H. R. 5244
One Hundred Third Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twenty-fifth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to revise and improve veterans’ benefits
programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans’
Benefits Improvements Act of 1994’’.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I—PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Purposes.
Sec. 104. Development of medical evaluation protocol.
Sec. 105. Outreach to Persian Gulf veterans.
Sec. 106. Compensation benefits for disability resulting from illness attributed to
service during the Persian Gulf War.
Sec. 107. Evaluation of health status of spouses and children of Persian Gulf War
veterans.
Sec. 108. Clarification of scope of health examinations provided for veterans eligible
for inclusion in health-related registries.
Sec. 109. Survey of Persian Gulf veterans.
Sec. 110. Authorization for epidemiological studies.
Sec. 111. Cost-savings provisions.
TITLE II—BOARD OF VETERANS’ APPEALS ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 201. Appointment, pay comparability, and performance reviews for members of
the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Sec. 202. Deadline for establishment of performance evaluation criteria for Board
members.
Sec. 203. Continuation in office of Chairman pending appointment of successor.
TITLE III—ADJUDICATION IMPROVEMENTS
Sec. 301. Acceptance of certain documentation for claims purposes.
Sec. 302. Expedited treatment of remanded claims.
Sec. 303. Screening of appeals.
Sec. 304. Report on feasibility of reorganization of adjudication divisions in VBA re-
gional offices.
TITLE IV—VETERANS’ CLAIMS ADJUDICATION COMMISSION
Sec. 401. Establishment of commission.
Sec. 402. Duties of the commission.
Sec. 403. Powers of the commission.
Sec. 404. Commission personnel matters.
Sec. 405. Termination of the commission.
Sec. 406. Definitions.
Sec. 407. Funding.
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TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Restatement of intent of Congress concerning coverage of Radiation-Ex-
posed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988.
Sec. 502. Extension of authority to maintain regional office in the Philippines.
Sec. 503. Renouncement of benefit rights.
Sec. 504. Clarification of payment of attorney fees under contingent fee agree-
ments.
Sec. 505. Codification of herbicide-exposure presumptions established administra-
tively.
Sec. 506. Treatment of certain income of Alaska natives for purposes of needs-
based benefits.
Sec. 507. Elimination of requirement for payment of certain benefits in Philippine
pesos.
Sec. 508. Study of health consequences for family members of atomic veterans of
exposure of atomic veterans to ionizing radiation.
Sec. 509. Center for Minority Veterans and Center for Women Veterans.
Sec. 510. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.
Sec. 511. Mailing of notices of appeal to the Court of Veterans Appeals.
TITLE VI—EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
Sec. 601. Flight training.
Sec. 602. Training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabil-
ities.
Sec. 603. Alternative teacher certification programs.
Sec. 604. Education outside the United States.
Sec. 605. Correspondence courses.
Sec. 606. State approving agencies.
Sec. 607. Measurement of courses.
Sec. 608. Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 609. Contract educational and vocational counseling.
Sec. 610. Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992.
TITLE VII—EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Sec. 701. Job counseling, training, and placement.
Sec. 702. Employment and training of veterans.
TITLE VIII—CEMETERIES AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
Sec. 801. Eligibility for burial in national cemeteries of spouses who predecease vet-
erans.
Sec. 802. Restoration of burial eligibility for unremarried spouses.
Sec. 803. Extension of authorization of appropriations for State cemetery grant
program.
Sec. 804. Authority to use flat grave markers at the Willamette National Cemetery,
Oregon.
TITLE IX—HOUSING PROGRAMS
Sec. 901. Eligibility.
Sec. 902. Revision in computation of aggregate guaranty.
Sec. 903. Public and community water and sewerage systems.
Sec. 904. Authority to guarantee home refinance loans for energy efficiency im-
provements.
Sec. 905. Authority to guarantee loans to refinance adjustable rate mortgages to
fixed rate mortgages.
Sec. 906. Manufactured home loan inspections.
Sec. 907. Procedures on default.
Sec. 908. Minimum active-duty service requirement.
TITLE X—HOMELESS VETERANS PROGRAMS
Sec. 1001. Reports on activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist
homeless veterans.
Sec. 1002. Report on assessment and plans for response to needs of homeless veter-
ans.
Sec. 1003. Increase in number of demonstration programs under Homeless Veter-
ans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992.
Sec. 1004. Removal of funding requirement of Homeless Veterans Comprehensive
Service Programs Act of 1992.
Sec. 1005. Sense of Congress.
TITLE XI—REDUCTIONS IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
PERSONNEL
Sec. 1101. Findings.
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Sec. 1102. Requirement for minimum number of full-time equivalent positions.
Sec. 1103. Enhanced authority to contract for necessary services.
Sec. 1104. Study.
TITLE XII—TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS
Sec. 1201. Amendments to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 1202. Amendments to other laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs.
Sec. 1203. Amendments to other laws.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act
an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment
to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall
be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title
38, United States Code.
TITLE I—PERSIAN GULF WAR
VETERANS
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Persian Gulf War Veterans’
Benefits Act’’.
SEC. 102. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) During the Persian Gulf War, members of the Armed
Forces were exposed to numerous potentially toxic substances,
including fumes and smoke from military operations, oil well
fires, diesel exhaust, paints, pesticides, depleted uranium, infec-
tious agents, investigational drugs and vaccines, and indigenous
diseases, and were also given multiple immunizations. It is
not known whether these servicemembers were exposed to
chemical or biological warfare agents. However, threats of
enemy use of chemical and biological warfare heightened the
psychological stress associated with the military operation.
(2) Significant numbers of veterans of the Persian Gulf
War are suffering from illnesses, or are exhibiting symptoms
of illness, that cannot now be diagnosed or clearly defined.
As a result, many of these conditions or illnesses are not
considered to be service connected under current law for pur-
poses of benefits administered by the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
(3) The National Institutes of Health Technology Assess-
ment Workshop on the Persian Gulf Experience and Health,
held in April 1994, concluded that the complex biological, chemi-
cal, physical, and psychological environment of the Southwest
Asia theater of operations produced complex adverse health
effects in Persian Gulf War veterans and that no single disease
entity or syndrome is apparent. Rather, it may be that the
illnesses suffered by those veterans result from multiple ill-
nesses with overlapping symptoms and causes that have yet
to be defined.
(4) That workshop concluded that the information concern-
ing the range and intensity of exposure to toxic substances
by military personnel in the Southwest Asia theater of oper-
ations is very limited and that such information was collected
only after a considerable delay.
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(5) In response to concerns regarding the health-care needs
of Persian Gulf War veterans, particularly those who suffer
from illnesses or conditions for which no diagnosis has been
made, the Congress, in Public Law 102–585, directed the
establishment of a Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry,
authorized health examinations for veterans of the Persian
Gulf War, and provided for the National Academy of Sciences
to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of informa-
tion regarding the health consequences of military service in
the Persian Gulf theater of operations and to develop rec-
ommendations on avenues for research regarding such health
consequences. In Public Law 103–210, the Congress authorized
the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care
services on a priority basis to Persian Gulf War veterans.
The Congress also provided in Public Law 103–160 (the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994) for
the establishment of a specialized environmental medical facil-
ity for the conduct of research into the possible health effects
of exposure to low levels of hazardous chemicals, especially
among Persian Gulf veterans, and for research into the possible
health effects of battlefield exposure in such veterans to
depleted uranium.
(6) In response to concerns about the lack of objective
research on Gulf War illnesses, Congress included research
provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1995, which was passed by the House and Senate in
September 1994. This legislation requires the Secretary of
Defense to provide research grants to non-Federal researchers
to support three types of studies of the Gulf War syndrome.
The first type of study will be an epidemiological study or
studies of the incidence, prevalence, and nature of the illness
and symptoms and the risk factors associated with symptoms
or illnesses. This will include illnesses among spouses and
birth defects and illnesses among offspring born before and
after the Gulf War. The second group of studies shall be con-
ducted to determine the health consequences of the use of
pyridostigmine bromide as a pretreatment antidote enhancer
during the Persian Gulf War, alone or in combination with
exposure to pesticides, environmental toxins, and other hazard-
ous substances. The final group of studies shall include clinical
research and other studies on the causes, possible transmission,
and treatment of Gulf War syndrome, and will include studies
of veterans and their spouses and children.
(7) Further research and studies must be undertaken to
determine the underlying causes of the illnesses suffered by
Persian Gulf War veterans and, pending the outcome of such
research, veterans who are seriously ill as the result of such
illnesses should be given the benefit of the doubt and be pro-
vided compensation benefits to offset the impairment in earn-
ings capacities they may be experiencing.
SEC. 103. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this title are—
(1) to provide compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans
who suffer disabilities resulting from illnesses that cannot now
be diagnosed or defined, and for which other causes cannot
be identified;
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(2) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop
at the earliest possible date case assessment strategies and
definitions or diagnoses of such illnesses;
(3) to promote greater outreach to Persian Gulf War veter-
ans and their families to inform them of ongoing research
activities, as well as the services and benefits to which they
are currently entitled; and
(4) to ensure that research activities and accompanying
surveys of Persian Gulf War veterans are appropriately funded
and undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 104. DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL EVALUATION PROTOCOL.
(a) UNIFORM MEDICAL EVALUATION PROTOCOL.—(1) The Sec-
retary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement a uniform
and comprehensive medical evaluation protocol that will ensure
appropriate medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Per-
sian Gulf War veterans who are suffering from illnesses the origins
of which are (as of the date of the enactment of this Act) unknown
and that may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia
theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. The protocol
shall include an evaluation of complaints relating to illnesses involv-
ing the reproductive system.
(2) If such a protocol is not implemented before the end of
the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall, before the end of such period, submit
to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report as to why such a protocol has not
yet been developed.
(3)(A) The Secretary shall ensure that the evaluation under
the protocol developed under this section is available at all Depart-
ment medical centers that have the capability of providing the
medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment required under the
protocol.
(B) The Secretary may enter into contracts with non-Depart-
ment medical facilities for the provision of the evaluation under
the protocol.
(C) In the case of a veteran whose residence is distant from
a medical center described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
provide the evaluation through a Department medical center
described in that subparagraph and, in such a case, may provide
the veteran the travel and incidental expenses therefor pursuant
to the provisions of section 111 of title 38, United States Code.
(4)(A) If the Secretary is unable to diagnose the symptoms
or illness of a veteran provided an evaluation, or if the symptoms
or illness of a veteran do not respond to treatment provided by
the Secretary, the Secretary may use the authority in section 1703
of title 38, United States Code, in order to provide for the veteran
to receive diagnostic tests or treatment at a non-Department medi-
cal facility that may have the capability of diagnosing or treating
the symptoms or illness of the veteran. The Secretary may provide
the veteran the travel and incidental expenses therefor pursuant
to the provisions of section 111 of title 38, United States Code.
(B) The Secretary shall request from each non-Department
medical facility that examines or treats a veteran under this para-
graph such information relating to the diagnosis or treatment as
the Secretary considers appropriate.
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(5) In each year after the implementation of the protocol, the
Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy
of Sciences under which agreement appropriate experts shall review
the adequacy of the protocol and its implementation by the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs.
(b) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL EVALUA-
TION PROTOCOLS.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
of Defense, shall ensure that the information collected through
the protocol described in this section is collected and maintained
in a manner that permits the effective and efficient cross-reference
of that information with information collected and maintained
through the comprehensive clinical protocols of the Department
of Defense for Persian Gulf War veterans.
(c) CASE DEFINITIONS AND DIAGNOSES.—The Secretary shall
develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with
the service described in subsection (a)(1). The Secretary shall
develop such definitions or diagnoses at the earliest possible date.
SEC. 105. OUTREACH TO PERSIAN GULF VETERANS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall imple-
ment a comprehensive outreach program to inform Persian Gulf
War veterans and their families of the medical care and other
benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and the Department of Defense arising from service in
the Persian Gulf War.
(b) NEWSLETTER.—(1) The outreach program shall include a
newsletter which shall be updated and distributed at least semi-
annually and shall be distributed to the veterans listed on the
Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry. The newsletter shall
include summaries of the status and findings of Government spon-
sored research on illnesses of Persian Gulf War veterans and their
families, as well as on benefits available to such individuals through
the Department of Veterans Affairs. The newsletter shall be pre-
pared in consultation with veterans service organizations.
(2) The requirement under this subsection for the distribution
of the newsletter shall terminate on December 31, 1999.
(c) TOLL-FREE NUMBER.—The outreach program shall include
establishment of a toll-free telephone number to provide Persian
Gulf War veterans and their families information on the Persian
Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, health care and other benefits
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and such other
information as the Secretary considers appropriate. Such toll-free
telephone number shall be established not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 106. COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR DISABILITY RESULTING
FROM ILLNESS ATTRIBUTED TO SERVICE DURING THE
PERSIAN GULF WAR.
(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) Chapter 11 is amended by adding at
the end of subchapter II the following new section:
‘‘§ 1117. Compensation for disabilities occurring in Persian
Gulf War veterans
‘‘(a) The Secretary may pay compensation under this subchapter
to any Persian Gulf veteran suffering from a chronic disability
resulting 
from 
an 
undiagnosed 
illness 
(or 
combination 
of
undiagnosed illnesses) that—
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‘‘(1) became manifest during service on active duty in the
Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations
during the Persian Gulf War; or
‘‘(2) became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more
within the presumptive period prescribed under subsection (b).
‘‘(b) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the period
of time following service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations
during the Persian Gulf War that the Secretary determines is
appropriate for presumption of service connection for purposes of
this section. The Secretary’s determination of such period of time
shall be made following a review of any available credible medical
or scientific evidence and the historical treatment afforded disabil-
ities for which manifestation periods have been established and
shall take into account other pertinent circumstances regarding
the experiences of veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
‘‘(c)(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out
this section.
‘‘(2) Those regulations shall include the following:
‘‘(A) A description of the period and geographical area
or areas of military service in connection with which compensa-
tion under this section may be paid.
‘‘(B) A description of the illnesses for which compensation
under this section may be paid.
‘‘(C) A description of any relevant medical characteristic
(such as a latency period) associated with each such illness.
‘‘(d) A disability for which compensation under this subchapter
is payable shall be considered to be service connected for purposes
of all other laws of the United States.
‘‘(e) For purposes of this section, the term ‘Persian Gulf veteran’
means a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces
in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian
Gulf War.’’.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1116
the following new item:
‘‘1117. Compensation for disabilities occurring in Persian Gulf War veterans.’’.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 1113 is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘section 1112 or 1116’’ in the first
and third place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section
1112, 1116, or 1117’’;
(2) by striking out ‘‘title’’ the second place it appears and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘title, or payments of compensation
pursuant to section 1117 of this title,’’; and
(3) by inserting ‘‘or disabilities’’ after ‘‘diseases’’ both places
it appears in subsection (a).
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report stating whether or not the Secretary
intends to pay compensation as provided in section 1117 of title
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(d) REGULATIONS.—If the Secretary states in the report under
subsection (c) that the Secretary intends to pay compensation as
provided in section 1117 of title 38, United States Code, as added
by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after
the date on which such report is submitted, publish in the Federal
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Register proposed regulations under subsections (b) and (c) of that
section.
SEC. 107. EVALUATION OF HEALTH STATUS OF SPOUSES AND CHIL-
DREN OF PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS.
(a) EVALUATION PROGRAM.—Subject to subsection (c), the Sec-
retary of the Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to evaluate
the health status of spouses and children of Persian Gulf War
veterans. Under the study, the Secretary shall provide for the
conduct of diagnostic testing and appropriate medical examinations
of any individual—
(1) who is the spouse or child of a veteran who—
(A) is listed in the Persian Gulf War Veterans Registry
established under section 702 of Public Law 102–585; and
(B) is suffering from an illness or disorder;
(2) who is apparently suffering from, or may have suffered
from, an illness or disorder (including a birth defect, mis-
carriage, or stillbirth) which cannot be disassociated from the
veteran’s service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations;
and
(3) who, in the case of a spouse, has granted the Secretary
permission to include in the Registry relevant medical data
(including a medical history and the results of diagnostic testing
and medical examinations) and such other information as the
Secretary considers relevant and appropriate with respect to
such individual.
Such testing and examinations shall be carried out so as to gather
such medical data as the Secretary considers relevant and appro-
priate in order to determine the nature and extent of the association,
if any, between illness or disorder of the spouse or child and
the illness of the veteran.
(b) DURATION OF PROGRAM.—The program shall be carried out
during the period beginning on November 1, 1994, and ending
on September 30, 1996.
(c) FUNDING LIMITATION.—The amount spent for the program
under subsection (a) may not exceed $2,000,000.
(d) CONTRACTING.—The Secretary shall provide for the conduct
of testing and examinations under subsection (a) through appro-
priate contract arrangements.
(e) STANDARD PROTOCOLS
AND GUIDELINES.—The Secretary
shall seek to ensure uniform development of medical data through
the development of standard protocols and guidelines for such test-
ing and examinations. If such protocols and guidelines have not
been adopted before the end of the 120-day period beginning on
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, before
the end of such period, submit to the Committees on Veterans’
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report as
to why such protocols and guidelines have not yet been developed.
(f) ENTRY OF RESULTS IN REGISTRY.—The results of diagnostic
tests, medical histories, and medical examinations conducted under
subsection (a) shall be entered into the Persian Gulf War Veterans
Health Registry.
(g) OUTREACH.—The Secretary shall conduct such outreach
activities as the Secretary determines necessary to ensure that
implementation of this section results in sufficient information to
enable the Secretary—
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(1) to analyze the health status of large numbers of spouses
and children of Persian Gulf veterans; and
(2) to formulate research hypotheses regarding possible
association between illnesses or disorders suffered by Persian
Gulf veterans and illnesses or disorders (including birth defects,
miscarriages, and stillbirths) suffered by their spouses and
children.
(h) USE OUTSIDE DEPARTMENT OF STANDARD PROTOCOLS AND
GUIDELINES.—The Secretary shall—
(1) make the standard protocols and guidelines developed
under this section available to any entity which requests a
copy of such protocols and guidelines; and
(2) enter into the registry the results of any examination
of the spouse or child of a veteran who served in the Persian
Gulf theater which a licensed physician certifies was conducted
using those standard protocols and guidelines.
(i) REPORTS
TO CONGRESS.—(1) The Secretary shall submit
to Congress no later than October 31, 1995, a report on the Sec-
retary’s implementation of this section.
(2) The Secretary shall analyze the data entered into the reg-
istry under this section and shall submit to Congress, not later
than March 1, 1997, a report on that analysis and on the Secretary’s
recommendation for any further legislation or studies regarding
the health status of spouses and children of Persian Gulf War
veterans.
(j) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the terms ‘‘child’’
and ‘‘spouse’’ have the meanings given those terms in paragraphs
(4) and (31), respectively, of section 101 of title 38, United States
Code.
SEC. 108. CLARIFICATION OF SCOPE OF HEALTH EXAMINATIONS PRO-
VIDED FOR VETERANS ELIGIBLE FOR INCLUSION IN
HEALTH-RELATED REGISTRIES.
Section 703 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans’ Health Status
Act (title VII of Public Law 102–585; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is
amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘(including diagnostic tests)’’ after ‘‘exam-
ination’’ each place it appears other than in subsection (a)(1)(A);
(2) in subsection (a)(1)(A)—
(A) by inserting ‘‘(including any appropriate diagnostic
tests)’’ after ‘‘a health examination’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘and the tests’’ after ‘‘the examination’’;
and
(3) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ‘‘(including any diag-
nostic tests)’’ after ‘‘examinations’’.
SEC. 109. SURVEY OF PERSIAN GULF VETERANS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry
out a survey of Persian Gulf veterans to gather information on
the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in Persian
Gulf veterans and their families.
(b) COORDINATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—Any sur-
vey under subsection (a) shall be carried out in coordination with
the Secretary of Defense.
(c) PERSIAN GULF VETERAN.—For purposes of this section, a
Persian Gulf veteran is an individual who served on active duty
in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations
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during the Persian Gulf War as defined in section 101(33) of title
38, United States Code.
SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES.
(a) STUDY OF HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF PERSIAN GULF SERV-
ICE.—If the National Academy of Sciences includes in the report
required by section 706(b) of the Veterans Health Care Act of
1992 (Public Law 102–585) a finding that there is a sound basis
for an epidemiological study or studies on the health consequences
of service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the
Persian Gulf War and recommends the conduct of such a study
or studies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to carry
out such study.
(b) OVERSIGHT.—(1) The Secretary shall seek to enter into
an agreement with the Medical Follow-Up Agency (MFUA) of the
Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences for (A)
the review of proposals to conduct the research referred to in
subsection (a), (B) oversight of such research, and (C) review of
the research findings.
(2) If the Secretary is unable to enter into an agreement under
paragraph (1) with the entity specified in that paragraph, the
Secretary shall enter into an agreement described in that paragraph
with another appropriate scientific organization which does not
have a connection to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In such
a case, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, at least 90
days before the date on which the agreement is entered into, notice
in writing identifying the organization with which the Secretary
intends to enter into the agreement.
(c) ACCESS TO DATA.—The Secretary shall enter into agreements
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and
Human Services to make available for the purposes of any study
described in subsection (a) all data that the Secretary, in consulta-
tion with the National Academy of Sciences and the contractor
for the study, considers relevant to the study.
(d) AUTHORIZATION.—There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Department such sums as are necessary for the conduct
of studies described in subsection (a).
SEC. 111. COST-SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) ELECTION OF DEATH PENSION BY SURVIVING SPOUSE.—Sec-
tion 1317 is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘No person’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no person’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(b) A surviving spouse who is eligible for dependency and
indemnity compensation may elect to receive death pension instead
of such compensation.’’.
(b) POLICY REGARDING COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN COM-
PENSATION RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995.—The fiscal year 1995
cost-of-living adjustments in the rates of and limitations for com-
pensation payable under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code,
and of dependency and indemnity compensation payable under
chapter 13 of such title will be no more than a percentage equal
to the percentage by which benefit amounts payable under title
II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased
effective December 1, 1994, as a result of a determination under
section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), with all increased
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monthly rates and limitations (other than increased rates or limita-
tions equal to a whole dollar amount) rounded down to the next
lower dollar.
TITLE II—BOARD OF VETERANS’
APPEALS ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 201. APPOINTMENT, PAY COMPARABILITY, AND PERFORMANCE
REVIEWS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF VETERANS’
APPEALS.
(a) MEMBERS OTHER THAN CHAIRMAN.—(1) Chapter 71 is
amended by inserting after section 7101 the following new section:
‘‘§ 7101A. Members of Board: appointment; pay; performance
review
‘‘(a) The members of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals other
than the Chairman (and including the Vice Chairman) shall be
appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the President,
based upon recommendations of the Chairman.
‘‘(b) Members of the Board (other than the Chairman and
any member of the Board who is a member of the Senior Executive
Service) shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the
Secretary, be paid basic pay at rates equivalent to the rates payable
under section 5372 of title 5.
‘‘(c)(1)(A) The Chairman shall establish a panel to review the
performance of members of the Board. The panel shall be comprised
of the Chairman and two other members of the Board (other than
the Vice Chairman). The Chairman shall periodically rotate mem-
bership on the panel so as to ensure that each member of the
Board (other than the Vice Chairman) serves as a member of
the panel for and within a reasonable period.
‘‘(B) Not less than one year after the job performance standards
under subsection (f) are initially established, and not less often
than once every three years thereafter, the performance review
panel shall determine, with respect to each member of the Board
(other than the Chairman or a member who is a member of the
Senior Executive Service), whether that member’s job performance
as a member of the Board meets the performance standards for
a member of the Board established under subsection (f). Each
such determination shall be in writing.
‘‘(2) If the determination of the performance review panel in
any case is that the member’s job performance as a member of
the Board meets the performance standards for a member of the
Board established under subsection (f), the Chairman shall recertify
the member’s appointment as a member of the Board.
‘‘(3) If the determination of the performance review panel in
any case is that the member’s job performance does not meet
the performance standards for a member of the Board established
under subsection (f), the Chairman shall, based upon the individual
circumstances, either—
‘‘(A) grant the member a conditional recertification; or
‘‘(B) recommend to the Secretary that the member be
noncertified.
‘‘(4) In the case of a member of the Board who is granted
a conditional recertification under paragraph (3)(A) or (5)(A), the
performance review panel shall review the member’s job perform-
H. R. 5244—12
ance record and make a further determination under paragraph
(1) concerning that member not later than one year after the date
of the conditional recertification. If the determination of the
performance review panel at that time is that the member’s job
performance as a member of the Board still does not meet the
performance standards for a member of the Board established under
subsection (f), the Chairman shall recommend to the Secretary
that the member be noncertified.
‘‘(5) In a case in which the Chairman recommends to the
Secretary under paragraph (3) or (4) that a member be noncertified,
the Secretary, after considering the recommendation of the Chair-
man, may either—
‘‘(A) grant the member a conditional recertification; or
‘‘(B) determine that the member should be noncertified.
‘‘(d)(1) If the Secretary, based upon the recommendation of
the Chairman, determines that a member of the Board should
be noncertified, that member’s appointment as a member of the
Board shall be terminated and that member shall be removed
from the Board.
‘‘(2) Upon removal from the Board under paragraph (1), a
member of the Board (other than the Chairman) who was a career
or career-conditional employee in the civil service before commence-
ment of service as a member of the Board shall revert to the
civil service grade and series held by the member immediately
before the appointment of the member to the Board.
‘‘(e)(1) A member of the Board (other than the Chairman or
a member of the Senior Executive Service) may be removed as
a member of the Board by reason of job performance only as
provided in subsections (c) and (d). Such a member may be removed
by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Chairman, for
any other reason as determined by the Secretary.
‘‘(2) In the case of a removal of a member under this section
for a reason other than job performance that would be covered
by section 7521 of title 5 in the case of an administrative law
judge, the removal of the member of the Board shall be carried
out subject to the same requirements as apply to removal of an
administrative law judge under that section. Section 554(a)(2) of
title 5 shall not apply to a removal action under this subsection.
In such a removal action, a member shall have the rights set
out in section 7513(b) of that title.
‘‘(f) The Chairman, subject to the approval of the Secretary,
shall establish standards for the performance of the job of a member
of the Board (other than the Chairman or a member of the Senior
Executive Service). Those standards shall establish objective and
fair criteria for evaluation of the job performance of a member
of the Board.
‘‘(g) The Secretary shall prescribe procedures for the administra-
tion of this section, including deadlines and time schedules for
different actions under this section.’’.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7101
the following new item:
‘‘7101A. Members of Board: appointment; pay; performance review.’’.
(b) SAVE PAY PROVISION.—The rate of basic pay payable to
an individual who is a member of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
on the date of the enactment of this Act may not be reduced
H. R. 5244—13
by reason of the amendments made by this section to a rate below
the rate payable to such individual on the day before such date.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 7101A(b) of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the
first day of the first pay period beginning after December 31,
1994.
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 7101(b) is amended—
(1) by striking out paragraph (2);
(2) by designating as paragraph (2) the text in paragraph
(1) beginning ‘‘The Chairman may be removed’’; and
(3) by striking out ‘‘Members (including the Chairman)’’
in paragraph (3) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘The Chairman’’.
SEC. 202. DEADLINE 
FOR 
ESTABLISHMENT 
OF 
PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR BOARD MEMBERS.
(a) DEADLINE.—The job performance standards required to be
established by section 7101A(f) of title 38, United States Code,
as added by section 201(a), shall be established not later than
90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) SUBMISSION
TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—Not later
than the date on which the standards referred to in subsection
(a) take effect, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report describing the standards established
by the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
SEC. 203. CONTINUATION 
IN 
OFFICE 
OF 
CHAIRMAN 
PENDING
APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
Section 7101(b)(3) is amended by adding at the end the follow-
ing new sentence: ‘‘If, upon the expiration of the term of office
for which the Chairman was appointed, the position of Chairman
would become vacant, the individual serving as Chairman may,
with the approval of the Secretary, continue to serve as Chairman
until either appointed to another term or a successor is appointed,
but not beyond the end of the Congress during which the term
of office expired.’’.
TITLE III—ADJUDICATION
IMPROVEMENTS
SEC. 301. ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTATION FOR CLAIMS
PURPOSES.
(a) STATEMENTS OF CLAIMANT TO BE ACCEPTED AS PROOF OF
RELATIONSHIPS.—Chapter 51 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
‘‘§ 5124. Acceptance of claimant’s statement as proof of rela-
tionship
‘‘(a) For purposes of benefits under laws administered by the
Secretary, the Secretary may accept the written statement of a
claimant as proof of the existence of any relationship specified
in subsection (b) for the purpose of acting on such individual’s
claim for benefits.
‘‘(b) Subsection (a) applies to proof of the existence of any
of the following relationships between a claimant and another
person:
H. R. 5244—14
‘‘(1) Marriage.
‘‘(2) Dissolution of a marriage.
‘‘(3) Birth of a child.
‘‘(4) Death of any family member.
‘‘(c) The Secretary may require the submission of documentation
in support of the claimant’s statement if—
‘‘(1) the claimant does not reside within a State;
‘‘(2) the statement on its face raises a question as to its
validity;
‘‘(3) there is conflicting information of record; or
‘‘(4) there is reasonable indication, in the statement or
otherwise, of fraud or misrepresentation.’’.
(b) REPORTS OF EXAMINATIONS BY PRIVATE PHYSICIANS.—Such
chapter, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 5125. Acceptance of reports of private physician examina-
tions
‘‘For purposes of establishing any claim for benefits under chap-
ter 11 or 15 of this title, a report of a medical examination adminis-
tered by a private physician that is provided by a claimant in
support of a claim for benefits under that chapter may be accepted
without a requirement for confirmation by an examination by a
physician employed by the Veterans Health Administration if the
report is sufficiently complete to be adequate for the purpose of
adjudicating such claim.’’.
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following
new items:
‘‘5124. Acceptance of claimant’s statement as proof of relationship.
‘‘5125. Acceptance of reports of private physician examinations.’’.
SEC. 302. EXPEDITED TREATMENT OF REMANDED CLAIMS.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as
may be necessary to provide for the expeditious treatment, by
the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and by the regional offices of the
Veterans Benefits Administration, of any claim that has been
remanded by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or by the United
States Court of Veterans Appeals for additional development or
other appropriate action.
SEC. 303. SCREENING OF APPEALS.
Section 7107 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking out ‘‘Each case’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Except as provided in subsection (f),
each case’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(f) Nothing in this section shall preclude the screening of
cases for purposes of—
‘‘(1) determining the adequacy of the record for decisional
purposes; or
‘‘(2) the development, or attempted development, of a record
found to be inadequate for decisional purposes.’’.
SEC. 304. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF REORGANIZATION OF ADJU-
DICATION DIVISIONS IN VBA REGIONAL OFFICES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
H. R. 5244—15
Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report addressing the feasibility and impact of a
reorganization of the adjudication divisions located within the
regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration to a number
of such divisions that would result in improved efficiency in the
processing of claims filed by veterans, their survivors, or other
eligible persons for benefits administered by the Secretary.
TITLE IV—VETERANS’ CLAIMS
ADJUDICATION COMMISSION
SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.—There is hereby estab-
lished a commission to be known as the Veterans’ Claims Adjudica-
tion Commission (hereinafter in this title referred to as the
‘‘commission’’).
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—(1) The commission shall be composed of
nine members, appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as
follows:
(A) One member shall be appointed from among former
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or the Veterans’
Administration).
(B) Two members shall be appointed from among individ-
uals in the private sector who have expertise in the adjudication
of claims relating to insurance or similar benefits.
(C) Two members shall be appointed from among individ-
uals employed in the Federal Government (other than the
Department of Veterans Affairs) who have expertise in the
adjudication of claims for benefits under Federal law other
than under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
(D) Two members shall be appointed from among individ-
uals recommended to the Secretary by representatives of veter-
ans service organizations.
(E) One member shall be appointed based on a rec-
ommendation of the American Bar Association or a similar
private organization from among individuals who have exper-
tise in the field of administrative law.
(F) One member shall be appointed from among current
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) The appointment of members of the commission under this
subsection shall be made not later than February 1, 1995.
(c) PERIOD
OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.—Members of the
commission shall be appointed for the life of the commission. A
vacancy in the commission shall not affect its powers, but shall
be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(d) INITIAL MEETING.—The commission shall hold its first meet-
ing not later than 30 days after the date on which all members
of the commission have been appointed.
(e) MEETINGS.—The commission shall meet at the call of the
chairman.
(f) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the commission
shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(g) CHAIRMAN.—The Secretary shall designate a member of
the commission (other than the commission member who is a cur-
H. R. 5244—16
rent official of the Department of Veterans Affairs) to be chairman
of the commission.
SEC. 402. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The commission shall carry out a study of
the Department of Veterans Affairs system for the disposition of
claims for veterans benefits.
(b) PURPOSE OF STUDY.—The purpose of the study is to evaluate
the Department of Veterans Affairs system for the disposition of
claims for veterans benefits in order to determine the following:
(1) The efficiency of current processes and procedures under
the system for the adjudication, resolution, review, and final
disposition of claims for veterans benefits, including the effect
of judicial review on the system, and means of increasing the
efficiency of the system.
(2) Means of reducing the number of claims under the
system for which final disposition is pending.
(3) Means of enhancing the ability of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to achieve final determination regarding
claims under the system in a prompt and appropriate manner.
(c) CONTENTS OF STUDY.—The study to be carried out by the
commission under this section is a comprehensive evaluation and
assessment of the Department of Veterans Affairs system for the
disposition of claims for veterans benefits (as defined in section
406) and of the system for the delivery of such benefits, together
with any related issues that the commission determines are relevant
to the study. The study shall include an evaluation and assessment
of the following:
(1) The preparation and submission of claims by veterans
under the system.
(2) The processes and procedures under the system for
the disposition of claims, including—
(A) the scope and nature of the review undertaken
with respect to a claim at each stage in the claims disposi-
tion process, including the role of hearings throughout the
process;
(B) the number, Federal employment grade, and experi-
ence and qualifications required of the persons undertaking
such review at each such stage;
(C) opportunities for the submittal of new evidence;
and
(D) the availability of alternative means of completing
claims.
(3) The effect on the system of the participation of attor-
neys, members of veterans service organizations, and other
advocates on behalf of veterans.
(4) The effect on the system of actions taken by the Sec-
retary to modernize the information management system of
the Department, including the use of electronic data manage-
ment systems.
(5) The effect on the system of any work performance
standards used by the Secretary at regional offices of the
Department and at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
(6) The extent of the implementation in the system of
the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Claims
Processing submitted to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs
H. R. 5244—17
of the Senate and House of Representatives on December 2,
1993, and the effect of such implementation on the system.
(7) The effectiveness in improving the system of any pilot
programs carried out by the Secretary at regional offices of
the Department and of efforts by the Secretary to implement
such programs throughout the system.
(8) The effectiveness of the quality control practices and
quality assurance practices under the system in achieving the
goals of such practices.
(d) COOPERATION
OF SECRETARY.—Upon the request of the
chairman of the commission, the Secretary shall, within 30 days
of such request, submit to the commission, and to the Committees
on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives,
such information as the chairman shall determine is necessary
for the commission to carry out the study required under this
section.
(e) REPORTS.—(1) Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the commission shall submit to the
Secretary and to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate
and House of Representatives a preliminary report on the study
required under subsection (c). The report shall contain the prelimi-
nary findings and conclusions of the commission with respect to
the evaluation and assessment required under the study.
(2) Not later than 18 months after such date, the commission
shall submit to the Secretary and to such committees a report
on such study. The report shall include the following:
(A) The findings and conclusions of the commission, includ-
ing its findings and conclusions with respect to the matters
referred to in subsection (c).
(B) The recommendations of the commission for means
of improving the Department of Veterans Affairs system for
the disposition of claims for veterans benefits.
(C) Such other information and recommendations with
respect to the system as the commission considers appropriate.
SEC. 403. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) HEARINGS.—The commission may hold such hearings, sit
and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive
such evidence as the commission considers advisable to carry out
the purposes of this title.
(b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—In addition to the
information referred to in section 402(d), the commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information
as the commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions
of this title. Upon request of the chairman of the commission,
the head of such department or agency shall furnish such informa-
tion to the commission.
(c) POSTAL SERVICES.—The commission may use the United
States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions
as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(d) GIFTS.—The commission may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts or donations of services or property.
SEC. 404. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—Each member of the commis-
sion who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government
shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of
the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive
H. R. 5244—18
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for
each day (including travel time) during which such member is
engaged in the performance of the duties of the commission. All
members of the commission who are officers or employees of the
United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that
received for their services as officers or employees of the United
States.
(b) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The members of the commission shall
be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence,
at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter
I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from
their homes or regular places of business in the performance of
services for the commission.
(c) STAFF.—(1) The chairman of the commission may, without
regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint an executive
director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable
the commission to perform its duties. The appointment of an execu-
tive director shall be subject to approval by the commission.
(2) The chairman of the commission may fix the compensation
of the executive director and other personnel without regard to
the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53
of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions
and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for
the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the
rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section
5316 of such title.
(d) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.—Upon request of the
chairman of the commission, the head of any Federal department
or agency may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any personnel
of the department or agency to the commission to assist it in
carrying out its duties.
(e) PROCUREMENT
OF TEMPORARY
AND INTERMITTENT SERV-
ICES.—The chairman of the commission may procure temporary
and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United
States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level
V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
SEC. 405. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.
The commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on
which the commission submits its report under section 402(e)(2).
SEC. 406. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this title:
(1) The term ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs system for
the disposition of claims for veterans benefits’’ means the proc-
esses and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs
for the adjudication, resolution, review, and final disposition
of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Sec-
retary.
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
(3) The term ‘‘veterans service organizations’’ means any
organization approved by the Secretary under section 5902(a)
of title 38, United States Code.
H. R. 5244—19
SEC. 407. FUNDING.
(a) FISCAL YEAR 1995.—From amounts appropriated to the
Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 1995 for the payment
of compensation and pension, the amount of $400,000 is hereby
made available for the activities of the commission under this
title.
(b) AVAILABILITY.—Any sums appropriated to the commission
shall remain available until expended.
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 501. RESTATEMENT OF INTENT OF CONGRESS CONCERNING
COVERAGE OF RADIATION-EXPOSED VETERANS COM-
PENSATION ACT OF 1988.
(a) RESTATEMENT OF ABSENCE OF STATUTORY LIMITATION TO
UNITED
STATES
TESTS.—Clause (i) of section 1112(c)(3)(B) is
amended by inserting ‘‘(without regard to whether the nation
conducting the test was the United States or another nation)’’
after ‘‘nuclear device’’.
(b) PROOF OF SERVICE CONNECTION OF DISABILITIES RELATING
TO EXPOSURE
TO IONIZING RADIATION.—(1) Section 1113(b) is
amended—
(A) by striking out ‘‘title or’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘title,’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘, or section 5 of Public Law 98–542 (38
U.S.C. 1154 note)’’ after ‘‘of this section’’.
(2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply with
respect to applications for veterans benefits that are submitted
to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 502. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL OFFICE
IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Section 315(b) is amended by striking out ‘‘December 31, 1994’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘December 31, 1999’’.
SEC. 503. RENOUNCEMENT OF BENEFIT RIGHTS.
Section 5306 is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
‘‘(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), if a new application for
pension under chapter 15 of this title or for dependency and indem-
nity compensation for parents under section 1315 of this title is
filed within one year after renouncement of that benefit, such
application shall not be treated as an original application and
benefits will be payable as if the renouncement had not occurred.’’.
SEC. 504. CLARIFICATION OF PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES UNDER
CONTINGENT FEE AGREEMENTS.
(a) CLARIFICATION.—Subparagraph (A) of section 5904(d)(2) is
amended to read as follows:
‘‘(A) A fee agreement referred to in paragraph (1) is one under
which the total amount of the fee payable to the attorney—
‘‘(i) is to be paid to the attorney by the Secretary directly
from any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of the claim;
and
‘‘(ii) is contingent on whether or not the matter is resolved
in a manner favorable to the claimant.’’.
H. R. 5244—20
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to fee agreements entered into on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 505. CODIFICATION OF HERBICIDE-EXPOSURE PRESUMPTIONS
ESTABLISHED ADMINISTRATIVELY.
Section 1116(a)(2) is amended by adding at the end the follow-
ing new subparagraphs:
‘‘(D) Hodgkin’s disease becoming manifest to a degree of
disability of 10 percent or more.
‘‘(E) Porphyria cutanea tarda becoming manifest to a degree
of disability of 10 percent or more within a year after the
last date on which the veteran performed active military, naval,
or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam
era.
‘‘(F) Respiratory cancers (cancer of the lung, bronchus,
larynx, or trachea) becoming manifest to a degree of 10 percent
or more within 30 years after the last date on which the
veteran performed active military, naval, or air service in the
Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.
‘‘(G) Multiple myeloma becoming manifest to a degree of
disability of 10 percent or more.’’.
SEC. 506. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INCOME OF ALASKA NATIVES FOR
PURPOSES OF NEEDS-BASED BENEFITS.
Any receipt by an individual from a Native Corporation under
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)
of cash, stock, land, or other interests referred to in subparagraphs
(A) through (E) of section 29(c) of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1626(c))
(whether such receipt is attributable to the disposition of real
property, profits from the operation of real property, or otherwise)
shall not be countable as income for purposes of any law adminis-
tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 507. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR PAYMENT OF CERTAIN
BENEFITS IN PHILIPPINE PESOS.
(a) GENERAL RULE.—The second sentence of each of subsections
(a) and (b) of section 107 is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘rate in pesos as is equivalent to’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘rate of’’; and
(2) by striking out ‘‘rate in Philippine pesos as is equivalent
to’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘rate of’’.
(b) SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.—
Sections 3532(d) and 3565(b)(1) are amended by striking out ‘‘a
rate in Philippine pesos equivalent to’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘the rate of’’.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section
shall apply with respect to payments made after December 31,
1994.
SEC. 508. STUDY OF HEALTH CONSEQUENCES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
OF ATOMIC VETERANS OF EXPOSURE OF ATOMIC VETER-
ANS TO IONIZING RADIATION.
(a) INTERAGENCY
AGREEMENT.—The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall enter into an agreement with the Medical Follow-
Up Agency of the Institute of the Medicine of the National Academy
of Sciences under which that agency shall convene a panel of
H. R. 5244—21
appropriate individuals to carry out the evaluation described in
subsection (b).
(b) EVALUATION OF FEASIBILITY OF STUDY.—(1) The panel con-
vened under subsection (a) shall evaluate the feasibility of carrying
out a study as described in subsection (c).
(2) The panel shall submit the results of the evaluation under
paragraph (1) to the Secretary not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary shall promptly
notify the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the
House of Representatives of such results.
(c) DESCRIPTION
OF STUDY TO BE EVALUATED.—The study
referred to in subsection (b) (the feasibility of which is to be evalu-
ated under that subsection by the panel convened under subsection
(a)) is one which would determine the nature and extent, if any,
of the relationship between the exposure of veterans described
in subsection (d) to ionizing radiation and the following:
(1) Genetic defects and illnesses in the children and grand-
children of such veterans.
(2) Untoward pregnancy outcomes experienced by the wives
of such veterans, including premature births, stillbirths, mis-
carriages, neonatal illnesses and deaths.
(3) Periparturient diseases of the mother which are the
direct result of such untoward pregnancy outcomes.
(d) COVERED VETERANS.—Subsection (c) applies to—
(1) any veteran who was exposed (as determined by the
Secretary) to ionizing radiation as a result of—
(A) participation while on active duty in the Armed
Forces in an atmospheric nuclear test that included the
detonation of a nuclear device;
(B) service in the Armed Forces with the United States
occupation force of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, before
July 1, 1946; or
(C) internment or detention as a prisoner of war of
Japan before that date in circumstances providing the
opportunity for exposure to ionizing radiation comparable
to the exposure of individuals who served with such occupa-
tion force before that date; and
(2) any other veteran who the Secretary designates for
coverage under the study.
SEC. 509. CENTER FOR MINORITY VETERANS AND CENTER FOR
WOMEN VETERANS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 is amended by striking out section
317 and inserting in lieu thereof the following new sections:
‘‘§ 317. Center for Minority Veterans
‘‘(a) There is in the Department a Center for Minority Veterans.
There is at the head of the Center a Director.
‘‘(b) The Director shall be a noncareer appointee in the Senior
Executive Service. The Director shall be appointed for a term of
six years.
‘‘(c) The Director reports directly to the Secretary or the Deputy
Secretary concerning the activities of the Center.
‘‘(d) The Director shall perform the following functions with
respect to veterans who are minorities:
H. R. 5244—22
‘‘(1) Serve as principal adviser to the Secretary on the
adoption and implementation of policies and programs affecting
veterans who are minorities.
‘‘(2) Make recommendations to the Secretary, the Under
Secretary for Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and
other Department officials for the establishment or improve-
ment of programs in the Department for which veterans who
are minorities are eligible.
‘‘(3) Promote the use of benefits authorized by this title
by veterans who are minorities and the conduct of outreach
activities to veterans who are minorities, in conjunction with
outreach activities carried out under chapter 77 of this title.
‘‘(4) Disseminate information and serve as a resource center
for the exchange of information regarding innovative and
successful programs which improve the services available to
veterans who are minorities.
‘‘(5) Conduct and sponsor appropriate social and demo-
graphic research on the needs of veterans who are minorities
and the extent to which programs authorized under this title
meet the needs of those veterans, without regard to any law
concerning the collection of information from the public.
‘‘(6) Analyze and evaluate complaints made by or on behalf
of veterans who are minorities about the adequacy and timeli-
ness of services provided by the Department and advise the
appropriate official of the Department of the results of such
analysis or evaluation.
‘‘(7) Consult with, and provide assistance and information
to, officials responsible for administering Federal, State, local,
and private programs that assist veterans, to encourage those
officials to adopt policies which promote the use of those pro-
grams by veterans who are minorities.
‘‘(8) Advise the Secretary when laws or policies have the
effect of discouraging the use of benefits by veterans who are
minorities.
‘‘(9) Publicize the results of medical research which are
of particular significance to veterans who are minorities.
‘‘(10) Perform such other duties consistent with this section
as the Secretary shall prescribe.
‘‘(e) The Secretary shall ensure that the Director is furnished
sufficient resources to enable the Director to carry out the functions
of the Center in a timely manner.
‘‘(f) The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to
Congress by the Secretary in support of the President’s budget
for each fiscal year—
‘‘(1) detailed information on the budget for the Center;
‘‘(2) the Secretary’s opinion as to whether the resources
(including the number of employees) proposed in the budget
for that fiscal year are adequate to enable the Center to comply
with its statutory and regulatory duties; and
‘‘(3) a report on the activities and significant accomplish-
ments of the Center during the preceding fiscal year.
‘‘§ 318. Center for Women Veterans
‘‘(a) There is in the Department a Center for Women Veterans.
There is at the head of the Center a Director.
H. R. 5244—23
‘‘(b) The Director shall be a noncareer appointee in the Senior
Executive Service. The Director shall be appointed for a term of
six years.
‘‘(c) The Director reports directly to the Secretary or the Deputy
Secretary concerning the activities of the Center.
‘‘(d) The Director shall perform the following functions with
respect to veterans who are women:
‘‘(1) Serve as principal adviser to the Secretary on the
adoption and implementation of policies and programs affecting
veterans who are women.
‘‘(2) Make recommendations to the Secretary, the Under
Secretary for Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and
other Department officials for the establishment or improve-
ment of programs in the Department for which veterans who
are women are eligible.
‘‘(3) Promote the use of benefits authorized by this title
by veterans who are women and the conduct of outreach activi-
ties to veterans who are women, in conjunction with outreach
activities carried out under chapter 77 of this title.
‘‘(4) Disseminate information and serve as a resource center
for the exchange of information regarding innovative and
successful programs which improve the services available to
veterans who are women.
‘‘(5) Conduct and sponsor appropriate social and demo-
graphic research on the needs of veterans who are women
and the extent to which programs authorized under this title
meet the needs of those veterans, without regard to any law
concerning the collection of information from the public.
‘‘(6) Analyze and evaluate complaints made by or on behalf
of veterans who are women about the adequacy and timeliness
of services provided by the Department and advise the appro-
priate official of the Department of the results of such analysis
or evaluation.
‘‘(7) Consult with, and provide assistance and information
to, officials responsible for administering Federal, State, local,
and private programs that assist veterans, to encourage those
officials to adopt policies which promote the use of those pro-
grams by veterans who are women.
‘‘(8) Advise the Secretary when laws or policies have the
effect of discouraging the use of benefits by veterans who are
women.
‘‘(9) Publicize the results of medical research which are
of particular significance to veterans who are women.
‘‘(10) Advise the Secretary and other appropriate officials
on the effectiveness of the Department’s efforts to accomplish
the goals of section 492B of the Public Health Service Act
(relating to the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical
research) and of particular health conditions affecting women’s
health which should be studied as part of the Department’s
medical research program and promote cooperation between
the Department and other sponsors of medical research of
potential benefit to veterans who are women.
‘‘(11) Provide support and administrative services to the
Advisory Committee on Women Veterans established under
section 542 of this title.
‘‘(12) Perform such other duties consistent with this section
as the Secretary shall prescribe.
H. R. 5244—24
‘‘(e) The Secretary shall ensure that the Director is furnished
sufficient resources to enable the Director to carry out the functions
of the Center in a timely manner.
‘‘(f) The Secretary shall include in documents submitted to
Congress by the Secretary in support of the President’s budget
for each fiscal year—
‘‘(1) detailed information on the budget for the Center;
‘‘(2) the Secretary’s opinion as to whether the resources
(including the number of employees) proposed in the budget
for that fiscal year are adequate to enable the Center to comply
with its statutory and regulatory duties; and
‘‘(3) a report on the activities and significant accomplish-
ments of the Center during the preceding fiscal year.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by striking out the item relating
to section 317 and inserting in lieu thereof the following new
items:
‘‘317. Center for Minority Veterans.
‘‘318. Center for Women Veterans.’’.
SEC. 510. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY VETERANS.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Subchapter III of chapter 5 is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 544. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans
‘‘(a)(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee
to be known as the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans
(hereinafter in this section referred to as ‘the Committee’).
‘‘(2)(A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by
the Secretary from the general public, including—
‘‘(i) representatives of veterans who are minority group
members;
‘‘(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields
pertinent to the needs of veterans who are minority group
members;
‘‘(iii) veterans who are minority group members and who
have experience in a military theater of operations; and
‘‘(iv) veterans who are minority group members and who
do not have such experience.
‘‘(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the
following:
‘‘(i) The Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the
Secretary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consulta-
tion with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employ-
ment).
‘‘(ii) The Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the
Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense).
‘‘(iii) The Secretary of the Interior (or a representative
of the Secretary of the Interior designated by the Secretary
of the Interior).
‘‘(iv) The Secretary of Commerce (or a representative of
the Secretary of Commerce designated by the Secretary of
Commerce).
‘‘(v) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a
representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services).
‘‘(vi) The Under Secretary for Health and the Under Sec-
retary for Benefits, or their designees.
H. R. 5244—25
‘‘(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other depart-
ments and agencies of the United States to participate in the
meetings and other activities of the Committee.
‘‘(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service,
and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed
by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member
may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any
such member for additional terms of service.
‘‘(4) The Committee shall meet as often as the Secretary consid-
ers necessary or appropriate, but not less often than twice each
fiscal year.
‘‘(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and
seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration
of benefits by the Department for veterans who are minority group
members, reports and studies pertaining to such veterans and the
needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care,
rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs adminis-
tered by the Department.
‘‘(c)(1) Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee
shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities
of the Department that pertain to veterans who are minority group
members. Each such report shall include—
‘‘(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans who are minor-
ity group members with respect to compensation, health care,
rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs
administered by the Department;
‘‘(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Depart-
ment designed to meet such needs; and
‘‘(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for
administrative and legislative action) as the Committee consid-
ers appropriate.
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each
report under paragraph (1), submit to Congress a copy of the
report, together with any comments concerning the report that
the Secretary considers appropriate.
‘‘(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such
other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers
appropriate.
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submit-
ted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary
of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted
to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary
submitted pursuant to such section.
‘‘(d) In this section, the term ‘minority group member’ means
an individual who is—
‘‘(1) Asian American;
‘‘(2) Black;
‘‘(3) Hispanic;
‘‘(4) Native American (including American Indian, Alaskan
Native, and Native Hawaiian); or
‘‘(5) Pacific-Islander American.
‘‘(e) The Committee shall cease to exist December 31, 1997.’’.
H. R. 5244—26
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating
to section 543 the following new item:
‘‘544. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.’’.
SEC. 511. MAILING OF NOTICES OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF VETER-
ANS APPEALS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7266(a) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(a)(1) In order to obtain review by the Court of Veterans
Appeals of a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals,
a person adversely affected by such decision shall file a notice
of appeal with the Court within 120 days after the date on which
notice of the decision is mailed pursuant to section 7104(e) of
this title.
‘‘(2) An appellant shall file a notice of appeal under this section
by delivering or mailing the notice to the Court.
‘‘(3) A notice of appeal shall be deemed to be received by
the Court as follows:
‘‘(A) On the date of receipt by the Court, if the notice
is delivered.
‘‘(B) On the date of the United States Postal Service post-
mark stamped on the cover in which the notice is posted,
if the notice is properly addressed to the Court and is mailed.
‘‘(4) For a notice of appeal mailed to the Court to be deemed
to be received under paragraph (3)(B) on a particular date, the
United States Postal Service postmark on the cover in which the
notice is posted must be legible. The Court shall determine the
legibility of any such postmark and the Court’s determination as
to legibility shall be final and not subject to review by any other
Court.’’.
(b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall
apply to notices of appeal that are delivered or mailed to the
United States Court of Veterans Appeals on or after that date.
TITLE VI—EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PROGRAMS
SEC. 601. FLIGHT TRAINING.
(a) ACTIVE DUTY PROGRAM.—Section 3034(d) is amended—
(1) by striking out paragraph (2);
(2) by striking out ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(d)’’; and
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
(b) POST-VIETNAM ERA.—Section 3241(b) is amended—
(1) by striking out paragraph (2);
(2) by striking out ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(b)’’; and
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
(c) RESERVE PROGRAM.—Section 2136(c) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking out paragraph (2);
(2) by striking out ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(c)’’; and
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
H. R. 5244—27
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section
shall take effect as of October 1, 1994.
SEC. 602. TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH
SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
(a) REHABILITATION RESOURCES.—Section 3115 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) by striking out ‘‘or’’ after ‘‘(including the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs),’’; and
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or of any federally recognized
Indian tribe,’’ after ‘‘financial assistance,’’; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘any federally recog-
nized Indian tribe,’’ after ‘‘contributions,’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(c) For purposes of this section, the term ‘federally recognized
Indian tribe’ means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or
other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native
village or regional corporation as defined in or established pursuant
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which is recognized
as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the
United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.’’.
(b) ALLOWANCES.—Section 3108(c)(2) is amended by inserting
‘‘or federally recognized Indian tribe’’ after ‘‘local government
agency’’.
(c) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—(1) Section 404(b) of the Veterans’
Benefits Act of 1992 (106 Stat. 4338) is amended by striking out
the period at the end and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘, but shall
not apply to veterans and other persons who originally applied
for assistance under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code,
before November 1, 1990.’’.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
as of October 29, 1992.
SEC. 603. ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3452(c) is amended by adding at
the end the following: ‘‘For the period ending on September 30,
1996, such term includes any entity that provides training required
for completion of any State-approved alternative teacher certifi-
cation program (as determined by the Secretary).’’.
(b) CLARIFYING AMENDMENT.—Section 3002 is amended by add-
ing at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(8) The term ‘educational institution’ has the meaning given
such term in section 3452(c) of this title.’’.
SEC. 604. EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The first sentence of section 3476 is amended
to read as follows: ‘‘An eligible veteran may not enroll in any
course offered by an educational institution not located in a State
unless that educational institution is an approved institution of
higher learning and the course is approved by the Secretary.’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to courses approved on or after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 605. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES.
(a) APPROVAL OF PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION.—(1) Section 3672
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
H. R. 5244—28
‘‘(e) A program of education exclusively by correspondence, and
the correspondence portion of a combination correspondence-resi-
dence course leading to a vocational objective, that is offered by
an educational institution (as defined in section 3452(c) of this
title) may be approved only if (1) the educational institution is
accredited by an entity recognized by the Secretary of Education,
and (2) at least 50 percent of those pursuing such a program
or course require six months or more to complete the program
or course.’’.
(2)(A) Section 3675(a)(2)(B) is amended by striking out ‘‘A State’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Except as provided in section 3672(e)
of this title, a State’’.
(B) Section 3680(a) is amended—
(i) by inserting ‘‘or’’ at the end of paragraph (2);
(ii) by striking out ‘‘; or’’ at the end of paragraph (3)
and inserting in lieu thereof a period; and
(iii) by striking out paragraph (4).
(C) Section 3686(c) is amended by striking out ‘‘(other than
one subject to the provisions of section 3676 of this title)’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection
(a) shall apply with respect to programs of education exclusively
by 
correspondence 
and 
to 
correspondence-residence 
courses
commencing more than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 606. STATE APPROVING AGENCIES.
(a) REIMBURSEMENT.—(1) Section 3674(a)(4) is amended by
striking out ‘‘$12,000,000’’ each place it appears and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘$13,000,000’’.
(2) The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with
respect to services provided under such section after September
30, 1994.
(b) ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR QUARTERLY REPORT TO
CONGRESS.—Section 3674(a)(3) is amended—
(1) by striking out subparagraph (B); and
(2) by striking out ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(3)’’.
(c) EVALUATION OF AGENCY PERFORMANCE.—Section 3674A is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking out paragraph (3); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as para-
graphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(2) in subsection (b)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘subsection (a)(5) of this section’’
both places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sub-
section (a)(4)’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘of this title’’ after ‘‘section 3674(a)’’
both places it appears.
SEC. 607. MEASUREMENT OF COURSES.
Section 3688(b) is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘this chapter or’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘this chapter,’’; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end thereof the
following: ‘‘, or chapter 106 of title 10’’.
SEC. 608. VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
Section 3692 is amended—
H. R. 5244—29
(1) in the first sentence of subsection (a)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘34,’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘and chapter 106 of title 10’’ before
the period at the end;
(2) in the first sentence of subsection (b), by striking out
‘‘this chapter’’ and all that follows through ‘‘of this title’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘this chapter, chapter 30, 32, and
35 of this title, and chapter 106 of title 10’’; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking out ‘‘December 31, 1994’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘December 31, 2003’’.
SEC. 609. CONTRACT EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING.
(a) PAYMENT LIMITATION.—Section 3697(b) is amended by strik-
ing out ‘‘$5,000,000’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘$6,000,000’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on October 1, 1994.
SEC. 610. SERVICE 
MEMBERS 
OCCUPATIONAL 
CONVERSION 
AND
TRAINING ACT OF 1992.
(a) PERIOD OF TRAINING.—(1) Section 4485(d) of the Service
Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992 (106
Stat. 2759; 10 U.S.C. 1143 note) is amended by striking out ‘‘or
more than 18 months’’.
(2)(A) Section 4486(d)(2) of such Act (102 Stat. 2760; 10 U.S.C.
1143 note) is amended by striking out the period at the end thereof
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: ‘‘in the community
for the entire period of training of the eligible person.’’.
(B) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall apply
with respect to programs of training under the Service Members
Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992 beginning after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) PAYMENTS.—Section 4487 of such Act (106 Stat. 2762; 10
U.S.C. 1143 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘subparagraph (B)’’ in subparagraph
(A) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subparagraphs (B) and
(C)’’;
(B) by inserting before the period at the end of subpara-
graph (A) the following: ‘‘but in no event to exceed hours
equivalent to 18 months of training’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(C) Assistance may be paid under this subtitle on behalf of
an eligible person to that person’s employer for training under
two or more programs of job training under this subtitle if such
employer has not received (or is not due) on that person’s behalf
assistance in an amount aggregating the applicable amount set
forth in subparagraph (B).’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by inserting before the period at
the end thereof ‘‘, or upon the completion of the 18th month
of training under the last training program approved for the
person’s pursuit with that employer under this subtitle, which-
ever is earlier’’.
(c) ENTRY INTO PROGRAM OF JOB TRAINING.—Section 4488(a)
of such Act (106 Stat. 2764; 10 U.S.C. 1143 note) is amended
by striking out the third sentence thereof and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘The eligible person may begin such program of job training
with the employer on the day that notice is transmitted to such
H. R. 5244—30
official by means prescribed by such official. However, assistance
under this subtitle may not be provided to the employer if such
official, within two weeks after the date on which such notice
is transmitted, disapproves the eligible person’s entry into that
program of job training in accordance with this section.’’.
TITLE VII—EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
SEC. 701. JOB COUNSELING, TRAINING, AND PLACEMENT.
(a) DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR VETERANS’
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.—Section 4102A(a) is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘(1)’’ and ‘‘(2)’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘(A)’’ and ‘‘(B)’’, respectively;
(2) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(a)’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(2) There shall be within the Department of Labor a Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Train-
ing. The Deputy Assistant Secretary shall perform such functions
as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and
Training prescribes. The Deputy Assistant Secretary shall be a
veteran.’’.
(b) 
DVOP 
SPECIALISTS
COMPENSATION
RATES.—Section
4103A(a)(1) is amended by striking out ‘‘a rate not less than the
rate prescribed for an entry level professional’’ and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘rates comparable to those paid other professionals
performing essentially similar duties’’.
(c) SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT STUDY.—Subsection (a) of section
4110A is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(a)(1) The Secretary, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
shall conduct a study every two years of unemployment among
each of the following categories of veterans:
‘‘(A) Special disabled veterans.
‘‘(B) Veterans of the Vietnam era who served in the Viet-
nam theater of operations during the Vietnam era.
‘‘(C) Veterans who served on active duty during the Viet-
nam era who did not serve in the Vietnam theater of operations.
‘‘(D) Veterans who served on active duty after the Vietnam
era.
‘‘(E) Veterans discharged or released from active duty
within four years of the applicable study.
‘‘(2) Within each of the categories of veterans specified in para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall include a separate category for women
who are veterans.
‘‘(3) The Secretary shall promptly submit to Congress a report
on the results of each study under paragraph (1).’’.
SEC. 702. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF VETERANS.
(a) FEDERAL CONTRACTS.—Section 4212(a) is amended by strik-
ing out ‘‘all of its suitable employment openings,’’ in clause (1)
of the third sentence and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘all of its employ-
ment openings except that the contractor may exclude openings
for executive and top management positions, positions which are
to be filled from within the contractor’s organization, and positions
lasting three days or less,’’.
H. R. 5244—31
(b) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR VETERANS UNDER FEDERAL
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.—Section 4213 is amend-
ed—
(1) by striking out ‘‘chapters 11, 13, 31, 34, 35, and 36
of this title by an eligible veteran and’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘chapters 11, 13, 30, 31, 35, and 36 of this title by
an eligible veteran,’’;
(2) by inserting ‘‘and any amounts received by an eligible
person under chapter 106 of title 10,’’ after ‘‘chapters 13 and
35 of such title, and’’; and
(3) by striking out ‘‘the needs or qualifications of partici-
pants in’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘eligibility under’’.
TITLE VIII—CEMETERIES AND
MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
SEC. 801. ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES OF
SPOUSES WHO PREDECEASE VETERANS.
Section 2402(5) is amended by inserting ‘‘spouse,’’ after ‘‘The’’.
SEC. 802. RESTORATION OF BURIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR UNREMARRIED
SPOUSES.
Section 2402(5), as amended by section 801, is further amended
by inserting after ‘‘surviving spouse’’ the following: ‘‘(which for
purposes of this chapter includes an unremarried surviving spouse
who had a subsequent remarriage which was terminated by death
or divorce)’’.
SEC. 803. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR
STATE CEMETERY GRANT PROGRAM.
Paragraph (2) of section 2408(a) is amended by striking out
‘‘nine’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘fourteen’’.
SEC. 804. AUTHORITY TO USE FLAT GRAVE MARKERS AT THE WILLAM-
ETTE NATIONAL CEMETERY, OREGON.
Notwithstanding section 2404(c)(2) of title 38, United States
Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide for flat grave
markers at the Willamette National Cemetery, Oregon.
TITLE IX—HOUSING PROGRAMS
SEC. 901. ELIGIBILITY.
(a) RESERVISTS DISCHARGED BECAUSE OF A SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITY.—Section 3701(b)(5)(A) is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘(i)’’ before ‘‘who has’’; and
(2) by striking out the period at the end and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘, or (ii) who was discharged or released from
the Selected Reserve before completing 6 years of service
because of a service-connected disability.’’.
(b) SURVIVING SPOUSES OF RESERVISTS WHO DIED WHILE IN
ACTIVE MILITARY, NAVAL, OR AIR SERVICE.—The second sentence
of section 3701(b)(2) is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘or service in the Selected Reserve’’ after
‘‘duty’’ each place it appears; and
H. R. 5244—32
(2) by striking out ‘‘spouse shall’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘deceased spouse shall’’.
SEC. 902. REVISION IN COMPUTATION OF AGGREGATE GUARANTY.
Section 3702(b) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking out
‘‘loan, if—’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘loan under the follow-
ing circumstances:’’;
(2) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘the property’’ at the beginning
of subparagraph (A) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘The
property’’;
(B) by striking out the semicolon at the end and insert-
ing in lieu thereof a period;
(3) in paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘a veteran-transferee’’ at the begin-
ning and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘A veteran-transferee’’;
(B) by striking out ‘‘; or’’ at the end and inserting
in lieu thereof a period;
(4) in paragraph (3), by striking out ‘‘the loan’’ at the
beginning of subparagraph (A) and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘The loan’’;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(4) In a case not covered by paragraph (1) or (2)—
‘‘(A) the loan has been repaid in full and, if the Sec-
retary has suffered a loss on the loan, the loss has been
paid in full; or
‘‘(B) the Secretary has been released from liability as
to the loan and, if the Secretary has suffered a loss on
the loan, the loss has been paid in full.’’;
(6) in the last sentence, by striking out ‘‘clause (1) of
the preceding sentence’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘paragraph
(1)’’; and
(7) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ‘‘The
authority of the Secretary under this subsection to exclude
an amount of guaranty or insurance housing loan entitlement
previously used by a veteran may be exercised only once for
that veteran under the authority of paragraph (4).’’.
SEC. 903. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY WATER AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS.
Section 3704 is amended—
(1) by striking out subsection (e); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively.
SEC. 904. AUTHORITY TO GUARANTEE HOME REFINANCE LOANS FOR
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) LOANS.—Section 3710(a) is amended by inserting after para-
graph (10) the following new paragraph:
‘‘(11) To refinance in accordance with subsection (e) an
existing loan guaranteed, insured, or made under this chapter,
and to improve the dwelling securing such loan through energy
efficiency improvements, as provided in subsection (d).’’.
(b) AMOUNT OF GUARANTY.—Section 3710(e)(1) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
‘‘or for the purpose specified in subsection (a)(11)’’ after ‘‘sub-
section (a)(8)’’; and
H. R. 5244—33
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking out ‘‘may not exceed’’
and all that follows in such subparagraph and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘may not exceed—
‘‘(i) an amount equal to the sum of the balance of
the loan being refinanced and such closing costs (including
any discount permitted pursuant to section 3703(c)(3)(A)
of this title) as may be authorized by the Secretary (under
regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe) to be
included in the loan; or
‘‘(ii) in the case of a loan for the purpose specified
in subsection (a)(11), an amount equal to the sum of the
amount referred to with respect to the loan under clause
(i) and the amount specified under subsection (d)(2);’’.
(c) FEE.—Section 3729(a)(2)(E) is amended by inserting
‘‘3710(a)(11),’’ after ‘‘3710(a)(9)(B)(i),’’.
SEC. 905. AUTHORITY TO GUARANTEE LOANS TO REFINANCE ADJUST-
ABLE RATE MORTGAGES TO FIXED RATE MORTGAGES.
Section 3710(e)(1)(A) is amended by inserting before the semi-
colon at the end the following: ‘‘or, in a case in which the loan
is a fixed rate loan and the loan being refinanced is an adjustable
rate loan, the loan bears interest at a rate that is agreed upon
by the veteran and the mortgagee’’.
SEC. 906. MANUFACTURED HOME LOAN INSPECTIONS.
(a) CERTIFICATION OF CONFORMITY WITH STANDARDS.—Para-
graph (2) of subsection (h) of section 3712 is amended to read
as follows:
‘‘(2) Any manufactured housing unit properly displaying a cer-
tification of conformity to all applicable Federal manufactured home
construction and safety standards pursuant to section 616 of the
National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5415) shall be deemed to meet the standards
required by paragraph (1).’’.
(b) REPEAL OF INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.—Subsection (j) of
such section is amended by striking out ‘‘in the case of’’ the first
place it appears and all that follows and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘in the case of—
‘‘(1) manufactured homes constructed by a manufacturer
who fails or is unable to discharge the manufacturer’s obliga-
tions under the warranty;
‘‘(2) manufactured homes which are determined by the
Secretary not to conform to the standards provided for in sub-
section (h); or
‘‘(3) a manufacturer of manufactured homes who has
engaged in procedures or practices determined by the Secretary
to be unfair or prejudicial to veterans or the Government.’’.
(c) ELIMINATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—Subsection (l)
of such section is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘the results of inspections required
by subsection (h) of this section,’’; and
(2) by striking out ‘‘of this section,’’.
SEC. 907. PROCEDURES ON DEFAULT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (7) of section 3732(c) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
out ‘‘that was the minimum amount for which, under applicable
H. R. 5244—34
State law, the property was permitted to be sold at the liquida-
tion sale’’;
(2) in subparagraph (A)—
(A) by striking out ‘‘the Secretary may accept convey-
ance of the property to the United States for a price not
exceeding’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘(i) the amount
was the minimum amount for which, under applicable State
law, the property was permitted to be sold at the liquidation
sale, the holder shall have the option to convey the property
to the United States in return for payment by the Secretary
of an amount equal to’’; and
(B) by striking out ‘‘and’’ after ‘‘loan;’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘or’’;
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(ii) there was no minimum amount for which the property
had to be sold at the liquidation sale under applicable State
law, the holder shall have the option to convey the property
to the United States in return for payment by the Secretary
of an amount equal to the lesser of such net value or total
indebtedness; and’’; and
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking out ‘‘paragraph (6)(B)’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘paragraph (6)’’.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph (6) of such section
is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘either’’;
(2) by striking out ‘‘sale or acquires’’ and all that follows
through ‘‘(B) the’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sale, the’’;
and
(3) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as clauses (A) and
(B), respectively.
SEC. 908. MINIMUM ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE REQUIREMENT.
Subparagraph (F) of section 5303A(b)(3) is amended by insert-
ing ‘‘or chapter 37’’ after ‘‘chapter 30’’ in the matter preceding
clause (i).
TITLE X—HOMELESS VETERANS
PROGRAMS
SEC. 1001. REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETER-
ANS AFFAIRS TO ASSIST HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—(1) Not later than April 15 of each year,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees
on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives
a report on the activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs
during the year preceding the report under programs of the Depart-
ment for the provision of assistance to homeless veterans.
(2) The report shall—
(A) set forth the number of homeless veterans provided
assistance under those programs;
(B) describe the cost to the Department of providing such
assistance under those programs; and
(C) provide any other information on those programs and
on the provision of such assistance that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
H. R. 5244—35
(b) BI-ANNUAL REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary shall include in
the report submitted under subsection (a)(1) in 1995, and every
two years thereafter, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the pro-
grams of the Department in providing assistance to homeless veter-
ans.
(c) CONFORMING REPEAL.—Section 10 of Public Law 102–590
(106 Stat. 5141; 37 U.S.C. 7721 note) is repealed.
SEC. 1002. REPORT ON ASSESSMENT AND PLANS FOR RESPONSE TO
NEEDS OF HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) UPDATE OF ASSESSMENT.—Subsection (b) of section 107 of
the Veterans’ Medical Programs Amendments of 1992 (Public Law
102–405; 106 Stat. 1977; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(6) The Secretary shall require that the directors referred
to in paragraph (1) update the assessment required under that
paragraph during each of 1995, 1996, and 1997.’’.
(b) REPORTS
ON ASSESSMENTS
AND PLAN.—Subsection (i) of
such section (106 Stat. 1978) is amended—
(1) by striking out ‘‘REPORT.—’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘REPORTS.—(1)’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(2) Not later than December 31, 1994, the Secretary shall
submit to such committees a report that—
‘‘(A) describes the results of the assessment carried out
under subsection (b);
‘‘(B) sets forth the lists developed under paragraph (1)
of subsection (c); and
‘‘(C) describes the progress, if any, made by the directors
of the medical centers and the directors of the benefits offices
referred to in such subsection (c) in developing the plan referred
to in paragraph (2) of such subsection (c).
‘‘(3) Not later than December 31 of each of 1995, 1996, and
1997, the Secretary shall submit to such committees a report that
describes the update to the assessment that is carried out under
subsection (b)(6) in the year preceding the report.’’.
SEC. 1003. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
UNDER HOMELESS VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE
PROGRAMS ACT OF 1992.
Section 2(b) of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service
Programs Act of 1992 (38 U.S.C. 7721 note) is amended in the
first sentence by striking out ‘‘four’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘eight’’.
SEC. 1004. REMOVAL OF FUNDING REQUIREMENT OF HOMELESS VET-
ERANS COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS ACT OF
1992.
Section 12 of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service
Programs Act of 1992 (38 U.S.C. 7721 note) is amended by striking
out the second sentence.
SEC. 1005. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year to support
Federal programs which are designed to assist homeless
individuals, a share more closely approximating the proportion
of the population of homeless individuals who are veterans
H. R. 5244—36
should be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
for programs to assist homeless veterans that are administered
by that Secretary;
(2) of the Federal grants made available to assist commu-
nity organizations that assist homeless individuals, a share
of such grants more closely approximating the proportion of
the population of homeless individuals who are veterans should
be provided to community organizations that provide assistance
primarily to homeless veterans; and
(3) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should take such
actions as are necessary to ensure that Federal agencies that
provide assistance, either directly or indirectly, to homeless
individuals, including homeless veterans, are aware of and
encouraged to make appropriate referrals to facilities of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits and services, such
as health care, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and
income assistance.
TITLE 
XI—REDUCTIONS 
IN 
DEPART-
MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PER-
SONNEL
SEC. 1101. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Under proposals for national health care reform, the
Department of Veterans Affairs will be required to provide
health care services to veterans on a competitive basis with
other health care providers.
(2) The elimination of positions from the Department that
the Office of Management and Budget has scheduled to occur
in fiscal years 1995 through 1999 would prevent the Depart-
ment from meeting the responsibilities of the Department to
provide health care to veterans under law and from maintaining
the quality of health care that is currently provided to veterans.
SEC. 1102. REQUIREMENT FOR MINIMUM NUMBER OF FULL-TIME
EQUIVALENT POSITIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:
‘‘§ 712. Full-time equivalent positions: limitation on reduc-
tion
‘‘(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the number
of full-time equivalent positions in the Department of Veterans
Affairs during the period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this section and ending on September 30, 1999, may not (except
as provided in subsection (c)) be less than 224,377.
‘‘(b) In determining the number of full-time equivalent positions
in the Department of Veterans Affairs during a fiscal year for
purposes of ensuring under section 5(b) of the Federal Workforce
Restructuring Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–226; 108 Stat. 115;
5 U.S.C. 3101 note) that the total number of full-time equivalent
positions in all agencies of the Federal Government during a fiscal
year covered by that section does not exceed the limit prescribed
for that fiscal year under that section, the total number of full-
H. R. 5244—37
time equivalent positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs
during that fiscal year shall be the number equal to—
‘‘(1) the number of such positions in the Department during
that fiscal year, reduced by
‘‘(2) the sum of—
‘‘(A) the number of such positions in the Department
during that fiscal year that are filled by employees whose
salaries and benefits are paid primarily from funds other
than appropriated funds; and
‘‘(B) the number of such positions held during that
fiscal year by persons involved in medical care cost recovery
activities under section 1729 of this title.
‘‘(c) The Secretary shall not be required to make a reduction
in the number of full-time equivalent positions in the Department
unless such reduction—
‘‘(1) is necessary due to a reduction in funds available
to the Department; or
‘‘(2) is required under a law that is enacted after the
date of the enactment of this section and that refers specifically
to this section.
‘‘(d) The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual
report, through the year 2000, on the number and type of full-
time equivalent positions in the Department that are reduced under
this section. The report shall include a justification for the reduc-
tions and shall be submitted with the materials provided in support
of the budget for the Department contained in the President’s
budget submitted to Congress for a fiscal year pursuant to section
1105 of title 31.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following
new item:
‘‘712. Full-time equivalent positions: limitation on reduction.’’.
SEC. 1103. ENHANCED AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR NECESSARY
SERVICES.
Section 8110(c) is amended by striking out paragraph (7) and
inserting in lieu thereof the following:
‘‘(7) Paragraphs (1) through (6) shall not be in effect during
fiscal years 1995 through 1999.
‘‘(8) During the period covered by paragraph (7), whenever
an activity at a Department health-care facility is converted from
performance by Federal employees to performance by employees
of a contractor of the Government, the Secretary shall—
‘‘(A) require in the contract for the performance of such
activity that the contractor, in hiring employees for the perform-
ance of the contract, give priority to former employees of the
Department who have been displaced by the award of the
contract; and
‘‘(B) provide to such former employees of the Department
all possible assistance in obtaining other Federal employment
or entrance into job training and retraining programs.
‘‘(9) The Secretary shall include in the Secretary’s annual report
to Congress under section 529 of this title, for each fiscal year
covered by paragraph (7), a report on the use during the year
covered by the report of contracting-out authority made available
by reason of paragraph (7). The Secretary shall include in each
H. R. 5244—38
such report a description of each use of such authority, together
with the rationale for the use of such authority and the effect
of the use of such authority on patient care and on employees
of the Department.’’.
SEC. 1104. STUDY.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-Federal entity
under which the entity shall carry out a study of the feasibility
and advisability of alternative organizational structures, such as
the establishment of a wholly-owned Government corporation or
a Government-sponsored enterprise, for the effective provision of
health care services to veterans.
(b) SUBMISSION
OF REPORT.—The Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report on the study required under subsection
(a). The report shall be submitted not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS.—There is hereby authorized to
be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs the sum
of $1,000,000 for the purposes of carrying out the study required
under subsection (a).
TITLE XII—TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL
AMENDMENTS
SEC. 1201. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) REFERENCES TO ‘‘SECRETARY’’ AND ‘‘DEPARTMENT’’.—Title 38,
United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Paragraph (1) of section 101 is amended to read as
follows:
‘‘(1) The terms ‘Secretary’ and ‘Department’ mean the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, respec-
tively.’’.
(2) Section 1532(c) is amended by striking out ‘‘Secretary’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Veterans’ Administration’’.
(3) Section 3745(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘Secretary’’
after ‘‘consult with the’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’.
(4) Section 4102A(e) is amended by striking out ‘‘Regional
Secretary’’ both places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘Regional Administrator’’.
(5) Section 4110(d)(9) is amended by striking out ‘‘Secretary
of the Small Business Administration’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘Administrator of the Small Business Administration’’.
(b) REFERENCES TO DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.—
(1) The following sections of title 38, United States Code,
are amended by striking out ‘‘Department of Medicine and
Surgery’’ each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘Veterans Health Administration’’: sections 3120(a), 3120(f),
3121(a)(3), 
7603(a), 
7603(c)(1)(B), 
7604(1)(B), 
7604(2)(D),
7612(c)(1)(B), 
7615, 
7616(b)(2), 
7616(c), 
7622(b)(1),
7622(c)(2)(A), 7623(b), 7635(a)(1), 7635(a)(2), and 8110(a).
(2) Section 7622(c)(2)(B) of such title is amended by striking
out ‘‘such Department’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘the Veter-
ans Health Administration’’.
H. R. 5244—39
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO CONVERSION OF
POSITIONS
OF CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR
AND CHIEF BENEFITS
DIRECTOR
TO
UNDER
SECRETARY
POSITIONS.—Title 38, United
States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 305 is amended—
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking out ‘‘a Under Sec-
retary’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘an Under Secretary’’;
and
(B) in subsection (d)(2)(F), by striking out ‘‘Under Sec-
retary’’ the second place it appears and all that follows
through the closing parenthesis and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘Chief Medical Director of the Veterans’ Adminis-
tration)’’.
(2) Section 306 is amended—
(A) in subsection (a), by striking out ‘‘a Under Sec-
retary’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘an Under Secretary’’;
and
(B) in subsection (d)(2)(F), by striking out ‘‘Under Sec-
retary’’ the second place it appears and all that follows
through the closing parenthesis and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘Chief Benefits Director of the Veterans’ Adminis-
tration)’’.
(3) Section 7306 is amended—
(A) in subsection (a)—
(i) in paragraph (3), by striking out ‘‘Assistant
Chief Medical Directors’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘Assistant Under Secretaries for Health’’;
(ii) by redesignating the last three paragraphs as
paragraphs (8), (7), and (9) respectively;
(iii) by reversing the order in which the penul-
timate and antepenultimate paragraphs appear; and
(iv) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated, by strik-
ing out ‘‘Chief Medical Director’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘Under Secretary for Health’’;
(B) in subsection (b), by striking out ‘‘Assistant Chief
Medical Directors’’ in the matter preceding paragraph (1)
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Assistant Under Secretaries
for Health’’; and
(C) in subsection (c), by striking out ‘‘and (7)’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘and (8)’’.
(4) Section 7314(d) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) by striking out ‘‘the Chief Medical Director and
the Secretary to carry out’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health
in carrying out’’; and
(ii) by striking out ‘‘the Assistant Chief Medical
Director described in section 7306(b)(3)’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘the Assistant Under Secretary for
Health described in section 7306(b)(3)’’; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking out ‘‘Assistant Chief
Medical Director’’ both places it appears and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘Assistant Under Secretary’’.
(5) Section 7318 is amended by striking out ‘‘Chief Medical
Director’’ each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘Under Secretary for Health’’.
H. R. 5244—40
(6) Section 7440(1) is amended by striking out ‘‘Chief Medi-
cal Director’s’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Under Secretary
for Health’s’’.
(7) Section 7451(g)(1) is amended by striking out ‘‘Chief
Medical Director’s’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Under Sec-
retary for Health’s’’.
(d) CROSS REFERENCE AMENDMENTS TO PROVISIONS OF TITLE
38.—Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 115 is amended by striking out ‘‘sections 230’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sections 314, 315, 316,’’.
(2) Section 1710(f)(3)(E) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
1712(f)’’ and ‘‘section 1712(f)(4)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘section 1712(a)’’ and ‘‘section 1712(f)’’, respectively.
(3) Section 1712 is amended—
(A) in subsection (i)(5), by striking out ‘‘section
1722(a)(1)(C)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section
1722(a)(3)’’; and
(B) in subsection (j), by striking out ‘‘Section 4116’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Section 7316’’.
(4) Section 3018A(d)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3015(e)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3015(f)’’.
(5) Section 3018B(d)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3015(e)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3015(f)’’.
(6) Section 3032(f)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘(c), or
(d)(1)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘(d), or (e)(1)’’.
(7) Section 3035(b) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking out ‘‘section 3015(c)’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3015(d)’’; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking out ‘‘section
3015(e)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3015(f)’’.
(8) Section 3103(b)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3102(1)(A)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3102(1)(A)(i)’’.
(9) Section 3106(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3102(1)(A) or (B)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘clause (i) or
(ii) of section 3102(1)(A)’’.
(10) Section 3113(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3102(1)(B) and (2)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subparagraphs
(A)(ii) and (B) of section 3102(1)’’.
(11) Section 3120(b) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
3012(1)(A)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 3102(1)(A)(i)’’.
(12) Section 3241(c) is amended by striking out ‘‘1663,’’.
(13) Section 3735(a)(1)(A) is amended by striking out ‘‘sec-
tion 3402’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 5902’’.
(14) Section 4103(c)(2) is amended by striking out ‘‘sub-
chapter IV of chapter 3’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sub-
chapter II of chapter 77’’.
(15) Section 5104(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
211(a)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 511’’.
(16) Section 8103(d)(6)(A) is amended by striking out ‘‘sec-
tion 230(c)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 316’’.
(17) Section 8110(c)(3)(B) is amended by striking out ‘‘sec-
tion 213 or 4117’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 513
or 7409’’.
(18) Section 8135(a)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
8134(2)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 8134(a)(2)’’.
(19) Section 8155(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
4112’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 7312’’.
H. R. 5244—41
(20) Section 8201(c) is amended by striking out ‘‘section
4112(a)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 7312(a)’’.
(e) PUNCTUATION, CAPITALIZATION, SPELLING, ETC.—Title 38,
United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 111(b)(3)(B) is amended by striking out ‘‘the
Department facility’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘a Depart-
ment facility’’.
(2) Sections 305(d)(2)(F) and 306(d)(2)(F) are amended by
striking out ‘‘Commission’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘commission’’.
(3) Section 312(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘(5 U.S.C.
App. 3)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘(5 U.S.C. App.)’’.
(4) Section 317(b)(2) is amended by striking out ‘‘provided,
by the’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘provided by, the’’.
(5) Section 711(d) is amended by striking out ‘‘Committees’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘committees’’.
(6) Section 1116(a)(1)(B) is amended by striking out ‘‘(1)’’
and ‘‘(2)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘(i)’’ and ‘‘(ii)’’, respec-
tively.
(7) Section 1722A(a)(1) is amended by striking out the
closing parenthesis after ‘‘veteran’’ in the first sentence.
(8) Section 1969(e) is amended—
(A) by striking out ‘‘sections 1971 (a) and (c)’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subsections (a) and (c) of section
1971’’; and
(B) by striking out ‘‘sections 1971 (d) and (e)’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subsections (d) and (e) of section
1971’’.
(9) Section 1977(f) is amended by striking out ‘‘sections
1971 (d) and (e)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subsections
(d) and (e) of section 1971’’.
(10) Section 3011(f)(1) is amended by striking out ‘‘whose
length’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘the length of which’’.
(11) Section 3018B(d) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking out ‘‘(a)(2)(D) of this
subsection’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘(a)(2)(D) of this
section’’; and
(B) in paragraph (3)—
(i) by striking out ‘‘such Account’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘such account’’; and
(ii) by striking out ‘‘this chapter’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘this title’’.
(12) Section 3688(a)(6) is amended by inserting a comma
after ‘‘3241(a)(2)’’.
(13) Section 3706 is amended by striking out ‘‘of this chap-
ter’’ the second and third places it appears and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘of this title’’.
(14) Section 3712 is amended—
(A) in subsection (c)(3)—
(i) by inserting ‘‘of’’ in subparagraph (D) after
‘‘subparagraph (B)’’; and
(ii) by striking out ‘‘of this subsection’’ in subpara-
graph (E) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘of this para-
graph’’; and
(B) in subsection (m), by striking out ‘‘section 3704(d)
and section 3721 of this chapter’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘sections 3704(d) and 3721 of this title’’.
H. R. 5244—42
(15) Section 3713(b) is amended in the last sentence by
striking out ‘‘subsection 5302(b) of this title, if eligible there-
under’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 5302(b) of this
title, if the veteran is eligible for relief under that section’’.
(16) Section 5702 is amended—
(A) by inserting ‘‘(a)’’ before ‘‘Any person desiring’’;
(B) by striking out ‘‘custody of’’ and all that follows
through ‘‘stating’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘custody
of the Secretary that may be disclosed under section 5701
of this title must submit to the Secretary an application
in writing for such copy. The application shall state’’; and
(C) in subsection (c), by striking out ‘‘is authorized
to fix’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘may establish’’.
(17) Section 6101(a) is amended by inserting a comma
after ‘‘title 18’’.
(18) Section 6103(d)(1) is amended in the second sentence—
(A) by striking out ‘‘(a)’’ and ‘‘(b)’’ and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘(A)’’ and ‘‘(B)’’, respectively; and
(B) by striking out ‘‘prior to’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘before’’.
(19) Section 6105(c) is amended—
(A) in the first sentence, by striking out ‘‘clauses (2),
(3), or (4) of subsection (b) of this section’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subsection
(b)’’;
(B) in the second sentence, by striking out ‘‘clause
(1) of that subsection’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘para-
graph (1) of subsection (b)’’; and
(C) by transposing the two sentences of that subsection
(as so amended).
(20) Section 7312(d) is amended by striking out ‘‘the
advisory groups activities’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘the
activities of the advisory group’’.
(21) Section 7408(a) is amended by striking out ‘‘civil-serv-
ice’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘civil service’’.
(22) Sections 7433(b)(3)(A) and 7435(b)(3)(A) are amended
by striking out ‘‘nation-wide’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘nationwide’’.
(23) Section 7451(d)(3)(C)(i)(I) is amended by striking out
‘‘labor market area’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘labor-market
area’’.
(24) Section 7453 is amended by striking out ‘‘subsections’’
in subsections (f) and (g) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sub-
section’’.
(25) Section 7601(a) is amended by striking out the comma
at the end of paragraph (1) and inserting in lieu thereof a
semicolon.
(26) Section 7604 is amended by striking out ‘‘subchapters’’
in paragraphs (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5) and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘subchapter’’.
(27) Section 8126 is amended—
(A) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking out ‘‘1-year’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘one-year’’; and
(B) in subsection (f)(2), by striking out ‘‘, and’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof a period.
(f) DATE OF ENACTMENT REFERENCES.—Title 38, United States
Code, is amended as follows:
H. R. 5244—43
(1) Section 1922A(b) is amended by striking out ‘‘insurance
not later than’’ and all that follows through ‘‘that the Depart-
ment’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘insurance. Such application
must be filed not later than (1) October 31, 1993, or (2) the
end of the one-year period beginning on the date on which
the Secretary’’.
(2) Sections 3011(e) and 3012(f) are amended by striking
out ‘‘the end of the 24-month period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this subsection’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘October 28, 1994,’’.
(3) Section 3018B(a)(2)(A) is amended by striking out ‘‘the
date of enactment of this section’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘October 23, 1992,’’.
(4) Section 3702(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking out ‘‘For
the 7-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this
subparagraph,’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘For the period
beginning on October 28, 1992, and ending on October 27,
1999,’’.
(5) Section 6103(d)(2) is amended by striking out ‘‘the date
of enactment of this amendatory Act’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘June 30, 1972’’.
(6) Section 8126 is amended—
(A) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking out ‘‘30 days
after the date of the enactment of this section’’ and insert-
ing in lieu thereof ‘‘December 4, 1992’’; and
(B) in subsection (g), by striking out ‘‘the date of the
enactment of this section’’ in paragraphs (1) and (2) and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘November 4, 1992’’.
(g) OBSOLETE
OR EXECUTED PROVISIONS.—Title 38, United
States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 312(b) is amended by striking out para-
graph (3).
(2) Section 1524(a)(2) is amended by striking out ‘‘Subject
to paragraph (3) of this subsection, if’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘If’’.
(3) Section 4110(c)(1) is amended by striking out ‘‘shall,
within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section,
appoint’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘shall appoint’’.
(4)(A) Section 5505 is repealed.
(B) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55
is amended by striking out the item relating to section 5505.
(5) Section 7311 is amended by striking out subsections
(f) and (g).
(6) Section 7453(i)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘of
title 5’’.
(7) Section 8110(c) is amended by striking out para-
graph (7).
(8) Section 8111(b) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (2)—
(i) by striking out ‘‘During fiscal years 1982 and
1983’’ in the second sentence and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘During odd-numbered fiscal years’’;
(ii) by striking out ‘‘During fiscal year 1984’’ in
the third sentence and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘During
even-numbered fiscal years’’; and
(iii) by striking out the fourth sentence; and
H. R. 5244—44
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking out ‘‘Within nine
months of the date of the enactment of this subsection
and at such times thereafter as’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘At such times as’’.
(h) AMENDMENTS TO HEADINGS AND TABLES OF CONTENTS.—
Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) The table of chapters before part I and the table of
chapters at the beginning of part III are amended by striking
out the item relating to chapter 42 and inserting in lieu thereof
the following:
‘‘42. Employment and Training of Veterans ......................................................... 4211’’.
(2) The heading of section 2106 is amended by revising
each word after the first word so that the initial letter of
each such word is lower case.
(3) The item relating to subchapter III in the table of
sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended to read
as follows:
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PROTECTION OF PATIENT RIGHTS’’.
(4) The heading of section 7458 is amended to read as
follows:
‘‘§ 7458. Recruitment and retention bonus pay’’.
(5) The heading of chapter 81 is amended by inserting
‘‘ENHANCED-USE’’ before ‘‘LEASES OF REAL’’.
(6) The item relating to section 8126 in the table of sections
at the beginning of chapter 81 is amended to read as follows:
‘‘8126. Limitation on prices of drugs procured by Department and certain other Fed-
eral agencies.’’.
(i) OTHER MISCELLANEOUS CORRECTIONS.—Title 38, United
States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 1718(c)(1) is amended by inserting ‘‘of Veterans
Affairs’’ after ‘‘Department’’ in the first sentence.
(2) Section 1922(b)(4) is amended by striking out ‘‘Notwith-
standing’’ and all that follows through ‘‘title,’’ and inserting
in lieu thereof ‘‘Notwithstanding section 1917 of this title,’’.
(3) Section 1969(d)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘General
Operating Expenses, Department’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘General Operating Expenses, Department of Veterans Affairs’’.
(4) Section 3018A(a)(1) is amended by striking ‘‘after
December 31, 1990,’’ and all that follows through ‘‘whichever
is later,’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘after February 2, 1991,’’.
(5) Section 3121(a)(3) is amended by striking out ‘‘Depart-
ment of Veterans’ Benefits’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Veter-
ans Benefits Administration’’.
(6) Section 3680(a)(C) is amended by striking out ‘‘1 full’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘one full’’.
(7) Section 4110(e)(3)(B) is amended—
(A) by striking out ‘‘, United States Code,’’; and
(B) by striking out ‘‘the Board’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘the advisory committee’’.
(8) Section 5110 is amended by striking out subsection
(m).
(9) Section 7315(b)(2) is amended by striking out ‘‘Depart-
ment’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Veterans’ Administration’’.
(10) Section 8111(f)(6) is amended by inserting ‘‘of Defense’’
after ‘‘the Secretary’’ the second place it appears.
H. R. 5244—45
(11) Section 8502(d) is amended by striking out ‘‘General
Post Fund, National Homes, Department,’’ and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘General Post Fund, National Homes, Department
of Veterans Affairs,’’.
SEC. 1202. AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SEC-
RETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) PUBLIC LAW 102–54.—Effective as of June 13, 1991, and
as if included in the enactment of Public Law 102–54, Public Law
102–54 is amended as follows:
(1) Section 13(e) (105 Stat. 275) is amended by striking
out ‘‘subsection (b)(10)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subsection
(c)(10)’’.
(2) Section 15(a)(1)(A) (105 Stat. 289) is amended by insert-
ing ‘‘the first place it appears’’ before ‘‘in the first sentence’’.
(b) PUBLIC LAW 102–83.—Effective as of August 6, 1991, and
as if included in the enactment of Public Law 102–83, section
4(a) of Public Law 102–83 (105 Stat. 403) is amended as follows:
(1) Paragraph (2)(E) is amended by striking out ‘‘Section
601(4)’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Section 601(3)’’.
(2) Paragraph (4) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
‘‘(E) Sections 7314(b)(1) and 7315(b)(2).’’.
(c) PUBLIC LAW 102–86.—Section 403(b)(4) of the Veterans’
Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–
86; 105 Stat. 423; 36 U.S.C. 493(b)(4)) is amended by striking
out ‘‘section 235’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 707’’.
(d) PUBLIC LAW 102–547.—Section 10(b)(2) of the Veterans
Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992 (106 Stat. 3643; 38
U.S.C. 3703 note) is amended by striking out ‘‘paragraph 4’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘paragraph (4)’’.
(e) PUBLIC LAW 102–585.—The Veterans Health Care Act of
1992 (Public Law 102–585) is amended as follows:
(1) Section 202 (38 U.S.C. 8111 note) is amended by striking
out ‘‘the Chief Medical Director’’ and inserting in lieu thereof
‘‘the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans
Affairs’’.
(2) Section 511(c) (38 U.S.C. 7318 note) is amended by
striking out ‘‘Chief Medical Director’’ each place it appears
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Under Secretary for Health’’.
SEC. 1203. AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.—The Public Health Service
Act is amended as follows:
(1) Section 502(b)(2)(D) (42 U.S.C. 290aa–1(b)(2)(D)) is
amended to read as follows:
‘‘(D) the Under Secretary for Health of the Department
of Veterans Affairs;’’.
(2) Section 542(b)(2) (42 U.S.C. 290dd–1(b)(2)) is amended
by striking out ‘‘Chief Medical Director’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘Under Secretary for Health’’.
(3) Section 2604(b)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 300ff–14(b)(2)(A)) is
amended by striking out ‘‘Veterans Administration facilities’’
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs
facilities’’.
(b) 
MISCELLANEOUS
DEPARTMENT
AND
SECRETARY
REF-
ERENCES.—Section 5102(c)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is
H. R. 5244—46
amended by striking out the comma after ‘‘Department of Veterans
Affairs’’.
(c) MISCELLANEOUS CROSS-REFERENCE CORRECTIONS.—
(1) Section 1204(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by striking out ‘‘section 4323’’ and inserting in lieu
thereof ‘‘section 4303’’.
(2) Section 441(b)(2)(B) of the Job Training Partnership
Act (29 U.S.C. 1721(b)(2)(B)) is amended—
(A) by striking out ‘‘subchapter IV of chapter 3’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subchapter II of chapter 77’’;
and
(B) by striking out ‘‘sections 612A, 620A, 1787, and
2003A’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘sections 1712A,
1720A, 3687, and 4103A’’.
(3) Section 107 of the Local Public Works Capital Develop-
ment and Investment Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6706) is amended
by striking out ‘‘section 4211(2)(A)’’ and ‘‘section 2011(1)’’ insert-
ing in lieu thereof ‘‘section 4211(2)’’ and ‘‘section 4211(1)’’,
respectively.
(4) Section 4(g)(2) of the Employment Act of 1946 (15
U.S.C. 1022a(g)(2)) is amended—
(A) by striking out ‘‘this subsection’’ and inserting in
lieu thereof ‘‘this section’’; and
(B) by striking out ‘‘section 2011(1) or (2)(A)’’ and
inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘section 4211(1) or (2)’’.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.