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[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1291 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.1291

                      One Hundred Seventh Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America

                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
             the third day of January, two thousand and one

                                 An Act

 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify and improve authorities 
   relating to education benefits, compensation and pension benefits, 
    housing benefits, burial benefits, and vocational rehabilitation 
  benefits for veterans, to modify certain authorities relating to the 
   United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and for other 
                                purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Education 
and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.

               TITLE I--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS

Sec. 101. Increase in rates of basic educational assistance under 
          Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 102. Increase in rates of survivors' and dependents' educational 
          assistance.
Sec. 103. Restoration of certain education benefits of individuals being 
          ordered to active duty.
Sec. 104. Accelerated payments of educational assistance under 
          Montgomery GI Bill for education leading to employment in high 
          technology industry.
Sec. 105. Eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill benefits of certain 
          additional Vietnam era veterans.
Sec. 106. Increase in maximum allowable annual Senior ROTC educational 
          assistance for eligibility for benefits under the Montgomery 
          GI Bill.
Sec. 107. Expansion of work-study opportunities.
Sec. 108. Eligibility for survivors' and dependents' educational 
          assistance of spouses and surviving spouses of veterans with 
          total service-connected disabilities.
Sec. 109. Expansion of special restorative training benefit to certain 
          disabled spouses or surviving spouses.
Sec. 110. Inclusion of certain private technology entities in definition 
          of educational institution.
Sec. 111. Distance education.

              TITLE II--COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. Modification and extension of authorities on presumption of 
          service-connection for herbicide-related disabilities of 
          Vietnam veterans.
Sec. 202. Payment of compensation for Persian Gulf War veterans with 
          certain chronic disabilities.
Sec. 203. Preservation of service connection for undiagnosed illnesses 
          to provide for participation in research projects by Persian 
          Gulf War veterans.
Sec. 204. Repeal of limitation on payments of benefits to incompetent 
          institutionalized veterans.
Sec. 205. Extension of round-down requirement for compensation cost-of-
          living adjustments.
Sec. 206. Expansion of presumptions of permanent and total disability 
          for veterans applying for nonservice-connected pension.
Sec. 207. Eligibility of veterans 65 years of age or older for veterans' 
          pension benefits.

              TITLE III--TRANSITION AND OUTREACH PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Authority to establish overseas veterans assistance offices to 
          expand transition assistance.
Sec. 302. Timing of preseparation counseling.
Sec. 303. Improvement in education and training outreach services for 
          separating servicemembers and veterans.
Sec. 304. Improvement of veterans outreach programs.

                        TITLE IV--HOUSING MATTERS

Sec. 401. Increase in home loan guaranty amount for construction and 
          purchase of homes.
Sec. 402. Native American veteran housing loan pilot program.
Sec. 403. Modification of loan assumption notice requirement.
Sec. 404. Increase in assistance amount for specially adapted housing.
Sec. 405. Extension of other housing authorities.
Sec. 406. Clarifying amendment relating to eligibility of members of the 
          Selected Reserve for housing loans.

                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 501. Increase in burial benefits.
Sec. 502. Government markers for marked graves at private cemeteries.
Sec. 503. Increase in amount of assistance for automobile and adaptive 
          equipment for certain disabled veterans.
Sec. 504. Extension of limitation on pension for certain recipients of 
          medicaid-covered nursing home care.
Sec. 505. Prohibition on provision of certain benefits with respect to 
          persons who are fugitive felons.
Sec. 506. Limitation on payment of compensation for veterans remaining 
          incarcerated since October 7, 1980.
Sec. 507. Elimination of requirement for providing a copy of notice of 
          appeal to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 508. Increase in fiscal year limitation on number of veterans in 
          programs of independent living services and assistance.
Sec. 509. Technical and clerical amendments.

      TITLE VI--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS

Sec. 601. Facilitation of staggered terms of judges through temporary 
          expansion of the Court.
Sec. 602. Repeal of requirement for written notice regarding acceptance 
          of reappointment as condition to retirement from the Court.
Sec. 603. Termination of notice of disagreement as jurisdictional 
          requirement for the Court.
Sec. 604. Registration fees.
Sec. 605. Administrative authorities.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States 
Code.

               TITLE I--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS

SEC. 101. INCREASE IN RATES OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER 
              MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) In General.--(1) Paragraph (1) of section 3015(a) is amended to 
read as follows:
        ``(1) for an approved program of education pursued on a full-
    time basis, at the monthly rate of--
            ``(A) for months beginning on or after January 1, 2002, 
        $800;
            ``(B) for months occurring during fiscal year 2003, $900;
            ``(C) for months occurring during fiscal year 2004, $985; 
        and
            ``(D) for months occurring during a subsequent fiscal year, 
        the amount for months occurring during the previous fiscal year 
        increased under subsection (h); or''.
    (2) Paragraph (1) of section 3015(b) is amended to read as follows:
        ``(1) for an approved program of education pursued on a full-
    time basis, at the monthly rate of--
            ``(A) for months beginning on or after January 1, 2002, 
        $650;
            ``(B) for months occurring during fiscal year 2003, $732;
            ``(C) for months occurring during fiscal year 2004, $800; 
        and
            ``(D) for months occurring during a subsequent fiscal year, 
        the amount for months occurring during the previous fiscal year 
        increased under subsection (h); or''.
    (b) CPI Adjustment.--No adjustment in rates of educational 
assistance shall be made under section 3015(h) of title 38, United 
States Code, for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.

SEC. 102. INCREASE IN RATES OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL 
              ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.--Section 
3532 is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
            (A) by striking ``$588'' and inserting ``$670'';
            (B) by striking ``$441'' and inserting ``$503''; and
            (C) by striking ``$294'' and inserting ``$335'';
        (2) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``$588'' and inserting 
    ``$670'';
        (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``$588'' and inserting 
    ``$670''; and
        (4) in subsection (c)(2)--
            (A) by striking ``$475'' and inserting ``$541';
            (B) by striking ``$356'' and inserting ``$406''; and
            (C) by striking ``$238'' and inserting ``$271''.
    (b) Correspondence Courses.--Section 3534(b) is amended by striking 
``$588'' and inserting ``$670''.
    (c) Special Restorative Training.--Section 3542(a) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$588'' and inserting ``$670''; and
        (2) by striking ``$184'' each place it appears and inserting 
    ``$210''.
    (d) Apprenticeship Training.--Section 3687(b)(2) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``$428'' and inserting ``$488'';
        (2) by striking ``$320'' and inserting ``$365'';
        (3) by striking ``$212'' and inserting ``$242''; and
        (4) by striking ``$107'' and inserting ``$122''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect as of January 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
educational assistance allowances payable under chapter 35 and section 
3687(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, for months beginning on or 
after that date.

SEC. 103. RESTORATION OF CERTAIN EDUCATION BENEFITS OF INDIVIDUALS 
              BEING ORDERED TO ACTIVE DUTY.

    (a) In General.--Sections 3013(f)(2)(A), 3231(a)(5)(B)(i), and 
3511(a)(2)(B)(i) are each amended by striking ``, in connection with 
the Persian Gulf War, to serve on active duty under section 672 (a), 
(d), or (g), 673, 673b, or 688 of title 10;'' and inserting ``to serve 
on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, 
or 12304 of title 10;''.
    (b) Increase in Chapter 35 Delimiting Period.--Section 3512 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if an 
eligible person, during the delimiting period otherwise applicable to 
such person under this section, serves on active duty pursuant to an 
order to active duty issued under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 
12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10, such person shall be granted an 
extension of such delimiting period for the length of time equal to the 
period of such active duty plus four months.''.
    (c) Application to Chapter 31.--(1) Section 3105 is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or 
chapter 36 of this title, any payment of a subsistence allowance and 
other assistance described in paragraph (2) shall not--
        ``(A) be charged against any entitlement of any veteran under 
    this chapter; or
        ``(B) be counted toward the aggregate period for which section 
    3695 of this title limits an individual's receipt of allowance or 
    assistance.
    ``(2) The payment of the subsistence allowance and other assistance 
referred to in paragraph (1) is the payment of such an allowance or 
assistance for the period described in paragraph (3) to a veteran for 
participation in a vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter 
if the Secretary finds that the veteran had to suspend or discontinue 
participation in such vocational rehabilitation program as a result of 
being ordered to serve on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 
12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10.
    ``(3) The period for which, by reason of this subsection, a 
subsistence allowance and other assistance is not charged against 
entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under 
section 3695 of this title shall be the period of participation in the 
vocational rehabilitation program for which the veteran failed to 
receive credit or with respect to which the veteran lost training time, 
as determined by the Secretary.''.
    (2) Section 3103 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(e) In any case in which the Secretary has determined that a 
veteran was prevented from participating in a vocational rehabilitation 
program under this chapter within the period of eligibility otherwise 
prescribed in this section as a result of being ordered to serve on 
active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 
12304 of title 10, such period of eligibility shall not run for the 
period of such active duty service plus four months.
    (d) Conforming Amendments.--Sections 3013(f)(2)(B) and 
3231(a)(5)(B)(ii) of such title are each amended by striking ``, in 
connection with such War,''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect as of September 11, 2001.

SEC. 104. ACCELERATED PAYMENTS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER 
              MONTGOMERY GI BILL FOR EDUCATION LEADING TO EMPLOYMENT IN 
              HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.

    (a) In General.--(1) Chapter 30 is amended by inserting after 
section 3014 the following new section:

``Sec. 3014A. Accelerated payment of basic educational assistance for 
            education leading to employment in high technology industry

    ``(a) An individual described in subsection (b) who is entitled to 
basic educational assistance under this subchapter may elect to receive 
an accelerated payment of the basic educational assistance allowance 
otherwise payable to the individual under section 3015 of this title.
    ``(b) An individual described in this subsection is an individual 
who is--
        ``(1) enrolled in an approved program of education that leads 
    to employment in a high technology industry (as determined pursuant 
    to regulations prescribed by the Secretary); and
        ``(2) charged tuition and fees for the program of education 
    that, when divided by the number of months (and fractions thereof) 
    in the enrollment period, exceeds the amount equal to 200 percent 
    of the monthly rate of basic educational assistance allowance 
    otherwise payable to the individual under section 3015 of this 
    title.
    ``(c)(1) The amount of the accelerated payment of basic educational 
assistance made to an individual making an election under subsection 
(a) for a program of education shall be the lesser of--
        ``(A) the amount equal to 60 percent of the established charges 
    for the program of education; or
        ``(B) the aggregate amount of basic educational assistance to 
    which the individual remains entitled under this chapter at the 
    time of the payment.
    ``(2) In this subsection, the term `established charges', in the 
case of a program of education, means the actual charges (as determined 
pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary) for tuition and 
fees which similarly circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the program 
of education would be required to pay. Established charges shall be 
determined on the following basis:
        ``(A) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
    education offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the 
    tuition and fees charged the individual for the term, quarter, or 
    semester.
        ``(B) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
    education not offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the 
    tuition and fees charged the individual for the entire program of 
    education.
    ``(3) The educational institution providing the program of 
education for which an accelerated payment of basic educational 
assistance allowance is elected by an individual under subsection (a) 
shall certify to the Secretary the amount of the established charges 
for the program of education.
    ``(d) An accelerated payment of basic educational assistance made 
to an individual under this section for a program of education shall be 
made not later than the last day of the month immediately following the 
month in which the Secretary receives a certification from the 
educational institution regarding--
        ``(1) the individual's enrollment in and pursuit of the program 
    of education; and
        ``(2) the amount of the established charges for the program of 
    education.
    ``(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for each accelerated 
payment of basic educational assistance made to an individual under 
this section, the individual's entitlement to basic educational 
assistance under this chapter shall be charged the number of months 
(and any fraction thereof) determined by dividing the amount of the 
accelerated payment by the full-time monthly rate of basic educational 
assistance allowance otherwise payable to the individual under section 
3015 of this title as of the beginning date of the enrollment period 
for the program of education for which the accelerated payment is made.
    ``(2) If the monthly rate of basic educational assistance allowance 
otherwise payable to an individual under section 3015 of this title 
increases during the enrollment period of a program of education for 
which an accelerated payment of basic educational assistance is made 
under this section, the charge to the individual's entitlement to basic 
educational assistance under this chapter shall be determined by 
prorating the entitlement chargeable, in the matter provided for under 
paragraph (1), for the periods covered by the initial rate and 
increased rate, respectively, in accordance with regulations prescribed 
by the Secretary.
    ``(f) The Secretary may not make an accelerated payment under this 
section for a program of education to an individual who has received an 
advance payment under section 3680(d) of this title for the same 
enrollment period.
    ``(g) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this 
section. The regulations shall include requirements, conditions, and 
methods for the request, issuance, delivery, certification of receipt 
and use, and recovery of overpayment of an accelerated payment under 
this section.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of that chapter is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3014 the 
following new item:

``3014A. Accelerated payment of basic educational assistance for 
          education leading to employment in high technology 
          industry.''.

    (b) Restatement and Enhancement of Certain Administrative 
Authorities.--Subsection (g) of section 3680 is amended to read as 
follows:

         ``Determination of Enrollment, Pursuit, and Attendance

    ``(g)(1) The Secretary may, pursuant to regulations which the 
Secretary shall prescribe, determine and define with respect to an 
eligible veteran and eligible person the following:
        ``(A) Enrollment in a course or program of education or 
    training.
        ``(B) Pursuit of a course or program of education or training.
        ``(C) Attendance at a course or program of education or 
    training.
    ``(2) The Secretary may withhold payment of benefits to an eligible 
veteran or eligible person until the Secretary receives such proof as 
the Secretary may require of enrollment in and satisfactory pursuit of 
a program of education by the eligible veteran or eligible person. The 
Secretary shall adjust the payment withheld, when necessary, on the 
basis of the proof the Secretary receives.
    ``(3) In the case of an individual other than an individual 
described in paragraph (4), the Secretary may accept the individual's 
monthly certification of enrollment in and satisfactory pursuit of a 
program of education as sufficient proof of the certified matters.
    ``(4) In the case of an individual who has received an accelerated 
payment of basic educational assistance under section 3014A of this 
title during an enrollment period for a program of education, the 
Secretary may accept the individual's certification of enrollment in 
and satisfactory pursuit of the program of education as sufficient 
proof of the certified matters if the certification is submitted after 
the enrollment period has ended.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to enrollments in 
courses or programs of education or training beginning on or after that 
date.

SEC. 105. ELIGIBILITY FOR MONTGOMERY GI BILL BENEFITS OF CERTAIN 
              ADDITIONAL VIETNAM ERA VETERANS.

    (a) Active Duty Program.--Section 3011(a)(1) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
        (2) by adding ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(C) as of December 31, 1989, was eligible for educational 
        assistance benefits under chapter 34 of this title and--
                ``(i) was not on active duty on October 19, 1984;
                ``(ii) reenlists or reenters on a period of active duty 
            on or after October 19, 1984; and
                ``(iii) on or after July 1, 1985, either--

                    ``(I) serves at least three years of continuous 
                active duty in the Armed Forces; or
                    ``(II) is discharged or released from active duty 
                (aa) for a service-connected disability, for a medical 
                condition which preexisted such service on active duty 
                and which the Secretary determines is not service 
                connected, for hardship, or for a physical or mental 
                condition that was not characterized as a disability, 
                as described in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) of this 
                paragraph, (bb) for the convenience of the Government, 
                if the individual completed not less than 30 months of 
                continuous active duty after that date, or (cc) 
                involuntarily for the convenience of the Government as 
                a result of a reduction in force, as determined by the 
                Secretary of the military department concerned in 
                accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary 
                of Defense or by the Secretary of Transportation with 
                respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as 
                a service in the Navy;''.

    (b) Selected Reserve Program.--Section 3012(a)(1) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
        (2) by adding ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(C) as of December 31, 1989, was eligible for educational 
        assistance under chapter 34 of this title and--
                ``(i) was not on active duty on October 19, 1984;
                ``(ii) reenlists or reenters on a period of active duty 
            on or after October 19, 1984; and
                ``(iii) on or after July 1, 1985--

                    ``(I) serves at least two years of continuous 
                active duty in the Armed Forces, subject to subsection 
                (b) of this section, characterized by the Secretary 
                concerned as honorable service; and
                    ``(II) subject to subsection (b) of this section 
                and beginning within one year after completion of such 
                two years of service, serves at least four continuous 
                years in the Selected Reserve during which the 
                individual participates satisfactorily in training as 
                prescribed by the Secretary concerned;''.

    (c) Time for Use of Entitlement.--Section 3031 is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
            (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
        ``(3) in the case of an individual who becomes entitled to such 
    assistance under section 3011(a)(1)(C) or 3012(a)(1)(C) of this 
    title, on the date of the enactment of this paragraph.''; and
        (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``section 3011(a)(1)(B) 
    or 3012(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``section 3011(a)(1)(B), 
    3011(a)(1)(C), 3012(a)(1)(B), or 3012(a)(1)(C)''.

SEC. 106. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE ANNUAL SENIOR ROTC EDUCATIONAL 
              ASSISTANCE FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE 
              MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) In General.--Sections 3011(c)(3)(B) and 3012(d)(3)(B) are each 
amended by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting ``$3,400''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to educational assistance allowances paid under 
chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, for months beginning after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 107. EXPANSION OF WORK-STUDY OPPORTUNITIES.

    (a) Five-Year Expansion of Qualifying Work-Study Activities.--
Subsection (a) of section 3485 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a)(1) Individuals utilized under the authority of subsection (b) 
shall be paid an additional educational assistance allowance 
(hereinafter in this section referred to as `work-study allowance'). 
Such allowance shall be paid in return for an individual's entering 
into an agreement described in paragraph (3).
    ``(2) Such work-study allowance shall be paid in an amount equal to 
the product of--
        ``(A) the applicable hourly minimum wage; and
        ``(B) the number of hours worked during the applicable period.
    ``(3) An agreement described in this paragraph is an agreement of 
an individual to perform services, during or between periods of 
enrollment, aggregating not more than a number of hours equal to 25 
times the number of weeks in the semester or other applicable 
enrollment period, required in connection with a qualifying work-study 
activity.
    ``(4) For the purposes of this section, the term `qualifying work-
study activity' means any of the following:
        ``(A) The outreach services program under subchapter II of 
    chapter 77 of this title as carried out under the supervision of a 
    Department employee or, during the five-year period beginning on 
    the date of the enactment of the Veterans Education and Benefits 
    Expansion Act of 2001, outreach services to servicemembers and 
    veterans furnished by employees of a State approving agency.
        ``(B) The preparation and processing of necessary papers and 
    other documents at educational institutions or regional offices or 
    facilities of the Department.
        ``(C) The provision of hospital and domiciliary care and 
    medical treatment under chapter 17 of this title, including, during 
    the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the 
    Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001, the 
    provision of such care to veterans in a State home for which 
    payment is made under section 1741 of this title.
        ``(D) Any other activity of the Department as the Secretary 
    determines appropriate.
        ``(E) In the case of an individual who is receiving educational 
    assistance under chapter 1606 of title 10, an activity relating to 
    the administration of that chapter at Department of Defense, Coast 
    Guard, or National Guard facilities.
        ``(F) During the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
    enactment of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 
    2001, an activity relating to the administration of a national 
    cemetery or a State veterans' cemetery.
    ``(5) An individual may elect, in a manner prescribed by the 
Secretary, to be paid in advance an amount equal to 40 percent of the 
total amount of the work-study allowance agreed to be paid under the 
agreement in return for the individual's agreement to perform the 
number of hours of work specified in the agreement (but not more than 
an amount equal to 50 times the applicable hourly minimum wage).
    ``(6) For the purposes of this subsection and subsection (e), the 
term `applicable hourly minimum wages' means--
        ``(A) the hourly minimum wage under section 6(a) of the Fair 
    Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)); or
        ``(B) the hourly minimum wage under comparable law of the State 
    in which the services are to be performed, if such wage is higher 
    than the wage referred to in subparagraph (A) and the Secretary has 
    made a determination to pay such higher wage.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
with respect to agreements entered into under section 3485 of title 38, 
United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 108. ELIGIBILITY FOR SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL 
              ASSISTANCE OF SPOUSES AND SURVIVING SPOUSES OF VETERANS 
              WITH TOTAL SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.

    (a) Designation of Eligibility.--Section 3501(a)(1)(D) is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(D)''; and
        (2) by inserting ``(ii)'' after ``or''.
    (b) Restatement and Expansion of Treatment of Use of Eligibility.--
(1) Section 3511 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(c) Any entitlement used by an eligible person as a result of 
eligibility under section 3501(a)(1)(A)(iii), 3501(a)(1)(C), or 
3501(a)(1)(D)(i) of this title shall be deducted from any entitlement 
to which such person may subsequently be entitled under this 
chapter.''.
    (2) Section 3512 is amended by striking subsection (g).
    (c) Delimiting Period.--(1) Section 3511(a)(1) is amended by adding 
at the end the following new sentence: ``In no event may the aggregate 
educational assistance afforded to a spouse made eligible under both 
3501(a)(1)(D)(i) and 3501(a)(1)(D)(ii) of this title exceed 45 
months.''.
    (2) Paragraph (1) of section 3512(b) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person made 
eligible by subparagraph (B) or (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title 
may be afforded educational assistance under this chapter during the 
10-year period beginning on the date (as determined by the Secretary) 
the person becomes an eligible person within the meaning of section 
3501(a)(1)(B), 3501(a)(1)(D)(i), or 3501(a)(1)(D)(ii) of this title. In 
the case of a surviving spouse made eligible by clause (ii) of section 
3501(a)(1)(D) of this title, the 10-year period may not be reduced by 
any earlier period during which the person was eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter as a spouse made eligible by clause (i) 
of that section.
    ``(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an eligible person referred 
to in that subparagraph may, subject to the Secretary's approval, elect 
a later beginning date for the 10-year period than would otherwise be 
applicable to the person under that subparagraph. The beginning date so 
elected may be any date between the beginning date determined for the 
person under subparagraph (A) and whichever of the following dates 
applies:
        ``(i) The date on which the Secretary notifies the veteran from 
    whom eligibility is derived that the veteran has a service-
    connected total disability permanent in nature.
        ``(ii) The date on which the Secretary determines that the 
    veteran from whom eligibility is derived died of a service-
    connected disability.''.
    (3) Section 3512(b) is further amended by striking paragraph (3).
    (4) The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect 
to any determination (whether administrative or judicial) of the 
eligibility of a spouse or surviving spouse for educational assistance 
under chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code, made on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, whether pursuant to an original 
claim for such assistance or pursuant to a reapplication or attempt to 
reopen or readjudicate a claim for such assistance.

SEC. 109. EXPANSION OF SPECIAL RESTORATIVE TRAINING BENEFIT TO CERTAIN 
              DISABLED SPOUSES OR SURVIVING SPOUSES.

    (a) In General.--Section 3540 is amended by striking ``section 
3501(a)(1)(A) of this title'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A), (B), 
and (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 3541(a) is amended in the 
matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``of the parent or 
guardian''.
    (2) Section 3542(a) is amended--
        (A) by striking ``the parent or guardian shall be entitled to 
    receive on behalf of such person'' and inserting ``the eligible 
    person shall be entitled to receive''; and
        (B) by striking ``upon election by the parent or guardian of 
    the eligible person'' and inserting ``upon election by the eligible 
    person''.
    (3) The second sentence of section 3543(a) is amended by striking 
``the parent or guardian for the training provided to an eligible 
person'' and inserting ``for the training provided to the eligible 
person''.
    (4) Section 3543 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(c) In a case in which the Secretary authorizes training under 
section 3541(a) of this title on behalf of an eligible person, the 
parent or guardian shall be entitled--
        ``(1) to receive on behalf of the eligible person the special 
    training allowance provided for under section 3542(a) of this 
    title;
        ``(2) to elect an increase in the basic monthly allowance 
    provided for under such section; and
        ``(3) to agree with the Secretary on the fair and reasonable 
    amounts which may be charged under subsection (a).''.

SEC. 110. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN PRIVATE TECHNOLOGY ENTITIES IN 
              DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

    (a) In General.--Sections 3452(c) and 3501(a)(6) are each amended 
by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Such term also 
includes any private entity (that meets such requirements as the 
Secretary may establish) that offers, either directly or under an 
agreement with another entity (that meets such requirements), a course 
or courses to fulfill requirements for the attainment of a license or 
certificate generally recognized as necessary to obtain, maintain, or 
advance in employment in a profession or vocation in a high technology 
occupation (as determined by the Secretary).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to enrollments in courses beginning on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 111. DISTANCE EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (a)(4) of section 3680A is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``leading''; and
        (2) by inserting before the period the following: ``, or (B) to 
    a certificate that reflects educational attainment offered by an 
    institution of higher learning''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to enrollments in independent study courses beginning on or after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.

             TITLE II--COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS

SEC. 201. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORITIES ON PRESUMPTION OF 
              SERVICE-CONNECTION FOR HERBICIDE-RELATED DISABILITIES OF 
              VIETNAM VETERANS.

    (a) Presumptive Period for Respiratory Cancers.--(1)(A) 
Subparagraph (F) of subsection (a)(2) of section 1116 is amended by 
striking ``within 30 years'' and all that follows through ``May 7, 
1975''.
    (B) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect 
January 1, 2002.
    (2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract 
with the National Academy of Sciences, not later than six months after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, for the performance of a study 
to include a review of all available scientific literature on the 
effects of exposure to an herbicide agent containing dioxin on the 
development of respiratory cancers in humans and whether it is possible 
to identify a period of time after exposure to herbicides after which a 
presumption of service-connection for such exposure would not be 
warranted. Under the contract, the National Academy of Sciences shall 
submit a report to the Secretary setting forth its conclusions. The 
report shall be submitted not later than 18 months after the contract 
is entered into.
    (3) For a period of six months beginning on the date of the receipt 
of the report of the National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (2), 
the Secretary may, if warranted by clear scientific evidence presented 
in the National Academy of Sciences report, initiate a rulemaking under 
which the Secretary would specify a limit on the number of years after 
a claimant's departure from Vietnam after which respiratory cancers 
would not be presumed to have been associated with the claimant's 
exposure to herbicides while serving in Vietnam. Any such limit under 
such a rule may not take effect until 120 days have passed after the 
publication of a final rule to impose such a limit.
    (4)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), if the Secretary 
imposes such a limit under paragraph (3), that limit shall be effective 
only as to claims filed on or after the effective date of that limit.
    (B) In the case of any veteran whose disability or death due to 
respiratory cancer is found by the Secretary to be service-connected 
under section 1116(a)(2)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as amended 
by paragraph (1), such disability or death shall remain service-
connected for purposes of all provisions of law under such title 
notwithstanding the imposition, if any, of a time limit by the 
Secretary by rulemaking authorized under paragraph (3).
    (C) Subaragraph (B) does not apply in a case in which--
        (i) the original award of compensation or service connection 
    was based on fraud; or
        (ii) it is clearly shown from military records that the person 
    concerned did not have the requisite service or character of 
    discharge.
    (b) Presumption That Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) Is Service-
Connected.--Subsection (a)(2) of section 1116 is further amended by 
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
        ``(H) Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2).''.
    (c) Presumption of Exposure to Herbicide Agents in Vietnam During 
Vietnam Era.--(1) Section 1116 is further amended--
        (A) by transferring paragraph (3) of subsection (a) to the end 
    of the section and redesignating such paragraph, as so transferred, 
    as subsection (f);
        (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) of subsection (a) as 
    paragraph (3); and
        (C) in subsection (f), as transferred and redesignated by 
    subparagraph (A) of this paragraph--
            (i) by striking ``For the purposes of this subsection, a 
        veteran'' and inserting ``For purposes of establishing service 
        connection for a disability or death resulting from exposure to 
        a herbicide agent, including a presumption of service-
        connection under this section, a veteran''; and
            (ii) by striking ``and has a disease referred to in 
        paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection''.
    (2)(A) The heading of that section is amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 1116. Presumptions of service connection for diseases associated 
            with exposure to certain herbicide agents; presumption of 
            exposure for veterans who served in the Republic of 
            Vietnam''.

    (B) The item relating to that section in the table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 11 is amended to read as follows:

``1116. Presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with 
          exposure to certain herbicide agents; presumption of exposure 
          for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam.''.

    (d) Extension of Authority To Presume Service-Connection for 
Additional Diseases.--(1) Subsection (e) of such section is amended by 
striking ``10 years'' and all that follows through ``Agent Orange Act 
of 1991'' and inserting ``on September 30, 2015''.
    (2) Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (38 U.S.C. 1116 
note) is amended by striking ``10 years'' and all that follows and 
inserting ``on October 1, 2014.''.

SEC. 202. PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION FOR PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS WITH 
              CERTAIN CHRONIC DISABILITIES.

    (a) Illnesses That Cannot Be Clearly Defined.--(1) Subsection (a) 
of section 1117 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a)(1) The Secretary may pay compensation under this subchapter 
to a Persian Gulf veteran with a qualifying chronic disability that 
became manifest--
        ``(A) during service on active duty in the Armed Forces in the 
    Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; 
    or
        ``(B) to a degree of 10 percent or more during the presumptive 
    period prescribed under subsection (b).
    ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualifying chronic 
disability' means a chronic disability resulting from any of the 
following (or any combination of any of the following):
        ``(A) An undiagnosed illness.
        ``(B) A medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness 
    (such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable 
    bowel syndrome) that is defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms.
        ``(C) Any diagnosed illness that the Secretary determines in 
    regulations prescribed under subsection (d) warrants a presumption 
    of service-connection.''.
    (2) Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended--
        (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``for 
    an undiagnosed illness (or combination of undiagnosed illnesses)''; 
    and
        (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for such illness (or 
    combination of illnesses)''.
    (b) Signs or Symptoms That May Indicate Undiagnosed Illnesses.--(1) 
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(g) For purposes of this section, signs or symptoms that may be a 
manifestation of an undiagnosed illness or a chronic multisymptom 
illness include the following:
        ``(1) Fatigue.
        ``(2) Unexplained rashes or other dermatological signs or 
    symptoms.
        ``(3) Headache.
        ``(4) Muscle pain.
        ``(5) Joint pain.
        ``(6) Neurological signs and symptoms.
        ``(7) Neuropsychological signs or symptoms.
        ``(8) Signs or symptoms involving the upper or lower 
    respiratory system.
        ``(9) Sleep disturbances.
        ``(10) Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms.
        ``(11) Cardiovascular signs or symptoms.
        ``(12) Abnormal weight loss.
        ``(13) Menstrual disorders.''.
    (2) Section 1118(a) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph:
    ``(4) For purposes of this section, signs or symptoms that may be a 
manifestation of an undiagnosed illness include the signs and symptoms 
listed in section 1117(g) of this title.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall take effect on March 1, 2002.
    (d) Clarification of Authority To Presume Service-Connection for 
Additional Diseases.--(1) Sections 1117(c)(2) and 1118(e) are each 
amended by striking ``10 years'' and all that follows through ``of 
1998'' and inserting ``on September 30, 2011''.
    (2) Section 1603(j) of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 
(38 U.S.C. 1117 note) is amended by striking ``10 years'' and all that 
follows and inserting ``on October 1, 2010.''.

SEC. 203. PRESERVATION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESSES 
              TO PROVIDE FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH PROJECTS BY 
              PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS.

    (a) Authority for Secretary To Provide for Participation Without 
Loss of Benefits.--Section 1117 is amended by adding after subsection 
(g), as added by section 202(b), the following new subsection:
    ``(h)(1) If the Secretary determines with respect to a medical 
research project sponsored by the Department that it is necessary for 
the conduct of the project that Persian Gulf veterans in receipt of 
compensation under this section or section 1118 of this title 
participate in the project without the possibility of loss of service 
connection under either such section, the Secretary shall provide that 
service connection granted under either such section for disability of 
a veteran who participated in the research project may not be 
terminated. Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothwithstanding any 
other provision of law any grant of service-connection protected under 
this subsection shall remain service-connected for purposes of all 
provisions of law under this title.
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in a case in which--
        ``(A) the original award of compensation or service connection 
    was based on fraud; or
        ``(B) it is clearly shown from military records that the person 
    concerned did not have the requisite service or character of 
    discharge.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of 
medical research projects sponsored by the Department for which service 
connection granted under this section or section 1118 of this title may 
not be terminated pursuant to paragraph (1).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The authority provided by subsection (h) of 
section 1117 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a), may be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with respect to 
any medical research project of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
whether commenced before, on, or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 204. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS OF BENEFITS TO INCOMPETENT 
              INSTITUTIONALIZED VETERANS.

    (a) Repeal.--Section 5503 is amended--
        (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
        (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as 
    subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1114(r) is amended by 
striking ``section 5503(e)'' and inserting ``section 5503(c)''.
    (2) Section 5112 is amended by striking subsection (c).

SEC. 205. EXTENSION OF ROUND-DOWN REQUIREMENT FOR COMPENSATION COST-OF-
              LIVING ADJUSTMENTS.

    Sections 1104(a) and 1303(a) are amended by striking ``2002'' and 
inserting ``2011''.

SEC. 206. EXPANSION OF PRESUMPTIONS OF PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY 
              FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR NONSERVICE-CONNECTED PENSION.

    (a) In General.--Section 1502(a) is amended by striking ``such a 
person'' and all that follows through the end of the subsection and 
inserting the following: ``such person is any of the following:
        ``(1) A patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of 
    disability.
        ``(2) Disabled, as determined by the Commissioner of Social 
    Security for purposes of any benefits administered by the 
    Commissioner.
        ``(3) Unemployable as a result of disability reasonably certain 
    to continue throughout the life of the person.
        ``(4) Suffering from--
            ``(A) any disability which is sufficient to render it 
        impossible for the average person to follow a substantially 
        gainful occupation, but only if it is reasonably certain that 
        such disability will continue throughout the life of the 
        person; or
            ``(B) any disease or disorder determined by the Secretary 
        to be of such a nature or extent as to justify a determination 
        that persons suffering therefrom are permanently and totally 
        disabled.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect as of September 17, 2001.

SEC. 207. ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS 65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER FOR 
              VETERANS' PENSION BENEFITS.

    (a) In General.--(1) Subchapter II of chapter 15 is amended by 
inserting after section 1512 the following new section:

``Sec. 1513. Veterans 65 years of age and older

    ``(a) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of a period of war 
who is 65 years of age or older and who meets the service requirements 
of section 1521 of this title (as prescribed in subsection (j) of that 
section) pension at the rates prescribed by 1521 of this title and 
under the conditions (other than the permanent and total disability 
requirement) applicable to pension paid under that section.
    ``(b) If a veteran is eligible for pension under both this section 
and section 1521 of this title, pension shall be paid to the veteran 
only under section 1521 of this title.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1512 the 
following new item:

``1513. Veterans 65 years of age and older.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1521(f)(1) is amended by 
inserting ``or the age and service requirements prescribed in section 
1513 of this title,'' after ``of this section,''.
    (2) Section 1522(a) is amended by inserting ``1513 or'' after 
``under section''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect as of September 17, 2001.

             TITLE III--TRANSITION AND OUTREACH PROVISIONS

SEC. 301. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH OVERSEAS VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICES 
              TO EXPAND TRANSITION ASSISTANCE.

    Section 7723(a) is amended by inserting after the first sentence 
the following new sentence: ``The Secretary may maintain such offices 
on such military installations located elsewhere as the Secretary, 
after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines to be 
necessary to carry out such purposes.''.

SEC. 302. TIMING OF PRESEPARATION COUNSELING.

    (a) In General.--(1) The first sentence of section 1142(a)(1) of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Within 
the time periods specified in paragraph (3), the Secretary concerned 
shall (except as provided in paragraph (4)) provide for individual 
preseparation counseling of each member of the armed forces whose 
discharge or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific 
date.''.
    (2) Such section is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraphs:
    ``(3)(A) In the case of an anticipated retirement, preseparation 
counseling shall commence as soon as possible during the 24-month 
period preceding the anticipated retirement date. In the case of a 
separation other than a retirement, preseparation counseling shall 
commence as soon as possible during the 12-month period preceding the 
anticipated date. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in no event 
shall preseparation counseling commence later than 90 days before the 
date of discharge or release.
    ``(B) In the event that a retirement or other separation is 
unanticipated until there are 90 or fewer days before the anticipated 
retirement or separation date, preseparation counseling shall begin as 
soon as possible within the remaining period of service.
    ``(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary concerned shall 
not provide preseparation counseling to a member who is being 
discharged or released before the completion of that member's first 180 
days of active duty.
    ``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of a member who 
is being retired or separated for disability.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The second sentence of section 
1144(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``during the 180-day period'' and all that follows and inserting 
``within the time periods provided under paragraph (3) of section 
1142(a) of this title, except that the Secretary concerned shall not 
provide preseparation counseling to a member described in paragraph 
(4)(A) of such section.''.

SEC. 303. IMPROVEMENT IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING OUTREACH SERVICES FOR 
              SEPARATING SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS.

    (a) Providing Outreach Through State Approving Agencies.--Section 
3672(d) is amended by inserting ``and State approving agencies'' before 
``shall actively promote the development of programs of training on the 
job''.
    (b) Additional Duty.--Such section is further amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(d)''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In conjunction with outreach services provided by the 
Secretary under chapter 77 of this title for education and training 
benefits, each State approving agency shall conduct outreach programs 
and provide outreach services to eligible persons and veterans about 
education and training benefits available under applicable Federal and 
State law.''.

SEC. 304. IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAMS.

    Section 7722(c) is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Whenever a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit 
under laws administered by the Secretary (including a request for 
burial or related benefits or an application for life insurance 
proceeds), the Secretary shall provide to the veteran or dependent 
information concerning benefits and health care services under programs 
administered by the Secretary. Such information shall be provided not 
later than three months after the date of such application.''.

                       TITLE IV--HOUSING MATTERS

SEC. 401. INCREASE IN HOME LOAN GUARANTY AMOUNT FOR CONSTRUCTION AND 
              PURCHASE OF HOMES.

    Section 3703(a)(1) is amended by striking ``$50,750'' each place it 
appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(IV) and (B) and inserting ``$60,000''.

SEC. 402. NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN HOUSING LOAN PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Extension of Pilot Program.--Section 3761(c) is amended by 
striking ``December 31, 2001'' and inserting ``December 31, 2005''.
    (b) Authorization of the Use of Certain Federal Memorandums of 
Understanding.--Section 3762(a)(1) is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)'';
        (2) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon and inserting 
    ``or''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(B) the tribal organization that has jurisdiction over the 
    veteran has entered into a memorandum of understanding with any 
    department or agency of the United States with respect to direct 
    housing loans to Native Americans that the Secretary determines 
    substantially complies with the requirements of subsection (b); 
    and''.
    (c) Extension of Annual Report.--Section 3762(j) is amended by 
striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2006''.

SEC. 403. MODIFICATION OF LOAN ASSUMPTION NOTICE REQUIREMENT.

    Section 3714(d) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(d) With respect to a loan guaranteed, insured, or made under 
this chapter, the Secretary shall provide, by regulation, that at least 
one instrument evidencing either the loan or the mortgage or deed of 
trust therefor, shall conspicuously contain, in such form as the 
Secretary shall specify, a notice in substantially the following form: 
`This loan is not assumable without the approval of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs or its authorized agent'.''.

SEC. 404. INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE AMOUNT FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING.

    Section 2102 is amended--
        (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), by 
    striking ``$43,000'' and inserting ``$48,000''; and
        (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$8,250'' and inserting 
    ``$9,250''.

SEC. 405. EXTENSION OF OTHER HOUSING AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Housing Loans for Members of the Selected Reserve.--Section 
3702(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2007'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2009''.
    (b) Enhanced Loan Asset Sale Authority.--Section 3720(h)(2) is 
amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting ``December 31, 
2011''.
    (c) Home Loan Fee Authorities.--The table in section 3729(b)(2) is 
amended by striking ``October 1, 2008'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``October 1, 2011''.
    (d) Procedures Applicable to Liquidation Sales on Defaulted Home 
Loans Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.--Section 
3732(c)(11) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2008'' and inserting 
``October 1, 2011''.

SEC. 406. CLARIFYING AMENDMENT RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF 
              THE SELECTED RESERVE FOR HOUSING LOANS.

    Section 3729(b)(4)(B) is amended by inserting before the period the 
following: ``who is eligible under section 3702(a)(2)(E) of this 
title''.

                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 501. INCREASE IN BURIAL BENEFITS.

    (a) Burial and Funeral Expenses.--(1) Clause (1) of section 2307 is 
amended by striking ``$1,500'' and inserting ``$2,000''.
    (2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to deaths 
occurring on or after September 11, 2001.
    (b) Plot Allowance.--(1) Section 2303(b) is amended by striking 
``$150'' each place it appears and inserting ``$300''.
    (2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to deaths 
occurring on or after December 1, 2001.

SEC. 502. GOVERNMENT MARKERS FOR MARKED GRAVES AT PRIVATE CEMETERIES.

    (a) Government Marker Benefit.--Section 2306 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended--
        (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) 
    and (f), respectively; and
        (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
    subsection (d):
    ``(d)(1) The Secretary shall furnish, when requested, an 
appropriate Government marker at the expense of the United States for 
the grave of an individual described in paragraph (2) or (5) of 
subsection (a) who is buried in a private cemetery, notwithstanding 
that the grave is marked by a headstone or marker furnished at private 
expense. Such a marker may be furnished only if the individual making 
the request for the Government marker certifies to the Secretary that 
the marker will be placed on the grave for which the marker is 
requested.
    ``(2) Any marker furnished under this subsection shall be delivered 
by the Secretary directly to the cemetery where the grave is located.
    ``(3) The authority to furnish a marker under this subsection 
expires on December 31, 2006.
    ``(4) Not later than February 1, 2006, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a report on the use of the authority under this 
subsection. The report shall include the following:
        ``(A) The rate of use of the benefit under this subsection, 
    shown by fiscal year.
        ``(B) An assessment as to the extent to which markers furnished 
    under this subsection are being delivered to cemeteries and placed 
    on grave sites consistent with the provisions of this subsection.
        ``(C) The Secretary's recommendation for extension or repeal of 
    the expiration date specified in paragraph (3).''.
    (b) Design of Marker.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended by 
striking ``subsection (a) or (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (a), (b), 
or (d)''.
    (c) Cross Reference Correction.--Subsection (a)(5) of such section 
is amended by striking ``chapter 67'' and inserting ``chapter 1223''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall apply with respect to markers for the graves of individuals dying 
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 503. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR AUTOMOBILE AND ADAPTIVE 
              EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS.

    Section 3902(a) is amended by striking ``$8,000'' and inserting 
``$9,000''.

SEC. 504. EXTENSION OF LIMITATION ON PENSION FOR CERTAIN RECIPIENTS OF 
              MEDICAID-COVERED NURSING HOME CARE.

    Paragraph (7) of subsection (d) of section 5503, as redesignated by 
section 204(a), is amended by striking ``September 30, 2008'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2011''.

SEC. 505. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF CERTAIN BENEFITS WITH RESPECT TO 
              PERSONS WHO ARE FUGITIVE FELONS.

    (a) Prohibition.--(1) Chapter 53 is amended by inserting after 
section 5313A the following new section:

``Sec. 5313B. Prohibition on providing certain benefits with respect to 
            persons who are fugitive felons

    ``(a) A veteran who is otherwise eligible for a benefit specified 
in subsection (c) may not be paid or otherwise provided such benefit 
for any period during which such veteran is a fugitive felon. A 
dependent of a veteran who is otherwise eligible for a benefit 
specified in subsection (c) may not be paid or otherwise provided such 
benefit for any period during which such veteran or such dependent is a 
fugitive felon.
    ``(b) For purposes of this section:
        ``(1) The term `fugitive felon' means a person who is a 
    fugitive by reason of--
            ``(A) fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or 
        confinement after conviction, for an offense, or an attempt to 
        commit an offense, which is a felony under the laws of the 
        place from which the person flees; or
            ``(B) violating a condition of probation or parole imposed 
        for commission of a felony under Federal or State law.
        ``(2) The term `felony' includes a high misdemeanor under the 
    laws of a State which characterizes as high misdemeanors offenses 
    that would be felony offenses under Federal law.
        ``(3) The term `dependent' means a spouse, surviving spouse, 
    child, or dependent parent of a veteran.
    ``(c) A benefit specified in this subsection is a benefit under any 
of the following:
        ``(1) Chapter 11 of this title.
        ``(2) Chapter 13 of this title.
        ``(3) Chapter 15 of this title.
        ``(4) Chapter 17 of this title.
        ``(5) Chapter 19 of this title.
        ``(6) Chapter 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of this title.
        ``(7) Chapter 37 of this title.
    ``(d)(1) The Secretary shall furnish to any Federal, State, or 
local law enforcement official, upon the written request of such 
official, the most current address maintained by the Secretary of a 
person who is eligible for a benefit specified in subsection (c) if 
such official--
        ``(A) provides to the Secretary such information as the 
    Secretary may require to fully identify the person;
        ``(B) identifies the person as being a fugitive felon; and
        ``(C) certifies to the Secretary that apprehending such person 
    is within the official duties of such official.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall enter into memoranda of understanding 
with Federal law enforcement agencies, and may enter into agreements 
with State and local law enforcement agencies, for purposes of 
furnishing information to such agencies under paragraph (1).''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of that chapter is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5313A the 
following new item:
``5313B. Prohibition on providing certain benefits with respect to 
          persons who are fugitive felons.''.
    (b) Sense of Congress on Entry Into Memoranda of Understanding and 
Agreements.--It is the sense of Congress that the memoranda of 
understanding and agreements referred to in section 5313B(d)(2) of 
title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), should be 
entered into as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, but not later than six months after that date.

SEC. 506. LIMITATION ON PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS REMAINING 
              INCARCERATED SINCE OCTOBER 7, 1980.

    (a) Limitation.--Section 5313 of title 38, United States Code, 
other than subsection (d) of that section, shall apply with respect to 
the payment of compensation to or with respect to any veteran described 
in subsection (b).
    (b) Covered Veterans.--A veteran described in this subsection is a 
veteran who is entitled to compensation and who--
        (1) on October 7, 1980, was incarcerated in a Federal, State, 
    or local penal institution for a felony committed before that date; 
    and
        (2) remains so incarcerated for conviction of that felony as of 
    the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to the 
payment of compensation for months beginning on or after the end of the 
90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (d) Compensation Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term 
``compensation'' has the meaning given that term in section 5313 of 
title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 507. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR PROVIDING A COPY OF NOTICE OF 
              APPEAL TO THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Repeal.--Section 7266 is amended by striking subsection (b).
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
        (1) by striking ``(1)'' after ``(a)'';
        (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as subsection (b);
        (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as subsection (c) and 
    redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) thereof as paragraphs (1) 
    and (2); and
        (4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as subsection (d) and by 
    striking ``paragraph (3)(B)'' therein and inserting ``subsection 
    (c)(2)''.

SEC. 508. INCREASE IN FISCAL YEAR LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF VETERANS IN 
              PROGRAMS OF INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Increase in Limitation.--Section 3120(e) is amended by striking 
``five hundred'' and inserting ``2,500''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect as of September 30, 2001.

SEC. 509. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Repeal of Expired Provision.--(1) Section 712 is repealed.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 is amended 
by striking the item relating to section 712.
    (b) Correction of Word Omission.--Section 1710B(c)(2)(B) is amended 
by inserting ``on'' before ``November 30, 1999''.
    (c) Repeal of Erroneous Cross Reference.--Section 1729B(b) is 
amended--
        (1) by striking paragraph (1); and
        (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs 
    (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
    (d) Correction of Cross Reference.--Section 3695(a)(5) is amended 
by striking ``1610'' and inserting ``1611''.
    (e) Stylistic Correction.--Section 1001(a)(2) of the Veterans' 
Benefits Improvements Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-446; 38 U.S.C. 7721 
note) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C).
    (f) Correction of Previous Amendment.--Effective November 30, 1999, 
and as if included therein as originally enacted, section 204(e)(3) of 
the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act (Public Law 106-
117; 113 Stat. 1563) is amended by striking ``and inserting `a';'' and 
inserting ``the first place it appears and inserting `an';''.

      TITLE VI--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS

SEC. 601. FACILITATION OF STAGGERED TERMS OF JUDGES THROUGH TEMPORARY 
              EXPANSION OF THE COURT.

    (a) In General.--Section 7253 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(h) Temporary Expansion of Court.--(1) During the period from 
January 1, 2002, through August 15, 2005, the authorized number of 
judges of the Court specified in subsection (a) is increased by two.
    ``(2)(A) Of the two additional judges authorized by this 
subsection--
        ``(i) only one may be appointed pursuant to a nomination made 
    in 2002; and
        ``(ii) only one may be appointed pursuant to a nomination made 
    in 2003.
    ``(B) If a judge is not appointed under this subsection pursuant to 
a nomination made in 2002, a judge may be appointed under this 
subsection pursuant to a nomination made in 2004. If a judge is not 
appointed under this subsection pursuant to a nomination made in 2003, 
a judge may be appointed under this subsection pursuant to a nomination 
made in 2004. In either case, such an appointment may be made only 
pursuant to a nomination made before October 1, 2004.
    ``(3) The term of office and the eligibility for retirement of a 
judge appointed under this subsection, other than a judge described in 
paragraph (4), are governed by the provisions of section 1012 of the 
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Amendments of 1999 (title X of 
Public Law 106-117; 113 Stat. 1590; 38 U.S.C. 7296 note) if the judge 
is one of the first two judges appointed to the Court after November 
30, 1999.
    ``(4) A judge of the Court as of the date of the enactment of this 
subsection who was appointed to the Court before January 1, 1991, may 
accept appointment as a judge of the Court under this subsection 
notwithstanding that the term of office of the judge on the Court has 
not yet expired under this section. The term of office of an incumbent 
judge who receives an appointment as described in the preceding 
sentence shall be 15 years, which includes any period remaining in the 
unexpired term of the judge. Any service following an appointment under 
this subsection shall be treated as though served as part of the 
original term of office of that judge on the Court.
    ``(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an appointment may not be made 
to the Court if the appointment would result in there being more than 
seven judges on the Court who were appointed after January 1, 1997. For 
the purposes of this paragraph, a judge serving in recall status under 
section 7257 of this title shall be disregarded in counting the number 
of judges appointed to the Court after such date.''.
    (b) Stylistic Amendments.--That section is further amended--
        (1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``Appointment.--'' before 
    ``The judges'';
        (2) in subsection (c), by inserting ``Term of Office.--'' 
    before ``The term'';
        (3) in subsection (f), by striking ``(f)(1)'' and inserting 
    ``(f) Removal.--(1)''; and
        (4) in subsection (g), by striking ``(g)(1)'' and inserting 
    ``(g) Rules.--(1)'.

SEC. 602. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR WRITTEN NOTICE REGARDING ACCEPTANCE 
              OF REAPPOINTMENT AS CONDITION TO RETIREMENT FROM THE 
              COURT.

    Section 7296(b)(2) is amended by striking the second sentence.

SEC. 603. TERMINATION OF NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT AS JURISDICTIONAL 
              REQUIREMENT FOR THE COURT.

    (a) Termination.--Section 402 of the Veterans' Judicial Review Act 
(division A of Public Law 100-687; 102 Stat. 4122; 38 U.S.C. 7251 note) 
is repealed.
    (b) Attorney Fees.--Section 403 of the Veterans' Judicial Review 
Act (102 Stat. 4122; 38 U.S.C. 5904 note) is repealed.
    (c) Construction.--The repeal in subsection (a) may not be 
construed to confer upon the United States Court of Appeals for 
Veterans Claims jurisdiction over any appeal or other matter not within 
the jurisdiction of the Court as provided in section 7266(a) of title 
38, United States Code.
    (d) Applicability.--The repeals made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall apply to any appeal filed with the United States Court of Appeals 
for Veterans Claims--
        (1) on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; or
        (2) before the date of the enactment of this Act but in which a 
    final decision has not been made under section 7291 of title 38, 
    United States Code, as of that date.

SEC. 604. REGISTRATION FEES.

    (a) Fees for Court-Sponsored Activities.--Subsection (a) of section 
7285 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The 
Court may also impose a registration fee on persons (other than judges 
of the Court) participating at judicial conferences convened pursuant 
to section 7286 of this title or in any other court-sponsored 
activity.''.
    (b) Use of Fees.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended by 
striking ``for the purposes of (1)'' and all that follows through the 
period and inserting ``for the following purposes:
        ``(1) Conducting investigations and proceedings, including 
    employing independent counsel, to pursue disciplinary matters.
        ``(2) Defraying the expenses of--
            ``(A) judicial conferences convened pursuant to section 
        7286 of this title; and
            ``(B) other activities and programs of the Court that are 
        intended to support and foster communication and relationships 
        between the Court and persons practicing before the Court or 
        the study, understanding, public commemoration, or improvement 
        of veterans law or of the work of the Court.''.
    (c) Clerical Amendments.--(1) The heading for such section is 
amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 7285. Practice and registration fees''.

    (2) The item relating to such section in the table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 72 is amended to read as follows:

``7285. Practice and registration fees.''.

SEC. 605. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITIES.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 72 is amended by 
inserting after section 7286 the following new section:

``Sec. 7287. Administration

    ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Court of Appeals 
for Veterans Claims may exercise, for purposes of management, 
administration, and expenditure of funds of the Court, the authorities 
provided for such purposes by any provision of law (including any 
limitation with respect to such provision of law) applicable to a court 
of the United States (as that term is defined in section 451 of title 
28), except to the extent that such provision of law is inconsistent 
with a provision of this chapter.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item related to section 
7286 the following new item:

``7287. Administration.''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.
```