The bill
includes funding for military construction initiatives to
address important quality-of-life and unfunded priorities of
the services. The fiscal year 2015 military construction budget
request is 40 percent below last year's request. The Department
of Defense and all of the services have acknowledged that they
are taking risk in their military construction programs to
provide additional funding for readiness. The Committee fully
understands the importance of providing adequate funding for
readiness, but believes that infrastructure plays a major role
in the morale and readiness of military forces.
The Committee notes, as it has in the past, that military
construction is the foundation of military readiness, but it is
too often the go-to bill payer in constrained budget
environments, resulting in the sometimes indefinite deferral of
many meritorious construction projects. As the Department and
each of the services noted in testimony before the Committee,
the fiscal year 2015 military construction budget is targeted
almost exclusively at new mission and life, safety, and health
investments. A major concern of the Committee is that important
quality-of-life projects, such as troop housing, child care
centers, and troop and family physical fitness centers, tend to
be the first casualties of budget constraints. The scandals
surrounding revelations of deplorable troop housing conditions
at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Walter Reed Army Medical
Center in Washington, DC, that emerged a few years ago
underscore the consequences of neglecting quality-of-life
military construction projects.
For this reason, the Committee includes an additional
$315,000,000 for quality-of-life projects for the Navy, Air
Force and Air Force Reserve. These projects are among those
included in the President's fiscal year 2015 Opportunity,
Growth and Security Initiative budget request. An additional
$60,000,000 is provided for Army quality-of-life projects, and
$90,000,000 is provided for unfunded requirements of the Army
National Guard and Reserve. This funding is reserved for
projects that were included in the Army's Unfunded Priority
Requirements list provided to Congress on April 1, 2014.
The Committee notes that the funding for these initiatives
comes from prior year bid savings, incremental funding,
cancelled projects and prior year projects that are either
unexecutable or are no longer required. No funding was diverted
from the military construction readiness or life, safety, and
health projects in the fiscal year 2015 budget request.
Rescissions.--The Committee recommends administrative
provisions which rescind prior year unobligated funds due
primarily to project bid savings and the slow execution of
projects. In addition, these provisions rescind fiscal year
2011 funds appropriated in the ``Military Construction, Navy''
and ``Military Construction, Air Force'' accounts due to the
lack of host nation approval to proceed with construction
projects at Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Further, the
recommendation rescinds fiscal year 2012 and 2013 funds
appropriated in the ``Military Construction, Army'' account due
to Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program changes and scope
adjustments. The Committee also rescinds fiscal year 2014 funds
appropriated in the ``Military Construction, Air Force''
account to develop an aircraft divert and training exercise
capability within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands [CNMI]. These funds are rescinded due to the lack of a
site plan and poor synchronization with the U.S. Marine Corps
to potentially realize efficiencies in the activities and
infrastructure requirements in the CNMI. Finally, the Committee
rescinds funds previously appropriated in the ``Military
Construction, Defense-wide'' account in response to overseas
construction project savings.
Military Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,104,875,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 539,427,000
House allowance......................................... 526,427,000
Committee recommendation................................ 539,427,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Army
provides for acquisition, construction, installation, and
equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military
installations, facilities, and real property for the Army. This
appropriation also provides for facilities required as well as
funds for infrastructure projects and programs required to
support bases and installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $539,427,000 for the Army for
fiscal year 2015. This amount is $565,448,000 below the fiscal
year 2014 enacted level, and equal to the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,629,690,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 1,018,772,000
House allowance......................................... 998,772,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,018,772,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Military Construction appropriation for the Navy and
Marine Corps provides for acquisition, construction,
installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public
works, naval installations, facilities, and real property for
the Navy and the Marine Corps. This appropriation also provides
for facilities required as well as funds for infrastructure
projects and programs required to support bases and
installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,018,772,000 for Navy and Marine
Corps military construction for fiscal year 2015. This amount
is $610,918,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level, and
equal to the budget request. Further detail of the Committee's
recommendation is provided in the State table at the end of
this report.
Military Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,052,796,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 811,774,000
House allowance......................................... 719,551,000
Committee recommendation................................ 811,774,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Air Force
provides for acquisition, construction, installation, and
equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military
installations, facilities, and real property for the Air Force.
This appropriation also provides for facilities required as
well as funds for infrastructure projects and programs required
to support bases and installations around the world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $811,774,000 for the Air Force in
fiscal year 2015. This amount is $241,022,000 below the fiscal
year 2014 enacted level, and equal to the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
Air Force Infrastructure Consolidation.--The Committee
recognizes the Air Force's efforts to reduce overhead
throughout its budget. As the Air Force continues to scrutinize
its infrastructure for savings, the Committee recommends that
the Air Force pay special attention to consolidating
infrastructure and commands on its installations, including,
but not limited to, communications, civil engineering, and
administrative facilities.
Aerospace Control Alert Facilities.--Aerospace Control
Alert facilities contribute to the safety and security of our
Nation. The Air Force squadrons that sit alert at these
facilities spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on standby in
order to provide that protection to the Nation's critical
infrastructure, often in substandard temporary facilities. The
Committee encourages the Air Force to accelerate the planned
permanent construction of all alert facilities that are
currently composed of substandard mobile and modular building
units.
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $3,445,423,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 2,061,890,000
House allowance......................................... 2,021,690,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,961,890,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for the Department
of Defense provides for acquisition, construction,
installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public
works, military installations, facilities, and real property
Defense-Wide. This appropriation also provides for facilities
required as well as funds for infrastructure projects and
programs required to support bases and installations around the
world.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,961,890,000 for projects
considered within the ``Defense-Wide'' account in fiscal year
2015. This amount is $1,483,533,000 below the fiscal year 2014
enacted level and $100,000,000 below the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM
The Committee recommends the requested level of
$150,000,000 for the Energy Conservation Investment Program
[ECIP], and $10,000,000 for ECIP Planning and Design [P&D]. The
Committee commends DOD for including a separate line item for
ECIP planning and design in its fiscal year 2015 budget
justification materials, and fully funds the request to help
ensure that adequate funds are available for future ECIP
project design.
In an era of declining defense budgets, and in an
environment in which energy efficiency, security, and renewable
energy investments are mission-critical requirements, ECIP is
an important component of the Department of Defense's [DOD]
energy strategy, and its only dedicated stream of funding for
energy projects. DOD is the largest consumer of energy in the
Federal Government, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the
government's total energy consumption. Currently, the
Department spends nearly $4,000,000,000 per year on facility
energy, or almost a quarter of its total energy costs. The
Committee encourages the transition of ECIP from funding small,
rapid pay-back projects, such as isolated heating, cooling and
lighting efficiencies, to playing a central role in leveraging
larger energy security and renewable energy projects. As such,
the Committee urges DOD and the services to compete projects
that will produce significant ``game-changing'' improvements to
reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and energy costs,
as well as projects to enhance installation energy security.
Projects such as energy security microgrids, net-zero
facilities, and renewable energy projects have the potential to
offer long term pay-back that far exceeds initial investment,
while concurrently driving innovation. In an environment of
heightened security risks and growing concern over carbon
emissions, it is more important than ever for DOD to maintain
robust investment in ECIP to reduce installation energy
expenses, limit carbon emissions, and enhance installation
energy security.
While the Committee strongly supports ECIP, it also
believes that an updated evaluation of the program's impact on
DOD energy consumption and efforts to reduce energy costs is
warranted. Therefore, the Committee directs the Comptroller
General of the Government Accountability Office [GAO] to
examine DOD's use of ECIP funding for energy-related projects
and the extent to which ECIP investments reduce the
Department's use of energy and energy costs. DOD selects ECIP
projects in part based on their projected Savings-to-Investment
Ratio, an estimate of a project's return on investment within a
10-year payback period. DOD estimates that ECIP investment has
resulted in a cost savings of approximately $2,000,000,000
since 2001. As DOD continues to make ECIP investments in
projects to reduce energy consumption, save money, and increase
the use of renewable energy, the Committee directs the
Comptroller General to verify the energy savings associated
with ECIP by addressing the following issues: (1) to what
extent have ECIP funded projects reduced the Department's use
of energy or its energy costs; (2) how does DOD's estimated
return on investment and energy savings for ECIP projects
compare with actual savings; (3) to what extent has DOD
realized the projected return on investment, energy savings, or
cost savings of ECIP projects during the 10-year payback
period, and (4) to what extent do renewable energy projects
funded by ECIP conform to the 10-year payback period. The
Committee directs GAO to provide this assessment, using a
representative sample of ECIP funded projects, no later than
180 days after enactment of this act.
Medical Military Construction Program.--The Committee
provides funding for five projects to upgrade or modernize
medical treatment facilities within the Department of Defense.
Investments in medical infrastructure projects are crucial to
ensuring that quality healthcare is delivered to service
members and their families in the future. Therefore, the
Committee is concerned that the Future Years Defense Program
[FYDP] accompanying the fiscal year 2015 budget submission
proposes indefinite deferral of a number of planned medical
military construction projects. For example, the Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri, hospital replacement project, which was
programmed for fiscal year 2016, is deferred in the new FYDP to
fiscal year 2020 or later. The Committee notes that the Surgeon
General of the United States Army testified before the Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on April 9, 2014, that
this hospital replacement project is the Army's top priority
for medical military construction projects. The existing
hospital at Fort Leonard Wood last underwent a major renovation
nearly 40 years ago. Due to the quality of life importance of
these medical facilities, the Committee strongly encourages the
Department to prioritize and restore medical military
construction projects within the FYDP submitted for fiscal year
2016. In addition, the Committee encourages the Department to
continue collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs
to pursue Joint DOD/VA medical facility projects.
CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION
The Committee has provided $9,000,000 for the Secretary of
Defense ``Contingency Construction'' account, equal to the
request. This account provides funds which may be used by the
Secretary of Defense for unforeseen facility requirements and
military exercises, including those related to overseas
contingency operations.
Military Construction, Reserve Components
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $665,759,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 426,549,000
House allowance......................................... 426,549,000
Committee recommendation................................ 426,549,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation for Reserve
components provides for acquisition, construction, expansion,
rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training
and administration of the Reserve components. This
appropriation also provides for facilities required as well as
funds for infrastructure projects and programs required to
support bases and installations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $426,549,000 for military
construction projects for the Guard and Reserve components for
fiscal year 2015. This amount is $239,210,000 below the fiscal
year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is provided in
the State table at the end of this report.
The Committee recommends approval of military construction,
Reserve components, as outlined in the following table:
RESERVE COMPONENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Component Budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard................... $126,920,000 $126,920,000
Air National Guard.................... 94,663,000 94,663,000
Army Reserve.......................... 103,946,000 103,946,000
Navy Reserve.......................... 51,528,000 51,528,000
Air Force Reserve..................... 49,492,000 49,492,000
---------------------------------
Total........................... 426,549,000 426,549,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $199,700,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 199,700,000
House allowance......................................... 199,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 199,700,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] appropriation
provides for the U.S. cost share of the NATO Security
Investment Program for the acquisition and construction of
military facilities and installations (including international
military headquarters) and for related expenses for the
collective defense of the NATO Treaty area.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $199,700,000 for the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program [NSIP]
for fiscal year 2015 as requested. This amount is equal to the
fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Overview
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,515,713,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 1,190,535,000
House allowance......................................... 1,190,535,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,190,535,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Family Housing appropriation provides funds for
military family housing construction activities, operation and
maintenance, the Family Housing Improvement Fund, and the
Homeowners Assistance Program. Construction accounts provide
funding for new construction, improvements and the Federal
Government share of housing privatization. Operation and
maintenance accounts fund costs associated with the maintenance
and leasing of military family housing, including utilities,
services, management, and furnishings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,190,535,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Operations and Maintenance, and the Department's
family housing improvement fund for fiscal year 2015. This
amount is $325,178,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $27,408,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 78,609,000
House allowance......................................... 78,609,000
Committee recommendation................................ 78,609,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Army provides for
expenses of family housing for construction, including
acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration. This appropriation provides for the financing of
all costs for construction, improvements, and leasing of all
Army housing. In addition to quality-of-life enhancements, the
program contains initiatives to reduce operating costs and
conserve energy by upgrading or replacing facilities which can
be made more efficient through relatively modest investments in
improvements. The Department of Defense is authorized to use
limited partnerships, make direct and guaranteed loans, and
convey Department-owned property to stimulate the private
sector to increase the availability of affordable, quality
housing for the Army.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $78,609,000 for Army Family
Housing Construction in fiscal year 2015, an amount equal to
the budget request and $51,201,000 above the fiscal year 2014
enacted level.
U.S. Military Family Housing in Korea.--The relocation of a
large number of U.S. forces from Yongsan Garrison in the
Republic of Korea to the Camp Humphreys U.S. Army base south of
Seoul is one of the largest construction projects the
Department of Defense has undertaken in recent years. The
Army's planned public-private venture to build family housing
units, the Humphreys Housing Opportunity Program [HHOP],
specified that a private developer would build, operate, and
maintain on-base family housing that service members could rent
using their overseas housing allowance [OHA]. The goal was to
fill a family housing deficit of over 600 units.
However, from the outset, expected rents far surpassed the
OHA for accompanied service members in Korea, and the
Department of Defense repeatedly denied the Army's requests for
a ``special circumstances'' adjustment to the OHA rate. As a
result, the HHOP has been stalled for several years, with no
resolution in sight.
The Committee is deeply concerned that the Army and the
Department of Defense have not developed an alternative plan to
the HHOP that will meet the on-base housing requirements of the
U.S. Forces Korea [USFK] commander, nor conducted adequate
analysis into potential alternative family housing arrangements
to reduce expected costs. The Administration's fiscal year 2015
budget request includes $57,800,000 to construct a 90-unit
family housing project at Camp Walker, Korea. The Committee
fully funds this request; however, the high cost of
construction raises concerns about future costs associated with
family housing initiatives in Korea, including Camp Humphreys.
The Committee therefore directs the Department to provide
an updated assessment of options to provide military family
housing at Camps Walker, Humphreys and Daegu within 120 days of
enactment of this act. The assessment should include an
analysis of the number of personnel required to live on base,
the potential of adjusting the OHA rate for Korea, and the
potential cost and timeline of using military construction
funding to meet the family housing requirement at the three
installations.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
The following projects are to be accomplished within the
amounts provided for new construction:
ARMY FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Location Installation Project Budget request recommendation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois................................ Rock Island................ Family Housing New Construction.................. 19,500 19,500
Korea................................... Camp Walker................ Family Housing New Construction.................. 57,800 57,800
-------------------------------
Total............................. ........................... ................................................. 77,300 77,300
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $512,871,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 350,976,000
House allowance......................................... 350,976,000
Committee recommendation................................ 350,976,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Army provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Army family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $350,976,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Army for fiscal year 2015. This
amount is $161,895,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $73,407,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 16,412,000
House allowance......................................... 16,412,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,412,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Navy and Marine
Corps provides for expenses of family housing for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion,
extension, and alteration. This appropriation provides for the
financing of all costs for construction, improvements, and
leasing of all Navy and Marine Corps housing. In addition to
quality-of-life enhancements, the program contains initiatives
to reduce operating costs and conserve energy by upgrading or
replacing facilities which can be made more efficient through
relatively modest investments in improvements. The Department
of Defense is authorized to use limited partnerships, make
direct and guaranteed loans, and convey Department-owned
property to stimulate the private sector to increase the
availability of affordable, quality housing for the Navy and
Marine Corps.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $16,412,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Navy and Marine Corps, for construction
improvements at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in
fiscal year 2015, and for Family Housing Advance Planning and
Design. This amount is $56,995,000 below the fiscal year 2014
enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $379,444,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 354,029,000
House allowance......................................... 354,029,000
Committee recommendation................................ 354,029,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Navy and Marine Corps provides for the operation and
maintenance of family housing. This includes debt payment,
leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges,
and insurance premiums of Navy and Marine Corps family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $354,029,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps, in fiscal
year 2015. This amount is $25,415,000 below the fiscal year
2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $76,360,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing appropriation for the Air Force provides
for expenses of family housing for construction, including
acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration. This appropriation provides for the financing of
all costs for construction, improvements and leasing of all Air
Force housing. In addition to quality-of-life enhancements, the
program contains initiatives to reduce operating costs and
conserve energy by upgrading or replacing facilities which can
be made more efficient through relatively modest investments in
improvements. The Department of Defense is authorized to use
limited partnerships, make direct and guaranteed loans, and
convey Department-owned property to stimulate the private
sector to increase the availability of affordable, quality
housing for the Air Force.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no funding for Family Housing
Construction, Air Force, in fiscal year 2015 in accordance with
the budget request.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $388,598,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 327,747,000
House allowance......................................... 327,747,000
Committee recommendation................................ 327,747,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing operation and maintenance appropriation
for the Air Force provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Air Force family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $327,747,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Air Force, in fiscal year 2015. This
amount is $60,851,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $55,845,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 61,100,000
House allowance......................................... 61,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 61,100,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Family Housing Operation and Maintenance appropriation
for Defense-Wide provides for the operation and maintenance of
family housing. This includes debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance
premiums of Defense family housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $61,100,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Defense-Wide, for fiscal year 2015.
This amount is $5,255,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Improvement Fund
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,780,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 1,662,000
House allowance......................................... 1,662,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,662,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The family housing improvement appropriation provides for
the Department of Defense to undertake housing initiatives and
to provide an alternative means of acquiring and improving
military family housing and supporting facilities. This account
provides seed money for housing privatization initiatives.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,662,000 for the Family Housing
Improvement Fund for fiscal year 2015. This amount is $118,000
below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $122,536,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 38,715,000
House allowance......................................... 38,715,000
Committee recommendation................................ 38,715,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account provides funding for design and construction
of full-scale chemical disposal facilities and associated
projects to upgrade installation support facilities and
infrastructure required to support the Chemical
Demilitarization Program. This account was established starting
in fiscal year 2005 to comply with section 141(b) of the fiscal
year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $38,715,000 for chemical
demilitarization construction projects for fiscal year 2015, a
decrease of $83,821,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee continues to urge the Department to take all
necessary and appropriate steps to dispose of the U.S. chemical
weapons stockpile by the 2012 Chemical Weapons Convention
deadline and, under no circumstances, later than 2017
consistent with section 8119 of Public Law 110-116. In light of
the need for the Department to carry out its mission promptly
and safely, it will need to provide close oversight over the
execution of contracts at the chemical demilitarization sites
to ensure funds are spent prudently and efficiently. The
Committee will continue to monitor closely the Department's
compliance with both deadlines.
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $451,357,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 270,085,000
House allowance......................................... 270,085,000
Committee recommendation................................ 380,085,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Section 2711 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 112-239) consolidated the Base
Closure Account 1990 and the Base Closure Account 2005 into a
single Department of Defense Base Closure Account. The Base
Closure Account provides for cleanup and disposal of property
consistent with the four closure rounds required by the base
closure acts of 1988 and 1990, and with the 2005 closure round
required by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of
1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $380,085,000 for the
Department of Defense Base Closure Account for fiscal year
2015, $110,000,000 above the budget request. Funds provided for
fiscal year 2015 are for environmental cleanup and ongoing
operations and maintenance.
BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT ENVIRONMENTAL AND MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW
The Committee recommends $380,085,000 for the Base Closure
Account for fiscal year 2015. This is $110,000,000 above the
Administration's request and is intended to expedite the
environmental remediation of military installations closed or
realigned through the BRAC process. The current cost to
complete environmental remediation of military installations
closed under the five previous BRAC rounds totals nearly
$3,000,000,000, yet the budget request included only
$270,000,000 for BRAC clean up, 40 percent below the fiscal
year 2014 enacted level.
The Committee is aware of the lengthy process involved in
cleaning up environmental contamination at military
installations due to the highly toxic and unique nature of some
of the contaminants. However, environmental remediation remains
a major impediment to the transfer and reuse of property. The
Committee believes that it is essential for the Department of
Defense to expedite where possible the environmental cleanup of
closed bases. The additional funding provided in this account
includes $25,000,000 for the Army, $60,000,000 for the Navy and
$25,000,000 for the Air Force.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 101. The Committee includes a provision that restricts
payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for work,
except in cases of contracts for environmental restoration at
base closure sites.
Sec. 102. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of funds for the hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Sec. 103. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of funds for defense access roads.
Sec. 104. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
construction of new bases inside the continental United States
for which specific appropriations have not been made.
Sec. 105. The Committee includes a provision that limits
the use of funds for purchase of land or land easements.
Sec. 106. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds to acquire land, prepare a site, or install
utilities for any family housing except housing for which funds
have been made available.
Sec. 107. The Committee includes a provision that limits
the use of minor construction funds to transfer or relocate
activities among installations.
Sec. 108. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the procurement of steel unless American producers,
fabricators, and manufacturers have been allowed to compete.
Sec. 109. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
payments of real property taxes in foreign nations.
Sec. 110. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
construction of new bases overseas without prior notification.
Sec. 111. The Committee includes a provision that
establishes a threshold for American preference of $500,000
relating to architect and engineering services for overseas
projects.
Sec. 112. The Committee includes a provision that
establishes preference for American contractors for military
construction in the United States territories and possessions
in the Pacific, and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries
bordering the Arabian Sea.
Sec. 113. The Committee includes a provision that requires
notification of military exercises involving construction in
excess of $100,000.
Sec. 114. The Committee includes a provision that limits
obligations during the last 2 months of the fiscal year.
Sec. 115. The Committee includes a provision that permits
funds appropriated in prior years to be available for
construction authorized during the current session of Congress.
Sec. 116. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the use of expired or lapsed funds to pay the cost of
supervision for any project being completed with lapsed funds.
Sec. 117. The Committee includes a provision that permits
obligation of funds from more than 1 fiscal year to execute a
construction project, provided that the total obligation for
such project is consistent with the total amount appropriated
for the project.
Sec. 118. The Committee includes a provision that allows
transfer of proceeds from earlier base closure accounts to the
continuing base closure account (1990, parts I-IV).
Sec. 119. The Committee includes a provision that permits
the transfer of funds from Family Housing Construction accounts
to the DOD Family Housing Improvement Fund and from Military
Construction accounts to the DOD Military Unaccompanied Housing
Improvement Fund.
Sec. 120. The Committee includes a provision that provides
transfer authority to the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
Sec. 121. The Committee includes a provision that requires
all acts making appropriations for military construction be the
sole funding source of all operation and maintenance for family
housing, including flag and general officer quarters, and
limits the repair on flag and general officer quarters to
$35,000 per unit per year without prior notification to the
congressional defense committees.
Sec. 122. The Committee includes a provision that provides
authority to expend funds from the ``Ford Island Improvement''
account.
Sec. 123. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the expenditure of funds at installations or for projects no
longer necessary as a result of BRAC 2005.
Sec. 124. The Committee includes a provision that allows
the transfer of expired funds to the Foreign Currency
Fluctuation, Construction, Defense Account.
Sec. 125. The Committee includes a provision that allows
the reprogramming of military construction and family housing
construction funds among projects and activities within the
account in which they are funded.
Sec. 126. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds in this title for planning and design and
construction of projects at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 127. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded quality-of-life military
construction projects for the Department of the Army.
Sec. 128. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction projects
for the Army National Guard.
Sec. 129. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction projects
for the Army Reserve.
Sec. 130. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for quality-of-life military construction
projects for the Department of the Navy.
Sec. 131. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for quality-of-life military construction
projects for the Department of the Air Force.
Sec. 132. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for quality-of-life military construction
projects for the Air Force Reserve.
Sec. 133. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from various Military Construction
accounts.
Sec. 134. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from the Homeowners Assistance Program.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Items of Special Interest
HEARINGS
The Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held one hearing related to the
fiscal year 2015 Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] budget
request on March 25, 2014. The subcommittee heard testimony
from the Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $158,613,053,000 for
the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015,
including $93,512,828,000 in mandatory spending and
$65,100,225,000 in discretionary spending. The Committee also
recommends $58,662,202,000 in advance appropriations for
veterans medical care for fiscal year 2016.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Veterans Administration was established on July 21,
1930, as an independent agency by Executive Order 5398, in
accordance with the Act of July 3, 1930 (46 Stat. 1016). This
act authorized the President to consolidate and coordinate
Federal agencies specially created for or concerned with the
administration of laws providing benefits to veterans,
including the Veterans' Bureau, the Bureau of Pensions, and the
National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. On March 15,
1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet-level
status as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA's mission is to serve America's veterans and their
families as their principal advocate in ensuring they receive
the care, support, and recognition they have earned in service
to the Nation. As of September 30, 2013, there were an
estimated 22 million living veterans, with 21.9 million of them
residing in the United States and Puerto Rico. There were an
estimated 26.5 million dependents (spouses and dependent
children) of living veterans in the United States and Puerto
Rico, and there were 575,000 survivors of deceased veterans
receiving VA survivor benefits in the United States and Puerto
Rico. Thus, more than 49 million people, or 15.3 percent of the
total estimated resident population of the United States and
Puerto Rico, were recipients or potential recipients of
veterans benefits from the Federal Government. The VA's
operating units include the Veterans Benefits Administration,
Veterans Health Administration, National Cemetery
Administration, and staff support offices.
The Veterans Benefits Administration [VBA] provides an
integrated program of nonmedical veterans benefits. The VBA
administers a broad range of benefits to veterans and other
eligible beneficiaries through 56 regional offices and a
records processing center in St. Louis, Missouri. The benefits
provided include: compensation for service-connected
disabilities; pensions for wartime, needy, and totally disabled
veterans; vocational rehabilitation assistance; educational and
training assistance; home buying assistance; estate protection
services for veterans under legal disability; information and
assistance through personalized contacts; and six life
insurance programs.
The Veterans Health Administration [VHA] develops,
maintains, and operates a national healthcare delivery system
for eligible veterans; carries out a program of education and
training of healthcare personnel; conducts medical research and
development; and furnishes health services to members of the
Armed Forces during periods of war or national emergency. A
system of 151 hospitals, 1,207 outpatient clinics and Vet
Centers, 133 nursing homes, and 102 VA residential
rehabilitation treatment programs is maintained to meet the
VA's medical mission.
The National Cemetery Administration [NCA] provides for the
interment of the remains of eligible deceased servicemembers
and discharged veterans in any national cemetery with available
grave space; permanently maintains these graves; provides
headstones and markers for the graves of eligible persons in
national and private cemeteries; administers the grant program
for aid to States in establishing, expanding, or improving
State veterans cemeteries; and provides certificates to
families of deceased veterans recognizing their contributions
and service to the Nation. The National Cemetery Administration
operates 133 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers' lots and
monument sites.
Staff support offices include the Office of Inspector
General, Boards of Contract Appeals and Veterans Appeals, and
General Administration offices, which support the Secretary,
Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Benefits, Under Secretary
for Health, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, and General
Counsel.
VA PATIENT SCHEDULING DELAYS
The Committee is deeply troubled over allegations that have
recently emerged regarding deliberate attempts to cover up
outpatient scheduling delays at a number of VA medical centers
across the country, including Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Washington, and Colorado, raising the
possibility of deadly consequences in some cases. If
substantiated, these allegations constitute not only fraud and
malfeasance, but also point to the more chilling conclusion
that maintaining a false front of efficiency for the hospital
trumped its mission of maintaining the health and well-being of
the patients it was built to serve.
Scheduling delays resulting from such factors as outdated
and unwieldy scheduling systems, staffing shortages, and
insufficient telephone capacity have plagued the VA for years,
and have been amply documented by the Government Accountability
Office and the VA Inspector General. But the current cascade of
accusations that some VA medical centers keep secret or
falsified waiting lists to mask lengthy delays in patient
scheduling portends a far more troubling problem with the very
culture of the Veterans Health Administration [VHA].
The Committee commends the VA Inspector General [IG] for
launching an immediate investigation and consultation with
Federal criminal prosecutors into allegations that employees at
the Phoenix, Arizona, VA medical center used secret wait lists
to conceal long scheduling delays, resulting in the deaths of
some veterans waiting to get an appointment. While these
allegations have not been substantiated, and the outcome of the
IG investigation should not be pre-judged, it is becoming
increasingly evident that long wait times and scheduling
discrepancies are not limited to one or even a handful of VA
facilities.
For this reason, the Committee provides an additional
$5,000,000 in funding for the Office of Inspector General and
directs the IG to conduct a systemwide review of scheduling
procedures, wait times for appointments, and management
practices at VA medical centers across all Veterans Integrated
Service Networks [VISNs].
The Committee also includes bill language restricting the
VA from awarding performance bonuses to medical directors,
assistant medical directors, and Senior Executive Service
employees of the VHA until the audit is complete, the IG has
provided Congress with a report on the findings, and the
Secretary provides Congress an implementation plan to address
the findings and recommendations of the IG audit.
The Committee also recognizes the hard work and dedication
of the vast majority of employees at VA clinics and medical
centers throughout the Nation. Their contributions to the
health and well-being of America's veterans must not be
overshadowed by the alleged misconduct a small fraction of the
VA workforce.
DISABILITY CLAIMS BACKLOG
The backlog in VA disability claims processing remains a
major concern of the Committee. While significant progress has
been made to reduce the backlog, more work remains to be done.
Therefore the Committee has provided additional funding for
claims processing and additional oversight requirements in this
bill to ensure that the VA's focus and momentum on reducing the
claims backlog will not be lost.
Last year, the backlog of veterans disability compensation
claims reached crisis proportions. For too long, the focus of
this problem has been narrowly viewed as a VA problem only.
However, the claims process is highly dependent on receiving
timely and accurate information from a host of other Federal
agencies. In order to address this, on May 22, 2013, the
Committee brought together an interagency working group
including the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs; the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security
Administration; and the Deputy Commissioner of the Internal
Revenue Service to discuss the unacceptable delays in the
processing of disability claims. This unprecedented meeting
resulted in the implementation of a number of intergovernmental
initiatives across the Federal Government aimed at speeding the
transfer of information to the VA and eliminating the backlog.
Among these initiatives were:
--The development by the Social Security Administration [SSA]
of the Government-to-Government Services Online [GSO]
secure messaging system, which allows VA employees to
request and SSA to transmit electronic records
associated with veterans' claims. In October of 2013,
36 percent of records VA requested were transmitted
electronically via GSO. As of March 2014, 74 percent
are being transmitted electronically. National rollout
will be fully implemented by the end of fiscal year
2014, eliminating the old process of requesting records
by fax and having encrypted compact discs mailed.
--A new agreement among VA, SSA and the Internal Revenue
Service [IRS], which matches earned and unearned income
to new VA pension claims and returns the information to
the VA electronically.
--The electronic transfer from the Department of Defense
[DOD] to the VA, beginning on January 1, 2014, of
certified and complete Service Treatment Records [STR]
for separating servicemembers via the Health Artifact
and Image Management System [HAIMS]. These electronic
folders load directly into the Veterans Benefits
Management System, the VA's new electronic claims
processing system. This ends most transfers of paper
STRs via mail. This has streamlined the exchange of a
significant amount of data between DOD and VA and
shortened the amount of time it takes for VA claims
adjudicators to receive critical information from DOD.
While these efforts are to be commended, more work remains
to improve the intergovernmental exchange of information to
assist the VA in processing disability claims. For example, VA
and DOD are currently working to standardize a process for the
transmission of Guard and Reserve records, which are among the
most complicated of records to aggregate given the nature of
intermittent assignments to active duty and the dual State and
Federal role of the Guard. The Committee will continue to press
VA, DOD and other Federal agencies to expedite the flow of
interagency information so that veterans do not experience an
unnecessary delay due to lost or late delivery of critical
documents.
The fiscal year 2014 Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill addressed
issues raised at the May 2013 roundtable by including a 10-
point plan, which implemented specific measures to eliminate
the claims backlog while bolstering oversight and transparency
of the process. As a result of this plan and initiatives
launched by the Department, the claims backlog has fallen from
a height of 611,000 in March 2013 to 300,620 as of May 10,
2014. Oversight has also increased as the VA is required to
provide monthly updates to the Committee on performance
measures for each Regional Office. In addition, top officials
of VA, DOD, SSA, and IRS meet with the Committee every 60 days
to discuss current and potential collaborative efforts aimed at
speeding the evidence-gathering phase of disability claims
processing. The 10-point plan also required the VA and DOD
Inspectors General to examine the process and procedures
involved in the transmission of STRs from DOD to VA, with an
emphasis on Guard and Reserve records, and to identify problem
areas and make recommendations for improvements. This report is
scheduled to be submitted to the Committee this summer. Upon
receipt of the report, the Committee will take the appropriate
steps to ensure that these recommendations are incorporated
into the fiscal year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act as the bill
makes its way through the appropriations process.
This year's recommendations maintain the oversight and
reporting requirements contained in the 10-point plan and
builds on them with an eye toward the future by laying the
groundwork for enduring systemic and business process changes
so that the Veterans Benefit Administration [VBA] does not face
a similar backlog in future years. In short, with every effort
underway to eliminate the current backlog, VBA must also be
positioning itself to protect against a future backlog. To this
end, the Committee recommendation includes numerous new reforms
and initiatives and calls for an independent review to be
conducted by the National Academy of Public Administration of
VBA's business processes, management structure, training
programs and workforce allocation strategy, and to provide to
the Committee recommendations for any structural changes to the
current system. Moreover, the Committee recommendation also
directs the VBA, working in conjunction with the Office of
Policy and Planning, to conduct a workforce analysis by
Regional Office, and to undertake a detailed review of VBA's
Resources Allocation Model.
The bill also provides focus and resources on the lengthy
appeals process and the increasing number of disability
decisions on appeal. The fiscal year 2015 justification
accompanying the VA's budget request notes that appeals
received by the Board of Veterans Appeals are projected to
increase 52 percent, from 47,763 in 2011 to 72,786 by the end
of 2015. To help alleviate the impact of this surge in appeals,
the bill includes increases above the request for VBA to hire
additional personnel at Regional Offices, including Decision
Review Officers, the Board of Veterans Appeals and the United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
To help accomplish the goals described above, the Committee
has provided an increase of $30,000,000 above the budget
request for a claims processing hiring and training initiative,
$10,000,000 over the request to bolster VBA's migration to
electronic claims processing systems, including scanning and
hardware upgrades at Regional Offices, and $5,000,000 over the
request for the Board of Veterans Appeals to address the
backlog of appeals pending before the Board.
The Committee recognizes that eliminating the current
claims backlog is only the first step in addressing the long
term need to transform claims processing to a modern,
streamlined and efficient system. The initiatives, funding and
oversight contained in this bill will help the VA undertake
such a transformation, ensure that quality of claims processing
does not suffer in the effort to eliminate the backlog, and
establish fundamental reforms that will lead to the sustained
efficiency and responsiveness of the disability claims process.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Committee remains concerned about a lack of investment
in current and future VA infrastructure. In 2010, the
Department undertook a strategic review of current facilities
and future capital investment needed to close gaps across the
Veterans Health Administration [VHA]. The Department-wide
planning process, known as the Strategic Capital Investment
Planning process [SCIP], resulted in the creation of a single
integrated, prioritized list of projects from all capital
investment accounts (major construction, minor construction,
and VHA non-recurring maintenance). SCIP was designed to
improve the delivery of services and benefits to veterans,
their families and survivors by addressing VA's most critical
needs. The prioritized list was to be a blueprint of wise
investments that needed to be made in VA's future and current
facilities, in order to continue to provide high quality
healthcare. The original SCIP estimated that a total cost of
between $50,000,000,000 and $60,000,000,000 needed to be
invested over 10 years to address the problem of aging
hospitals and clinics across the country. The Committee was
encouraged that the Department undertook such a long range view
at its infrastructure needs and assumed that adequate budget
submissions would follow. However, requests for major and minor
construction have remained stagnant over the past several
years, and requests for non-recurring maintenance have
decreased since fiscal year 2013.
As part of the review of current infrastructure, the VA
undertakes a Facility Condition Assessment [FCA] in which the
Department estimates its current maintenance backlog at
hospitals across the country. Each building in use at Veterans
Affairs Medical Center campuses are graded from A through F
based on their condition, with Ds and Fs being considered
deficiencies that should have been addressed in previous years.
At the same time that the most current FCA estimates that the
total cost of deficiencies across the VHA system totals between
$9,800,000,000 and $10,700,000,000, the fiscal year 2015 budget
estimate for non-recurring maintenance totals $460,600,000,
down $861,557,000 from fiscal year 2013.
The Committee understands that the current budget
environment has caused tough choices to be made across the
entire Federal Government. However, safe and modern
infrastructure is paramount to delivering world class
healthcare. Ignoring or deferring wise infrastructure
investments today can cause costs to escalate tomorrow, and
will likely drive policy decisions over how care is to be
delivered in the future. Therefore, the Committee has included
a number of actions within the bill to help the VA address some
of its most pressing infrastructure needs. These include: an
additional $125,000,000 for non-recurring maintenance, as well
as authority for the Secretary to transfer up to $250,000,000
from the Medical Care Collections Fund into the Medical
Facilities account to address critical infrastructure repairs;
an additional $45,000,000 for minor construction projects at
hospitals across the country; and specific directions
concerning how major construction projects are prioritized
year-to-year. While these investments only scratch the surface
of current and future budget needs, the Committee feels
strongly that any additional funding that can be provided
should be allocated to high-priority programs and urges the
Department to rethink its budgeting model with respect to
infrastructure and to provide more realistic budget requests in
the future.
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Budget Justifications.--Congressional budget justifications
are developed each year by the Department to provide a more
detailed explanation and supplemental information on the budget
submission for a given fiscal year. The Committee utilizes this
information to effectively and efficiently evaluate resource
requirements and proposals requested by the Administration.
Last year, the Committee recommended several changes that
future justifications should include. While the Department has
adopted many of those changes, some were not contained in the
fiscal year 2015 Congressional budget justifications. The
Committee reiterates the need for more detailed budget
explanations so that timely evaluation of requested funding and
proper oversight are not hindered, and has included specific
directions in the appropriate place within this report
outlining the type of details future justifications should
include.
Medical Facilities Realignments.--The Committee remains
concerned that VA medical care realignments are being
approached in an ad hoc manner by each individual Veterans
Integrated Service Network [VISN] rather than on a
comprehensive basis by VA Central Office. This soda straw
approach to the realignment process could lead to an
inequitable and inefficient distribution of medical care
resources throughout the Nation. The Committee believes that
before VA makes a decision to relocate, close or diminish
services at an existing medical facility, consideration must be
given to the impact the proposed relocation would have on
veterans, particularly those veterans that reside in rural or
highly rural areas. Without a clearly articulated national
strategy for realignments, the Committee is concerned that
selected decisions are being made by individual VISNs without
stakeholder involvement and without engagement or guidance from
senior level policymakers before potentially irreversible
decisions are made. For example, VISN directors contemplating a
realignment could begin to make decisions years in advance
about what services to offer or which vacancies to fill, with
no guidance from the Central Office and no visibility of the
national strategy. Such decisions could diminish the level of
care in an area to the point that realignment becomes a
foregone conclusion before the Central Office has an
opportunity to review or weigh in on the merits of the proposed
realignment.
The Committee understands that VA must keep up with
demographic changes. However, the VA must establish a clear and
transparent process that engages all parties from the
beginning. Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes an
Administrative Provision suspending the proposed realignment of
services in VISN 23 until such time as the Department transmits
to the Committee a report that outlines the following: (1) a
national realignment strategy that includes a detailed
description of realignment plans within each VISN; (2) an
explanation of the process by which those plans were developed
and coordinated within the VISN; (3) a cost vs. benefit
analysis of each planned realignment, including the cost of
replacing Veterans Health Administration services with contract
care or other outsourced services; (4) an analysis of how any
such planned realignment of services will impact access to care
for veterans living in rural or highly rural areas, including
travel distances and transportation costs to access a VA
medical facility and availability of local specialty and
primary care; (5) an inventory of VA buildings with historic
designation and the methodology used to determine the buildings
condition and utilization; (6) a description of how any
realignment will be consistent with requirements under the
National Historic Preservation Act; and (7) consideration given
for reuse of historic buildings.
Veterans Job Corps Initiative.--High unemployment rates for
veterans transitioning from active duty service to the civilian
workforce remain a major concern for the Committee. The
Administration and the VA have taken a number of steps to
incentivize the hiring of veterans by the private sector. Of
note, the Administration has proposed a Veterans Job Corps
Initiative to help returning veterans find a pathway to
civilian employment. The Committee strongly supports this
initiative and urges Congress to authorize it at the earliest
possible opportunity.
Intergovernmental Information.--The Committee recognizes
that many services provided by the VA are contingent upon
getting timely information from other Government agencies and
Departments. As noted earlier in this report, since the
Committee convened a roundtable in May of 2013 with the heads
of several Departments and agencies, information flow from
these agencies to the VA has been handled in a timelier manner.
However, to ensure that this cooperation continues, the
Committee directs the Secretary of the VA to submit an annual
report beginning January 1, 2015, detailing the average number
of days it took during the previous fiscal year for the VA to
receive information it requested from other Federal agencies.
Integrated Disability Evaluation System.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, shall develop a plan to improve the sharing of
information necessary to predict and address surges in workload
within the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Further,
the Departments shall integrate information technology systems
to ensure that an end-to-end information technology solution is
in place for both the transfer and management of Integrated
Disability Evaluation System cases between the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the military services no later than
December 31, 2014.
Victims of Mass Shootings on Military Bases.--The Committee
is concerned that military and veteran victims of the mass
shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009 and 2014, and at the
Navy Yard in Washington, DC in 2013 receive the maximum VA
benefits available to soldiers or veterans who were wounded in
the line of duty. To better understand the benefits and care
these victims are entitled to now and into the future, the
Committee directs the VA to submit a report to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than July
15, 2014, that provides a detailed analysis of the benefits and
care victims of workplace violence are eligible, and how these
compare to benefits and care they would receive if wounded in
battle or as a result of a terrorist attack.
Legal Training.--The Committee is aware of several law
school based programs designed to help veterans more
efficiently navigate the Department's benefits process. These
programs leverage significant volunteer, private sector, and
other non-Federal resources that combine to produce better
outcomes for veterans and significant cost-savings and
efficiencies for the Department. The Committee encourages the
VA to explore ways in which the Department might partner with
these programs.
Agent Orange Registry.--The VA maintains an Agent Orange
Registry for veterans who served in Vietnam. The Committee is
aware, however, of a number of instances where U.S. veterans
may have been exposed to chemicals including Agent Orange
during training activities and missions outside of Vietnam. The
Committee urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to explore
the feasibility of establishing a registry of U.S. veterans who
served or trained outside of Vietnam and have subsequently
experienced health issues, which may have resulted from
exposure to these chemicals, and directs the Secretary to
provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act detailing any plans the Department may be considering
on establishing a policy regarding presumed exposure for these
veterans.
Veterans Benefits Administration
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $84,849,467,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 93,675,210,000
House allowance......................................... 93,675,210,000
Committee recommendation................................ 93,675,210,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The Veterans Benefits Administration [VBA] is responsible
for the payment of compensation and pension benefits to
eligible service-connected disabled veterans, as well as
education benefits and housing loan guarantees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $93,675,210,000 for the Veterans
Benefits Administration. This amount is composed of
$78,687,709,000 for Compensation and Pensions; $14,761,862,000
for Readjustment Benefits; $63,257,000 for Veterans Insurance
and Indemnities; $160,881,000 for the Veterans Housing Benefit
Program Fund administrative expenses; $10,000 for the
Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program account, with $361,000
for administrative expenses; and $1,130,000 for the Native
American Veteran Housing Loan Program account.
COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $71,476,104,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 78,687,709,000
House allowance......................................... 78,687,709,000
Committee recommendation................................ 78,687,709,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Compensation is payable to living veterans who have
suffered impairment of earning power from service-connected
disabilities. The amount of compensation is based upon the
impact of disabilities on a veteran's earning capacity. Death
compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation is
payable to the surviving spouses and dependents of veterans
whose deaths occur while on active duty or result from service-
connected disabilities. A clothing allowance may also be
provided for service-connected veterans who use a prosthetic or
orthopedic device. In fiscal year 2015, the Department
estimates it will obligate $72,563,561,000 for payments to
4,186,547 veterans, 382,080 survivors, and 1,190 dependents
receiving special benefits.
Pensions are an income security benefit payable to needy
wartime veterans who are precluded from gainful employment due
to nonservice-connected disabilities which render them
permanently and totally disabled. Public Law 107-103, the
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001, restored
the automatic presumption of permanent and total nonservice
connected disability for purposes of awarding a pension to
veterans age 65 and older, subject to the income limitations
that apply to all pensioners. Death pensions are payable to
needy surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime
veterans. The rate payable for both disability and death
pensions is determined on the basis of the annual income of the
veteran or their survivors. In fiscal year 2015, the Department
estimates that the Pensions program will provide benefits to
308,715 veterans and 210,635 survivors totaling $5,860,010,000.
The Compensation and Pensions program funds certain burial
benefits on behalf of eligible deceased veterans. These
benefits provide the purchase and transportation costs for
headstones and markers, graveliners, and pre-placed crypts; and
provides partial reimbursement for privately purchased outer
burial receptacles. In fiscal year 2015, the Department
estimates the Compensation and Pensions program will obligate
$264,138,000 providing burial benefits. This funding will
provide 64,049 burial allowances, 32,823 burial plot
allowances, 27,891 service-connected death awards, 497,644
burial flags, 362,885 headstones or markers, and 98,903
graveliners or reimbursement for privately purchased outer
burial receptacles.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $78,687,709,000 for Compensation
and pensions. This is an increase of $7,211,605,000 above the
fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The appropriation includes $15,430,000 in payments to the
General operating expenses, veterans benefits administration;
and Information technology systems accounts for expenses
related to implementing provisions of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1990, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992,
the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1994, and the
Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996.
READJUSTMENT BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $13,135,898,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 14,761,862,000
House allowance......................................... 14,761,862,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,761,862,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Readjustment benefits appropriation finances the
education and training of veterans and servicemembers under
chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42 and 43 of
title 38, United States Code. These benefits include the All-
Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (Montgomery GI
bill) and the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program. Basic
benefits are funded through appropriations made to the
readjustment benefits appropriation and by transfers from the
Department of Defense. This account also finances vocational
rehabilitation, specially adapted housing grants, specially
adapted automobile grants for certain disabled veterans, and
educational assistance allowances for eligible dependents of
those veterans who died from service-connected causes or who
have a total permanent service-connected disability, as well as
dependents of servicemembers who were captured or missing in
action.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $14,761,862,000 for Readjustment
benefits. This is an increase of $1,625,964,000 above the
fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
VETERANS INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $77,567,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 63,257,000
House allowance......................................... 63,257,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,257,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Veterans insurance and indemnities appropriation
consists of the former appropriations for military and naval
insurance, applicable to World War I veterans; National Service
Life Insurance, applicable to certain World War II veterans;
servicemen's indemnities, applicable to Korean conflict
veterans; and veterans mortgage life insurance to individuals
who have received a grant for specially adapted housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $63,257,000 for Veterans insurance
and indemnities. This is a decrease of $14,310,000 below the
fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Department estimates there will be 6,652,777 policies in
force in fiscal year 2015 with a value of $1,320,249,600,000.
VETERANS HOUSING BENEFIT PROGRAM FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Program account expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014................ ................ $158,430,000
Budget estimate, 2015............... ................ 160,881,000
House allowance..................... ................ 160,881,000
Committee recommendation............ ................ 160,881,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Veterans housing benefit program fund provides for all
costs associated with the VA's direct and guaranteed housing
loan programs, with the exception of the Native American
veteran housing loan program.
VA loan guaranties are made to servicemembers, veterans,
reservists, and unremarried surviving spouses for the purchase
of homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes, and for
refinancing loans. VA guarantees part of the total loan,
permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a
competitive interest rate, even without a downpayment, if the
lender agrees. The VA requires that a downpayment be made for a
manufactured home. With a VA guaranty, the lender is protected
against loss up to the amount of the guaranty if the borrower
fails to repay the loan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends such sums as may be necessary for
funding subsidy payments, and $160,881,000 for administrative
expenses for fiscal year 2015. Bill language limits gross
obligations for direct loans for specially adapted housing to
$500,000.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Program account expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014................ $5,000 $354,000
Budget estimate, 2015............... 10,000 361,000
House allowance..................... 10,000 361,000
Committee recommendation............ 10,000 361,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program account covers
the cost of direct loans for vocational rehabilitation of
eligible veterans and, in addition, includes administrative
expenses necessary to carry out the direct loan program. Loans
of up to $1,108 (based on the indexed chapter 31 subsistence
allowance rate) are currently available to service-connected
disabled veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation
programs, as provided under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31, when the
veteran is temporarily in need of additional assistance.
Repayment is made in monthly installments, without interest,
through deductions from future payments of compensation,
pension, subsistence allowance, educational assistance
allowance, or retirement pay. Virtually all loans are repaid in
full and most in less than 1 year.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $10,000 for program costs and
$361,000 for administrative expenses for the Vocational
Rehabilitation Loans Program account. The administrative
expenses may be paid to the General Operating Expenses,
Veterans Benefits Administration account. Bill language is
included limiting program direct loans to $2,877,000. It is
estimated that the VA will make 3,099 loans in fiscal year
2015, with an average amount of $929.
NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $1,109,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 1,130,000
House allowance......................................... 1,130,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,130,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Native American veteran housing loan program is
authorized by 38 U.S.C. chapter 37, section 3761 to provide
direct loans to Native American veterans living on trust lands.
The loans are available to purchase, construct, or improve
homes to be occupied as veteran residences, or to refinance a
loan previously made under this program in order to lower the
interest rate. The principal amount of a loan under this
authority generally may not exceed $417,000 however, in some
locations this limit may be higher depending on median area
home prices. Veterans pay a funding fee of 1.25 percent of the
loan amount, although veterans with a service-connected
disability are exempt from paying the fee. Before a direct loan
can be made, the veteran's tribal organization must sign a
memorandum of understanding with the VA regarding the terms and
conditions of the loan. The Native American Veteran Housing
Loan Program began as a pilot program in 1993 and was made
permanent by Public Law 109-233, the Veterans Housing
Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,130,000 for administrative
expenses associated with this program. This is $21,000 above
the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget
request.
Veterans Health Administration
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $55,122,664,000
Advance appropriations, 2015............................ 55,634,227,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 956,807,000
House allowance, 2015................................... 588,922,000
Committee recommendation, 2015.......................... 813,922,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2016............ 58,662,202,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2016............ 58,662,202,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2016... 58,662,202,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The Veterans Health Administration [VHA] operates the
largest Federal medical care delivery system in the country,
with 151 hospitals, 1,207 outpatient clinics and Vet Centers,
133 nursing homes, and 102 VA residential rehabilitation
treatment programs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections
Fund [MCCF] was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997
(Public Law 105-33). In fiscal year 2004, Public Law 108-199
allowed the Department to deposit first-party and
pharmaceutical co-payments; third-party insurance payments and
enhanced-use collections; long-term care co-payments;
Compensated Work Therapy Program collections; Compensation and
Pension Living Expenses Program collections; and Parking
Program fees into the MCCF.
The Parking Program provides funds for the construction,
alteration, and acquisition (by purchase or lease) of parking
garages at VA medical facilities authorized by 38 U.S.C. 8109.
The Secretary is required under certain circumstances to
establish and collect fees for the use of such garages and
parking facilities. Receipts from the parking fees are to be
deposited into the MCCF and are used for medical services
activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2014, the Committee provided $55,634,227,000
in advance appropriations for the VA's medical care accounts
for fiscal year 2015. This included $45,015,527,000 for Medical
services; $5,879,700,000 for Medical support and compliance;
and $4,739,000,000 for Medical facilities. The Committee also
includes an Administrative Provision allowing the Department to
carry forward into fiscal year 2016 certain amounts provided as
an advance for fiscal year 2015. For fiscal year 2015, the
Committee recommends an additional $100,000,000 for Medical
services and $125,000,000 for Medical facilities. Additionally,
the Committee recommendation includes $588,922,000 for Medical
and prosthetic research. Medical care collections are expected
to be $2,456,000,000. The recommendation also includes an
advance appropriation of $58,662,202,000 for veterans medical
care for fiscal year 2016.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Advance Appropriations Budgeting.--The Committee remains
supportive of providing advance appropriations for the three
veterans medical care accounts. The intent of advance
appropriations is to provide timely and predictable funding for
veterans medical care and provide hospitals in the field
certainty as clinical hiring decisions are made. The medical
care budget is formed primarily by an actuarial analysis which
factors in numerous data points including current and projected
veteran population, enrollment projections, and case mix
changes associated with current veteran patients. Due to the
fact that medical care funding is provided a year in advance
and that healthcare is dynamic in nature, the Department
updates the actuarial model after the advance is provided, thus
enabling the Department to make necessary changes in the
following budget submission. The Committee appreciates this
process and understands that the intention is to provide a
clearer picture of medical needs. Last year, the Committee
directed that the fiscal year 2015 Department of Veterans
Affairs budget justifications include explanations on what data
was modified for the actuarial projections and how those
changes produced savings or increased resource requirements.
This year, the VA is requesting an additional $367,885,000 for
the Medical Services account. However, the justification
accompanying the budget request did not provide all of the
requested information regarding what data was modified and what
actual operational savings were achieved over the past fiscal
year. The Committee is aware that the Department routinely has
significant end of year balances which become available for the
following fiscal year. Due to this lack of detailed budget
information coupled with large carryover balances, the
Committee recommendation includes an additional $100,000,000
for the Medical Services account and shifts the remaining
balance to other high priority veteran programs. This includes
providing additional funding to help address the unacceptable
number of code violations and safety deficiencies at existing
hospitals and clinics. The Committee will continue to closely
monitor the fiscal condition of all VHA accounts and will take
action to realign funding as the appropriation process moves
forward should circumstances dictate that such action is
needed.
Allocation of Medical Funding.--The Veterans Equitable
Resource Allocation [VERA] serves as the mechanism by which VA
allocates funding appropriated to the three medical care
accounts to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks [VISN] and
to the medical centers. The Committee remains concerned about
the transparency of this process and is specifically concerned
about the amount of funding retained at headquarters or at the
VISNs. In order to ensure proper oversight is maintained and
the Committee has specific information to ensure the medical
centers are receiving the proper allocations, the Committee
directs the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
no later than 30 days after VA allocates the medical care
appropriations to the VISNs which identifies: (1) the amount of
general purpose funding allocated to each VISN; (2) the amount
of funding retained by central headquarters for specific
purposes, with amounts identified for each purpose; and (3) the
amount of funding retained by each VISN before allocating it to
the medical centers, identifying separately the amounts
retained for purposes such as network operations, network
initiatives, and emergencies.
VA Transparency.--The Committee notes that the VA maintains
a Hospital Compare Web site in which it rates the quality of
care at every VA medical center in a number of fields,
including surgical procedures, process of care, mortality
rates, and readmission for selected diagnoses. In order to
provide greater transparency into the quality of care at VA
medical centers, the Committee directs the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to include the following information in the
Hospital Compare Web site:
--Aggregate assessments of outcomes for individual surgical
procedures to include the type and number of
complications, mortality rate, average length of
inpatient care, patient safety issues, description of
any hospital-acquired medical condition, and rate of
readmission within 30 days of discharge;
--Assessment of in-patient mental health treatment, including
patient safety issues and suicide rate of patients
following discharge;
--Assessment of incidents affecting the safety of patients
receiving nursing home treatment;
--Average wait times for emergency room treatment; and
--Average wait time to schedule outpatient appointments as
certified by the VA Medical Center Director.
Security at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities.--Robust
physical security is integral to the Department's ability to
provide high quality patient care across the Veterans Health
Administration's integrated healthcare system. This security is
provided by the largest uniformed Federal police agency in the
country. The VA Police Service is composed of approximately
4,000 officers, which provide law enforcement and security
support to VHA's 151 hospitals. The Committee is aware that the
VA's Office of Security and Law Enforcement is currently
undertaking a systemwide security review which will assess the
physical security vulnerabilities of hospitals in order to help
inform policy decisions which will ensure greater security. The
Committee commends the VA for undertaking this review and
encourages the Department to incorporate into this review how
future plans will leverage integrated technologies and real
time data analytics to adopt smart policing techniques being
used more frequently by other Federal, State and local law
enforcement.
VA Dialysis.--The Committee requests the VA to obtain an
independent and full evaluation of the four-site dialysis pilot
program by September 30, 2015. In the interim, in an effort to
improve efficiencies and save taxpayer funds, the VA should not
create duplicate contract-provided dialysis capacity. An
independent evaluation of the four-pilot program will give the
Committee the opportunity to consider the findings and
determine if such findings justify expanding VA-operated
dialysis clinics.
Office of Inspector General Findings.--The Committee is
concerned with past investigations and findings by the Office
of Inspector General at the Department's healthcare facilities.
In particular, past findings at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA
Medical Center [VAMC] in Jackson, Mississippi, were not
appropriately resolved and have caused concern among patients
and families regarding the quality of care and management
provided at the facility, which is not acceptable. The
Committee commends the Department for establishing new
leadership at the Medical Center to make necessary changes, but
urges the Department to continue to oversee the implementation
of the corrective action plan at the Jackson VAMC. The
Committee is hopeful that past issues will not perpetuate
distrust among the veterans it serves and asks the Department
to work diligently with VA centers across the country to
resolve cases of delay, mismanagement and inappropriate
activity in an expeditious manner.
The Committee also directs the Secretary to develop a
process subsequent to any investigations by the Office of
Inspector General for reviewing progress on findings through
collaboration with the Office of the Under Secretary for
Health. Furthermore, the Committee directs the Secretary to
provide the Committee with a report detailing this process
within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Prompt Payment Rule.--The Committee is concerned that fee
and contract providers continue to be saddled with millions of
dollars of uncollected payments. The Committee expects the VA
to adhere to the Prompt Payment Rule which states that the
period available to an agency to make a timely payment without
incurring an interest penalty begins on the date of receipt of
a proper invoice.
Healthcare Training and Medical Residencies Specific to
Rural Healthcare.--The Committee believes that the Veterans
Health Administration would benefit from increased partnerships
with university medical institutions to promote healthcare
training and medical residencies specific to rural healthcare.
The Committee urges the Secretary to increase VA partnerships
with university medical centers that serve rural and highly
rural areas, in order to develop courses and programs to better
train professionals to meet the healthcare needs of veterans
living in rural and highly rural areas. In addition, the
Secretary is urged to work with university medical centers in
these areas to develop continuing education programs to instill
increased professionalism and opportunities for continuing
education among rural medical practitioners.
Drug Diversion.--The Committee is concerned with ensuring
veterans receive adequate, but not excessive medication.
Therefore the Committee directs the Department to report on how
the Department is using new technology platforms and services
necessary to ensure the dispensation of medication to veterans
in a safe and transparent way. The report should include, but
should not be limited to, how the Department currently uses or
can use a unified information portal administered by the VA
which would collect and hold critical patient information. The
assessment should include diversion classifications and
aberrancy categories. The Committee directs the Department to
provide this report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress, within 90 days of enactment of this act,
including the feasibility of implementing a pilot program to
test such technology.
Major Medical Facility Leases.--The Committee notes that
legislation is pending before the Senate that would authorize
major medical facilities leases for a total of 27 VA community
based outpatient clinics and other facilities. However, some of
these projects have been awaiting authorization for several
years due to technical congressional scorekeeping issues. A
number of the pending clinics are to be located in underserved
areas of the country, where veterans are forced to either
travel long distances to access VA medical care or, in some
cases, to forego treatment. To address the shortfall in VA
medical care available in these and other areas, the Committee
urges the VA to move quickly to activate all of the requested
leases once they are authorized.
As an interim measure, the Committee has included a
provision in this act that would permit the transfer of funds
from VA's Medical Facilities account to the Medical Services
account to be used to provide contract care services through
existing authorities for veterans living in the catchment areas
of the pending clinics until the clinics are activated. This
provision is in no way intended to replace planned VA clinics
with contract care service, but is provided to bridge the gap
in services until the major medical facility leases are
authorized and the clinics activated. To ensure that the VA
does not interpret this provision as a blanket endorsement of
contract care, the language specifies the facilities for which
the transfer authority is provided.
MEDICAL SERVICES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $43,597,000,000
Advance appropriations, 2015............................ 45,015,527,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 367,885,000
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation, 2015.......................... 100,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2016............ 47,603,202,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2016............ 47,603,202,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2016... 47,603,202,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Services account provides for medical services
of enrolled eligible veterans and certain dependent
beneficiaries in VA medical centers, VA outpatient clinics,
contract hospitals, State homes, and outpatient programs on a
fee basis. Hospital and outpatient care is also provided by the
private sector for certain dependents and survivors of veterans
under the civilian health and medical programs for the VA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2014, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $45,015,527,000 for fiscal year 2015. The
recommendation for fiscal year 2015 includes an additional
$100,000,000 instead of $367,885,000 requested by the
Administration for the Medical Services account. As noted
previously in the report, the justification accompanying the
budget request provides few details regarding the data and
assumptions that were modified in the updated actuarial model
projection. Absent this data, the Committee cannot accurately
assess the merits of an additional request. The Committee also
notes that the Department routinely carries forward significant
funds from one fiscal year to the next and directs that any
funding carried forward from fiscal year 2014 be applied to
unanticipated needs. In addition, the VA has the authority to
retain co-payments and third-party collections, estimated to
total $2,456,000,000 in fiscal year 2015.
The Committee recommendation also includes an advance
appropriation of $47,603,202,000 for medical services for
fiscal year 2016. This is $2,587,675,000 above the level for
fiscal year 2015 and equal to the fiscal year 2016 budget
request.
The fiscal year 2015 appropriation includes $7,177,600,000
for mental healthcare; $132,821,000 for suicide prevention;
$4,204,500,000 to provide medical care to Afghanistan and Iraq
war veterans; $237,544,000 for readjustment counseling services
at Vet Centers; $2,577,000,000 for prosthetics; $403,200,000 in
gender specific healthcare for women veterans; and
$1,641,000,000 for specific homeless veterans programs. The
Committee acknowledges the increase requested by the President
for these selected programs, but will be closely monitoring
each quarter to ensure that adequate funding is being allocated
to VA hospitals to meet rising demand and to reduce wait times.
Office of Rural Health.--Currently, 3.2 million rural
veterans are enrolled in the VA system. This represents 36
percent of the total enrolled veteran population based on the
2010 U.S. Census. Men and women veterans from geographically
rural areas make up a disproportionate share of servicemembers
and comprise approximately 31 percent of the enrolled Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom [OEF/OIF]
veterans; many of whom are returning to their rural
communities. Through collaborations with other VA program
offices, Federal partners, State partners, and rural
communities, the Office of Rural Health [ORH] works to optimize
the use of available and emerging technologies, establish new
access points to care, and employ strategies to increase
healthcare options for all rural veterans. In response to the
unique needs of rural veterans, in fiscal year 2009 the
Committee established the Rural Health Initiative with an
initial investment of $250,000,000. The Committee notes that
this funding has been incorporated into the VA's base budget,
and commends the VA for recognizing the needs of rural
veterans. The Committee maintains its strong support for the
Office of Rural Health and fully supports the $250,000,000
estimate for fiscal year 2015.
Currently, ORH identifies and implements initiatives that
support rural clinics and rural home-based primary care,
address barriers to access and quality of healthcare delivery
in rural areas, develop workforce recruitment and retention
initiatives, and accelerate and expand telehealth. ORH also
operates Rural Health Resource Centers and works with Federal
and non-Federal community partners to share resources and
expand access to care for rural veterans. To better understand
future needs and what impacts veterans residing in rural and
highly rural areas are having on the delivery of VHA's
healthcare, the Committee expects the VA to assess the growing
population of rural and highly rural veterans and report back
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
no later than 180 days after enactment of this act, on future
year requirements for initiatives and programs administered by
the ORH. The VA must be poised to account for this growing
population of veterans and to implement new methods to close
the gap in healthcare in these areas.
As part of this report, VA shall provide the Committee with
a summary of full time equivalent [FTE] personnel dedicated to
ORH and a summary of ORH programs that align with VA Major
Initiatives and Minor Initiatives in the fiscal year 2015
request, including any programs addressing the unique needs of
homeless veterans, minority veterans, and female veterans who
reside in rural America. Additionally, VA should include
potential courses of action to amend the current reporting
construct of the ORH. In particular, the VA should review the
organizational construct of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services whereby the Office of Rural Health Policy [ORHP]
reports directly to the Secretary and the head of Health
Resources and Services Administration [HRSA] and consider
whether shifting ORH to report directly to the head of VHA is
advisable.
VA Recruitment and Retention.--The Committee recognizes
that staffing recruitment and retention remain a problem for
primary and specialty care across VHA's system, and is
particularly a problem at many rural CBOCs. For example, the
Committee notes the high number of vacant mental health
provider positions across the VHA system. To help the Committee
better understand current and potential recruitment and
retention strategies, the Department is directed to provide to
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act, a report
detailing steps VHA has taken to fill healthcare professional
vacancies, especially in rural areas, and Health Professional
Shortage Areas with the greatest need. The Committee notes that
additional flexibilities or legislative authorities may be
needed to address hard to fill vacancies throughout the Nation.
For instance, it has been suggested that the Department
requires authority to requisition Public Health Service
commissioned personnel for extended periods of time. Therefore,
the Committee also directs VHA to report on additional
authorities that would allow VHA to more effectively recruit
healthcare professionals, and to ensure existing and future VA
facilities are adequately staffed. To the extent practicable,
the report should compare private sector and VA compensation
and benefits of primary care providers and develop potential
courses of action to address competitive, disparate findings.
Access to Care.--Hawaii and Alaska present unique
challenges for VA in delivering timely healthcare. For
instance, if VA does not provide a particular healthcare
service within the VHA system, Hawaii and Alaska veterans are
often directed to fly thousands of miles to a VA hospital
within the continental United States, regardless of whether
adequate healthcare may exist within the State through a local
provider. The Committee remains concerned that the extensive
travel requirements, coupled with lengthy delays scheduling
this travel, create unusual hardships on Hawaii and Alaska
veterans. VA has reported it is making progress in addressing
these unique problems through the ``Care Closer to Home
Program.'' The Committee encourages VA to continue these
efforts and will continue to monitor its progress. Therefore,
no later than February 1, 2015, (and subsequently thereafter
with the submission of future budget requests) the Department
is directed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress a report on the number of Hawaii and
Alaska veterans who were directed to travel to a VA facility in
another State for medical care in fiscal year and calendar year
2014; the number of veterans who actually traveled to that
facility during fiscal and calendar year 2014; and the
Department's plans and goals for reducing the number of Hawaii
and Alaska veterans directed to travel to another State for
medical care in fiscal years 2015 and 2016. In addition, the
report should describe the criteria used in determining whether
to purchase medical care for a Hawaii or Alaska veteran within
their respective States or require the veteran to travel to a
VA facility in another State to receive that care; a
description of the medical conditions for which these veterans
were required to travel out of Hawaii and Alaska; and an
explanation of why care was not purchased in State. The
Committee is also concerned about the distances veterans have
to travel within the State of Alaska to obtain VA care. In its
report on the ``Care Closer to Home Program,'' the VA is
requested to provide data on the number of Alaska veterans who
have traveled by air within the State of Alaska during fiscal
year 2014 to obtain care at a VA facility, the communities from
which they traveled, and the facility at which the care was
provided. The Department is requested to assess whether this
care could have been provided closer to home through
partnerships with Community Health Centers, tribal health
facilities, or other available community providers.
Access to Care for New Hampshire Veterans.--New Hampshire
is the only State that does not have a full service VHA
hospital within the State, which presents a unique challenge
for VA in delivering timely healthcare. For instance, if VA
does not provide a particular healthcare service within the
limited VHA system in New Hampshire, veterans are often
directed to drive hundreds of miles to a VA hospital in another
State, regardless of whether adequate healthcare may exist
within New Hampshire through a local provider. The Committee
remains concerned that the extensive travel requirements,
coupled with lengthy delays scheduling this travel, create
unusual hardships on New Hampshire veterans. The Committee
therefore encourages VA to explore ways to provide in-State
access to care for New Hampshire veterans, including care
through local providers, and directs the Department to provide
a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress on the number of New Hampshire veterans who were
directed to travel to a VA facility in another State for
medical care in fiscal and calendar year 2014; the number of
veterans who actually traveled to that facility during fiscal
and calendar year 2014; and the Department's plans and goals
for reducing the number of New Hampshire veterans directed to
travel to another State for medical care in fiscal years 2015
and 2016. In addition, the report should describe the criteria
used in determining whether to purchase medical care for a New
Hampshire veteran within the State or require the veteran to
travel to a VA facility in another State to receive that care;
a description of the medical conditions for which these
veterans were required to travel out of New Hampshire, and an
explanation of why contract care was not provided in New
Hampshire. This report shall be provided no later than February
1, 2015, and subsequently thereafter with the submission of
future budget requests.
Homeless Veterans.--Between 2010 and 2013, VA and its
partners have reduced the estimated number of homeless veterans
by 24 percent. The 2013 ``Point in Time Count'' prepared by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that
there were 57,849 homeless veterans in the U.S. on a single
night in January 2013. While significant progress has been
made, more needs to be done. As such, the Committee supports
the Department's budget estimate of $1,641,000,000 for specific
homeless veterans programs. The Committee notes that the
Department has routinely had end-of-year unobligated balances
in excess of $400,000,0000 in the Medical Services account and
directs the VA to utilize these balances should additional
funds be needed.
In order to better identify the homeless population in
rural and highly rural areas, the Committee directs the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive needs
assessment of veterans in these areas who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless. This assessment shall also include
any recommendations the Secretary may have to improve the
housing stability of these veterans, and to strengthen
community partnerships in order to achieve these goals. The
Secretary shall submit this assessment to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than
December 31, 2014.
While the Committee commends the efforts and progress made
on the VA's goal of ``Getting to Zero,'' the Committee is
increasingly concerned with the coordination and delivery of
mental health and employment services to homeless veterans. The
Committee directs the Department to ensure that veterans
residing in facilities designated for homeless veterans be
provided both adequate behavioral counseling and employment
services in order to facilitate successful readjustment and
reentry.
Access Received Closer to Home [ARCH].--The Committee notes
that the ARCH pilot program has been successful in benefitting
rural and highly rural veterans in the States in which it
operates. Current Veteran Integrated Service Network analysis
demonstrates that more than 90 percent of veterans who received
primary care services through the ARCH program were
``completely satisfied'' with the care, and cited significantly
shortened travel times. According to the VA, however,
recommendations with respect to the future of the program will
not be issued until after the end of fiscal year 2014. The
Committee is concerned that the Project ARCH pilot program
expires at the end of 2014, and that programs intended to
replace the types of healthcare and coverage provided by the
ARCH program will not be fully implemented or mature enough to
provide substitute care during fiscal year 2015. Project ARCH
was specifically designed to close gaps in rural areas where VA
often has no presence. Little information has been provided to
Congress on how the Department will ensure that veterans
currently served in the program will not see a lapse in care or
be forced to travel long distances to receive care. The
Committee strongly supports Project ARCH, but pending its
reauthorization has included an Administrative Provision
directing the Department to utilize existing authorities to
continue this program at no less than $35,000,000 in fiscal
year 2015. This level of funding will allow the VA to continue
the program so that veterans depending on the services provided
by Project ARCH do not experience any lapse in service until
follow-on programs are proven adequate. In addition, it will
provide for the expansion of the program to other rural and
highly rural areas.
National Centers for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.--The
Committee remains very concerned with the number of veterans
suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]. Over the
past several years, the Committee has provided funding for
numerous mental health initiatives to increase healthcare
services for those suffering from PTSD. Last year, the
Committee included an additional $3,000,000 for the VA's
National Centers for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to support
two new programs: a brain tissue bank to facilitate PTSD
research, and a PTSD outreach program to provide consultation
and training for VA clinicians and other groups on evidence-
based PTSD treatment. This program would improve access to and
quality of PTSD treatment for rural veterans that may not be
near to or otherwise avail themselves of VA PTSD services under
normal circumstances. The Committee strongly believes these
programs will keep the National Centers for PTSD on the cutting
edge and will promulgate research-informed therapies to
veterans communities at a time of very great need. The
Committee therefore recommends that the National Centers for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder be funded at no less than the
fiscal year 2014 level in order to continue this important
work.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Study.--The Committee
understands that new technologies using magnetic resonance
therapy have successfully treated veterans with PTSD. Recent
clinical trials and pilot studies have produced promising
results in the evolution of treatment for PTSD. The Committee
encourages the VA to report to the Committee about whether it
uses magnetic resonance therapy to treat PTSD and if not,
whether it would be appropriate to conduct a study on use of
the technology.
Vet Centers.--The Committee recognizes the critical role
Vet Centers play in helping veterans readjust to civilian life.
Established by Congress in 1979, Vet Centers provide a broad
range of counseling, outreach and referral services to combat
veterans and their families. In fiscal year 2015, the VA
estimates that it will obligate $237,544,000 to support 300 Vet
Centers and 80 mobile Vet Centers across the country. This is
an increase of $16,245,000 over the current estimate for fiscal
year 2014. While the Committee supports this increase, it
remains concerned that in many cases the critical services
provided through Vet Centers and mobile Vet Centers may not be
readily accessible to all veterans. Moreover, the Committee
understands that many centers are operating at full capacity
and cannot meet emerging needs. As such, the Committee urges
the VA to formulate a multiyear plan to expand the Vet Center
program to include, but not be limited to, efforts to deploy
additional mobile Vet Centers.
Caregivers.--The Committee notes the robust usage of the
post-9/11 Caregiver Program, with its more than 14,000 approved
applications, as well as the consistent reviews by caregiver
families noting that the program's stipend, respite care,
formal training and support structure are critical components
to its success. Given the demonstrated success of the program,
the Committee encourages the VA to ensure that the caregiver
coordinators at each VA medical center are fully resourced and,
to the maximum extent possible, assigned designated caregiver
duties as their chief responsibility. In addition, the
Committee encourages the VA to examine expansion of the program
beyond the post-9/11 population. Noting the conclusions of the
recent RAND Military Caregivers Study indicating the
significant hardship borne by those caring for military
personnel prior to separation, the Committee encourages the
Department to engage in a lessons-learned dialogue with the
Department of Defense in order to share best practices.
The Committee recognizes that many caregivers for severely
wounded veterans are working dramatically reduced hours outside
the home or have left the workforce completely, leading to
financial hardship. This reduction in outside earnings results
in difficulties meeting financial obligations, including
student loan debt held by the caregiver. The Committee directs
the VA to survey all caregivers currently in the program to
identify the number possessing outstanding student loan debt
and develop a plan to monitor this issue. The Department is
directed to report the survey findings to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 120 days of
enactment of this act.
Mobile Surgical Units.--Over the past decade, the
Department has undertaken an effort to modernize its medical
facilities through new construction and renovation with special
focus on outdated operating rooms. This capital improvement
effort has been a crucial part of the effort to assure delivery
of the highest quality medical care. Often when a VA surgical
ward undergoes construction, the VA must find alternative ways
to provide surgical services during the construction phase of
the project. When other VA surgery-capable medical centers are
too distant or lack capacity to manage surgical cases from the
VA medical center under construction, the VA is forced to send
surgical cases to non-VA medical providers at rates that may
represent a significant additional expense. Based on the
limited but positive experience of VA medical centers which
have opted to lease mobile surgical units to cover these
surgical cases, the Committee directs the Veterans Integrated
Service Networks to perform an economic analysis to determine
whether contracted medical care or the lease or purchase of
mobile facilities offers the most cost-efficient approach to
providing care while permanent facilities are under
construction.
The Committee encourages the Department to launch pilot
projects in at least two VISNs that are planning renovation or
construction projects with the intent of leasing or purchasing
mobile surgical units through full and open competition. In
preparing for such pilot projects, the VA should develop
metrics for a cost-efficiency analysis designed to determine
for each individual project whether this approach will achieve
savings for the VA when compared to contracting with local
medical providers for the same surgical services.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Workforce.--The Committee is
concerned about the sustainability of the orthotics and
prosthetics workforce treating veterans, particularly given an
aging workforce with imminent retirements as well as a lack of
availability of advanced degree programs necessary to train new
professionals. Reports indicate up to 20 percent of the field's
7,100 clinicians nationwide are either past retirement age or
within 5 years of retiring. The Committee recognizes the
contributions made by the VHA's Orthotic and Prosthetic
Residency Program to provide rotation opportunities through the
VA system but acknowledges this program alone is inadequate to
ensure a sustainable workforce for the future, especially in
light of the skill set necessary to provide the increasingly
complex, state-of-the-art orthotics and prosthetics care for
OEF/OIF veterans. The Committee directs the VHA to explore
cost-effective opportunities to grow the workforce pipeline in
order to ensure the future orthotic and prosthetic workforce
required by the Nation's new generation of veterans and report
findings to the Committee within 180 days of enactment.
In addition, the Committee encourages the Department to
work with institutions of higher education to develop
partnerships for the establishment or expansion of programs of
advanced degrees in prosthetics and orthotics in order to
improve and enhance the availability of high quality prosthetic
and orthotic care for veterans. Any plan should be done in
consultation with institutions of higher education with
accredited degree programs in prosthetics and orthotics as well
as representatives of the prosthetic and orthotic field. Not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this act,
the Department is directed to report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on efforts made to
establish a partnership between the Department and education
institutions.
Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural
Areas.--The Committee recognizes that Public Law 111-163, the
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010,
took a number of meaningful steps to enhance care for veterans,
including authorization of a grant program that allows State
veterans agencies and Veterans Service Organizations to provide
better transportation options for rural veterans seeking care
at a VA facility. The Committee notes, however, that some VA
medical centers take an inordinate amount of time to process
and approve the application of volunteer drivers. The Committee
is concerned that such delays could lead to veterans that rely
on such services, especially elderly veterans and those who
reside in rural areas, to be forced to forgo healthcare
services. In an effort to address hindrances to recruitment and
to streamline the approval process, the Committee directs the
Department to review VHA's regulations concerning
qualifications recruitment efforts for volunteer drivers.
Patient Centered Medical Home Initiative.--The Committee
supports the VA's Patient Centered Medical Home initiative and
urges the adoption and usage of metrics that will enable the VA
to monitor outcomes and correct deficiencies. The Committee
directs the VA to provide quarterly reports for the first year,
and then annually thereafter, on post-acute and rehabilitation
outcomes for patients with neurological conditions.
Veteran Suicide.--The Committee remains concerned about the
alarming prevalence of suicide among veterans. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Veterans Health Administration to submit
a report, not later than 180 days from the date of enactment of
this act and each year thereafter, to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the number of
veterans enrolled in the VA system who commit suicide; the
factors which contribute to the rate of suicide among veterans;
the method used by veterans to commit suicide; efforts by
mental health professionals and others to prevent suicide; and
any pertinent recommendations for legislative changes which
would assist in addressing this problem. Further, the
Department is directed to provide a report to the Committee no
later than 30 days after enactment of this act identifying a
detailed expenditure plan for all suicide outreach programs.
Home and Community Based Services [HCBS].--The Committee
supports the Department's efforts to broaden veterans options
regarding long-term care support and services. As the average
age of the veterans being served by the Department increases,
providing alternative care options that deliver quality
services and are cost efficient will ease the burden on, and
the cost associated with, maintaining long term care
facilities, in addition to providing veterans with increased
flexibility regarding their care options. The Committee notes
the positive results of pilot programs such as the Veterans
Independence Program, a Veterans-Directed, Home and Community
Based Services grant program administered jointly by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and
Human Services, and encourages enhanced cooperation with the
Department of Health and Human Services to expand and grow
these programs. Further, the Committee understands that the VHA
Central Office has recently begun to take actions to expand
non-institutional care across the VA system. The Department is
directed to provide regular updates to the Committee on its
efforts to rebalance institutional and home and community based
care, including what metrics have been developed to track VISN
implementation, as well as those VISNs which are meeting
national targets and those which are not.
Further, the Committee directs the Department to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than January 1, 2015, on the cost avoidance
associated with the various non-institutional care programs.
The report should include the demand for HCBS among the veteran
population, the number of veterans currently being served, as
well as the Department's plans to expand the size and scope of
HCBS. Given the success of current HCBS pilot programs, the
Department should include an economic analysis of the cost-
effectiveness of growing the existing pilot program, and the
coordination efforts underway with the Department of Health and
Human Services. Given that mandatory eligibility for certain
types of care is associated with disability levels adjudicated
by the Veterans Benefits Administration, this report should
offer strategies for streamlining the claims process for
veterans requiring long-term care.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of integrating various methodologies
into the treatment for veterans. Complementary and alternative
medicine provide significant additional treatment options for
those veterans requiring treatment who are not sufficiently
responsive to medications. Additionally, the Committee
recognizes that there could be significant cost savings through
appropriate integration of complementary and alternative
medicines. Within 180 days of enactment of this act, the
Department is directed to report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the courses of action
being taken to integrate complementary and alternative medicine
into treatment and care provided at VA medical facilities. The
report should also include a description of what actions the
Department has taken to work with the Director of the Office of
Personnel Management to establish the necessary coding for VA
to hire providers to deliver complementary and alternative
medicine therapies.
Community Based Outpatient Clinic Staffing.--The Community
Based Outpatient Clinic [CBOC] at Wasilla, Alaska, serves a
significant veteran population in the fastest growing region of
Alaska. Since its opening, this clinic has been plagued by
security issues and a series of stressful incidents including
the suicide of a veteran in the clinic's parking lot. The
Committee understands that these issues coupled with a lack of
staffing at the clinic to support a large caseload have
resulted in staff attrition, including the recent resignation
of the clinic's only medical provider. While the Department of
Veterans Affairs may be moving diligently to fill staff
vacancies using all available incentives, the Committee directs
the Department to provide to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress a report no later than February 1,
2015, on the staffing challenges it has faced at Wasilla from
the inception of the clinic, the appropriate level of staffing
in relation to patient loads, and the actions being taken to
achieve the appropriate level of staffing.
Assessment of Rural Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.--
Last year, the Committee directed the VA to conduct a full
assessment of all VA CBOCs in rural and highly rural areas,
including an assessment of possible expansions and improvements
needed to meet applicable medical and healthcare related legal
requirements. The Department is currently undertaking this
assessment and the Committee looks forward to receiving these
results this summer.
Mental Health Provider Training.--The Committee is aware
that the VA has recently begun to explore options to support
licensed professional mental health counselors [LPMHCs] and
marriage and family therapists [MFTs] training programs and
understands that the Department is planning to incorporate
these options as part of VHA's expansion of mental health
training. The Committee supports the decision to implement a
pilot program in the 2015 academic year and understands that
VHA is currently consulting on accreditation regarding
standards and requirements to develop pilot training programs.
The Committee directs the Department to report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 90 days after the enactment of this act on progress
in establishing this program and the determination of funding
for trainees. The Committee also notes that VA has made
progress in disseminating information about LPMHCs and MFTs
with local VHA human resource staff, and encourages the VA to
continue to provide educational information so that local VHA
medical centers understand that LPMHCs and MFTs are eligible
for employment by VA.
Radiologic Technologist Accreditation.--The Committee notes
that in 1995, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
[ARRT] recognized six regional accreditation agencies utilized
by colleges and universities throughout the United States for
accreditation. Of those six, the VA chose the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology [JRCERT] as the
required accreditation in order to be hired by the VA. However,
not all of our Nation's college-based radiography programs are
certified by JRCERT. The Committee believes the VA's hiring
policies may not have evolved with industry standards as the VA
continues to mandate only JRCERT accreditation. Even though
graduates of other accredited radiography programs take the
same certification examination as graduates of JRCERT
accredited programs, they are not eligible for VA employment.
Non-JRCERT graduates pass the same national boards and complete
clinical rotations just like JRCERT graduates. The Committee is
concerned that non-JRCERT graduates cannot get a job at the VA
when they graduate, despite the fact that they attended
institutions accredited by a nationally recognized
organization, especially during a time of shortfalls in the
VA's health professionals workforce.
Pharmacy Dispensing Process for Specialized Medicines.--The
Committee urges the VA to consider a pilot program to study the
use of specialized automated pharmacy workflow systems that
manage the entire intravenous and oral liquid dose preparation
and dispensing process within the VHA in order to promote
intravenous and oral liquid dose preparation safety, reduce
waste, and improve health system pharmacy productivity. The
Committee believes that a pilot program focused on the
specialized field of intravenous and oral dose preparation
would improve staffing productivity and patient safety.
Nursing Handbook.--The Committee understands that the VHA
Nursing Handbook is currently under review. The Committee
encourages the VHA to seek input from internal VA program
offices and external professional stakeholders prior to
possible regulatory action and submission to the Under
Secretary for Health for final approval. The Committee believes
all possible outreach efforts should be used to communicate the
proposed changes, to gather public comment, and to collaborate
with Congress, stakeholders, VA nursing staff, and external
organizations. The Committee also requests that the VHA ensure
that any changes to handbooks within the VHA do not conflict
with other handbooks already in place within the VHA.
Assisted Living Services for Veterans with Traumatic Brain
Injury.--The Committee urges the Secretary to utilize any
existing authority the Department has to continue the pilot
program on assisted living services for veterans with traumatic
brain injury [TBI]. The extension of this program is critical
to treating veterans with moderate to severe TBI and increasing
scientific know-how in treating TBI. The Committee believes the
program must have more time to demonstrate the effectiveness of
its ability to treat and assist these veterans, especially
given that the program did not officially launch until almost 3
years after it was authorized in 2008.
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Health Exchange.--The
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record [VLER] Health Exchange,
allows VA providers to request and share certain parts of
veteran health records with the Department of Defense and
selected private healthcare providers in a secure electronic
environment. The majority of veterans receive a portion of
their medical care from non-VA healthcare providers. In order
eliminate the need for veterans to carry health records between
providers it is essential that VA have the ability to
electronically share portions of a veterans health record. The
VA has piloted this effort in several areas throughout the
country. The Committee commends this effort and urges the VA to
continue to expand this capability and to consider prioritizing
expansion efforts by developing partnerships with State
designated Regional Health Information Organizations.
Nursing Quality Improvements.--The Committee maintains a
longstanding commitment to ensuring that the Nation's veterans
receive high-quality care, especially in hospital-based
settings. Studies have shown that when data are collected about
quality of care and patient outcomes, health, and well-being
can be improved. The VA has been active in making available
quality measurements on its ``Hospital Compare'' Web site and
maintains a nursing-specific quality database for VA
facilities. The Committee encourages the VA to consider
expanding this nursing quality effort by participating in a
national data quality measurement system that uses valid and
reliable data from all types of inpatient facilities, not just
those operated by the VA. The Committee understands that 54 VA
hospitals already participate in such a system and encourages
wider scale adoption of national quality measurement systems.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs.--The Committee strongly
supports the VA's efforts to implement antimicrobial
stewardship programs at all its medical facilities. The
Committee strongly recommends the VA develop consistent ways to
collect and analyze data on antibiotic usage, healthcare
outcomes (such as Clostridium difficile infections), and
antimicrobial resistance trends in order to evaluate how well
these programs are improving patient care and reducing
inappropriate antibiotic use. The Committee also strongly
encourages the VA to provide antibiotic usage and antimicrobial
resistance data to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network.
Open Air Burn Pits Registry.--The Committee is concerned
over the pace of implementation of the Open Air Burn Pits
Registry and urges the Secretary to expedite the implementation
of the registry. The Committee notes that the Department of
Veterans Affairs has fallen behind on the registry's
implementation and has not provided sufficient information
regarding the nature of the delay. Furthermore, the Committee
urges the Secretary to work with the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress regarding the VA's
plan to use the data from the burn pits registry to improve the
diagnosis of illnesses related to exposure to open air burn
pits, and to effectively treat and care for veterans suffering
from illnesses related to exposure.
Safety Needles for Diabetic Veterans.--The Committee is
concerned that the Department of Veterans Affairs is not
required to provide Occupational Safety and Health
Administration [OSHA] compliant safety needles to long-term
care facilities that provide care to veterans who are diabetic
and insulin-dependent. However, long-term care facilities are
required to follow OSHA rules regarding safety needles. The
Committee believes that in cases where the Department provides
needles to veterans who are diabetic and insulin-dependent and
are being cared for at a nursing home facility that is not a VA
facility, the safety needles should be in compliance with
regulations promulgated by OSHA for use in providing care to
such veterans. The Committee directs the Department to provide
a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 60 days after enactment of this act
detailing steps being taken to ensure that diabetic veterans
who receive long-term care in facilities not operated by the VA
receive OSHA compliant safety needles.
MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $5,983,000,000
Advance appropriations, 2015............................ 5,879,700,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2016............ 6,144,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2016............ 6,144,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2016... 6,144,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Support and Compliance account provides funds
for management, security, and administrative expenses within
the VA healthcare system, in addition to providing costs
associated with the operation of VA medical centers and
clinics, VISN offices, and the VHA Central Office in
Washington, DC. This appropriation also covers Chief of Staff
and Facility Director operations, quality of care oversight,
legal services, billing and coding activities, procurement,
financial management, security, and human resource management.
The President's 2015 and 2016 submission for Medical
Support and Compliance is based on an actuarial analysis
founded on the current and projected veteran population,
enrollment projections of demand, and case mix changes
associated with current veteran patients.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2014, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $5,879,700,000 for fiscal year 2015 for the
Medical Support and Compliance account. The Committee
recommendation includes an advance appropriation of
$6,144,000,000 for Medical support and compliance for fiscal
year 2016.
Last year, the Committee provided explicit direction to VHA
to include detailed budget explanations for several components
within the Medical Support and Compliance account. While the
budget justifications accompanying the fiscal year 2015 budget
and 2016 advance appropriation request did include more detail
with respect to certain components and offices funded through
the Medical Support and Compliance account, the Committee
remains concerned about how these budget requests are developed
and executed. For instance, the budget justification
accompanying the fiscal year 2014 budget estimated that VHA
Central Office would expend $911,000,000 in fiscal year 2014.
However, this year's budget justification shows the current
estimate for fiscal year 2014 to be $613,500,000. While the
Committee notes that VHA's Central Office plays an important
role in management of a healthcare system the size of VA's, it
is concerning that year-to-year estimates can vary so
drastically yet little information is provided as to the reason
for this wide variance or how funds originally budgeted for
these functions are being redirected. In order to provide
greater oversight of budget development and execution, the
Committee directs the Department to continue to refine the
accompanying budget justifications and provide detailed budget
build-outs for those functions that are not developed solely
through an actuarial model.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $4,957,000,000
Advance appropriations, 2015............................ 4,739,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................................
Committee recommendation, 2015.......................... 125,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2016............ 4,915,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2016............ 4,915,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2016... 4,915,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Facilities account provides funds for the
operation and maintenance of the VA healthcare system's vast
capital infrastructure. This appropriation provides for costs
associated with utilities, engineering, capital planning,
leases, laundry, groundskeeping, housekeeping, facility repair,
and property disposition and acquisition.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2014, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $4,739,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 for the
Medical Facilities account. The Committee recommendation also
includes an additional $125,000,000 for the Medical Facilities
account for fiscal year 2015. The Committee remains very
concerned about the backlog of maintenance needs at existing
VHA hospitals and clinics and has included this additional
funding to address this need. Additionally, the Committee
recommendation includes an advance appropriation of
$4,915,000,000 for Medical Facilities for fiscal year 2016.
This is $176,000,000 above the level for fiscal year 2015 and
equal to the budget request.
Leases.--The Committee notes that VA leases for outpatient
clinics have been unacceptably delayed as a result of the
Congressional Budget Office scoring them as capital leases
versus operating leases as well as concerns regarding ``opt out
clauses'' required by the Office of Management and Budget. As a
result of the new treatment of these leases, the VA has had to
postpone the opening of several new outpatient clinics.
Further, current facility leases which are reaching their
expiration dates may also be in jeopardy of being closed. The
Committee is very concerned that these delays are having
detrimental consequences on the delivery of healthcare to
veterans across the country and could drive future policy
decisions of how that care is to be delivered to veterans. The
Committee understands that discussions among VA, the General
Services Administration, the Office of Management and Budget,
and the Congressional Budget Office continue. As such the
Committee directs the Secretary to provide a revised timeline
including an estimated completion date for every VA facility
lease impacted by these new requirements.
Assessment of Rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics.--
The Committee recognizes that many VA rural community-based
outpatient clinics [CBOCs] are in need of improvements,
including improvements needed to address population changes,
adherence with HIPPA privacy requirements, and the Americans
with Disabilities Act requirements and regulations. The
Committee directs the VA to conduct a full assessment of all VA
CBOCs in rural and highly rural areas, including an assessment
of possible expansions and improvements needed to meet
applicable medical and healthcare-related legal requirements.
The VA is directed to report its findings to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 180 days of
enactment of the act.
MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $585,664,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 588,922,000
House allowance......................................... 588,922,000
Committee recommendation................................ 588,922,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical and Prosthetic Research account provides funds
for medical, rehabilitative, and health services research.
Medical research supports basic and clinical studies that
advance knowledge leading to improvements in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disabilities.
Rehabilitation research focuses on rehabilitation engineering
problems in the fields of prosthetics, orthotics, adaptive
equipment for vehicles, sensory aids and related areas. Health
services research focuses on improving the effectiveness and
economy of the delivery of health services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $588,922,000 for Medical and
Prosthetic Research. This is $3,258,000 above the fiscal year
2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee remains highly supportive of this program,
and recognizes its importance both in improving healthcare
services to veterans and recruiting and retaining high quality
medical professionals in the Veterans Health Administration.
Through the Department's research and development program,
the VA has implemented a comprehensive research agenda to
develop new treatments and tools for clinicians to ease the
physical and psychological pain of men and women returning from
war zones, to improve access to VA healthcare services, and to
accelerate discoveries and applications, especially for
neurotrauma, sensory loss, amputation, polytrauma, and related
prosthetic needs. The Committee encourages the VA to continue
its research into developing novel approaches to restoring
veterans with amputation, central nervous system injuries, loss
of sight or hearing, or other physical and cognitive
impairments to full and productive lives.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Traumatic Brain Injury.--The
Committee is aware that the VA is conducting innovative
research on neurological conditions, including the relationship
between traumatic brain injury [TBI] and Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder [PTSD]. Over the past several years, the Committee has
provided funding for numerous mental health initiatives to
increase healthcare services for those suffering from TBI and
PTSD. Recent studies show that 1 of 6 veterans returning from
war zones and 1 of 4 stroke survivors have symptoms of PTSD.
The Committee encourages the VA to include stroke survivors in
its TBI and PTSD research. Including stroke victims in these
initiatives could help establish a national standard of care
for survivors of neurological disorders and injuries by
improving the health and outcomes of this population.
The Committee also encourages the VA to evaluate the
effectiveness of prophylactic treatments for TBI involving the
development of new drugs administered via intranasal
application. In addition, the VA is encouraged to identify
opportunities to initiate or expedite clinical trials or
chronic toxicity studies needed to get these treatments into
the field faster. Where appropriate, the VA should work with
FDA and other Federal agencies to prepare accelerated treatment
protocols.
Prostate Cancer.--The Committee is aware that prostate
cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men
and recognizes the promising research activities being
conducted through the VA's research program. The Committee
urges the VA to identify opportunities to collaborate and
coordinate with the Department of Defense and the National
Cancer Institute on ongoing prostate cancer research efforts to
accelerate the progress in diagnosis and treatment of prostate
cancer.
VA/DOD Research Collaboration.--Military research is
currently focused on improving and reducing costs for human
battlefield support and care for injured warfighters. Many of
these technologies already in use and under development may
have cross application in the treatment of veterans.
Particularly promising technologies are under development by
the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs, although rarely collaboratively. The Committee
encourages the Departments to collaborate, including with the
Defense Centers of Excellence, on research activities that have
the potential to reduce VA healthcare costs and improve patient
care.
Toxic Exposures.--The Committee encourages the VA to
bolster efforts into research on the residual impact to
veterans of Agent Orange and other toxic exposures such as oil
well fires and burn pits.
Million Veteran Program.--The Committee recognizes the
growth of diabetes in the country and the burden it places on
our Nation's veterans. The VA Office of Research and
Development is doing valuable work through the Million Veteran
Program to enhance VA's analytical activities in looking at the
risk for complications of diseases, including diabetes.
According to VA, there are currently 192,000 participants in
the program. The Committee urges VA to continue their efforts
to reach the goal of 1 million participants as having a larger
cohort of participants will speed up discovery and further
efforts to promote veterans' health.
MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY COLLECTIONS
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $2,485,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 2,456,000,000
House allowance......................................... 2,456,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,456,000,000
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND--REVENUES APPLIED
Appropriations, 2014.................................... -$2,485,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... -2,456,000,000
House allowance......................................... -2,456,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -2,456,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Care Collection Fund [MCCF] was established by
the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33). In fiscal
year 2004, Public Law 108-199 allowed the Department of
Veterans Affairs to deposit first-party and pharmacy co-
payments; third-party insurance payments and enhanced-use
collections; long-term care co-payments; Compensated Work
Therapy Program collections; and Parking Program fees into the
MCCF. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the authority to
transfer funds from the MCCF to the Medical services account.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation includes the authority to
retain co-payments and third-party collections, estimated to
total $2,456,000,000 in fiscal year 2015. The Committee remains
concerned that estimates of revenues collected through the
Medical Care Collection Fund continue to be overly optimistic
and urges the VA to provide a contingency plan to ensure the
provision of healthcare does not suffer should there be a
failure to meet billing and collection expectations.
Third Party Billing.--The Committee remains concerned over
potential discrepancies in the VA's billing process and
continues to hear from veterans regarding improper billing.
Additionally, the Committee again this year notes the large
amount of third party health billings that go uncollected each
year. The Committee believes that procedures to provide for
correct billing and prompt collection must improve at the VA.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 180 days after the enactment of this act
identifying the amount of third party health billings that were
owed to the VA in fiscal year 2014 and the amount collected.
Additionally, the report should include current efforts
underway to increase VA's efficiency, accuracy and collection
process, as well as what management practices are in place to
provide proper oversight of the billing process so as to
eliminate unnecessary and duplicative functions.
National Cemetery Administration
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 256,800,000
House allowance......................................... 256,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 256,800,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The National Cemetery Administration [NCA] was established
in accordance with Public Law 93-94, the National Cemeteries
Act of 1973. It has a four-fold mission: to provide for the
interment in any national cemetery of the remains of eligible
deceased servicemembers and discharged veterans, together with
their spouses and certain dependents, and permanently maintain
their graves; to provide headstones for, and to mark graves of,
eligible persons in national, State, and private cemeteries; to
administer the grant program for aid to States in establishing,
expanding, or improving State veterans cemeteries; and to
administer the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $256,800,000 for the National
Cemetery Administration. This is an increase of $6,800,000
above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
The Committee has included bill language to make available
through September 30, 2016, up to $25,600,000 of the National
Cemetery Administration appropriation.
Departmental Administration
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $7,894,130,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 8,116,894,000
House allowance......................................... 8,103,603,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,232,894,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
Departmental Administration provides for the administration
of veterans benefits through the Veterans Benefits
Administration [VBA], the executive direction of the
Department, several top level supporting offices, the Board of
Contract Appeals, and the Board of Veterans Appeals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,232,894,000 for Departmental
Administration. The amount is composed of $321,591,000 for
General administration; $99,294,000 for the Board of Veterans
Appeals; $2,524,254,000 for General operating expenses,
veterans benefits administration; $3,913,344,000 for
Information technology systems; $126,411,000 for the Office of
the Inspector General; $561,800,000 for Construction, major
projects; $540,200,000 for Construction, minor projects;
$100,000,000 for Grants for construction of State extended care
facilities; and $46,000,000 for Grants for the construction of
State veterans cemeteries.
Independent Review of Veterans Benefits Administration.--
Over the past year, the Department has implemented a number of
initiatives specifically aimed at eliminating the claims
backlog. Two of these initiatives, mandatory overtime and
adjudicating the oldest claims first have been significant in
lowering the number of claims in the backlog. However, these
are temporary measures aimed at dealing with the problem today.
While the Committee appreciates all of the efforts the
Department has taken to reduce the backlog, these initiatives
do not address potential systemic and business process changes
that may need to be made to protect against a future backlog.
The Committee believes that now is the time for VBA to be
planning strategically to position itself for the future.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to enter into a
contract with the congressionally chartered National Academy of
Public Administration [NAPA] to ensure that VA has the business
processes in place to prevent the occurrence of a future
backlog. The review shall be conducted in consultation with VA
and its stakeholders and include the following: (1) an
assessment of VA's current progress in reducing the backlog and
its preparation for future disability claims processing; (2)
current business processes and management structures and
specific changes that need to be made to accommodate increasing
claim complexity; (3) the identification of specific procedures
that must transform as VBA migrates to an electronic, paperless
environment; (4) an identification of future circumstances that
would likely lead to another backlog; and (5) proposed
mitigation strategies, including short-term, medium-term, and
long-term, that VA should utilize to reduce the backlog while
improving service to veterans and their families. The Academy
shall submit a final report to the Committees on Appropriations
of Both Houses of Congress no later than 1 year after the
Department has contracted with the Academy.
Appeals Process Strategic Plan.--The Committee directs the
VA to refresh the Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan
to Transform the Appeal Process. The refreshed plan shall
include how the Board of Veterans Appeals intends to improve
the timeliness and accuracy of appellate decisions and contain
an explanation of the projection model used by the Board in
calculating future workload. In addition, the plan should
include a staffing model that corresponds to the projection
model to address future workload, and the feasibility and
advisability of increasing the number of Members serving on the
Board of Veterans Appeals. The plan should also provide
descriptions, and objective metrics and performance results, of
any ongoing or planned initiative designed to speed the
processing of appeals and improve the accuracy of decisions.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2014\1\................................. $327,591,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 321,591,000
House allowance......................................... 306,876,000
Committee recommendation................................ 321,591,000
\1\$88,294,000 included in this account in fiscal year 2014 for the
Board of Veterans Appeals is reflected in the new Board of Veterans
Appeals account for comparison purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The General Administration account provides funding for the
Office of the Secretary, six assistant secretaries, and three
independent staff offices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $321,591,000 for General
Administration. This amount is $6,000,000 below the fiscal year
2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee has included bill language to make available
through September 30, 2016, up to $12,141,000 for General
Administration. The funding recommendation for each line office
is provided in the table below.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Department 2015 budget Committee
request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary................. 10,032 10,032
Office of General Counsel............... 80,365 80,365
Office of Management.................... 44,098 44,098
Office of Human Resources and 62,064 62,064
Administration.........................
Office of Policy and Planning........... 25,009 25,009
Office of Operations, Security, and 17,901 17,901
Preparedness...........................
Office of Public and Intergovernmental 22,279 22,279
Affairs................................
Office of Congressional and Legislative 5,969 5,969
Affairs................................
Office of Acquisition, Logistics and 53,874 53,874
Construction...........................
-------------------------------
Total............................. 321,591 321,591
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franchise Fund.--The Franchise Fund was established in 1997
as a pilot program and made permanent in fiscal year 2006 under
Public Law 109-114. The Committee directs the Department to
provide a report on the Franchise Fund's business plan for
fiscal year 2015. This plan should include a list of services,
customers, overhead expenses, funds collected for services, and
the unobligated balance from the previous fiscal year. The VA
shall submit this report to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress no later than 60 days following
enactment of this act.
Outreach to Separating Veterans.--The ability of the VA to
connect with newly separated veterans is consistently
identified by both the VA and Veterans Service Organizations as
a critical challenge. As such, the Committee directs the
Department to provide to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment
of this act, a report which includes the following: (1) a
description of the VA's strategy to use technology, including
social media, to improve its outreach to new veterans; (2) the
challenges the VA faces in determining where newly separated
veterans live once they leave the military; and (3) how the VA
can partner with Veterans Service Organizations, State
governments departments of veterans affairs, and other
nonprofit and community organizations interested in assisting
veterans transition to civilian life to determine how best to
successfully connect with new veterans.
BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
Appropriations, 2014\1\................................. $88,294,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 94,294,000
House allowance......................................... 94,294,000
Committee recommendation................................ 99,294,000
\1\Funding for the Board of Veterans Appeals was provided within the
General Administration account for fiscal year 2014, however, this
funding is reflected here for comparison purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
As set forth in section 7101(a) of title 38 United States
Code, the Board of Veterans Appeals is responsible for making
final decisions on claims for veterans benefits that are
presented to the Board for appellate review. The vast majority
of the Board's workload derives from benefit claims initiated
by the Veterans Benefits Administration's Regional Offices. The
appellate process has multiple steps, most of which occur at
the local Regional Office level. If a veteran is not satisfied
with the Regional Office determination, he or she may appeal to
the Board for a final agency decision. The Board adjudicates
appeals covering all areas of veterans benefits, including:
service connection; increased disability ratings; total
disability ratings; pensions; insurance benefits; educational
benefits; home loan guaranties; vocational rehabilitation;
waivers of indebtedness; fee basis medical care; and dependency
and indemnity compensation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $99,294,000 for the Board of
Veterans Appeals, which is $11,000,000 above fiscal year 2014
enacted level and $5,000,000 above the request. For fiscal year
2015, the Administration has proposed to fund the Board of
Veterans Appeals in a new account, separate from the General
Administration account. The Committee concurs with this
recommendation. The Committee believes that differences in the
mission and purpose of the Department's executive offices and
the activities and direct services to veterans provided by the
Board of Veterans appeals justify providing funding in two
separate accounts. Further separating the executive offices and
the Board will provide the Congress with greater visibility of
budgetary resources and oversight of expenditures for appellate
activities.
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $2,465,490,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 2,494,254,000
House allowance......................................... 2,524,254,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,524,254,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration account provides funding for the Veterans
Benefits Administration to administer entitlement programs such
as service-connected disability compensation, education
benefits, and vocational rehabilitation services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,524,254,000 for General
Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration, which is
$58,764,000 above fiscal year 2014 enacted level and
$30,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee has
included bill language to make available through September 30,
2016, up to $124,700,000 for General Operating Expenses,
Veterans Benefits Administration.
Claims Processing.--The recommendation includes an
additional $30,000,000 for the General Operating Expenses,
Veterans Benefits Administration account. These additional
resources are to be utilized to hire additional claims and
support personnel at Regional Offices. The Committee believes
that the effort to eliminate the backlog through a number of
initiatives, including mandatory overtime, has highlighted the
need for additional personnel at Regional Offices. The
Committee recommendation also directs the VBA, working in
conjunction with the Office of Policy and Planning, to conduct
a workforce analysis by Regional Office and to undertake a
detailed review of VBA's Resources Allocation Model. The
analysis should be developed in the framework of a multi-year,
strategic assessment that should include a plan for how to
measure and incorporate the increasing number of claimed
conditions and complexity of claims into the systematic
approach VA utilizes to distribute resources to the Regional
Offices. VA shall also report on how the National Work Queue
will be integrated with the Resource Allocation Model. The
Department is directed to provide this analysis to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than February 2, 2015.
The Committee continues to believe that quality cannot be
sacrificed in the pursuit of eliminating the claims backlog. As
such, the Department must continue the efforts of the Quality
Review Teams [QRT] in assessing the performance of claims
processing operations and bridging the gap between local and
national standards. It is critical that QRTs perform follow-up
spot audits in Regional Offices that have undergone challenge
training to ensure that quality standards are being met.
Additionally, the VA must ensure that all training programs for
claims processors are routinely followed up with testing and
monitoring at regular intervals.
In order to continue to provide better oversight of quality
reviews and training, bill language is included requiring the
Secretary to submit quarterly reports which are to include the
number and results of QRT review audits conducted, corrective
actions taken to address quality deficiencies, and training
programs provided. The Committee will utilize this material to
assess whether the VA's quality control and training programs
are adequate to ensure both timeliness and accuracy in the
claims process.
In addition to the quarterly reports, the Committee directs
the Department to provide monthly reports to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on performance
measures for each Regional Office, including the number of
backlogged claims, the average number of days to complete a
claim, the accuracy rate, and the origination date of the
oldest claim in each Regional Office's inventory. The report
may be submitted electronically and in spreadsheet format. Each
report is due no later than 10 calendar days after the last
calendar day of the previous month, and that report shall
reflect the previous month's data. The first report should be
submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 10 days after the first full month of
enactment of this act and continue for the remainder of fiscal
year 2015.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall conduct an assessment of the Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment resource allocation model to
determine the total number of staff needed across the Regional
Offices. Further, the Secretary shall obtain information,
including the time necessary to complete key tasks on the
Regional Offices approaches to managing their caseloads in
order to determine an appropriate counselor ratio and identify
best practices no later than December 31, 2014.
Rehabilitation and Training for Veterans with Difficult
Employment Circumstances.--The Committee encourages the VA to
expand its partnerships with non-profit employment and training
organizations with experience in assisting veterans with
difficult employment circumstances, such as prior substance
abuse or criminal records, to find long-term employment.
Military Sexual Trauma [MST].--The Committee notes the
VBA's training initiatives and procedural developments for PTSD
claims related to MST and encourages the VA to continue to
publicize benefits veterans may be entitled to as a result of
MST. The Committee also notes that in recent Congressional
testimony, the VBA recognized that some victims of sexual
assault may not have the minimal circumstantial evidence of a
stressor required in order to schedule a VA examination and to
request that the examiner provide an opinion as to whether the
stressor occurred. Within 120 days of enactment of this act,
the Committee directs the VBA to submit a report on the current
standard of proof for service-connection under chapter 11 of
title 38, U.S.C., for covered mental health conditions based on
military sexual trauma. The VBA shall include in the report any
recommendations it considers appropriate to improve the
adjudication of claims for compensation based on MST, including
recommendations for an appropriate standard of proof for such
claims if the Secretary considers such recommendations
advisable and recommendations for legislative action, if
necessary, to carry out such improvement.
Disability Progression.--The Committee encourages the
Department to conduct a study that will analyze data regarding
the statistical progression of disabilities over time based on
the Department's historical data of veteran disabilities. The
study should consider statistics and information related to the
progressive nature of a service-connected disability, in terms
of increased impairment of earning capacity caused by the
disability and whether this data could be utilized to faster
adjudicate claims for increased compensation from lasting and
intensifying injuries. The Department is directed to report
back to the Committee on whether this type of analysis is
feasible.
eBenefits.--The Committee commends the VA and DOD with the
development of the joint eBenefits Web site. The Web site is a
central location for veterans, servicemembers and their
families to research, find and access benefits and services to
which they are entitled. The Committee believes this powerful
tool could be better utilized to help inform servicemembers and
veterans by sending an automatic email outlining the benefits
of filing a Fully Developed Claim and transition assistance
program curriculum to any servicemember who creates a username
and password on eBenefits.
Uniform Mail Processing.--The Committee directs the
Department to develop a plan to execute a uniform mail
processing and scanning system throughout the 56 ROs no later
than 1 year from the date of enactment of this act.
Individual Placement and Support Counselors.--The Committee
recognizes that successful transition from active duty to
civilian life for veterans suffering from mental health
injuries often requires assistance with their efforts to find
stable employment. The Committee believes integrating
individual placement and support services would greatly benefit
veterans with mental health needs, and complement the
Department's existing Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
program. The Committee directs the Department to provide a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress detailing what efforts have been made to implement
these types of services into existing vocational programs.
Housing Management Training.--The Committee notes the
positive return on investment to the taxpayers when veterans
are trained for management positions in often troubled public
and federally assisted housing communities. Veterans possess
unique leadership and management skills that are particularly
well-suited to this role. The Committee is aware that VA
participated in a similar program during the 1990s. Consistent
with government-wide efforts to streamline programs, the
Committee urges the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore
ways to coordinate with the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and the Department of Labor to focus existing
resources on a comprehensive program for training veterans in
public and federally assisted housing management, maintenance
management, occupancy management, financial management, and
security and drug reduction management.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $3,703,344,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 3,903,344,000
House allowance......................................... 3,873,768,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,913,344,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Information Technology [IT] appropriation, along with
reimbursements, funds the costs of all IT staff salaries and
expenses, the operations and maintenance of all existing
information technology systems, and the development of new
projects and programs designed to improve the delivery of
service to veterans. This appropriation also funds the costs
associated with the Office of Information and Technology, which
oversees the functions highlighted above.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,913,344,000 for the Information
Technology Systems account. This amount is $210,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $10,000,000 above the
budget request. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,039,000,000 for staff salaries and expenses, $2,343,217,000
for operation and maintenance of existing programs, and
$531,127,000 for program development, all according to the
Department's fiscal year 2015 budget submission.
The Committee has appropriated the Information Technology
Systems account as three subaccounts, with funding levels
consistent with the Department's budget submission. This
funding structure enhances the Committee's ability to ensure
that funds are executed in a manner consistent with the
Department's budget submission. The Committee has provided
sufficient flexibility within the subaccounts by way of
authorized carryover amounts and reprogramming authority to
give the Office of Information Technology as much flexibility
as possible to accomplish its mission and goals, while ensuring
proper accountability and oversight. The Committee will
continue to work with the Department to ensure that the IT
projects currently underway, as well as the projects planned
for the future, have the resources the VA needs to make them
successful.
The Committee has included bill language that restricts the
obligation of development funds until the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs or the Chief Information Officer submits to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
certification of the amounts, in parts or in full, that will be
obligated and expended for each development project. Further,
the Office of Information Technology is directed to provide an
IT expenditure report, by project, to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on a monthly basis.
Transformation of Claims Processing.--The Committee
supports the Department's efforts to rapidly transform from an
antiquated paper-based claims processing system to one that
utilizes modern technology to process claims. To this end, the
Committee has fully funded the request for continued
development and deployment of increased functionality for the
Veterans Benefits Management System [VBMS]. The Committee has
increased the IT request by $10,000,000 for additional hardware
upgrades at Regional Offices to ensure that increased VBMS
functionality can be supported in the field. The Committee
directs the Department to submit an expenditure plan for this
funding within 60 days after enactment of this act. The
Department is directed to provide quarterly updates to the
Committee on the implementation of VBMS and to provide details
of how this implementation has increased the efficiency and
timeliness of the VBA claims process.
The chart below reflects the Administration's budget
request for development projects and includes the Committee
recommendation for each. This chart will serve as the
Department's approved list of development projects, and all
requested changes are subject to the reprogramming guidelines
as outlined in the accompanying act.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2015 Committee
Project budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Healthcare................ 9,686 9,686
Healthcare Efficiency IT Development 10,723 10,723
Electronic Health Record [EHR] 32,000 32,000
Interoperability and VLER Health...
VistA Evolution..................... 179,922 179,922
New Models of Care.................. 30,551 30,551
Veterans Benefits Management System 63,500 63,500
[VBMS].............................
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record 18,600 18,600
[VLER].............................
Veterans Relationship Management 76,600 76,600
[VRM]..............................
Health Management Platform.......... 5,746 5,746
Other IT Systems Development........ 103,799 103,799
-----------------------------------
Total Development............. 531,127 531,127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Health Records.--On March 24, 2014, under the
conditions placed on the Department in Public Law 113-76, the
VA transmitted to the Committee the VistA Evolution Program
plan which included a roadmap for interoperability with the
Department of Defense's planned acquisition of a new electronic
health record. Given the history of program changes to develop
integrated/interoperable electronic health records between the
two Departments, the Committee remains cautious about this plan
and has included bill language limiting the obligation or
expenditure of funds to 25 percent for the development of the
VistA Evolution program until certain conditions are met. One
of these conditions mandates that the Department establish a
detailed governance structure which establishes a single
program manager/integrator who will have sole responsibility
for ensuring that all projects funded under the VistA Evolution
umbrella meet performance measures and timeline benchmarks and
are compatible with DOD's current and future electronic health
record systems. The Committee believes that a clearly defined
governance structure and a single point of accountability
within the Department will provide program discipline and
protect against continuous expansion of scope.
In addition to the conditions and restriction contained in
the bill, the Department is directed to provide quarterly
briefings to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress regarding schedule, milestones, and obligations. The
Committee understands that the VA is committed to developing
VistA Evolution under the Project Management Accountability
System [PMAS], which is focused on incremental development with
deliverable milestones every 6 months. Therefore, the quarterly
briefing should clearly define the 6 month PMAS delivery
schedule so that the Committees can create a tracking mechanism
to provide better oversight of whether the Department is
delivering the functionality laid out in its VistA Evolution
Program plan.
Furthermore, the Interagency Program Office shall continue
to provide the Committees briefings on a quarterly basis
regarding standards development and how those standards are
being incorporated by both VA and DOD. In an effort to ensure
government-wide accountability, the Committee also directs the
VA in coordination with the DOD to provide the Federal Chief
Information Officer of the United States with monthly updates
on progress made by the two Departments to reach
interoperability and modernize their respective electronic
health records.
Electronic Health Record Data Security.--As the VA
continues its efforts to modernize the current electronic
health record, the Committee notes that the future system
should include robust data security measures. In order to
ensure interoperability with the Department of Defense and to
protect veterans electronic medical data, the Committee directs
the Department to report to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress within 90 days of enactment of this
act, on the process VA and DOD will follow to establish
security standards, incorporate security measures, and identify
or develop relevant technology to secure data as the two
Departments develop interoperability between current and future
electronic health record systems.
Information Technology Exchange Program.--The Committee is
aware that the Department of Defense recently launched the
Information Technology Exchange Program [ITEP] which allows for
the temporary exchange of information technology personnel
between DOD and the private sector. This program provides a
unique opportunity for DOD and private sector organizations to
share best practices and gain a better understanding of each
other's information technology practices. The Committee
encourages the VA to evaluate whether a similar program would
benefit the Department's information technology program and to
report back to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses
of Congress no later than 90 days after enactment of this act
on the advisability and feasibility of establishing such a
program within the VA. The report should also include any
legislative changes that must be made before such a program
could be established.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $121,411,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 121,411,000
House allowance......................................... 122,411,000
Committee recommendation................................ 126,411,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established by
the Inspector General Act of 1978 and is responsible for the
audit, investigation, and inspection of all Department of
Veterans Affairs programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $126,411,000 for the Office of
Inspector General. This is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year
2014 enacted level and $5,000,000 above the budget request. The
Committee has included bill language to make available through
September 30, 2016, up to $12,411,000 for the Office of the
Inspector General.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $342,130,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 561,800,000
House allowance......................................... 561,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 561,800,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, major projects account provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities (including parking projects) under the jurisdiction
or for the use of the VA, including planning, architectural and
engineering services, needs assessment, and site acquisition
where the estimated cost of a project is more than the amount
set forth in 38 U.S.C. 8104(a)(3)(A). Proceeds realized from
Enhanced Use Lease activities may be deposited into the
Construction, major projects and Construction, minor projects
accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $561,800,000
for the construction of major projects. This is $219,670,000
above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
The following table reflects the President's budget request
for major construction projects and activities, and the
corresponding Committee recommendations.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2015 Committee
Location and description budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans Health Administration
[VHA]:
West Los Angeles, California-- 35,000 35,000
Seismic Corrections............
Long Beach, California--Seismic 101,900 101,900
Corrections, Mental Health and
Community Living Center
Replacements...................
Canandaigua, New York--Community 122,400 122,400
Living Center, Outpatient
Clinic and Domiciliary.........
San Diego, California--Spinal 187,500 187,500
Cord Injury and Seismic
Deficiency Correction..........
Advance Planning Fund--Various 69,000 69,000
Locations......................
Major Construction Staff-- 24,000 24,000
Various Locations..............
Claims Analysis--Various 2,000 2,000
Locations......................
Hazardous Waste--Various 6,000 6,000
Locations......................
-----------------------------------
Total, VHA.................... 547,800 547,800
===================================
National Cemetery Administration
[NCA]:
Advance Planning Fund........... 2,500 2,500
NCA Land Acquisition Fund....... 7,500 7,500
-----------------------------------
Total, NCA.................... 10,000 10,000
===================================
General Administration--Staff 4,000 4,000
Offices, Advance Planning Fund.....
===================================
Total Construction, Major 561,800 561,800
Projects.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collaborative VA/DOD Medical Facility Projects.--The
Committee remains supportive of executing collaborative joint
VA/DOD medical facility projects which are supported and
approved by both agencies for implementation. The Committee
notes, however, that none of the four major construction VHA
projects proposed in the fiscal year 2015 budget submission
include collaboration with DOD. In fact, the VA's Strategic
Capital Investment Plan [SCIP] submitted with the fiscal year
2015 budget request removes a collaborative VA/DOD medical
facility planned for Wichita, Kansas. The current SCIP did not
score or rank the project, removing it from consideration to
attain resources in fiscal year 2015. As such, the Committee
directs the VA to submit a report, no later than 180 days after
the enactment of this act, detailing the reasons this project
was not scored and pulled from consideration in 2015. In
addition, the report should provide an assessment of
collaborative VA/DOD projects planned in the SCIP's list of
Future Years Above-Threshold Potential Projects to include an
implementation timeline and cost estimate for each project. The
Committee also encourages the VA to adopt and implement a 5-
year construction plan similar to DOD's annual submission of a
Future Years Defense Program which details planned construction
projects by location and funding amount for each of the next 5
fiscal years.
VA Medical Center Construction.--The Committee is concerned
about construction delays, contracting disputes, and cost
overruns associated with VA's major construction program.
Currently, major medical center construction projects in
Denver, Colorado, and Orlando, Florida, are embroiled in
contracting disputes concerning design changes and delays in
processing and paying change orders, which have led to cost
overruns, unacceptable delays in completion of the facilities,
and potential litigation. The Committee recognizes that
contracting disputes are a two-way street, and that medical
advances can require reconfiguration of a hospital design at
any stage of construction. However, the Committee remains
concerned about VA's management of these challenging major
construction projects and urges the VA to explore an
interagency agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
conduct a construction design evaluation of currently troubled
projects, and to implement any recommendations stemming from
that evaluation on current and future construction projects.
The Department is directed to report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 90 days of
enactment of this act on the feasibility of entering into such
an agreement with the Corps of Engineers.
The Committee also urges the VA to re-evaluate the way it
processes change orders, and to develop and implement a
management strategy to streamline and expedite the process. The
Committee directs the Department to provide a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within
90 days of enactment of this act describing the actions the
Department has taken to improve its construction management
processes.
Alternative Financing.--The Committee recognizes the need
for access to high quality veterans healthcare facilities,
including in rural areas where access to facilities, including
clinics and hospitals, is more limited. The Committee directs
the Department of Veterans Affairs to work collaboratively with
other executive branch agencies with substantial construction
portfolios, private sector contractors, and other non-
governmental experts, together with the appropriate
congressional committees, to explore the feasibility of
employing new funding mechanisms to meet the need for such
facilities, including but not limited to private development
lease-back arrangements, and to provide a report on their
conclusions to the Committee no later than September 30, 2014.
Facility Construction Prioritization.--The Committee is
aware that the VA undertakes a complex process each year to
prioritize all the facility projects that are eligible for
funding. But the Committee is disturbed that the priorities
assigned to particular projects have changed from 1 year to the
next without explanation. The Committee requests that the
Department prepare each year no later than 30 days after the
release of the budget request a comprehensive report describing
the process used to identify that year's project priority
listing, any changes in methodology or priority criteria, and
the architectural design elements that must be in place before
a project is considered ready for the priority list.
CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $714,870,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 495,200,000
House allowance......................................... 495,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 540,200,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, Minor Projects account provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities (including parking) under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the VA, including planning, assessment of needs,
architectural and engineering services, and site acquisition,
where the estimated cost of a project is equal to or less than
$10,000,000. Public Law 106-117, the Veterans Millennium Health
Care and Benefits Act of 1999, gave the VA the authority to
make capital contributions from minor construction in enhanced-
use leases. Proceeds realized from enhanced-use lease
activities may be deposited into the Construction, major
projects and Construction, minor projects accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $540,200,000 for minor
construction. This is $174,670,000 below the fiscal year 2014
enacted level and 45,000,000 above the budget request.
The recommendation includes $424,000,000 for the Veterans
Health Administration, $60,000,000 for the National Cemetery
Administration, $11,200,000 for General Administration--Staff
Offices, and $45,000,000 for the Veterans Benefits
Administration. The Committee directs the Department to provide
an expenditure plan within 30 days of enactment of this act for
the amount appropriated for minor construction.
The Committee is aware that capital improvement projects at
VA medical centers may result in a hospital or clinic having to
find alternatives for delivering care during the duration of
the renovation or construction project. Depending on the
alternative chosen, the total cost of the project could be
affected. For example, the cost of fee care is not built into
the cost of a renovation or construction project. Conversely,
if the hospital chooses to provide a temporary solution on the
hospital grounds, such as a mobile surgical unit, the costs are
built into the renovation or construction project. Due to the
limitation of $10,000,000 for minor construction projects, this
may result in medical centers opting for fee care rather than
providing a temporary solution at the hospital, regardless of
whether the temporary solution is more cost effective.
Therefore, if a business case or cost benefit analysis
determines that providing a temporary hospital-based solution
is more cost effective overall, the Secretary may exercise his
authority to waive the policy that requires temporary solutions
be built into the cost of the renovation or construction
project.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $85,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 80,000,000
House allowance......................................... 80,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 100,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account is used to provide grants to assist States in
acquiring or constructing State home facilities for furnishing
domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans, and to expand,
remodel, or alter existing buildings for furnishing
domiciliary, nursing home, or hospital care to veterans in
State homes. The grant may not exceed 65 percent of the total
cost of the project. Public Law 102-585 granted permanent
authority for this program, and Public Law 106-117 provided
greater specificity in directing VA to prescribe regulations
for the number of beds for which grant assistance may be
furnished. This program has been a successful partnership
between the States and the VA in meeting the long-term care
needs of elderly veterans for decades.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for grants for the
construction of State extended care facilities. This is
$20,000,000 above the budget request.
The Committee recognizes that Public Law 106-117 took an
important step in directing the Department of Veterans Affairs
to define regulations for the number of beds for which grants
may be provided to States. The Committee notes that, although
this legislation was signed into law 5 years ago, the
regulations defining ``great, significant, or limited'' unmet
need have not been updated since implementation. The Committee
is concerned that by not reforming these requirements, States
with a small maximum number of State home, nursing home, and
domiciliary beds will never rate high enough on the Secretary's
priority funding list to receive new construction grants. As
such, the Committee directs the Department to conduct a review
as required under 38 U.S.C. 8134 to examine the criteria for
determining the formula for unmet need, taking into account
those States with an overall maximum number of beds allowed of
fewer than 999 and report to the Committee on the progress made
in revising this rule no later than 90 days after enactment of
this act.
Additionally, the Committee is concerned that the process
for identifying and prioritizing State veterans home
construction does not make the best use of available resources
to meet the current and future needs of the veteran population.
In particular, efforts toward expanding capacity through new
facilities are often subordinated to other projects, leaving a
great unmet need for care. The Department's various funding,
environmental impact, and land-transfer timelines can be
impossible for new facility projects to meet, even after being
identified and prioritized by the program. Moreover, many State
governments are still recovering from the economic downturn
sparked by the financial crisis of 2008 and are unable to
contribute the requisite 35 percent of total construction costs
needed to obtain Federal matching funds. The Committee urges VA
to review its process for selecting and awarding State extended
care grants and to identify ways to make funding more flexible
to assist States in the construction process. Further, the
Committee requests a detailed report 60 days after the
enactment of this act on alternative financing mechanisms to
ensure that a sufficient number of State veterans homes are
available to meet the needs of future patients.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $46,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 45,000,000
House allowance......................................... 45,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 46,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Public Law 105-368 amended title 38 U.S.C. 2408 and
established authority to provide aid to States for
establishment, expansion, and improvement of State veterans
cemeteries, which are operated and permanently maintained by
the States. This statutory change increased the maximum Federal
share from 50 percent to 100 percent in order to fund
construction costs and the initial equipment expenses when the
cemetery is established. The States remain responsible for
providing the land and for paying all costs related to the
operation and maintenance of the State cemeteries, including
the costs for subsequent equipment purchases.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $46,000,000 for grants for the
construction of State veterans cemeteries. This is $1,000,000
above the budget request.
Administrative Provisions
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
Sec. 201. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
reprogramming authority and responsibilities for the Veterans
Benefits Administration.
Sec. 202. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
reprogramming authority and responsibilities for the Veterans
Health Administration.
Sec. 203. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
the use of funds appropriated for salaries and expenses.
Sec. 204. The Committee includes a provision mandating that
only construction funds may be used for land procurement.
Sec. 205. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
reimbursements to the Medical services account.
Sec. 206. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
payments of prior year obligations.
Sec. 207. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the use of fiscal year 2015 funds for prior year
obligations.
Sec. 208. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for payments from the National Service Life Insurance Fund.
Sec. 209. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
the use of funds from enhanced-use lease proceeds.
Sec. 210. The Committee includes a provision which provides
for funds for the Office of Resolution Management and the
Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication.
Sec. 211. The Committee includes a provision which sets a
limit on new leases without congressional approval.
Sec. 212. The Committee includes a provision which requires
disclosure of third-party reimbursement information.
Sec. 213. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the transfer of revenue derived from enhanced-use leases
into the construction accounts.
Sec. 214. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
authorized uses for medical services funds.
Sec. 215. The Committee includes a provision which allows
funds in the Medical Care Collection Fund to be transferred
into the Medical Services and Medical Facilities accounts.
Sec. 216. The Committee includes a provision which allows
eligible veterans in the State of Alaska to obtain medical care
services.
Sec. 217. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for the transfer of funds into the construction accounts.
Sec. 218. The Committee includes a provision which allows
for outreach and marketing to enroll new veterans.
Sec. 219. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit quarterly financial
reports on the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 220. The Committee includes a provision outlining
transfer authority for the Information technology systems
account.
Sec. 221. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
any funds to be used to contract out any functions performed by
more than 10 employees without a fair competition process.
Sec. 222. The Committee includes a provision limiting the
amount of nonrecurring maintenance funds that can be obligated
during the last 2 months of the fiscal year.
Sec. 223. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
the transfer of funds from certain accounts to the Joint
Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Facility Demonstration Fund, as authorized by Public Law 111-
84.
Sec. 224. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
the transfer of funds from certain advance appropriation
accounts to the Joint Department of Defense/Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, as
authorized by Public Law 111-84.
Sec. 225. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
the transfer of certain funds deposited in the Medical Care
Collections Fund to the Joint Department of Defense/Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, as
authorized by Public Law 111-84.
Sec. 226. The Committee includes a provision directing a
minimum of $15,000,000 be transferred from Medical Services,
Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities to the
Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Health
Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section 8111 of
title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 227. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
funds from certain accounts and appropriating additional
amounts with 2-year authority.
Sec. 228. The Committee includes a provision requiring
notification of all bid savings for major construction
projects.
Sec. 229. The Committee includes a provision restricting
scope increases for major construction projects above that
specified in the original project justification.
Sec. 230. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Department to submit reports relating to the Veterans Benefits
Administration on claims processing at Regional Offices.
Sec. 231. The Committee includes a provision limiting the
funding from the Medical Services and Medical Support and
Compliance accounts for the VistA Evolution and electronic
health record interoperability projects.
Sec. 232. The Committee includes a provision requiring VA
to notify the Committee 15 days prior to any staff office
relocations within VA of 25 or more FTE.
Sec. 233. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Secretary to report to the Committee each quarter about any
single national outreach and awareness marketing campaign
exceeding $2,000,000.
Sec. 234. The Committee includes a provision restricting
funds from being used to close certain medical facilities in
the absence of a national realignment strategy.
Sec. 235. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the Department from replacing the current system by which
diabetes monitoring equipment and supplies are contracted.
Sec. 236. The Committee includes a provision restricting
performance bonuses for certain employees of the Veterans
Health Administration.
Sec. 237. The Committee includes a provision allowing
certain amounts to be utilized for contract care in rural and
highly rural areas.
Sec. 238. The Committee includes a provision requiring the
Medical Inspector of the Department of Veterans Affairs to
submit to Congress a report on the programs and activities of
the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 239. The Committee includes a provision regarding
transfers between Medical Facilities and Medical Services
accounts.
Sec. 240. The Committee includes a provision allowing the
Secretary greater authority in personnel matters relating to
the Senior Executive Service.
TITLE III
RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The American Battle Monuments Commission [ABMC] is
responsible for the following: the maintenance and construction
of U.S. monuments and memorials commemorating the achievements
in battle of our Armed Forces since April 1917 (the date of the
United States entry into World War I); the erection of
monuments and markers by U.S. citizens and organizations in
foreign countries; and the design, construction, and
maintenance of permanent military cemetery memorials in foreign
countries. The Commission maintains 24 military memorial
cemeteries and 31 monuments, memorials, and markers in 15
countries around the world, including three memorials on U.S.
soil.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $63,200,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 70,100,000
House allowance......................................... 75,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 73,285,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $73,285,000 for the Salaries and
expenses account. This amount is $10,085,000 above the fiscal
year 2014 enacted level and $3,185,000 above the budget
request. The Committee has provided additional funds to support
ABMC's maintenance program and for ongoing assessment of Clark
Veterans Cemetery.
National World War II Museum.--The Committee recognizes the
contributions that the National World War II Museum in New
Orleans, Louisiana, has made to informing and educating the
public on the heroism and sacrifices of America's World War II
veterans, and encourages ABMC to collaborate with the Museum
where feasible to honor our fallen heroes and to ensure that
their stories are made available to the public through
interpretative and interactive programs to the fullest extent
possible.
FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $14,100,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 1,900,000
House allowance......................................... 1,900,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,900,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an estimated $1,900,000 for the
Foreign currency fluctuation account. This amount is equal to
the budget request.
The Committee has again included language in the
accompanying act, as proposed by the administration, that would
allow funding for this account on a ``such sums as necessary''
basis. Funding the account in this manner allows the Commission
to maintain cemeteries regardless of the volatility of foreign
currency fluctuations.
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
OVERVIEW
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was
established by the Veterans' Judicial Review Act of 1988. The
Court is an independent judicial tribunal with exclusive
jurisdiction to review decisions of the Board of Veterans
Appeals. It has the authority to decide all relevant questions
of law; interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory
provisions; and determine the meaning or applicability of the
terms of an action by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It is
authorized to compel action by the Secretary. It is authorized
to hold unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful and set aside
decisions, findings, conclusions, rules, and regulations issued
or adopted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Board of
Veterans Appeals, or the Chairman of the Board that are found
to be arbitrary or capricious. The Court's principal office
location is Washington, DC; however, it is a national court,
empowered to sit anywhere in the United States.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $35,408,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 31,386,000
House allowance......................................... 31,386,000
Committee recommendation................................ 34,390,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $34,390,000 for the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. This amount is $1,018,000 below
the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $3,004,000 above the
budget request.
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
OVERVIEW
The Secretary of the Army is responsible for the
administration, operation and maintenance of Arlington National
Cemetery and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.
In addition to its principal function as a national cemetery,
Arlington is the site of approximately 3,000 nonfuneral
ceremonies each year and has approximately 4 million visitors
annually.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $65,800,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 45,800,000
House allowance......................................... 61,881,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,800,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $65,800,000 for Salaries and
Expenses. This amount is equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted
level and $20,000,000 above the budget request. As it has for
the past 2 years, the Administration's budget submission for
the Department of Defense's military construction programs
contains an Administrative Provision that would allow the
Secretary of the Army to transfer Army Operations and
Maintenance [O&M] funds to Arlington National Cemetery [ANC].
Army O&M is funded in the Defense Appropriations bill, and
therefore the Subcommittee on Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies has no jurisdiction over
the account. The Committee believes that in order to provide
proper oversight and accountability, ANC's funding should be
provided within the ANC account and not spread across multiple
accounts and appropriations bills. Furthermore, the Committee
is concerned about the requested provision's transparency, and
Congress' corresponding ability to monitor and provide
oversight of the use of Army O&M funds at ANC. For these
reasons, the Committee provides an additional $20,000,000
within this account and does not provide the requested transfer
from Army O&M funding. The Committee again urges the
Administration to provide in future budget submissions the
appropriate resources within the Cemeterial Expenses, Army,
Salaries and Expenses account rather than seeking broad
transfer authority from the Army's Operation and Maintenance
account.
Arlington National Cemetery Expansion.--The Committee
recognizes the unique opportunity to enhance the future burial
capacity of Arlington National Cemetery [ANC] that the closure
and relocation of certain current roadways would provide. The
Committee believes that the modification of the Columbia Pike/
Washington Boulevard interchange, and the realignment of all
associated utilities, would greatly increase capacity at ANC.
The Committee believes that this work, which would be conducted
by Arlington County, Virginia, and the Virginia Department of
Transportation in concert with Arlington County's realignment
of Columbia Pike to South Joyce Street, benefits ANC by
removing all existing barriers to contiguous expansion in the
area of the former Navy Annex site. The Committee urges the
Secretary of the Army to provide the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress with an amended
Master Plan and Navy Annex Area Development Plan, as well as
the final Memorandum of Understanding between the Army and
Arlington County, detailing how any land conveyed to the
Cemetery will be utilized for internments and other Cemetery
needs.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2014.................................... $67,800,000
Budget estimate, 2015................................... 63,400,000
House allowance......................................... 63,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,400,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends authority to expend $63,400,000
from the Armed Forces Retirement Home [AFRH] Trust Fund to
operate and maintain the Armed Forces Retirement Home--
Washington, DC, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Gulfport,
Mississippi.
TITLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the obligation of funds beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly so provided.
Sec. 402. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds for programs, projects, or activities not in
compliance with Federal law relating to risk assessment, the
protection of private property rights, or unfunded mandates.
Sec. 403. The Committee includes a provision that requires
pay raises to be absorbed within the levels appropriated.
Sec. 404. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits
the use of funds to support or defeat legislation pending
before Congress.
Sec. 405. The Committee includes a provision that
encourages the expansion of E-commerce technologies and
procedures.
Sec. 406. The Committee includes a provision that specifies
the congressional committees that are to receive all reports
and notifications.
Sec. 407. The Committee includes a provision that limits
funds from being transferred from this appropriations measure
to any instrumentality of the United States Government without
authority from an appropriations act.
Sec. 408. The Committee includes a provision regarding the
posting of congressional reports on agency Web sites.
Sec. 409. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds to establish or maintain a computer network
unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and
exchanging of pornography, except for law enforcement
investigation, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
Sec. 410. The Committee includes a provision limiting the
construction of facilities for the purposes of housing
individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 411. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds to pay for attendance of more than 50
employees at any single conference outside the United States.
Sec. 412. The Committee includes a provision requiring
agencies to report conference spending to the Inspectors
General and prohibiting the use of funds made available in this
act for travel and conference expenses not in compliance with
Office of Management and Budget memorandum M-12-12 dated May
11, 2012.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
In fiscal year 2015, for purposes of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177)
or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following
information provides the definition of the term ``program,
project, and activity'' for departments, agencies and programs
under the jurisdiction of the Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies subcommittee. The term
``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most
specific level of budget items identified in the Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2015, the House and Senate Committee
reports, and the conference report and accompanying joint
explanatory statement of managers of the committee of
conference.
If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the
Presidential order, departments, and agencies shall apply any
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2014 pursuant to
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to
all items specified in the justifications submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of
Representatives in support of the fiscal year 2015 budget
estimates, as amended, for such departments and agencies, as
modified by congressional action, and in addition, for the
Department of Defense, Military Construction, the definition
shall include specific construction locations as identified in
the explanatory notes.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
which currently lack authorization:
Title I: Department of Defense
Military Construction, Army
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Military Construction, Air Force
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
Military Construction, Army National Guard
Military Construction, Air National Guard
Military Construction, Army Reserve
Military Construction, Navy Reserve
Military Construction, Air Force Reserve
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment
Program
Family Housing Construction, Army
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Department of Defense, Family Housing Improvement Fund
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
Title II: Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration
Veterans Health Administration
National Cemetery Administration
Departmental Administration
Title III: Related Agencies
American Battle Monuments Commission
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
Armed Forces Retirement Home
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on May 22, 2014,
the Committee ordered favorably reported en bloc a bill (H.R.
4486) making appropriations for military construction, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes,
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an original
bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other
purposes, provided, that the bills be subject to amendment (or
further amendment) and that the bills be consistent with the
subcommittee allocations, by a recorded vote of 30-0, a quorum
being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairwoman Mikulski
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Begich
Mr. Coons
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Cochran
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Coats
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Johanns
Mr. Boozman
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the committee.''
In compliance with this rule, changes in existing law
proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing
law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is
printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman.
TITLE 38--VETERANS' BENEFITS
CHAPTER 7--EMPLOYEES
CHAPTER 7--EMPLOYEES
Sec.
701. Placement of employees in military installations.
* * * * * * *
[712. Repealed.]
713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on performance.
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 712. Repealed. Pub. L. 107-103, title V, Sec. 509(a)(1), Dec. 27,
2001, 115 Stat. 997]
Sec. 713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on performance
(a) In General.--
(1) Notwithstanding subchapter V of chapter 35 of
title 5, subchapter V of chapter 75 of title 5, or any
other provision of law, the Secretary may remove any
individual who is an employee of the Department from a
Senior Executive Service position (as defined in
section 3132(a) of title 5) if the Secretary determines
the performance of the individual warrants such
removal.
(2) If the Secretary so removes such an individual,
the Secretary may--
(A) remove the individual from the civil
service (as defined in section 2101 of title
5); or
(B) appoint the individual to a General
Schedule position at any grade of the General
Schedule the Secretary determines appropriate.
(b) Notice to Congress.--Not later than 30 days after
removing an individual from the Senior Executive Service under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives notice in writing of
such removal and the reason for such removal.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
-------------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
allocation for 2015: Subcommittee on Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... 86,821 86,821 86,519 \1\86,519
Discretionary....................................... 71,898 71,898 76,447 \1\76,411
Security........................................ 6,559 6,559 NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 65,339 65,339 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2015................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\92,604
2016................................................ ............ ............ ............ 4,856
2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ 3,361
2018................................................ ............ ............ ............ 1,800
2019 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 1,087
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 160 NA -7
2015...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LISTING BY LOCATION
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee recommendation compared
House Committee with (+ or -)
Installation and project Budget estimate allowance recommendation -----------------------------------
Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALASKA
AIR FORCE:
CLEAR AFS:
EMERGENCY POWER PLANT FUEL STORAGE.................... 11,500 11,500 11,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ALASKA....................................... 11,500 11,500 11,500 ................ ................
ARIZONA
NAVY:
YUMA:
AVIATION MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT COMPLEX.............. 16,608 16,608 16,608 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
LUKE AFB:
F-35 AIRCRAFT MX HANGAR--SQDN #2...................... 11,200 11,200 11,200 ................ ................
F-35 FLIGHTLINE FILLSTANDS............................ 15,600 15,600 15,600 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT HUACHUCA:
JITC BUILDING 52120 RENOVATION........................ 1,871 1,871 1,871 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ARIZONA...................................... 45,279 45,279 45,279 ................ ................
CALIFORNIA
ARMY:
CONCORD:
ACCESS CONTROL POINT.................................. 9,900 9,900 9,900 ................ ................
GENERAL PURPOSE MAINTENANCE SHOP...................... 5,300 5,300 5,300 ................ ................
FORT IRWIN:
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR........................ 45,000 45,000 45,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
BRIDGEPORT:
E-LMR COMMUNICATIONS TOWERS........................... 16,180 16,180 16,180 ................ ................
SAN DIEGO:
STEAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DECENTRALIZATION............ 47,110 47,110 47,110 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP PENDLETON:
SOF COMM/ELEC MAINTENANCE FACILITY.................... 11,841 11,841 11,841 ................ ................
CORONADO:
SOF LOGISTICS SUPPORT UNIT 1 OPS FACILITY #1.......... 41,740 41,740 41,740 ................ ................
SOF SUPPORT ACTIVITY OPS FACILITY #2.................. 28,600 28,600 28,600 ................ ................
LEMOORE:
REPLACE FUEL STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION FAC............... 52,500 52,500 52,500 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
FRESNO:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER/AMSA.............................. 22,000 22,000 22,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CALIFORNIA................................... 280,171 280,171 280,171 ................ ................
COLORADO
ARMY:
FORT CARSON:
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR........................... 60,000 60,000 60,000 ................ ................
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR........................ 29,000 29,000 29,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
PETERSON AFB:
DENTAL CLINIC REPLACEMENT............................. 15,200 15,200 15,200 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
FORT CARSON:
TRAINING BUILDING ADDITION............................ 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, COLORADO..................................... 109,200 109,200 109,200 ................ ................
CONNECTICUT
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
BRADLEY IAP:
CONSTRUCT C-130 FUEL CELL AND CORROSION CONTR......... 16,306 16,306 16,306 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CONNECTICUT.................................. 16,306 16,306 16,306 ................ ................
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
NAVY:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY......... 31,735 31,735 31,735 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA......................... 31,735 31,735 31,735 ................ ................
FLORIDA
NAVY:
JACKSONVILLE:
MH-60 PARKING APRON................................... 8,583 8,583 8,583 ................ ................
P-8A RUNWAY THRESHOLDS AND TAXIWAYS................... 21,652 21,652 21,652 ................ ................
MAYPORT:
LCS OPERATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY..................... 20,520 20,520 20,520 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, FLORIDA...................................... 50,755 50,755 50,755 ................ ................
GEORGIA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD:
SOF COMPANY OPERATIONS FACILITY....................... 7,692 7,692 7,692 ................ ................
ROBINS AFB:
REPLACE HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM........................... 19,900 19,900 19,900 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
ROBINS AFB:
AFRC CONSOLIDATED MISSION COMPLEX, PH I............... 27,700 27,700 27,700 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GEORGIA...................................... 55,292 55,292 55,292 ................ ................
HAWAII
ARMY:
FORT SHAFTER:
COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY (SCIF)................... 96,000 83,000 96,000 ................ +13,000
NAVY:
KANEOHE BAY:
FACILITY MODIFICATIONS FOR VMU, MWSD, & CH-53E........ 51,182 51,182 51,182 ................ ................
ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS.................. 2,200 2,200 2,200 ................ ................
PEARL HARBOR:
SUBMARINE MANEUVERING ROOM TRAINER FACILITY........... 9,698 9,698 9,698 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM:
REPLACE FUEL TANKS.................................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
UPGRADE FIRE SUPRESSION & VENTILATION SYS............. 49,900 49,900 49,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, HAWAII....................................... 211,980 198,980 211,980 ................ +13,000
IOWA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
DES MOINES MAP:
REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT AND TARGETING GROUP......... 8,993 8,993 8,993 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, IOWA......................................... 8,993 8,993 8,993 ................ ................
KANSAS
AIR FORCE:
MCCONNELL AFB:
KC-46A ADAL MOBILITY BAG STRG EXPANSION............... 2,300 2,300 2,300 ................ ................
KC-46A ADAL REGIONAL MX TNG FACILITY.................. 16,100 16,100 16,100 ................ ................
KC-46A ALTER COMPOSITE MX SHOP........................ 4,100 4,100 4,100 ................ ................
KC-46A ALTER TAXIWAY FOXTROT.......................... 5,500 5,500 5,500 ................ ................
KC-46A FUSELAGE TRAINER............................... 6,400 6,400 6,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KANSAS....................................... 34,400 34,400 34,400 ................ ................
KENTUCKY
ARMY:
FORT CAMPBELL:
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR........................ 23,000 23,000 23,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BLUE GRASS ARMY DEPOT:
AMMUNITION DEMILITARIZATION PH XV..................... 38,715 38,715 38,715 ................ ................
FORT CAMPBELL:
SOF SYSTEM INTEGRATION MAINTENANCE OFFICE FAC......... 18,000 18,000 18,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KENTUCKY..................................... 79,715 79,715 79,715 ................ ................
MAINE
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
AUGUSTA:
NATIONAL GUARD RESERVE CENTER......................... 30,000 30,000 30,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MAINE........................................ 30,000 30,000 30,000 ................ ................
MARYLAND
NAVY:
ANNAPOLIS:
CENTER FOR CYBER SECURITY STUDIES BUILDING............ 120,112 100,112 120,112 ................ +20,000
INDIAN HEAD:
ADVANCED ENERGETICS RESEARCH LAB COMPLEX PH 2......... 15,346 15,346 15,346 ................ ................
PATUXENT RIVER:
ATLANTIC TEST RANGE FACILITY.......................... 9,860 9,860 9,860 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
FORT MEADE:
CYBERCOM JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER, INCREMENT 2......... 166,000 166,000 166,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT MEADE:
NSAW CAMPUS FEEDERS PHASE 1........................... 54,207 54,207 54,207 ................ ................
NSAW RECAPITALIZE BUILDING #1/SITE M INC 3............ 45,521 45,521 45,521 ................ ................
JOINT BASE ANDREWS:
CONSTRUCT HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM......................... 18,300 18,300 18,300 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
HAVRE DE GRACE:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER....................... 12,400 12,400 12,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MARYLAND..................................... 441,746 421,746 441,746 ................ +20,000
MASSACHUSETTS
AIR FORCE:
HANSCOM AFB:
DORMITORY (72 RM)..................................... 13,500 13,500 13,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MASSACHUSETTS................................ 13,500 13,500 13,500 ................ ................
MICHIGAN
DEFENSE-WIDE:
SELFRIDGE ANGB:
REPLACE FUEL DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES.................. 35,100 35,100 35,100 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
W. K. KELLOGG REGIONAL AIRPORT:
RPA BEDDOWN........................................... 6,000 6,000 6,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MICHIGAN..................................... 41,100 41,100 41,100 ................ ................
MISSISSIPPI
DEFENSE-WIDE:
STENNIS:
SOF APPLIED INSTRUCTION FACILITY...................... 10,323 10,323 10,323 ................ ................
SOF LAND ACQUISITION WESTERN MANEUVER AREA............ 17,224 17,224 17,224 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MISSISSIPPI.................................. 27,547 27,547 27,547 ................ ................
MONTANA
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
HELENA:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER ADD/ALT............... 38,000 38,000 38,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MONTANA...................................... 38,000 38,000 38,000 ................ ................
NEBRASKA
AIR FORCE:
OFFUTT AFB:
USSTRATCOM REPLACEMENT FACILITY--INCR 4............... 180,000 180,000 180,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEBRASKA..................................... 180,000 180,000 180,000 ................ ................
NEVADA
NAVY:
FALLON:
AIR WING TRAINING FACILITY............................ 27,763 27,763 27,763 ................ ................
FACILITY ALTERATION FOR F-35 TRAINING MISSION......... 3,499 3,499 3,499 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
NELLIS AFB:
F-22 FLIGHT SIMULATOR FACILITY........................ 14,000 14,000 14,000 ................ ................
F-35 AIRCRAFT MX UNIT--4 BAY HANGAR................... 31,000 31,000 31,000 ................ ................
F-35 WEAPONS SCHOOL FACILITY.......................... 8,900 8,900 8,900 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FALLON:
SOF TACTICAL GROUND MOB. VEHICLE MAINT FAC............ 20,241 20,241 20,241 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEVADA....................................... 105,403 105,403 105,403 ................ ................
NEW HAMPSHIRE
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADE PORT:
KC-46A ADAL AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS & HYDRANT SYST......... 7,100 7,100 7,100 ................ ................
KC-46A ADAL FUEL CELL BUILDING 253.................... 16,800 16,800 16,800 ................ ................
KC-46A ADAL MAINT HANGAR BUILDING 254................. 18,002 18,002 18,002 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW HAMPSHIRE................................ 41,902 41,902 41,902 ................ ................
NEW JERSEY
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST:
FIRE STATION.......................................... 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 26,000 26,000 26,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW JERSEY................................... 31,900 31,900 31,900 ................ ................
NEW MEXICO
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CANNON AFB:
SOF SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY (STS)................ 23,333 23,333 23,333 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW MEXICO................................... 23,333 23,333 23,333 ................ ................
NEW YORK
ARMY:
FORT DRUM:
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR........................ 27,000 27,000 27,000 ................ ................
U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY:
CADET BARRACKS, INCR 3................................ 58,000 58,000 58,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
MATTYDALE:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER/AMSA.............................. 23,000 23,000 23,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW YORK..................................... 108,000 108,000 108,000 ................ ................
NORTH CAROLINA
NAVY:
CHERRY POINT MARINE CORPS AIR STATION:
WATER TREATMENT PLANT REPLACEMENT..................... 41,588 41,588 41,588 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP LEJEUNE:
LEJEUNE HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION/RENOVATION............... 41,306 41,306 41,306 ................ ................
SOF INTEL/OPS EXPANSION............................... 11,442 11,442 11,442 ................ ................
FORT BRAGG:
SOF BATTALION OPERATIONS FACILITY..................... 37,074 37,074 37,074 ................ ................
SOF TACTICAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FACILITY........... 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
SOF TRAINING COMMAND BUILDING......................... 48,062 48,062 48,062 ................ ................
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB:
REPLACE HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM........................... 8,500 8,500 8,500 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB:
KC-135 TANKER PARKING APRON EXPANSION................. 9,800 9,800 9,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH CAROLINA............................... 205,772 205,772 205,772 ................ ................
NORTH DAKOTA
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
VALLEY CITY:
NATIONAL GUARD VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP............... 10,800 10,800 10,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH DAKOTA................................. 10,800 10,800 10,800 ................ ................
OKLAHOMA
AIR FORCE:
TINKER AFB:
KC-46A DEPOT MAINT COMPLEX SPT INFRASTR............... 48,000 48,000 48,000 ................ ................
KC-46A TWO-BAY DEPOT MX HANGAR........................ 63,000 63,000 63,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OKLAHOMA..................................... 111,000 111,000 111,000 ................ ................
PENNSYLVANIA
ARMY:
LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT:
REBUILD SHOP.......................................... 16,000 16,000 16,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
PHILADELPHIA:
OHIO REPLACEMENT POWER & PROPULSION FACILITY.......... 23,985 23,985 23,985 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
WILLOW GROVE ARF:
RPA OPERATIONS CENTER................................. 5,662 5,662 5,662 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
PITTSBURGH:
RESERVE TRAINING CENTER............................... 17,650 17,650 17,650 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, PENNSYLVANIA................................. 63,297 63,297 63,297 ................ ................
SOUTH CAROLINA
ARMY:
FORT JACKSON:
TRAINEE BARRACKS COMPLEX 3, PH1....................... 52,000 52,000 52,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
CHARLESTON:
NUCLEAR POWER OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FACILITY............ 35,716 35,716 35,716 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BEAUFORT:
REPLACE FUEL DISTIBUTION FACILITIES................... 40,600 40,600 40,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SOUTH CAROLINA............................... 128,316 128,316 128,316 ................ ................
SOUTH DAKOTA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ELLSWORTH AFB:
CONSTRUCT HYDRANT SYSTEM.............................. 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SOUTH DAKOTA................................. 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
TEXAS
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
FIRE STATION.......................................... 5,800 5,800 5,800 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT BLISS:
HOSPITAL REPLACEMENT INCR 6........................... 131,500 201,500 131,500 ................ -70,000
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
MEDICAL CLINIC REPLACEMENT............................ 38,300 38,300 38,300 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
FORT WORTH:
EOD FACILITY.......................................... 3,700 3,700 3,700 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, TEXAS........................................ 179,300 249,300 179,300 ................ -70,000
VERMONT
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
NORTH HYDE PARK:
NATIONAL GUARD VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP............... 4,400 4,400 4,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, VERMONT...................................... 4,400 4,400 4,400 ................ ................
VIRGINIA
ARMY:
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS:
TACTICAL VEHICLE HARDSTAND............................ 7,700 7,700 7,700 ................ ................
NAVY:
DAHLGREN:
MISSILE SUPPORT FACILITY.............................. 27,313 27,313 27,313 ................ ................
NORFOLK:
EOD CONSOLIDATED OPS & LOGISTICS FACILITIES........... 39,274 39,274 39,274 ................ ................
PORTSMOUTH:
SUBMARINE MAINTENANCE FACILITY........................ 9,743 9,743 9,743 ................ ................
QUANTICO:
AMMUNITION SUPPLY POINT EXPANSION..................... 12,613 12,613 12,613 ................ ................
YORKTOWN:
BACHELOR ENLISTED QUARTERS............................ 19,152 19,152 19,152 ................ ................
FAST COMPANY TRAINING FACILITY........................ 7,836 7,836 7,836 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CRANEY ISLAND:
REPLACE & ALTER FUEL DISTIBUTION FACILITIES........... 36,500 36,500 36,500 ................ ................
DEF DISTRIBUTION DEPOT RICHMOND:
REPLACE ACCESS CONTROL POINT.......................... 5,700 5,700 5,700 ................ ................
FORT BELVOIR:
PARKING LOT........................................... 7,239 7,239 7,239 ................ ................
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS:
HOPSITAL ADDITION/CUP REPLACEMENT..................... 41,200 41,200 41,200 ................ ................
JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK--STORY:
SOF HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER.......................... 11,200 ................ 11,200 ................ +11,200
SOF INDOOR DYNAMIC RANGE.............................. 14,888 14,888 14,888 ................ ................
SOF MOBILE COMM DET SUPPORT FACILITY.................. 13,500 13,500 13,500 ................ ................
PENTAGON:
REDUNDANT CHILLED WATER LOOP.......................... 15,100 15,100 15,100 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
FORT LEE:
TASS TRAINING CENTER.................................. 16,000 16,000 16,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, VIRGINIA..................................... 284,958 273,758 284,958 ................ +11,200
WASHINGTON
NAVY:
BREMERTON:
INTEGRATED WATER TREATMENT SYST. DD 1, 2, & 5......... 16,401 16,401 16,401 ................ ................
KITSAP:
EXPLOSIVES HANDLING WHARF #2 (INC).................... 83,778 83,778 83,778 ................ ................
PORT ANGELES:
TPS PORT ANGELES FORWARD OPERATING LOCATION........... 20,638 20,638 20,638 ................ ................
WHIDBEY ISLAND:
P-8A AIRCRAFT APRON AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES......... 24,390 24,390 24,390 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
WHIDBEY ISLAND:
C-40 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR...................... 27,755 27,755 27,755 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WASHINGTON................................... 172,962 172,962 172,962 ................ ................
AUSTRALIA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
GERALDTON:
COMBINED COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY GERALDTON............. 9,600 9,600 9,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, AUSTRALIA.................................... 9,600 9,600 9,600 ................ ................
BAHRAIN ISLAND
NAVY:
SW ASIA:
P-8A HANGAR........................................... 27,826 27,826 27,826 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, BAHRAIN ISLAND............................... 27,826 27,826 27,826 ................ ................
BELGIUM
DEFENSE-WIDE:
BRUSSELS:
BRUSSELS ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT........... 41,626 41,626 41,626 ................ ................
NATO HEADQUARTERS FACILITY............................ 37,918 37,918 37,918 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, BELGIUM...................................... 79,544 79,544 79,544 ................ ................
CUBA
ARMY:
GUANTANAMO BAY:
DINING FACILITY....................................... 12,000 12,000 12,000 ................ ................
HEALTH CLINIC......................................... 11,800 11,800 11,800 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
GUANTANAMO BAY:
REPLACE FUEL TANK..................................... 11,100 11,100 11,100 ................ ................
W.T. SAMPSON E/M AND HS CONSOLID/REPLACEMENT.......... 65,190 65,190 65,190 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CUBA......................................... 100,090 100,090 100,090 ................ ................
DJIBOUTI
NAVY:
CAMP LEMONNIER:
ENTRY CONTROL POINT................................... 9,923 9,923 9,923 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, DJIBOUTI..................................... 9,923 9,923 9,923 ................ ................
GERMANY
DEFENSE-WIDE:
RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS:
MEDICAL CENTER REPLACEMENT INCR 4..................... 259,695 189,695 159,695 -100,000 -30,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GERMANY...................................... 259,695 189,695 159,695 -100,000 -30,000
GUAM
NAVY:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
GSE SHOPS AT NORTH RAMP............................... 21,880 21,880 21,880 ................ ................
MWSS FACILITIES AT NORTH RAMP......................... 28,771 28,771 28,771 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
GUAM STRIKE FUEL SYSTEMS MAINT.HANGAR INC 2........... 64,000 64,000 64,000 ................ ................
PRTC--COMBAT COMM INFRASTR FACILITY................... 3,750 3,750 3,750 ................ ................
PRTC--RED HORSE LOGISTICS FACILITY.................... 3,150 3,150 3,150 ................ ................
PRTC--SATELLITE FIRE STATION.......................... 6,500 6,500 6,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GUAM......................................... 128,051 128,051 128,051 ................ ................
JAPAN
ARMY:
KADENA AB:
MISSILE MAGAZINE...................................... 10,600 10,600 10,600 ................ ................
NAVY:
IWAKUNI:
SECURITY MODS DPRI MC167-T (CVW-5 E2D EA-18G)......... 6,415 6,415 6,415 ................ ................
KADENA AB:
AIRCRAFT MAINT HANGAR ALTERATIONS AND SAP-F........... 19,411 19,411 19,411 ................ ................
MCAS FUTENMA:
HANGAR & RINSE FACILITY MODERNIZATIONS................ 4,639 4,639 4,639 ................ ................
OKINAWA:
LHD PRACTICE SITE IMPROVEMENTS........................ 35,685 35,685 35,685 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
MISAWA AB:
EDGREN HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATION......................... 37,775 37,775 37,775 ................ ................
OKINAWA:
KILLIN ELEMENTARY REPLACEMENT/RENOVATION.............. 71,481 71,481 71,481 ................ ................
KUBASAKI HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT/RENOVATION........... 99,420 99,420 99,420 ................ ................
SASEBO:
E.J. KING HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT/RENOVATION.......... 37,681 37,681 37,681 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, JAPAN........................................ 323,107 323,107 323,107 ................ ................
SPAIN
NAVY:
ROTA:
SHIP BERTHING POWER UPGRADES.......................... 20,233 20,233 20,233 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SPAIN........................................ 20,233 20,233 20,233 ................ ................
UNITED KINGDOM
AIR FORCE:
CROUGHTON RAF:
JIAC CONSOLIDATION--PHASE 1........................... 92,223 ................ 92,223 ................ +92,223
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, UNITED KINGDOM............................... 92,223 ................ 92,223 ................ +92,223
NATO SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM.............................. 199,700 199,700 199,700 ................ ................
WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CLASSIFIED LOCATION:
SOF SKILLS TRAINING FACILITY.......................... 53,073 53,073 53,073 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED......................... 53,073 53,073 53,073 ................ ................
WORLDWIDE UNSPECIFIED
ARMY:
HOST NATION SUPPORT....................................... 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 25,000 25,000 25,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 18,127 18,127 18,127 ................ ................
NAVY:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 33,366 33,366 33,366 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 7,163 7,163 7,163 ................ ................
F-35C FACILITY ADDITION AND MODIFICATION.................. 16,594 16,594 16,594 ................ ................
F-35C OPERATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY....................... 22,391 22,391 22,391 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 10,738 10,738 10,738 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 22,613 22,613 22,613 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION.................................. 9,000 ................ 9,000 ................ +9,000
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM.................... 150,000 150,000 150,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 24,425 24,425 24,425 ................ ................
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY.................... 745 745 745 ................ ................
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT EDUCATION............. 42,387 42,387 42,387 ................ ................
MISSLE DEFENSE AGENCY................................. 38,704 18,704 38,704 ................ +20,000
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY.............................. 599 599 599 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 24,197 24,197 24,197 ................ ................
WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICE....................... 1,183 1,183 1,183 ................ ................
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM DESIGN......... 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, PLANNING AND DESIGN....................... 142,240 122,240 142,240 ................ +20,000
UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 2,700 2,700 2,700 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.............................. 5,932 5,932 5,932 ................ ................
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT EDUCATION............. 6,846 6,846 6,846 ................ ................
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY................................ 2,000 2,000 2,000 ................ ................
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY.............................. 2,994 2,994 2,994 ................ ................
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF................................. 8,581 8,581 8,581 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 10,334 10,334 10,334 ................ ................
DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY................................. 4,100 4,100 4,100 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION............ 43,487 43,487 43,487 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 17,600 17,600 17,600 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 13,720 13,720 13,720 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 7,700 7,700 7,700 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 8,100 8,100 8,100 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 8,337 8,337 8,337 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 3,609 3,609 3,609 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 2,123 2,123 2,123 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 4,000 4,000 4,000 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 6,892 6,892 6,892 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 1,400 1,400 1,400 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY
ILLINOIS:
ROCK ISLAND:
FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (33 units)............ 19,500 19,500 19,500 ................ ................
KOREA:
CAMP WALKER:
FAMILIY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (90 units)........... 57,800 57,800 57,800 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 1,309 1,309 1,309 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.............................. 78,609 78,609 78,609 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 82,686 82,686 82,686 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 9,108 9,108 9,108 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 46,597 46,597 46,597 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 700 700 700 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 14,136 14,136 14,136 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 112,504 112,504 112,504 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 65,245 65,245 65,245 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 350,976 350,976 350,976 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS..................................... 15,940 15,940 15,940 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 472 472 472 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.................................. 16,412 16,412 16,412 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 71,092 71,092 71,092 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 18,079 18,079 18,079 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 55,124 55,124 55,124 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 366 366 366 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 17,881 17,881 17,881 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 65,999 65,999 65,999 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 97,612 97,612 97,612 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 27,876 27,876 27,876 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 354,029 354,029 354,029 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 42,322 42,322 42,322 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 47,834 47,834 47,834 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 12,709 12,709 12,709 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 38,543 38,543 38,543 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 1,993 1,993 1,993 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 43,651 43,651 43,651 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE............................................... 99,934 99,934 99,934 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 40,761 40,761 40,761 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 327,747 327,747 327,747 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 659 659 659 ................ ................
FURNISHING............................................ 746 746 746 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 11,179 11,179 11,179 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 2,128 2,128 2,128 ................ ................
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY:
FURNISHINGS........................................... 3,362 3,362 3,362 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 42,083 42,083 42,083 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 170 170 170 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS........................................... 20 20 20 ................ ................
SERVICES.............................................. 31 31 31 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT............................................ 378 378 378 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 344 344 344 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................. 61,100 61,100 61,100 ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... 1,662 1,662 1,662 ................ ................
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE
DOD BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT...................................... 270,085 270,085 380,085 +110,000 +110,000
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION--FISCAL YEAR 2014 (SEC. 127)............ ................ 125,000 ................ ................ -125,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION--FISCAL YEAR 2015 (SEC. 128)............ ................ 245,000 ................ ................ -245,000
ARMY (SEC. 129)............................................... ................ -79,577 ................ ................ +79,577
42 USC 3374 (SEC. 131)........................................ ................ -100,000 ................ ................ +100,000
NATO SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM (SEC. 130)................... ................ -25,000 ................ ................ +25,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY (SEC. 127)........................ ................ ................ 60,000 +60,000 +60,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (SEC. 128)......... ................ ................ 40,000 +40,000 +40,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE (SEC. 129)................ ................ ................ 50,000 +50,000 +50,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY (SEC. 130)........................ ................ ................ 200,000 +200,000 +200,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE (SEC. 131)................... ................ ................ 100,000 +100,000 +100,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE RESERVE (SEC. 132)........... ................ ................ 15,000 +15,000 +15,000
RESCISSIONS (SEC. 133)........................................ ................ ................ -423,447 -423,447 -423,447
RESCISSION (SEC. 134)......................................... ................ ................ -50,000 -50,000 -50,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS........................ ................ 165,423 -8,447 -8,447 -173,870
RECAP
ARMY.......................................................... 539,427 526,427 539,427 ................ +13,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -79,577 ................ ................ +79,577
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................................... 1,018,772 998,772 1,018,772 ................ +20,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE..................................................... 811,774 719,551 811,774 ................ +92,223
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE.................................................. 2,061,890 2,021,690 1,961,890 -100,000 -59,800
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD........................................... 126,920 126,920 126,920 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD............................................ 94,663 94,663 94,663 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE.................................................. 103,946 103,946 103,946 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE.................................................. 51,528 51,528 51,528 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE............................................. 49,492 49,492 49,492 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NATO.......................................................... 199,700 199,700 199,700 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -25,000 ................ ................ +25,000
CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE.......... 38,715 38,715 38,715 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... 1,662 1,662 1,662 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY.......................................... 429,585 429,585 429,585 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (78,609) (78,609) (78,609) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (350,976) (350,976) (350,976) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORP.......................... 370,441 370,441 370,441 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (16,412) (16,412) (16,412) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (354,029) (354,029) (354,029) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, AIR FORCE..................................... 327,747 327,747 327,747 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (327,747) (327,747) (327,747) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE.................................. 61,100 61,100 61,100 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (61,100) (61,100) (61,100) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DOD BASE CLOSURE ACCOUNT...................................... 270,085 270,085 380,085 +110,000 +110,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
42 USC 3374 (SEC. 135)........................................ ................ -100,000 ................ ................ +100,000
ADMINSTRATIVE PROVISIONS...................................... ................ 165,423 465,000 +465,000 +299,577
RESCISSIONS............................................... ................ ................ -473,447 -473,447 -473,447
=========================================================================================
GRAND TOTAL............................................. 6,557,447 6,557,447 6,559,000 +1,553 +1,553
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2015
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+
or -)
Item 2014 Budget estimate House allowance Committee --------------------------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2014
appropriation Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Military construction, Army...... 1,104,875 539,427 526,427 539,427 -565,448 ............... +13,000
Military construction, Navy and 1,629,690 1,018,772 998,772 1,018,772 -610,918 ............... +20,000
Marine Corps....................
Military construction, Air Force. 1,052,796 811,774 719,551 811,774 -241,022 ............... +92,223
Military construction, Defense- 3,445,423 2,061,890 2,021,690 1,961,890 -1,483,533 -100,000 -59,800
Wide............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Active components... 7,232,784 4,431,863 4,266,440 4,331,863 -2,900,921 -100,000 +65,423
Military construction, Army 314,740 126,920 126,920 126,920 -187,820 ............... ...............
National Guard..................
Military construction, Air 119,800 94,663 94,663 94,663 -25,137 ............... ...............
National Guard..................
Military construction, Army 156,560 103,946 103,946 103,946 -52,614 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Navy 29,000 51,528 51,528 51,528 +22,528 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Air Force 45,659 49,492 49,492 49,492 +3,833 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Reserve components.. 665,759 426,549 426,549 426,549 -239,210 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Total, Military 7,898,543 4,858,412 4,692,989 4,758,412 -3,140,131 -100,000 +65,423
construction..............
======================================================================================================================
North Atlantic Treaty 199,700 199,700 199,700 199,700 ............... ............... ...............
Organization Security Investment
Program.........................
Family housing construction, Army 27,408 78,609 78,609 78,609 +51,201 ............... ...............
Family housing operation and 512,871 350,976 350,976 350,976 -161,895 ............... ...............
maintenance, Army...............
Family housing construction, Navy 73,407 16,412 16,412 16,412 -56,995 ............... ...............
and Marine Corps................
Family housing operation and 379,444 354,029 354,029 354,029 -25,415 ............... ...............
maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps...........................
Family housing construction, Air 76,360 ............... ............... ............... -76,360 ............... ...............
Force...........................
Family housing operation and 388,598 327,747 327,747 327,747 -60,851 ............... ...............
maintenance, Air Force..........
Family housing operation and 55,845 61,100 61,100 61,100 +5,255 ............... ...............
maintenance, Defense-Wide.......
Department of Defense Family 1,780 1,662 1,662 1,662 -118 ............... ...............
Housing Improvement Fund........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Family housing...... 1,515,713 1,190,535 1,190,535 1,190,535 -325,178 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Chemical demilitarization 122,536 38,715 38,715 38,715 -83,821 ............... ...............
construction, Defense-Wide......
Department of Defense Base 451,357 270,085 270,085 380,085 -71,272 +110,000 +110,000
Closure Account.................
======================================================================================================================
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Military Construction--fiscal ............... ............... 125,000 ............... ............... ............... -125,000
year 2014 (Sec. 127)............
Military Construction--fiscal ............... ............... 245,000 ............... ............... ............... -245,000
year 2015 (Sec. 128)............
Military Construction, Army -200,000 ............... -79,577 ............... +200,000 ............... +79,577
(rescission) (Sec. 129).........
Military Construction, Navy and -12,000 ............... ............... ............... +12,000 ............... ...............
Marine Corps (rescission).......
Military Construction, Air Force -39,700 ............... ............... ............... +39,700 ............... ...............
(rescission)....................
Military Construction, Defense- -14,000 ............... ............... ............... +14,000 ............... ...............
Wide (rescission)...............
Military Construction, Air -14,200 ............... ............... ............... +14,200 ............... ...............
National Guard (rescission).....
42 USC 3374 (Sec. 131) -99,949 ............... -100,000 ............... +99,949 ............... +100,000
(rescission)....................
NATO Security Investment Program ............... ............... -25,000 ............... ............... ............... +25,000
(rescission) (Sec. 130).........
Military construction, Army (Sec. ............... ............... ............... 60,000 +60,000 +60,000 +60,000
127)............................
Military construction, Army ............... ............... ............... 40,000 +40,000 +40,000 +40,000
National Guard (Sec. 128).......
Military construction, Army ............... ............... ............... 50,000 +50,000 +50,000 +50,000
Reserve (Sec. 129)..............
Military construction, Navy (Sec. ............... ............... ............... 200,000 +200,000 +200,000 +200,000
130)............................
Military construction, Air Force ............... ............... ............... 100,000 +100,000 +100,000 +100,000
(Sec. 131)......................
Military construction, Air Force ............... ............... ............... 15,000 +15,000 +15,000 +15,000
Reserve (Sec. 132)..............
Rescissions (Secs. 133).......... ............... ............... ............... -423,447 -423,447 -423,447 -423,447
Rescission (Secs. 134)........... ............... ............... ............... -50,000 -50,000 -50,000 -50,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative -379,849 ............... 165,423 -8,447 +371,402 -8,447 -173,870
Provisions................
Appropriations......... ............... ............... (370,000) (465,000) (+465,000) (+465,000) (+95,000)
Rescissions............ (-379,849) ............... (-204,577) (-473,447) (-93,598) (-473,447) (-268,870)
======================================================================================================================
Total, title I, Department 9,808,000 6,557,447 6,557,447 6,559,000 -3,249,000 +1,553 +1,553
of Defense................
Appropriations............. (10,187,849) (6,557,447) (6,762,024) (7,032,447) (-3,155,402) (+475,000) (+270,423)
Rescissions................ (-379,849) ............... (-204,577) (-473,447) (-93,598) (-473,447) (-268,870)
======================================================================================================================
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and pensions........ 71,476,104 78,687,709 78,687,709 78,687,709 +7,211,605 ............... ...............
Readjustment benefits............ 13,135,898 14,761,862 14,761,862 14,761,862 +1,625,964 ............... ...............
Veterans insurance and 77,567 63,257 63,257 63,257 -14,310 ............... ...............
indemnities.....................
Veterans housing benefit program
fund:
(Indefinite)................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
(Limitation on direct loans). (500) (500) (500) (500) ............... ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...... 158,430 160,881 160,881 160,881 +2,451 ............... ...............
Vocational rehabilitation loans 5 10 10 10 +5 ............... ...............
program account.................
(Limitation on direct loans). (2,500) (2,877) (2,877) (2,877) (+377) ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...... 354 361 361 361 +7 ............... ...............
Native American veteran housing 1,109 1,130 1,130 1,130 +21 ............... ...............
loan program account............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Benefits 84,849,467 93,675,210 93,675,210 93,675,210 +8,825,743 ............... ...............
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Veterans Health Administration
Medical services:
Advance from prior year...... (43,557,000) (45,015,527) (45,015,527) (45,015,527) (+1,458,527) ............... ...............
Current year request......... 40,000 367,885 ............... 100,000 +60,000 -267,885 +100,000
Advance appropriation, fiscal 45,015,527 47,603,202 47,603,202 47,603,202 +2,587,675 ............... ...............
year 2016...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 45,055,527 47,971,087 47,603,202 47,703,202 +2,647,675 -267,885 +100,000
Medical support and compliance:
Advance from prior year...... (6,033,000) (5,879,700) (5,879,700) (5,879,700) (-153,300) ............... ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal 5,879,700 6,144,000 6,144,000 6,144,000 +264,300 ............... ...............
year 2016...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 5,879,700 6,144,000 6,144,000 6,144,000 +264,300 ............... ...............
Medical facilities:
Advance from prior year...... (4,872,000) (4,739,000) (4,739,000) (4,739,000) (-133,000) ............... ...............
Current year request......... 85,000 ............... ............... 125,000 +40,000 +125,000 +125,000
Advance appropriation, fiscal 4,739,000 4,915,000 4,915,000 4,915,000 +176,000 ............... ...............
year 2016...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 4,824,000 4,915,000 4,915,000 5,040,000 +216,000 +125,000 +125,000
Medical and prosthetic research.. 585,664 588,922 588,922 588,922 +3,258 ............... ...............
Medical care cost recovery
collections:
Offsetting collections....... -2,485,000 -2,456,000 -2,456,000 -2,456,000 +29,000 ............... ...............
Appropriations (indefinite).. 2,485,000 2,456,000 2,456,000 2,456,000 -29,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
DOD-VA Joint Medical Funds (by (254,257) (269,366) (252,366) (269,366) (+15,109) ............... (+17,000)
transfer).......................
DOD-VA Health Care Sharing (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) ............... ............... ...............
Incentive Fund (by transfer)....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Health 56,344,891 59,619,009 59,251,124 59,476,124 +3,131,233 -142,885 +225,000
Administration............
Appropriations......... (710,664) (956,807) (588,922) (813,922) (+103,258) (-142,885) (+225,000)
Advance appropriations, (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2016......
Advances from prior year (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
appropriations............
======================================================================================================================
National Cemetery Administration
National Cemetery Administration. 250,000 256,800 256,800 256,800 +6,800 ............... ...............
Departmental Administration
General administration........... 327,591 321,591 306,876 321,591 -6,000 ............... +14,715
Board of Veterans Appeals........ 88,294 94,294 94,294 99,294 +11,000 +5,000 +5,000
General operating expenses, VBA.. 2,465,490 2,494,254 2,524,254 2,524,254 +58,764 +30,000 ...............
Information technology systems... 3,703,344 3,903,344 3,873,768 3,913,344 +210,000 +10,000 +39,576
Office of Inspector General...... 121,411 121,411 122,411 126,411 +5,000 +5,000 +4,000
Construction, major projects..... 342,130 561,800 561,800 561,800 +219,670 ............... ...............
Construction, minor projects..... 714,870 495,200 495,200 540,200 -174,670 +45,000 +45,000
Grants for construction of State 85,000 80,000 80,000 100,000 +15,000 +20,000 +20,000
extended care facilities........
Grants for the construction of 46,000 45,000 45,000 46,000 ............... +1,000 +1,000
veterans cemeteries.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental 7,894,130 8,116,894 8,103,603 8,232,894 +338,764 +116,000 +129,291
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Administrative Provisions
Prior Year rescissions (Sec. 233) -182,000 ............... -38,000 ............... +182,000 ............... +38,000
Section 225
Medical services................. 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Rescission)................. -1,400,000 -1,400,000 -1,400,000 -1,400,000 ............... ............... ...............
Medical support and compliance... 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Rescission)................. -150,000 -100,000 -100,000 -100,000 +50,000 ............... ...............
Medical facilities............... 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Rescission)................. -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative -232,000 ............... -38,000 ............... +232,000 ............... +38,000
Provisions................
======================================================================================================================
Total, title II............ 149,106,488 161,667,913 161,248,737 161,641,028 +12,534,540 -26,885 +392,291
Appropriations......... (95,454,261) (104,755,711) (104,374,535) (104,728,826) (+9,274,565) (-26,885) (+354,291)
Rescissions............ (-1,982,000) (-1,750,000) (-1,788,000) (-1,750,000) (+232,000) ............... (+38,000)
Advance appropriations, (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2016......
Advances from prior year (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
appropriations............
(Limitation on direct (3,000) (3,377) (3,377) (3,377) (+377) ............... ...............
loans)....................
======================================================================================================================
TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments
Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 63,200 70,100 75,000 73,285 +10,085 +3,185 -1,715
Foreign currency fluctuations 14,100 1,900 1,900 1,900 -12,200 ............... ...............
account.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, American Battle 77,300 72,000 76,900 75,185 -2,115 +3,185 -1,715
Monuments Commission......
======================================================================================================================
U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims
Salaries and expenses............ 35,408 31,386 31,386 34,390 -1,018 +3,004 +3,004
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
Salaries and expenses............ 65,800 45,800 61,881 65,800 ............... +20,000 +3,919
Armed Forces Retirement Home--
Trust Fund
Operation and maintenance........ 66,800 62,400 62,400 62,400 -4,400 ............... ...............
Capital program.................. 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Armed Forces 67,800 63,400 63,400 63,400 -4,400 ............... ...............
Retirement Home...........
======================================================================================================================
Total, title III........... 246,308 212,586 233,567 238,775 -7,533 +26,189 +5,208
======================================================================================================================
Grand total................ 159,160,796 168,437,946 168,039,751 168,438,803 +9,278,007 +857 +399,052
Appropriations......... (105,888,418) (111,525,744) (111,370,126) (112,000,048) (+6,111,630) (+474,304) (+629,922)
Rescissions............ (-2,361,849) (-1,750,000) (-1,992,577) (-2,223,447) (+138,402) (-473,447) (-230,870)
Advance appropriations, (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2015......
Advances from prior year (54,462,000) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (55,634,227) (+1,172,227) ............... ...............
appropriations............
(By transfer).............. (269,257) (284,366) (267,366) (284,366) (+15,109) ............... (+17,000)
(Limitation on direct (3,000) (3,377) (3,377) (3,377) (+377) ............... ...............
loans)....................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------