89–010 

Calendar No. 172 

116TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! SENATE 1st Session 116–70 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY VETERANS’ HEALTH 

INITIATIVE ACT 

AUGUST 16, 2019.—Ordered to be printed 

Filed, under authority of the order of the Senate of August 1, 2019 

Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee on Energy and Natural 

Resources, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany S. 143] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was 

referred the bill (S. 143), to authorize the Department of Energy 

to conduct collaborative research with the Department of Veterans 

Affairs in order to improve healthcare services for veterans in the 

United States, and for other purposes, having considered the same, 

reports favorably thereon without amendment and recommends 

that the bill do pass. 

PURPOSE

The purpose of S. 143 is to authorize the Department of Energy 

(DOE or Department) to conduct collaborative research with the 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to improve 

healthcare services for veterans in the United States. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED

DOE funds basic research in high performance computing, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, machine learning, and 

large-scale data analytics across the national laboratory system. 

The Department also owns research infrastructure, including the 

world’s fastest supercomputers, and can provide tools and technical 

expertise in support of industry, academia, and other federal agencies’ efforts to solve complex technology challenges. 


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The VA healthcare system offers one example of a complex data 

set that could benefit from support and analysis provided through 

the DOE national laboratory system. Through its voluntary data 

collection program, entitled the Million Veterans Program (MVP), 

the VA has collected detailed health information and genomic data 

on over 600,000 veterans. The MVP was established in order to examine how genomic variation influences the progression of disease 

and response to different treatments. 

The VA, however, lacks the tools to analyze this complex data effectively. In order to maximize the potential for analysis, DOE and 

the VA have partnered to plan a joint research venture that will 

benefit both agencies. The partnership combines the healthcare 

and genomic data generated through the MVP with DOE’s world 

class leadership in high-performance computing and data analytics 

capabilities. 

The combined MVP CHAMPION (Million Veterans Program 

Computational Health Analytics for Medical Precision to Improve 

Outcomes Now) initiative will allow DOE and the VA to establish 

a scientific computing environment that will not only house, protect, and provide MVP data to researchers within the DOE national 

laboratory system, but also facilitate the development of big data 

analytical tools to foster transformational science across the Department’s mission. Through the development and application of 

complex computer models that detect patterns in the VA’s data, 

DOE will be able to identify potential causes and warning signs of 

various diseases. This analysis could lead to information that could 

transform the healthcare the VA offers to veterans, particularly 

through early diagnoses or developing more effective treatment 

mechanisms. 

Further, the MVP will provide enhanced health data through the 

collection of genetic, lifestyle, military exposure, and health information about veterans that can be used to understand how genes 

and environment affect health and illness. 

This program will also benefit DOE basic research needs by providing a large data set from which to develop computing tools, technologies, and techniques that can be applied to DOE’s core mission 

research. In order to further the capabilities achieved through the 

partnership with the VA, DOE has also established a standalone 

artificial intelligence and big data initiative to explore broader applications of these computing techniques within the DOE core mission. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

S. 143 was introduced by Senator Ernst (for herself and Senators 

Hassan, Portman, Gardner, King, and Heinrich on January 16, 

2019. Senator Rounds was added as a cosponsor on May 1, 2019. 

The Subcommittee on Energy held a legislative hearing on S. 143 

on July 9, 2019. 

During the 115th Congress, Senator Ernst introduced similar 

legislation, S. 3656, (for herself and Senators King, Gardner, on 

November 26, 2018. Senators Portman and Hassan were later 

added as cosponsor. Similar legislation, H.R. 6398, was introduced 

in the House of Representatives on July 17, 2018, by Representative Norman, and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology. H.R. 6398 was reported by the Science, Space, and 


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Technology Committee with an amendment on September 25, 2018 

(H. Rept. 115–974), and passed the House, as amended, on September 25, 2018, by voice vote. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on H.R. 6398 on November 29, 

2018. 

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met in 

open business session on July 16, 2019, and ordered S. 143 favorably reported. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in 

open business session on July 16, 2019, by a majority voice vote of 

a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 143. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title 

Section 1 sets forth the short title of the bill as the ‘‘Department 

of Energy Veterans’ Health Initiative Act.’’ 

Sec. 2. Definitions 

Section 2 provides for definitions of relevant terms. 

Sec. 3. Purposes 

Section 3 sets forth the purposes of the bill, including to advance 

DOE expertise in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing in order to improve health outcomes for veteran populations 

by supporting basic research; maximizing the impacts of the VA 

health and genomics data housed at the national laboratories; establishing partnerships to improve data sharing; establishing multiple scientific computing user facilities; and driving technology improvements in artificial intelligence, computing, and networking. 

Sec. 4. Department of Energy veterans health research and development 

Section 4(a) requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish and carry out a research program in artificial intelligence 

and high-performance computing, focused on the development of 

tools to solve big data challenges associated with veteran’s 

healthcare. 

Subsection (b) includes components the Secretary may use when 

establishing the program. 

Subsection (c) authorizes the Secretary to enter into memoranda 

of understanding with the VA and other Federal agencies as appropriate. 

Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress detailing the effectiveness of the program not later than two 

years after the date of the enactment. 

Subsection (f) directs the Secretary of the VA to allocate up to 

$27 million during the period of fiscal years (FY) 2019 through 

2023 to carry out this section, subject to the availability of appropriations. 

Section 5(a) directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to 

develop tools for big data analytics in order to advance artificial intelligence technologies to solve complex, big data challenges. 


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Subsection (b) includes components the Secretary may use in carrying out the pilot program. 

Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to submit a report to the 

House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program. 

Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to allocate up to $26 million 

for each of FYs 2019 and 2020 to carry out this section, subject to 

the availability of appropriations. 

COST AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS

The following estimate of the costs of this measure has been provided by the Congressional Budget Office: 

The bill would 

• Direct the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct collaborative research 

on veterans’ health care issues 

• Require DOE to carry out a pilot program on big data analytics 

• Direct DOE and VA to allocate up to $53 million in appropriated funds for those purposes 

Estimated budgetary effects would primarily stem from 

• Spending of allocations authorized for DOE and VA 

Bill summary: S. 143 would require the Department of Energy 

and the Department of Veterans Affairs to allocate $53 million over 

the 2020–2023 period for collaborative research on veterans’ health 

care issues and for a pilot program by DOE on big data analytics. 

Estimated Federal Cost: The estimated budgetary effect of S. 143 

is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget 

functions 250 (general science, space, and technology) and 700 (veterans benefits and services). 


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TABLE 1.—ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER S. 143 

By fiscal year, millions of dollars— 

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2019– 

2024 

Department of Veterans Affairs: 

Estimated Authorization ................................................. 0 7 7 7 6 0 27 

Estimated Outlays .......................................................... 0 6 7 7 6 1 27 

Department of Energy: 

Authorization ................................................................... 26 26 0 0 0 0 26 

Estimated Outlays .......................................................... 0 14 8 4 0 0 26 

Total Changes: 

Estimated Authorization ........................................ 26 33 7 7 6 0 53 

Estimated Outlays ................................................. 0 20 15 11 6 1 53 

S. 143 would direct the Department of Energy to allocate $26 million in 2019 from appropriated funds. CBO does not estimate any outlays 

for 2019 because appropriations for 2019 have already been provided. 

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that S. 143 

will be enacted in late 2019 and that the authorized and necessary 

amounts will be available each year. Estimated outlays are based 

on historical spending patterns for the affected activities. CBO estimates that implementing S. 143 would cost $53 million over the 

2020–2024 period. 

Department of Veterans Affairs: Section 4 of the bill would authorize appropriations of $27 million to be used by VA and DOE 

to implement a collaborative research program to analyze largescale health and genomic data over the 2019–2023 period. The bill 

does not specify the amount for each year, so CBO assumes that 

between $6 million and $7 million would be used each year beginning in 2020. VA has spent $15 million since 2017 for similar efforts. 

Under the bill, VA would reimburse DOE for research expenses 

associated with the program. The bill also would require DOE to 

report to the Congress on those collaborative efforts. CBO estimates that implementing section 4 would cost $27 million over the 

2020–2024 period. 

Department of Energy: Section 5 of the bill would direct DOE to 

allocate $26 million annually over the 2019–2020 period for the department to carry out a pilot program to advance the use of artificial intelligence for big data analytics. CBO does not estimate any 

outlays for 2019 because appropriations for 2019 have already been 

provided. 

S. 143 also would direct DOE to evaluate and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of that pilot program. CBO estimates 

that implementing section 5 would cost $26 million over the 2020– 

2024 period. 

Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None. 

Increase in long-term deficits: None. 

Mandates: None. 

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Janani Shankaran (Department of Energy); Ann Futrell (Department of Veterans Affairs); 

Mandates: Brandon Lever. 

Estimate reviewed by: Kim P. Cawley, Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit; David Newman, Chief, Defense, International Affairs & Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates 

Unit; Leo Lex, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis; H. 

Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. 


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REGULATORY IMPACT EVALUATION

In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following evaluation 

of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in carrying out 

S. 143. The bill is not a regulatory measure in the sense of imposing Government-established standards or significant economic responsibilities on private individuals and businesses. 

No personal information would be collected in administering the 

program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal privacy. 

Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the enactment of S. 143, as ordered reported. 

CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING

S. 143, as ordered reported, does not contain any congressionally 

directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate. 

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

The testimony provided by the Department of Energy at the July 

9, 2019, Subcommittee on Energy hearing on S. 143 follows: 

TESTIMONY OF THE HONORABLE BRUCE J. WALKER, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF ELECTRICITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

INTRODUCTION

Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Heinrich, and 

Members of the Subcommittee, it is an honor and a privilege to serve at the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department), as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity. DOE is charged with, among other important responsibilities, providing our Nation with premier energy 

research and development (R&D) activities. The work 

being conducted by DOE is setting the course for various 

advancements in the energy field and beyond. Issues like 

energy storage, improving energy efficiency, creating 

breakthroughs in how we extract and utilize our Nation’s 

fossil fuels, and Artificial Intelligence are just some of the 

important areas of DOE research. These are also the topics 

being covered at today’s hearing. 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on behalf 

of the Department regarding these various pieces of legislation. The Administration continues to review all eleven 

of these bills. Below are some highlights and perspectives 

regarding the legislation being discussed today. 

S.143—DOE Veteran’s Health Initiative Act 

The DOE Veteran’s Health Initiative Act authorizes 

DOE to establish and carry out a research program in artificial intelligence and high performance computing, focused 

on the development of tools and technology to solve big 

data and large scale analytics challenges in partnership 

and coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The bill also requires DOE to carry out a pilot program to 


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develop tools for big data analytics in order to advance artificial intelligence technologies to solve complex big data 

challenges. 

This bill is strongly aligned with the Administration’s 

stated R&D budget priorities including: American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Maximizing Interagency Coordination, and a Workforce for the 21st Century Economy. 

The Administration continues to review the bill. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the 

Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee notes that no 

changes in existing law are made by S. 143 as ordered reported. 

Æ 


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