H. R. 2647—133 
SEC. 579. ENSURING ABSENT UNIFORMED SERVICES VOTERS AND 
OVERSEAS VOTERS HAVE TIME TO VOTE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102 of the Uniformed and Overseas 
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)(1)), as amended 
by sections 577 and 578, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(8) transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an 
absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter— 
‘‘(A) except as provided in subsection (g), in the case 
in which the request is received at least 45 days before 
an election for Federal office, not later than 45 days before 
the election; and 
‘‘(B) in the case in which the request is received less 
than 45 days before an election for Federal office— 
‘‘(i) in accordance with State law; and 
‘‘(ii) if practicable and as determined appropriate 
by the State, in a manner that expedites the trans-
mission of such absentee ballot.’’; 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) HARDSHIP EXEMPTION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the chief State election official deter-
mines that the State is unable to meet the requirement under 
subsection (a)(8)(A) with respect to an election for Federal 
office due to an undue hardship described in paragraph (2)(B), 
the chief State election official shall request that the Presi-
dential designee grant a waiver to the State of the application 
of such subsection. Such request shall include— 
‘‘(A) a recognition that the purpose of such subsection 
is to allow absent uniformed services voters and overseas 
voters enough time to vote in an election for Federal office; 
‘‘(B) an explanation of the hardship that indicates why 
the State is unable to transmit absent uniformed services 
voters and overseas voters an absentee ballot in accordance 
with such subsection; 
‘‘(C) the number of days prior to the election for Federal 
office that the State requires absentee ballots be trans-
mitted to absent uniformed services voters and overseas 
voters; and 
‘‘(D) a comprehensive plan to ensure that absent uni-
formed services voters and overseas voters are able to 
receive absentee ballots which they have requested and 
submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate State 
election official in time to have that ballot counted in 
the election for Federal office, which includes— 
‘‘(i) the steps the State will undertake to ensure 
that absent uniformed services voters and overseas 
voters have time to receive, mark, and submit their 
ballots in time to have those ballots counted in the 
election; 
‘‘(ii) why the plan provides absent uniformed serv-
ices voters and overseas voters sufficient time to vote 
as a substitute for the requirements under such sub-
section; and
H. R. 2647—134 
‘‘(iii) the underlying factual information which 
explains how the plan provides such sufficient time 
to vote as a substitute for such requirements. 
‘‘(2) APPROVAL OF WAIVER REQUEST.—After consulting with 
the Attorney General, the Presidential designee shall approve 
a waiver request under paragraph (1) if the Presidential des-
ignee determines each of the following requirements are met: 
‘‘(A) The comprehensive plan under subparagraph (D) 
of such paragraph provides absent uniformed services 
voters and overseas voters sufficient time to receive 
absentee ballots they have requested and submit marked 
absentee ballots to the appropriate State election official 
in time to have that ballot counted in the election for 
Federal office. 
‘‘(B) One or more of the following issues creates an 
undue hardship for the State: 
‘‘(i) The State’s primary election date prohibits the 
State from complying with subsection (a)(8)(A). 
‘‘(ii) The State has suffered a delay in generating 
ballots due to a legal contest. 
‘‘(iii) The State Constitution prohibits the State 
from complying with such subsection. 
‘‘(3) TIMING OF WAIVER.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided under subpara-
graph (B), a State that requests a waiver under paragraph 
(1) shall submit to the Presidential designee the written 
waiver request not later than 90 days before the election 
for Federal office with respect to which the request is 
submitted. The Presidential designee shall approve or deny 
the waiver request not later than 65 days before such 
election. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—If a State requests a waiver under 
paragraph (1) as the result of an undue hardship described 
in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), the State shall submit to the Presi-
dential designee the written waiver request as soon as 
practicable. The Presidential designee shall approve or 
deny the waiver request not later than 5 business days 
after the date on which the request is received. 
‘‘(4) APPLICATION OF WAIVER.—A waiver approved under 
paragraph (2) shall only apply with respect to the election 
for Federal office for which the request was submitted. For 
each subsequent election for Federal office, the Presidential 
designee shall only approve a waiver if the State has submitted 
a request under paragraph (1) with respect to such election.’’. 
(b) RUNOFF ELECTIONS.—Section 102(a) of the Uniformed and 
Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)), 
as amended by subsection (a) and sections 577 and 578, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(9) if the State declares or otherwise holds a runoff election 
for Federal office, establish a written plan that provides 
absentee ballots are made available to absent uniformed serv-
ices voters and overseas voters in manner that gives them 
sufficient time to vote in the runoff election.’’.
H. R. 2647—135 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election 
for Federal office held in November 2010 and each succeeding 
election for Federal office. 
SEC. 580. PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF MARKED 
ABSENTEE BALLOTS OF ABSENT OVERSEAS UNIFORMED 
SERVICES VOTERS. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.) is amended by 
inserting after section 103 the following new section: 
‘‘SEC. 103A. PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF 
MARKED ABSENTEE BALLOTS OF ABSENT OVERSEAS UNI-
FORMED SERVICES VOTERS. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES.—The Presidential des-
ignee shall establish procedures for collecting marked absentee 
ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters in regularly 
scheduled general elections for Federal office, including absentee 
ballots prepared by States and the Federal write-in absentee ballot 
prescribed under section 103, and for delivering such marked 
absentee ballots to the appropriate election officials. 
‘‘(b) DELIVERY TO APPROPRIATE ELECTION OFFICIALS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Under the procedures established under 
this section, the Presidential designee shall implement proce-
dures that facilitate the delivery of marked absentee ballots 
of absent overseas uniformed services voters for regularly sched-
uled general elections for Federal office to the appropriate 
election officials, in accordance with this section, not later than 
the date by which an absentee ballot must be received in 
order to be counted in the election. 
‘‘(2) COOPERATION
AND
COORDINATION
WITH
THE
UNITED 
STATES POSTAL SERVICE.—The Presidential designee shall carry 
out this section in cooperation and coordination with the United 
States Postal Service, and shall provide expedited mail delivery 
service for all such marked absentee ballots of absent uniformed 
services voters that are collected on or before the deadline 
described in paragraph (3) and then transferred to the United 
States Postal Service. 
‘‘(3) DEADLINE DESCRIBED.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), the deadline described in this paragraph is noon (in 
the location in which the ballot is collected) on the seventh 
day preceding the date of the regularly scheduled general 
election for Federal office. 
‘‘(B) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH ALTERNATIVE DEADLINE 
FOR
CERTAIN
LOCATIONS.—If the Presidential designee 
determines that the deadline described in subparagraph 
(A) is not sufficient to ensure timely delivery of the ballot 
under paragraph (1) with respect to a particular location 
because of remoteness or other factors, the Presidential 
designee may establish as an alternative deadline for that 
location the latest date occurring prior to the deadline 
described in subparagraph (A) which is sufficient to provide 
timely delivery of the ballot under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(4) NO POSTAGE REQUIREMENT.—In accordance with section 
3406 of title 39, United States Code, such marked absentee
H. R. 2647—136 
ballots and other balloting materials shall be carried free of 
postage. 
‘‘(5) DATE OF MAILING.—Such marked absentee ballots shall 
be postmarked with a record of the date on which the ballot 
is mailed. 
‘‘(c) OUTREACH FOR ABSENT OVERSEAS UNIFORMED SERVICES 
VOTERS
ON PROCEDURES.—The Presidential designee shall take 
appropriate actions to inform individuals who are anticipated to 
be absent overseas uniformed services voters in a regularly sched-
uled general election for Federal office to which this section applies 
of the procedures for the collection and delivery of marked absentee 
ballots established pursuant to this section, including the manner 
in which such voters may utilize such procedures for the submittal 
of marked absentee ballots pursuant to this section. 
‘‘(d) ABSENT OVERSEAS UNIFORMED SERVICES VOTER DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘absent overseas uniformed services voter’ 
means an overseas voter described in section 107(5)(A). 
‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Presidential designee such sums as may 
be necessary to carry out this section.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 101(b) of such Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff(b)) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (6); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (7) 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(8) carry out section 103A with respect to the collection 
and delivery of marked absentee ballots of absent overseas 
uniformed services voters in elections for Federal office.’’. 
(c) STATE RESPONSIBILITIES.—Section 102(a) of such Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)), as amended by sections 577, 578, and 579, 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(10) carry out section 103A(b)(1) with respect to the proc-
essing and acceptance of marked absentee ballots of absent 
overseas uniformed services voters.’’. 
(d) TRACKING MARKED BALLOTS.—Section 102 of such Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection: 
‘‘(h) TRACKING MARKED BALLOTS.—The chief State election offi-
cial, in coordination with local election jurisdictions, shall develop 
a free access system by which an absent uniformed services voter 
or overseas voter may determine whether the absentee ballot of 
the absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter has been 
received by the appropriate State election official.’’. 
(e) PROTECTING VOTER PRIVACY AND SECRECY OF ABSENTEE 
BALLOTS.—Section 101(b) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff(b)), as amended by subsection 
(b), is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (7); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
H. R. 2647—137 
‘‘(9) to the greatest extent practicable, take such actions 
as may be necessary— 
‘‘(A) to ensure that absent uniformed services voters 
who cast absentee ballots at locations or facilities under 
the jurisdiction of the Presidential designee are able to 
do so in a private and independent manner; and 
‘‘(B) to protect the privacy of the contents of absentee 
ballots cast by absentee uniformed services voters and over-
seas voters while such ballots are in the possession or 
control of the Presidential designee.’’. 
(f) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election 
for Federal office held in November 2010 and each succeeding 
election for Federal office. 
SEC. 581. FEDERAL WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT. 
(a) USE IN GENERAL, SPECIAL, PRIMARY, AND RUNOFF ELEC-
TIONS FOR FEDERAL OFFICE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 103 of the Uniformed and Over-
seas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–2) is 
amended— 
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘general elections 
for Federal office’’ and inserting ‘‘general, special, primary, 
and runoff elections for Federal office’’; 
(B) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ‘‘a general election’’ and inserting ‘‘a general, 
special, primary, or runoff election for Federal office’’; and 
(C) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘the general election’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘the general, special, 
primary, or runoff election for Federal office’’. 
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this sub-
section shall take effect on December 31, 2010, and apply 
with respect to elections for Federal office held on or after 
such date. 
(b) PROMOTION AND EXPANSION OF USE.—Section 103(a) of the 
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 
1973ff–2) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘GENERAL.—The Presidential’’ and inserting 
‘‘GENERAL.— 
‘‘(1) FEDERAL
WRITE-IN
ABSENTEE
BALLOT.—The Presi-
dential’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(2) PROMOTION AND EXPANSION OF USE OF FEDERAL WRITE- 
IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2011, 
the Presidential designee shall adopt procedures to promote 
and expand the use of the Federal write-in absentee ballot 
as a back-up measure to vote in elections for Federal office. 
‘‘(B) USE
OF
TECHNOLOGY.—Under such procedures, 
the Presidential designee shall utilize technology to imple-
ment a system under which the absent uniformed services 
voter or overseas voter may— 
‘‘(i) enter the address of the voter or other informa-
tion relevant in the appropriate jurisdiction of the 
State, and the system will generate a list of all can-
didates in the election for Federal office in that jurisdic-
tion; and
H. R. 2647—138 
‘‘(ii) submit the marked Federal write-in absentee 
ballot by printing the ballot (including complete 
instructions for submitting the marked Federal write- 
in absentee ballot to the appropriate State election 
official and the mailing address of the single State 
office designated under section 102(b)). 
‘‘(C) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Presidential designee 
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this para-
graph.’’. 
SEC. 582. PROHIBITING REFUSAL TO ACCEPT VOTER REGISTRATION 
AND 
ABSENTEE 
BALLOT 
APPLICATIONS, 
MARKED 
ABSENTEE BALLOTS, AND FEDERAL WRITE-IN ABSENTEE 
BALLOTS FOR FAILURE TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIRE-
MENTS. 
(a) VOTER REGISTRATION
AND ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICA-
TIONS.—Section 102 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–1) is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(i) PROHIBITING
REFUSAL
TO
ACCEPT
APPLICATIONS
FOR 
FAILURE TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.—A State shall not 
refuse to accept and process any otherwise valid voter registration 
application or absentee ballot application (including the official 
post card form prescribed under section 101) or marked absentee 
ballot submitted in any manner by an absent uniformed services 
voter or overseas voter solely on the basis of the following: 
‘‘(1) Notarization requirements. 
‘‘(2) Restrictions on paper type, including weight and size. 
‘‘(3) Restrictions on envelope type, including weight and 
size.’’. 
(b) FEDERAL WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT.—Section 103 of such 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–2) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(f) PROHIBITING REFUSAL TO ACCEPT BALLOT
FOR FAILURE 
TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.—A State shall not refuse to 
accept and process any otherwise valid Federal write-in absentee 
ballot submitted in any manner by an absent uniformed services 
voter or overseas voter solely on the basis of the following: 
‘‘(1) Notarization requirements. 
‘‘(2) Restrictions on paper type, including weight and size. 
‘‘(3) Restrictions on envelope type, including weight and 
size.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election 
for Federal office held in November 2010 and each succeeding 
election for Federal office. 
SEC. 583. FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. 
(a) FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.), as amended 
by section 580(a), is amended by inserting after section 103A 
the following new section:
H. R. 2647—139 
‘‘SEC. 103B. FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. 
‘‘(a) DUTIES.—The Presidential designee shall carry out the 
following duties: 
‘‘(1) Develop online portals of information to inform absent 
uniformed services voters regarding voter registration proce-
dures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by such voters 
with respect to elections for Federal office. 
‘‘(2) Establish a program to notify absent uniformed services 
voters of voter registration information and resources, the avail-
ability of the Federal postcard application, and the availability 
of the Federal write-in absentee ballot on the military Global 
Network, and shall use the military Global Network to notify 
absent uniformed services voters of the foregoing 90, 60, and 
30 days prior to each election for Federal office. 
‘‘(b) CLARIFICATION REGARDING OTHER DUTIES
AND OBLIGA-
TIONS.—Nothing in this section shall relieve the Presidential des-
ignee of their duties and obligations under any directives or regula-
tions issued by the Department of Defense, including the Depart-
ment of Defense Directive 1000.04 (or any successor directive or 
regulation) that is not inconsistent or contradictory to the provisions 
of this section. 
‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Federal Voting Assistance Program of 
the Department of Defense (or a successor program) such sums 
as are necessary for purposes of carrying out this section.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 101 of such Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1973ff), as amended by section 580, is amended— 
(A) in subparagraph (b)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (8); 
(ii) by striking the period at the end of paragraph 
(9) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(10) carry out section 103B with respect to Federal Voting 
Assistance Program Improvements.’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR CARRYING OUT 
FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Presidential designee such 
sums as are necessary for purposes of carrying out subsection 
(b)(10).’’. 
(3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this sub-
section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled 
general election for Federal office held in November 2010 and 
each succeeding election for Federal office. 
(b) VOTER REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE FOR ABSENT UNIFORMED 
SERVICES VOTERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 80 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 1566 the following 
new section: 
‘‘§ 1566a. Voting assistance: voter assistance offices 
‘‘(a) DESIGNATION OF OFFICES ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AS 
VOTER ASSISTANCE OFFICES.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2010 and under regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of Defense under subsection (f), the Secretaries of the military
H. R. 2647—140 
departments shall designate offices on installations under their 
jurisdiction to provide absent uniformed services voters, particularly 
those individuals described in subsection (b), and their family mem-
bers with the following: 
‘‘(1) Information on voter registration procedures and 
absentee ballot procedures (including the official post card form 
prescribed under section 101 of the Uniformed and Overseas 
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff). 
‘‘(2) Information and assistance, if requested, including 
access to the Internet where practicable, to register to vote 
in an election for Federal office. 
‘‘(3) Information and assistance, if requested, including 
access to the Internet where practicable, to update the individ-
ual’s voter registration information, including instructions for 
absent uniformed services voters to change their address by 
submitting the official post card form prescribed under section 
101 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting 
Act to the appropriate State election official. 
‘‘(4) Information and assistance, if requested, to request 
an absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.). 
‘‘(b) COVERED INDIVIDUALS.—The individuals described in this 
subsection are absent uniformed services voters who— 
‘‘(1) are undergoing a permanent change of duty station; 
‘‘(2) are deploying overseas for at least six months; 
‘‘(3) are returning from an overseas deployment of at least 
six months; or 
‘‘(4) otherwise request assistance related to voter registra-
tion. 
‘‘(c) TIMING OF PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.—The regulations pre-
scribed by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f) shall 
ensure, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with 
military necessity, that the assistance provided under subsection 
(a) is provided to a covered individual described in subsection (b)— 
‘‘(1) if described in subsection (b)(1), as part of the adminis-
trative in-processing of the covered individual upon arrival 
at the new duty station of the covered individual; 
‘‘(2) if described in subsection (b)(2), as part of the adminis-
trative out-processing of the covered individual in preparation 
for deployment from the home duty station of the covered 
individual; 
‘‘(3) if described in subsection (b)(3), as part of the adminis-
trative in-processing of the covered individual upon return to 
the home duty station of the covered individual; or 
‘‘(4) if described in subsection (b)(4), at the time the covered 
individual requests such assistance. 
‘‘(d) OUTREACH.—The Secretary of each military department, 
or the Presidential designee, shall take appropriate actions to 
inform absent uniformed services voters of the assistance available 
under subsection (a), including— 
‘‘(1) the availability of information and voter registration 
assistance at offices designated under subsection (a); and 
‘‘(2) the time, location, and manner in which an absent 
uniformed services voter may utilize such assistance. 
‘‘(e) AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICES 
AS VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCY ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.— 
The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretaries of the
H. R. 2647—141 
military departments to designate offices on military installations 
as voter registration agencies under section 7(a)(2) of the National 
Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–5(a)(2)) for all 
purposes of such Act. Any office so designated shall discharge 
the requirements of this section, under the regulations prescribed 
by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f). 
‘‘(f) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
regulations relating to the administration of the requirements of 
this section. The regulations shall be prescribed before the regularly 
scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 
2010, and shall be implemented for such general election for Federal 
office and for each succeeding election for Federal office. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘absent uniformed services voter’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 107(1) of the Uniformed 
and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff– 
6(1)). 
‘‘(2) The term ‘Federal office’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 107(3) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–6(3)). 
‘‘(3) The term ‘Presidential designee’ means the official 
designated by the President under section 101(a) of the Uni-
formed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 
1973ff(a)).’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 80 of such title is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 1566 the following new item: 
‘‘1566a. Voting assistance: voter assistance offices.’’. 
SEC. 584. DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS FOR REPORTING AND 
STORING CERTAIN DATA. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—Section 101(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
1973ff(b)), as amended by sections 580 and 583, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (9); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10) 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(11) working with the Election Assistance Commission 
and the chief State election official of each State, develop stand-
ards— 
‘‘(A) for States to report data on the number of absentee 
ballots transmitted and received under section 102(c) and 
such other data as the Presidential designee determines 
appropriate; and 
‘‘(B) for the Presidential designee to store the data 
reported.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 102(a) of such Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)), as amended by sections 577, 578, 579, and 
580, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (9), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(11) report data on the number of absentee ballots trans-
mitted and received under section 102(c) and such other data
H. R. 2647—142 
as the Presidential designee determines appropriate in accord-
ance with the standards developed by the Presidential designee 
under section 101(b)(11).’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election 
for Federal office held in November 2010 and each succeeding 
election for Federal office. 
SEC. 585. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO USE OF SINGLE 
APPLICATION FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsections (a) through (d) of section 104 
of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff–3) are repealed. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The Uniformed and Overseas 
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.) is amended— 
(1) in section 101(b)— 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘, for use by States 
in accordance with section 104’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘for use by States 
in accordance with section 104’’; and 
(2) in section 104, as amended by subsection (a)— 
(A) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘USE OF SINGLE 
APPLICATION
FOR
ALL
SUBSEQUENT
ELECTIONS’’ and 
inserting ‘‘PROHIBITION OF REFUSAL OF APPLICATIONS ON 
GROUNDS OF EARLY SUBMISSION’’; and 
(B) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘(e) PROHIBITION OF 
REFUSAL OF APPLICATIONS ON GROUNDS OF EARLY SUBMIS-
SION.—’’. 
SEC. 586. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 
105 the following new section: 
‘‘SEC. 105A. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 
‘‘(a) REPORT ON STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT 
OF PROGRAMS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, 
the Presidential designee shall submit to the relevant committees 
of Congress a report containing the following information: 
‘‘(1) The status of the implementation of the procedures 
established for the collection and delivery of marked absentee 
ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters under sec-
tion 103A, and a detailed description of the specific steps taken 
towards such implementation for the regularly scheduled gen-
eral election for Federal office held in November 2010. 
‘‘(2) An assessment of the effectiveness of the Voting Assist-
ance Officer Program of the Department of Defense, which 
shall include the following: 
‘‘(A) A thorough and complete assessment of whether 
the Program, as configured and implemented as of such 
date of enactment, is effectively assisting absent uniformed 
services voters in exercising their right to vote. 
‘‘(B) An inventory and explanation of any areas of 
voter assistance in which the Program has failed to accom-
plish its stated objectives and effectively assist absent uni-
formed services voters in exercising their right to vote.
H. R. 2647—143 
‘‘(C) As necessary, a detailed plan for the implementa-
tion of any new program to replace or supplement voter 
assistance activities required to be performed under this 
Act. 
‘‘(3) A detailed description of the specific steps taken 
towards the implementation of voter registration assistance 
for absent uniformed services voters under section 1566a of 
title 10, United States Code. 
‘‘(b) ANNUAL REPORT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVITIES AND 
UTILIZATION OF CERTAIN PROCEDURES.—Not later than March 31 
of each year, the Presidential designee shall transmit to the Presi-
dent and to the relevant committees of Congress a report containing 
the following information: 
‘‘(1) An assessment of the effectiveness of activities carried 
out under section 103B, including the activities and actions 
of the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department 
of Defense, a separate assessment of voter registration and 
participation by absent uniformed services voters, a separate 
assessment of voter registration and participation by overseas 
voters who are not members of the uniformed services, and 
a description of the cooperation between States and the Federal 
Government in carrying out such section. 
‘‘(2) A description of the utilization of voter registration 
assistance under section 1566a of title 10, United States Code, 
which shall include the following: 
‘‘(A) A description of the specific programs implemented 
by each military department of the Armed Forces pursuant 
to such section. 
‘‘(B) The number of absent uniformed services voters 
who utilized voter registration assistance provided under 
such section. 
‘‘(3) In the case of a report submitted under this subsection 
in the year following a year in which a regularly scheduled 
general election for Federal office is held, a description of 
the utilization of the procedures for the collection and delivery 
of marked absentee ballots established pursuant to section 
103A, which shall include the number of marked absentee 
ballots collected and delivered under such procedures and the 
number of such ballots which were not delivered by the time 
of the closing of the polls on the date of the election (and 
the reasons such ballots were not so delivered). 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ABSENT OVERSEAS UNIFORMED SERVICES VOTER.—The 
term ‘absent overseas uniformed services voter’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 103A(d). 
‘‘(2) PRESIDENTIAL DESIGNEE.—The term ‘Presidential des-
ignee’ means the Presidential designee under section 101(a). 
‘‘(3) RELEVANT COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—The 
term ‘relevant committees of Congress’ means— 
‘‘(A) the Committees on Appropriations, Armed Serv-
ices, and Rules and Administration of the Senate; and 
‘‘(B) the Committees on Appropriations, Armed Serv-
ices, and House Administration of the House of Representa-
tives.’’.
H. R. 2647—144 
SEC. 587. ANNUAL REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT. 
Section 105 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee 
Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973f–4) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Attorney’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) IN GEN-
ERAL.—The Attorney’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than December 31 of 
each year, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress an annual 
report on any civil action brought under subsection (a) during 
the preceding year.’’. 
SEC. 588. REQUIREMENTS PAYMENTS. 
(a) USE OF FUNDS.—Section 251(b) of the Help America Vote 
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15401(b)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) and (3)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) ACTIVITIES UNDER UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS 
ABSENTEE VOTING ACT.—A State shall use a requirements pay-
ment made using funds appropriated pursuant to the authoriza-
tion under section 257(a)(4) only to meet the requirements 
under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting 
Act imposed as a result of the provisions of and amendments 
made by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.’’. 
(b) CONDITIONS FOR RECEIPT OF FUNDS.— 
(1) INCLUSION OF COMPLIANCE IN STATE PLAN.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Section 254(a) of the Help America 
Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15404(a)) is amended by adding 
at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(14) How the State will comply with the provisions and 
requirements of and amendments made by the Military and 
Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.’’. 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 253(b)(1)(A) of 
such Act (42 U.S.C. 15403(b)(1)(A)) is amended by striking 
‘‘section 254’’ and inserting ‘‘section 254(a) (or, for purposes 
of determining the eligibility of a State to receive a require-
ments payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization 
provided under section 257(a)(4), contains the element 
described in paragraph (14) of such section)’’. 
(2) WAIVER OF PLAN FOR APPLICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE 
COMPLAINT
PROCEDURES.—Section 253(b)(2) of such Act (42 
U.S.C. 15403(b)(2)) is amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘(2) The State’’ and inserting ‘‘(2)(A) 
Subject to subparagraph (B), the State’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph: 
‘‘(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply for purposes of deter-
mining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements 
payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided 
under section 257(a)(4).’’. 
(3) SPECIAL RULE FOR PROVISION OF 5 PERCENT MATCH.— 
Section 253(b)(5) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15403(b)(5)) is 
amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘(5) The State’’ and inserting ‘‘(5)(A) 
Subject to subparagraph (B), the State’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
H. R. 2647—145 
‘‘(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply for purposes of deter-
mining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements 
payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided 
under section 257(a)(4) for fiscal year 2010, except that if the 
State does not appropriate funds in accordance with subpara-
graph (A) prior to the last day of fiscal year 2011, the State 
shall repay to the Commission the requirements payment which 
is appropriated pursuant to such authorization.’’. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION.—Section 257(a) of the Help America Vote 
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15407(a)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) For fiscal year 2010 and subsequent fiscal years, such 
sums as are necessary for purposes of making requirements 
payments to States to carry out the activities described in 
section 251(b)(3).’’. 
SEC. 589. TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) ABSENT UNIFORMED SERVICES VOTER.—The term ‘‘absent 
uniformed services voter’’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 107(a) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.). 
(2) OVERSEAS VOTER.—The term ‘‘overseas voter’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 107(5) of such Act. 
(3) PRESIDENTIAL DESIGNEE.—The term ‘‘Presidential des-
ignee’’ means the individual designated under section 101(a) 
of such Act. 
(b) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Presidential designee may establish 
1 or more pilot programs under which the feasibility of new 
election technology is tested for the benefit of absent uniformed 
services voters and overseas voters claiming rights under the 
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 
U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.). 
(2) DESIGN AND CONDUCT.—The design and conduct of a 
pilot program established under this subsection— 
(A) shall be at the discretion of the Presidential des-
ignee; and 
(B) shall not conflict with or substitute for existing 
laws, regulations, or procedures with respect to the partici-
pation of absent uniformed services voters and military 
voters in elections for Federal office. 
(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting a pilot program established 
under subsection (b), the Presidential designee may consider the 
following issues: 
(1) The transmission of electronic voting material across 
military networks. 
(2) Virtual private networks, cryptographic voting systems, 
centrally controlled voting stations, and other information secu-
rity techniques. 
(3) The transmission of ballot representations and scanned 
pictures in a secure manner. 
(4) Capturing, retaining, and comparing electronic and 
physical ballot representations. 
(5) Utilization of voting stations at military bases. 
(6) Document delivery and upload systems.
H. R. 2647—146 
(7) The functional effectiveness of the application or adop-
tion of the pilot program to operational environments, taking 
into account environmental and logistical obstacles and State 
procedures. 
(d) REPORTS.—The Presidential designee shall submit to Con-
gress reports on the progress and outcomes of any pilot program 
conducted under this subsection, together with recommendations— 
(1) for the conduct of additional pilot programs under this 
section; and 
(2) for such legislation and administrative action as the 
Presidential designee determines appropriate. 
(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Election Assistance Commission and 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall pro-
vide the Presidential designee with best practices or standards 
in accordance with electronic absentee voting guidelines estab-
lished under the first sentence of section 1604(a)(2) of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (Public 
Law 107–107; 115 Stat. 1277; 42 U.S.C. 1977ff note), as 
amended by section 567 of the Ronald W. Reagan National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 
108–375; 118 Stat. 1919) to support the pilot program or pro-
grams. 
(2) REPORT.—In the case in which the Election Assistance 
Commission has not established electronic absentee voting 
guidelines under such section 1604(a)(2), as so amended, by 
not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Election 
Assistance Commission shall submit to the relevant committees 
of Congress a report containing the following information: 
(A) The reasons such guidelines have not been estab-
lished as of such date. 
(B) A detailed timeline for the establishment of such 
guidelines. 
(C) A detailed explanation of the Commission’s actions 
in establishing such guidelines since the date of enactment 
of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375; 118 Stat. 
1919). 
(3) RELEVANT COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In this 
subsection, the term ‘‘relevant committees of Congress’’ 
means— 
(A) the Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, 
and Rules and Administration of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, 
and House Administration of the House of Representatives. 
(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section. 
Subtitle I—Other Matters 
SEC. 591. CLARIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE POLICIES FOR MILITARY 
MUSICAL UNITS AND MUSICIANS. 
(a) CLARIFICATION.—Section 974 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended to read as follows:
H. R. 2647—147 
‘‘§ 974. Military musical units and musicians: performance 
policies; restriction on performance in competition 
with local civilian musicians 
‘‘(a) MILITARY
MUSICIANS
PERFORMING
IN
AN
OFFICIAL 
CAPACITY.—(1) A military musical unit, and a member of the armed 
forces who is a member of such a unit performing in an official 
capacity, may not engage in the performance of music in competition 
with local civilian musicians. 
‘‘(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the following shall, except 
as provided in paragraph (3), be included among the performances 
that are considered to be a performance of music in competition 
with local civilian musicians: 
‘‘(A) A performance that is more than incidental to an 
event that— 
‘‘(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United 
States Government funds; and 
‘‘(ii) is not free to the public. 
‘‘(B) A performance of background, dinner, dance, or other 
social music at an event that— 
‘‘(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United 
States Government funds; and 
‘‘(ii) is held at a location not on a military installation. 
‘‘(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the following shall not 
be considered to be a performance of music in competition with 
local civilian musicians: 
‘‘(A) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, 
or other social music) at an official United States Government 
event that is supported, in whole or in part, by United States 
Government funds. 
‘‘(B) A performance at a concert, parade, or other event, 
that— 
‘‘(i) is a patriotic event or a celebration of a national 
holiday; and 
‘‘(ii) is free to the public. 
‘‘(C) A performance that is incidental to an event that— 
‘‘(i) is not supported, in whole or in part, by United 
States Government funds; or 
‘‘(ii) is not free to the public. 
‘‘(D) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, 
or other social music) at— 
‘‘(i) an event that is sponsored by a military welfare 
society, as defined in section 2566 of this title; 
‘‘(ii) an event that is a traditional military event 
intended to foster the morale and welfare of members 
of the armed forces and their families; or 
‘‘(iii) an event that is specifically for the benefit or 
recognition of members of the armed forces, their family 
members, veterans, civilian employees of the Department 
of Defense, or former civilian employees of the Department 
of Defense, to the extent provided in regulations prescribed 
by the Secretary of Defense. 
‘‘(E) A performance (including background, dinner, dance, 
or other social music)— 
‘‘(i) to uphold the standing and prestige of the United 
States with dignitaries and distinguished or prominent per-
sons or groups of the United States or another nation; 
or
H. R. 2647—148 
‘‘(ii) in support of fostering and sustaining a cooperative 
relationship with another nation. 
‘‘(b) PROHIBITION
OF MILITARY MUSICIANS ACCEPTING ADDI-
TIONAL REMUNERATION FOR OFFICIAL PERFORMANCES.—A military 
musical unit, and a member of the armed forces who is a member 
of such a unit performing in an official capacity, may not receive 
remuneration for an official performance, other than applicable 
military pay and allowances. 
‘‘(c) RECORDINGS.—(1) When authorized under regulations pre-
scribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this section, 
a military musical unit may produce recordings for distribution 
to the public, at a cost not to exceed expenses of production and 
distribution. 
‘‘(2) Amounts received in payment for a recording distributed 
to the public under this subsection shall be credited to the appro-
priation or account providing the funds for the production of the 
recording. Any amount so credited shall be merged with amounts 
in the appropriation or account to which credited, and shall be 
available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions 
and limitations, as amounts in such appropriation or account. 
‘‘(d) PERFORMANCES
AT FOREIGN LOCATIONS.—Subsection (a) 
does not apply to a performance outside the United States, its 
commonwealths, or its possessions. 
‘‘(e) MILITARY MUSICAL UNIT DEFINED.—In this section, the 
term ‘military musical unit’ means a band, ensemble, chorus, or 
similar musical unit of the armed forces.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The item relating to such section 
in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 49 of such 
title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘974. Military musical units and musicians: performance policies; restriction on per-
formance in competition with local civilian musicians.’’. 
SEC. 592. NAVY GRANTS FOR PURPOSES OF NAVAL SEA CADET CORPS. 
(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—Chapter 647 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7541a the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 7541b. Authority to make grants for purposes of Naval 
Sea Cadet Corps 
‘‘Subject to the availability of funds for this purpose, the Sec-
retary of the Navy may make grants to support the purposes 
of Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a federally chartered corporation under 
chapter 1541 of title 36.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 647 of such title is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 7541a the following new item: 
‘‘7541b. Authority to make grants for purposes of Naval Sea Cadet Corps.’’. 
SEC. 593. MODIFICATION OF MATCHING FUND REQUIREMENTS UNDER 
NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH CHALLENGE PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO INCREASE DOD SHARE OF PROGRAM.—Section 
509(d)(1) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘60 percent of the costs’’ and inserting ‘‘75 percent of the costs’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2009, and shall apply with respect 
to fiscal years beginning on or after that date.
H. R. 2647—149 
SEC. 594. EXPANSION OF MILITARY LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY COMMIS-
SION TO INCLUDE RESERVE COMPONENT REPRESENTA-
TIVES. 
Section 596(b)(1) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 
Stat. 4476) is amended by striking subparagraphs (C), (D), (E) 
and inserting the following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(C) An active commissioned officer from each of the 
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, an active 
commissioned officer from the National Guard, and an 
active commissioned officer from the Reserves, each of 
whom serves or has served in a leadership position with 
either a military department command or combatant com-
mand. 
‘‘(D) A retired general or flag officer from each of 
the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a retired 
general or flag officer from the National Guard, and a 
retired general or flag officer from the Reserves. 
‘‘(E) A retired noncommissioned officer from each of 
the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a retired 
noncommissioned officer from the National Guard, and a 
retired noncommissioned officer from the Reserves.’’. 
SEC. 595. EXPANSION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY 
HEALING AND RESPONSE TRAINING UNDER THE YELLOW 
RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. 
Section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 10101 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (h)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (3); and 
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (15) as 
paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(i) SUICIDE
PREVENTION
AND
COMMUNITY
HEALING
AND 
RESPONSE PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—As part of the Yellow Ribbon Re-
integration Program, the Office for Reintegration Programs 
shall establish a program to provide National Guard and 
Reserve members and their families, and in coordination with 
community programs, assist the communities, with training 
in suicide prevention and community healing and response 
to suicide. 
‘‘(2) DESIGN.—In establishing the program under paragraph 
(1), the Office for Reintegration Programs shall consult with— 
‘‘(A) persons that have experience and expertise with 
combining military and civilian intervention strategies that 
reduce risk and promote healing after a suicide attempt 
or suicide death for National Guard and Reserve members; 
and 
‘‘(B) the adjutant general of each State, the Common-
wealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, 
and the Virgin Islands. 
‘‘(3) OPERATION.— 
‘‘(A) SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING.—The Office for Re-
integration Programs shall provide National Guard and 
Reserve members with training in suicide prevention. Such 
training shall include—
H. R. 2647—150 
‘‘(i) describing the warning signs for suicide and 
teaching effective strategies for prevention and inter-
vention; 
‘‘(ii) examining the influence of military culture 
on risk and protective factors for suicide; and 
‘‘(iii) engaging in interactive case scenarios and 
role plays to practice effective intervention strategies. 
‘‘(B) COMMUNITY HEALING AND RESPONSE TRAINING.— 
The Office for Reintegration Programs shall provide the 
families and communities of National Guard and Reserve 
members with training in responses to suicide that promote 
individual and community healing. Such training shall 
include— 
‘‘(i) enhancing collaboration among community 
members and local service providers to create an 
integrated, coordinated community response to suicide; 
‘‘(ii) communicating best practices for preventing 
suicide, including safe messaging, appropriate memo-
rial services, and media guidelines; 
‘‘(iii) addressing the impact of suicide on the mili-
tary and the larger community, and the increased risk 
that can result; and 
‘‘(iv) managing resources to assist key community 
and military service providers in helping the families, 
friends, and fellow soldiers of a suicide victim through 
the processes of grieving and healing. 
‘‘(C) COLLABORATION WITH CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.— 
The Office for Reintegration Programs, in consultation with 
the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health 
and Traumatic Brain Injury, shall collect and analyze ‘les-
sons learned’ and suggestions from State National Guard 
and Reserve organizations with existing or developing sui-
cide prevention and community response programs. 
‘‘(4) TERMINATION.—The program established under this 
subsection shall terminate on October 1, 2012.’’. 
SEC. 596. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND 
TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND DIS-
POSITION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE OFFENDERS IN THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
(a) REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT CAPABILITIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, 
shall conduct a comprehensive review of the following: 
(A) The programs and activities of the Department 
of Defense for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment 
of substance use disorders in members of the Armed Forces. 
(B) The policies of the Department of Defense relating 
to the disposition of substance abuse offenders in the Armed 
Forces, including disciplinary action and administrative 
separation. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The review conducted under paragraph (1) 
shall include an assessment of each of the following: 
(A) The current state and effectiveness of the programs 
of the Department of Defense and the military departments
H. R. 2647—151 
relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sub-
stance use disorders. 
(B) The adequacy of the availability of care, and access 
to care, for substance abuse in military medical treatment 
facilities and under the TRICARE program. 
(C) The adequacy of oversight by the Department of 
Defense of programs relating to the prevention, diagnosis, 
and treatment of substance abuse in members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(D) The adequacy and appropriateness of current 
credentials and other requirements for healthcare profes-
sionals treating members of the Armed Forces with sub-
stance use disorders. 
(E) The advisable ratio of physician and nonphysician 
care providers for substance use disorders to members of 
the Armed Forces with such disorders. 
(F) The adequacy and appropriateness of protocols and 
directives for the diagnosis and treatment of substance 
use disorders in members of the Armed Forces and for 
the disposition, including disciplinary action and adminis-
trative separation, of members of the Armed Forces for 
substance abuse. 
(G) The adequacy of the availability of and access 
to care for substance use disorders for members of the 
reserve components of the Armed Forces, including an 
identification of any obstacles that are unique to the 
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use dis-
orders among members of the reserve components, and 
the appropriate disposition, including disciplinary action 
and administrative separation, of members of the reserve 
components for substance abuse. 
(H) The adequacy of the prevention, diagnosis, and 
treatment of substance use disorders in dependents of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces. 
(I) Any gaps in the current capabilities of the Depart-
ment of Defense for the prevention, diagnosis, and treat-
ment of substance use disorders in members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives a report setting forth the findings 
and recommendations of the Secretary as a result of the review 
conducted under paragraph (1). The report shall— 
(A) set forth the findings and recommendations of the 
Secretary regarding each element of the review specified 
in paragraph (2); 
(B) set forth relevant statistics on the frequency of 
substance use disorders, disciplinary actions, and adminis-
trative separations for substance abuse in members of the 
regular components of the Armed Forces, members of the 
reserve component of the Armed Forces, and to the extent 
applicable, dependents of such members (including spouses 
and children); and
H. R. 2647—152 
(C) include such other findings and recommendations 
on improvements to the current capabilities of the Depart-
ment of Defense for the prevention, diagnosis, and treat-
ment of substance use disorders in members of the Armed 
Forces and the policies relating to the disposition, including 
disciplinary action and administrative separation, of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces for substance abuse, as the Sec-
retary considers appropriate. 
(b) PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF PROGRAMS 
AND POLICIES.— 
(1) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 270 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a com-
prehensive plan for the improvement and enhancement of the 
following: 
(A) The programs and activities of the Department 
of Defense for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment 
of substance use disorders in members of the Armed Forces 
and their dependents. 
(B) The policies of the Department of Defense relating 
to the disposition of substance abuse offenders in the Armed 
Forces, including disciplinary action and administrative 
separation. 
(2) BASIS.—The comprehensive plan required by paragraph 
(1) shall take into account the following: 
(A) The results of the review and assessment conducted 
under subsection (a). 
(B) Similar initiatives of the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to expand and improve care for substance use dis-
orders among veterans, including the programs and activi-
ties conducted under title I of the Veterans’ Mental Health 
and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 
110–387; 112 Stat. 4112). 
(3) COMPREHENSIVE
STATEMENT
OF
POLICY.—The com-
prehensive plan required by paragraph (1) shall include a com-
prehensive statement of the following: 
(A) The policy of the Department of Defense regarding 
the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use 
disorders in members of the Armed Forces and their 
dependents. 
(B) The policies of the Department of Defense relating 
to the disposition of substance abuse offenders in the Armed 
Forces, including disciplinary action and administrative 
separation. 
(4) AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT.—The com-
prehensive plan required by paragraph (1) shall include mecha-
nisms to ensure the availability to members of the Armed 
Forces and their dependents of a core of evidence-based prac-
tices across the spectrum of medical and non-medial services 
and treatments for substance use disorders, including the 
reestablishment of regional long-term inpatient substance 
abuse treatment programs. The Secretary may use contracted 
services for not longer than three years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act to perform such inpatient substance 
abuse treatment until the Department of Defense reestablishes 
this capability within the military health care system.
H. R. 2647—153 
(5) PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF DISORDERS.—The com-
prehensive plan required by paragraph (1) shall include mecha-
nisms to facilitate the prevention and reduction of substance 
use disorders in members of the Armed Forces through science- 
based initiatives, including education programs, for members 
of the Armed Forces and their dependents. 
(6) SPECIFIC
INSTRUCTIONS.—The comprehensive plan 
required by paragraph (1) shall include each of the following: 
(A) SUBSTANCES
OF
ABUSE.—Instructions on the 
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse 
in members of the Armed Forces, including the abuse of 
alcohol, illicit drugs, and nonmedical use and abuse of 
prescription drugs. 
(B) HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.—Instructions on— 
(i) appropriate training of healthcare professionals 
in the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment 
of substance use disorders in members of the Armed 
Forces; 
(ii) appropriate staffing levels for healthcare 
professionals at military medical treatment facilities 
for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment 
of substance use disorders in members of the Armed 
Forces; and 
(iii) such uniform training and credentialing 
requirements 
for 
physician 
and 
nonphysician 
healthcare professionals in the prevention, screening, 
diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders 
in members of the Armed Forces as the Secretary 
considers appropriate. 
(C) SERVICES FOR DEPENDENTS.—Instructions on the 
availability of services for substance use disorders for 
dependents of members of the Armed Forces, including 
instructions on making such services available to depend-
ents to the maximum extent practicable. 
(D) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND 
TREATMENT.—Policy on the relationship between discipli-
nary actions and administrative separation processing and 
prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in 
members of the Armed Forces. 
(E) CONFIDENTIALITY.—Recommendations regarding 
policies pertaining to confidentiality for members of the 
Armed Forces in seeking or receiving services or treatment 
for substance use disorders. 
(F) PARTICIPATION OF CHAIN OF COMMAND.—Policy on 
appropriate consultation, reference to, and involvement of 
the chain of command of members of the Armed Forces 
in matters relating to the diagnosis and treatment of sub-
stance abuse and disposition of members of the Armed 
Forces for substance abuse. 
(G) CONSIDERATION
OF
GENDER.—Instructions on 
gender specific requirements, if appropriate, in the preven-
tion, diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance 
use disorders in members of the Armed Forces, including 
gender specific care and treatment requirements. 
(H) COORDINATION
WITH
OTHER
HEALTHCARE
INITIA-
TIVES.—Instructions on the integration of efforts on the
H. R. 2647—154 
prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of sub-
stance use disorders in members of the Armed Forces with 
efforts to address co-occurring health care disorders (such 
as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression) and sui-
cide prevention. 
(7) OTHER ELEMENTS.—In addition to the matters specified 
in paragraph (3), the comprehensive plan required by para-
graph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—An implementation plan 
for the achievement of the goals of the comprehensive 
plan, including goals relating to the following: 
(i) Enhanced education of members of the Armed 
Forces and their dependents regarding substance use 
disorders. 
(ii) Enhanced and improved identification and 
diagnosis of substance use disorders in members of 
the Armed Forces and their dependents. 
(iii) Enhanced and improved access of members 
of the Armed Forces to services and treatment for 
and management of substance use disorders. 
(iv) Appropriate staffing of military medical treat-
ment facilities and other facilities for the treatment 
of substance use disorders in members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(B) BEST PRACTICES.—The incorporation of evidence- 
based best practices utilized in current military and civilian 
approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and 
management of substance use disorders. 
(C) 
AVAILABLE
RESEARCH.—The 
incorporation 
of 
applicable results of available studies, research, and aca-
demic reviews on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and 
management of substance use disorders. 
(8) UPDATE IN LIGHT OF INDEPENDENT STUDY.—Upon the 
completion of the study required by subsection (c), the Secretary 
of Defense shall— 
(A) in consultation with the Secretaries of the military 
departments, make such modifications and improvements 
to the comprehensive plan required by paragraph (1) as 
the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate in light 
of the findings and recommendations of the study; and 
(B) submit to the congressional defense committees 
a report setting forth the comprehensive plan as modified 
and improved under subparagraph (A). 
(c) INDEPENDENT REPORT ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS PRO-
GRAMS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.— 
(1) STUDY REQUIRED.—Upon completion of the policy review 
required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall pro-
vide for a study on substance use disorders programs for mem-
bers of the Armed Forces to be conducted by the Institute 
of Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences or such 
other independent entity as the Secretary shall select for pur-
poses of the study. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
include a review and assessment of the following: 
(A) The adequacy and appropriateness of protocols for 
the diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance 
use disorders in members of the Armed Forces.
H. R. 2647—155 
(B) The adequacy of the availability of and access 
to care for substance use disorders in military medical 
treatment facilities and under the TRICARE program. 
(C) The adequacy and appropriateness of current 
credentials and other requirements for physician and non- 
physician healthcare professionals treating members of the 
Armed Forces with substance use disorders. 
(D) The advisable ratio of physician and non-physician 
care providers for substance use disorders to members of 
the Armed Forces with such disorders. 
(E) The adequacy of the availability of and access 
to care for substance use disorders for members of the 
reserve components of the Armed Forces when compared 
with the availability of and access to care for substance 
use disorders for members of the regular components of 
the Armed Forces. 
(F) The adequacy of the prevention, diagnosis, treat-
ment, and management of substance use disorders pro-
grams for dependents of members of the Armed Forces, 
whether such dependents suffer from their own substance 
use disorder or because of the substance use disorder of 
a member of the Armed Forces. 
(G) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
appropriate for purposes of the study. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than two years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the entity conducting the study 
required by paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of 
Defense and the congressional defense committees a report 
on the results of the study. The report shall set forth the 
findings and recommendations of the entity as a result of 
the study. 
SEC. 597. REPORTS ON YELLOW RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM 
AND OTHER REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS. 
(a) REPORT
ON REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the various reintegration programs being 
administered in support of members of the National Guard and 
Reserves and their families. 
(b) ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF ANNUAL REPORTS ON YELLOW 
RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.—The annual reports on the Yel-
low Ribbon Reintegration Program under section 582 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110– 
181; 122 Stat. 122; 10 U.S.C. 10101 note) that are submitted under 
subsection (e)(4) of such section after the date of the enactment 
of this Act shall include the following: 
(1) In the first such annual report submitted after the 
date of the enactment of this Act— 
(A) a description and assessment of the implementation 
of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in fiscal year 
2009, including— 
(i) an assessment of best practices from pilot pro-
grams offered by various States to provide services 
to supplement the services available through the Yel-
low Ribbon Reintegration Program; and
H. R. 2647—156 
(ii) an assessment of the feasibility of incorporating 
such practices into the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration 
Program; and 
(B) current plans for the further implementation of 
the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program during fiscal year 
2010. 
(2) A list of the accounts (including accounts of the military 
departments and accounts for the Office of the Secretary of 
Defense) from which funds for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration 
Program were derived during the most recent fiscal year, and 
an explanation why such accounts were the source of funding 
for programs and activities under the Yellow Ribbon Reintegra-
tion Program. 
(3) An assessment of the extent to which funding for the 
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program during the most recent 
fiscal year supported robust joint programs that provided re-
integration and support services to members of the National 
Guard and Reserves and their families regardless of Armed 
Force with which served. 
(4) An assessment of the extent to which programs and 
activities under the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program 
during the preceding year were coordinating closely with appro-
priate programs and activities of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. 
(5) A description of current strategies to mitigate difficulties 
in sustaining attendance at events under the Yellow Ribbon 
Reintegration Program, and an explanation why funds, if any, 
that are available for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program 
but remain unexpended have not been used for the Yellow 
Ribbon Reintegration Program. 
SEC. 598. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN COMPLETION OF CERTAIN 
INCIDENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TOOLS. 
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, and every six months thereafter, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a report detailing the progress 
of the Secretary with respect to the completion of the following: 
(1) The Defense Incident-Based Reporting System. 
(2) The Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database. 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER 
PERSONNEL BENEFITS 
Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances 
Sec. 601. Fiscal year 2010 increase in military basic pay. 
Sec. 602. Increase in maximum monthly amount of supplemental subsistence allow-
ance for low-income members with dependents. 
Sec. 603. Special compensation for members of the uniformed services with cata-
strophic injuries or illnesses requiring assistance in everyday living. 
Sec. 604. Benefits under Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program 
for certain periods before implementation of program. 
Sec. 605. Report on housing standards and housing surveys used to determine 
basic allowance for housing. 
Sec. 606. Comptroller General comparative assessment of military and private-sec-
tor pay and benefits.
H. R. 2647—157 
Subtitle B—Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays 
Sec. 611. One-year extension of certain bonus and special pay authorities for re-
serve forces. 
Sec. 612. One-year extension of certain bonus and special pay authorities for health 
care professionals. 
Sec. 613. One-year extension of special pay and bonus authorities for nuclear offi-
cers. 
Sec. 614. One-year extension of authorities relating to title 37 consolidated special 
pay, incentive pay, and bonus authorities. 
Sec. 615. One-year extension of authorities relating to payment of other title 37 bo-
nuses and special pays. 
Sec. 616. One-year extension of authorities relating to payment of referral bonuses. 
Sec. 617. Technical corrections and conforming amendments to reconcile conflicting 
amendments regarding continued payment of bonuses and similar bene-
fits for certain members. 
Sec. 618. Proration of certain special and incentive pays to reflect time during 
which a member satisfies eligibility requirements for the special or in-
centive pay. 
Sec. 619. Additional assignment pay or special duty pay authorized for members 
agreeing to serve in Afghanistan for extended periods. 
Sec. 620. Temporary authority for monthly special pay for members of the Armed 
Forces subject to continuing active duty or service under stop-loss au-
thorities. 
Sec. 621. Army authority to provide additional recruitment incentives. 
Sec. 622. Report on recruitment and retention of members of the Air Force in nu-
clear career fields. 
Subtitle C—Travel and Transportation Allowances 
Sec. 631. Travel and transportation for survivors of deceased members of the uni-
formed services to attend memorial ceremonies. 
Sec. 632. Travel and transportation allowances for designated individuals of 
wounded, ill, or injured members of the uniformed services for duration 
of inpatient treatment. 
Sec. 633. Authorized travel and transportation allowances for non-medical attend-
ants for very seriously and seriously wounded, ill, or injured members. 
Sec. 634. Reimbursement of travel expenses of members of the Armed Forces on ac-
tive duty and their dependents for travel for specialty care under excep-
tional circumstances. 
Sec. 635. Report on adequacy of weight allowances for transportation of baggage 
and household effects for members of the uniformed services. 
Subtitle D—Disability, Retired Pay, and Survivor Benefits 
Sec. 641. Transition assistance for reserve component members injured while on ac-
tive duty. 
Sec. 642. Recomputation of retired pay and adjustment of retired grade of Reserve 
retirees to reflect service after retirement. 
Sec. 643. Election to receive retired pay for non-regular service upon retirement for 
service in an active reserve status performed after attaining eligibility 
for regular retirement. 
Sec. 644. Report on re-determination process for permanently incapacitated de-
pendents of retired and deceased members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 645. Treatment as active service for retired pay purposes of service as member 
of Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II. 
Subtitle E—Commissary and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality Benefits and 
Operations 
Sec. 651. Limitation on Department of Defense entities offering personal informa-
tion services to members and their dependents. 
Sec. 652. Report on impact of purchasing from local distributors all alcoholic bev-
erages for resale on military installations on Guam. 
Subtitle F—Other Matters 
Sec. 661. Limitations on collection of overpayments of pay and allowances erro-
neously paid to members. 
Sec. 662. Sense of Congress on airfares for members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 663. Sense of Congress on establishment of flexible spending arrangements for 
the uniformed services. 
Sec. 664. Sense of Congress regarding support for compensation, retirement, and 
other military personnel programs.
H. R. 2647—158 
Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances 
SEC. 601. FISCAL YEAR 2010 INCREASE IN MILITARY BASIC PAY. 
(a) WAIVER OF SECTION 1009 ADJUSTMENT.—The adjustment 
to become effective during fiscal year 2010 required by section 
1009 of title 37, United States Code, in the rates of monthly basic 
pay authorized members of the uniformed services shall not be 
made. 
(b) INCREASE IN BASIC PAY.—Effective on January 1, 2010, 
the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed serv-
ices are increased by 3.4 percent. 
SEC. 602. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM MONTHLY AMOUNT OF SUPPLE-
MENTAL SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE FOR LOW-INCOME 
MEMBERS WITH DEPENDENTS. 
(a) INCREASE IN MAXIMUM MONTHLY AMOUNT.—Section 402a(a) 
of title 37, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘$500’’ and inserting 
‘‘$1,100’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ‘‘$500’’ and inserting 
‘‘$1,100’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall take effect on October 1, 2009, and shall apply with 
respect to monthly supplemental subsistence allowances for low- 
income members with dependents payable on or after that date. 
(c) REPORT ON ELIMINATION OF RELIANCE ON SUPPLEMENTAL 
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
TO MEET NUTRITIONAL NEEDS 
OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than September 1, 2010, the 
Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Agriculture, shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report setting forth a plan for actions to eliminate the 
need for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents 
to rely on the supplemental nutrition assistance program under 
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) 
for their monthly nutritional needs. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The plan required by paragraph (1) shall 
address the following: 
(A) An appropriate amount or amounts for the monthly 
supplemental subsistence allowance for low-income mem-
bers with dependents payable under section 402a of title 
37, United States Code. 
(B) Such modifications, if any, to the eligibility require-
ments for the monthly supplemental subsistence allowance, 
including limitations on the maximum size of the household 
of a member for purposes of eligibility for the allowance, 
as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate. 
(C) The advisability of requiring members of the Armed 
Forces to apply for the monthly supplemental subsistence 
allowance before seeking assistance under the supple-
mental nutrition assistance program and to notify their 
commanding officer if they are accepted for participation 
in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. 
(D) A method for accurately determining the total 
number of members of the Armed Forces who are partici-
pating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
H. R. 2647—159 
(E) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense 
considers appropriate. 
SEC. 603. SPECIAL COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNI-
FORMED SERVICES WITH CATASTROPHIC INJURIES OR 
ILLNESSES REQUIRING ASSISTANCE IN EVERYDAY LIVING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 439. Special compensation: members of the uniformed 
services with catastrophic injuries or illnesses 
requiring assistance in everyday living 
‘‘(a) MONTHLY COMPENSATION AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary con-
cerned may pay to any member of the uniformed services described 
in subsection (b) monthly special compensation in an amount deter-
mined under subsection (c). 
‘‘(b) COVERED MEMBERS.—A member eligible for monthly special 
compensation authorized by subsection (a) is a member who— 
‘‘(1) has a catastrophic injury or illness that was incurred 
or aggravated in the line of duty; 
‘‘(2) has been certified by a licensed physician to be in 
need of assistance from another person to perform the personal 
functions required in everyday living; 
‘‘(3) in the absence of the provision of such assistance, 
would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other resi-
dential institutional care; and 
‘‘(4) meets such other criteria, if any, as the Secretary 
of Defense (or the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect 
to the Coast Guard) prescribes for purposes of this section. 
‘‘(c) AMOUNT.—(1) The amount of monthly special compensation 
payable to a member under subsection (a) shall be determined 
under criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Defense (or the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast Guard), 
but may not exceed the amount of aid and attendance allowance 
authorized by section 1114(r)(2) of title 38 for veterans in need 
of aid and attendance. 
‘‘(2) In determining the amount of monthly special compensa-
tion, the Secretary concerned shall consider the following: 
‘‘(A) The extent to which home health care and related 
services are being provided by the Government. 
‘‘(B) The value of the aid and attendance care necessary 
to assist the member in performing the personal functions 
required in everyday living, to be determined regardless of 
the sources of the care (other than the source identified in 
subparagraph (A)) actually being provided to the member. 
‘‘(d) DURATION.—The eligibility of a member to receive special 
monthly compensation under subsection (a) expires on the earlier 
of the following: 
‘‘(1) The last day of the month during which a 90-day 
period ends that begins on the date of the separation or retire-
ment of the member. 
‘‘(2) The last day of the month during which the member 
dies. 
‘‘(3) The last day of the month during which the member 
is determined to be no longer afflicted with the catastrophic 
injury or illness referred to in subsection (b)(1).
H. R. 2647—160 
‘‘(4) The last day of the month preceding the month during 
which the member begins receiving compensation under section 
1114(r)(2) of title 38. 
‘‘(e) CONSTRUCTION WITH OTHER PAY
AND ALLOWANCES.— 
Monthly special compensation payable to a member under this 
section is in addition to any other pay and allowances payable 
to the member by law. 
‘‘(f) BENEFIT INFORMATION.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in 
collaboration with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall ensure 
that members of the uniformed services who may be eligible for 
compensation under this section are made aware of the availability 
of such compensation by including information about such com-
pensation in written and online materials for such members and 
their families. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a member 
eligible to receive special monthly compensation under this section 
is aware that the member’s eligibility for such compensation will 
expire pursuant to subsection (d)(1) after the end of the 90-day 
period that begins on the date of the separation or retirement 
of the member even though the member has not begun to receive 
compensation under section 1114(r)(2) of title 38 before the end 
of such period. 
‘‘(g) CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR ILLNESS DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘catastrophic injury or illness’ means a permanent, 
severely disabling injury, disorder, or illness that the Secretary 
concerned determines compromises the ability of the afflicted person 
to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that 
the person requires— 
‘‘(1) personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or 
bed; or 
‘‘(2) constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self 
or others. 
‘‘(h) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary 
of Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast Guard) shall pre-
scribe regulations to carry out this section.’’. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense (and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast 
Guard) shall submit to Congress a report on the provision 
of compensation under section 439 of title 37, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
include the following: 
(A) An estimate of the number of members of the 
uniformed services eligible for compensation under such 
section 439. 
(B) The number of members of the uniformed services 
receiving compensation under such section. 
(C) The average amount of compensation provided to 
members of the uniformed services receiving such com-
pensation. 
(D) The average amount of time required for a member 
of the uniformed services to receive such compensation 
after the member becomes eligible for such compensation. 
(E) A summary of the types of injuries, disorders, and 
illnesses of members of the uniformed services receiving
H. R. 2647—161 
such compensation that made such members eligible for 
such compensation. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by adding at the end 
the following new item: 
‘‘439. Special compensation: members of the uniformed services with catastrophic in-
juries or illnesses requiring assistance in everyday living.’’. 
SEC. 604. BENEFITS UNDER POST-DEPLOYMENT/MOBILIZATION RES-
PITE ABSENCE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN PERIODS BEFORE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary 
of Defense, the Secretary concerned may provide any member or 
former member of the Armed Forces with the benefits specified 
in subsection (b) if the member or former member would, on any 
day during the period beginning on January 19, 2007, and ending 
on the date of the implementation of the Post-Deployment/Mobiliza-
tion Respite Absence (PDMRA) program by the Secretary concerned, 
have qualified for a day of administrative absence under the Post- 
Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program had the program 
been in effect during such period. 
(b) BENEFITS.—The benefits specified in this subsection are 
the following: 
(1) In the case of an individual who is a former member 
of the Armed Forces at the time of the provision of benefits 
under this section, payment of an amount not to exceed $200 
for each day the individual would have qualified for a day 
of administrative absence as described in subsection (a) during 
the period specified in that subsection. 
(2) In the case of an individual who is a member of the 
Armed Forces at the time of the provision of benefits under 
this section, either one day of administrative absence or pay-
ment of an amount not to exceed $200, as selected by the 
Secretary concerned, for each day the individual would have 
qualified for a day of administrative absence as described in 
subsection (a) during the period specified in that subsection. 
(c) EXCLUSION
OF
CERTAIN
FORMER
MEMBERS.—A former 
member of the Armed Forces is not eligible under this section 
for the benefits specified in subsection (b)(1) if the former member 
was discharged or released from the Armed Forces under other 
than honorable conditions. 
(d) FORM OF PAYMENT.—The paid benefits providable under 
subsection (b) may be paid in a lump sum or installments, at 
the election of the Secretary concerned. 
(e) CONSTRUCTION WITH OTHER PAY AND LEAVE.—The benefits 
provided a member or former member of the Armed Forces under 
this section are in addition to any other pay, absence, or leave 
provided by law. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
The 
term 
‘‘Post-Deployment/Mobilization 
Respite 
Absence program’’ means the program of a military department 
to provide days of administrative absence not chargeable 
against available leave to certain deployed or mobilized mem-
bers of the Armed Forces in order to assist such members 
in reintegrating into civilian life after deployment or mobiliza-
tion.
H. R. 2647—162 
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101(5) of title 37, United States Code. 
(g) DURATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The authority to provide benefits under 
this section shall expire on the date that is one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(2) CONSTRUCTION.—Expiration under this subsection of 
the authority to provide benefits under this section shall not 
affect the utilization of any day of administrative absence pro-
vided a member of the Armed Forces under subsection (b)(2), 
or the payment of any payment authorized a member or former 
member of the Armed Forces under subsection (b), before the 
expiration of the authority in this section. 
SEC. 605. REPORT ON HOUSING STANDARDS AND HOUSING SURVEYS 
USED TO DETERMINE BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than July 1, 2010, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report containing the following reviews: 
(1) A review of the housing standards used to determine 
the monthly rates of basic allowance for housing under section 
403 of title 37, United States Code. 
(2) A review of the process and schedule for conducting 
surveys used to establish locality rates in housing areas to 
determine such monthly rates of basic allowance for housing. 
(b) ELEMENTS OF HOUSING STANDARDS REVIEW.—In conducting 
the reviews under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider 
whether the housing standards and survey process are suitable 
in terms of— 
(1) recognizing the societal needs and expectations of fami-
lies in the United States; 
(2) providing for an appropriate quality of life for members 
of the Armed Forces in all grades; 
(3) recognizing the appropriate rewards and prestige associ-
ated with promotion to higher military grades throughout the 
rank structure; and 
(4) reflecting the most current housing cost data available. 
(c) INCLUSION
OF
RECOMMENDED
CHANGES.—The report 
required by subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) such recommended changes to the housing standards, 
including an estimate of the cost of each recommended change, 
as the Secretary considers appropriate; and 
(2) such recommended changes to improve the survey 
process, including ensuring that the housing cost data used 
to establish the rates is the most current data available, as 
the Secretary considers appropriate. 
SEC. 606. COMPTROLLER GENERAL COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF 
MILITARY AND PRIVATE-SECTOR PAY AND BENEFITS. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General shall conduct 
a study comparing pay and benefits provided by law to members 
of the Armed Forces with pay and benefits provided by the private 
sector to comparably situated private-sector employees to assess 
how the differences in pay and benefits effect recruiting and reten-
tion of members of the Armed Forces. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required by subsection (a) shall 
include, but not be limited to, the following:
H. R. 2647—163 
(1) An assessment of total military compensation for officers 
and for enlisted personnel, including basic pay, the basic allow-
ance for housing (BAH), the basic allowance for subsistence 
(BAS), tax benefits applicable to military pay and allowances 
under Federal law (including the Social Security laws) and 
State law, military retirement benefits, commissary and 
exchange privileges, and military healthcare benefits. 
(2) An assessment of private-sector pay and benefits for 
civilians of similar age, education, and experience with similar 
job responsibilities and working conditions as officers and 
enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces, including pay, bonuses, 
employee options, fringe benefits, retirement benefits, indi-
vidual retirement investment benefits, flexible spending 
accounts and health savings accounts, and any other elements 
of private-sector compensation that the Comptroller General 
considers appropriate. 
(3) An identification of the percentile of comparable private- 
sector compensation at which members of the Armed Forces 
are paid, including an assessment of the adequacy of percentile 
comparisons generally and whether the Department of Defense 
goal of compensating members of the Armed Forces at the 
80th percentile of comparable private-sector compensation, as 
described in the 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Com-
pensation, is appropriate and adequate to attract and retain 
quality individuals to serve in the Armed Forces. 
(c) REPORT.—The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report on the study required 
by subsection (a) by not later than April 1, 2010. 
Subtitle B—Bonuses and Special and 
Incentive Pays 
SEC. 611. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BONUS AND SPECIAL 
PAY AUTHORITIES FOR RESERVE FORCES. 
The following sections of title 37, United States Code, are 
amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 308b(g), relating to Selected Reserve reenlist-
ment bonus. 
(2) Section 308c(i), relating to Selected Reserve affiliation 
or enlistment bonus. 
(3) Section 308d(c), relating to special pay for enlisted 
members assigned to certain high-priority units. 
(4) Section 308g(f)(2), relating to Ready Reserve enlistment 
bonus for persons without prior service. 
(5) Section 308h(e), relating to Ready Reserve enlistment 
and reenlistment bonus for persons with prior service. 
(6) Section 308i(f), relating to Selected Reserve enlistment 
and reenlistment bonus for persons with prior service. 
(7) Section 910(g), relating to income replacement payments 
for reserve component members experiencing extended and fre-
quent mobilization for active duty service.
H. R. 2647—164 
SEC. 612. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BONUS AND SPECIAL 
PAY AUTHORITIES FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. 
(a) TITLE 10 AUTHORITIES.—The following sections of title 10, 
United States Code, are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ 
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate 
accession program. 
(2) Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education 
loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected 
Reserve. 
(b) TITLE 37 AUTHORITIES.—The following sections of title 37, 
United States Code, are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ 
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 302c-1(f), relating to accession and retention 
bonuses for psychologists. 
(2) Section 302d(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for reg-
istered nurses. 
(3) Section 302e(a)(1), relating to incentive special pay for 
nurse anesthetists. 
(4) Section 302g(e), relating to special pay for Selected 
Reserve health professionals in critically short wartime special-
ties. 
(5) Section 302h(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for dental 
officers. 
(6) Section 302j(a), relating to accession bonus for pharmacy 
officers. 
(7) Section 302k(f), relating to accession bonus for medical 
officers in critically short wartime specialties. 
(8) Section 302l(g), relating to accession bonus for dental 
specialist officers in critically short wartime specialties. 
SEC. 613. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF SPECIAL PAY AND BONUS 
AUTHORITIES FOR NUCLEAR OFFICERS. 
The following sections of title 37, United States Code, are 
amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 312(f), relating to special pay for nuclear-quali-
fied officers extending period of active service. 
(2) Section 312b(c), relating to nuclear career accession 
bonus. 
(3) Section 312c(d), relating to nuclear career annual incen-
tive bonus. 
SEC. 614. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO TITLE 
37 CONSOLIDATED SPECIAL PAY, INCENTIVE PAY, AND 
BONUS AUTHORITIES. 
The following sections of title 37, United States Code, are 
amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for 
enlisted members. 
(2) Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for 
officers. 
(3) Section 333(i), relating to special bonus and incentive 
pay authorities for nuclear officers. 
(4) Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive 
pay and bonus authorities for officers.
H. R. 2647—165 
(5) Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive 
pay authorities for officers in health professions. 
(6) Section 351(i), relating to hazardous duty pay. 
(7) Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special 
duty pay. 
(8) Section 353(j), relating to skill incentive pay or pro-
ficiency bonus. 
(9) Section 355(i), relating to retention incentives for mem-
bers qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high 
priority units. 
SEC. 615. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO PAY-
MENT OF OTHER TITLE 37 BONUSES AND SPECIAL PAYS. 
The following sections of chapter 5 of title 37, United States 
Code, are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ and inserting 
‘‘December 31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 301b(a), relating to aviation officer retention 
bonus. 
(2) Section 307a(g), relating to assignment incentive pay. 
(3) Section 308(g), relating to reenlistment bonus for active 
members. 
(4) Section 309(e), relating to enlistment bonus. 
(5) Section 324(g), relating to accession bonus for new offi-
cers in critical skills. 
(6) Section 326(g), relating to incentive bonus for conversion 
to military occupational specialty to ease personnel shortage. 
(7) Section 327(h), relating to incentive bonus for transfer 
between armed forces. 
(8) Section 330(f), relating to accession bonus for officer 
candidates. 
SEC. 616. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO PAY-
MENT OF REFERRAL BONUSES. 
The following sections of title 10, United States Code, are 
amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2010’’: 
(1) Section 1030(i), relating to health professions referral 
bonus. 
(2) Section 3252(h), relating to Army referral bonus. 
SEC. 617. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS 
TO RECONCILE CONFLICTING AMENDMENTS REGARDING 
CONTINUED PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND SIMILAR BENE-
FITS FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS. 
(a) TECHNICAL
CORRECTIONS
TO
RECONCILE
CONFLICTING 
AMENDMENTS.—Section 303a(e) of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) and (3)’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
(4) and (5), respectively; 
(3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘para-
graph (3)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (4)(B)’’; 
(4) by redesignating paragraph (2), as added by section 
651(b) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4495), 
as paragraph (3); and
H. R. 2647—166 
(5) by redesignating the second subparagraph (B) of para-
graph (1), originally added as paragraph (2) by section 2(a)(3) 
of the Hubbard Act (Public Law 110–317; 122 Stat. 3526) 
and erroneously designated as subparagraph (B) by section 
651(a)(3) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4495), 
as paragraph (2). 
(b) INCLUSION OF HUBBARD ACT AMENDMENT IN CONSOLIDATED 
SPECIAL PAY AND BONUS AUTHORITIES.—Section 373(b) of such title 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking the paragraph heading 
and inserting ‘‘SPECIAL RULE FOR DECEASED AND DISABLED MEM-
BERS.—’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) SPECIAL
RULE
FOR
MEMBERS
WHO
RECEIVE
SOLE 
SURVIVORSHIP DISCHARGE.—(A) If a member of the uniformed 
services receives a sole survivorship discharge, the Secretary 
concerned— 
‘‘(i) shall not require repayment by the member of 
the unearned portion of any bonus, incentive pay, or similar 
benefit previously paid to the member; and 
‘‘(ii) may grant an exception to the requirement to 
terminate the payment of any unpaid amounts of a bonus, 
incentive pay, or similar benefit if the Secretary concerned 
determines that termination of the payment of the unpaid 
amounts would be contrary to a personnel policy or 
management objective, would be against equity and good 
conscience, or would be contrary to the best interests of 
the United States. 
‘‘(B) In this paragraph, the term ‘sole survivorship dis-
charge’ means the separation of a member from the Armed 
Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Depart-
ment of Defense policy permitting the early separation of a 
member who is the only surviving child in a family in which— 
‘‘(i) the father or mother or one or more siblings— 
‘‘(I) served in the Armed Forces; and 
‘‘(II) was killed, died as a result of wounds, 
accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in 
action status, or is permanently 100 percent disabled 
or hospitalized on a continuing basis (and is not 
employed gainfully because of the disability or hos-
pitalization); and 
‘‘(ii) the death, status, or disability did not result from 
the intentional misconduct or willful neglect of the parent 
or sibling and was not incurred during a period of 
unauthorized absence.’’. 
SEC. 618. PRORATION OF CERTAIN SPECIAL AND INCENTIVE PAYS 
TO REFLECT TIME DURING WHICH A MEMBER SATISFIES 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPECIAL OR INCEN-
TIVE PAY. 
(a) SPECIAL PAY
FOR DUTY SUBJECT
TO HOSTILE FIRE
OR 
IMMINENT DANGER.—Section 310 of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘AND SPECIAL PAY AMOUNT’’ in the 
subsection heading; and
H. R. 2647—167 
(B) by striking ‘‘at the rate of $225 for any month’’ 
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and inserting ‘‘under 
subsection (b) for any month or portion of a month’’; 
(2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (3); 
(3) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as sub-
sections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and 
(4) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) SPECIAL PAY AMOUNT; PRORATION.—(1) The special pay 
authorized by subsection (a) may not exceed $225 a month. 
‘‘(2) Except as provided in subsection (c), if a member does 
not satisfy the eligibility requirements specified in paragraphs (1) 
and (2) of subsection (a) for an entire month for receipt of special 
pay under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may prorate 
the payment amount to reflect the duration of the member’s actual 
qualifying service during the month.’’. 
(b) HAZARDOUS
DUTY
PAY.—Section 351 of such title is 
amended— 
(1) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and redesignating 
subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (d) through (h), respec-
tively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(c) METHOD OF PAYMENT; PRORATION.— 
‘‘(1) MONTHLY PAYMENT.—Subject to paragraph (2), haz-
ardous duty pay shall be paid on a monthly basis. 
‘‘(2) PRORATION.—If a member does not satisfy the eligi-
bility requirements specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of 
subsection (a) for an entire month for receipt of hazardous 
duty pay, the Secretary concerned may prorate the payment 
amount to reflect the duration of the member’s actual qualifying 
service during the month.’’. 
(c) ASSIGNMENT OR SPECIAL DUTY PAY.—Section 352(b)(1) of 
such title is amended by adding at the end the following new 
sentence: ‘‘If paid monthly, the Secretary concerned may prorate 
the monthly amount of the assignment or special duty pay for 
a member who does not satisfy the eligibility requirement for an 
entire month to reflect the duration of the member’s actual quali-
fying service during the month.’’. 
(d) SKILL
INCENTIVE
PAY.—Section 353 of such title is 
amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsections 
(g) through (j) as subsections (f) through (i), respectively; and 
(2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting 
the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(1) SKILL INCENTIVE PAY.—(A) Skill incentive pay under 
subsection (a) may not exceed $1,000 a month. 
‘‘(B) If a member does not satisfy the eligibility require-
ments specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) 
for an entire month for receipt of skill incentive pay, the Sec-
retary concerned may prorate the payment amount to reflect 
the duration of the member’s actual qualifying service during 
the month. A member of a reserve component entitled to com-
pensation under section 206 of this title who is authorized 
skill incentive pay under subsection (a) may be paid an amount 
of such pay that is proportionate to the compensation received
H. R. 2647—168 
by the member under section 206 of this title for inactive- 
duty training.’’. 
SEC. 619. ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENT PAY OR SPECIAL DUTY PAY 
AUTHORIZED FOR MEMBERS AGREEING TO SERVE IN 
AFGHANISTAN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENT PAY OR 
SPECIAL DUTY PAY.—The Secretary of Defense may provide assign-
ment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 37, United 
States Code, in excess of the maximum amount of monthly or 
lump sum assignment or special duty pay authorized under sub-
section (b) of such section, to members of the Armed Forces (particu-
larly members who achieve language proficiency at levels and in 
languages specified by the Secretary of Defense) who agree to 
serve on active duty in Afghanistan for a minimum of three years. 
The assignment period required by the agreement shall provide 
for reasonable periods of leave. 
(b) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall submit to 
Congress an annual report on the use of the authority provided 
under subsection (a) during the preceding year, including— 
(1) the number of members of the Armed Forces receiving 
assignment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 
37, United States Code, in excess of the maximum amount 
otherwise authorized under such section; and 
(2) an assessment of the impact of the use of such authority 
on the effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the United 
States mission in Afghanistan. 
(c) DURATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority provided by sub-
section (a) to offer additional assignment pay or special duty pay 
under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, expires on 
December 31, 2012. The expiration of such authority shall not 
affect the terms or duration of any agreement entered into before 
that date to provide additional assignment pay or special duty 
pay under such section. 
SEC. 620. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY FOR MONTHLY SPECIAL PAY FOR 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SUBJECT TO CON-
TINUING ACTIVE DUTY OR SERVICE UNDER STOP-LOSS 
AUTHORITIES. 
(a) SPECIAL PAY AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of the military 
department concerned may pay monthly special pay to any member 
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps (including a member 
of a reserve component thereof) for any month, or portion of a 
month, in which the member serves on active duty in the Armed 
Forces, or has the member’s eligibility for retirement from the 
Armed Forces suspended, as described in subsection (b). 
(b) ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS.—A member of the Armed 
Forces referred to in subsection (a) is eligible to receive special 
pay under this section if the member, at any time during the 
period beginning on October 1, 2009, and ending on June 30, 
2011, serves on active duty while the member’s enlistment or period 
of obligated service is extended, or has the member’s eligibility 
for retirement suspended, pursuant to section 123 or 12305 of 
title 10, United States Code, or any other provision of law (com-
monly referred to as a ‘‘stop-loss authority’’) that authorizes the 
President to extend an enlistment or period of obligated service, 
or suspend eligibility for retirement, of a member of the Armed
H. R. 2647—169 
Forces in time of war or national emergency declared by Congress 
or the President. 
(c) AMOUNT.—The amount of monthly special pay payable to 
a member under this section for a month may not exceed $500. 
(d) CONSTRUCTION WITH OTHER PAYS.—Monthly special pay 
payable to a member under this section is in addition to any 
other amounts payable to the member by law. 
SEC. 621. ARMY AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECRUITMENT 
INCENTIVES. 
(a) EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.—Subsection (i) of section 681 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 
(Public Law 109–163; 119 Stat. 3321) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(i) DURATION OF AUTHORITY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not develop an incen-
tive under this section, or first provide an incentive developed 
under this section to an individual, after December 31, 2012. 
‘‘(2) CONTINUATION OF INCENTIVES.—Nothing in paragraph 
(1) shall be construed to prohibit or limit the continuing provi-
sion to an individual after the date specified in that paragraph 
of an incentive first provided the individual under this section 
before that date.’’. 
(b) LIMITATION ON USE OF AUTHORITY.—Subsection (e) of such 
section is amended by inserting ‘‘at the same time’’ after ‘‘provided’’. 
SEC. 622. REPORT ON RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF MEMBERS 
OF THE AIR FORCE IN NUCLEAR CAREER FIELDS. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the 
efforts of the Air Force to attract and retain qualified individuals 
for service as members of the Air Force involved in the operation, 
maintenance, handling, and security of nuclear weapons. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) A description of current reenlistment rates and officer 
retention rates, set forth by Air Force Specialty Code, of mem-
bers of the Air Force serving in positions involving the oper-
ation, maintenance, handling, and security of nuclear weapons. 
(2) A description of the current personnel fill rate for Air 
Force units involved in the operation, maintenance, handling, 
and security of nuclear weapons. 
(3) A description of the steps the Air Force has taken, 
including the use of retention bonuses or assignment incentive 
pay, to improve recruiting and reenlistment of enlisted per-
sonnel and accession and retention of officers by the Air Force 
for the positions described in paragraph (1). 
(4) An assessment of the feasibility, advisability, utility, 
and cost effectiveness of establishing additional bonuses or 
incentive pay as a way to enhance the recruitment and reten-
tion by the Air Force of skilled personnel in the positions 
described in paragraph (1). 
(5) An assessment of whether assignment incentive pay 
should be provided for members of the Air Force covered by 
the Personnel Reliability Program. 
(6) An assessment of the long-term community manage-
ment plan for recruitment, retention, and assignment by the
H. R. 2647—170 
Air Force of skilled personnel in the positions described in 
paragraph (1). 
(7) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appro-
priate. 
Subtitle C—Travel and Transportation 
Allowances 
SEC. 631. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION FOR SURVIVORS OF 
DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES TO 
ATTEND MEMORIAL CEREMONIES. 
(a) ALLOWANCES AUTHORIZED.—Subsection (a) of section 411f 
of title 37, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new para-
graph (2): 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned may provide round trip travel 
and transportation allowances to eligible relatives of a member 
of the uniformed services who dies while on active duty in order 
that the eligible relatives may attend a memorial service for the 
deceased member that occurs at a location other than the location 
of the burial ceremony for which travel and transportation allow-
ances are provided under paragraph (1). Travel and transportation 
allowances may be provided under this paragraph for travel of 
eligible relatives to only one memorial service for the deceased 
member concerned.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Subsection (c) of such section 
is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘subsection (a)(1)’’ the first place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a)’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘subsection (a)(1)’’ the second place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a)’’. 
SEC. 632. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES FOR DES-
IGNATED INDIVIDUALS OF WOUNDED, ILL, OR INJURED 
MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES FOR DURATION 
OF INPATIENT TREATMENT. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TRAVEL TO DESIGNATED INDIVID-
UALS.—Subsection (a) of section 411h of title 37, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘family members of a member described 
in paragraph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘individuals who, with 
respect to a member described in paragraph (2), are des-
ignated individuals for that member’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘that the presence of the family 
member’’ and inserting ‘‘, with respect to any such indi-
vidual, that the presence of such individual’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘of family members’’ and inserting ‘‘of 
designated individuals’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) In the case of a designated individual who is also a member 
of the uniformed services, that member may be provided travel 
and transportation under this section in the same manner as a 
designated individual who is not a member.’’. 
(b) DEFINITION OF DESIGNATED INDIVIDUAL.—
H. R. 2647—171 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of such 
section is amended by striking ‘‘the term’’ and all that follows 
and inserting ‘‘the term ‘designated individual’, with respect 
to a member, means— 
‘‘(A) an individual designated by the member for the pur-
poses of this section; or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a member who has not made a designa-
tion under subparagraph (A) and, as determined by the 
attending physician or surgeon, is not able to make such a 
designation, an individual who, as designated by the attending 
physician or surgeon and the commander or head of the military 
medical facility exercising control over the member, is someone 
with a personal relationship to the member whose presence 
may aid and support the health and welfare of the member 
during the duration of the member’s inpatient treatment.’’. 
(2) DESIGNATIONS NOT PERMANENT.—Paragraph (2) of such 
subsection is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) The designation of an individual as a designated individual 
for purposes of this section may be changed at any time.’’. 
(c) COVERAGE OF MEMBERS HOSPITALIZED OUTSIDE THE UNITED 
STATES WHO WERE WOUNDED OR INJURED IN A COMBAT OPERATION 
OR COMBAT ZONE.— 
(1) COVERAGE FOR HOSPITALIZATION OUTSIDE THE UNITED 
STATES.—Subparagraph (B) of subsection (a)(2) of such section 
is amended— 
(A) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘in or outside the United 
States’’; and 
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘in the United States’’. 
(2) CLARIFICATION OF MEMBERS COVERED.—Such subpara-
graph is further amended— 
(A) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘seriously wounded,’’ after 
‘‘(i) is’’; and 
(B) in clause (ii)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘an injury’’ and inserting ‘‘a wound 
or an injury’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘that injury’’ and inserting ‘‘that 
wound or injury’’. 
(d) COVERAGE
OF
MEMBERS
WITH
SERIOUS
MENTAL
DIS-
ORDERS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Subsection (a)(2)(B)(i) of such section, 
as amended by subsection (c) of this section, is further amended 
by inserting ‘‘(including having a serious mental disorder)’’ 
after ‘‘seriously injured’’. 
(2) SERIOUS
MENTAL
DISORDER
DEFINED.—Subsection (b) 
of such section 411h, as amended by subsection (b) of this 
section, is further amended by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph: 
‘‘(4)(A) In this section, the term ‘serious mental disorder’, in 
the case of a member, means that the member has been diagnosed 
with a mental disorder that requires intensive mental health treat-
ment or hospitalization. 
‘‘(B) The circumstances in which a member shall be considered 
to have a serious mental disorder for purposes of this section 
shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 
‘‘(i) The member is considered to be a potential danger 
to self or others as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder
H. R. 2647—172 
that requires intensive mental health treatment or hospitaliza-
tion. 
‘‘(ii) The member is diagnosed with a mental disorder and 
has psychotic symptoms that require intensive mental health 
treatment or hospitalization. 
‘‘(iii) The member is diagnosed with a mental disorder 
and has severe symptoms or severe impairment in functioning 
that require intensive mental health treatment or hospitaliza-
tion.’’. 
(e) FREQUENCY OF AUTHORIZED TRAVEL.—Paragraph (3) of sub-
section (a) of such section 411h is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) Not more than a total of three roundtrips may be provided 
under paragraph (1) in any 60-day period at Government expense 
to the individuals who, with respect to a member, are the designated 
individuals of that member in effect during that period. However, 
if the Secretary concerned has granted a waiver under the second 
sentence of paragraph (1) with respect to a member, then for 
any 60-day period in which the waiver is in effect the limitation 
in the preceding sentence shall be adjusted accordingly. In addition, 
during any period during which there is in effect a non-medical 
attendant designation for a member under section 411k of this 
title, not more than a total of two roundtrips may be provided 
under paragraph (1) in any 60-day period at Government expense 
until there no longer is a designation of a non-medical attendant 
or that designation transfers to another individual, in which case 
during the transfer period three roundtrips may be provided.’’. 
(f) STYLISTIC
AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such section 
is further amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘(a)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) 
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZED.—(1)’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘(b)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘(b) DEFINI-
TIONS.—(1)’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(3)’’; and 
(ii) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) In this paragraph, the term ‘family member’, with respect 
to a member, means the following: 
‘‘(i) The member’s spouse. 
‘‘(ii) Children of the member (including stepchildren, 
adopted children, and illegitimate children). 
‘‘(iii) Parents of the member or persons in loco parentis 
to the member, including fathers and mothers through adoption 
and persons who stood in loco parentis to the member for 
a period not less than one year immediately before the member 
entered the uniformed service, except that only one father 
and one mother or their counterparts in loco parentis may 
be recognized in any one case. 
‘‘(iv) Siblings of the member. 
‘‘(v) A person related to the member as described in clause 
(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) who is also a member of the uniformed 
services.’’; 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘(c)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘(c) ROUND TRIP 
TRANSPORTATION
AND PER DIEM ALLOWANCE.—(1)’’; and
H. R. 2647—173 
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘family member’’ and 
inserting ‘‘designated individual’’; and 
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘(d)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘(d) 
METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZED.—(1)’’. 
(g) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) SECTION
HEADING.—The heading of such section is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 411h. Travel and transportation allowances: transpor-
tation of designated individuals incident to hos-
pitalization of members for treatment of wounds, 
illness, or injury’’. 
(2) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The item relating to such section 
in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 of such 
title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘411h. Travel and transportation allowances: transportation of designated individ-
uals incident to hospitalization of members for treatment of wounds, ill-
ness, or injury.’’. 
(h) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO WOUNDED WARRIOR ACT.— 
Section 1602(4) of the Wounded Warrior Act (10 U.S.C. 1071 note) 
is amended by striking ‘‘411h(b)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘411h(b)(3)(B)’’. 
(i) APPLICABILITY OF AMENDMENTS.—No reimbursement may 
be provided under section 411h of title 37, United States Code, 
by reason of the amendments made by this section for travel and 
transportation costs incurred before the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 633. AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES 
FOR NON-MEDICAL ATTENDANTS FOR VERY SERIOUSLY 
AND SERIOUSLY WOUNDED, ILL, OR INJURED MEMBERS. 
(a) PAYMENT OF TRAVEL COSTS AUTHORIZED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 37, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 411j the following new 
section: 
‘‘§ 411k. Travel and transportation allowances: non-medical 
attendants for members who are determined to be 
very seriously or seriously wounded, ill, or injured 
‘‘(a) ALLOWANCE FOR NON-MEDICAL ATTENDANT.—Under uni-
form regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned, travel 
and transportation described in subsection (d) may be provided 
for a qualified non-medical attendant for a covered member of 
the uniformed services described in subsection (c) if the attending 
physician or surgeon and the commander or head of the military 
medical facility exercising control over the member determine that 
the presence of such an attendant may contribute to the member’s 
health and welfare. 
‘‘(b) QUALIFIED NON-MEDICAL ATTENDANT.—For purposes of this 
section, a qualified non-medical attendant, with respect to a covered 
member, is an individual who— 
‘‘(1) is designated by the member to be a non-medical 
attendant for the member for purposes of this section; and 
‘‘(2) is determined by the attending physician or surgeon 
and the commander or head of the military medical facility 
to be appropriate to serve as a non-medical attendant for the 
member and whose presence may contribute to the health and 
welfare of the member.
H. R. 2647—174 
‘‘(c) COVERED MEMBERS.—A member of the uniformed services 
covered by this section is a member who— 
‘‘(1) as a result of a wound, illness, or injury, has been 
determined by the attending physician or surgeon to be in 
the category known as ‘very seriously wounded, ill, or injured’ 
or ‘seriously wounded, ill, or injured’; and 
‘‘(2) is hospitalized for treatment of the wound, illness, 
or injury or requires continuing outpatient treatment for the 
wound, illness, or injury. 
‘‘(d) AUTHORIZED
TRAVEL
AND
TRANSPORTATION.—(1) The 
transportation authorized by subsection (a) for a qualified non- 
medical attendant for a member is round-trip transportation 
between the home of the attendant and the location at which 
the member is receiving treatment and may include transportation, 
while accompanying the member, to any other location to which 
the member is subsequently transferred for further treatment. A 
designated non-medical attendant under this section may not also 
be a designated individual for travel and transportation allowances 
section 411h(a) of this title. 
‘‘(2) The transportation authorized by subsection (a) includes 
any travel necessary to obtain treatment for the member at the 
location to which the member is permanently assigned. 
‘‘(3) In addition to the transportation authorized by subsection 
(a), the Secretary concerned may provide a per diem allowance 
or reimbursement for the actual and necessary expenses of the 
travel, or a combination thereof, but not to exceed the rates estab-
lished under section 404(d) of this title. 
‘‘(4) The transportation authorized by subsection (a) may be 
provided by any of the following means: 
‘‘(A) Transportation in-kind. 
‘‘(B) A monetary allowance in place of transportation in- 
kind at a rate to be prescribed by the Secretaries concerned. 
‘‘(C) Reimbursement for the commercial cost of transpor-
tation. 
‘‘(5) An allowance payable under this subsection may be paid 
in advance. 
‘‘(6) Reimbursement payable under this subsection may not 
exceed the cost of Government-procured commercial round-trip air 
travel.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the 
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
item related to section 411j the following new item: 
‘‘411k. Travel and transportation allowances: non-medical attendants for members 
determined to be very seriously or seriously wounded, ill, or injured.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—No reimbursement may be provided under 
section 411k of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a), for travel and transportation costs incurred before the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 634. REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL EXPENSES OF MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY AND THEIR 
DEPENDENTS FOR TRAVEL FOR SPECIALTY CARE UNDER 
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. 
(a) REIMBURSEMENT AUTHORIZED.—Section 1074i of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
(c) and (d), respectively; and
H. R. 2647—175 
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new sub-
section (b): 
‘‘(b) REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL UNDER EXCEPTIONAL CIR-
CUMSTANCES.—The Secretary of Defense may provide reimburse-
ment for reasonable travel expenses of travel of members of the 
armed forces on active duty and their dependents, and accompani-
ment, to a specialty care provider not otherwise authorized by 
subsection (a) under such exceptional circumstances as the Sec-
retary considers appropriate for purposes of this section.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Subsection (a) of such section 
is amended by inserting ‘‘of Defense’’ after ‘‘the Secretary’’. 
SEC. 635. REPORT ON ADEQUACY OF WEIGHT ALLOWANCES FOR 
TRANSPORTATION 
OF 
BAGGAGE 
AND 
HOUSEHOLD 
EFFECTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than July 1, 2010, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report containing— 
(1) a review of the weight allowances provided for the 
transportation of baggage and household goods under section 
406(b)(1)(C) of title 37, United States Code; and 
(2) such recommended changes to the weight allowance, 
including an estimate of the cost of each recommended change, 
as the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(b) ELEMENTS
OF
REVIEW.—The Secretary shall consider 
whether the weight allowances reviewed under subsection (a) are 
suitable in terms of— 
(1) recognizing the societal needs and expectations of fami-
lies in the United States; 
(2) providing for an appropriate quality of life for members 
of the Armed Forces in all grades; and 
(3) recognizing the appropriate rewards and prestige associ-
ated with promotion to higher military grade, with particular 
attention to mid-grade and senior noncommissioned officer 
ranks. 
Subtitle D—Disability, Retired Pay, and 
Survivor Benefits 
SEC. 641. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEM-
BERS INJURED WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 1218 the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1218a. Discharge or release from active duty: transition 
assistance 
for 
reserve 
component 
members 
injured while on active duty 
‘‘(a) PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION.—Before a member 
of a reserve component described in subsection (b) is demobilized 
or separated from the armed forces, the Secretary of the military 
department concerned shall provide to the member the following 
information: 
‘‘(1) Information on the availability of care and administra-
tive processing through community based warrior transition 
units.
H. R. 2647—176 
‘‘(2) Information on the location of the community based 
warrior transition unit located nearest to the permanent place 
of residence of the member. 
‘‘(b) COVERED MEMBERS.—Subsection (a) applies to members 
of a reserve component who are injured while on active duty in 
the armed forces.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 61 of such title is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 1218 the following new item: 
‘‘1218a. Discharge or release from active duty: transition assistance for reserve com-
ponent members injured while on active duty.’’. 
SEC. 642. RECOMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY AND ADJUSTMENT OF 
RETIRED GRADE OF RESERVE RETIREES TO REFLECT 
SERVICE AFTER RETIREMENT. 
(a) RECOMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY.—Section 12739 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e)(1) If a member of the Retired Reserve is recalled to an 
active status in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve under 
section 10145(d) of this title and completes not less than two years 
of service in such active status, the member is entitled to the 
recomputation under this section of the retired pay of the member. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the two-year service 
requirement specified in paragraph (1) in the case of a member 
who— 
‘‘(A) is recalled to serve in a position of adjutant general 
required under section 314 of title 32 or in a position of assist-
ant adjutant general subordinate to such a position of adjutant 
general; 
‘‘(B) completes at least one year of service in such position; 
and 
‘‘(C) fails to complete the minimum two years of service 
solely because the appointment of the member to such position 
is terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of title 
32.’’. 
(b) ADJUSTMENT OF RETIRED GRADE.—Section 12771 of such 
title is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘Unless’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) GRADE
ON 
TRANSFER.—Unless’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(b) EFFECT OF SUBSEQUENT RECALL TO ACTIVE STATUS.—(1) 
If a member of the Retired Reserve who is a commissioned officer 
is recalled to an active status in the Selected Reserve of the Ready 
Reserve under section 10145(d) of this title and completes not 
less than two years of service in such active status, the member 
is entitled to an adjustment in the retired grade of the member 
in the manner provided in section 1370(d) of this title. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the two-year service 
requirement specified in paragraph (1) in the case of a member 
who— 
‘‘(A) is recalled to serve in a position of adjutant general 
required under section 314 of title 32 or in a position of assist-
ant adjutant general subordinate to such a position of adjutant 
general; 
‘‘(B) completes at least one year of service in such position; 
and
H. R. 2647—177 
‘‘(C) fails to complete the minimum two years of service 
solely because the appointment of the member to such position 
is terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of title 
32.’’. 
SEC. 643. ELECTION TO RECEIVE RETIRED PAY FOR NON-REGULAR 
SERVICE UPON RETIREMENT FOR SERVICE IN AN ACTIVE 
RESERVE STATUS PERFORMED AFTER ATTAINING ELIGI-
BILITY FOR REGULAR RETIREMENT. 
(a) ELECTION AUTHORITY; REQUIREMENTS.—Subsection (a) of 
section 12741 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO ELECT TO RECEIVE RESERVE RETIRED PAY.— 
(1) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (4) of section 
12731(a) of this title that a person may not receive retired pay 
under this chapter when the person is entitled, under any other 
provision of law, to retired pay or retainer pay, a person may 
elect to receive retired pay under this chapter, instead of receiving 
retired or retainer pay under chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this 
title, if the person— 
‘‘(A) satisfies the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) 
and (2) of such section for entitlement to retired pay under 
this chapter; 
‘‘(B) served in an active status in the Selected Reserve 
of the Ready Reserve after becoming eligible for retirement 
under chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this title (without regard 
to whether the person actually retired or received retired or 
retainer pay under one of those chapters); and 
‘‘(C) completed not less than two years of satisfactory 
service (as determined by the Secretary concerned) in such 
active status (excluding any period of active service). 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the minimum two- 
year service requirement specified in paragraph (1)(C) in the case 
of a person who— 
‘‘(A) completed at least one year of service in a position 
of adjutant general required under section 314 of title 32 or 
in a position of assistant adjutant general subordinate to such 
a position of adjutant general; and 
‘‘(B) failed to complete the minimum years of service solely 
because the appointment of the person to such position was 
terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of title 
32.’’. 
(b) ACTIONS TO EFFECTUATE ELECTION.—Subsection (b) of such 
section is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(1) terminate the eligibility of the person to retire under 
chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this title, if the person is 
not already retired under one of those chapters, and terminate 
entitlement of the person to retired or retainer pay under 
one of those chapters, if the person was already receiving 
retired or retainer pay under one of those chapters; and’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO REFLECT NEW VARIABLE AGE 
REQUIREMENT
FOR RETIREMENT.—Subsection (d) of such section 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘attains 60 years of age’’ 
and inserting ‘‘attains the eligibility age applicable to the person 
under section 12731(f) of this title’’; and
H. R. 2647—178 
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘attains 60 years of 
age’’ and inserting ‘‘attains the eligibility age applicable to 
the person under such section’’. 
(d) RETIRED PAY BASE.— 
(1) MEMBERS BECOMING MEMBERS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8, 
1980.—Section 1406(b)(2) of such title is amended by inserting 
after ‘‘when retired pay is granted’’ the following: ‘‘(or, in the 
case of a person entitled to retired pay by reason of an election 
under section 12741(a) of this title, at rates applicable on 
the date the person completes the service required under such 
section 12741(a))’’. 
(2) MEMBERS
BECOMING
MEMBERS
AFTER
SEPTEMBER
7, 
1980.—Section 1407(d)(4) of such title is amended by inserting 
after ‘‘became entitled to retired pay’’ the following: ‘‘or, in 
the case of a member or former member entitled to retired 
pay by reason of an election under section 12741(a) of this 
title, before the member or former member completes the 
service required under such section 12741(a),’’. 
(e) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) SECTION HEADING.—The heading for section 12741 of 
such title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 12741. Retirement for service in an active status performed 
in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve after 
eligibility for regular retirement’’. 
(2) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 1223 of such title is amended by striking 
the item relating to section 12741 and inserting the following 
new item: 
‘‘12741. Retirement for service in an active status performed in the Selected Reserve 
of the Ready Reserve after eligibility for regular retirement.’’. 
SEC. 644. REPORT ON RE-DETERMINATION PROCESS FOR PERMA-
NENTLY INCAPACITATED DEPENDENTS OF RETIRED AND 
DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to Congress a report on the re-determination process of the Depart-
ment of Defense used to determine the eligibility of permanently 
incapacitated dependents of retired and deceased members of the 
Armed Forces for benefits provided under laws administered by 
the Secretary. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) An assessment of the re-determination process, 
including the following: 
(A) The rationale for requiring a quadrennial recertifi-
cation of financial support after issuance of a permanent 
identification 
card 
to 
a 
permanently 
incapacitated 
dependent. 
(B) The administrative and other burdens the quadren-
nial recertification imposes on the affected sponsor and 
dependents, especially after the sponsor becomes ill, 
incapacitated, or deceased. 
(C) The extent to which the quadrennial recertification 
undermines the utility of issuing a permanent identification 
card.
H. R. 2647—179 
(D) The extent of the consequences entailed in elimi-
nating the requirement for quadrennial recertification. 
(2) Specific recommendations for the following: 
(A) Improving the efficiency of the recertification 
process. 
(B) Minimizing the burden of such process on the spon-
sors of such dependents. 
(C) Eliminating the requirement for quadrennial recer-
tification. 
SEC. 645. TREATMENT AS ACTIVE SERVICE FOR RETIRED PAY PUR-
POSES OF SERVICE AS MEMBER OF ALASKA TERRITORIAL 
GUARD DURING WORLD WAR II. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Service as a member of the Alaska Territorial 
Guard during World War II of any individual who was honorably 
discharged therefrom under section 8147 of the Department of 
Defense Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law 106–259; 114 Stat. 
705) shall be treated as active service for purposes of the computa-
tion under chapter 61, 71, 371, 571, 871, or 1223 of title 10, 
United States Code, as applicable, of the retired pay to which 
such individual may be entitled under title 10, United States Code. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to 
amounts of retired pay payable under title 10, United States Code, 
for months beginning on or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. No retired pay shall be paid to any individual by reason 
of subsection (a) for any period before that date. 
(c) WORLD WAR II DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘World 
War II’’ has the meaning given that term in section 101(8) of 
title 38, United States Code. 
Subtitle 
E—Commissary 
and 
Non-
appropriated Fund Instrumentality Ben-
efits and Operations 
SEC. 651. LIMITATION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENTITIES 
OFFERING PERSONAL INFORMATION SERVICES TO MEM-
BERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS. 
(a) IMPOSITION OF LIMITATION.—Subchapter III of chapter 147 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
section 2492 the following new section: 
‘‘§ 2492a. Limitation on Department of Defense entities com-
peting with private sector in offering personal 
information services 
‘‘(a) LIMITATION.—(1) Notwithstanding section 2492 of this title, 
the Secretary of Defense may not authorize a Department of Defense 
entity to offer or provide personal information services directly 
to users using Department resources, personnel, or equipment, or 
compete for contracts to provide such personal information services 
directly to users, if users will be charged a fee for the personal 
information services to recover the cost incurred to provide the 
services or to earn a profit. 
‘‘(2) The limitation in paragraph (1) shall not be construed 
to prohibit or preclude the use of Department resources, personnel,
H. R. 2647—180 
or equipment to administer or facilitate personal information serv-
ices contracts with private contractors. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.—The limitation in subsection (a) shall not 
apply if the Secretary of Defense determines that— 
‘‘(1) a private sector vendor is not available to provide 
the personal information services at specific locations; 
‘‘(2) the interests of the user population would be best 
served by allowing the Government to provide such services; 
or 
‘‘(3) circumstances (as specified by the Secretary for pur-
poses of this section) are such that the provision of such services 
by a Department entity is in the best interest of the Govern-
ment or military users in general. 
‘‘(c) PERSONAL INFORMATION SERVICES DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘personal information services’ means the provision 
of Internet, telephone, or television services to consumers.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such subchapter is amended by inserting after section 
2492 the following new item: 
‘‘2492a. Limitation on Department of Defense entities competing with private sector 
in offering personal information services.’’. 
(c) EFFECT ON EXISTING CONTRACTS.—Section 2492a of title 
10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), does not affect 
the validity or terms of any contract for the provision of personal 
information services entered into before the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
SEC. 652. REPORT ON IMPACT OF PURCHASING FROM LOCAL 
DISTRIBUTORS ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR RESALE 
ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS ON GUAM. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives a report evaluating the impact of reimposing 
the requirement, effective for fiscal year 2008 pursuant to section 
8073 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008 (divi-
sion A of Public Law 110–116; 121 Stat. 1331) but not extended 
for fiscal year 2009, that all alcoholic beverages intended for resale 
on military installations on Guam be purchased from local sources. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) The concerns of nonappropriated funds activities over 
the one-year imposition of the local-purchase requirement and 
the impact the requirement had on alcohol resale prices. 
(2) The stated justification for any change in the price 
of alcoholic beverages for resale on military installations on 
Guam. 
(3) The actions of the nonappropriated fund activities in 
complying with the local purchase requirements for resale of 
alcoholic beverages and their purchase of such affected products 
before and after the effective date of the provision of law 
referred to in subsection (a). 
(4) The extent to which nonappropriated funds activities 
on military installations on Guam are implementing the 
applicable Department of Defense instruction and the methods 
used to determine the resale price of alcoholic beverages.
H. R. 2647—181 
Subtitle F—Other Matters 
SEC. 661. LIMITATIONS ON COLLECTION OF OVERPAYMENTS OF PAY 
AND ALLOWANCES ERRONEOUSLY PAID TO MEMBERS. 
(a) MAXIMUM
MONTHLY
PERCENTAGE
OF
MEMBER’S
PAY 
AUTHORIZED FOR DEDUCTION.—Paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of 
section 1007 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘20 percent’’ and inserting ‘‘15 percent’’. 
(b) REQUESTS FOR DELAY IN REPAYMENT.—Such paragraph is 
further amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(3)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) In all cases described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
concerned shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the member 
to request a delay in the imposition of the repayment requirement 
to recover the indebtedness. Before beginning collection efforts, 
the Secretary concerned shall consider the reasons provided by 
the member for the requested delay, including the financial ability 
of the member to repay the indebtedness, and the hardship that 
immediate collection would impose on the member and the mem-
ber’s dependents.’’. 
(c) DELAY IN INSTITUTING COLLECTIONS FROM WOUNDED OR 
INJURED MEMBERS.—Paragraph (4) of such subsection is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(4)(A) If a member of the uniformed services, through no 
fault of the member, incurs a wound, injury, or illness while in 
the line of duty in a combat operation or combat zone designated 
by the President or the Secretary of Defense, any overpayment 
of pay or allowances made to the member while the member 
recovers from the wound, injury, or illness may not be deducted 
from the member’s pay until— 
‘‘(i) the member is notified of the overpayment; and 
‘‘(ii) the later of the following occurs: 
‘‘(I) The end of the 180-day period beginning on the 
date of the completion of the tour of duty of the member 
in the combat operation or combat zone. 
‘‘(II) The end of the 90-day period beginning on the 
date of the reassignment of the member from a military 
treatment facility or other medical unit outside of the the-
ater of operations. 
‘‘(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the member, after 
receiving notification of the overpayment, requests or consents to 
initiation at an earlier date of the collection of the overpayment 
of the pay or allowances.’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply only with respect to an overpayment of pay or allowances 
made to a member of the uniformed services after the date of 
the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 662. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON AIRFARES FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) all United States commercial air carriers should seek 
to lend their support with flexible, generous policies applicable 
to members of the Armed Forces who are traveling on leave 
or liberty at their own expense; and
H. R. 2647—182 
(2) each United States air carrier, for all members of the 
Armed Forces who have been granted leave or liberty and 
who are traveling by air at their own expense, should— 
(A) seek to provide reduced air fares that are com-
parable to the lowest airfare for ticketed flights and that 
eliminate to the maximum extent possible advance pur-
chase requirements; 
(B) seek to eliminate change fees or charges and any 
penalties; 
(C) seek to eliminate or reduce baggage and excess 
weight fees; 
(D) offer flexible terms that allow members to pur-
chase, modify, or cancel tickets without time restrictions, 
and to waive fees (including baggage fees), ancillary costs, 
or penalties; and 
(E) seek to take proactive measures to ensure that 
all airline employees, particularly those who issue tickets 
and respond to members of the Armed Forces and their 
family members, are trained in the policies of the airline 
aimed at benefitting members of the Armed Forces who 
are on leave. 
SEC. 663. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF FLEXIBLE 
SPENDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE UNIFORMED SERV-
ICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary 
of Defense, with respect to members of the Army, Navy, Marine 
Corps, and Air Force, the Secretary of Homeland Security, with 
respect to members of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services, with respect to commissioned officers of the 
Public Health Service, and the Secretary of Commerce, with respect 
to commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, should establish procedures to implement flexible 
spending arrangements with respect to basic pay and compensation 
for health care and dependent care on a pre-tax basis in accordance 
with regulations prescribed under sections 106(c) and 125 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—It is the sense of Congress that, in estab-
lishing the procedures described by subsection (a), the Secretary 
of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Commerce should 
consider life events of members of the uniformed services that 
are unique to them as members of the uniformed services, including 
changes relating to permanent changes of duty station and deploy-
ments to overseas contingency operations. 
SEC. 664. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SUPPORT FOR COMPENSA-
TION, RETIREMENT, AND OTHER MILITARY PERSONNEL 
PROGRAMS. 
It is the sense of Congress that members of the Armed Forces 
and their families and survivors and military retirees deserve 
ongoing recognition and support for their service and sacrifices 
on behalf of the United States, and Congress will continue to 
be vigilant in identifying appropriate direct spending offsets that 
can be used to address shortcomings within those military personnel 
programs that incur mandatory spending obligations.
H. R. 2647—183 
TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS 
Subtitle A—Improvements to Health Benefits 
Sec. 701. Prohibition on conversion of military medical and dental positions to civil-
ian medical and dental positions. 
Sec. 702. Health care for members of the reserve components. 
Sec. 703. Enhancement of transitional dental care for members of the reserve com-
ponents on active duty for more than 30 days in support of a contin-
gency operation. 
Sec. 704. Expansion of survivor eligibility under TRICARE dental program. 
Sec. 705. TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve 
who are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are not yet age 60. 
Sec. 706. Constructive eligibility for TRICARE benefits of certain persons otherwise 
ineligible under retroactive determination of entitlement to Medicare 
part A hospital insurance benefits. 
Sec. 707. Notification of certain individuals regarding options for enrollment under 
Medicare part B. 
Sec. 708. Mental health assessments for members of the Armed Forces deployed in 
connection with a contingency operation. 
Sec. 709. Temporary TRICARE inpatient fee modification. 
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration 
Sec. 711. Comprehensive policy on pain management by the military health care 
system. 
Sec. 712. Administration and prescription of psychotropic medications for members 
of the Armed Forces before and during deployment. 
Sec. 713. Cooperative health care agreements between military installations and 
non-military health care systems. 
Sec. 714. Plan to increase the mental health capabilities of the Department of De-
fense. 
Sec. 715. Department of Defense study on management of medications for phys-
ically and psychologically wounded members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 716. Limitation on obligation of funds under defense health program informa-
tion technology programs. 
Subtitle C—Other Matters 
Sec. 721. Study and plan to improve military health care. 
Sec. 722. Study, plan, and pilot for the mental health care needs of dependent chil-
dren of members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 723. Clinical trial on cognitive rehabilitative therapy for members and former 
members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 724. Department of Defense Task Force on the Care, Management, and Tran-
sition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured Members of the Armed 
Forces. 
Sec. 725. Chiropractic clinical trials. 
Sec. 726. Independent study on post-traumatic stress disorder efforts. 
Sec. 727. Report on implementation of requirements on the relationship between 
the TRICARE program and employer-sponsored group health plans. 
Sec. 728. Report on stipends for members of reserve components for health care for 
certain dependents. 
Subtitle A—Improvements to Health 
Benefits 
SEC. 701. PROHIBITION ON CONVERSION OF MILITARY MEDICAL AND 
DENTAL POSITIONS TO CIVILIAN MEDICAL AND DENTAL 
POSITIONS. 
Subsection (a) of section 721 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 198; 
10 U.S.C. 129c note) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘during the period beginning on’’ and 
inserting ‘‘on or after’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘, and ending on September 30, 2012’’.
H. R. 2647—184 
SEC. 702. HEALTH CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPO-
NENTS. 
Section 1074(d)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘90 days’’ and inserting ‘‘180 days’’. 
SEC. 703. ENHANCEMENT OF TRANSITIONAL DENTAL CARE FOR MEM-
BERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS ON ACTIVE DUTY 
FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS IN SUPPORT OF A CONTINGENCY 
OPERATION. 
Section 1145(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ‘‘paragraph (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (4)’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘except as pro-
vided in paragraph (3),’’ before ‘‘medical and dental care’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) as 
paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new para-
graph (3): 
‘‘(3) In the case of a member described in paragraph (2)(B), 
the dental care to which the member is entitled under this sub-
section shall be the dental care to which a member of the uniformed 
services on active duty for more than 30 days is entitled under 
section 1074 of this title.’’; 
(4) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (2) 
of this section, by striking ‘‘paragraph (6)’’ and inserting ‘‘para-
graph (7)’’; and 
(5) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6), as redesignated 
by paragraph (2) of this section, by striking ‘‘paragraph (4)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraph (5)’’. 
SEC. 704. EXPANSION OF SURVIVOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER TRICARE 
DENTAL PROGRAM. 
Paragraph (3) of section 1076a(k) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) Such term does not include a dependent by reason of 
paragraph (2) after the end of the three-year period beginning 
on the date of the member’s death, except that, in the case of 
a dependent of the deceased who is described by subparagraph 
(D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title, the period of continued 
eligibility shall be the longer of the following periods beginning 
on such date: 
‘‘(A) Three years. 
‘‘(B) The period ending on the date on which such 
dependent attains 21 years of age. 
‘‘(C) In the case of such dependent who, at 21 years of 
age, is enrolled in a full-time course of study in a secondary 
school or in a full-time course of study in an institution of 
higher education approved by the administering Secretary and 
was, at the time of the member’s death, in fact dependent 
on the member for over one-half of such dependent’s support, 
the period ending on the earlier of the following dates: 
‘‘(i) The date on which such dependent ceases to pursue 
such a course of study, as determined by the administering 
Secretary. 
‘‘(ii) The date on which such dependent attains 23 
years of age.’’.
H. R. 2647—185 
SEC. 705. TRICARE STANDARD COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS 
OF THE RETIRED RESERVE WHO ARE QUALIFIED FOR A 
NON-REGULAR RETIREMENT BUT ARE NOT YET AGE 60. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 1076d the following new 
section: 
‘‘§ 1076e. TRICARE program: TRICARE Standard coverage 
for certain members of the Retired Reserve who 
are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are 
not yet age 60 
‘‘(a) ELIGIBILITY.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
member of the Retired Reserve of a reserve component of the 
armed forces who is qualified for a non-regular retirement at age 
60 under chapter 1223 of this title, but is not age 60, is eligible 
for health benefits under TRICARE Standard as provided in this 
section. 
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a member who is enrolled, 
or is eligible to enroll, in a health benefits plan under chapter 
89 of title 5. 
‘‘(b) TERMINATION
OF ELIGIBILITY UPON OBTAINING OTHER 
TRICARE 
STANDARD
COVERAGE.—Eligibility 
for 
TRICARE 
Standard coverage of a member under this section shall terminate 
upon the member becoming eligible for TRICARE Standard coverage 
at age 60 under section 1086 of this title. 
‘‘(c) FAMILY MEMBERS.—While a member of a reserve component 
is covered by TRICARE Standard under this section, the members 
of the immediate family of such member are eligible for TRICARE 
Standard coverage as dependents of the member. If a member 
of a reserve component dies while in a period of coverage under 
this section, the eligibility of the members of the immediate family 
of such member for TRICARE Standard coverage under this section 
shall continue for the same period of time that would be provided 
under section 1086 of this title if the member had been eligible 
at the time of death for TRICARE Standard coverage under such 
section (instead of under this section). 
‘‘(d) PREMIUMS.—(1) A member of a reserve component covered 
by TRICARE Standard under this section shall pay a premium 
for that coverage. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for the purposes 
of this section one premium for TRICARE Standard coverage of 
members without dependents and one premium for TRICARE 
Standard coverage of members with dependents referred to in sub-
section (f)(1). The premium prescribed for a coverage shall apply 
uniformly to all members of the reserve components covered under 
this section. 
‘‘(3) The monthly amount of the premium in effect for a month 
for TRICARE Standard coverage under this section shall be the 
amount equal to the cost of coverage that the Secretary determines 
on an appropriate actuarial basis. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall prescribe the requirements and proce-
dures applicable to the payment of premiums under this subsection. 
‘‘(5) Amounts collected as premiums under this subsection shall 
be credited to the appropriation available for the Defense Health 
Program Account under section 1100 of this title, shall be merged 
with sums in such Account that are available for the fiscal year
H. R. 2647—186 
in which collected, and shall be available under subsection (b) 
of such section for such fiscal year. 
‘‘(e) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations 
for the administration of this section. 
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘immediate family’, with respect to a member 
of a reserve component, means all of the member’s dependents 
described in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (I) of section 1072(2) 
of this title. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘TRICARE Standard’ means— 
‘‘(A) medical care to which a dependent described in 
section 1076(b)(1) of this title is entitled; and 
‘‘(B) health benefits contracted for under the authority 
of section 1086(a) of this title and subject to the same 
rates and conditions as apply to persons covered under 
that section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 1076d the following new item: 
‘‘1076e. TRICARE program: TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the 
Retired Reserve who are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are 
not yet age 60.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 1076e of title 10, United States 
Code, as inserted by subsection (a), shall apply to coverage for 
months beginning on or after October 1, 2009, or such earlier 
date as the Secretary of Defense may specify. 
SEC. 706. CONSTRUCTIVE ELIGIBILITY FOR TRICARE BENEFITS OF 
CERTAIN 
PERSONS 
OTHERWISE 
INELIGIBLE 
UNDER 
RETROACTIVE DETERMINATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO 
MEDICARE PART A HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS. 
Section 1086(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
‘‘(4)(A) If a person referred to in subsection (c) and described 
by paragraph (2)(B) is subject to a retroactive determination by 
the Social Security Administration of entitlement to hospital insur-
ance benefits described in paragraph (1), the person shall, during 
the period described in subparagraph (B), be deemed for purposes 
of health benefits under this section— 
‘‘(i) not to have been covered by paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(ii) not to have been subject to the requirements of section 
1079(j)(1) of this title, whether through the operation of such 
section or subsection (g) of this section. 
‘‘(B) The period described in this subparagraph with respect 
to a person covered by subparagraph (A) is the period that— 
‘‘(i) begins on the date that eligibility of the person for 
hospital insurance benefits referred to in paragraph (1) is effec-
tive under the retroactive determination of eligibility with 
respect to the person as described in subparagraph (A); and 
‘‘(ii) ends on the date of the issuance of such retroactive 
determination of eligibility by the Social Security Administra-
tion.’’.
H. R. 2647—187 
SEC. 707. NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS REGARDING 
OPTIONS FOR ENROLLMENT UNDER MEDICARE PART B. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1110a. Notification of certain individuals regarding 
options for enrollment under Medicare part B 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) As soon as practicable, the Secretary 
of Defense shall notify each individual described in subsection (b)— 
‘‘(A) that the individual is no longer eligible for health 
care benefits under the TRICARE program under this chapter; 
and 
‘‘(B) of options available for enrollment of the individual 
in the supplementary medical insurance program under part 
B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395j 
et seq.). 
‘‘(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary of Defense 
shall— 
‘‘(A) establish procedures for identifying individuals 
described in subsection (b); and 
‘‘(B) consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Serv-
ices to accurately identify and notify such individuals. 
‘‘(b) INDIVIDUALS DESCRIBED.—An individual described in this 
subsection is an individual who is— 
‘‘(1) a covered beneficiary; 
‘‘(2) entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of 
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c) under section 226(b) 
or section 226A of such Act (42 U.S.C. 426(b) and 426–1); 
and 
‘‘(3) eligible to enroll in the supplementary medical insur-
ance program under part B of such title (42 U.S.C. 1395j 
et seq.).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 1110 the following new item: 
‘‘1110a. Notification of certain individuals regarding options for enrollment under 
Medicare part B.’’. 
SEC. 708. MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES DEPLOYED IN CONNECTION WITH A 
CONTINGENCY OPERATION. 
(a) MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
issue guidance for the provision of a person-to-person mental 
health assessment for each member of the Armed Forces who 
is deployed in connection with a contingency operation as fol-
lows: 
(A) At a time during the period beginning 60 days 
before the date of deployment in connection with the contin-
gency operation. 
(B) At a time during the period beginning 90 days 
after the date of redeployment from the contingency oper-
ation and ending 180 days after the date of redeployment 
from the contingency operation.
H. R. 2647—188 
(C) Subject to subsection (d), not later than each of 
6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after return from 
deployment. 
(2) EXCLUSION
OF
CERTAIN
MEMBERS.—A mental health 
assessment is not required for a member of the Armed Forces 
under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) if the Sec-
retary determines that the member was not subjected or 
exposed to operational risk factors during deployment in the 
contingency operation concerned. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the mental health assessments 
provided pursuant to this section shall be to identify post-traumatic 
stress disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health 
conditions identified among members of the Armed Forces described 
in subsection (a) in order to determine which such members are 
in need of additional care and treatment for such health conditions. 
(c) ELEMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The mental health assessments provided 
pursuant to this section shall— 
(A) be performed by personnel trained and certified 
to perform such assessments and may be performed by 
licensed mental health professionals if such professionals 
are available and the use of such professionals for the 
assessments would not impair the capacity of such profes-
sionals to perform higher priority tasks; 
(B) include a person-to-person dialogue between mem-
bers of the Armed Forces described in subsection (a) and 
the professionals or personnel described by paragraph (1), 
as applicable, on such matters as the Secretary shall specify 
in order that the assessments achieve the purpose specified 
in subsection (b) for such assessments; 
(C) be conducted in a private setting to foster trust 
and openness in discussing sensitive health concerns; and 
(D) be provided in a consistent manner across the 
military departments. 
(2) TREATMENT OF CURRENT ASSESSMENTS.—The Secretary 
may treat periodic health assessments and other person-to- 
person assessments that are provided to members of the Armed 
Forces as of the date of the enactment of this Act as meeting 
the requirements for mental health assessments required under 
this section if the Secretary determines that such assessments 
and person-to-person assessments meet the requirements for 
mental health assessments established by this section. 
(d) CESSATION OF ASSESSMENTS.—No mental health assessment 
is required to be provided to an individual under subsection (a)(1)(C) 
after the individual’s discharge or release from the Armed Forces. 
(e) SHARING OF INFORMATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall share 
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs such information on 
members of the Armed Forces that is derived from confidential 
mental health assessments, including mental health assess-
ments provided pursuant to this section and health assessments 
and other person-to-person assessments provided before the 
date of the enactment of this Act, as the Secretary of Defense 
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly consider appro-
priate to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment 
of members of the Armed Forces during their transition from 
health care and treatment provided by the Department of
H. R. 2647—189 
Defense to health care and treatment provided by the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs. 
(2) PROTOCOLS.—Any sharing of information under para-
graph (1) shall occur pursuant to a protocol jointly established 
by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs for purposes of this subsection. Any such protocol shall 
be consistent with the following: 
(A) Applicable provisions of the Wounded Warrior Act 
(title XVI of Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), 
including in particular, section 1614 of that Act (122 Stat. 
443; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note). 
(B) Section 1720F of title 38, United States Code. 
(f) CONTINGENCY OPERATION DEFINED.—In this section, the 
term ‘‘contingency operation’’ has the meaning given that term 
in section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States Code. 
(g) REPORTS.— 
(1) REPORT ON GUIDANCE.—Upon the issuance of the guid-
ance required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to Congress a report describing the guidance. 
(2) REPORTS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDANCE.— 
(A) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of the issuance of the guidance, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress an initial report on the 
implementation of the guidance by the military depart-
ments. 
(B) SUBSEQUENT REPORT.—Not later than two years 
after the date of the issuance of the guidance, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation 
of the guidance by the military departments. The report 
shall include an evidence-based assessment of the effective-
ness of the mental health assessments provided pursuant 
to the guidance in achieving the purpose specified in sub-
section (b) for such assessments. 
SEC. 709. TEMPORARY TRICARE INPATIENT FEE MODIFICATION. 
Section 1086(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘September 30, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 
2010’’. 
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration 
SEC. 711. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT BY THE 
MILITARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. 
(a) COMPREHENSIVE POLICY REQUIRED.—Not later than March 
31, 2011, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement 
a comprehensive policy on pain management by the military health 
care system. 
(b) SCOPE OF POLICY.—The policy required by subsection (a) 
shall cover each of the following: 
(1) The management of acute and chronic pain. 
(2) The standard of care for pain management to be used 
throughout the Department of Defense. 
(3) The consistent application of pain assessments through-
out the Department of Defense.
H. R. 2647—190 
(4) The assurance of prompt and appropriate pain care 
treatment and management by the Department when medically 
necessary. 
(5) Programs of research related to acute and chronic pain, 
including pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous 
system damage characteristic of injuries incurred in modern 
warfare, brain injuries, and chronic migraine headache. 
(6) Programs of pain care education and training for health 
care personnel of the Department. 
(7) Programs of patient education for members suffering 
from acute or chronic pain and their families. 
(c) UPDATES.—The Secretary shall revise the policy required 
by subsection (a) on a periodic basis in accordance with experience 
and evolving best practice guidelines. 
(d) ANNUAL REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the commencement of the implementation of the policy 
required by subsection (a), and on October 1 each year there-
after through 2018, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives a report on the policy. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report required by paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) A description of the policy implemented under sub-
section (a), and any revisions to such policy under sub-
section (c). 
(B) A description of the performance measures used 
to determine the effectiveness of the policy in improving 
pain care for beneficiaries enrolled in the military health 
care system. 
(C) An assessment of the adequacy of Department pain 
management services based on a current survey of patients 
managed in Department clinics. 
(D) An assessment of the research projects of the 
Department relevant to the treatment of the types of acute 
and chronic pain suffered by members of the Armed Forces 
and their families. 
(E) An assessment of the training provided to Depart-
ment health care personnel with respect to the diagnosis, 
treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain. 
(F) An assessment of the pain care education programs 
of the Department. 
(G) An assessment of the dissemination of information 
on pain management to beneficiaries enrolled in the mili-
tary health care system. 
SEC. 712. ADMINISTRATION AND PRESCRIPTION OF PSYCHOTROPIC 
MEDICATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
BEFORE AND DURING DEPLOYMENT. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than October 1, 2010, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the implementation of policy guidance dated 
November 7, 2006, regarding deployment-limiting psychiatric condi-
tions and medications. 
(b) POLICY REQUIRED.—Not later than October 1, 2010, the 
Secretary shall establish and implement a policy for the use of
H. R. 2647—191 
psychotropic medications for deployed members of the Armed 
Forces. The policy shall, at a minimum, address the following: 
(1) The circumstances or diagnosed conditions for which 
such medications may be administered or prescribed. 
(2) The medical personnel who may administer or prescribe 
such medications. 
(3) The method in which the administration or prescription 
of such medications will be documented in the medical records 
of members of the Armed Forces. 
(4) The exam, treatment, or other care that is required 
following the administration or prescription of such medica-
tions. 
SEC. 713. COOPERATIVE HEALTH CARE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN MILI-
TARY INSTALLATIONS AND NON-MILITARY HEALTH CARE 
SYSTEMS. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may establish 
cooperative health care agreements between military installations 
and local or regional health care systems. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing an agreement under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall— 
(1) consult with— 
(A) the Secretary of the military department concerned; 
(B) representatives from the military installation 
selected for the agreement, including the TRICARE man-
aged care support contractor with responsibility for such 
installation; and 
(C) Federal, State, and local government officials; 
(2) identify and analyze health care services available in 
the area in which the military installation is located, including 
such services available at a military medical treatment facility 
or in the private sector (or a combination thereof); 
(3) determine the cost avoidance or savings resulting from 
innovative partnerships between the Department of Defense 
and the private sector; and 
(4) determine the opportunities for and barriers to coordi-
nating and leveraging the use of existing health care resources, 
including such resources of Federal, State, local, and private 
entities. 
(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than December 31 of each 
year an agreement entered into under this section is in effect, 
the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
a report on each such agreement. Each report shall include, at 
a minimum, the following: 
(1) A description of the agreement. 
(2) Any cost avoidance, savings, or increases as a result 
of the agreement. 
(3) A recommendation for continuing or ending the agree-
ment. 
(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as authorizing the provision of health care services at 
military medical treatment facilities or other facilities of the Depart-
ment of Defense to individuals who are not otherwise entitled 
or eligible for such services under chapter 55 of title 10, United 
States Code.
H. R. 2647—192 
SEC. 714. PLAN TO INCREASE THE MENTAL HEALTH CAPABILITIES 
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) INCREASED AUTHORIZATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of each military 
department shall increase the number of active duty mental health 
personnel authorized for the department under the jurisdiction 
of the Secretary in an amount equal to the sum of the following 
amounts: 
(1) The greater of— 
(A) the amount identified on personnel authorization 
documents as required but not authorized to be filled; 
or 
(B) the amount that is 25 percent of the amount identi-
fied on personnel authorization documents as authorized. 
(2) The amount required to fulfill the requirements of sec-
tion 708, as determined by the Secretary concerned. 
(b) REPORT AND PLAN ON THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF MENTAL 
HEALTH PERSONNEL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
the appropriate number of mental health personnel required 
to meet the mental health care needs of members of the Armed 
Forces, retired members, and dependents. The report shall 
include, at a minimum, the following: 
(A) An evaluation of the recommendation titled 
‘‘Ensure an Adequate Supply of Uniformed Providers’’ made 
by the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health 
established by section 723 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109– 
163; 119 Stat. 3348). 
(B) The criteria and models used to determine the 
appropriate number of mental health personnel. 
(C) The plan under paragraph (2). 
(2) PLAN.—The Secretary shall develop and implement a 
plan to significantly increase the number of military and 
civilian mental health personnel of the Department of Defense 
by September 30, 2013. The plan may include the following: 
(A) The allocation of scholarships and financial assist-
ance under the Health Professions Scholarship and Finan-
cial Assistance Program under subchapter I of chapter 
105 of title 10, United States Code, to students pursuing 
advanced degrees in clinical psychology and other mental 
health professions. 
(B) The offering of accession and retention bonuses 
for psychologists pursuant to section 620 of the Duncan 
Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4489). 
(C) An expansion of the capacity for training doctoral- 
level clinical psychologists at the Uniformed Services 
University of the Health Sciences. 
(D) An expansion of the capacity of the Department 
of Defense for training masters-level clinical psychologists 
and social workers with expertise in deployment-related 
mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress dis-
order.
H. R. 2647—193 
(E) The detail of commissioned officers of the Armed 
Forces to accredited schools of psychology for training 
leading to a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or social 
work. 
(F) The reassignment of military mental health per-
sonnel from administrative positions to clinical positions 
in support of military units. 
(G) The offering of civilian hiring incentives and 
bonuses and the use of direct hiring authority to increase 
the number of mental health personnel of the Department 
of Defense. 
(H) Such other mechanisms to increase the number 
of mental health personnel of the Department of Defense 
as the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(c) REPORT ON ADDITIONAL OFFICER OR ENLISTED MILITARY 
SPECIALTIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH.— 
(1) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report setting forth the 
assessment of the Secretary of the feasability and advisability 
of establishing one or more military mental health specialities 
for officers or enlisted members of the Armed Forces in order 
to better meet the mental health care needs of members of 
the Armed Forces and their families. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
set forth the following: 
(A) A recommendation as to the feasability and advis-
ability of establishing one or more military mental health 
specialities for officers or enlisted members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(B) For each military specialty recommended to be 
established under subparagraph (A)— 
(i) a description of the qualifications required for 
such speciality, which shall reflect lessons learned from 
best practices in academia and the civilian health care 
industry regarding positions analogous to such spe-
cialty; and 
(ii) a description of the incentives or other mecha-
nisms, if any, that would be advisable to facilitate 
recruitment and retention of individuals to and in such 
specialty. 
SEC. 715. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STUDY ON MANAGEMENT OF 
MEDICATIONS FOR PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY 
WOUNDED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct 
a study on the management of medications for physically and 
psychologically wounded members of the Armed Forces. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) A review and assessment of current practices within 
the Department of Defense for the management of medications 
for physically and psychologically wounded members of the 
Armed Forces. 
(2) A review and analysis of the published literature on 
the risks associated with the administration of medications,
H. R. 2647—194 
including accidental and intentional overdoses, under and over 
medication, and adverse interactions among medications. 
(3) An identification of the medical conditions, and of the 
patient management procedures of the Department of Defense, 
that may increase the risks associated with the administration 
of medications in populations of members of the Armed Forces. 
(4) An assessment of current and best practices in the 
Armed Forces, other departments and agencies of the Federal 
Government, and the private sector concerning the prescription, 
distribution, and management of medications, and the associ-
ated coordination of care. 
(5) An identification of means for decreasing the risks 
associated with the administration of medications and associ-
ated problems with respect to physically and psychologically 
wounded members of the Armed Forces. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than April 1, 2010, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the study 
required under subsection (a). The report shall include such findings 
and recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate in 
light of the study. 
SEC. 716. LIMITATION ON OBLIGATION OF FUNDS UNDER DEFENSE 
HEALTH PROGRAM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PRO-
GRAMS. 
(a) LIMITATION.—Of each amount described in subsection (c), 
not more than 50 percent of the amount remaining unobligated 
as of the date of the enactment of this Act may be obligated 
until 30 days after the Deputy Secretary of Defense, acting in 
the capacity of Chief Management Officer of the Department of 
Defense pursuant to section 132 of title 10, United States Code, 
submits to the congressional defense committees a report in accord-
ance with subsection (b). 
(b) REPORT.—The report required under subsection (a) shall 
be on improvements to the governance and execution of health 
information management and information technology programs 
planned and programmed to electronically support clinical medical 
care within the military health system. Such report shall include 
each of the following: 
(1) An assessment of the capability of the enterprise 
architecture to achieve optimal clinical practices and health 
care outcomes. 
(2) For each health information management and informa-
tion technology program covered by the report, an identification 
and assessment of the risks associated with achieving the 
timelines and goals of the program. 
(3) A plan of action to mitigate the risks identified under 
paragraph (2). 
(4) An assessment of the appropriateness of the health 
information management and information technology technical 
architecture and whether that architecture leverages the cur-
rent best practices of industry, including the ability to meet 
the interoperability standards required by section 1635 of the 
Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110–181; 10 
U.S.C. 1071 note), as amended by section 252 of the Duncan 
Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
for 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4400).
H. R. 2647—195 
(5) An assessment, in coordination with the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, of— 
(A) the capability of the Department of Defense of 
meeting the requirements for joint interoperability with 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, as required by such 
section 1635; and 
(B) the progress the Secretary of Defense and the Sec-
retary of Veterans Affairs have made on the establishment 
of a joint virtual lifetime electronic record for members 
of the Armed Forces. 
(6) A plan to take corrective actions that are necessary 
to remedy shortfalls identified as a result of the assessments 
under this subsection. 
(7) An assessment of the estimated resources required in 
future years to achieve optimal information technology support 
for health care clinical practice and quality and compliance 
with the requirements of such section 1635. 
(8) An analysis of the methods by which the Office of 
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs procures 
health information management and information technology 
goods and services, and of the appropriateness of the application 
of legal and acquisition authorities. 
(9) An analysis of the capabilities of the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to carry out 
necessary governance, management, and development functions 
of health information management and information technology 
systems, including— 
(A) the recommendations of the Assistant Secretary 
for improvements to the Office or alternative organizational 
structures for the Office; and 
(B) alternative organizations within the Department 
of Defense with equal or greater management capabilities 
for health information management and information tech-
nology. 
(10) A recommendation as to whether health information 
management and information technology systems of the Depart-
ment of Defense should be included in and subject to the 
requirements of section 2222 of title 10, United States Code. 
(c) COVERED AUTHORIZATIONS OR APPROPRIATIONS.—Amounts 
described in this section are the following amounts authorized to 
be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2010: 
(1) Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for oper-
ation and maintenance for the Defense Health Program (DHP 
IM/IT Support Program), $116,200,000. 
(2) Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for 
procurement for the Defense Health Program, $144,600,000. 
(3) Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for 
information technology development (program element 65013), 
$124,400,000. 
(d) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW.—Not later than 30 days 
after the Deputy Secretary submits the report required under sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees the results of an 
assessment carried out by the Comptroller General of the report 
and plan of action to achieve Department goals and mitigate risk 
in the management and execution of health information manage-
ment and information technology programs.
H. R. 2647—196 
Subtitle C—Other Matters 
SEC. 721. STUDY AND PLAN TO IMPROVE MILITARY HEALTH CARE. 
(a) STUDY AND REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
the health care needs of dependents (as defined in section 1072(2) 
of title 10, United States Code). The report shall include, at a 
minimum, the following: 
(1) With respect to both the direct care system and the 
purchased care system, an analysis of the type of health care 
facility in which dependents seek care. 
(2) The 10 most common medical conditions for which 
dependents seek care. 
(3) The availability of and access to health care providers 
to treat the conditions identified under paragraph (2), both 
in the direct care system and the purchased care system. 
(4) Any shortfalls in the ability of dependents to obtain 
required health care services. 
(5) Recommendations on how to improve access to care 
for dependents. 
(6) With respect to dependents accompanying a member 
stationed at a military installation outside of the United States, 
the need for and availability of mental health care services. 
(b) ENHANCED
MILITARY
HEALTH
SYSTEM
AND
IMPROVED 
TRICARE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
with the other administering Secretaries, shall undertake 
actions to enhance the capability of the military health system 
and improve the TRICARE program. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—In undertaking actions to enhance the 
capability of the military health system and improve the 
TRICARE program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
consider the following actions: 
(A) Actions to guarantee the availability of care within 
established access standards for eligible beneficiaries, based 
on the results of the study required by subsection (a). 
(B) Actions to expand and enhance sharing of health 
care resources among Federal health care programs, 
including designated providers (as that term is defined 
in section 721(5) of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104-201; 110 Stat. 
2593; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note)). 
(C) Actions using medical technology to speed and sim-
plify referrals for specialty care. 
(D) Actions to improve regional or national staffing 
capabilities in order to enhance support provided to mili-
tary medical treatment facilities facing staff shortages. 
(E) Actions to improve health care access for members 
of the reserve components and their families, including 
such access with respect to mental health care and consid-
eration of access issues for members and their families 
located in rural areas. 
(F) Actions to ensure consistency throughout the 
TRICARE program to comply with access standards, which
H. R. 2647—197 
are applicable to both commanders of military treatment 
facilities and managed care support contractors. 
(G) Actions to create new budgeting and resource 
allocation methodologies to fully support and incentivize 
care provided by military treatment facilities. 
(H) Actions regarding additional financing options for 
health care provided by civilian providers. 
(I) Actions to reduce administrative costs. 
(J) Actions to control the cost of health care and 
pharmaceuticals. 
(K) Actions to audit the Defense Enrollment Eligibility 
Reporting System to improve system checks on the eligi-
bility of TRICARE beneficiaries. 
(L) Actions, including a comprehensive plan, for the 
enhanced availability of prevention and wellness care. 
(M) Actions using technology to improve direct commu-
nication with beneficiaries regarding health and preventive 
care. 
(N) Actions to create performance metrics by which 
to measure improvement in the TRICARE program. 
(O) Such other actions as the Secretary, in consultation 
with the other administering Secretaries, considers appro-
priate. 
(c) QUALITY ASSURANCE.—In undertaking actions under this 
section, the Secretary of Defense and the other administering Secre-
taries shall continue or enhance the current level of quality health 
care provided by the Department of Defense and the military 
departments with no adverse impact to cost, access, or care. 
(d) CONSULTATION.—In considering actions to be undertaken 
under this section, and in undertaking such actions, the Secretary 
shall consult with a broad range of national health care and military 
advocacy organizations. 
(e) REPORTS REQUIRED.— 
(1) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to the congressional defense committees an initial report on 
the progress made in undertaking actions under this section 
and future plans for improvement of the military health system. 
(2) REPORT REQUIRED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET PRO-
POSAL.—Together with the budget justification materials sub-
mitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense 
budget for fiscal year 2012 (as submitted with the budget 
of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States 
Code), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report setting forth the following: 
(A) Updates on the progress made in undertaking 
actions under this section. 
(B) Future plans for improvement of the military 
health system. 
(C) An explanation of how the budget submission may 
reflect such progress and plans. 
(3) PERIODIC REPORTS.—The Secretary shall, on a periodic 
basis, submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
on the progress being made in the improvement of the 
TRICARE program under this section. 
(4) ELEMENTS.—Each report under this subsection shall 
include the following:
H. R. 2647—198 
(A) A description and assessment of the progress made 
as of the date of such report in the improvement of the 
TRICARE program. 
(B) Such recommendations for administrative or legis-
lative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to expe-
dite and enhance the improvement of the TRICARE pro-
gram. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘administering Secretaries’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 1072(3) of title 10, United States 
Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 722. STUDY, PLAN, AND PILOT FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE 
NEEDS OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
(a) REPORT
AND PLAN
ON
THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE
AND 
COUNSELING SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MILITARY CHILDREN.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct 
a comprehensive review of the mental health care and coun-
seling services available to dependent children of members 
of the Armed Forces through the Department of Defense. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The review under paragraph (1) shall 
include an assessment of the following: 
(A) The availability, quality, and effectiveness of 
Department of Defense programs intended to meet the 
mental health care needs of military children. 
(B) The availability, quality, and effectiveness of 
Department of Defense programs intended to promote resil-
iency in military children in coping with deployment cycles, 
injury, or death of military parents. 
(C) The extent of access to, adequacy, and availability 
of mental health care and counseling services for military 
children in military medical treatment facilities, in family 
assistance centers, through Military OneSource, under the 
TRICARE program, and in Department of Defense Edu-
cation Activity schools. 
(D) Whether the status of a member of the Armed 
Forces on active duty, or in reserve active status, affects 
the access of a military child to mental health care and 
counseling services. 
(E) Whether, and to what extent, waiting lists, 
geographic distance, and other factors may obstruct the 
receipt by military children of mental health care and 
counseling services. 
(F) The extent of access to, availability, and viability 
of specialized mental health care for military children 
(including adolescents). 
(G) The extent of any gaps in the current capabilities 
of the Department of Defense to provide preventive mental 
health services for military children. 
(H) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
appropriate. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
H. R. 2647—199 
of Representatives a report on the review conducted under 
paragraph (1), including the findings and recommendations 
of the Secretary as a result of the review. 
(b) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN ACCESS TO 
CARE AND COUNSELING.—The Secretary shall develop and imple-
ment a comprehensive plan for improvements in access to quality 
mental health care and counseling services for military children 
in order to develop and promote psychological health and resilience 
in children of deploying and deployed members of the Armed Forces. 
The information in the report required by subsection (a) shall 
provide the basis for the development of the plan. 
(c) PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) ELEMENTS.—The Secretary of the Army shall carry 
out a pilot program on the mental health care needs of military 
children and adolescents. In carrying out the pilot program, 
the Secretary shall establish a center to— 
(A) develop teams to train primary care managers in 
mental health evaluations and treatment of common psy-
chiatric disorders affecting children and adolescents; 
(B) develop strategies to reduce barriers to accessing 
behavioral health services and encourage better use of the 
programs and services by children and adolescents; and 
(C) expand the evaluation of mental health care using 
common indicators, including— 
(i) psychiatric hospitalization rates; 
(ii) non-psychiatric hospitalization rates; and 
(iii) mental health relative value units. 
(2) REPORTS.— 
(A) Not later than 90 days after establishing the pilot 
program, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report describing the— 
(i) structure and mission of the program; and 
(ii) the resources allocated to the program. 
(B) Not later than September 30, 2012, the Secretary 
of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report that addresses the elements described 
under paragraph (1). 
SEC. 723. CLINICAL TRIAL ON COGNITIVE REHABILITATIVE THERAPY 
FOR MEMBERS AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES. 
(a) CLINICAL TRIAL REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
provide for a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabili-
tative therapy for members or former members of the Armed Forces 
described in subsection (b). 
(b) COVERED MEMBERS
AND FORMER MEMBERS.—A member 
or former member of the Armed Forces described in this subsection 
is a member or former member of the Armed Forces who— 
(1) has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) 
incurred in the line of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or 
Operation Enduring Freedom; and 
(2) is referred by a qualified physician, as determined by 
the Secretary, for cognitive rehabilitative therapy. 
(c) FUNDING.—
H. R. 2647—200 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The trial required by subsection (a) shall 
be funded as a medical research project using amounts author-
ized to be appropriated for Defense Health Program for research 
and development. 
(2) PROHIBITION ON USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS.—Amounts in 
the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health 
Care Fund under chapter 56 of title 10, United States Code, 
may not be used to carry out the provisions of this section. 
(d) REPORTS.— 
(1) REPORT ON PLAN AND DESIGN FOR TRIAL.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report setting forth a plan for the conduct 
of the trial required by subsection (a), including a description 
of the proposed design of the trial. 
(2) FINAL
REPORT.—Not later than one year after the 
completion of the trial required by subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
setting forth, at a minimum, the following: 
(A) An assessment of the efficacy of cognitive rehabili-
tative therapy in treating traumatic brain injury in mem-
bers and former members of the Armed Forces described 
in subsection (b). 
(B) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
appropriate on means to provide increased access to safe, 
effective, and quality cognitive rehabilitative therapy serv-
ices for such members and former members, including rec-
ommendations regarding the following: 
(i) Procedures for access of such members and 
former members to cognitive rehabilitative therapy 
services, including appropriate treatment plans and 
outcome measures. 
(ii) Qualifications and supervisory requirements for 
licensed and certified health care professionals in the 
provision of such services to such members and former 
members. 
(iii) A methodology for reimbursing providers of 
such services in the provision of such services to such 
members and former members. 
(C) The recommendation of the Secretary as to the 
advisability of including cognitive rehabilitative therapy 
as a benefit under the TRICARE program. 
SEC. 724. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TASK FORCE ON THE CARE, 
MANAGEMENT, 
AND 
TRANSITION 
OF 
RECOVERING 
WOUNDED, ILL, AND INJURED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish 
within the Department of Defense a task force to be known 
as the ‘‘Department of Defense Task Force on the Care, Manage-
ment, and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured 
Members of the Armed Forces’’ (in this section referred to 
as the ‘‘Task Force’’). 
(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Task Force shall be 
to assess the effectiveness of the policies and programs devel-
oped and implemented by the Department of Defense, and
H. R. 2647—201 
by each of the military departments, to assist and support 
the care, management, and transition of recovering wounded, 
ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces, and to make 
recommendations for the continuous improvement of such poli-
cies and programs. 
(3) RELATION TO SENIOR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.—The Sec-
retary shall ensure that the Task Force is independent of 
the Senior Oversight Committee (as defined in section 726(c) 
of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4509)). 
(b) COMPOSITION.— 
(1) MEMBERS.—The Task Force shall consist of not more 
than 14 members, appointed by the Secretary of Defense from 
among the individuals as described in paragraph (2). 
(2) COVERED INDIVIDUALS.—The individuals appointed to 
the Task Force shall include the following: 
(A) At least one member of each of the regular compo-
nents of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine 
Corps. 
(B) One member of the National Guard. 
(C) One member of a reserve component of the Armed 
Forces other than National Guard. 
(D) A number of persons from outside the Department 
of Defense equal to the total number of personnel from 
within the Department of Defense (whether members of 
the Armed Forces or civilian personnel) who are appointed 
to the Task Force. 
(E) Persons who have experience in— 
(i) medical care and coordination for wounded, ill, 
and injured members of the Armed Forces; 
(ii) medical case management; 
(iii) non-medical case management; 
(iv) the disability evaluation process for members 
of the Armed Forces; 
(v) veterans benefits; 
(vi) treatment of traumatic brain injury and post- 
traumatic stress disorder; 
(vii) family support; 
(viii) medical research; 
(ix) vocational rehabilitation; or 
(x) disability benefits. 
(F) At least one family member of a wounded, ill, 
or injured member of the Armed Forces or veteran who 
has experience working with wounded, ill, and injured 
members of the Armed Forces or their families. 
(3) INDIVIDUALS APPOINTED FROM WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE.—At least one of the individuals appointed to the 
Task Force from within the Department of Defense shall be 
the surgeon general of an Armed Force. 
(4) INDIVIDUALS APPOINTED FROM OUTSIDE DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE.—The individuals appointed to the Task Force from 
outside the Department of Defense— 
(A) with the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, shall include an officer or employee of the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs; and