[House Report 111-109]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 111-109
======================================================================
TO AMEND CHAPTER 21 OF TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE, TO ESTABLISH A
GRANT PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
_______
May 14, 2009.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Filner, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 1170]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred the
bill (H.R. 1170) to amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States
Code, to establish a grant program to encourage the development
of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Amendment........................................................ 1
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 2
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 2
Committee Consideration.......................................... 3
Committee Votes.................................................. 4
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 4
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 4
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 4
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits............................. 4
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 4
Congressional Budget Office Estimate............................. 4
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 6
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 6
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 6
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 6
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 6
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill as Reported............. 7
Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant
program
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall make grants to encourage
the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted
housing.
``(b) Application.--A person seeking a grant under this section shall
submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in such form and
manner as the Secretary shall specify.
``(c) Grant Funds.--(1) The amount of each grant awarded under this
section shall be an amount of not more than $200,000 per year.
``(2) For each year in which the Secretary makes a grant under this
section, the Secretary shall make the grant by not later than October 1
of that year.
``(d) Use of Funds.--(1) The recipient of a grant under this section
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in
specially adapted housing.
``(2) If the recipient of a grant under this section is awarded a
patent related to assistive technology developed with amounts under the
grant, the Secretary shall retain not less than a 30 percent interest
in such patent.
``(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report containing information related to
each grant awarded under this section during the preceding calendar
year, including--
``(1) the name of the grant recipient;
``(2) the amount of the grant; and
``(3) the goal of the grant.
``(f) Funding.--From amounts appropriated to the Department for
Medical Services for each fiscal year, $2,000,000 shall be available
for each such fiscal year for the purposes of the program under this
section.
``(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this section
shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the
enactment of this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.''.
(c) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary shall implement the
grant program under section 2108 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a), by not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 1170 was introduced on February 25, 2009, by
Representative John Boozman of Arkansas, the Ranking Member of
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. H.R. 1170, as amended, would authorize a
five-year pilot program to promote research and development of
adaptive technologies that would be applicable to the Specially
Adapted Housing program of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA).
Background and Need for Legislation
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program was established
in 1948 by Public Law 80-702 (62 Stat. 500). The SAH program
provides grants up to $60,000 to modify a home to accommodate a
veteran's service-connected disabilities.
The SAH program is administered by the VA Loan Guaranty
Service, part of the Veterans Benefits Administration. Upon
application for SAH benefits, VA will evaluate the disability
status and its impact on the veteran's daily life. When a
disabled veteran is approved for the benefit, SAH field staff
work with the veteran and construction staff to design
modifications to the residence to ensure that alterations meet
VA standards. VA deposits funds in an escrow account and
controls the disbursement to ensure SAH projects meet VA design
and construction quality standards and that the project is
completed.
In fiscal year 2008, VA approved SAH benefits for 1,236
disabled veterans totaling $38,000,000. The average benefit
cost was $30,850. The number of projects approved over fiscal
years 2008 and 2009 will total an estimated $95,000,000.
Program officials estimate that during fiscal year 2010, VA
will approve an additional 1,250 projects totaling $59,000,000.
Two signature injuries from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan are traumatic brain injury and multiple traumas
resulting from the effects of exposure to one or more explosive
devices. Due to greatly improved medical care, both in the
field and stateside, veterans are fortunately recovering from
serious injuries such as these but it is likely that there will
be an increase in the need for advanced technologies to aid our
wounded veterans' unique disabilities in the future.
To meet this demand, investing in research and development
could provide cost-effective solutions for reducing the need
for round-the-clock nursing care or institutionalization for
seriously wounded veterans. In general, today's adaptations are
structural modifications such as ramps, wider halls and doors,
and lower counters. There are many emerging technologies that
could lend themselves to enhance the livability of adapted
homes and improve a veteran's independent living. Some examples
are electronic aids to daily living such as voice-recognition
and voice-commanded operations, integrated computer-managed
functions, alternative human-computer interfaces, living
environment controls, adaptive feeding equipment, fall
prevention, pressure sore prevention and recreation assistance.
H.R. 1170, as amended, would provide that the VA retain a
30 percent interest in any patent approved as a result of
funding through this grant program. VA has a long history of
working with research and development projects that have
produced tremendous benefits for many sectors of the general
public. It is expected that taxpayers should see a reasonable
level of return for the investment of tax dollars as a partial
offset to the costs of bringing these patents to market. The VA
should retain any investment returns from these patents to
assist in funding grants, during the duration of this program.
The research and development community is diverse, ranging
from single-person inventors to large corporations and academic
institutions. The Committee believes the VA should aggressively
market this grant program, especially to academic institutions
with either formal or informal research and development
programs, that could meet the future needs of our wounded
veterans.
Committee Consideration
On May 6, 2009, the full Committee met in an open markup
session, a quorum being present, and ordered H.R. 1170, as
amended, reported favorably to the House of Representatives, by
voice vote. During consideration of the bill the following
amendment was considered:
An amendment by Mr. Boozman of Arkansas to limit the
program to five years beginning 180 days after the date
of passage was agreed to by voice vote.
Committee Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes
on the motion to report the legislation and amendments thereto.
There were no record votes taken on amendments or in connection
with ordering H.R. 1170 reported to the House. A motion by Mr.
Buyer of Indiana to order H.R. 1170, as amended, reported
favorably to the House of Representatives was agreed to by
voice vote.
Committee Oversight Findings
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
(2)(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of
this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance
goals and objectives are reflected in the descriptive portions
of this report.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures
In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its
own the estimate of new budget authority, entitlement
authority, or tax expenditures or revenues contained in the
cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974.
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits
H.R. 1170 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives.
Committee Cost Estimate
The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate on H.R.
1170 prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate
for H.R. 1170 provided by the Congressional Budget Office
pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, May 13, 2009.
Hon. Bob Filner,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1170, a bill to
amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, to establish
a grant program to encourage the development of new assistive
technologies for specially adapted housing.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Camille
Woodland.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Sunshine
(For Douglas W. Elmendorf, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 1170--A bill to amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code,
to establish a grant program to encourage the development of
new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing
H.R. 1170 would create a grant program to foster the
development of technologies to improve specially adapted
housing and would authorize the appropriation of up to $2
million per year over the next five years for that purpose.
Such technologies would be those that could be used to alter or
construct housing to be more functional and accessible for
veterans with certain service-connected disabilities. CBO
estimates that implementing the bill would cost $6 million over
the 2010-2014 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary
amounts. Enacting the bill would have an insignificant effect
on direct spending and would have no effect on revenues.
CBO estimates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
would award approximately $1 million in grants in 2010 and $8
million over the 2010-2014 period. Based on outlay rates for
similar federal programs that provide research grants, CBO
estimates that spending would total less than $500,000 in 2010;
we estimate that annual spending would rise to $1 million in
2011 and $2 million by 2014.
If grant recipients obtained a patent for the technology
developed under this grant, VA would retain at least a 30
percent interest in the patent. Based on the size of individual
grants--up to $200,000--and the length of time required to
develop products and to complete the patent process, CBO
estimates that any offsetting receipts the government might
receive (from profits earned on technologies developed under
this program) would be quite small and the impact on direct
spending would be insignificant.
H.R. 1170 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and
would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal
governments.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Camille
Woodland. The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
Federal Mandates Statement
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates regarding H.R. 1170 prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Advisory Committee Statement
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R.
1170.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the
Constitutional authority for H.R. 1170 is provided by Article
I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation
Section 1. Specially Adapted Housing Assistance Technology Grant
Program
This section establishes a new section 2108 in title 38,
United States Code, that creates a grant pilot program to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for
specially adapted housing.
New subsection (b) requires that persons seeking such
grants submit an application to the VA in a manner specified by
the Secretary. This section would specify that each individual
grant not exceed $200,000 per year and that grants be made no
later than October 1 of the year in which the Secretary makes
grants available.
New subsection (d) requires the use of funds provided by
this grant be used to develop assistive technologies for use in
specially adapted housing and requires the grantee to provide a
30 percent interest to the VA if a patent is awarded as a
result of funds from the grant program.
New subsection (e) requires the Secretary to provide an
annual report to Congress containing, for the preceding
calendar year, the name of each grant recipient, the amount of
each grant, and the goal of each grant.
New subsection (f) authorizes $2,000,000 from the
Department of Medical Services for each fiscal year for this
program.
New subsection (g) provides that the grant program shall
terminate five years after the date of enactment.
Subsection (c) of section 1 provides a deadline for
implementation of the program of 180 days after the date of
enactment.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is
printed in italic and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
PART II--GENERAL BENEFITS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 21--SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Sec.
2101. Acquisition and adaptation of housing: eligible veterans.
* * * * * * *
2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall make grants to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for
specially adapted housing.
(b) Application.--A person seeking a grant under this section
shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in
such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify.
(c) Grant Funds.--(1) The amount of each grant awarded under
this section shall be an amount of not more than $200,000 per
year.
(2) For each year in which the Secretary makes a grant under
this section, the Secretary shall make the grant by not later
than October 1 of that year.
(d) Use of Funds.--(1) The recipient of a grant under this
section shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies
for use in specially adapted housing.
(2) If the recipient of a grant under this section is awarded
a patent related to assistive technology developed with amounts
under the grant, the Secretary shall retain not less than a 30
percent interest in such patent.
(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each year, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing
information related to each grant awarded under this section
during the preceding calendar year, including--
(1) the name of the grant recipient;
(2) the amount of the grant; and
(3) the goal of the grant.
(f) Funding.--From amounts appropriated to the Department for
Medical Services for each fiscal year, $2,000,000 shall be
available for each such fiscal year for the purposes of the
program under this section.
(g) Termination.--The authority to make a grant under this
section shall terminate on the date that is five years after
the date of the enactment of this section.
* * * * * * *