[Senate Report 114-57]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 98
114th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 114-57
======================================================================
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATION BILL, 2016
_______
May 21, 2015.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Kirk, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 2029]
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred the
bill (H.R. 2029) making appropriations for military
construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related
agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, 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.................$280,711,140,000
Amount of 2015 appropriations........................... 169,188,368,000
Amount of 2016 budget estimate.......................... 281,923,122,000
Amount of House allowance............................... 279,725,640,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2015 appropriations.................................+111,522,772,000
2016 budget estimate................................ -1,211,982,000
House allowance..................................... +985,500,000
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
Reprogramming Guidelines............................. 6
Real Property Maintenance............................ 7
Incremental Funding.................................. 7
Missile Defense...................................... 7
Military Construction Overview........................... 14
Military Construction, Army.............................. 14
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps............. 14
Military Construction, Air Force......................... 15
Military Construction, Defense-Wide...................... 15
Military Construction, Army National Guard............... 16
Military Construction, Air National Guard................ 17
Military Construction, Army Reserve...................... 17
Military Construction, Navy Reserve...................... 17
Military Construction, Air Force Reserve................. 18
North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Security Investment
Program................................................ 18
Family Housing Overview.................................. 18
Family Housing Construction, Army........................ 19
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army........... 19
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps....... 19
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps.................................................. 19
Family Housing Construction, Air Force................... 20
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force...... 20
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide... 20
Family Housing Improvement Fund.......................... 20
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide..... 21
Department of Defense Base Closure Account............... 21
Administrative Provisions................................ 21
Title II:
Department of Veterans Affairs:
Items of Special Interest:
Hearings............................................. 24
Summary of Committee Recommendations................. 24
Department Overview.................................. 24
Veterans Benefits Administration......................... 29
Compensation and Pensions............................ 30
Readjustment Benefits................................ 31
Veterans Insurance and Indemnities................... 32
Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund................ 32
Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account...... 33
Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account. 33
Veterans Health Administration........................... 34
Medical Services..................................... 38
Medical Support and Compliance....................... 49
Medical Facilities................................... 50
Medical and Prosthetic Research...................... 50
Medical Care Cost Recovery Collections............... 52
National Cemetery Administration......................... 54
Departmental Administration.............................. 55
General Administration............................... 55
Board of Veterans Appeals............................ 56
General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration..................................... 56
Information Technology Systems....................... 58
Office of Inspector General.......................... 62
Construction, Major Projects......................... 63
Construction, Minor Projects......................... 66
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care
Facilities......................................... 67
Grants for Construction of Veterans Cemeteries....... 68
Administrative Provisions................................ 69
Title III:
Related Agencies:
American Battle Monuments Commission:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 72
Foreign Currency Fluctuations........................ 72
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims:
Salaries and Expenses.................................. 73
Department of Defense--Civil: Cemeterial Expenses, Army:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 73
Armed Forces Retirement Home: Trust Fund................. 74
Administrative Provisions................................ 74
Title IV: General Provisions..................................... 75
Program, Project, and Activity................................... 76
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 76
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 77
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 78
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 80
Military Construction Project Listing by Location................ 81
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. 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 the
American Battle Monuments Commission and Arlington National
Cemetery. 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
$280,711,140,000 for fiscal year 2016 military construction,
family housing, base closure, veterans healthcare and benefits,
including fiscal year 2017 advance appropriations for veterans
medical care and appropriated mandatories, and related
agencies. This includes $198,529,342,000 in mandatory funding
and $82,181,798,000 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 2016 request.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate
Budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New budget authority........ $281,923,122,000 $280,711,140,000
Previous advances provided 58,662,202,000 58,662,202,000
for fiscal year 2016 for
medical care...............
Less advances provided for -173,331,739,000 -172,119,757,000
fiscal year 2017 for
medical care...............
Less advances provided for -103,982,585,000 -103,982,585,000
fiscal year 2017 for
appropriated mandatories...
-------------------------------------------
Total appropriations 277,314,324,000 276,102,342,000
for fiscal year 2016.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview and Summary of Bill
The Military Construction, 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, Arlington National Cemetery, the Armed
Forces Retirement Homes.
Construction Contracting Outreach.--The Committee remains
concerned about the high unemployment rate of the Nation's
construction industry. Despite the efforts of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy to increase communication between
procurement officers and industry, the Committee believes that
local contractors very often do not know about nor have the
opportunity to compete for local construction projects funded
in this act. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretaries
of the Defense and the Veterans Affairs Departments to ensure
that regional/district offices responsible for construction
projects inform and engage local construction industry
contractors, especially small businesses, minority-owned
businesses, and women-owned businesses, about Federal
procurement opportunities and the bidding process. The
Committee requests a clear outreach plan from each Secretary no
later than 90 days after enactment of this act. This plan
should modernize traditional outreach methods to reach a
broader group of local contractors.
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 2016 military construction budget request.
Witnesses included representatives of the Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Air Force, Missile Defense Agency, Pacific Command,
Special Operations Command, and Defense Health Agency.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The fiscal year 2016 budget request for military
construction and family housing totals $8,437,620,000. The
Committee recommends $8,083,000,000, which is $354,620,000
below the President's budget request.
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 of 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.
MISSILE DEFENSE
The Committee remains committed to rapidly implementing the
European Phased Adaptive Approach [EPAA]. The first Aegis
Ashore missile defense site in Deveselu, Romania, is expected
to be fully operational by the end of 2015. Construction in
Romania has not been without difficulty, and the Committee
notes the delays and additional costs associated with the high-
altitude electromagnetic pulse [HEMP] shields. The Committee
fully funds the request to build the second Aegis Ashore site,
this one in Redzikowo, Poland, and expects the Missile Defense
Agency [MDA] to apply the lessons learned from construction in
Romania to expedite the project in Poland. As Iranian ballistic
missiles become increasingly advanced, the activation of the
Aegis Ashore sites is essential to the protection of U.S. and
allied interests in Eastern and Central Europe. The Committee
is aware that the European Reassurance Initiative has increased
the number of U.S. and NATO rotational forces in Europe and
directs MDA to accelerate activation of the Aegis Ashore
systems wherever possible.
Long Range Discrimination Radar.--Section 128 of the
Military Construction Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2014
prohibited the use of funds for ``the decommissioning the
Combined Heat and Power Plant at Clear Air Force Station,
Alaska, until the Comptroller General of the United States
conducts a review of the data used by the Department of
Defense, including data in the Environmental Impact Statement
and fiscal year 2010 Feasibility Study, to determine whether
decommissioning the Combined Heat and Power Plant is the most
cost-effective and beneficial option for the day-to-day
operations and missions at the installation in support of
United States national security.'' On April 7, 2014, the
Government Accountability Office [GAO] released to the
subcommittee a report in response to this mandate. After the
completion of that report the Missile Defense Agency announced
that Clear Air Force Station is under consideration as a
possible site for the new Long Range Discrimination Radar
[LRDR] facility. If the LRDR is sited at Clear Air Force
Station, the heat and power requirements and national security
considerations are expected to significantly exceed those
considered in the April 2014 GAO report. Moreover, the
operators of the LRDR may find it advantageous for the Air
Force to maintain the Combined Heat and Power Plant for
security and operational reasons. In light of these changed
circumstances, the Committee urges the Air Force to delay the
decommissioning of the Combined Heat and Power Plant at Clear
Air Force Station until such time as the future utility
requirements can more accurately be determined.
Pacific Realignment.--U.S. economic and security interests
are inextricably linked to developments in the arc extending
from the Western Pacific and East Asia into the Indian Ocean
and South Asia, creating a mix of evolving challenges and
opportunities. The Department of Defense has stated that it
would tailor its global presence and posture by rebalancing
toward the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing existing alliances
and expanding networks of cooperation with emerging partners
throughout the region to ensure collective capability and
capacity for securing common interests. As part of this
rebalance, the U.S. Pacific Command [PACOM] currently has
programmed $775,000,000 over the next 5 years for military
construction in the region.
Approximately 39,000 U.S. military personnel, 43,000
dependents, and 5,000 DOD civilian employees are currently
stationed on Japan, and the majority of this presence resides
in Okinawa. Okinawa hosts over 25 percent of the U.S. bases in
Japan, and Okinawa's bases house approximately 8,000 Air Force
personnel and up to 19,000 Marine Corps personnel on any given
day. Attempts to realign, consolidate, and increase the
sustainability of this presence have been ongoing for nearly
two decades. Early plans were to move approximately 8,000
Marines and 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam; however, in
2012 representatives from the U.S. and Japanese governments
announced a revised plan that would relocate over 9,000 Marines
from Okinawa and realign Marine forces throughout the Pacific:
4,800 to Guam, 2,700 to Hawaii, and 2,500 rotational troops to
Australia.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office [GAO] has been
reporting to this Committee on Asia Posture plans and costs
since 2011. Based on GAO's reports, it is not clear if
sufficient existing military infrastructure is available in any
of the receiving locations to support the relocation or if DOD
has developed adequate cost estimates of infrastructure
development that will be needed to ensure mission capability.
In addition, the U.S. Government is still negotiating certain
host nation and land use agreements that are key to executing
the construction plan.
As a result, the Committee is interested in learning the
status of progress being made on the various realignment
initiatives, the costs associated with these plans, and whether
any alternatives to this plan are being considered. The
Committee directs the Comptroller General of the United States
to conduct a study and report the results of the study to the
Congressional defense committees by April 18, 2016. At a
minimum, the Comptroller General's study should answer the
following questions:
--What is the status of the realignment initiatives, have
alternatives been considered, and to what extent has
DOD identified a plan that lays out the appropriate
sequencing of projects supporting the realignment of
Marines and the interdependent projects on Okinawa,
including associated timeframes and costs for the
projects?
--Can the Okinawa realignment timeframe be accelerated?
--What is the status of development of DOD's master plan to
support the relocation of Marines to Guam?
--To what extent does sufficient, usable excess capacity
exist on bases in Hawaii to support the Marines'
relocation there?
--To what extent do sufficient facilities in Australia exist
to support the planned force rotations there?
--What estimated costs has DOD identified it will need to
develop new, or redevelop existing, infrastructure in
Guam, Hawaii, Australia, Alaska, or other locations it
may be considering for the realignment?
--What is the status of relevant host nation and land use
agreements required to execute the plan?
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency--West.--The
Committee recognizes the current National Geospatial-
Intelligence Agency--West [NGA West] facility is functionally
obsolete and faces increased force protection risks. The
Committee understands that a replacement facility is needed to
provide a safe and secure work environment to increase
efficiency with minimal transitional burden to its 3,000
employees. The current lack of anti-terrorism and force
protection measures are of great concern to the Committee.
Further, the outdated facilities continue to require high
maintenance costs that are increasingly unpredictable. The
recommendation fully funds the President's request for the
preliminary design of a new NGA West facility. The Committee
recognizes the significant contributions of NGA toward national
security and expects the fiscal year 2017 budget request to
include full funding for the first phase of the new facility
and further expects NGA to pursue construction expeditiously.
Overseas Military Construction.--The United States'
foremost national security priority is to protect the Nation
and keep its citizens and its communities safe. However, in
responding to emerging regional or global threats, the U.S.
often bears a disproportionately large part of the cost-sharing
burden, including the cost of infrastructure investment.
Forward deployed military forces are a crucial element in
protecting the security of the United States, but as military
construction budgets decrease, our Nation's allies must
similarly prioritize infrastructure investments as a
cornerstone of cooperative defense policy. Therefore, the
Department of Defense is urged to explore joint funding streams
and seek greater host-nation contributions to U.S. military
construction investments overseas.
Basic Allowance for Housing.--Annual housing market surveys
are conducted on an installation-by-installation basis, and are
used by the Department to set proper Basic Allowance for
Housing [BAH] rates to cover housing costs, including rent,
utilities, and rental insurance, when servicemembers and their
families live in off-base housing. While on-base or privatized
housing is available on most major installations, the inventory
is generally limited, and it is the Department's policy to rely
on the private sector as the primary source of housing for
eligible military personnel and their families. To determine
the annual BAH rates, the Department analyzes rental rates in
communities surrounding installations to determine the average
cost of renting suitable housing. While this is generally
effective in establishing equitable BAH rates, for
installations in rural States or regions where housing
availability is constrained or where adjacent housing areas may
not reflect the average cost of housing in nearby, more
populous, communities, servicemembers may have difficulties
finding affordable housing within the BAH rate. The Committee,
therefore, 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 on the analytics used to
determine BAH rates for installations in rural States or
regions, including the extent to which the rates are adjusted
to reflect the availability-versus-demand of suitable housing
in surrounding areas, and the extent to which the cost of rent,
utilities and rental insurance in nearby more populous
communities is factored into the rate.
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. As
a result, the Committee is handicapped in its ability to
adequately evaluate the Department's requests for additional
projects due to the realignment of forces, consolidation of
facilities, or major force structure changes.
Defense Access Roads and Entry Control Points.--The
Committee remains concerned about the impact of military
construction funding constraints on the prioritization of
essential Defense Access Roads and Entry Control Points at a
number of U.S. military installations. Of particular concern
are growth installations that serve primarily as host commands
for a wide array of military services and agencies, and bases
that have experienced significant population growth as a result
of base realignment activities.
Adding to the urgency of this problem, the U.S. Northern
Command on May 8, 2015, raised the force protection level for
all military installations in the continental United States to
the second highest alert level, Bravo, which applies when an
increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity
exists. According to the Defense Department, the security order
affects 3,200 sites, including bases, National Guard
facilities, recruiting stations and health clinics. As a result
of this action, there will be more comprehensive checking of
those entering military installations, which could have traffic
implications on surrounding roads. Moreover, the increased
threat level is an urgent call to U.S. military installations
to review the adequacy of their Defense Entry Control points,
and to prioritize projects that will both increase security and
ease surrounding traffic congestion.
The Committee commends the Department of the Army for
prioritizing entry control points and traffic mitigation
projects in its fiscal year 2016 Unfunded Priority List, and
recommends funding of the highest priority projects. However,
the Committee strongly encourages the services to prioritize
funding of projects addressing Entry Control Points and
corresponding Defense Access Roads in their annual military
construction budget requests.
In addition to the security implications of adequate Entry
Control Points and adjacent Defense Access Roads, the Committee
also recognizes the 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 is a considerable amount of
mission-critical transportation projects in need of funding.
For those projects that are part of a State transportation
improvement program or that are required as a result of Base
Realignment and Closure development, making new Federal funds
available would allow work on these projects to begin promptly.
By including mission-growth transportation projects as eligible
infrastructure projects for new Federal funds, 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 and distinct Defense
Access Road funding source to offset the impacts of base
expansion on the surrounding transportation network. Federal
funds are needed to complement other State and local resources
to address the congestion issues that will persist for decades.
Energy Policy.--The Department of Defense [DOD] is the
largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government,
accounting for 80 percent of the total amount of energy
consumption. The Committee commends the Department for its
efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its facilities and
installations, reduce its energy consumption, and invest in
renewable energy projects and energy security. These efforts,
as well as programs and projects to enhance water conservation
and improve the security of military installation energy
sources, are key components of the Department's strategy to
meet the Congressional and DOD mandated goals for renewable
energy generation and energy and water efficiency. The goals
are critical to reducing long-term energy costs to the Federal
Government and to ensuring that military mission capabilities
and readiness are not hampered by constraints on energy and
water resources.
The Committee continues to support the Department's efforts
to incorporate green building technologies into new facility
construction and into the renovation of existing buildings. In
doing so, DOD and the services should seize upon leading-edge
technologies and new and underutilized, low cost energy-
efficient technologies that provide value through minimal life-
cycle costs. In order to capture the most innovative of these
new technologies, the Department and the services are
encouraged to monitor new technologies emerging from
government, industry, and academia.
Military installations in Hawaii are among those at the
forefront of the military's efforts to address these issues,
including the development of net-zero energy military housing
and installation facilities, and upgrades and retrofits for
improved energy and water efficiency. Two of Hawaii's
installations are serving as demonstration sites for the Smart
Power Infrastructure Demonstration for Energy Reliability and
Security [SPIDERS] program. The efforts underway in Hawaii, and
at military installations elsewhere, are helping to inform
Department-wide and Government-wide energy policies and
investment strategies. These investments are already paying
dividends in terms of both reduced energy consumption and cost
savings. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services
Committee, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus noted that energy
efficiency projects underway in Hawaii are projected to save
the Federal Government $4,500,000 per year. This is an example
of the progress being made to reduce spending while addressing
energy and water efficiency, conservation, and security at
installations throughout the country.
Water Conservation on Military Installations.--The
Committee notes with concern the prospect of increasingly
severe drought-related water shortages in the Nation,
especially in the western and southwestern regions of the
United States. California's current drought-precipitated water
crisis and prolonged droughts in other States should serve as a
wake-up call to the Department of Defense [DOD] to redouble its
efforts to manage and conserve water on military installations
throughout the country. United States Code title 10 section
2866 grants the DOD authority to participate in programs
conducted by a utility for the management of water demand or
for water conservation. Section 2866 also permits the Secretary
to carry out a military construction project for water
conservation using funds appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Department for water conservation, subject to
congressional notification. The Committee encourages the
Department to maximize its use of this and other authorities to
preserve scarce water resources.
The Committee also notes that water conservation projects
are eligible for funding through the Energy Conservation
Investment Program [ECIP]. However, only 1 of the 33 projects
requested in the fiscal year 2016 ECIP program addresses water
conservation. The Department is urged to give water
conservation projects equal consideration when selecting
projects to be funded through ECIP.
The Committee recognizes that the DOD and the military
services have in place a number of policies and initiatives to
conserve water on military installations, including the Army's
Net-Zero Water Initiative. In order to assess the current
status of programs and policies to conserve water on military
installations, the Secretary of Defense is directed to report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
within 90 days of enactment of this act on the following: (1)
the current use of authorities provided in section 2866 or
other relevant sections of title 10 to manage and conserve
water on installations, including the use of water conservation
funding for military construction projects; (2) existing
programs and policies being used to conserve water on military
installations; (3) the annual impact of these programs and
policies on installation water consumption; and (4) plans for
additional initiatives to reduce water consumption on
installations.
Coastal Erosion.--The Committee is aware that coastal
erosion is a growing concern of the Department of Defense. On
June 30, 2014, the Government Accountability Office [GAO]
released a report (GAO-14-446), which assessed 15 existing
sites at defense installations in the U.S. that are vulnerable
to the effects of coastal erosion and provided recommendations
to improve readiness and reduce fiscal exposure for DOD. Among
its findings, the GAO noted that DOD officials are concerned
that increased erosion on the Alaskan coast threatens several
Air Force radar early warning and communication installations.
Furthermore, Navy officials are concerned that if a storm surge
occurs while a submarine is undergoing maintenance while
sitting in a dry dock, the damage would be substantial and
costly. Given the potential impact of coastal erosion on key
military installations, the Committee directs the Department to
include an assessment of coastal erosion and potential flooding
risks in the siting of proposed military construction projects.
Military Construction Funding Initiatives.--The bill
includes funding for military construction initiatives to
address important unfunded priorities included in the
Department of Defense's Unfunded Priority List provided to
Congress. The Committee notes that in recent years the military
construction budget requests have been at historically low
levels. Amounts budgeted for facility sustainment, restoration,
and modernization are similarly low. The infrastructure
initiatives in the services Unfunded Priority Lists would
ordinarily appear as part of the annual budget request, but
were not included as the military construction budget remains
constrained.
For this reason, the Committee includes an additional
$34,500,000 for the Army, $34,320,000 for the Navy and Marine
Corps, $51,300,000 for the Army National Guard, and $34,200,000
for the Army Reserve. All additional funding is reserved for
projects that were included in the Unfunded Priority List
submitted to Congress.
Rescissions.--The Committee recommends administrative
provisions which rescind prior year unobligated funds due
primarily to project bid savings and the slow execution of
projects.
Military Construction Overview
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $4,777,212,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 6,653,105,000
House allowance......................................... 5,693,003,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,513,565,000
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTS--PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The military construction appropriation provides for
acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, military installations,
facilities, and real property for the Department of Defense.
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.
Military Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $528,427,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 743,245,000
House allowance......................................... 663,245,000
Committee recommendation................................ 663,245,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $663,245,000 for the Army for
fiscal year 2016. This amount is $134,818,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level, and $80,000,000 below the budget
request. Further detail of the Committee's recommendation is
provided in the State table at the end of this report.
Army Readiness.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
the Army's Combat Training Areas, including the Joint Readiness
Training Center [JRTC] located at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in
providing forces with joint and combined arms training across
the full spectrum of conflict. Critical to executing this
mission is the Joint Operations Center [JOC] that functions as
the battle command center for all rotational training conducted
at the installation. The Army's Future Years Defense Program
[FYDP] includes a project to replace the JOC in fiscal year
2021. The Committee is concerned that the lack of a modern JOC
is hampering the ability to effectively train rotational units
preparing to deploy overseas. The Committee directs the
Secretary of the Army to provide an assessment of the impact
that the current JRTC JOC has in training effectiveness,
systems integrity and functionality, and associated maintenance
and utility costs. The Secretary shall submit the assessment to
the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this act.
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,018,772,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,669,239,000
House allowance......................................... 1,349,678,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,619,699,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,619,699,000 for Navy and Marine
Corps military construction for fiscal year 2016. This amount
is $600,927,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, and
$49,540,000 below the budget request. Further detail of the
Committee's recommendation is provided in the State table at
the end of this report.
Camp Pendleton Water Pipeline.--The budget request proposed
$44,540,000 for a raw water pipeline from Camp Pendleton to the
City of Fallbrook to upgrade the Camp Pendleton water system
and allow the city to access water from the Santa Margarita
watershed. The Committee is aware that the Navy and the
Fallbrook Public Utility District are under a Federal Court
Order to reach a settlement over water rights from the Santa
Margarita River and that negotiations to reach such a
settlement are ongoing. The Committee believes that an
agreement among all the parties should be finalized and
approved by the Court before initiating construction on this
project. Therefore, the Committee has not provided funding for
the project and directs the Navy to identify and report the
project cost allocation between the Department of Defense and
civilian entities.
Military Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $811,774,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,389,185,000
House allowance......................................... 1,237,055,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,389,185,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,389,185,000 for the Air Force
in fiscal year 2016. This amount is $577,411,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 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, Defense-Wide
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,991,690,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,300,767,000
House allowance......................................... 1,931,456,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,290,767,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,290,767,000 for projects
considered within the Defense-Wide account in fiscal year 2016.
This amount is $299,077,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $10,000,000 below the budget request. Further detail
of the Committee's recommendation is provided in the State
table at the end of this report.
Defense Health Agency.--The Defense Health Agency [DHA]
employs a comprehensive approach to hospital construction,
working closely with the military services and monitoring the
process as military hospitals are planned, built, maintained,
and replaced. Military hospital construction projects are
managed by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities
Engineering Command [NAVFAC], both of which have extensive
experience and expertise in managing large construction
projects. DHA consults with the Corps and NAVFAC throughout the
planning, design, and construction phases of a project to help
manage project execution and change orders. Notably, DHA also
accepts input from clinicians early on in the design process,
but maintains control of the project after that point, which
serves as a limiting factor on costly and time-consuming change
orders. The close coordination among DHA, the Corps of
Engineers, and NAVFAC enables DHA to more efficiently manage
the design and construction of large-scale medical facilities,
while containing cost and schedule overruns. Given the massive
cost overruns and lengthy delays in recent Department of
Veterans Affairs' hospital construction projects, the Committee
directs DHA to consult with VA on best practices in hospital
design and construction. Further, the Committee directs DHA to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress within 180 days of enactment of this act
regarding steps DHA has taken to fulfill this directive.
Medical Military Construction.--The Committee provides
funding for seven projects to renovate or build new medical
treatment facilities within the Department of Defense. The
medical military construction budget submissions for fiscal
years 2015 and 2016 are the lowest levels of investment in 7
years. As a result, planned projects continue to be deferred
indefinitely in the Future Years Defense Program [FYDP]. For
example, the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, hospital replacement
originally planned for fiscal year 2016 is once again deferred
until fiscal year 2021 or later. The Committee notes the
Surgeon General of the United States Army testified before the
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on March 25,
2015, that this hospital replacement project remains the Army's
top medical military construction priority. The existing
hospital last underwent a major renovation nearly 40 years ago.
Due to the quality of life importance of this and other medical
facilities like it, the Committee strongly encourages the
Department to prioritize and restore medical military
construction projects within the FYDP submitted for fiscal year
2017. In addition, the Committee encourages the Department to
continue collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs
to pursue Joint DOD/VA medical facility projects.
Military Construction, Army National Guard
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $128,920,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 197,237,000
House allowance......................................... 167,437,000
Committee recommendation................................ 197,237,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $197,237,000 for Military
Construction, Army National Guard for fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $68,317,000 above the fiscal year 2015 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.
National Guard Military Construction.--Declining military
construction investments resulting from current budget
constraints are negatively impacting all branches of the
Department of Defense. However, for the National Guard,
securing military construction funding is further inhibited by
the need for the respective States to acquire land for a
project before the project can be programmed for funding. While
this is rooted in past instances in which project execution was
jeopardized because of issues in acquiring a site, the result
is that a State has to acquire and hold land before the Guard
can request military construction funding for a project. This
requirement often results in a disconnect in the availability
of State and Federal funding for a National Guard project,
making it more difficult for the Guard to prioritize future
project funding. Therefore, within 120 days following enactment
of this act, the Director of the National Guard Bureau is
directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress on ways in which the process for National
Guard military construction funding can be streamlined and more
efficiently coordinated with the availability of land for a
project so that Guard projects remain competitive in the Future
Years Defense Program.
Military Construction, Air National Guard
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $92,663,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 138,738,000
House allowance......................................... 138,738,000
Committee recommendation................................ 138,738,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $138,738,000 for Military
Construction, Air National Guard for fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $46,075,000 above the fiscal year 2015 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, Army Reserve
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $103,946,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 113,595,000
House allowance......................................... 104,295,000
Committee recommendation................................ 113,595,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $113,595,000 for Military
Construction, Army Reserve for fiscal year 2016. This amount is
$9,649,000 above the fiscal year 2015 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 Reserve
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $51,528,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 36,078,000
House allowance......................................... 36,078,000
Committee recommendation................................ 36,078,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $36,078,000 for Military
Construction, Navy Reserve for fiscal year 2016. This amount is
$15,450,000 below the fiscal year 2015 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 Reserve
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $49,492,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 65,021,000
House allowance......................................... 65,021,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,021,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $65,021,000 for Military
Construction, Air Force Reserve for fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $15,529,000 above the fiscal year 2015 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.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $199,700,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 120,000,000
House allowance......................................... 150,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 120,000,000
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 $120,000,000 for the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program [NSIP]
for fiscal year 2016 as requested. This amount is $79,700,000
below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
Family Housing Overview
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,190,535,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,413,181,000
House allowance......................................... 1,413,181,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,413,181,000
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 $1,413,181,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Operations and Maintenance, and the Department's
family housing improvement fund for fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $222,646,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Army
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $78,609,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 99,695,000
House allowance......................................... 99,695,000
Committee recommendation................................ 99,695,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $99,695,000 for Army Family
Housing Construction in fiscal year 2016, an amount equal to
the budget request and $21,086,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level. Further detail of the Committee's recommendation
is provided in the State table at the end of this report.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $350,976,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 393,511,000
House allowance......................................... 393,511,000
Committee recommendation................................ 393,511,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $393,511,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Army for fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $42,535,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $16,412,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 16,541,000
House allowance......................................... 16,541,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,541,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $16,541,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Navy and Marine Corps. This amount is $129,000
above the fiscal year 2015 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.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $354,029,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 353,036,000
House allowance......................................... 353,036,000
Committee recommendation................................ 353,036,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $353,036,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps, in fiscal
year 2016. This amount is $993,000 below the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
Appropriations, 2015....................................................
Budget estimate, 2016................................... $160,498,000
House allowance......................................... 160,498,000
Committee recommendation................................ 160,498,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $160,498,000 for Family Housing
Construction, Air Force, in fiscal year 2016. This amount is
equal to the budget request. Further detail of the Committee's
recommendation is provided in the State table at the end of
this report.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $327,747,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 331,232,000
House allowance......................................... 331,232,000
Committee recommendation................................ 331,232,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $331,232,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Air Force, in fiscal year 2016. This
amount is $3,485,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $61,100,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 58,668,000
House allowance......................................... 58,668,000
Committee recommendation................................ 58,668,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $58,668,000 for family housing
operation and maintenance, Defense-Wide, for fiscal year 2016.
This amount is $2,432,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
Family Housing Improvement Fund
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,662,000
Budget estimate, 2016...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Family Housing Improvement Fund 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 no funding for the Family Housing
Improvement Fund in fiscal year 2016 in accordance with the
budget request.
Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $38,715,000
Budget estimate, 2016...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
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 no funding for chemical
demilitarization construction projects for fiscal year 2016 in
accordance with the budget request.
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $315,085,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 251,334,000
House allowance......................................... 251,334,000
Committee recommendation................................ 251,334,000
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 $251,334,000 for the
Department of Defense Base Closure Account for fiscal year
2016, equal to the budget request. Funds provided for fiscal
year 2016 are for environmental cleanup and ongoing operations
and maintenance.
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 Gulf.
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 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. 119. The Committee includes a provision that provides
transfer authority to the Homeowners Assistance Fund.
Sec. 120. 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. 121. The Committee includes a provision that provides
authority to expend funds from the ``Ford Island Improvement''
account.
Sec. 122. The Committee includes a provision that allows
the transfer of expired funds to the Foreign Currency
Fluctuation, Construction, Defense Account.
Sec. 123. 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. 124. 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. 125. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction priorities
for the Army.
Sec. 126. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction priorities
for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Sec. 127. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction priorities
for the Army National Guard.
Sec. 128. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funds for unfunded military construction priorities
for the Army Reserve.
Sec. 129. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from various Military Construction
accounts.
Sec. 130. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from 42 U.S.C. 3374.
Sec. 131. The Committee includes a provision regarding the
consolidation or relocation of a U.S. Air Force RED HORSE
Squadron outside of the United States.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Items of Special Interest
HEARINGS
The Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held three hearings related to
the fiscal year 2016 and 2017 Department of Veterans Affairs
[VA] budget request. The subcommittee heard testimony from the
Honorable Carolyn M. Clancy, Interim Under Secretary for
Health, the Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary for
Benefits, and the Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes $163,792,416,000 for
the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2016,
including $94,546,757,000 in mandatory spending and
$69,245,659,000 in discretionary spending. The Committee also
recommends $63,271,000,000 in advance appropriations for
veterans medical care for fiscal year 2017 and $103,982,585,000
in advance appropriations for appropriated mandatories for
fiscal year 2017.
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, 2014, 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 25.7 million dependents (spouses and dependent
children) of living veterans in the United States and Puerto
Rico, and there were 566,000 survivors of deceased veterans
receiving VA survivor benefits in the United States and Puerto
Rico. Thus, approximately 48.3 million people, or 15 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 167 medical centers, 1,018 community-based outpatient
clinics, 300 vet centers, and 135 community living centers 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. In 2016, cemetery activities will
encompass 134 national cemeteries, two rural National Burial
Grounds, 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.
Whistleblower Protection.--The Committee is deeply
concerned about unacceptable retaliation against whistleblowers
within the Department across the Nation. The Department has
made many promises recently to foster a culture of openness by
encouraging VA employees to report cases of wrongdoing, yet the
Committee continues to hear reports that when whistleblowers do
bring problems to light, the whistleblowers themselves are
attacked in official and unofficial ways. Some examples of
retaliation against whistleblowers reported to the Committee
include: investigating the whistleblower rather than the
reported problem, lowering performance appraisal ratings,
reducing access to computers, conducting formal meetings with
co-workers to turn other employees against the whistleblower,
refusing to investigate allegations of retaliation against the
whistleblower, and relocating the whistleblower's office space
to areas with fewer amenities or unsanitary conditions. The
Committee finds such actions reprehensible, and the Department
is directed to send a clear and unequivocal message throughout
the VA system that retaliation against whistleblowers will not
stand, and those in leadership who condone or ignore such
retaliation will be held accountable. The Committee will
continue to advocate on behalf of those employees who receive
unfair retribution for reporting wrongdoing at VA facilities
and will bring to the Department's attention every instance of
whistleblower retaliation brought to its attention.
The Committee is concerned there is no proper mechanism at
the Department to inform employees of their rights under the
law with regards to reporting wrongdoing and whistleblower
protection. The Committee is aware there is no whistleblower
protection training for employees mandated within the
Department, and there is not an official handbook or
orientation outlining and explaining employee rights and
responsibilities in this area, to include management and their
role and responsibilities either when reporting wrongdoing
themselves or supervising someone who has blown the whistle on
misconduct, waste, fraud, or poor patient care. Therefore, the
Department is directed to ensure all employees are educated on:
their rights from retaliation, existing whistleblower
protections, and resources available to them, to include the VA
Office of the Inspector General [OIG], Office of Special
Counsel, and the Merit System Protection Board and the location
of such resources on the OIG Web site. The Department is
directed to implement education for all employees on these
issues through employee orientation, employee manuals, and
periodic briefings. Additionally, employees must be educated on
exemptions from privacy laws, specifically that healthcare
providers are exempted from the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act [HIPAA] privacy rules when disclosing to
OIG allegations of problems with patient care. Further, any VA
employee who discloses HIPAA and Privacy Act information to OIG
for purposes of providing such information for an OIG
investigation is not in violation of these laws. The law shall
be clearly communicated by the investigator prior to any
investigative interview with a VA employee. Currently, the law
is not clearly stated on the OIG Web site nor regularly
communicated to VA employees. It is critical all employees
understand their protections under the law and are encouraged
to report misconduct, waste, fraud, and poor patient care so
those engaging in wrongdoing may be held accountable.
Electronic Health Record.--Achieving interoperability
between the health records of the Department of Veterans
Affairs and the Department of Defense remains one of the
highest priorities of the Committee. The Committee believes
from a servicemember's initial military entrance physical to
their final interaction with VA, a seamless health record
should follow the individual. VA's VistA Evolution and DOD's
new acquisition of an electronic health record are two separate
and distinct programs, yet the Departments have a mandate from
Congress to ensure the records are able to transmit computable
data that can be used by clinicians on either side. The
Committee also notes the increased utilization of medical care
in the community by enrolled veterans makes it incumbent upon
the Department to ensure medical information from outside VA
can be easily brought into the VA's health record system. The
Committee continues to expect the electronic health record will
be developed with an open architecture to best leverage the
innovation of the private sector.
In fiscal year 2013, 2014, and 2015, Congress required the
Department to provide information on the cost, timeline,
performance benchmarks, and interoperability capacity of VistA
Evolution before releasing 75 percent of the funds
appropriated. The Committee maintains in this act its oversight
authority by placing similar constraints on the obligation or
expenditure of funding for the development of VistA Evolution
until certain conditions are met. Further explanation of the
constraints included in the act is included in the appropriate
section of the report.
Denver VA Medical Center.--The Committee was deeply
disappointed to learn at the end of calendar year 2015 the
scale of the gross mismanagement at the Denver VA Medical
Center in Aurora, Colorado. With this project, the Department
has breached the trust of the Committee, the Congress, and the
taxpayer with its embarrassing mishandling of public funds. The
new estimate to complete the hospital complex, as determined by
the Army Corps of Engineers, is upwards of $1.73 billion, which
the Committee finds to be a wholly unacceptable cost for any VA
major construction project of this scope. As late as October
2014, the Department was reporting to the Committee the total
firm target price of the facility was $640 million (revised
upwards from the original total firm target price of $604
million). The authorized amount for this facility was $800
million, and the taxpayer may end up paying more than double
that amount making this one of the most expensive medical
centers in the world. The Committee finds it shocking the
Department was aware the scale of the project and the choice in
design as well as the type of contract VA negotiated made it
possible the project might run over its authorized amount, yet
it did not make rational decisions along the way to stay within
budget. The Committee believes those managing this project were
not good stewards of appropriated resources and were not
advocates for the veterans they were duty-bound to protect and
serve. The Department now finds itself in an untenable position
of having to take money from other places within its budget in
order to pay for the cost of the Aurora facility. The facility
is also well behind schedule, as it will not be complete before
the end of 2018.
Not only is the Committee disturbed by the egregious cost
overrun and delay, the Committee has no faith in the
Department's ability to manage major medical facility
construction projects of this kind in the future. The Committee
understands the Department has begun discussions with the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers [USACE] to seek their management of
future major medical facility construction projects. The
Committee believes USACE is the right partner for VA as it
designs and constructs major medical facility construction
projects, and the Committee directs the Department to enter
into an agreement with USACE to manage the next seven major
medical facility construction projects as outlined in the
appropriate section of the report. The Department is directed
to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress within 30 days of enactment of this act on its
agreement with USACE to manage these seven projects. Further
explanation of the major construction account constraints
included in the act is included in the appropriate section of
the report.
Disability Claims Backlog.--The Committee commends the
Department on its efforts to reduce the disability claims
backlog and increase the accuracy of claims decisions, yet the
backlog in disability claims remains a major concern of the
Committee. The Committee is committed to ensuring the
Department reaches its goal of processing all claims over 125
days with 98 percent accuracy and ending the backlog in 2015.
The Committee has not only fully funded the request for claims
processing in recent years, but has provided increases above
the budget requests for hiring and training claims processors,
bolstering the migration to electronic claims processing
systems, and addressing the increasing backlog of appeals at
the Board of Veterans Appeals. As a result of these funding
levels and the specific measures intended to bring the backlog
down included in the fiscal year 2014 and 2015 Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies
appropriations bill and report, VBA has made significant and
notable progress in reducing the number of backlogged claims
from a high of 611,000 in March 2013 to fewer than 158,540 as
of May 9, 2015.
The Committee is also committed to ensuring there is not a
recurrence of any backlog or a reduction in accuracy. To that
end, the Committee will continue to host reoccurring meeting of
the disability claims interagency working group that began in
May 2013. This group includes the Under Secretary of Benefits
and representatives from the Department of Defense, the Social
Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service. The
Committee will continue to assert its oversight ability by
monitoring these agencies as they work to better expedite the
flow of interagency information needed to process claims in a
timely manner. The Committee will continue to require the
Department provide monthly updates on performance measures for
each Regional Office.
Additionally, there is concern the gains VBA has made
recently are the result of temporary measures such as overtime
work and one-time funding increases from the Committee for
hiring and training. The Committee directs the Department shift
from crisis-mode to maintenance-mode in the area of claims
processing. Once the backlog is reduced at the end of the 2015,
it will be unacceptable to the Committee for VBA to carry a
backlog of disability claims again. The Department must
consider processing all claims within 125 days with 98 percent
accuracy a mandate of VBA, and the Department should fund and
staff this agency accordingly.
The Committee is also focused on the next assumed issue for
disability claims: the backlog at the appellate level. The
fiscal year 2016 justification accompanying the budget request
states appeals received by the Board of Veterans Appeals are
projected to increase 65 percent, from 49,611 in 2012 to 81,640
by the end of 2016. The Committee notes the Department is aware
the appeals process needs reform and resources, and to that
end, the Committee requests a report no later than 180 days
after enactment of this act on the actions VBA is taking to
reduce the backlog of appeals and streamline the appeals
process.
Curing Hepatitis C within the Veteran Population.--The
Committee is excited about the availability of new Hepatitis C
drugs that have a cure rate of 96 percent. The Department is to
be commended for robustly treating veterans with Hepatitis C as
the veteran population is twice as likely to have the virus as
the general population. The Committee is aware the Department
was unable to provide accurate estimates of drug treatment
costs in the fiscal year 2016 request, and therefore, the
Committee is directing more funding be allotted with in the
Medical Services account to provide proper resources to address
the need in fiscal year 2016.
Homeless Veterans.--Between 2009 and 2014, the estimated
number of homeless veterans has been reduced by 33 percent. As
a result of the investments the Committee, the Department, and
various other Federal, State, and local partners have made over
the past several years, it is highly likely the Department's
Agency Priority Goal of ending veteran homelessness by the end
of 2015 will be achieved. The Committee notes, however, the
2014 ``Point in Time Count'' prepared by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development estimates there were 49,933
homeless veterans in the U.S. on a single night in January
2014. The Committee is aware even after ``getting to zero''
there remains much to be done to sustain the gains made in this
area and prevent veterans from becoming homeless in the future.
Therefore, the Committee provides the full fiscal year 2016 and
2017 budget requests for VA homelessness assistance programs
and homeless veteran treatment costs. The Department is
directed to provide a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress as soon as feasibly
possible after the end of calendar year 2015 noting if the
Department met the goal of ending veterans homelessness and
detailing how the Department will shift focus and resources to
prevention.
Tribal Veterans Service Officer.--The Committee notes
current regulations regarding recognition of officers of
National, State, and Regional Organizations by the Secretary do
not adequately cover Tribal or Native American organizations.
The Committee believes this oversight should be addressed
expeditiously and urges the Department to revise its current
regulations to permit the certification of Tribal Veterans
Service Officers in the same manner as State and Regional
Veterans Officers.
Veterans Benefits Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $94,293,775,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 94,712,847,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 94,712,847,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 94,712,847,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 103,982,585,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 103,982,585,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 103,982,585,000
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 $94,712,847,000 for the Veterans
Benefits Administration. This amount is composed of
$79,124,675,000 for Compensation and Pensions; $15,344,922,000
for Readjustment Benefits; $77,160,000 for Veterans Insurance
and Indemnities; $164,558,000 for the Veterans Housing Benefit
Program Fund administrative expenses; $31,000 for the
Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program account, with $367,000
for administrative expenses; and $1,134,000 for the Native
American Veteran Housing Loan Program account. For the first
time, the Committee recommendation also includes an advance
appropriation of $103,982,585,000 for the Veterans Benefits
Administration for fiscal year 2017.
COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $79,071,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 79,124,675,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 79,124,675,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 79,124,675,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 87,146,761,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 87,146,761,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 87,146,761,000
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 2016, the Department
estimates it will obligate $76,832,302,000 for payments to
4,299,512 veterans, 400,359 survivors, and 1,156 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 2016, the Department
estimates that the Pensions program will provide benefits to
306,155 veterans and 216,131 survivors totaling $5,963,099,000.
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 2016, the Department
estimates the Compensation and Pensions program will obligate
$274,796,000 providing burial benefits. This funding will
provide 68,290 burial allowances, 33,512 burial plot
allowances, 31,057 service-connected death awards, 497,644
burial flags, 354,840 headstones or markers, and 84,226
graveliners or reimbursement for privately purchased outer
burial receptacles.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $79,124,675,000 for compensation
and pensions. This is an increase of $53,675,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
For the first time, the Committee recommendation also includes
an advance appropriation of $87,146,761,000 for fiscal year
2017 for compensation and pensions for fiscal year 2017. This
is $8,022,086,000 above the fiscal 2016 request and equal to
the fiscal year 2017 budget request.
READJUSTMENT BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $14,997,136,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 15,344,922,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 15,344,922,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 15,344,922,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 16,743,904,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 16,743,904,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 16,743,904,000
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 $15,344,922,000 for Readjustment
benefits. This is an increase of $347,786,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request. For
the first time, the Committee recommendation includes an
advance appropriation of $16,743,904,000 for Readjustment
benefits for fiscal year 2017. This is $1,398,982,000 above the
fiscal year 2016 request and equal to the fiscal year 2017
budget request.
VETERANS INSURANCE AND INDEMNITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $63,257,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 77,160,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 77,160,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 77,160,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 91,920,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 91,920,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 91,920,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Veterans insurance and indemnities appropriation
consists of the former appropriations for military and naval
insurance, applicable to World War I veterans; National Service
Life Insurance, applicable to certain World War II veterans;
servicemen's indemnities, applicable to Korean conflict
veterans; and veterans mortgage life insurance to individuals
who have received a grant for specially adapted housing.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $77,160,000 for Veterans insurance
and indemnities. This is an increase of $13,903,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
For the first time, the Committee recommendation also includes
an advance appropriation of $91,920,000 for Veterans insurance
and indemnities for fiscal year 2017. This is $14,760,000 above
the fiscal year 2016 request and equal to the fiscal year 2017
budget request.
VETERANS HOUSING BENEFIT PROGRAM FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Program account expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2015................ ................ 160,881,000
Budget estimate, 2016............... ................ 164,558,000
House allowance..................... ................ 164,558,000
Committee recommendation............ ................ 164,558,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. 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 $164,558,000 for administrative
expenses for fiscal year 2016. 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, 2015................ 10,000 361,000
Budget estimate, 2016............... 31,000 367,000
House allowance..................... 31,000 367,000
Committee recommendation............ 31,000 367,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 one year.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $31,000 for program costs and
$367,000 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 $2,952,381. It is
estimated that the VA will make 3,129 loans in fiscal year
2016, with an average amount of $943.
NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,130,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,134,000
House allowance......................................... 1,134,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,134,000
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 $1,134,000 for administrative
expenses associated with this program. This is $4,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Veterans Health Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $56,432,338,000
Advance appropriations, 2016............................ 58,662,202,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,921,103,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 1,593,367,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 1,746,010,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 63,271,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 63,271,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 63,271,000,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The Veterans Health Administration [VHA] is home to the
United States' largest integrated healthcare system consisting
of 167 medical centers, 1,018 community-based outpatient
clinic, 300 vet centers, and 135 community living centers.
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 2015, the Committee provided $58,662,202,000
in advance appropriations for the VA's medical care accounts
for fiscal year 2016. This included $47,603,202,000 for Medical
services, $6,144,000,000 for Medical support and compliance,
and $4,915,000,000 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 2016, the
Committee recommends an additional $1,124,197,000 for Medical
services. Additionally, the Committee recommendation includes
$621,813,000 for Medical and prosthetic research. Medical care
collections are expected to be $2,445,000,000. The Committee
recommendation also includes an advance appropriation of
$63,271,000,000 for veterans medical care for fiscal year 2017.
Office of Inspector General Findings.--The Committee is
concerned with past investigations and findings by the Office
of Inspector General [OIG] at the Department's healthcare
facilities. The Committee commends the Department for its
efforts to resolve past issues at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA
Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, but remains concerned
about ongoing problems with VA facilities in the Southeast
region, as evidenced by the findings of deficiencies by OIG at
the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System [HCS] in Biloxi,
Mississippi (Report No. 14-04214-70). Therefore, the Department
is directed to provide a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180
days after enactment of this act on the resolution of these
issues at the Gulf Coast Veterans HCS. The Committee is hopeful
these ongoing issues will not perpetuate distrust among the
veterans it serves and urges the Department to continue to work
diligently and expeditiously with VA centers across the country
to resolve cases of delay, mismanagement, inappropriate
activity, and inadequate care as discovered by OIG.
Quarterly Reports on GAO Recommendations.--The Committee
notes with concern that VHA has been placed by GAO on its
annual High Risk List. GAO identified many of the concerns the
Committee has raised in previous years. While VA has taken
action to address some of the GAO recommendations, more than
100 recommendations have not been fully addressed. Accordingly,
the Department is directed to provide to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a quarterly progress
report containing the Department's actions to address
outstanding GAO findings and recommendations regarding VHA.
Each quarterly report shall be submitted no later than 30 days
after the end of the respective quarter.
Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014
Cost and Data Analysis.--In response to VA wait time
manipulation and failure to provide timely, quality healthcare
to veterans, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014, Public Law 113-146 [VACAA] in July
2014, to improve transparency and provide veterans the choice
to access healthcare if they live more than 40 miles from a VA
medical facility or their wait time for an appointment was more
than 30 days through the Choice Program [the Program].
The Committee welcomed VA's recent decision to expand
eligibility criteria for the Program by changing the
calculation used to determine the distance between a veteran's
residence and the nearest VA medical facility from straight
line distance to driving distance. In determining the nearest
medical facility, however, the Department does not take into
consideration whether that facility is able to provide the
medical services a veteran requires. On multiple occasions, VA
has stated altering the interpretation of the 40 mile rule to
consider whether a VA medical facility is capable of offering
healthcare services sought by the veteran would not only
require a new statutory authority but would be financially
infeasible with a cost of tens of billions of dollars. The
Committee understands a VA cost estimate to expand the Program
to eligible veterans, approximately 4 million individuals, who
live more than 40 miles from a Level 1 and Level 2 VA medical
facility was produced, however, the methodology applied was
disparate from the VA Chief Business Office and Congressional
Budget Office cost estimates provided for the Program in 2014.
The result of using a different methodology on the VA cost
estimate to expand the Program yielded a projection ranging
from $4 billion to $34 billion annually to support a baseline
of 4 million veterans. The Committee is concerned the VA cost
estimate lacks a consistent methodology and certain critical
factors that would reduce cost substantially. In order to
determine the potential cost of serving additional veterans who
are not currently eligible under the Program or who are not
currently able to receive access to non-VA care through other
authorities, it is essential VA conduct a comprehensive cost
analysis rooted in substantiated reliable data utilizing the
same methodology that was used to inform Congress prior to the
passage of VACAA in July 2014.
The Department is directed to provide a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 90 days after enactment of this act detailing a
comprehensive cost analysis of the VACAA 40 mile rule criteria
that factors potential cost-savings resulting from unobligated
or unrealized travel vouchers and benefits. The cost analysis
should exclude veterans who are accessing non-VA care utilizing
other VA authorities, veterans who are eligible under VACAA but
have not yet used the Program, and veterans who are eligible
under VACAA and are currently using the Program. The report to
Congress must also provide potential legislative and non-
legislative solutions that offer veterans access to non-VA care
when they live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility
incapable of providing medical services a veteran requires.
This report shall include utilization data of non-VA care under
the Program detailing the type of care (primary or specialty),
healthcare services, procedures, and treatments administered to
veterans by non-VA providers, and where geographically said
healthcare is provided. The report shall include a survey of
Community Based Outpatient Clinics and assess those capable and
incapable of offering primary care services. The Committee
recognizes VA may utilize title 38 section 1703 to permit
veterans access to care outside VA due to geographic
impediments, yet VA has not utilized this authority to augment
and complement the VACAA 40 mile rule. The Committee expects VA
to address this concern in the report and provide legal and
reasonable justification that prevents VA from utilizing title
38 authorities.
Vet Centers.--The Committee recommendation includes the
budget estimate of $243,000,000 for readjustment counseling at
Vet Centers. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers
that provide a wide range of social and psychological services.
These services include: professional readjustment counseling to
veterans and active duty servicemembers, counseling for the
victims of military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling for
families who experience an active duty death, substance abuse
assessments and referrals, VBA benefit information and
referrals to Regional Offices, and employment counseling.
Certain services also extend to the family members as a means
to assist in the readjustment for veterans and active duty
servicemembers. The Readjustment Counseling Service is composed
of over 2,200 employees in 300 Vet Centers, 80 Mobile Vet
Centers, and the Vet Center Combat Call Center. The Committee
remains strongly supportive of these programs and notes the
number of Vet Centers or Mobile Vet Centers is not expected to
increase despite an increasing workload. In fact, VA estimates
it will continue to operate the exact number of Vet Centers in
fiscal year 2017 as it did in fiscal year 2014. Moreover, when
existing law was changed to include eligibility for active duty
servicemembers, it was determined the vast majority of those in
the Reserve Components and the Guard were not eligible. The
Committee is aware legislation has been introduced which would
allow for expansion of eligibility to include the Reserve and
Guard. In order to properly plan for this potential expansion,
the Department is directed to undertake an evaluation of
current and future workload to determine whether more Vet
Centers or Mobile Vet Centers are needed. In addition, at Vet
Centers where active duty workload exceeds veteran workload, VA
should enter into discussions with DOD to determine if a
reimbursable memorandum of understanding is warranted. VA shall
submit details of this evaluation as well as what discussions
have occurred with DOD to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress no later than April 22, 2016.
Women Veterans.--The Committee believes VA must make better
progress in addressing the needs of women veterans. Toward this
end, the advance appropriation for fiscal year 2016 provided
last year and the fiscal year 2017 advance appropriation
included in the act fully fund gender-specific healthcare.
Access to and utilization of VA benefits and services by women
veterans remain low, with women often encountering cultural
roadblocks in a system that was largely designed to meet the
needs of male veterans. The Committee anticipates the results
of an ongoing system-wide review intended to determine what
type and number of healthcare workers the system should have to
address current and future demand of gender-specific care. This
review will help VA properly staff hospitals and clinics with
healthcare professionals providing gender-specific care and
lead to improved access for women veterans.
Last year, the Department was directed through the Women's
Health Service and the Center for Women Veterans to begin to
collect and analyze gender-specific data and to develop
programs and funding recommendations based on this data. VA was
also encouraged, in consultation with the Department of
Defense, to establish a women's working group within the VA/DOD
Joint Executive Committee aimed at creating or strengthening
transition programs which address female concerns and cultural
roadblocks so more women veterans access VA benefits and
services. The Department is directed to report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act on the status
of these efforts. To better assist women veterans and increase
their knowledge of the services and benefits to which they are
entitled, the Department is directed to continue the Women
Veterans Call Center. Additionally, in an effort to leverage
VA's existing local community partnerships, such as those for
homeless veterans, VA should establish support networks for
women veterans to assist in accessing healthcare, employment
services, financial counseling, and housing. Furthermore,
recent studies have shown servicewomen who experience sexual
assault while serving in the military are far more likely to
develop PTSD as compared to other female veterans. VA must be
prepared to provide these veterans with mental health services
designed to treat the effects of military sexual trauma. The
Department is directed to maximize the availability of mental
health services available to veterans who were victims of MST
and shall report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress semi-annually on these efforts.
MEDICAL SERVICES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $45,224,716,000
Advance appropriations, 2016............................ 47,603,202,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,124,197,000
House allowance, 2016................................... 971,554,000
Committee recommendation, 2016.......................... 1,124,197,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 51,673,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 51,673,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 51,673,000,000
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 2015, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $47,603,202,000 for fiscal year 2016. The
recommendation for fiscal year 2016 includes an additional
$1,124,197,000 as included in the budget request. In addition,
VA has the authority to retain co-payments and third-party
collections, estimated to total $2,445,000,000 in fiscal year
2016.
The Committee recommendation also includes an advance
appropriation of $51,673,000,000 for medical services for
fiscal year 2017. This is $4,069,798,000 above the level for
fiscal year 2016 and equal to the fiscal year 2017 budget
request.
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 return to their rural communities. The
Committee maintains its strong support for the Office of Rural
Health [ORH] and the Rural Health Initiative and recommends
$270,000,000 for the program in fiscal year 2016. The Committee
is aware ORH collaborates with other VA program offices,
Federal and State partners, and rural communities 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. The Committee
believes these partnerships are key to ensuring access to care
for veterans in rural and highly rural areas. In order to
ensure long term care and services are available, the Committee
directs ORH to work with rural and highly rural States to
determine the gaps that exist in long-term care and services in
rural areas. To help facilitate the establishment of more bed
space in underserved rural areas, bill language is included to
allow up to $20,000,000 to be transferred to the Grants for
Construction of State Extended Care Facilities.
Curing Hepatitis C Within the Veteran Population.--The
Committee includes language in the act that funds the treatment
of Hepatitis C within the VA system at no less than
$900,000,000 in fiscal year 2016. As previously mentioned in
the report, the Committee is aware the Department's request for
drug treatment costs in the fiscal year 2016 request was
inaccurate, and therefore, the Committee is directing more
funding be allotted with in the Medical Services account to
provide proper resources to address the need in fiscal year
2016. The Department is directed to provide quarterly updates
beginning at the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2016
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
detailing the expenditures and obligations of funding Hepatitis
C treatment to date in fiscal year 2016, the number of veterans
treated to date in fiscal year 2016, the number of veterans
deemed cured to date in fiscal year 2016, and the projection of
spending, new starts for drug treatment, and number of veterans
who will be cured in the next quarter. The first quarterly
report shall include this same data for all of fiscal year
2015.
Intermediate Care Technician Program.--The Committee
understands in many parts of the country VA facilities are
experiencing a shortage of healthcare providers. In January
2013, VA launched the Intermediate Care Technician [ICT]
program, which allows Army medics, Air Force medical
technicians, and Navy/Marine and Coast Guard Hospital Corpsmen
to go directly from active duty military service to work within
VHA as ICTs without undergoing additional licensure. This
highly successful program provided immediate employment
opportunities to highly trained veterans to care for other
veterans. The Committee directs the Department to expand this
program by 250 additional ICT positions for an additional 3
years.
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 have
been directed to fly thousands of miles to a VA medical center
within the continental United States, regardless of whether
adequate healthcare may exist within the State through a local
provider. The Committee remains concerned extensive travel
requirements, coupled with lengthy delays scheduling this
travel, create unusual hardships on Hawaii and Alaska veterans.
The Department 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.
Staffing of Alaska VA Healthcare System.--In its report to
accompany the fiscal year 2015 bill, the Committee made note of
the difficulties VA has encountered in finding a full time
physician to staff the Wasilla Community Based Outpatient
Clinic--a facility that should be assigned two full time
providers given its patient load. The Committee also
understands VA has faced challenges in maintaining consistent
staffing at its Fairbanks Community Based Outpatient Clinic. To
address gaps in primary care staffing in Anchorage and the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Alaska VA Healthcare System has
entered into agreements with the Alaska Neighborhood Health
Center and Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native health
provider, to take over a significant portion of its primary
care caseload. These are a few examples of the chronic
difficulties the Alaska VA Healthcare System faces in
maintaining consistent staffing. Recognizing these
difficulties, the Alaska VA Healthcare System is investigating
partnerships with medical schools to increase the number of
physicians who pursue postgraduate training in Alaska. The
reasoning behind this effort is physicians often decide to
permanently practice in the communities in which they are
trained. The Committee encourages VA to pursue this effort as
well as other proactive steps to ensure Alaska veterans receive
timely and appropriate healthcare. Toward this end, VA may also
wish to investigate whether to contract the operation of
particular Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Alaska to
components of the Alaska Native Healthcare System and Community
Health Centers which have the capacity to provide care to
Alaska veterans without compromising the service provided to
existing patients.
Access Received Closer to Home.--The Access Received Closer
to Home [ARCH] program has been successful in benefitting rural
and highly rural veterans in the States in which it operates.
Veteran Integrated Service Network [VISN] analysis demonstrates
more than 90 percent of veterans who received primary care
services through ARCH were ``completely satisfied'' with the
care and cited significantly shortened travel times. ARCH was
reauthorized in Section 104 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) for an additional 2
years, and VA was given the authority to expand the program
within the VISN in which it operates. Given its proven track
record, VA is urged to consider ARCH a model for establishing
and maintaining a cooperative and mutually beneficial
relationship with providers in local communities, which can
remove barriers to accessing care for veterans in rural and
highly rural areas. The Committee urges VA to consider the
administrative and cost efficiencies that may be gained from
working directly with local providers to administer the
program. The Committee is concerned VA does not intend to
expand the program within the VISNs in which it operates nor
intend to advocate extending ARCH beyond fiscal year 2017. The
Department is directed to provide a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180
days after enactment of this Act detailing the feasibility of
extending and expanding the ARCH program. The report must
include the internal VA process that determines whether a
veteran receives non-VA care through ARCH, the Choice Act, or
another fee care option. The report must include veteran
satisfaction survey data and utilization data. The report must
describe the healthcare services, procedures, and treatments
administered to veterans by non-VA providers and where
geographically said healthcare is being provided.
Affordable Housing for Low Income Veterans.--While
homelessness among veterans has decreased steadily over the
last several years, more must be done to ensure affordable
housing is available to low-income veterans transitioning into
permanent housing. The Committee is aware the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Secretary of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and Public Housing
Authorities, conducts outreach to landlords, property
management companies, and housing developers to improve the
availability of affordable housing to formerly homeless
veterans. There is concern, however, the effectiveness of this
outreach varies across the country. The Department is directed
to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act which outlines the type of outreach conducted and an
action plan to close any gaps identified.
Homelessness in Rural Areas.--The Committee recognizes
homelessness in rural areas differs from homelessness in more
urban areas, as do the means to combat it. The Department is
directed to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of
veterans in rural areas who are homeless or at-risk of becoming
homeless in order to better identify the homeless population in
these areas and its needs. This assessment shall also include
any recommendations the Department may have to improve the
housing stability of these veterans and to strengthen community
partnerships in order to achieve these goals. The Department is
directed to submit a report no later than 180 days after
enactment of this act detailing the assessment and the findings
of the assessment.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families and the Grant and
Per Diem Program.--Among the various programs essential to
continuing the success of ending veteran homelessness, the
Supportive Services for Veteran Families and the Grant and Per
Diem Program, are important. These two unique programs support
community-based organizations to provide critical services and
transitional housing for veterans and their families. These
programs provide important lifelines to veterans in need and
their families. Accordingly, the Committee directs the
Department to fund both of the programs at the fully authorized
level.
Natural Resource Conservation Management.--The Committee
includes language giving the Department the authority to
administer financial assistance grants and enter into
cooperative agreements in fiscal year 2016. The Committee is
aware there are a number of non-profit, local, and State-based
organizations capable of providing veterans with job training
and employment opportunities in the area of natural resource
conservation management. The Committee is further aware there
has been broad support to end veterans homelessness and
encourages VA to utilize the authority provided in this section
in a way that combines job training and employment
opportunities with the Department's continued commitment to
mitigate homelessness among at-risk veterans. Before entering
into any agreement, the Department is directed to create
metrics for the program to ensure success can be clearly
demonstrated and provide a report to the Committees of
jurisdiction of both Houses of Congress detailing this program.
Veterans Justice Outreach [VJO] Program.--The Committee
commends the Department for its efforts to support justice-
involved veterans. According to the Bureau of Justice
Statistics, 9.3 percent of people incarcerated in the United
States are veterans; 70 percent of these veterans are
incarcerated for a nonviolent offense. The Department reports
that 60 percent of incarcerated veterans suffer from substance
abuse, 30 percent from a serious mental illness, and 60 percent
from a major medical condition. Almost 50 percent of homeless
veterans have interacted with the criminal justice system.
The Department's VJO specialists provide outreach and case
management services to justice-involved veterans to help avoid
unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and substance
abuse. VJOs also work directly with local law enforcement and
court officials to help identify veteran-specific issues,
including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] and Traumatic
Brain Injury [TBI], and they connect eligible veterans with VA
treatment programs. To better understand the development of the
VJO program, the Committee requests the Department to report no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act on the
resources associated with this effort and the Department's
ability to meet current demand.
Access to Care for New Hampshire Veterans.--New Hampshire
is the only State in the continental United States that does
not have a full service VHA hospital, 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 have been
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 Choice Card
program, passed as part of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act, has significantly improved the availability
of healthcare options for veterans in States like New
Hampshire, Alaska, and Hawaii that do not have a full service
VHA hospital. Given the unique challenges facing veterans in
these States, the Committee requests the Department to report
no later than 180 days after the enactment of this act on the
feasibility and advisability of further extending Section
101(b)(2)(C) of Public Law 113-146.
National Centers for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.--The
Committee is concerned by ongoing issues with post-traumatic
stress disorder [PTSD] faced by servicemembers transitioning
into civilian life after active duty service in Iraq and
Afghanistan. While investments in the National Centers for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [NCPTSD] have successfully
improved the scientific understanding of PTSD, more must be
done to ensure research and treatment for PTSD continues at a
level commensurate with the needs of the population accessing
services through VA. The Department is directed to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act
detailing how PTSD research at the NCPTSD has been used to
inform care within the Department.
The Committee approves of the operational progress in the
establishment of the Brain Bank, a valuable resource in PTSD
research headquartered at the National Center's Executive
Division. Additionally, the Rural Veterans with PTSD Outreach
Program ensures access to care for underserved veterans in
rural communities by offering consultation services to non-VA
providers. The Committee directs NCPTSD be funded at no less
than $19,000,000, as outlined in the budget request.
Additionally, in order to ensure NCPTSD is appropriately
staffed, the Department is directed to report to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180
days after enactment of this act on the current and projected
staffing levels, including those for the Brain Bank and rural
outreach program, to ensure VA continues to advance the
research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis,
and treatment of PTSD.
Nursing Handbook.--The Committee understands the VHA
Nursing Handbook is currently under review. The Committee
encourages 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 requests VHA ensure changes to its
handbooks do not conflict with other handbooks already in place
within VHA.
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
Formularies.--In order to ensure continuity of care and to
better understand where gaps exist in terms of medications used
to treat behavioral health conditions, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of VA and
DOD's formularies. The results of this review shall be used to
develop a plan to rectify any gaps identified. The Department
is directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180
days after enactment of this act detailing the results of the
review.
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 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 VHA to explore cost effective
opportunities to grow the workforce pipeline in order to ensure
a future orthotic and prosthetic workforce necessary for the
Nation's new generation of veterans. The Department is directed
to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act detailing its findings.
Hepatitis B.--The Committee is aware hepatitis B, if left
untreated, may lead to advanced liver disease, liver cancer,
and the need for liver transplants, placing a greater financial
burden on the veterans healthcare system. Given the high rates
of viral hepatitis infections among Vietnam Era veterans, the
Committee urges an aggressive and targeted outreach program
consistent with CDC's viral hepatitis testing and treatment
recommendations to identify veterans with Hepatitis B and to
facilitate and encourage treatment for those identified with
the disease.
Home and Community Based Services.--The Committee supports
the Department's efforts to broaden veterans' options regarding
long-term care support and services. The Committee notes the
positive results of pilot programs such as the Veterans
Independence Program, a veterans-directed Home and Community
Based Services [HCBS] grant program administered jointly by VA
and the Department of Health and Human Services [HHS]. The
Committee encourages enhanced cooperation with HHS to expand
and grow these programs. The Department is directed to submit a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act on
the cost avoidance associated with these various non-
institutional care programs. The report should include
information on the demand for HCBS among the veteran
population, the number of veterans currently being served by
HCBS, and 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 programs prior to
national expansion to leverage coordination with HHS. The
report should also detail the Department's efforts to
coordinate with HHS on HCBS in future years. Given mandatory
eligibility for certain types of care is associated with
disability levels adjudicated by VBA, this report should offer
some strategies for streamlining the claims process for
veterans requiring long-term care.
Veteran Suicide.--The Committee remains concerned about the
alarming prevalence of suicide among veterans. The Department
is directed to submit a report no later than 180 days from
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.
Mental and Behavioral Health Providers.--In 2006, Congress
authorized the employment of licensed professional mental
health counselors [LPMHC] and marriage and family therapists
[MFT] by VA. However, the two professions comprise less than 1
percent of the VA behavioral health workforce despite
representing 40 percent of the overall independent practice
behavioral health workforce in the United States. As part of
the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 and
the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act of 2015, VA has the
ability to recruit and hire additional behavioral healthcare
providers to serve veterans suffering from invisible wounds of
war. The Committee notes VA has made progress with hiring
providers in this field, however, LPMHC and MFT professionals
remain under represented. The Department is directed to report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
no later than 180 days after enactment of this act on the
status of hiring additional LPMHC and MFT professionals and
detailing how many are currently enrolled and planned to be
enrolled in VA's mental health professionals trainee program.
The report should explain the eligibility criteria for LPMHC
and MFT professionals as compared to other behavioral health
professions, and the VA objectives, goals, and timing
associated with increasing LPMHC and MFT representation in the
behavioral health workforce.
Recruitment and Retention of Mental Health Providers.--The
Committee notes persistent issues for VA health facilities in
recruiting and retaining mental health providers in the face of
national provider shortages and a highly competitive
environment. Among different mental health provider types, the
highest national vacancy rate was in psychiatry with 14.2
percent of positions unfilled. The Committee encourages the
Department to consider the expanded use of physician assistants
[PAs] specializing in psychiatric care to address the mental
health provider gap. PAs provide high quality, cost-effective
medical care and are held to the same standard of healthcare
deliver as their physician colleagues. Furthermore, the
Department is directed to review and report to Congress a plan
to improve recruitment and retention initiatives for PAs,
including consideration of including PAs in the Locality Pay
System, implementing recruitment and retention tools targeting
the Education Debt Reduction Program [EDRP] and the Employee
Incentive Scholarship Program [EISP] to consistently include
PAs, mandating that VHA list all midlevel provider positions
for both PAs and Nurse Practitioners, maximizing the authority
and instructions in Titles III and VIII of the Veterans Access,
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, Public Law 113-146, to
develop an optimal PA workforce.
Locum Tenens Physicians.--The Committee recognizes VA
facilities across the nation often rely upon assistance from
temporarily assigned locum tenens physicians. The Committee
understands the use of locum tenens professionals at VA
facilities enables a flexible staffing structure and allows
responsiveness to changing patient population demands. Further,
the VA's locum tenens system, in which a physician with a
current license in at least one state may work in any VA
facility, has been a normal staffing practice of VA for
decades. The Committee urges VA, in conjunction with the Drug
Enforcement Administration, to resolve any alleged regulatory
issues concerning prescription drug issues for locum tenens
professionals to ensure veterans have access to needed high
quality local VA healthcare.
Infectious Disease Screening.--The Committee applauds VHA
for developing electronic clinical reminders for recommended
HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis screenings and urges VHA to
implement these reminders in appropriate settings. To further
improve screening rates, the Committee urges VHA to offer
support to VISNs to implement recommended screening, including
innovative strategies like point-of-care testing.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Gulf War
Illness.--The Committee is pleased with the Department's plan
to address Gulf War Illness, including how it relates to
functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Department is
directed to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after
enactment of this act detailing the progress made in
implementing this plan.
Guide Dogs and Other Service Animals.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of guide dogs and other service
animals to veterans and encourages the Department to ensure
veterans receiving VA medical care are not prohibited from
bringing a covered service dog or other service animal into a
medical facility of the Department, including with respect to
staying overnight. The Department may prescribe regulations to
ensure the safety and health of employees of the Department,
patients, and the public, including by requiring a patient
maintain responsibility for the covered service dog or other
service animal.
The Clay Hunt SAV Act.--The Committee urges the Department
to implement the pilot program on community outreach
established in the Clay Hunt SAV Act, Public Law 114-2. The
pilot program requires no less than five Veterans Integrated
Service Networks [VISN] that have a large population of
veterans to include: (1) a community oriented veteran peer
support network carried out in partnership with an entity that
has experience in peer support programs, and (2) a community
outreach team for each medical center in each VISN. The
Department is directed to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180
days enactment of this act detailing these efforts.
Opioid Safety Initiative.--To help address the prescription
drug abuse and overdose epidemic, the Committee directs VA, in
consultation with the Department of Defense [DOD], to update
the Clinical Practice Guideline [CPG] for the Management of
Opioid Therapy [OT] for Chronic Pain and adopt the safe opioid
prescribing guidelines for chronic, non-cancer pain in
outpatient settings developed by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention [CDC]. Upon release of CDC's safe opioid
prescribing guidelines in fiscal year 2016, the Department is
instructed to include such guidelines and release an updated
CPG for the management of OT no later than December 31, 2016.
The Committee fully supports the Department's efforts to
reduce the use of opioids to treat pain, including the Opioid
Safety Initiative [OSI] and the Opioid Therapy Risk Report
tool. However, to help reduce rates of opioid addiction and
fatal overdose, it is critical that real-time data is available
at the individual prescriber and pharmacist level as well as
the pharmacy management level to prevent inappropriate
prescribing before it occurs. The Committee directs VHA in
coordination with the Office of Information Technology to
develop and deploy mechanisms for including real-time patient
information on existing opioid prescriptions within VHA as well
as patient controlled substances prescription information in
the state prescription drug monitoring program. Such mechanisms
should also alert a provider or pharmacist in real-time that an
opioid or benzodiazepine prescription would be inappropriate
and protect against ``double-prescribing'' when an in-patient
continues to receive take-home opioid prescriptions despite
being treated with opioids at a VA facility. The Committee
further directs VHA to submit information on controlled
substance prescriptions to state prescription drug monitoring
programs.
In addition, to ensure VA providers are not prescribing
opioids for mental health treatment, compliant with joint VA-
DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines and to improve the DOD-VA
transition, the Committee directs VA, in consultation with DOD,
to establish within the DOD-VA Joint Executive Council [JEC] a
working group focused on patient pain management and opioid
therapy. This working group should build on the work of
existing relevant working groups, including those on Evidence
Based Guidelines, Mental Health, Patient Safety, and Pharmacy,
and cover, at minimum, opioid prescribing practices, acute and
chronic pain management, complementary and integrative health,
and the concurrent use of opioids and prescription drugs used
to treat mental health issues, including benzodiazepines.
Further, it is critical all VA medical facilities have the
resources, necessary equipment, and supplies to help reduce the
number of opioid-related overdose deaths and adverse events. As
such, the Committee instructs VA to ensure all VA medical
facilities are equipped with approved opioid receptor
antagonists, such as naloxone, an opioid antagonist that
reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory
depression, within 90 days of enactment of this act. The
Committee urges VA to further ensure providers and pharmacists
at every medical facility receive updated education on the use
of approved opioid receptor antagonists, such as naloxone and
other overdose death prevention strategies. The Committee fully
supports VA's Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution
[OEND] program which distributes naloxone take-home kit
prescriptions to at-risk patients and provides training on the
proper naloxone administration technique and how to prevent,
recognize, and respond to an opioid overdose. In recognition of
the program's initial success, the Committee encourages VA to
accelerate and expand the OEND program to ensure all patients
at-risk for opioid overdose have access to a naloxone kit.
Lastly, to strengthen oversight, the Committee directs the
Government Accountability Office, in consultation with VA, to
report to Congress on the effectiveness of the VA Opioid Safety
Initiative and overall opioid prescribing practices throughout
the VA system. This report shall include recommendations on
improvements to the Opioid Safety Initiative, deaths involving
veterans prescribed opioids, overall opioid prescription rates,
and indications at all VA facilities, including facilities and
prescribers that are among the top 10 percent in the nation
regarding the percent of their patient population receiving
opioids, and the average dose per patient. In addition, the
report shall note the use of benzodiazepines and opioid
concomitantly and their prescription rates and indications
along with facilities and prescribers that are among the top 10
percent in the nation regarding the percent of their patient
population receiving opioids and the average dose per patient.
Caregivers.--The Committee notes the robust usage of the
post-9/11 Caregiver program with its more than 20,000 approved
applications, as well as the consistent positive reviews by
caregiver families stating the program's stipend, respite care,
formal training, and support structure as critical components
of its success. Given the demonstrated success of the program,
the Committee encourages VA to ensure caregiver coordinators at
each VA medical center are fully resourced and, to the maximum
extent possible, assigned designated caregiver duties as their
chief and only responsibility. In addition, the Committee
encourages 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 DOD in order to share best
practices. The Committee recognizes 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 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, including
future data collection. The Department is directed to provide a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act and
every 6 months thereafter detailing its plan and the survey
findings.
Pain Management Boards.--In an effort to reduce the use of
opioids for chronic pain and increase the use of complementary
and alternative medicine, the Committee encourages VHA to
establish Pain Management Boards [the Boards] within each
Veterans Integrated Service Network [VISN]. The Boards should
be comprised of healthcare professionals and clinical patients
and/or family members of a clinical patient. The Boards would
serve as a resource for the region's facilities, patients, and
family members; provide best practices recommendations for pain
management to VA facilities within its region, including
patient, family member, and medical perspectives; and, provide
an annual report to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs about
pain management practices within its region, which would then
be sent to Congress. The Department is directed to report to
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act on the
feasibility of establishing such Boards.
Fertility Treatment.--The nature of the current military
conflict and increasing use of improvised explosive devices has
left some servicemembers with blast injuries that include
spinal cord injury and trauma to the reproductive and urinary
tracts. The Committee is concerned about the care and level of
services provided for these injured servicemembers after they
return home, and notes currently there is not parity between
DOD and VA treatment of servicemembers with these injuries. The
Committee directs VA 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 the scope and the
extent of veterans facing infertility issues due to service
connected injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom
[OIF] and Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF].
Fee-Based Medical Care.--The Committee is aware VA has
several mechanisms to provide medical care to veterans outside
of the VA healthcare system. As noted in a May 11, 2015,
Congressional Research Service [CRS] analysis, ``Implementation
of the Veterans Choice Program [VCP],'' these programs fall
into three broad categories--contracts to purchase care, non-
contracted medical care purchased on a fee-for-service basis
from area providers, and emergency care when required. CRS
estimates VA spent approximately $7 billion in 2014, prior to
enactment of the Veterans Choice Program, for fee-based medical
care. As CRS noted, VA's existing fee-based care programs were
developed at various times in response to specific
requirements, resulting in overlapping and sometimes
contradictory eligibility requirements. The Committee is
concerned over the apparent lack of coordination among the use
of these programs and the potential for funding imbalances
which could lead to shortfalls in some programs and surpluses
in others. The Department is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within
60 days of enactment of this act providing: (1) a description
of each of the existing statutory authorities and programs,
including the Veterans Choice Act, through which VA can provide
medical care to veterans outside of the VA health care system;
(2) an explanation of the reimbursement rate to providers for
each of the programs; (3) the amount of funding projected to be
required for each of the programs funded under the Department's
discretionary budget authority for fiscal years 2015 through
2017; (4) the amount of funds expended in each of the programs,
excluding the Veterans Choice Act, in fiscal years 2013 and
2014; and (5) a plan establishing a policy to coordinate the
administration and use of all of the Department's fee-based
care authorities.
MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,879,700,000
Advance appropriations, 2016............................ 6,144,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 69,961,000
House allowance, 2016...................................................
Committee recommendation, 2016..........................................
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 6,524,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 6,524,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 6,524,000,000
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 2016 and 2017 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 2015, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $6,144,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 for the
Medical Support and Compliance account. The Committee
recommendation includes an advance appropriation of
$6,524,000,000 for Medical support and compliance for fiscal
year 2017.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $4,739,000,000
Advance appropriations, 2016............................ 4,915,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 105,132,000
House allowance, 2016...................................................
Committee recommendation, 2016..........................................
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2017............ 5,074,000,000
House allowance, advance appropriation, 2017............ 5,074,000,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2017... 5,074,000,000
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 2015, the Committee provided an advance
appropriation of $4,915,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 for the
Medical Facilities account. The Committee recommendation
includes an advance appropriation of $5,074,000,000 for Medical
facilities for fiscal year 2017.
MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $588,922,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 621,813,000
House allowance......................................... 621,813,000
Committee recommendation................................ 621,813,000
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 $621,813,000 for the Medical and
Prosthetic Research account. This is $32,891,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 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,
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 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.
Toxic Exposures.--The Committee wants to ensure VA is
actively researching the residual impact to veterans of Agent
Orange and other toxic exposures, such as oil well fires and
burn pits. The Department is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act detailing
ongoing activities and future plans for research into residual
exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins.
C-123 Planes and Possible Exposure to Dioxin.--The
Committee is aware of the Institute of Medicine [IOM] study of
exposure to herbicide by servicemembers who served on Fairchild
UC-123 ``Provider'' (C-123) aircraft post-Vietnam war. The
report, commissioned by VA, states with confidence these
servicemembers were exposed to potentially dangerous levels of
dioxin. Given IOM's recent finding, the Department is directed
to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress within 14 days of enactment of this act on plans to
provide appropriate care and benefits to servicemembers who
flew or worked on C-123 planes that carried and sprayed Agent
Orange and to revisit past and existing related claims
previously denied.
Health Conditions of Descendants.--The Committee believes
research and evidence is deficient regarding the potential
connection of health conditions of descendants of veterans who
were exposed to toxic substances during their service in the
Armed Services--such as Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War
neurotoxins, burn pits in Iraq, and other chemicals from
conflicts or contingencies overseas. Many of the symptoms from
toxic exposure are misdiagnosed in descendants of veterans
because of a lack of understanding and scientific proof.
Veterans have observed increased levels of cancers, birth
defects, and other medical conditions in their subsequent
generations. The evidence of health conditions in the progeny
of service members who were exposed to toxic substances is
mounting, and the Committee believes research is warranted to
collect data and study this paradigm.
Respiratory Illnesses.--The Department is directed to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act on the current status and findings of the Airborne
Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, as well as information on
other research and development activities the Department is
conducting to explore the potential health risks of
environmental exposures in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly
as they relate to respiratory illnesses such as chronic cough,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive
bronchiolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The Department should
include any research and surveillance efforts that evaluate the
current incidence and prevalence of respiratory illnesses among
service members and veterans.
Assistive Technology.--Whether because of age or injury,
the Committee is aware veterans have a need for accessible,
dependable, and affordable tools to overcome barriers to
engagement, employment, and independent living. The continued
development of 3D printing and other technological advances has
the potential to make development and adaptation of devices
faster and more affordable. The Department is urged to begin a
pilot program to develop a more innovative and end-user
friendly design-to-delivery process for assistive technology.
In this effort, VA should work with research institutions with
a multi-disciplinary approach that includes rehabilitation
specialists, industrial designers, computer engineers, clinical
specialists, and disability-specific support organizations.
MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY COLLECTIONS
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,456,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,445,000,000
House allowance......................................... 2,445,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,445,000,000
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND--REVENUES APPLIED
Appropriations, 2015.................................... -$2,456,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... -2,445,000,000
House allowance......................................... -2,445,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -2,445,000,000
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 $2,445,000,000 in fiscal year 2016.
Third Party Billing.--The Committee again notes the large
amount of third party health billings that go uncollected each
year. The Committee believes procedures to provide for correct
billing and prompt collection must improve at VA. Therefore,
the Department is directed 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 owed to VA in fiscal year 2015 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.
Third Party Fee Collection.--The Committee is concerned
about the resulting loss of collections from third party
insurers for non-service connected care as veterans receive
more care at non-VA facilities. Purchased care has grown from
$3 billion in fiscal year 2008 to $7 billion in fiscal year
2014. The level of fee-based care is expected to continue to
increase. In 2011, OIG identified shortcomings in the
Department's non-VA fee care processes and estimated $110
million annually in third party payments were not being
recouped. Since that time, action plans implemented by VA have
not produced a material improvement in non-VA fee care
collections, and the identified shortcomings still exist. The
Committee believes a comprehensive solution to the non-VA fee
care issue is necessary to realize full collection potential
and create structure that can best accommodate recent and
future non-VA fee care growth. The Department is directed to
initiate within 90 days after the enactment of this act a pilot
program in one Veteran Integrated Service Network [VISN] that
shall last 18 months. The Department shall choose through a
fair and open competition a non-government entity with
substantial private sector revenue cycle management experience
to conduct the pilot. The objective of such a pilot is to
review and report current state business processes, the impacts
of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014
(Public Law 113-146), and implement improvements necessary to
identify and execute actions to correct current gaps in non-VA
care fee collection. The pilot shall further demonstrate a
business case analysis focused on process standardization,
staff education and training, and consistent system
applications throughout the VISN health system that may result
in an increase in reimbursement to VA from non-VA fee care. The
business case shall provide recommendations in the following
areas: improved tracking of patient information, increased
collections to increase revenue, improving tracking of unbilled
claims to the private sector, operations efficiencies within
non-VA care, and the tracking and continuity of care. At the
conclusion of the pilot, VA shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the financial and
operational results of the pilot along with a plan for
expanding the improvements beyond the pilot and shall include a
point-of-view on consolidating non-VA care insurance
identification, billing, and collection activities within VISNs
or regions.
National Cemetery Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $256,800,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 266,220,000
House allowance......................................... 266,220,000
Committee recommendation................................ 266,220,000
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.
Policies Regarding Headstones and Markers for Deceased
Veterans.--The Committee is aware the Department furnishes
headstones and markers for the graves of eligible veterans in
any cemetery in the world. This benefit ensures veterans are
remembered for their dedicated sacrifices to the country. The
Department must ensure its policies adequately address deceased
veterans who lack next-of-kin to request this benefit on their
behalf. The NCA is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no
later than 180 days after enactment of this act detailing
current policies and procedures regarding this issue and
highlighting any problems in ensuring eligible veterans receive
appropriate headstones and markers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $266,220,000 for the National
Cemetery Administration. This is an increase of $9,420,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
The Committee has included bill language to make available
through September 30, 2017, up to $26,600,000 of the National
Cemetery Administration appropriation.
Departmental Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $8,177,894,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 9,087,406,000
House allowance......................................... 8,401,906,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,911,482,000
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 $8,911,482,000 for Departmental
Administration. The amount is composed of $321,591,000 for
General administration; $107,884,000 for the Board of Veterans
Appeals; $2,697,734,000 for General operating expenses,
veterans benefits administration; $4,106,363,000 for
Information technology systems; $126,766,000 for the Office of
the Inspector General; $1,027,064,000 for Construction, major
projects; $378,080,000 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.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $321,591,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 346,659,000
House allowance......................................... 324,959,000
Committee recommendation................................ 321,591,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The General Administration account provides funding for the
Office of the Secretary, six assistant secretaries, and three
independent staff offices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $321,591,000 for General
Administration. This amount is equal to the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $25,068,000 below the budget request. The
Committee has included bill language to make available through
September 30, 2017, up to $12,141,000 for General
Administration.
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 Department is directed to provide a
report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act
detailing the Franchise Fund business plan for fiscal year
2016. This plan should include a list of services, customers,
overhead expenses, funds collected for services, and the
unobligated balance from the previous fiscal year.
Security at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities.--
Intelligent policing solutions such as Smart Policing, real-
time data analytics, and data-driven law enforcement are being
widely embraced by State and local law enforcement entities
nationwide. Security at VA hospitals must be handled in an
intelligent way because they face several unique challenges.
The population of patients served is composed of a large number
of people dealing with a variety of mental health problems,
including PTSD. Campuses are often located in urban areas in
order to be accessible to veterans. The safety of physicians,
nurses, and staff at VA hospitals is a top priority for the
Department. There must be a balance between controlling and
monitoring access to the facilities while not preventing
veterans from accessing the care they need. The Committee looks
forward to receiving a report from the Office of Security and
Law Enforcement assessing the physical security at hospitals
nationwide. The Committee expects to be kept apprised of how VA
plans to implement the recommendations of that report and how
intelligent policing solutions can enhance the security of
hospital facilities.
BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $99,294,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 107,884,000
House allowance......................................... 109,884,000
Committee recommendation................................ 107,884,000
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 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 $107,884,000 for the Board of
Veterans Appeals, which is $8,590,000 above fiscal year 2015
enacted level and equal to the budget request.
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES, VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,534,254,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,697,734,000
House allowance......................................... 2,702,734,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,697,734,000
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 $2,697,734,000 for General
Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration, which is
$163,480,000 above fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to
the budget request. The Committee has included bill language to
make available through September 30, 2017, up to $134,800,000
for General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration.
Claims Processing.--The Committee recommendation fully
funds the Department's request for the General Operating
Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration account. The
Committee notes that within the $163,480,000 increase over
fiscal year 2015 the Department plans to hire 770 new personnel
aimed at bolstering efforts to improve all aspects of the
claims process. Over the past several years, VBA has focused on
reducing the overall claims backlog for new and supplemental
claims. While the Department has made significant improvement,
the Committee believes VBA must guard against recurring
backlogs and begin addressing the timeliness of the appellate
process. The Committee fully supports the Department's request
for 200 new appeals processors, 320 non-rating claims
processors, 85 fiduciary field examiners, and 165 support
personnel. To ensure each Regional Office is appropriately
staffed, the Department is directed to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on
current and future staffing levels for each Regional Office.
Further, the Committee believes proper management oversight
should be in place within each Regional Office. Therefore, the
Department shall include in the report plans to ensure Regional
Offices, particularly those with 100 or more employees, have
on-site directors. In addition, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall refresh the VA Strategic Plan to Transform the
Appeal Process. This strategic plan should include the
requirements outlined in Senate Report 113-48 that was
referenced by the Joint Explanatory Statement that accompanied
Public Law 113-235, the Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act of 2015, and shall include a description, to
include objective measurements and performance results, of the
appeals modernization initiative, which is designed to speed
the processing of appeals and improve the accuracy of
decisions. Further, in addition to initiatives that lead to
improved employee performance, the strategic plan shall also
outline possible administrative reforms of the policies and
procedures governing the adjudication of appeals, which may
lead to more timely and accurate decisions including an
estimate of the anticipated gains in efficiency (improved
timeliness and accuracy) as a result of such administrative
reform. The Secretary shall submit this report to Congress no
later than 90 days after enactment of this act.
The Committee continues to believe 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 QRTs perform follow-up spot
audits in Regional Offices that have undergone challenge
training to ensure quality standards are being met.
Additionally, VA must ensure 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
Department submit quarterly reports which shall 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 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 shall 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 2016.
Fully Developed Claims.--The Committee is concerned when
the Department's authority to issue retroactive effective dates
for disability compensation claims that are fully developed
expires on August 6, 2015, the progress in reducing the claims
backlog via the Fully Developed Claims program will be
reversed. VA's goal of processing all claims within 125 days
with 98 percent accuracy in 2015 has not yet been reached. The
Committee strongly supports VA's Fully Developed Claims program
and urges VA to continue utilizing the program. Additionally,
for original disability compensation claims filed via the Fully
Developed Claim program, the Committee urges the VA to award
provisional benefits to claimants if VA fails to issue a final
decision within 180 days.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $3,903,344,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 4,133,363,000
House allowance......................................... 4,039,563,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,106,363,000
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 $4,106,363,000 for the Information
Technology Systems account. This amount is $203,019,000 above
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $27,000,000 below the
budget request. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,115,757,000 for staff salaries and expenses, $2,512,863,000
for operation and maintenance of existing programs, and
$477,743,000 for program development. Additionally, the
Committee directs a transfer of $27,000,000 from MCCF to
project development for development of the Medical Care
Collections Fund electronic data exchange provider and payer
system.
The Committee has appropriated the Information Technology
Systems account as three subaccounts. This funding structure
enhances the Committee's ability to ensure 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 the IT projects currently underway, as
well as the projects planned for the future, have the resources
needed for success.
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.
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 2016 Committee
Project budget request recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Healthcare................ 28,970 28,970
Healthcare Efficiency IT Development 6,660 6,660
Electronic Health Record [EHR] 25,000 25,000
Interoperability and VLER Health...
VistA Evolution..................... 81,900 81,900
New Models of Care.................. 25,430 25,430
Veterans Benefits Management System 86,000 86,000
[VBMS].............................
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record 10,000 10,000
[VLER].............................
Veterans Relationship Management 73,333 73,333
[VRM]..............................
VHA Research IT Support Development. 12,250 12,250
Other IT Systems Development........ 155,200 *128,200
-----------------------------------
Total Development............. 504,743 477,743
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The Committee directs a transfer to ``Other IT System Development'' of
$27,000,000 to provide for the development of the MCCF electronic data
exchange provider and payer system (sec. 215).
Electronic Health Records.--As mentioned previously in the
report, the Committee remains concerned about the development
of VA's electronic health record [EHR] and believes it
necessary to monitor VA's progress, including its obligations
and expenditures, as it pursues its VistA Evolution program.
The Committee again includes language in the act limiting
obligation or expenditure of information technology development
funding for VistA Evolution to 25 percent of funds provided
until the Department submits to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and such Committees
approve, a report that describes: (1) the status of and any
changes to the VistA Evolution program plan [Plan], the revised
VistA 4 product roadmap [Roadmap], and the VistA 4 Incremental
Life Cycle Cost Estimate; (2) any changes to the scope or
functionality of projects within VistA Evolution as established
in the Plan; (3) actual program costs incurred to date; (4)
progress in meeting the schedule milestones established in the
Plan; (5) a Project Management Accountability System [PMAS]
Dashboard progress report that identifies each VistA Evolution
project being tracked through PMAS, what functionality it is
intended to provide, and what evaluation scores it has received
throughout development; (6) the definition being used for
interoperability between the electronic health record systems
of DOD and VA, the metrics to measure the extent of
interoperability, the milestones and timeline associated with
achieving interoperability, and the baseline measurement
associated with interoperability; (7) progress toward
developing and implementing all components and levels of
interoperability; (8) the change management tools in place to
facilitate the implementation of VistA Evolution and
interoperability; and (9) any changes in the governance
structure for VistA Evolution and its chain of decision-making
authority.
Additionally, the Department is directed to continue to
provide quarterly briefings to the Committees on Appropriations
of both Houses of Congress regarding schedule, milestones, and
obligations. The Committee understands VA is committed to
developing VistA Evolution under 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.
The DOD/VA Interagency Program Office is directed to
continue to provide briefings to the Committees on a quarterly
basis regarding standards development and how those standards
are being incorporated by both Departments. In an effort to
ensure government-wide accountability, the Committee also
directs VA, in coordination with 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.
The Committee understands one of the goals of VistA
Evolution is to create a more patient-centered enterprise-wide
information system that will promote integration and
efficiency. The Committee urges VA to prioritize efficiency and
streamline the patient experience by expediting the VistA
Evolution modernization effort.
When the Secretaries of the DOD and VA announced in
February 2013 the two Departments would move forward in
modernizing their respective EHRs instead of developing a
single, integrated system, they provided assurances the systems
would be interoperable. Therefore, the fiscal year 2014
National Defense Authorization Act directed the Departments to
use a data dictionary--a tool that promotes interoperability by
allowing information entered with different terminologies on
different EHR systems to be accurately interpreted and
understood by healthcare providers--when no national standard
for interoperability exists. Because interoperability of the
two systems is a mandate from Congress, the Committee directs
VA and DOD to make as rapid progress as possible on the
congressionally-mandated requirement to use a data dictionary
(unless or until a national standard exists) and commit funds
from available recourses to support the implementation of such
a system.
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record.--Virtual Lifetime
Electronic Record [VLER] Health Exchange allows VA providers to
request and share certain parts of veteran health records with
DOD and selected private healthcare providers in a secure
electronic environment. The Department is directed to continue
expanding efforts to address electronic health record
interoperability issues that exist between VA and private
healthcare providers. The Committee is aware VA continues to
pilot this effort in several areas throughout the country and
encourages the Department to prioritize the expansion of this
capability to VA sites in states with designated Regional
Health Information Organizations.
Information Security.--The Committee is concerned by
persistent findings of significant material weaknesses in VA's
information technology systems. At a time when health data is
one of the biggest targets for cyber theft, VA must ensure a
vigilant and aggressive cybersecurity posture and culture
enterprise-wide. The Department is directed to submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
no later than 180 days after enactment of this act outlining
VA's plan to close out all of its significant material
weaknesses within the next 2 years. Further, the Committee
directs VA to expand the use of third-party information
security operation reviews in order to provide additional
protection against threats.
Pharmacy Information Technology Systems.--The fiscal year
2003 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 107-314, 10
USC 1074 note), section 724, required VA and DOD to establish
an interoperable pharmacy data transaction system by October 1,
2005. The Committee is concerned VA has failed to comply with
section 724 and does not possess an interoperable pharmacy data
transaction system, and the absence of that system inhibits the
timely and accurate transition of servicemembers and their
records from DOD to VA. The Committee is also concerned the
pharmacy division of the Veterans Health Administration [VHA]
is not part of an integrated healthcare system consistent with
the best practices of the healthcare industry. Additionally,
the Committee is concerned VHA has failed to acquire needed
information technology capabilities and modernize existing
information technology within the pharmacy division of VHA.
Within existing VHA pharmacy information technology systems,
the Committee is concerned VHA pharmacies are not networked and
data is not able to be viewed, shared, and transferred amongst
the many VHA pharmacies located throughout the United States
and its territories, which in turn may lead to waste, fraud,
and abuse. The Comptroller General is directed 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
assessing whether VA has complied with section 724 of the
fiscal year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act and
currently possesses a functioning pharmacy data transaction
system that is interoperable with DOD, and whether this system,
or absence thereof, is impacting servicemembers who transition
care from DOD to VA. The Comptroller General shall also assess
the extent to which VHA pharmacy information technology systems
are networked across the VHA enterprise so data can be viewed,
shared, and transferred amongst the many VHA pharmacy
locations. Finally, the report shall assess whether the
pharmacy division of VHA has acquired and modernized
information technology systems in accordance with the best
practices of the healthcare industry to include an electronic
prescription capability, prescription monitoring capability,
and other technologies deemed relevant.
Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next
Generation.--The Committee remains interested in the pending
Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation
[T4NG] procurement and notes the T4NG program is a significant
and complex VA information technology expenditure. It is
important for VA to carefully consider a broad range of vendors
during the procurement process in order to maximize
competition, minimize continuity risks, procure experienced
talent, and ensure good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Therefore, the Department is urged to extend the number of
large business awards for those not reserved for particular
categories of vendors in order to maximize its consideration of
emerging technologies and minimize the risk to veterans from
significant contractor support turnover.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $126,411,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 126,766,000
House allowance......................................... 131,766,000
Committee recommendation................................ 126,766,000
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.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.--On January 22, 2014,
VHA issued Directive 1031 establishing a policy for the
implementation and maintenance of Antimicrobial Stewardship
Programs at all VHA facilities. Rates of antimicrobial
resistance in hospitals continue to rise despite efforts to
control the spread. As the directive states, ``infection with
resistant organisms is associated with increased mortality,
excess hospital days, and increased healthcare costs.'' While
the Committee commends the Department for developing the policy
guidance, there is concern that implementation of the
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs may vary from facility to
facility. Therefore, the Office of Inspector General is
directed to conduct a review of the efforts to implement these
programs at VHA facilities in order to determine to what extent
VHA is taking sufficient and consistent steps to improve
antibiotic use and reduce antibiotic-resistant infections,
including those priority pathogens identified in the
President's National Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial-Resistant
Bacteria. In addition, the review shall also include an
evaluation of VHA's efforts to collect and analyze data on
antibiotic use and resistance. The results of this review shall
be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses
of Congress no later than September 30, 2016.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $126,766,000 for the Office of
Inspector General. This is $355,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and equal to the budget request. The Committee
has included bill language to make available through September
30, 2017, up to $12,676,000 for the Office of the Inspector
General.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $561,800,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,143,800,000
House allowance......................................... 561,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,027,064,000
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 $1,027,064,000
for the construction of major projects. This is $465,264,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $116,736,000 below
the budget request.
The following table reflects the President's budget request
for major construction projects and the corresponding Committee
recommendations.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 REQUEST--VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION [VHA] PROJECTS
[Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2016 Project Future cost
Total ----------------------------- total -------------------------- Estimated completion
Priority Location Description Status already Budget Committee estimated date
funded request recommendation cost [TEC] (dollars) (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 St Louis (JB), MO Medical Facility In construction......... 242,000 90,100 90,100 366,500 34,400 9.4 August 2018
Improvements & Cemetery
Expansion.
2 Louisville, KY New Medical Facility.... Early design............ 75,000 75,000 75,000 925,000 775,000 83.8 January 2019
3 American Lake, WA Seismic Corrections-- Construction documents.. 5,260 11,000 11,000 161,700 145,440 89.9 June 2017
Bldg 81, Renov. Bldg
81AC and 18 and
Construct new Specialty
Care Building 201.
4 San Francisco, CA Seismic Retrofit/Replace Construction documents.. 22,480 158,000 158,000 346,700 166,220 47.9 January 2019
Buildings 1, 6, 8 and
12.
5 West Los Angeles, CA Seismic Correction--12 In construction......... 70,500 35,000 35,000 370,800 265,300 71.5 June 2017
Build- ings.
6 Long Beach, CA Seismic Corrections-- Construction documents.. 126,100 161,000 161,000 317,300 30,200 9.5 September 2019
Mental Health and
Community Living Center.
7 Alameda, CA Outpatient Clinic and Construction documents.. 17,332 70,000 70,000 240,200 152,868 63.6 December 2019
National Cemetery
(Columbarium).
8 Livermore, CA Realignment and Closure Early design............ 55,430 139,000 139,000 415,600 221,170 53.2 December 2018
of Livermore Campus.
9 Perry Point, MD Replacement Community Construction documents.. 9,000 83,700 83,700 92,700 ........... ........... April 2018
Living Center.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ........................ ........................ 623,102 822,800 822,800 3,236,500 1,790,598 55.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Construction Management.--As previously mentioned in
the report, the Committee believes, in the wake of the cost
overrun and mismanagement at the Denver VA Medical Center, the
Department should partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
[USACE] for the management of major medical facility
construction projects. The Committee believes USACE is the
right partner for VA as it designs and builds major
construction projects, and the Committee directs the Department
to enter into an agreement with USACE to manage the next seven
major medical facility construction projects, five of which are
funded in the act. The following table reflects the next seven
projects where USACE should serve as VA's construction agent.
PROJECTS FOR USACE MANAGEMENT
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2016 Project
Total ----------------------------- Total
Location Description Already Budget Committee Estimated
Funded request recommendation Cost (TEC)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisville, KY.................... New Medical Facility. 75,000 75,000 75,000 925,000
San Francisco, CA................. Seismic Retrofit/ 22,480 158,000 158,000 346,700
Replace Buildings 1,
6, 8, and 12.
West Los Angeles, CA.............. Seismic Correction-- 70,500 35,000 35,000 370,800
12 Build- Pings.
Livermore, CA..................... Realignment and 55,430 139,000 139,000 415,600
Closure of Livermore
Campus.
Perry Point, MD................... Replacement Community 9,000 83,700 83,700 92,700
Living Center.
Portland, OR...................... Upgrade Portland Bldg ........... ........... .............. 650,000
100/101 for Seismic
Retrofit and
Renovation.
West Los Angeles, CA.............. Construct New 50,790 ........... .............. 1,027,900
Essential Care Tower/
B500 Seismic
Correction and
Renovation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................... ..................... ........... 490,700 490,700 ...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee includes language in the act directing
$490,700,000 shall not be available until the Department enters
into an agreement with USACE to serve as the design and
construction agent for the five projects in the above table
with funding in fiscal year 2016. Going forward, all new
medical facilities with a cost of $250 million or greater
should have USACE designated as its design and construction
agent. The Department is directed to report to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress within 30 days of
enactment of this act on its agreement with USACE to manage
these seven projects, and its plan to ensure all future new
medical facilities with a cost of $250 million or greater are
managed by USACE.
CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $495,200,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 406,200,000
House allowance......................................... 406,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 378,080,000
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 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 VA 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 $378,080,000 for minor
construction. This is $117,120,000 below the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $28,120,000 below the budget request.
The recommendation includes $247,505,000 for the Veterans
Health Administration, $69,050,000 for the National Cemetery
Administration, and $61,525,000 for the Veterans Benefits
Administration. The Department is directed to provide an
expenditure plan to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 30 days of enactment of this
act for the amount appropriated for minor construction.
Mobile Surgical Units.--The Department is directed to
launch a pilot project in at least two VISNs that are
contemplating renovation or construction projects with the
intent of leasing or purchasing mobile surgical units for this
purpose through full and open competition. In preparing for
such pilot projects, VA should develop metrics for a cost
efficiency analysis designed to determine for each individual
project whether this approach will achieve savings for VA when
compared to contracting with local medical providers for the
same surgical services. VA should also establish national
performance standards for mobile surgical units used in this
way ensuring the units are state licensable and meet Joint
Commission standards. The Department is directed to provide
quarterly reports to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress on its progress towards meeting these
directives.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $90,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 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 States and 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 Public Law 106-117 took an
important step in directing VA to define regulations for the
number of beds for which grants may be provided to States. Last
year, the Committee noted VA had not updated the regulations
defining ``great, significant, or limited'' unmet needs despite
the legislation having been signed into law 5 years before. The
Committee is pleased to learn VA is currently undertaking a
revision of the regulation setting the maximum bed number of
State homes beds for each State. As part of this revision, VA
will review the methodology used in past years to determine
these numbers as well as the current definitions for ``limited,
significant, and great'' need. The Department is directed to
keep the Committee apprised of the timeline of this revision
and expects updates from VA to ensure no gaps in care exist
across the country. Further, the Committee believes current
regulation may not accurately reflect the unique needs of
States with large rural populations or small States that do not
have access to alternate facilities which provide this care.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Office of Rural Health
[ORH] to partner with State agencies to study the need for
long-term care for veterans in rural or highly rural areas. In
addition, the recommendation includes bill language allowing
ORH to transfer up to $20,000,000 to the grant program to
assist in providing grants to rural and highly rural areas.
Additionally, the Committee notes in fiscal year 2015, the
Priority Group 1 list outlined a need of over $409,000,000 just
to keep pace with what was on the Priority list, yet the budget
request for the program was $80,000,000. The Committee has not
received the fiscal year 2016 Priority Group 1 list; however,
it is anticipated the need will likely be as high as it was in
fiscal year 2015. Therefore, the Committee has added an
additional $20,000,000 above the budget request for the program
and instructs the Department to begin to provide more realistic
budget estimates in the future.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $46,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 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 initial equipment expenses when the
cemetery is established. States remain responsible for
providing the land and for paying all costs related to
operation and maintenance of the 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
transfer authority and responsibilities for the Veterans
Benefits Administration.
Sec. 202. The Committee includes a provision which outlines
transfer 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 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 allows
up to $20,000,000 to be transferred from the Rural Health
Initiative to the Grants for Construction of State Extended
Care Facilities account.
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 account.
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 organizational
changes 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 limiting funds
provided under the heading ``General Administration''.
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 rescinding
unobligated balances from Medical Care accounts to incorporate
assumed absorption of the proposed 1.3 percent pay raise. The
Department continues to have the authority to use appropriated
funds available to support the pay raise if it chooses to do
so.
Sec. 237. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from across the Department reflecting a
reduction in performance bonuses.
Sec. 238. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing
Incentive Fund.
Sec. 239. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances.
Sec. 240. The Committee includes a provision rescinding
unobligated balances from certain accounts across the
Department.
Sec. 241. The Committee includes a provision amending The
Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure title 38 employees are
fully covered under the act.
Sec. 242. The Committee includes a provision allowing for
grants to train and employ at-risk veterans.
Sec. 243. The Committee includes a provision regarding
access to Office of Inspector General reports.
Sec. 244. The Committee includes a provision regarding
construction accountability.
Sec. 245. The Committee includes a provision providing
additional funding to hire additional caregiver support
coordinators.
Sec. 246. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting
the use of funds to interfere with the ability of veterans to
participate in State-approved medicinal marijuana programs or
deny services to such veterans.
TITLE III
RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
OVERVIEW
The American Battle Monuments Commission was established by
Congress in 1923 and is responsible for the following:
designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining permanent
American cemeteries in foreign countries; establishing and
maintaining U.S. military memorials, monuments, and markers
where American Armed Forces have served overseas since April 6,
1917 (the date of the United States entry into World War I),
and within the United States when directed by public law; and,
controlling the design and construction of permanent U.S.
military monuments and markers by other U.S. citizens and
organizations, both public and private, and encouraging their
maintenance. ABMC administers, operates, and maintains 25
permanent American military cemeteries and 26 Federal memorial,
monuments, and markers located in 16 foreign countries, the
U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the
British Dependency of Gibraltar, and the United States of
America.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $74,100,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 75,100,000
House allowance......................................... 75,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 75,100,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $75,100,000 for the Salaries and
expenses account. This amount is $1,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,900,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,000,000
House allowance......................................... 2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an estimated $2,000,000 for the
Foreign Currency Fluctuations 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, 2015.................................... $31,386,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 32,141,000
House allowance......................................... 32,141,000
Committee recommendation................................ 32,141,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $32,141,000 for the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims. This amount is $755,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
OVERVIEW
The Secretary of the Army is responsible for the
administration, operation and maintenance of Arlington National
Cemetery and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.
In addition to its principal function as a national cemetery,
Arlington is the site of approximately 3,000 nonfuneral
ceremonies each year and has approximately four million
visitors annually.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $65,800,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 70,800,000
House allowance......................................... 70,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,800,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $70,800,000 for Salaries and
Expenses. This amount is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Land Exchange.--The Committee recognizes the future burial
capacity of Arlington National Cemetery would be dramatically
increased through a land exchange in the area of the former
Navy Annex site with Arlington County and the Commonwealth of
Virginia. The Committee strongly supports this effort and
understands the Secretary of the Army is working with Arlington
County and the Virginia Department of Transportation to
finalize the land exchange agreement. The closure and
relocation of current State and local roadways in this area
would facilitate such an exchange. The Committee urges the
Secretary of the Army to continue to work closely with the
Virginia Department of Transportation and Arlington County to
finalize details of the proposed land exchange so that the
cemetery expansion plans, including the relocation of
utilities, can move forward as expeditiously as possible.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
TRUST FUND
OVERVIEW
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $63,400,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 64,300,000
House allowance......................................... 64,300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 64,300,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends authority to expend $64,300,000
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.
Office of Inspector General Findings.--The Committee
remains concerned with the findings of the Inspector General
[IG] of the Department of Defense as included in report number
DODIG-2014-093 regarding the Armed Forces Retirement Homes
[AFRH]. The Chief Operating Officer of the AFRH is directed to
submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of
this act detailing its continued progress in complying with the
IG recommendations. The report should include specific actions
taken to implement the recommendations. The Committee intends
to continue to monitor the AFRH as these issues are addressed.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 301. The Committee includes a provision allowing the
relocation of a federally owned water main.
Sec. 302. The Committee includes a provision making
available funds as authorized by 10 U.S.C. 4727.
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.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
In fiscal year 2016, 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, 2016, 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 2016 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 2016 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 21, 2015,
the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (H.R. 2029)
making appropriations for military construction, the Department
of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, provided,
that the bill be subject to further amendment and that the bill
be consistent with its budget allocation, by a recorded vote of
21-9, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Cochran Ms. Mikulski
Mr. McConnell Mrs. Murray
Mr. Shelby Mr. Durbin
Mr. Alexander Mr. Reed
Ms. Collins Mr. Tester
Ms. Murkowski Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Graham Mr. Merkley
Mr. Kirk Mr. Coons
Mr. Blunt Mr. Murphy
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Cassidy
Mr. Lankford
Mr. Daines
Mr. Leahy
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Udall
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
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 5--GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES
PART III--EMPLOYEES
Subpart A--General Provisions
CHAPTER 23--MERIT SYSTEM PRINCIPLES
Sec. 2302. Prohibited personnel practices
(a)(1) * * *
(2) For the purpose of this section--
(A) ``personnel action'' means--
(i) * * *
* * * * * * *
(viii) a performance evaluation under
chapter 43 of this title or under title 38;
------
TITLE 38--VETERANS' BENEFITS
PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 3--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sec. 312. Inspector General
(a) * * *
(b)(1) * * *
(2) The President shall include in the budget transmitted
to the Congress for each fiscal year pursuant to section 1105
of title 31 an estimate of the amount for the Office of
Inspector General that is sufficient to provide for a number of
full-time positions in that office that is not less than the
number of full-time positions in that office on March 15, 1989,
plus 40.
(c)(1)Whenever the Inspector General, in carrying out the
duties and responsibilities established under the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), issues a work product that
makes a recommendation or otherwise suggests corrective action,
the Inspector General shall--
(A) submit the work product to--
(i) the Secretary;
(ii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate;
(iii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives;
(iv) if the work product was initiated upon
request by an individual or entity other than
the Inspector General, that individual or
entity; and
(v) any Member of Congress upon request;
and
(B) the Inspector General shall submit all final
work products to--
(i) if the work product was initiated upon
request by an individual or entity other than
the Inspector General, that individual or
entity; and
(ii) any Member of Congress upon request;
and
(C) not later than 3 days after the work product is
submitted in final form to the Secretary, post the work
product on the Internet website of the Inspector
General.
(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
authorize the public disclosure of information that is
specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provision
of law.
------
CONSOLIDATED AND FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015, PUBLIC
LAW 113-235
DIVISION I--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015
* * * * * * *
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
* * * * * * *
[(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Sec. 223. Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of
Veterans Affairs which become available on October 1, 2015, for
``Medical Services'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and
``Medical Facilities'', up to $245,398,000, plus
reimbursements, may be transferred to the Joint Department of
Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-
84; 123 Stat. 3571) and may be used for operation of the
facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as
described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122
Stat. 4500): Provided, That additional funds may be transferred
from accounts designated in this section to the Joint
Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Facility Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.]
------
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 2016: Subcommittee on Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... 96,825 96,825 96,523 \1\96,523
Discretionary....................................... 77,573 77,573 78,381 \1\78,381
Security........................................ 8,083 8,083 NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 69,490 69,490 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2016................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\102,932
2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ 5,562
2018................................................ ............ ............ ............ 3,656
2019................................................ ............ ............ ............ 2,123
2020 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 1,355
Financial assistance to State and local governments forP NA 185 NA 13
2016...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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
Committee with (+ or -)
Installation and project Budget estimate House allowance recommendation -----------------------------------
Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALABAMA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT RUCKER:
FORT RUCKER ES/PS CONSOLIDATION/REPLACEMENT........... 46,787 46,787 46,787 ................ ................
MAXWELL AFB:
MAXWELL ES/MS REPLACEMENT/RENOVATION.................. 32,968 32,968 32,968 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
DANNELLY FIELD:
TFI--REPLACE SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY............. 7,600 7,600 7,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ALABAMA...................................... 87,355 87,355 87,355 ................ ................
ALASKA
ARMY:
FORT GREELY:
PHYSICAL READINESS TRAINING FACILITY.................. 7,800 7,800 7,800 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
EIELSON AFB:
F-35A FLIGHT SIM/ALTER SQUAD OPS/AMU FACILITY......... 37,000 37,000 37,000 ................ ................
RPR CENTRAL HEAT & POWER PLANT BOILER PH3............. 34,400 34,400 34,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ALASKA....................................... 79,200 79,200 79,200 ................ ................
ARIZONA
NAVY:
YUMA:
AIRCRAFT MAINT. FACILITIES & APRON (SO. CALA)......... 50,635 50,635 50,635 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB:
HC-130J AGE COVERED STORAGE........................... 4,700 4,700 4,700 ................ ................
HC-130J WASH RACK..................................... 12,200 12,200 12,200 ................ ................
LUKE AFB:
F-35A ADAL FUEL OFFLOAD FACILITY...................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
F-35A AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE HANGAR/SQ 3................ 13,200 13,200 13,200 ................ ................
F-35A BOMB BUILD-UP FACILITY.......................... 5,500 5,500 5,500 ................ ................
F-35A SQ OPS/AMU/HANGAR/SQ 4.......................... 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT HUACHUCA:
JITC BUILDINGS 52101/52111 RENOVATIONS................ 3,884 3,884 3,884 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB:
GUARDIAN ANGEL OPERATIONS............................. 18,200 18,200 18,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ARIZONA...................................... 146,319 146,319 146,319 ................ ................
ARKANSAS
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT SMITH MAP:
CONSOLIDATED SCIF..................................... 15,200 15,200 15,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ARKANSAS..................................... 15,200 15,200 15,200 ................ ................
CALIFORNIA
ARMY:
CONCORD:
PIER.................................................. 98,000 98,000 98,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
CAMP PENDLETON:
RAW WATER PIPELINE PENDLETON TO FALLBROOK............. 44,540 44,540 ................ -44,540 -44,540
CORONADO:
COASTAL CAMPUS UTILITIES.............................. 4,856 4,856 4,856 ................ ................
LEMOORE:
F-35C HANGAR MODERNIZATION AND ADDITION............... 56,497 56,497 56,497 ................ ................
F-35C TRAINING FACILITIES............................. 8,187 8,187 8,187 ................ ................
RTO AND MISSION DEBRIEF FACILITY...................... 7,146 7,146 7,146 ................ ................
POINT MUGU:
E-2C/D HANGAR ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS............... 19,453 19,453 19,453 ................ ................
TRITON AVIONICS AND FUEL SYSTEMS TRAINER.............. 2,974 2,974 2,974 ................ ................
SAN DIEGO:
LCS SUPPORT FACILITY.................................. 37,366 37,366 37,366 ................ ................
TWENTYNINE PALMS:
MICROGRID EXPANSION................................... 9,160 9,160 9,160 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP PENDLETON:
SOF COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT FACILITY................... 10,181 10,181 10,181 ................ ................
SOF PERFORMANCE RESILIENCY CENTER-WEST................ 10,371 ................ 10,371 ................ +10,371
CORONADO:
SOF LOGISTICS SUPPORT UNIT ONE OPS FAC. #2............ 47,218 ................ 47,218 ................ +47,218
FRESNO YOSEMITE IAP ANG:
REPLACE FUEL STORAGE AND DISTRIB. FACILITIES.......... 10,700 10,700 10,700 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
MOFFETT FIELD:
REPLACE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FACILITY.................. 6,500 6,500 6,500 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
MIRAMAR:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 24,000 24,000 24,000 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
MARCH AFB:
SATELLITE FIRE STATION................................ 4,600 4,600 4,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CALIFORNIA................................... 401,749 344,160 357,209 -44,540 +13,049
COLORADO
ARMY:
FORT CARSON:
ROTARY WING TAXIWAY................................... 5,800 5,800 5,800 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY:
FRONT GATES FORCE PROTECTION ENHANCEMENTS............. 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT CARSON:
SOF LANGUAGE TRAINING FACILITY........................ 8,243 8,243 8,243 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE:
ASE MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITY.................. 5,100 5,100 5,100 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, COLORADO..................................... 29,143 29,143 29,143 ................ ................
CONNECTICUT
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP HARTELL:
READY BUILDING (CST-WMD).............................. 11,000 11,000 11,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CONNECTICUT.................................. 11,000 11,000 11,000 ................ ................
DELAWARE
DEFENSE-WIDE:
DOVER AFB:
CONSTRUCT HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM......................... 21,600 21,600 21,600 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
DAGSBORO:
NATIONAL GUARD VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP............... 10,800 ................ 10,800 ................ +10,800
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, DELAWARE..................................... 32,400 21,600 32,400 ................ +10,800
FLORIDA
NAVY:
JACKSONVILLE:
FLEET SUPPORT FACILITY ADDITION....................... 8,455 8,455 8,455 ................ ................
TRITON MISSION CONTROL FACILITY....................... 8,296 8,296 8,296 ................ ................
MAYPORT:
LCS MISSION MODULE READINESS CENTER................... 16,159 16,159 16,159 ................ ................
PENSACOLA:
A-SCHOOL UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING (CORRY STATION)........ 18,347 18,347 18,347 ................ ................
WHITING FIELD:
T-6B JPATS TRAINING OPERATIONS FACILITY............... 10,421 10,421 10,421 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
CAPE CANAVERAL AFS:
RANGE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY......................... 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
EGLIN AFB:
F-35A CONSOLIDATED HQ FACILITY........................ 8,700 8,700 8,700 ................ ................
HURLBURT FIELD:
ADAL 39 INFORMATION OPERATIONS SQUAD FACILITY......... 14,200 14,200 14,200 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
HURLBURT FIELD:
SOF FUEL CELL MAINTENANCE HANGAR...................... 17,989 17,989 17,989 ................ ................
MACDILL AFB:
SOF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FACILITY...................... 39,142 39,142 39,142 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
PALM COAST:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER....................... 18,000 18,000 18,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
MACDILL AFB:
AR CENTER/ AS FACILITY................................ 55,000 55,000 55,000 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
PATRICK AFB:
AIRCREW LIFE SUPPORT FACILITY......................... 3,400 3,400 3,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, FLORIDA...................................... 239,109 239,109 239,109 ................ ................
GEORGIA
ARMY:
FORT GORDON:
COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY.......................... 90,000 90,000 90,000 ................ ................
NAVY:
ALBANY:
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS.............................. 7,851 7,851 7,851 ................ ................
KINGS BAY:
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE.............. 8,099 8,099 8,099 ................ ................
TOWNSEND:
TOWNSEND BOMBING RANGE EXPANSION PHASE 2.............. 48,279 48,279 43,279 -5,000 -5,000
DEFENSE-WIDE:
MOODY AFB:
REPLACE PUMPHOUSE AND TRUCK FILLSTANDS................ 10,900 10,900 10,900 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD IAP:
C-130 SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY.................... 9,000 9,000 9,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GEORGIA...................................... 174,129 174,129 169,129 -5,000 -5,000
HAWAII
NAVY:
BARKING SANDS:
PMRF POWER GRID CONSOLIDATION......................... 30,623 30,623 30,623 ................ ................
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM:
UEM INTERCONNECT STA C TO HICKAM...................... 6,335 6,335 6,335 ................ ................
WELDING SCHOOL SHOP CONSOLIDATION..................... 8,546 8,546 8,546 ................ ................
KANEOHE BAY:
AIRFIELD LIGHTING MODERNIZATION....................... 26,097 26,097 26,097 ................ ................
BACHELOR ENLISTED QUARTERS............................ 68,092 68,092 68,092 ................ ................
P-8A DETACHMENT SUPPORT FACILITIES.................... 12,429 12,429 12,429 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM:
F-22 FIGHTER ALERT FACILITY........................... 46,000 46,000 46,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
KANEOHE BAY:
MEDICAL/DENTAL CLINIC REPLACEMENT..................... 122,071 122,071 122,071 ................ ................
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS:
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH/DENTAL CLINIC ADDITION.............. 123,838 107,563 123,838 ................ +16,275
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, HAWAII....................................... 444,031 427,756 444,031 ................ +16,275
ILLINOIS
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
SPARTA:
BASIC 10M-25M FIRING RANGE (ZERO)..................... 1,900 1,900 1,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ILLINOIS..................................... 1,900 1,900 1,900 ................ ................
IOWA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
DES MOINES MAP:
AIR OPERATIONS GRP/CYBER BEDDOWN-RENO BLG 430......... 6,700 6,700 6,700 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, IOWA......................................... 6,700 6,700 6,700 ................ ................
KANSAS
AIR FORCE:
MCCONNELL AFB:
KC-46A ADAL DEICING PADS.............................. 4,300 4,300 4,300 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
SALINA:
AUTOMATED COMBAT PISTOL/MP FIREARMS QUAL COUR......... 2,400 2,400 2,400 ................ ................
MODIFIED RECORD FIRE RANGE............................ 4,300 4,300 4,300 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
SMOKEY HILL ANG RANGE:
RANGE TRAINING SUPPORT FACILITIES..................... 2,900 2,900 2,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KANSAS....................................... 13,900 13,900 13,900 ................ ................
KENTUCKY
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT CAMPBELL:
SOF COMPANY HQ/CLASSROOMS............................. 12,553 12,553 12,553 ................ ................
FORT KNOX:
FORT KNOX HS RENOVATION/MS ADDITION................... 23,279 23,279 23,279 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, KENTUCKY..................................... 35,832 35,832 35,832 ................ ................
LOUISIANA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
NEW ORLEANS:
REPLACE SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY.................. 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, LOUISIANA.................................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
MAINE
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
BANGOR IAP:
ADD TO AND ALTER FIRE CRASH/RESCUE STATION............ 7,200 7,200 7,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MAINE........................................ 7,200 7,200 7,200 ................ ................
MARYLAND
NAVY:
PATUXENT RIVER:
UNACCOMPANIED HOUSING................................. 40,935 40,935 40,935 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
FORT MEADE:
CYBERCOM JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER, INCREMENT 3......... 86,000 86,000 86,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT MEADE:
NSAW CAMPUS FEEDERS PHASE 2........................... 33,745 33,745 33,745 ................ ................
NSAW RECAPITALIZE BUILDING #2 INCR 1.................. 34,897 34,897 34,897 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
EASTON:
NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER....................... 13,800 13,800 13,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MARYLAND..................................... 209,377 209,377 209,377 ................ ................
MISSISSIPPI
ARMY RESERVE:
STARKVILLE:
ARMY RESERVE CENTER................................... 9,300 ................ 9,300 ................ +9,300
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MISSISSIPPI.................................. 9,300 ................ 9,300 ................ +9,300
MISSOURI
AIR FORCE:
WHITEMAN AFB:
CONSOLIDATED STEALTH OPS & NUCLEAR ALERT FAC.......... 29,500 29,500 29,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MISSOURI..................................... 29,500 29,500 29,500 ................ ................
MONTANA
AIR FORCE:
MALMSTROM AFB:
TACTICAL RESPONSE FORCE ALERT FACILITY................ 19,700 19,700 19,700 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, MONTANA...................................... 19,700 19,700 19,700 ................ ................
NEBRASKA
AIR FORCE:
OFFUTT AFB:
DORMITORY (144 RM).................................... 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEBRASKA..................................... 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
NEVADA
AIR FORCE:
NELLIS AFB:
F-35A AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS.............................. 31,000 31,000 31,000 ................ ................
F-35A LIVE ORDNANCE LOADING AREA...................... 34,500 34,500 34,500 ................ ................
F-35A MUNITIONS MAINTENANCE FACILITIES................ 3,450 3,450 3,450 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
NELLIS AFB:
REPLACE HYDRANT FUEL SYSTEM........................... 39,900 39,900 39,900 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
RENO:
NATIONAL GUARD VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP ADD/A......... 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
FALLON:
NAVOPSPTCEN FALLON.................................... 11,480 11,480 11,480 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEVADA....................................... 128,330 128,330 128,330 ................ ................
NEW HAMPSHIRE
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADE PORT:
KC-46A ADAL FLIGHT SIMULATOR BLDG 156................. 2,800 2,800 2,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW HAMPSHIRE................................ 2,800 2,800 2,800 ................ ................
NEW JERSEY
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
ATLANTIC CITY IAP:
FUEL CELL AND CORROSION CONTROL HANGAR................ 10,200 10,200 10,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW JERSEY................................... 10,200 10,200 10,200 ................ ................
NEW MEXICO
AIR FORCE:
CANNON AFB:
CONSTRUCT AT/FP GATE--PORTALES........................ 7,800 7,800 7,800 ................ ................
HOLLOMAN AFB:
MARSHALLING AREA ARM/DE-ARM PAD D..................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
KIRTLAND AFB:
SPACE VEHICLES COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT LAB.............. 12,800 12,800 12,800 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CANNON AFB:
CONSTRUCT PUMPHOUSE AND FUEL STORAGE.................. 20,400 20,400 20,400 ................ ................
SOF SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY...................... 11,565 11,565 11,565 ................ ................
SOF ST OPERATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES................ 13,146 13,146 13,146 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW MEXICO................................... 68,711 68,711 68,711 ................ ................
NEW YORK
ARMY:
FORT DRUM:
NCO ACADEMY COMPLEX................................... 19,000 19,000 19,000 ................ ................
U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY:
WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT........................... 70,000 70,000 70,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
WEST POINT:
WEST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.............. 55,778 55,778 55,778 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
NIAGARA FALLS IAP:
REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT BEDDOWN BLDG 912............ 7,700 7,700 7,700 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
ORANGEBURG:
ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE SHOP....................... 4,200 4,200 4,200 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
BROOKLYN:
RESERVE CENTER STORAGE FACILITY....................... 2,479 2,479 2,479 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NEW YORK..................................... 159,157 159,157 159,157 ................ ................
NORTH CAROLINA
NAVY:
CAMP LEJEUNE:
2ND RADIO BN COMPLEX OPERATIONS CONSOLIDATION......... 50,557 ................ 50,557 ................ +50,557
SIMULATOR INTEGRATION/RANGE CONTROL FACILITY.......... 54,849 54,849 54,849 ................ ................
CHERRY POINT MARINE CORPS AIR STATION:
KC 130J ENLISTED AIR CREW TRAINER FACILITY............ 4,769 4,769 4,769 ................ ................
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM FACILITIES................... 29,657 29,657 29,657 ................ ................
NEW RIVER:
OPERATIONAL TRAINER FACILITY.......................... 3,312 3,312 3,312 ................ ................
RADAR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY ADDITION........... 4,918 4,918 4,918 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER/BASE OPS FACILITY........... 17,100 17,100 17,100 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP LEJEUNE:
SOF COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT FACILITY................... 14,036 14,036 14,036 ................ ................
SOF MARINE BATTALION COMPANY/TEAM FACILITIES.......... 54,970 54,970 54,970 ................ ................
FORT BRAGG:
BUTNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.................. 32,944 32,944 32,944 ................ ................
SOF 21 STS OPERATIONS FACILITY........................ 16,863 14,334 16,863 ................ +2,529
SOF BATTALION OPERATIONS FACILITY..................... 38,549 38,549 38,549 ................ ................
SOF INDOOR RANGE...................................... 8,303 8,303 8,303 ................ ................
SOF INTELLIGENCE TRAINING CENTER...................... 28,265 28,265 28,265 ................ ................
SOF SPECIAL TACTICS FACILITY (PH 2)................... 43,887 43,887 43,887 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
CHARLOTTE/DOUGLAS IAP:
REPLACE C-130 SQUADRON OPERATIONS FACILITY............ 9,000 9,000 9,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH CAROLINA............................... 411,979 358,893 411,979 ................ +53,086
NORTH DAKOTA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
HECTOR IAP:
INTEL TARGETING FACILITIES............................ 7,300 7,300 7,300 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NORTH DAKOTA................................. 7,300 7,300 7,300 ................ ................
OHIO
DEFENSE-WIDE:
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB:
SATELLITE PHARMACY REPLACEMENT........................ 6,623 6,623 6,623 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
CAMP RAVENNA:
MODIFIED RECORD FIRE RANGE............................ 3,300 3,300 3,300 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
YOUNGSTOWN:
INDOOR FIRING RANGE................................... 9,400 9,400 9,400 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OHIO......................................... 19,323 19,323 19,323 ................ ................
OKLAHOMA
ARMY:
FORT SILL:
RECEPTION BARRACKS COMPLEX PH2........................ 56,000 56,000 56,000 ................ ................
TRAINING SUPPORT FACILITY............................. 13,400 13,400 13,400 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
ALTUS AFB:
DORMITORY (120 RM).................................... 18,000 18,000 18,000 ................ ................
KC-46A FTU ADAL FUEL CELL MAINT HANGAR................ 10,400 10,400 10,400 ................ ................
TINKER AFB:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER............................. 12,900 12,900 12,900 ................ ................
KC-46A DEPOT MAINTENANCE DOCK......................... 37,000 37,000 37,000 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT:
MEDIUM ALTITUDE MANNED ISR BEDDOWN.................... 7,600 7,600 7,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OKLAHOMA..................................... 155,300 155,300 155,300 ................ ................
OREGON
DEFENSE-WIDE:
KLAMATH FALLS IAP:
REPLACE FUEL FACILITIES............................... 2,500 2,500 2,500 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
SALEM:
NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE CENTER BLDG ADD/ALT (JFHQ)..... 16,500 16,500 16,500 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
KLAMATH FALLS IAP:
REPLACE FIRE CRASH/RESCUE STATION..................... 7,200 7,200 7,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OREGON....................................... 26,200 26,200 26,200 ................ ................
PENNSYLVANIA
DEFENSE-WIDE:
PHILADELPHIA:
REPLACE HEADQUARTERS.................................. 49,700 49,700 49,700 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP:
TRAINING AIDS CENTER.................................. 16,000 16,000 16,000 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
CONNEAUT LAKE:
DAR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT............................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, PENNSYLVANIA................................. 70,700 70,700 70,700 ................ ................
SOUTH CAROLINA
NAVY:
PARRIS ISLAND:
RANGE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & MODERNIZATION............. 27,075 27,075 27,075 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT JACKSON:
PIERCE TERRACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT.......... 26,157 26,157 26,157 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SOUTH CAROLINA............................... 53,232 53,232 53,232 ................ ................
SOUTH DAKOTA
AIR FORCE:
ELLSWORTH AFB:
DORMITORY (168 RM).................................... 23,000 23,000 23,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SOUTH DAKOTA................................. 23,000 23,000 23,000 ................ ................
TEXAS
ARMY:
CORPUS CHRISTI:
POWERTRAIN FACILITY (INFRASTRUCTURE/METAL)............ 85,000 85,000 85,000 ................ ................
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
HOMELAND DEFENSE OPERATIONS CENTER.................... 43,000 ................ ................ -43,000 ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
BMT CLASSROOMS/DINING FACILITY 3...................... 35,000 35,000 35,000 ................ ................
BMT RECRUIT DORMITORY 5............................... 71,000 71,000 71,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT BLISS:
HOSPITAL REPLACEMENT INCR 7........................... 239,884 189,884 239,884 ................ +50,000
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
AMBULATORY CARE CENTER PHASE 4........................ 61,776 61,776 61,776 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO:
CONSOLIDATE 433 MEDICAL FACILITY...................... 9,900 9,900 9,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, TEXAS........................................ 545,560 452,560 502,560 -43,000 +50,000
UTAH
AIR FORCE:
HILL AFB:
F-35A FLIGHT SIMULATOR ADDITION PHASE 2............... 5,900 5,900 5,900 ................ ................
F-35A HANGAR 40/42 ADDITIONS AND AMU.................. 21,000 21,000 21,000 ................ ................
HAYMAN IGLOOS......................................... 11,500 11,500 11,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, UTAH......................................... 38,400 38,400 38,400 ................ ................
VERMONT
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
NORTH HYDE PARK:
NATIONAL GUARD VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP ADDIT......... 7,900 7,900 7,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, VERMONT...................................... 7,900 7,900 7,900 ................ ................
VIRGINIA
ARMY:
FORT LEE:
TRAINING SUPPORT FACILITY............................. 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON:
INSTRUCTION BUILDING.................................. 37,000 ................ ................ -37,000 ................
NAVY:
DAM NECK:
MARITIME SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FACILITY................. 23,066 23,066 23,066 ................ ................
NORFOLK:
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER................................. 75,289 75,289 75,289 ................ ................
ELECTRICAL REPAIRS TO PIERS 2,6,7, AND 11............. 44,254 44,254 44,254 ................ ................
MH-60 HELICOPTER TRAINING FACILITY.................... 7,134 7,134 7,134 ................ ................
PORTSMOUTH:
WATERFRONT UTILITIES.................................. 45,513 45,513 45,513 ................ ................
QUANTICO:
ATFP GATE............................................. 5,840 5,840 5,840 ................ ................
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION UPGRADE....................... 8,418 8,418 8,418 ................ ................
EMBASSY SECURITY GUARD BEQ & OPS FACILITY............. 43,941 43,941 43,941 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
FORT BELVOIR:
CONSTRUCT VISITOR CONTROL CENTER...................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
REPLACE GROUND VEHICLE FUELING FACILITY............... 4,500 4,500 4,500 ................ ................
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS:
REPLACE FUEL PIER AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY........... 28,000 28,000 28,000 ................ ................
JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK--STORY:
SOF APPLIED INSTRUCTION FACILITY...................... 23,916 23,916 23,916 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
RICHMOND:
NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE CENTER BUILDING (JFHQ)......... 29,000 29,000 29,000 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
DAM NECK:
RESERVE TRAINING CENTER COMPLEX....................... 18,443 18,443 18,443 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, VIRGINIA..................................... 432,314 395,314 395,314 -37,000 ................
WASHINGTON
NAVY:
BANGOR:
REGIONAL SHIP MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FACILITY............ 12,753 12,753 12,753 ................ ................
WRA LAND/WATER INTERFACE.............................. 34,177 34,177 34,177 ................ ................
BREMERTON:
DRY DOCK 6 MODERNIZATION & UTILITY IMPROVE............ 22,680 22,680 22,680 ................ ................
INDIAN ISLAND:
SHORE POWER TO AMMUNITION PIER........................ 4,472 4,472 4,472 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
YAKIMA:
ENLISTED BARRACKS, TRANSIENT TRAINING................. 19,000 ................ 19,000 ................ +19,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WASHINGTON................................... 93,082 74,082 93,082 ................ +19,000
WEST VIRGINIA
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
YEAGER AIRPORT:
FORCE PROTECTION--RELOCATE COONSKIN ROAD.............. 3,900 3,900 3,900 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WEST VIRGINIA................................ 3,900 3,900 3,900 ................ ................
WYOMING
AIR FORCE:
F. E. WARREN AFB:
WEAPON STORAGE FACILITY............................... 95,000 95,000 95,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WYOMING...................................... 95,000 95,000 95,000 ................ ................
CONUS CLASSIFIED
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CLASSIFIED LOCATION:
OPERATIONS SUPPORT FACILITY........................... 20,065 ................ 20,065 ................ +20,065
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, CONUS CLASSIFIED............................. 20,065 ................ 20,065 ................ +20,065
BAHRAIN ISLAND
NAVY:
SW ASIA:
MINA SALMAN PIER REPLACEMENT.......................... 37,700 ................ 37,700 ................ +37,700
SHIP MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FACILITY..................... 52,091 ................ 52,091 ................ +52,091
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, BAHRAIN ISLAND............................... 89,791 ................ 89,791 ................ +89,791
DJIBOUTI
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CAMP LEMONNIER:
CONSTRUCT FUEL STORAGE & DISTRIB. FACILITIES.......... 43,700 ................ 43,700 ................ +43,700
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, DJIBOUTI..................................... 43,700 ................ 43,700 ................ +43,700
GERMANY
ARMY:
GRAFENWOEHR:
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP.............................. 51,000 51,000 51,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
GARMISCH:
GARMISCH E/MS-ADDITION/MODERNIZATION.................. 14,676 14,676 14,676 ................ ................
GRAFENWOEHR:
GRAFENWOEHR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT............. 38,138 38,138 38,138 ................ ................
RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS:
MEDICAL CENTER REPLACEMENT INCR 5..................... 85,034 85,034 85,034 ................ ................
SPANGDAHLEM AB:
CONSTRUCT FUEL PIPELINE............................... 5,500 5,500 5,500 ................ ................
MEDICAL/DENTAL CLINIC ADDITION........................ 34,071 34,071 34,071 ................ ................
STUTTGART-PATCH BARRACKS:
PATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPLACEMENT................... 49,413 49,413 49,413 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GERMANY...................................... 277,832 277,832 277,832 ................ ................
GREENLAND
AIR FORCE:
THULE AB:
THULE CONSOLIDATION PH 1.............................. 41,965 41,965 41,965 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GREENLAND.................................... 41,965 41,965 41,965 ................ ................
GUAM
NAVY:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
LIVE-FIRE TRAINING RANGE COMPLEX (NW FIELD)........... 125,677 100,677 125,677 ................ +25,000
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL CLOSURE................ 10,777 10,777 10,777 ................ ................
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM RECAPITALIZATION................ 45,314 45,314 45,314 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
JOINT REGION MARIANAS:
APR--DISPERSED MAINT SPARES & SE STORAGE FAC.......... 19,000 19,000 19,000 ................ ................
APR--INSTALLATION CONTROL CENTER...................... 22,200 22,200 22,200 ................ ................
APR--SOUTH RAMP UTILITIES PHASE 2..................... 7,100 7,100 7,100 ................ ................
PAR--LO/CORROSION CONTROL/COMPOSITE REPAIR............ 34,400 34,400 34,400 ................ ................
PRTC ROADS............................................ 2,500 2,500 2,500 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, GUAM......................................... 266,968 241,968 266,968 ................ +25,000
ITALY
NAVY:
SIGONELLA:
P-8A HANGAR AND FLEET SUPPORT FACILITY................ 62,302 ................ 62,302 ................ +62,302
TRITON HANGAR AND OPERATION FACILITY.................. 40,641 ................ 40,641 ................ +40,641
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, ITALY........................................ 102,943 ................ 102,943 ................ +102,943
JAPAN
NAVY:
CAMP BUTLER:
MILITARY WORKING DOG FACILITIES (CAMP HANSEN)......... 11,697 11,697 11,697 ................ ................
IWAKUNI:
E-2D OPERATIONAL TRAINER COMPLEX...................... 8,716 8,716 8,716 ................ ................
SECURITY MODIFICATIONS--CVW5/MAG12 HQ................. 9,207 9,207 9,207 ................ ................
KADENA AB:
AIRCRAFT MAINT. SHELTERS & APRON...................... 23,310 23,310 23,310 ................ ................
YOKOSUKA:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER.............................. 13,846 13,846 13,846 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
YOKOTA AB:
C-130J FLIGHT SIMULATOR FACILITY...................... 8,461 8,461 8,461 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
KADENA AB:
AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS.................................... 37,485 37,485 37,485 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, JAPAN........................................ 112,722 112,722 112,722 ................ ................
NIGER
AIR FORCE:
AGADEZ:
CONSTRUCT AIRFIELD AND BASE CAMP...................... 50,000 ................ 50,000 ................ +50,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, NIGER........................................ 50,000 ................ 50,000 ................ +50,000
OMAN
AIR FORCE:
AL MUSANNAH AB:
AIRLIFT APRON......................................... 25,000 ................ 25,000 ................ +25,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, OMAN......................................... 25,000 ................ 25,000 ................ +25,000
POLAND
NAVY:
REDZIKOWO BASE:
AEGIS ASHORE MISSILE DEFENSE COMPLEX.................. 51,270 ................ 51,270 ................ +51,270
DEFENSE-WIDE:
REDZIKOWO BASE:
AEGIS ASHORE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM COMPLEX........... 169,153 ................ 169,153 ................ +169,153
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, POLAND....................................... 220,423 ................ 220,423 ................ +220,423
SPAIN
DEFENSE-WIDE:
ROTA:
ROTA ES AND HS ADDITIONS.............................. 13,737 13,737 13,737 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, SPAIN........................................ 13,737 13,737 13,737 ................ ................
UNITED KINGDOM
AIR FORCE:
CROUGHTON RAF:
CONSOLIDATED SATCOM/TECH CONTROL FACILITY............. 36,424 36,424 36,424 ................ ................
JIAC CONSOLIDATION--PH 2.............................. 94,191 94,191 94,191 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, UNITED KINGDOM............................... 130,615 130,615 130,615 ................ ................
WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED
AIR FORCE:
CLASSIFIED LOCATION:
LONG RANGE STRIKE BOMBER.............................. 77,130 ................ 77,130 ................ +77,130
MUNITIONS STORAGE..................................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL, WORLDWIDE CLASSIFIED......................... 80,130 3,000 80,130 ................ +77,130
NATO SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM.............................. 120,000 150,000 120,000 ................ -30,000
WORLDWIDE UNSPECIFIED
ARMY:
HOST NATION SUPPORT....................................... 36,000 36,000 36,000 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 25,000 25,000 25,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 73,245 73,245 73,245 ................ ................
NAVY:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 91,649 91,649 91,649 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 22,590 22,590 22,590 ................ ................
AIR FORCE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 89,164 89,164 89,164 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 22,900 22,900 22,900 ................ ................
DEFENSE-WIDE:
CONTINGENCY CONSTRUCTION.................................. 10,000 ................ ................ -10,000 ................
ENERGY CONSERVATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM.................... 150,000 150,000 150,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 23,500 23,500 23,500 ................ ................
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT EDUCATION............. 42,183 42,183 42,183 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.............................. 31,772 31,772 31,772 ................ ................
NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY............... 27,202 27,202 27,202 ................ ................
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY.............................. 1,078 1,078 1,078 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 31,628 31,628 31,628 ................ ................
WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICE....................... 3,041 3,041 3,041 ................ ................
EAST COAST MISSILE SITE............................... ................ 30,000 ................ ................ -30,000
GENERAL REDUCTION..................................... ................ -30,000 ................ ................ +30,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, PLANNING AND DESIGN....................... 160,404 160,404 160,404 ................ ................
UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION:
DEFENSE-WIDE.......................................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY................................. 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF................................. 8,687 8,687 8,687 ................ ................
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND............................ 15,676 15,676 15,676 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, UNSPECIFIED MINOR CONSTRUCTION............ 32,363 32,363 32,363 ................ ................
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 20,337 20,337 20,337 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 15,000 15,000 15,000 ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 5,104 5,104 5,104 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 7,734 7,734 7,734 ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 9,318 9,318 9,318 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 6,777 6,777 6,777 ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 2,208 2,208 2,208 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 1,468 1,468 1,468 ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE:
PLANNING AND DESIGN....................................... 13,400 13,400 13,400 ................ ................
MINOR CONSTRUCTION........................................ 6,121 6,121 6,121 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY
GERMANY:
WIESBADEN:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS (12 UNITS).................. 3,500 3,500 3,500 ................ ................
FLORIDA:
CAMP RUDDER:
FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (15 UNITS)............ 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
ILLINOIS:
ROCK ISLAND:
FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (38 UNITS)............ 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
KOREA:
CAMP WALKER (DAEGU):
FAMILY HOUSING NEW CONSTRUCTION (90 UNITS)............ 61,000 61,000 61,000 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 7,195 7,195 7,195 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.............................. 99,695 99,695 99,695 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 65,600 65,600 65,600 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 10,928 10,928 10,928 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 48,515 48,515 48,515 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 840 840 840 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 25,552 25,552 25,552 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 144,879 144,879 144,879 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 75,197 75,197 75,197 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 22,000 22,000 22,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 393,511 393,511 393,511 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
VIRGINIA:
WALLOPS ISLAND:
HOUSING SERVICE CENTER................................ 438 438 438 ................ ................
SKEETER LANE RENOVATION AND CONVERSION................ 3,658 3,658 3,658 ................ ................
JAPAN:
IWAKUNI:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 3.................... 7,857 7,857 7,857 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 4,588 4,588 4,588 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.............................. 16,541 16,541 16,541 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 67,692 67,692 67,692 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 19,149 19,149 19,149 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 56,189 56,189 56,189 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 373 373 373 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 17,534 17,534 17,534 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 64,108 64,108 64,108 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.............................. 99,323 99,323 99,323 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 28,668 28,668 28,668 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 353,036 353,036 353,036 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, AIR FORCE
GERMANY:
RAMSTEIN:
FAMILY HOUSING MANAGEMENT FACILITY.................... 5,700 5,700 5,700 ................ ................
JAPAN:
KADENA:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 4.................... 35,776 35,776 35,776 ................ ................
KADENA:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 5.................... 33,000 33,000 33,000 ................ ................
MISAWA:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 3.................... 44,373 44,373 44,373 ................ ................
YOKOTA:
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 7.................... 31,800 31,800 31,800 ................ ................
PLANNING AND DESIGN........................................... 9,849 9,849 9,849 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, CONSTRUCTION.............................. 160,498 160,498 160,498 ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
UTILITIES ACCOUNT......................................... 40,811 40,811 40,811 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT........................................ 52,153 52,153 52,153 ................ ................
SERVICES ACCOUNT.......................................... 12,940 12,940 12,940 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS ACCOUNT....................................... 38,746 38,746 38,746 ................ ................
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT..................................... 2,032 2,032 2,032 ................ ................
LEASING................................................... 28,867 28,867 28,867 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE............................................... 114,129 114,129 114,129 ................ ................
PRIVATIZATION SUPPORT COSTS............................... 41,554 41,554 41,554 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE..................... 331,232 331,232 331,232 ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 474 474 474 ................ ................
FURNISHING............................................ 781 781 781 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 10,679 10,679 10,679 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 1,104 1,104 1,104 ................ ................
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY:
FURNISHINGS........................................... 3,402 3,402 3,402 ................ ................
LEASING............................................... 41,273 41,273 41,273 ................ ................
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY:
UTILITIES............................................. 172 172 172 ................ ................
FURNISHINGS........................................... 20 20 20 ................ ................
SERVICES.............................................. 31 31 31 ................ ................
MANAGEMENT............................................ 388 388 388 ................ ................
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY.......................... 344 344 344 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................. 58,668 58,668 58,668 ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT.......................... 251,334 251,334 251,334 ................ ................
DEFENSE ACCESS ROADS (SEC. 131)............................... ................ 30,000 ................ ................ -30,000
RESCISSIONS FROM PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED BALANCES
ARMY (RESCISSION) (SEC. 125).................................. ................ -96,000 ................ ................ +96,000
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE (RESCISSION) (SEC. 126)............................. ................ -52,600 ................ ................ +52,600
DEFENSE-WIDE (RESCISSION) (SEC. 127).......................... ................ -134,000 ................ ................ +134,000
AIR NATIONAL GUARD............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
ARMY (SEC. 125)............................................... ................ ................ 34,500 +34,500 +34,500
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS (SEC. 126).............................. ................ ................ 34,320 +34,320 +34,320
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (SEC. 127)................................ ................ ................ 51,300 +51,300 +51,300
ARMY RESERVE (SEC. 128)....................................... ................ ................ 34,200 +34,200 +34,200
ARMY (RESCISSION) (SEC.129)................................... ................ ................ -85,000 -85,000 -85,000
AIR FORCE (RESCISSION) (SEC. 129)............................. ................ ................ -86,400 -86,400 -86,400
DEFENSE-WIDE (RESCISSION) (SEC. 129).......................... ................ ................ -133,000 -133,000 -133,000
42 USC 3374 (RECISSION) (SEC. 130)............................ ................ -103,918 -65,000 -65,000 +38,918
RECAP
ARMY.......................................................... 743,245 693,245 697,745 -45,500 +4,500
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -96,000 -85,000 -85,000 +11,000
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................................... 1,669,239 1,349,678 1,654,019 -15,220 +304,341
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE..................................................... 1,389,185 1,237,055 1,389,185 ................ +152,130
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -52,600 -86,400 -86,400 -33,800
DEFENSE-WIDE.................................................. 2,300,767 1,931,456 2,290,767 -10,000 +359,311
RESCISSION................................................ ................ -134,000 -133,000 -133,000 +1,000
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD........................................... 197,237 167,437 248,537 +51,300 +81,100
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR NATIONAL GUARD............................................ 138,738 138,738 138,738 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
ARMY RESERVE.................................................. 113,595 104,295 147,795 +34,200 +43,500
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NAVY RESERVE.................................................. 36,078 36,078 36,078 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
AIR FORCE RESERVE............................................. 65,021 65,021 65,021 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NATO.......................................................... 120,000 150,000 120,000 ................ -30,000
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE.......... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
DOD FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND........................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, ARMY.......................................... 493,206 493,206 493,206 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (99,695) (99,695) (99,695) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (393,511) (393,511) (393,511) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS......................... 369,577 369,577 369,577 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (16,541) (16,541) (16,541) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (353,036) (353,036) (353,036) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, AIR FORCE..................................... 491,730 491,730 491,730 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. (160,498) (160,498) (160,498) ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (331,232) (331,232) (331,232) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
FAMILY HOUSING, DEFENSE-WIDE.................................. 58,668 58,668 58,668 ................ ................
CONSTRUCTION.............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................. (58,668) (58,668) (58,668) ................ ................
RESCISSION............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
BRAC.......................................................... 251,334 251,334 251,334 ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
42 USC 3374 (Sec. 135)........................................ ................ -103,918 -65,000 -65,000 +38,918
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS..................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
RESCISSION................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
=========================================================================================
GRAND TOTAL............................................. 8,437,620 7,151,000 8,083,000 -354,620 +932,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2016
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+
or -)
Item 2015 Budget estimate House allowance Committee --------------------------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2015
appropriation Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Military construction, Army...... 528,427 743,245 663,245 663,245 +134,818 -80,000 ...............
Military construction, Navy and 1,018,772 1,669,239 1,349,678 1,619,699 +600,927 -49,540 +270,021
Marine Corps....................
Military construction, Air Force. 811,774 1,389,185 1,237,055 1,389,185 +577,411 ............... +152,130
Military construction, Defense- 1,991,690 2,300,767 1,931,456 2,290,767 +299,077 -10,000 +359,311
Wide............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Active components... 4,350,663 6,102,436 5,181,434 5,962,896 +1,612,233 -139,540 +781,462
======================================================================================================================
Military construction, Army 128,920 197,237 167,437 197,237 +68,317 ............... +29,800
National Guard..................
Military construction, Air 92,663 138,738 138,738 138,738 +46,075 ............... ...............
National Guard..................
Military construction, Army 103,946 113,595 104,295 113,595 +9,649 ............... +9,300
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Navy 51,528 36,078 36,078 36,078 -15,450 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
Military construction, Air Force 49,492 65,021 65,021 65,021 +15,529 ............... ...............
Reserve.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Reserve components.. 426,549 550,669 511,569 550,669 +124,120 ............... +39,100
======================================================================================================================
Total, Military 4,777,212 6,653,105 5,693,003 6,513,565 +1,736,353 -139,540 +820,562
construction..............
======================================================================================================================
North Atlantic Treaty 199,700 120,000 150,000 120,000 -79,700 ............... -30,000
Organization Security Investment
Program.........................
Family housing construction, Army 78,609 99,695 99,695 99,695 +21,086 ............... ...............
Family housing operation and 350,976 393,511 393,511 393,511 +42,535 ............... ...............
maintenance, Army...............
Family housing construction, Navy 16,412 16,541 16,541 16,541 +129 ............... ...............
and Marine Corps................
Family housing operation and 354,029 353,036 353,036 353,036 -993 ............... ...............
maintenance, Navy and Marine
Corps...........................
Family housing construction, Air ............... 160,498 160,498 160,498 +160,498 ............... ...............
Force...........................
Family housing operation and 327,747 331,232 331,232 331,232 +3,485 ............... ...............
maintenance, Air Force..........
Family housing operation and 61,100 58,668 58,668 58,668 -2,432 ............... ...............
maintenance, Defense-Wide.......
Department of Defense Family 1,662 ............... ............... ............... -1,662 ............... ...............
Housing Improvement Fund........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Family housing...... 1,190,535 1,413,181 1,413,181 1,413,181 +222,646 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Chemical demilitarization 38,715 ............... ............... ............... -38,715 ............... ...............
construction, Defense-Wide......
Department of Defense Base 315,085 251,334 251,334 251,334 -63,751 ............... ...............
Closure Account.................
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Military construction--fiscal 125,000 ............... ............... ............... -125,000 ............... ...............
year 2014 (Sec. 127)............
Military construction--fiscal 117,000 ............... ............... ............... -117,000 ............... ...............
year 2015 (Sec. 128)............
Military construction, Army -49,533 ............... -96,000 ............... +49,533 ............... +96,000
(rescission) (Sec. 125).........
Military construction, Navy and -25,522 ............... ............... ............... +25,522 ............... ...............
Marine Corps (rescission) (Sec.
130)............................
Defense Access Roads (Sec. 131).. ............... ............... 30,000 ............... ............... ............... -30,000
Military construction, Air Force -41,392 ............... -52,600 ............... +41,392 ............... +52,600
(rescission) (Sec. 126).........
Military construction, Defense- ............... ............... -134,000 ............... ............... ............... +134,000
Wide (rescission) (Sec. 127)....
Military construction, Army (Sec. ............... ............... ............... 34,500 +34,500 +34,500 +34,500
125)............................
Military construction, Navy and ............... ............... ............... 34,320 +34,320 +34,320 +34,320
Marine Corps (Sec. 126).........
Military construction, Army ............... ............... ............... 51,300 +51,300 +51,300 +51,300
National Guard (Sec. 127).......
Military construction, Army ............... ............... ............... 34,200 +34,200 +34,200 +34,200
Reserve (Sec. 128)..............
NATO Security Investment Program -25,000 ............... ............... ............... +25,000 ............... ...............
(rescission) (Sec. 132).........
Military construction, Army ............... ............... ............... -85,000 -85,000 -85,000 -85,000
(rescission) (Sec. 129).........
Military construction, Air Force ............... ............... ............... -86,400 -86,400 -86,400 -86,400
(rescission) (Sec. 129).........
Military construction, Defense- ............... ............... ............... -133,000 -133,000 -133,000 -133,000
Wide (rescission) (Sec. 129)....
42 USC 3374 (rescission) (Sec. -63,800 ............... -103,918 -65,000 -1,200 -65,000 +38,918
134)............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative 36,753 ............... -356,518 -215,080 -251,833 -215,080 +141,438
Provisions................
Appropriations......... (242,000) ............... (30,000) (154,320) (-87,680) (+154,320) (+124,320)
Rescissions............ (-205,247) ............... (-386,518) (-369,400) (-164,153) (-369,400) (+17,118)
======================================================================================================================
Total, title I, Department 6,558,000 8,437,620 7,151,000 8,083,000 +1,525,000 -354,620 +932,000
of Defense................
Appropriations......... (6,763,247) (8,437,620) (7,537,518) (8,452,400) (+1,689,153) (+14,780) (+914,882)
Rescissions............ (-205,247) ............... (-386,518) (-369,400) (-164,153) (-369,400) (+17,118)
======================================================================================================================
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and pensions........ 79,071,000 79,124,675 79,124,675 79,124,675 +53,675 ............... ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal ............... 87,146,761 87,146,761 87,146,761 +87,146,761 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
Readjustment benefits............ 14,997,136 15,344,922 15,344,922 15,344,922 +347,786 ............... ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal ............... 16,743,904 16,743,904 16,743,904 +16,743,904 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
Veterans insurance and 63,257 77,160 77,160 77,160 +13,903 ............... ...............
indemnities.....................
Advance appropriation, fiscal ............... 91,920 91,920 91,920 +91,920 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
Veterans housing benefit program
fund:
(Indefinite)................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
(Limitation on direct (500) (500) (500) (500) ............... ............... ...............
loans)..................
Administrative expenses...... 160,881 164,558 164,558 164,558 +3,677 ............... ...............
Vocational rehabilitation loans 10 31 31 31 +21 ............... ...............
program account.................
(Limitation on direct loans). (2,877) (2,952) (2,952) (2,952) (+75) ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...... 361 367 367 367 +6 ............... ...............
Native American veteran housing 1,130 1,134 1,134 1,134 +4 ............... ...............
loan program account............
======================================================================================================================
Total, Veterans Benefits 94,293,775 198,695,432 198,695,432 198,695,432 +104,401,657 ............... ...............
Administration............
Appropriations......... (94,293,775) (94,712,847) (94,712,847) (94,712,847) (+419,072) ............... ...............
Advance appropriations, ............... (103,982,585) (103,982,585) (103,982,585) (+103,982,585) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2017......
======================================================================================================================
Veterans Health Administration
Medical services:
Advance from prior year...... (45,015,527) (47,603,202) (47,603,202) (47,603,202) (+2,587,675) ............... ...............
Current year request......... 209,189 1,124,197 971,554 1,134,197 +925,008 +10,000 +162,643
Advance appropriation, fiscal 47,603,202 51,673,000 51,673,000 51,673,000 +4,069,798 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 47,812,391 52,797,197 52,644,554 52,807,197 +4,994,806 +10,000 +162,643
Medical support and compliance:
Advance from prior year...... (5,879,700) (6,144,000) (6,144,000) (6,144,000) (+264,300) ............... ...............
Current year request......... ............... 69,961 ............... ............... ............... -69,961 ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal 6,144,000 6,524,000 6,524,000 6,524,000 +380,000 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 6,144,000 6,593,961 6,524,000 6,524,000 +380,000 -69,961 ...............
Medical facilities:
Advance from prior year...... (4,739,000) (4,915,000) (4,915,000) (4,915,000) (+176,000) ............... ...............
Current year request......... ............... 105,132 ............... ............... ............... -105,132 ...............
Advance appropriation, fiscal 4,915,000 5,074,000 5,074,000 5,074,000 +159,000 ............... ...............
year 2017...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 4,915,000 5,179,132 5,074,000 5,074,000 +159,000 -105,132 ...............
Medical and prosthetic research.. 588,922 621,813 621,813 621,813 +32,891 ............... ...............
Medical care cost recovery
collections:
Offsetting collections....... -2,456,000 -2,445,000 -2,445,000 -2,445,000 +11,000 ............... ...............
Appropriations (indefinite).. 2,456,000 2,445,000 2,445,000 2,445,000 -11,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
DOD-VA Joint Medical Funds (-276,251) (-286,000) (-286,000) (-286,000) (-9,749) ............... ...............
(transfers out).................
DOD-VA Joint Medical Funds (by (276,251) (286,000) (286,000) (286,000) (+9,749) ............... ...............
transfer).......................
DOD-VA Health Care Sharing (-15,000) (-15,000) (-15,000) (-15,000) ............... ............... ...............
Incentive Fund (transfer out)...
DOD-VA Health Care Sharing (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) ............... ............... ...............
Incentive Fund (by transfer)....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Health 59,460,313 65,192,103 64,864,367 65,027,010 +5,566,697 -165,093 +162,643
Administration............
Appropriations......... (798,111) (1,921,103) (1,593,367) (1,756,010) (+957,899) (-165,093) (+162,643)
Advance appropriations, (58,662,202) (63,271,000) (63,271,000) (63,271,000) (+4,608,798) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2017......
Advances from prior (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
year appropriations...
======================================================================================================================
National Cemetery Administration
National Cemetery Administration. 256,800 266,220 266,220 266,220 +9,420 ............... ...............
Departmental Administration
General administration........... 321,591 346,659 324,959 311,591 -10,000 -35,068 -13,368
Board of Veterans Appeals........ 99,294 107,884 109,884 107,884 +8,590 ............... -2,000
General operating expenses, VBA.. 2,534,254 2,697,734 2,702,734 2,697,734 +163,480 ............... -5,000
Information technology systems... 3,903,344 4,133,363 4,039,563 4,106,363 +203,019 -27,000 +66,800
Office of Inspector General...... 126,411 126,766 131,766 126,766 +355 ............... -5,000
Construction, major projects..... 561,800 1,143,800 561,800 1,027,064 +465,264 -116,736 +465,264
Construction, minor projects..... 495,200 406,200 406,200 378,080 -117,120 -28,120 -28,120
Grants for construction of State 90,000 80,000 80,000 100,000 +10,000 +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 8,177,894 9,087,406 8,401,906 8,901,482 +723,588 -185,924 +499,576
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Administrative Provisions
Medical services (Sec. 227)...... 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Rescission) (Sec. 227)...... -1,400,000 -1,400,000 -1,400,000 -1,400,000 ............... ............... ...............
Medical support and compliance 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Sec. 227)......................
(Rescission) (Sec. 227)...... -100,000 -100,000 -100,000 -150,000 -50,000 -50,000 -50,000
Medical facilities (Sec. 227).... 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 ............... ............... ...............
(Rescission) (Sec. 227)...... -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 -250,000 ............... ............... ...............
Contract disability exams........ 40,000 ............... ............... ............... -40,000 ............... ...............
Payraise absorption (rescission) ............... ............... -313,626 -255,000 -255,000 -255,000 +58,626
(Sec. 236)......................
Bonus limit (rescission) (Sec. -41,000 ............... -101,000 -55,000 -14,000 -55,000 +46,000
237)............................
JIF (rescission) (Sec. 238)...... -15,000 ............... -15,000 -50,000 -35,000 -50,000 -35,000
Department administration ............... ............... ............... -6,052 -6,052 -6,052 -6,052
(rescission) (Sec. 239).........
Unobligated balances (rescission) ............... ............... ............... -90,293 -90,293 -90,293 -90,293
(Sec. 240)......................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative -16,000 ............... -429,626 -506,345 -490,345 -506,345 -76,719
Provisions................
======================================================================================================================
Total, title II............ 162,172,782 273,241,161 271,798,299 272,383,799 +110,211,017 -857,362 +585,500
Appropriations......... (105,316,580) (107,737,576) (106,724,340) (107,386,559) (+2,069,979) (-351,017) (+662,219)
Rescissions............ (-1,806,000) (-1,750,000) (-2,179,626) (-2,256,345) (-450,345) (-506,345) (-76,719)
Advance appropriations, (58,662,202) (167,253,585) (167,253,585) (167,253,585) (+108,591,383) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2017......
Advances from prior (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
year appropriations...
(Limitation on direct (3,377) (3,452) (3,452) (3,452) (+75) ............... ...............
loans)................
======================================================================================================================
TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments
Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 74,100 75,100 75,100 75,100 +1,000 ............... ...............
Foreign currency fluctuations 1,900 2,000 2,000 2,000 +100 ............... ...............
account.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, American Battle 76,000 77,100 77,100 77,100 +1,100 ............... ...............
Monuments Commission......
======================================================================================================================
U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims
Salaries and expenses............ 31,386 32,141 32,141 32,141 +755 ............... ...............
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
Salaries and expenses............ 65,800 70,800 70,800 70,800 +5,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Cemeterial Expenses, 65,800 70,800 70,800 70,800 +5,000 ............... ...............
Army......................
======================================================================================================================
Armed Forces Retirement Home--
Trust Fund
Operation and maintenance........ 62,400 63,300 63,300 63,300 +900 ............... ...............
Capital program.................. 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Armed Forces 63,400 64,300 64,300 64,300 +900 ............... ...............
Retirement Home...........
======================================================================================================================
Total, title III........... 236,586 244,341 244,341 244,341 +7,755 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
TITLE IV--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY
OPERATIONS
Military construction, Navy and ............... ............... 244,004 ............... ............... ............... -244,004
Marine Corps....................
Military construction, Air Force. ............... ............... 75,000 ............... ............... ............... -75,000
Military construction, Defense- 46,000 ............... 212,996 ............... -46,000 ............... -212,996
Wide............................
European Reassurance Initiative 175,000 ............... ............... ............... -175,000 ............... ...............
Military Construction...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, title IV............ 221,000 ............... 532,000 ............... -221,000 ............... -532,000
======================================================================================================================
Grand total................ 169,188,368 281,923,122 279,725,640 280,711,140 +111,522,772 -1,211,982 +985,500
Appropriations......... (112,316,413) (116,419,537) (114,506,199) (116,083,300) (+3,766,887) (-336,237) (+1,577,101)
Rescissions............ (-2,011,247) (-1,750,000) (-2,566,144) (-2,625,745) (-614,498) (-875,745) (-59,601)
Advance appropriations, (58,662,202) (167,253,585) (167,253,585) (167,253,585) (+108,591,383) ............... ...............
fiscal year 2017......
Overseas contingency (221,000) ............... (532,000) ............... (-221,000) ............... (-532,000)
operations............
Advances from prior (55,634,227) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (58,662,202) (+3,027,975) ............... ...............
year appropriations...
(By transfer)...... (291,251) (301,000) (301,000) (301,000) (+9,749) ............... ...............
(Limitation on direct (3,377) (3,452) (3,452) (3,452) (+75) ............... ...............
loans)................
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