H. R. 3219 
One Hundred Eleventh Congress 
of the 
United States of America 
AT THE SECOND SESSION 
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, 
the fifth day of January, two thousand and ten 
An Act 
To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, 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 Act of 2010’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. 
TITLE I—EMPLOYMENT, SMALL BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION MATTERS 
Sec. 101. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying work-study 
activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the De-
partment of Veterans Affairs. 
Sec. 102. Reauthorization of Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education. 
Sec. 103. 18-month period for training of new disabled veterans’ outreach program 
specialists and local veterans’ employment representatives by National 
Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Institute. 
Sec. 104. Clarification of responsibility of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to verify 
small business ownership. 
Sec. 105. Demonstration project for referral of USERRA claims against Federal 
agencies to the Office of Special Counsel. 
Sec. 106. Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program. 
Sec. 107. Pat Tillman Veterans’ Scholarship Initiative. 
TITLE II—HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS MATTERS 
Sec. 201. Reauthorization of appropriations for Homeless Veterans Reintegration 
Program. 
Sec. 202. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children re-
integration grant program. 
Sec. 203. Specially Adapted Housing assistive technology grant program. 
Sec. 204. Waiver of housing loan fee for certain veterans with service-connected 
disabilities called to active service. 
TITLE III—SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT MATTERS 
Sec. 301. Residential and motor vehicle leases. 
Sec. 302. Termination of telephone service contracts. 
Sec. 303. Enforcement by the Attorney General and by private right of action. 
TITLE IV—INSURANCE MATTERS 
Sec. 401. Increase in amount of supplemental insurance for totally disabled vet-
erans. 
Sec. 402. Permanent extension of duration of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insur-
ance coverage for totally disabled veterans. 
Sec. 403. Adjustment of coverage of dependents under Servicemembers’ Group Life 
Insurance. 
Sec. 404. Opportunity to increase amount of Veterans’ Group Life Insurance.
H. R. 3219—2 
Sec. 405. Elimination of reduction in amount of accelerated death benefit for termi-
nally-ill persons insured under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 
and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. 
Sec. 406. Consideration of loss of dominant hand in prescription of schedule of se-
verity of traumatic injury under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. 
Sec. 407. Enhancement of veterans’ mortgage life insurance. 
Sec. 408. Expansion of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from trau-
matic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers’ Group Life In-
surance. 
TITLE V—BURIAL AND CEMETERY MATTERS 
Sec. 501. Increase in certain burial and funeral benefits and plot allowances for 
veterans. 
Sec. 502. Interment in national cemeteries of parents of certain deceased veterans. 
Sec. 503. Reports on selection of new national cemeteries. 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND PENSION 
Sec. 601. Enhancement of disability compensation for certain disabled veterans 
with difficulties using prostheses and disabled veterans in need of reg-
ular aid and attendance for residuals of traumatic brain injury. 
Sec. 602. Cost-of-living increase for temporary dependency and indemnity com-
pensation payable for surviving spouses with dependent children under 
the age of 18. 
Sec. 603. Payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to survivors of 
former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999. 
Sec. 604. Exclusion of certain amounts from consideration as income for purposes 
of veterans pension benefits. 
Sec. 605. Commencement of period of payment of original awards of compensation 
for veterans retired or separated from the uniformed services for cata-
strophic disability. 
Sec. 606. Applicability of limitation to pension payable to certain children of vet-
erans of a period of war. 
Sec. 607. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by Medicaid 
plans for services furnished by nursing facilities. 
Sec. 608. Codification of 2009 cost-of-living adjustment in rates of pension for dis-
abled veterans and surviving spouses and children. 
TITLE VII—EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF 
THE UNIFORMED SERVICES 
Sec. 701. Clarification that USERRA prohibits wage discrimination against mem-
bers of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 702. Clarification of the definition of ‘‘successor in interest’’. 
Sec. 703. Technical amendments. 
TITLE VIII—BENEFITS MATTERS 
Sec. 801. Increase in number of veterans for which programs of independent living 
services and assistance may be initiated. 
Sec. 802. Payment of unpaid balances of Department of Veterans Affairs guaran-
teed loans. 
Sec. 803. Eligibility of disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces with se-
vere burn injuries for automobiles and adaptive equipment. 
Sec. 804. Enhancement of automobile assistance allowance for veterans. 
Sec. 805. National Academies review of best treatments for chronic multisymptom 
illness in Persian Gulf War veterans. 
Sec. 806. Extension and modification of National Academy of Sciences reviews and 
evaluations on illness and service in Persian Gulf War and Post-9/11 
Global Operations Theaters. 
Sec. 807. Extension of authority for regional office in Republic of the Philippines. 
Sec. 808. Extension of an annual report on equitable relief. 
Sec. 809. Authority for the performance of medical disability examinations by con-
tract physicians. 
TITLE IX—AUTHORIZATION OF MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS AND MAJOR 
MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES 
Sec. 901. Authorization of fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases. 
Sec. 902. Modification of authorization amount for major medical facility construc-
tion project previously authorized for the Department of Veterans Af-
fairs Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. 
Sec. 903. Modification of authorization amount for major medical facility construc-
tion project previously authorized for the Department of Veterans Af-
fairs Medical Center, Long Beach, California.
H. R. 3219—3 
Sec. 904. Authorization of appropriations. 
Sec. 905. Requirement that bid savings on major medical facility projects of Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs be used for other major medical facility con-
struction projects of the Department. 
TITLE X—OTHER MATTERS 
Sec. 1001. Technical corrections. 
Sec. 1002. Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act compliance. 
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 a 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—EMPLOYMENT, SMALL 
BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION MATTERS 
SEC. 101. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN 
QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR PURPOSES OF 
THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) EXTENSION.—Paragraph (4) of section 3485(a) is amended 
by striking ‘‘June 30, 2010’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘June 30, 2013’’. 
(b) ACTIVITIES IN STATE VETERANS AGENCIES.—Such paragraph 
is further amended by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graphs: 
‘‘(G) Any activity of a State veterans agency related to 
providing assistance to veterans in obtaining any benefit under 
the laws administered by the Secretary or the laws of the 
State. 
‘‘(H) A position working in a Center of Excellence for Vet-
eran Student Success, as established pursuant to part T of 
title VIII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161t 
et seq.). 
‘‘(I) A position working in a cooperative program carried 
out jointly by the Department and an institution of higher 
learning. 
‘‘(J) Any other veterans-related position in an institution 
of higher learning.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (b) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 102. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
ON EDUCATION. 
Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ 
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2013’’. 
SEC. 103. 18-MONTH PERIOD FOR TRAINING OF NEW DISABLED VET-
ERANS’ OUTREACH PROGRAM SPECIALISTS AND LOCAL 
VETERANS’ 
EMPLOYMENT 
REPRESENTATIVES 
BY 
NATIONAL VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERV-
ICES INSTITUTE. 
(a) 18-MONTH PERIOD.—Section 4102A(c)(8)(A) is amended by 
striking ‘‘three-year period’’ and inserting ‘‘18-month period’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—
H. R. 3219—4 
(1) APPLICABILITY TO NEW EMPLOYEES.—The amendment 
made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a State 
employee assigned to perform the duties of a disabled veterans’ 
outreach program specialist or a local veterans’ employment 
representative under chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code, 
who is so assigned on or after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
(2) APPLICABILITY
TO
PREVIOUSLY-HIRED
EMPLOYEES.—In 
the case of such a State employee who is so assigned on or 
after January 1, 2006, and before the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall require the State 
to require, as a condition of a grant or contract under which 
funds are made available to the State in order to carry out 
section 4103A or 4104 of title 38, United States Code, each 
such employee to satisfactorily complete the training described 
in section 4102A(c)(8)(A) of such title by not later than the 
date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 104. CLARIFICATION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF SECRETARY OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS TO VERIFY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans 
Small Business Verification Act’’. 
(b) CLARIFICATION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF SECRETARY OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS TO VERIFY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP.— 
(1) CLARIFICATION.—Section 8127(f) is amended— 
(A) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘To be eligible’’; 
(ii) by inserting after ‘‘or the veteran.’’ the following 
new sentence: ‘‘Application for inclusion in the data-
base shall constitute permission under section 552a 
of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act) 
for the Secretary to access such personal information 
maintained by the Secretary as may be necessary to 
verify the information contained in the application.’’; 
and 
(iii) by inserting after the sentence added by clause 
(ii) the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) If the Secretary receives an application for inclusion in 
the database from an individual whose status as a veteran cannot 
be verified because the Secretary does not maintain information 
with respect to the veteran status of the individual, the Secretary 
may not include the small business concern owned and controlled 
by the individual in the database maintained by the Secretary 
until the Secretary receives such information as may be necessary 
to verify that the individual is a veteran.’’; and 
(B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the fol-
lowing new paragraph (4): 
‘‘(4) No small business concern may be listed in the database 
until the Secretary has verified that— 
‘‘(A) the small business concern is owned and controlled 
by veterans; and 
‘‘(B) in the case of a small business concern for which 
the person who owns and controls the concern indicates that 
the person is a veteran with a service-connected disability, 
that the person is a veteran with a service-connected dis-
ability.’’.
H. R. 3219—5 
(2) APPLICABILITY.—In the case of a small business concern 
included in the database as of the date of the enactment of 
this Act for which, as of such date, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs has not verified the status of such concern in accordance 
with paragraph (4) of subsection (f) of section 8127 of title 
38, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1), not 
later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary shall notify the person who owns and controls 
the concern that— 
(A) the Secretary is required to verify the status of 
the concern in accordance with such paragraph, as so 
amended; 
(B) verification of such status shall require that the 
person who owns and controls the concern apply for inclu-
sion in the database in accordance with such subsection, 
as so amended; 
(C) application for inclusion in the database shall con-
stitute permission under section 552a of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act), 
for the Secretary to access such personal information main-
tained by the Secretary as may be necessary to verify 
the information contained in the application; and 
(D) the person who owns and controls the concern 
must submit to the Secretary all information required by 
the Secretary under this paragraph within 90 days of 
receiving the Secretary’s notice of such requirement or 
the concern shall be removed from the database. 
SEC. 105. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR REFERRAL OF USERRA 
CLAIMS AGAINST FEDERAL AGENCIES TO THE OFFICE OF 
SPECIAL COUNSEL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROJECT.—The Secretary of Labor and 
the Office of Special Counsel shall carry out a 36-month demonstra-
tion project under which certain claims against Federal executive 
agencies under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, are 
referred to, or otherwise received by, the Office of Special Counsel 
for assistance, including investigation and resolution of the claim 
as well as enforcement of rights with respect to the claim. The 
demonstration program shall begin not later than 60 days after 
the Comptroller General of the United States submits the report 
required under subsection (e)(3). 
(b) REFERRAL OF ALL PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICE CLAIMS 
TO THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Under the demonstration project, the 
Office of Special Counsel shall receive and investigate all claims 
under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, with respect 
to Federal executive agencies in cases where the Office of 
Special Counsel has jurisdiction over related claims pursuant 
to section 1212 of title 5, United States Code. 
(2) RELATED
CLAIMS.—For purposes of paragraph (1), a 
related claim is a claim involving the same Federal executive 
agency and the same or similar factual allegations or legal 
issues as those being pursued under a claim under chapter 
43 of title 38, United States Code. 
(c) REFERRAL OF OTHER CLAIMS AGAINST FEDERAL EXECUTIVE 
AGENCIES.—
H. R. 3219—6 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Under the demonstration project, the Sec-
retary— 
(A) shall refer to the Office of Special Counsel all 
claims described in paragraph (2) made during the period 
of the demonstration project; and 
(B) may refer any claim described in paragraph (2) 
filed before the demonstration project that is pending before 
the Secretary at the beginning of the demonstration project. 
(2) CLAIMS DESCRIBED.—A claim described in this para-
graph is a claim under chapter 43 of title 38, United States 
Code, against a Federal executive agency by a claimant with 
a social security account number with an odd number as its 
terminal digit or, in the case of a claim that does not contain 
a social security account number, a case number assigned to 
the claim with an odd number as its terminal digit. 
(d) ADMINISTRATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Office of Special Counsel shall admin-
ister the demonstration project. The Secretary shall cooperate 
with the Office of Special Counsel in carrying out the dem-
onstration project. 
(2) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN TERMS IN CHAPTER 43 OF TITLE 
38, UNITED STATES CODE.—In the case of any claim referred 
to, or otherwise received by, the Office of Special Counsel 
under the demonstration project, any reference to the ‘‘Sec-
retary’’ in sections 4321, 4322, and 4326 of title 38, United 
States Code, is deemed to be a reference to the ‘‘Office of 
Special Counsel’’. 
(3) ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION.—In the case of any claim 
referred to, or otherwise received by, the Office of Special 
Counsel under the demonstration project, the Office of Special 
Counsel shall retain administrative jurisdiction over the claim. 
(e) DATA COMPARABILITY FOR REVIEWING AGENCY PERFORM-
ANCE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—To facilitate the review of the relative 
performance of the Office of Special Counsel and the Depart-
ment of Labor during the demonstration project, the Office 
of Special Counsel and the Department of Labor shall jointly 
establish methods and procedures to be used by both the Office 
and the Department during the demonstration project. Such 
methods and procedures shall include each of the following: 
(A) Definitions of performance measures, including— 
(i) customer satisfaction; 
(ii) cost (such as, but not limited to, average cost 
per claim); 
(iii) timeliness (such as, but not limited to, average 
processing time, case age); 
(iv) capacity (such as, but not limited to, staffing 
levels, education, grade level, training received, case-
load); and 
(v) case outcomes. 
(B) Definitions of case outcomes. 
(C) Data collection methods and timing of collection. 
(D) Data quality assurance processes. 
(2) JOINT REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Special Counsel
H. R. 3219—7 
and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly submit to the Commit-
tees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Represent-
atives and to the Comptroller General of the United States 
a report describing the methods and procedures established 
under paragraph (1). 
(3) COMPTROLLER
GENERAL
REPORT.—Not later than 30 
days after the date of the submittal of the report under para-
graph (2), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Represent-
atives a report on the report submitted under paragraph (2) 
and may provide recommendations for improving the methods 
and procedures described therein. 
(f) AGENCY DATA TO GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.— 
The Office of Special Counsel and the Secretary of Labor shall 
submit to the Comptroller General such information and data about 
the demonstration project as may be required by the Comptroller 
General, from time to time during the course of the demonstration 
project and at the conclusion, in order for the Comptroller General 
to assess the reliability of the demonstration data maintained by 
both the Office of Special Counsel and the Department of Labor 
and to review the relative performance of the Office and Department 
under the demonstration project. 
(g) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT.—The Comp-
troller General shall review the relative performance of the Office 
of Special Counsel and the Department of Labor under the dem-
onstration project and— 
(1) not later than one year after the commencement of 
the demonstration project, and annually thereafter during the 
period when the demonstration project is conducted, submit 
to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives an interim report on the demonstra-
tion project; and 
(2) not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the 
demonstration project, submit to such committees a final report 
that includes the findings and conclusions of the Comptroller 
General regarding the relative performance of the Office and 
the Department under the demonstration project and such rec-
ommendations as the Comptroller General determines are 
appropriate. 
SEC. 106. VETERANS ENERGY-RELATED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT
OF PILOT PROGRAM.—To encourage the 
employment of eligible veterans in the energy industry, the Sec-
retary of Labor, as part of the Veterans Workforce Investment 
Program, shall carry out a pilot program to be known as the 
‘‘Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program’’. Under the pilot 
program, the Secretary shall award competitive grants to not more 
than three States for the establishment and administration of a 
State program to make grants to energy employers that provide 
covered training, on-job training, apprenticeships, and certification 
classes to eligible veterans. Such a program shall be known as 
a ‘‘State Energy-Related Employment Program’’. 
(b) ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANTS.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under the pilot program, a State shall submit to the Secretary 
an application that includes each of the following: 
(1) A proposal for the expenditure of grant funds to estab-
lish and administer a public-private partnership program
H. R. 3219—8 
designed 
to 
provide 
covered 
training, 
on-job 
training, 
apprenticeships, and certification classes to a significant 
number of eligible veterans and ensure lasting and sustainable 
employment in well-paying jobs in the energy industry. 
(2) Evidence that the State has— 
(A) a population of eligible veterans of an appropriate 
size to carry out the State program; 
(B) a robust and diverse energy industry; and 
(C) the ability to carry out the State program described 
in the proposal under paragraph (1). 
(3) Such other information and assurances as the Secretary 
may require. 
(c) USE OF FUNDS.—A State that is the recipient of a grant 
under this section shall use the grant for the following purposes: 
(1) Making grants to energy employers to reimburse such 
employers for the cost of providing covered training, on-job 
training, apprenticeships, and certification classes to eligible 
veterans who are first hired by the employer on or after 
November 1, 2010. 
(2) Conducting outreach to inform energy employers and 
veterans, including veterans in rural areas, of their eligibility 
or potential eligibility for participation in the State program. 
(d) CONDITIONS.—Under the pilot program, each grant to a 
State shall be subject to the following conditions: 
(1) The State shall repay to the Secretary, on such date 
as shall be determined by the Secretary, any amount received 
under the pilot program that is not used for the purposes 
described in subsection (c). 
(2) The State shall submit to the Secretary, at such times 
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require, 
reports on the use of grant funds. 
(e) EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS.—In order to receive a grant 
made by a State under the pilot program, an energy employer 
shall— 
(1) submit to the administrator of the State Energy-Related 
Employment Program an application that includes— 
(A) the rate of pay, during and after training, for 
each eligible veteran proposed to be trained using grant 
funds; 
(B) the average rate of pay for an individual employed 
by the energy employer in a similar position who is not 
an eligible veteran; and 
(C) such other information and assurances as the 
administrator may require; and 
(2) agree to submit to the administrator, for each quarter, 
a report containing such information as the Secretary may 
specify. 
(f) LIMITATION.—None of the funds made available to an energy 
employer through a grant under the pilot program may be used 
to provide training of any kind to— 
(1) a person who is not an eligible veteran; or 
(2) an eligible veteran for whom the employer has received 
a grant, credit, or subsidy under any other provision of law. 
(g) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Together with the report required 
to be submitted annually under section 4107(c) of title 38, United 
States Code, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on 
the pilot program for the year covered by such report. The report
H. R. 3219—9 
on the pilot program shall include a detailed description of activities 
carried out under this section and an evaluation of the program. 
(h) ADMINISTRATIVE AND REPORTING COSTS.—Of the amounts 
appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under 
subsection (j), two percent shall be made available to the Secretary 
for administrative costs associated with implementing and evalu-
ating the pilot program under this section and for preparing and 
submitting the report required under subsection (f). The Secretary 
shall determine the appropriate maximum amount of each grant 
awarded under this section that may be used by the recipient 
for administrative and reporting costs. 
(i) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered training, on-job training, apprentice-
ships, and certification classes’’ means training, on-job training, 
apprenticeships, and certification classes that are— 
(A) designed to provide the veteran with skills that 
are particular to an energy industry and not directly 
transferable to employment in another industry; and 
(B) approved as provided in paragraph (1) or (2), as 
appropriate, of subsection (a) of section 3687 of title 38, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘eligible veteran’’ means a veteran, as that 
term is defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States 
Code, who is employed by an energy employer and enrolled 
or participating in a covered training, on-job training, 
apprenticeship, or certification class. 
(3) The term ‘‘energy employer’’ means an entity that 
employs individuals in a trade or business in an energy 
industry. 
(4) The term ‘‘energy industry’’ means any of the following 
industries: 
(A) The energy-efficient building, construction, or retro-
fits industry. 
(B) The renewable electric power industry, including 
the wind and solar energy industries. 
(C) The biofuels industry. 
(D) The energy efficiency assessment industry that 
serves the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. 
(E) The oil and natural gas industry. 
(F) The nuclear industry. 
(j) APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 
2014, for the purpose of carrying out the pilot program under 
this section. 
SEC. 107. PAT TILLMAN VETERANS’ SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE. 
(a) AVAILABILITY OF SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION.—By not later 
than June 1, 2011, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include 
on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and 
their survivors and, for each such organization, a link to the Inter-
net website of the organization. 
(b) MAINTENANCE
OF SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION.—The Sec-
retary of Veterans Affairs shall make reasonable efforts to notify 
schools and other appropriate entities of the opportunity to be 
included on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs pursuant to subsection (a).
H. R. 3219—10 
TITLE II—HOUSING AND 
HOMELESSNESS MATTERS 
SEC. 201. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HOMELESS 
VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. 
Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ‘‘2009’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2011’’. 
SEC. 202. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS 
WITH CHILDREN REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) GRANT PROGRAM.—Chapter 20 is amended by inserting 
after section 2021 the following new section: 
‘‘§ 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans 
with children reintegration grant program 
‘‘(a) GRANTS.—Subject to the availability of appropriations pro-
vided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants 
to programs and facilities that the Secretary determines provide 
dedicated services for homeless women veterans and homeless vet-
erans with children. 
‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Grants under this section shall be used 
to provide job training, counseling, placement services (including 
job readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care services 
to expedite the reintegration of homeless women veterans and home-
less veterans with children into the labor force. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENT TO MONITOR EXPENDITURES
OF FUNDS.— 
(1) The Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that 
Secretary considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the dis-
tribution and expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this 
section. The information shall include data with respect to the 
results or outcomes of the services provided to each homeless vet-
eran under this section. 
‘‘(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in 
such form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify. 
‘‘(d) ADMINISTRATION THROUGH THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF 
LABOR FOR VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.—The Secretary 
of Labor shall carry out this section through the Assistant Secretary 
of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training. 
‘‘(e) BIENNIAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary of Labor 
shall include as part of the report required under section 2021(d) 
of this title an evaluation of the grant program under this section, 
which shall include an evaluation of services furnished to veterans 
under this section and an analysis of the information collected 
under subsection (c). 
‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—(1) In addition to any 
amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 
of this title, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015. 
‘‘(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain 
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to 
carry out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and 
the succeeding fiscal year.’’.
H. R. 3219—11 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 2021 the following new item: 
‘‘2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegra-
tion grant program.’’. 
SEC. 203. SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 
GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the 
end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant 
program 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS.—The Secretary shall make 
grants to encourage the development of new assistive technologies 
for specially adapted housing. 
‘‘(b) APPLICATION.—A person or entity seeking a grant under 
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the 
grant in such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify. 
‘‘(c) GRANT FUNDS.—(1) Each grant awarded under this section 
shall be in an amount of not more than $200,000 per fiscal year. 
‘‘(2) For each fiscal year in which the Secretary makes a grant 
under this section, the Secretary shall make the grant by not 
later than April 1 of that year. 
‘‘(d) USE OF FUNDS.—The recipient of a grant under this section 
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in 
specially adapted housing. 
‘‘(e) REPORT.—Not later than March 1 of each fiscal year fol-
lowing a fiscal year in which the Secretary makes a grant, the 
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing information 
related to each grant awarded under this section during the pre-
ceding fiscal year, including— 
‘‘(1) the name of the grant recipient; 
‘‘(2) the amount of the grant; and 
‘‘(3) the goal of the grant. 
‘‘(f) FUNDING.—From amounts appropriated to the Department 
for readjustment benefits for each fiscal year for which the Secretary 
is authorized to make a grant under this section, $1,000,000 shall 
be available for that fiscal year for the purposes of the program 
under this section. 
‘‘(g) DURATION.—The authority to make a grant under this 
section shall begin on October 1, 2011, and shall terminate on 
September 30, 2016.’’. 
(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: 
‘‘2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.’’. 
SEC. 204. WAIVER OF HOUSING LOAN FEE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES CALLED TO 
ACTIVE SERVICE. 
Section 3729(c)(1) is amended by inserting after ‘‘retirement 
pay’’ the following: ‘‘or active service pay’’.
H. R. 3219—12 
TITLE III—SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL 
RELIEF ACT MATTERS 
SEC. 301. RESIDENTIAL AND MOTOR VEHICLE LEASES. 
Subsection (e) of section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief 
Act (50 U.S.C. App. 535) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(e) ARREARAGES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES.— 
‘‘(1) LEASES
OF
PREMISES.—Rent amounts for a lease 
described in subsection (b)(1) that are unpaid for the period 
preceding the effective date of the lease termination shall be 
paid on a prorated basis. The lessor may not impose an early 
termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, or other obliga-
tions and liabilities of the lessee in accordance with the terms 
of the lease, including reasonable charges to the lessee for 
excess wear, that are due and unpaid at the time of termination 
of the lease shall be paid by the lessee. 
‘‘(2) LEASES OF MOTOR VEHICLES.—Lease amounts for a 
lease described in subsection (b)(2) that are unpaid for the 
period preceding the effective date of the lease termination 
shall be paid on a prorated basis. The lessor may not impose 
an early termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, title 
and registration fees, or other obligations and liabilities of 
the lessee in accordance with the terms of the lease, including 
reasonable charges to the lessee for excess wear or use and 
mileage, that are due and unpaid at the time of termination 
of the lease shall be paid by the lessee.’’. 
SEC. 302. TERMINATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 305A of the Servicemembers Civil 
Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 535a) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 305A. TERMINATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS. 
‘‘(a) TERMINATION BY SERVICEMEMBER.— 
‘‘(1) TERMINATION.—A servicemember may terminate a con-
tract described in subsection (b) at any time after the date 
the servicemember receives military orders to relocate for a 
period of not less than 90 days to a location that does not 
support the contract. 
‘‘(2) NOTICE.—In the case that a servicemember terminates 
a contract as described in paragraph (1), the service provider 
under the contract shall provide such servicemember with writ-
ten or electronic notice of the servicemember’s rights under 
such paragraph. 
‘‘(3) MANNER OF TERMINATION.—Termination of a contract 
under paragraph (1) shall be made by delivery of a written 
or electronic notice of such termination and a copy of the 
servicemember’s military orders to the service provider, deliv-
ered in accordance with industry standards for notification 
of terminations, together with the date on which the service 
is to be terminated. 
‘‘(b) COVERED CONTRACTS.—A contract described in this sub-
section is a contract for cellular telephone service or telephone 
exchange service entered into by the servicemember before receiving 
the military orders referred to in subsection (a)(1). 
‘‘(c) RETENTION OF TELEPHONE NUMBER.—In the case of a con-
tract terminated under subsection (a) by a servicemember whose
H. R. 3219—13 
period of relocation is for a period of three years or less, the 
service provider under the contract shall, notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, allow the servicemember to keep the telephone 
number the servicemember has under the contract if the service-
member re-subscribes to the service during the 90-day period begin-
ning on the last day of such period of relocation. 
‘‘(d) FAMILY PLANS.—In the case of a contract for cellular tele-
phone service entered into by any individual in which a servicemem-
ber is a designated beneficiary of the contract, the individual who 
entered into the contract may terminate the contract— 
‘‘(1) with respect to the servicemember if the servicemember 
is eligible to terminate contracts pursuant to subsection (a); 
and 
‘‘(2) with respect to all of the designated beneficiaries of 
such contract if all such beneficiaries accompany the service-
member during the servicemember’s period of relocation. 
‘‘(e) OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES.—For any contract 
terminated under this section, the service provider under the con-
tract may not impose an early termination charge, but any tax 
or any other obligation or liability of the servicemember that, in 
accordance with the terms of the contract, is due and unpaid or 
unperformed at the time of termination of the contract shall be 
paid or performed by the servicemember. If the servicemember 
re-subscribes to the service provided under a covered contract 
during the 90-day period beginning on the last day of the 
servicemember’s period of relocation, the service provider may not 
impose a charge for reinstating service, other than the usual and 
customary charges for the installation or acquisition of customer 
equipment imposed on any other subscriber. 
‘‘(f) RETURN OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS.—Not later than 60 days 
after the effective date of the termination of a contract under 
this section, the service provider under the contract shall refund 
to the servicemember any fee or other amount to the extent paid 
for a period extending until after such date, except for the remainder 
of the monthly or similar billing period in which the termination 
occurs. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘cellular telephone service’ means commercial 
mobile service, as that term is defined in section 332(d) of 
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)). 
‘‘(2) The term ‘telephone exchange service’ has the meaning 
given that term under section 3 of the Communications Act 
of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153).’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—The heading for title III of such 
Act is amended by inserting ‘‘, TELEPHONE SERVICE CON-
TRACTS’’ after ‘‘LEASES’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—The table of contents in section 
1(b) of such Act is amended— 
(1) by striking the item relating to title III and inserting 
the following new item: 
‘‘TITLE III—RENT, INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, LIENS, 
ASSIGNMENT, LEASES, TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS’’; AND 
(2) by striking the item relating to section 305A and 
inserting the following new item: 
‘‘Sec. 305A. Termination of telephone service contracts.’’.
H. R. 3219—14 
SEC. 303. ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND BY PRI-
VATE RIGHT OF ACTION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 
U.S.C. App. 501 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new title: 
‘‘TITLE VIII—CIVIL LIABILITY 
‘‘SEC. 801. ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. 
‘‘(a) CIVIL ACTION.—The Attorney General may commence a 
civil action in any appropriate district court of the United States 
against any person who— 
‘‘(1) engages in a pattern or practice of violating this Act; 
or 
‘‘(2) engages in a violation of this Act that raises an issue 
of significant public importance. 
‘‘(b) RELIEF.—In a civil action commenced under subsection 
(a), the court may— 
‘‘(1) grant any appropriate equitable or declaratory relief 
with respect to the violation of this Act; 
‘‘(2) award all other appropriate relief, including monetary 
damages, to any person aggrieved by the violation; and 
‘‘(3) may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil 
penalty— 
‘‘(A) in an amount not exceeding $55,000 for a first 
violation; and 
‘‘(B) in an amount not exceeding $110,000 for any 
subsequent violation. 
‘‘(c) 
INTERVENTION.—Upon 
timely 
application, 
a 
person 
aggrieved by a violation of this Act with respect to which the 
civil action is commenced may intervene in such action, and may 
obtain such appropriate relief as the person could obtain in a 
civil action under section 802 with respect to that violation, along 
with costs and a reasonable attorney fee. 
‘‘SEC. 802. PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Any person aggrieved by a violation of this 
Act may in a civil action— 
‘‘(1) obtain any appropriate equitable or declaratory relief 
with respect to the violation; and 
‘‘(2) recover all other appropriate relief, including monetary 
damages. 
‘‘(b) COSTS
AND ATTORNEY FEES.—The court may award to 
a person aggrieved by a violation of this Act who prevails in an 
action brought under subsection (a) the costs of the action, including 
a reasonable attorney fee. 
‘‘SEC. 803. PRESERVATION OF REMEDIES. 
‘‘Nothing in section 801 or 802 shall be construed to preclude 
or limit any remedy otherwise available under other law, including 
consequential and punitive damages.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such Act is further amended 
as follows: 
(1) Section 207 (50 U.S.C. App. 527) is amended by striking 
subsection (f). 
(2) Section 301(c) (50 U.S.C. App. 531(c)) is amended to 
read as follows:
H. R. 3219—15 
‘‘(c) MISDEMEANOR.—Except as provided in subsection (a), a 
person who knowingly takes part in an eviction or distress described 
in subsection (a), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be 
fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned 
for not more than one year, or both.’’. 
(3) Section 302(b) (50 U.S.C. App. 532(b)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(b) MISDEMEANOR.—A person who knowingly resumes posses-
sion of property in violation of subsection (a), or in violation of 
section 107 of this Act, or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall 
be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned 
for not more than one year, or both.’’. 
(4) Section 303(d) (50 U.S.C. App. 533(d)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(d) MISDEMEANOR.—A person who knowingly makes or causes 
to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohib-
ited by subsection (c), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall 
be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned 
for not more than one year, or both.’’. 
(5) Section 305(h) (50 U.S.C. App. 535(h)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(h) MISDEMEANOR.—Any person who knowingly seizes, holds, 
or detains the personal effects, security deposit, or other property 
of a servicemember or a servicemember’s dependent who lawfully 
terminates a lease covered by this section, or who knowingly inter-
feres with the removal of such property from premises covered 
by such lease, for the purpose of subjecting or attempting to subject 
any of such property to a claim for rent accruing subsequent to 
the date of termination of such lease, or attempts to do so, shall 
be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned 
for not more than one year, or both.’’. 
(6) Section 306(e) (50 U.S.C. App. 536(e)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(e) MISDEMEANOR.—A person who knowingly takes an action 
contrary to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as 
provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not 
more than one year, or both.’’. 
(7) Section 307(c) (50 U.S.C. App. 537(c)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(c) MISDEMEANOR.—A person who knowingly takes an action 
contrary to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as 
provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not 
more than one year, or both.’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents in section 
1(b) of such Act is amended by adding at the end the following 
new items: 
‘‘TITLE VIII—CIVIL LIABILITY 
‘‘Sec. 801. Enforcement by the Attorney General. 
‘‘Sec. 802. Private right of action. 
‘‘Sec. 803. Preservation of remedies.’’.
H. R. 3219—16 
TITLE IV—INSURANCE MATTERS 
SEC. 401. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE FOR 
TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1922A(a) is amended by striking 
‘‘$20,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$30,000’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 
402. 
PERMANENT 
EXTENSION 
OF 
DURATION 
OF 
SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE 
FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS. 
(a) EXTENSION.—Section 1968(a) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking clause (ii) and inserting 
the following new clause (ii): 
‘‘(ii) The date that is two years after the date 
of separation or release from such active duty or active 
duty for training.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
inserting the following new subparagraph (B): 
‘‘(B) The date that is two years after the date of separa-
tion or release from such assignment.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall apply with respect to a person who is separated or released 
on or after June 15, 2005. 
SEC. 403. ADJUSTMENT OF COVERAGE OF DEPENDENTS UNDER 
SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. 
Clause (ii) of section 1968(a)(5)(B) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(ii)(I) in the case of a member of the Ready 
Reserve of a uniformed service who meets the qualifica-
tions set forth in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 
1965(5) of this title, 120 days after separation or 
release from such assignment; or 
‘‘(II) in the case of any other member of the uni-
formed services, 120 days after the date of the mem-
ber’s separation or release from the uniformed services; 
or’’. 
SEC. 404. OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE AMOUNT OF VETERANS’ GROUP 
LIFE INSURANCE. 
(a) OPPORTUNITY
TO INCREASE AMOUNT.—Section 1977(a) is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘Except as provided in 
paragraph (3),’’ before ‘‘Veterans’ Group Life Insurance shall 
be’’; and 
(2) by adding after paragraph (2) the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(3) Not more than once in each five-year period beginning 
on the one-year anniversary of the date a person becomes insured 
under Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, such person may elect in 
writing to increase by $25,000 the amount for which the person 
is insured if— 
‘‘(A) the person is under the age of 60; and 
‘‘(B) the total amount for which the person is insured 
does not exceed the amount provided for under section 
1967(a)(3)(A)(i) of this title.’’.
H. R. 3219—17 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Paragraph (3) of section 1977(a) of title 
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take 
effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
SEC. 405. ELIMINATION OF REDUCTION IN AMOUNT OF ACCELERATED 
DEATH BENEFIT FOR TERMINALLY-ILL PERSONS INSURED 
UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND 
VETERANS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. 
(a) ELIMINATION OF REDUCTION.—Section 1980(b)(1) is amended 
by striking ‘‘reduced by’’ and all that follows through ‘‘the Sec-
retary’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to a payment of an accelerated death 
benefit under section 1980 of title 38, United States Code, made 
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 406. CONSIDERATION OF LOSS OF DOMINANT HAND IN PRESCRIP-
TION OF SCHEDULE OF SEVERITY OF TRAUMATIC INJURY 
UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. 
(a) SCHEDULE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1980A(d) is amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘Payments under’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) 
Payments under’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(2) As the Secretary considers appropriate, the schedule 
required by paragraph (1) may distinguish in specifying payments 
for qualifying losses between the severity of a qualifying loss of 
a dominant hand and of a qualifying loss of a nondominant hand.’’. 
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by paragraph 
(1) shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
(b) PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFYING LOSSES INCURRED BEFORE DATE 
OF ENACTMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent necessary, the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe in regulations mechanisms 
for payments under section 1980A of title 38, United States 
Code, for qualifying losses incurred before the date of the 
enactment of this Act, by reason of paragraph (2) of subsection 
(d) of such section (as added by subsection (a)(1) of this section). 
(2) QUALIFYING LOSS DEFINED.—In this subsection, the term 
‘‘qualifying loss’’ means— 
(A) a loss specified in the second sentence of subsection 
(b)(1) of section 1980A of title 38, United States Code; 
and 
(B) any other loss specified by the Secretary of Vet-
erans Affairs pursuant to the first sentence of that sub-
section. 
SEC. 407. ENHANCEMENT OF VETERANS’ MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2106(b) is amended by striking 
‘‘$90,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$150,000, or after January 1, 2012, 
$200,000,’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
H. R. 3219—18 
SEC. 408. EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUALS QUALIFYING FOR RETRO-
ACTIVE BENEFITS FROM TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION 
COVERAGE 
UNDER 
SERVICEMEMBERS’ 
GROUP 
LIFE 
INSURANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section 501(b) of the Vet-
erans’ Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 
(Public Law 109–233; 120 Stat. 414; 38 U.S.C. 1980A note) is 
amended by striking ‘‘, if, as determined by the Secretary concerned, 
that loss was a direct result of a traumatic injury incurred in 
the theater of operations for Operation Enduring Freedom or Oper-
ation Iraqi Freedom’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The heading of such section 
is amended by striking ‘‘IN OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM AND 
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
TITLE V—BURIAL AND CEMETERY 
MATTERS 
SEC. 501. INCREASE IN CERTAIN BURIAL AND FUNERAL BENEFITS 
AND PLOT ALLOWANCES FOR VETERANS. 
(a) INCREASE IN BURIAL AND FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR DEATHS 
IN DEPARTMENT FACILITIES.—Paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (a) of 
section 2303 is amended by striking ‘‘$300’’ and inserting ‘‘$700 
(as increased from time to time under subsection (c))’’. 
(b) INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF PLOT ALLOWANCES.—Subsection 
(b) of such section is amended by striking ‘‘$300’’ both places it 
appears and inserting ‘‘$700 (as increased from time to time under 
subsection (c))’’. 
(c) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT.—Such section is further amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(c) With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide 
a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the max-
imum amount of burial and funeral expenses payable under sub-
section (a) and in the maximum amount of the plot or internment 
allowance payable under subsection (b), equal to the percentage 
by which— 
‘‘(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States 
city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 
preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the increase 
is made, exceeds 
‘‘(2) the Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period 
preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
amendments made by this section shall apply with respect 
to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2011. 
(2) PROHIBITION ON COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL 
YEAR 2012.—No adjustments shall be made under section 
2303(c) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(c), for fiscal year 2012.
H. R. 3219—19 
SEC. 502. INTERMENT IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES OF PARENTS OF CER-
TAIN DECEASED VETERANS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Corey 
Shea Act’’. 
(b) INTERMENT OF PARENTS OF CERTAIN DECEASED VETERANS.— 
Section 2402 is amended— 
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘Under such regulations’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) Under such regula-
tions’’; 
(2) by moving the margins of paragraphs (1) through (8) 
two ems to the right; 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(9)(A) The parent of a person described in subparagraph 
(B), if the Secretary determines that there is available space 
at the gravesite where the person described in subparagraph 
(B) is interred. 
‘‘(B) A person described in this subparagraph is a person 
described in paragraph (1) who— 
‘‘(i) is a hostile casualty or died from a training-related 
injury; 
‘‘(ii) is interred in a national cemetery; and 
‘‘(iii) at the time of the person’s parent’s death, did 
not have a spouse, surviving spouse, or child who is buried 
or who, upon death, may be eligible for burial in a national 
cemetery pursuant to paragraph (5).’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(b) For purposes of subsection (a)(9) of this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘parent’ means a biological father or a 
biological mother or, in the case of adoption, a father through 
adoption or a mother through adoption. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘hostile casualty’ means a person who, as 
a member of the Armed Forces, dies as the direct result of 
hostile action with the enemy, while in combat, while going 
to or returning from a combat mission if the cause of death 
was directly related to hostile action, or while hospitalized 
or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States 
for injury incurred during combat, and includes a person killed 
mistakenly or accidentally by friendly fire directed at a hostile 
force or what is thought to be a hostile force, but does not 
include a person who dies due to the elements, a self-inflicted 
wound, combat fatigue, or a friendly force while the person 
was in an absent-without-leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls 
status or was voluntarily absent from a place of duty. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘training-related injury’ means an injury 
incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while performing 
authorized training activities in preparation for a combat mis-
sion.’’. 
(c) GUIDANCE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall develop guid-
ance under which the parent of a person described in paragraph 
(9)(B) of subsection (a) of section 2402 of title 38, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (b), may be designated for interment 
in a national cemetery under that section. 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
H. R. 3219—20 
(1) 
CROSS-REFERENCE
CORRECTION.—Section 
107 
is 
amended by striking ‘‘section 2402(8)’’ both places it appears 
and inserting ‘‘section 2402(a)(8)’’. 
(2) CROSS-REFERENCE
CORRECTION.—Section 2301(e) is 
amended by striking ‘‘section 2402(6)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 
2402(a)(6)’’. 
(3) CROSS-REFERENCE
CORRECTION.—Section 2306(a) is 
amended— 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘section 2402(4)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 2402(a)(4)’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘section 2402(5)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 2402(a)(5)’’. 
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to the death, on or after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, of the parent of a person described 
in paragraph (9)(B) of subsection (a) of section 2402 of title 38, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (b), who dies on or 
after October 7, 2001. 
SEC. 503. REPORTS ON SELECTION OF NEW NATIONAL CEMETERIES. 
(a) INITIAL REPORT.— 
(1) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the selection of 
the sites described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of estab-
lishing new national cemeteries. 
(2) SITES.—The sites described in this paragraph are the 
following: 
(A) An area in southern Colorado. 
(B) An area near Melbourne, Florida, and Daytona, 
Florida. 
(C) An area near Omaha, Nebraska. 
(D) An area near Buffalo, New York, and Rochester, 
New York. 
(E) An area near Tallahassee, Florida. 
(3) SITE SELECTION.—In carrying out this section, the Sec-
retary shall solicit advice and views of representatives of State 
and local veterans organizations and other individuals as the 
Secretary considers appropriate. 
(4) MATTERS INCLUDED.—The report under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) A schedule for the establishment of each cemetery 
at each site described in paragraph (2) and an estimate 
of the costs associated with the establishment of each such 
cemetery. 
(B) As of the date of the submittal of the report, the 
amount of funds that are available to establish each ceme-
tery at each site described in paragraph (2) from amounts 
appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
Advance Planning. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than two years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter until the 
date on which each cemetery at each site described in subsection 
(a)(2) is established, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an 
annual report that includes updates to the information provided 
in the report under subsection (a).
H. R. 3219—21 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND 
PENSION 
SEC. 601. ENHANCEMENT OF DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR CER-
TAIN DISABLED VETERANS WITH DIFFICULTIES USING 
PROSTHESES AND DISABLED VETERANS IN NEED OF REG-
ULAR AID AND ATTENDANCE FOR RESIDUALS OF TRAU-
MATIC BRAIN INJURY. 
(a) VETERANS SUFFERING ANATOMICAL LOSS OF HANDS, ARMS, 
OR LEGS.—Section 1114 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (m)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘at a level, or with complications,’’ 
and inserting ‘‘with factors’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘at levels, or with complications,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘with factors’’; 
(2) in subsection (n)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘at levels, or with complications,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘with factors’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘so near the hip as to’’ and inserting 
‘‘with factors that’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘so near the shoulder and hip as to’’ 
and inserting ‘‘with factors that’’; and 
(3) in subsection (o), by striking ‘‘so near the shoulder 
as to’’ and inserting ‘‘with factors that’’. 
(b) VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES IN NEED 
OF REGULAR AID AND ATTENDANCE FOR RESIDUALS OF TRAUMATIC 
BRAIN INJURY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Such section is further amended— 
(A) in subsection (p), by striking the semicolon at the 
end and inserting a period; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(t) Subject to section 5503(c) of this title, if any veteran, 
as the result of service-connected disability, is in need of regular 
aid and attendance for the residuals of traumatic brain injury, 
is not eligible for compensation under subsection (r)(2), and in 
the absence of such regular aid and attendance would require 
hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional 
care, the veteran shall be paid, in addition to any other compensa-
tion under this section, a monthly aid and attendance allowance 
equal to the rate described in subsection (r)(2), which for purposes 
of section 1134 of this title shall be considered as additional com-
pensation payable for disability. An allowance authorized under 
this subsection shall be paid in lieu of any allowance authorized 
by subsection (r)(1).’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 5503(c) is amended 
by striking ‘‘in section 1114(r)’’ and inserting ‘‘in subsection 
(r) or (t) of section 1114’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 602. COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE FOR TEMPORARY DEPENDENCY 
AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION PAYABLE FOR SUR-
VIVING SPOUSES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN UNDER 
THE AGE OF 18. 
Section 1311(f) is amended—
H. R. 3219—22 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘(as increased from time 
to time under paragraph (4))’’ after ‘‘$250’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
‘‘(4) Whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable 
under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) 
as a result of a determination made under section 215(i) of such 
Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, effective on the date 
of such increase in benefit amounts, increase the amount payable 
under paragraph (1), as such amount was in effect immediately 
prior to the date of such increase in benefit amounts, by the same 
percentage as the percentage by which such benefit amounts are 
increased. Any increase in a dollar amount under this paragraph 
shall be rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount.’’. 
SEC. 603. PAYMENT OF DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION 
TO SURVIVORS OF FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR WHO DIED 
ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1999. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1318(b)(3) is amended by striking 
‘‘who died after September 30, 1999,’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 604. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS FROM CONSIDERATION 
AS INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF VETERANS PENSION BENE-
FITS. 
(a) EXCLUSION.—Section 1503(a) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (10); 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (12); 
and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new 
paragraph (11): 
‘‘(11) payment of a monetary amount of up to $5,000 to 
a veteran from a State or municipality that is paid as a vet-
erans’ benefit due to injury or disease; and’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall apply with respect to determinations of income for calendar 
years beginning after October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 605. COMMENCEMENT OF PERIOD OF PAYMENT OF ORIGINAL 
AWARDS OF COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS RETIRED OR 
SEPARATED FROM THE UNIFORMED SERVICES FOR CATA-
STROPHIC DISABILITY. 
(a) COMMENCEMENT OF PERIOD OF PAYMENT.—Subsection (a) 
of section 5111 is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(a)’’; 
(2) in paragraph (1), as so designated by paragraph (1) 
of this subsection, by striking ‘‘in subsection (c) of this section’’ 
and inserting ‘‘in paragraph (2) and subsection (c)’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(2)(A) In the case of a veteran who is retired or separated 
from the active military, naval, or air service for a catastrophic 
disability or disabilities, payment of monetary benefits based on 
an award of compensation based on an original claim shall be 
made as of the date on which such award becomes effective as 
provided under section 5110 of this title or another applicable 
provision of law.
H. R. 3219—23 
‘‘(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘catastrophic 
disability’, with respect to a veteran, means a permanent, severely 
disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability 
of the veteran to carry out the activities of daily living to such 
a degree that the veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance 
to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid 
physical harm to self or others.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall take effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply with 
respect to awards of compensation based on original claims that 
become effective on or after that date. 
SEC. 606. APPLICABILITY OF LIMITATION TO PENSION PAYABLE TO 
CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VETERANS OF A PERIOD OF WAR. 
Section 5503(d)(5) is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(5)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) The provisions of this subsection shall apply with respect 
to a child entitled to pension under section 1542 of this title in 
the same manner as they apply to a veteran having neither spouse 
nor child.’’. 
SEC. 607. EXTENSION OF REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED 
BY NURSING FACILITIES. 
Section 5503(d)(7) is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2011’’ 
and inserting ‘‘May 31, 2015’’. 
SEC. 608. CODIFICATION OF 2009 COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN 
RATES OF PENSION FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND SUR-
VIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN. 
(a) DISABLED VETERANS.—Section 1521 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘$3,550’’ and inserting 
‘‘$11,830’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$4,651’’ and inserting ‘‘$15,493’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$5,680’’ and inserting 
‘‘$19,736’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘$6,781’’ and inserting ‘‘$23,396’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’; 
(4) in subsection (e)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$4,340’’ and inserting ‘‘$14,457’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘$5,441’’ and inserting ‘‘$18,120’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’; 
(5) in subsection (f)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$4,651’’ and inserting 
‘‘$15,493’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘$6,781’’ and inserting ‘‘$23,396’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘$8,911’’ and inserting ‘‘$30,480’’; 
(C) in paragraph (3)—
H. R. 3219—24 
(i) by striking ‘‘$5,441’’ and inserting ‘‘$18,120’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘$6,231’’ and inserting ‘‘$20,747’’; 
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘$7,571’’ and inserting 
‘‘$26,018’’; and 
(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting 
‘‘$2,020’’; and 
(6) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘$800’’ and inserting 
‘‘$2,686’’. 
(b) SURVIVING
SPOUSES.—Section 1541 of such title is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘$2,379’’ and inserting 
‘‘$7,933’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$3,116’’ and inserting ‘‘$10,385’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$3,806’’ and inserting 
‘‘$12,681’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘$4,543’’ and inserting ‘‘$15,128’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’; and 
(4) in subsection (e)(1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$2,908’’ and inserting ‘‘$9,696’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘$3,645’’ and inserting ‘‘$12,144’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’. 
(c) SURVIVING CHILDREN.—Section 1542 of such title is amended 
by striking ‘‘$600’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,020’’ both places it appears. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsections 
(a), (b), and (c) shall apply with respect to pensions paid on or 
after December 1, 2009. 
TITLE VII—EMPLOYMENT AND REEM-
PLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF 
THE UNIFORMED SERVICES 
SEC. 701. CLARIFICATION THAT USERRA PROHIBITS WAGE DISCRIMI-
NATION AGAINST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4303(2) is amended by striking ‘‘other 
than’’ and inserting ‘‘including’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to— 
(1) any failure to comply with a provision of or any violation 
of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, that occurs before, 
on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and 
(2) all actions or complaints filed under such chapter 43 
that are pending on or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 702. CLARIFICATION OF THE DEFINITION OF ‘‘SUCCESSOR IN 
INTEREST’’. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4303(4) is amended by adding at 
the end the following new subparagraph:
H. R. 3219—25 
‘‘(D)(i) Whether the term ‘successor in interest’ applies with 
respect to an entity described in subparagraph (A) for purposes 
of clause (iv) of such subparagraph shall be determined on 
a case-by-case basis using a multi-factor test that considers 
the following factors: 
‘‘(I) Substantial continuity of business operations. 
‘‘(II) Use of the same or similar facilities. 
‘‘(III) Continuity of work force. 
‘‘(IV) Similarity of jobs and working conditions. 
‘‘(V) Similarity of supervisory personnel. 
‘‘(VI) Similarity of machinery, equipment, and produc-
tion methods. 
‘‘(VII) Similarity of products or services. 
‘‘(ii) The entity’s lack of notice or awareness of a potential 
or pending claim under this chapter at the time of a merger, 
acquisition, or other form of succession shall not be considered 
when applying the multi-factor test under clause (i).’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to— 
(1) any failure to comply with a provision of or any violation 
of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, that occurs before, 
on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and 
(2) all actions or complaints filed under such chapter 43 
that are pending on or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 703. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. 
(a) AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4324 OF TITLE 38, UNITED STATES 
CODE.—Section 4324(b)(4) is amended by inserting before the period 
the following: ‘‘declining to initiate an action and represent the 
person before the Merit Systems Protection Board’’. 
(b) AMENDMENT TO CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 
1995.—Section 206(b) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 
1995 (2 U.S.C. 1316(b)) is amended by striking ‘‘under paragraphs 
(1), (2)(A), and (3) of section 4323(c) of title 38, United States 
Code’’ and inserting ‘‘under section 4323(d) of title 38, United States 
Code’’. 
(c) AMENDMENT TO SECTION 416 OF TITLE 3, UNITED STATES 
CODE.—Section 416(b) of title 3, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘under paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of section 4323(c) 
of title 38’’ and inserting ‘‘under section 4323(d) of title 38’’. 
TITLE VIII—BENEFITS MATTERS 
SEC. 801. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VETERANS FOR WHICH PROGRAMS 
OF INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE MAY 
BE INITIATED. 
(a) INCREASE.—Section 3120(e) is amended by striking ‘‘2600’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2,700’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning after the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 802. PAYMENT OF UNPAID BALANCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS GUARANTEED LOANS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3732(a)(2) is amended—
H. R. 3219—26 
(1) by striking ‘‘Before suit’’ and inserting ‘‘(A) Before suit’’; 
and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) In the event that a housing loan guaranteed under this 
chapter is modified under the authority provided under section 
1322(b) of title 11, the Secretary may pay the holder of the obliga-
tion the unpaid principal balance of the obligation due, plus accrued 
interest, as of the date of the filing of the petition under title 
11, but only upon the assignment, transfer, and delivery to the 
Secretary (in a form and manner satisfactory to the Secretary) 
of all rights, interest, claims, evidence, and records with respect 
to the housing loan.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall apply with respect to a housing loan guaranteed after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 803. ELIGIBILITY OF DISABLED VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE BURN INJURIES FOR 
AUTOMOBILES AND ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY.—Paragraph (1) of section 3901 is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A)— 
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ‘‘the 
disabilities described in subclause (i), (ii), or (iii) below’’ 
and inserting ‘‘the following disabilities’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new clause: 
‘‘(iv) A severe burn injury (as determined pursuant 
to regulations prescribed by the Secretary).’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘subclause (i), (ii), 
or (iii) of clause (A) of this paragraph’’ and inserting ‘‘clause 
(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subparagraph (A)’’. 
(b) 
STYLISTIC
AMENDMENTS.—Such 
section 
is 
further 
amended— 
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘chapter—’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter:’’; 
(2) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ‘‘means—’’ and inserting ‘‘means the following:’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
‘‘any veteran’’ and inserting ‘‘Any veteran’’; 
(ii) in each of clauses (i) and (ii), by striking the 
semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and 
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting 
a period; and 
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘any member’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Any member’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 804. ENHANCEMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE 
FOR VETERANS. 
(a) INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ALLOWANCE.—Subsection (a) of 
section 3902 is amended by striking ‘‘$11,000’’ and inserting 
‘‘$18,900 (as adjusted from time to time under subsection (e))’’. 
(b) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT.—Such section is further amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) Effective on October 1 of each year (beginning in 2011), 
the Secretary shall increase the dollar amount in effect under
H. R. 3219—27 
subsection (a) by a percentage equal to the percentage by which 
the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (U.S. city aver-
age) increased during the 12-month period ending with the last 
month for which Consumer Price Index data is available. In the 
event that such Consumer Price Index does not increase during 
such period, the Secretary shall maintain the dollar amount in 
effect under subsection (a) during the previous fiscal year.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on October 1, 2011. 
SEC. 805. NATIONAL ACADEMIES REVIEW OF BEST TREATMENTS FOR 
CHRONIC MULTISYMPTOM ILLNESS IN PERSIAN GULF WAR 
VETERANS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek 
to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the 
National Academies to carry out a comprehensive review of the 
best treatments for chronic multisymptom illness in Persian Gulf 
War veterans and an evaluation of how such treatment approaches 
could best be disseminated throughout the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to improve the care and benefits provided to veterans. 
(b) GROUP OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.—Under any agreement 
entered into under subsection (a), the Institute of Medicine shall 
convene a group of medical professionals who are experienced in 
treating individuals who served as members of the Armed Forces 
in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations of the Persian Gulf 
War during 1990 or 1991 and who have been diagnosed with chronic 
multisymptom illness or another health condition related to chem-
ical and environmental exposure that may have occurred during 
such service. 
(c) REPORT.—Any agreement entered into under subsection (a) 
shall require the Institute of Medicine to submit to the Secretary 
and to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives a report on the review and evaluation 
described in subsection (a) by not later than December 31, 2012. 
The report shall include such recommendations for legislative or 
administrative action as the Institute considers appropriate in light 
of the results of the review. 
(d) FUNDING.—Pursuant to any agreement entered into under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide the Institute of Medicine 
with such funds as are necessary to ensure the timely completion 
of the review described that subsection. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘chronic multisymptom illness in Persian 
Gulf War veterans’’ means a chronic multisymptom illness 
defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms relating to service 
in the Persian Gulf War, typically including widespread pain, 
persistent memory and concentration problems, chronic head-
aches, gastrointestinal problems, and other abnormalities not 
explained by well-established diagnoses. 
(2) The term ‘‘Persian Gulf War’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code. 
SEC. 806. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF NATIONAL ACADEMY 
OF SCIENCES REVIEWS AND EVALUATIONS ON ILLNESS 
AND SERVICE IN PERSIAN GULF WAR AND POST-9/11 
GLOBAL OPERATIONS THEATERS. 
(a) REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF AGENTS AND ILLNESSES ASSOCI-
ATED WITH PERSIAN GULF WAR SERVICE.—
H. R. 3219—28 
(1) EXTENSION OF REVIEW AND EVALUATION.—Subsection 
(j) of section 1603 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 
1998 (Public Law 105–277; 38 U.S.C. 1117 note), as amended 
by section 202(d)(2) of the Veterans Education and Benefits 
Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107–173; 115 Stat. 989), 
is amended by striking ‘‘October 1, 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘October 
1, 2015’’. 
(2) DISAGGREGATION OF RESULTS BY THEATERS OF OPER-
ATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.—Such section 
is further amended— 
(A) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘who served 
in the Southwest Asia theater of operations’’ and all that 
follows and inserting ‘‘who may have been exposed by rea-
son of service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations 
during the Persian Gulf War or, after September 11, 2001, 
in another Post-9/11 Global Theater of Operations; and’’; 
(B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ‘‘Gulf War service’’ 
and inserting ‘‘service described in subsection (c)(1)(A)’’; 
(C) in subsection (i)— 
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘paragraph (5)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraph (6)’’; 
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph 
(6); and 
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following 
new paragraph (5): 
‘‘(5) In each report under this subsection submitted after the 
date of the enactment of this paragraph, any determinations, 
results, and recommendations as described in paragraph (2) shall 
be submitted separately as follows: 
‘‘(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001. 
‘‘(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 
11, 2001.’’; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(l) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘Persian Gulf War’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘Post-9/11 Global Theater of Operations’ 
means Afghanistan, Iraq, and any other theater of operations 
for which the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal 
is awarded for service.’’. 
(b) 
REVIEW
AND
EVALUATION
OF
AVAILABLE
EVIDENCE 
REGARDING ILLNESS AND SERVICE IN PERSIAN GULF WAR.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (j) of section 101 of the Vet-
erans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105– 
368; 112 Stat. 3321) is amended by striking ‘‘11 years after’’ 
and all that follows through ‘‘under subsection (b)’’ and inserting 
‘‘on October 1, 2018’’. 
(2) DISAGGREGATION OF RESULTS BY THEATERS OF OPER-
ATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.—Such section 
is further amended— 
(A) in subsection (c)(1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ‘‘Gulf war veterans’’ and all that follows 
through ‘‘Persian Gulf War’’ and inserting ‘‘veterans 
who served in the Armed Forces in the Southwest
H. R. 3219—29 
Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf 
War or, after September 11, 2001, in another Post- 
9/11 Global Theater of Operations and the health con-
sequences of exposures to risk factors during such 
service’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘who served’’ 
and all that follows through ‘‘such service’’ and 
inserting ‘‘who may have been exposed by reason of 
service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations 
during the Persian Gulf War or, after September 11, 
2001, in another Post-9/11 Global Theater of Oper-
ations’’; 
(B) in subsection (e)(1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ‘‘Gulf War service or exposure during Gulf 
War service’’ and inserting ‘‘service in the Armed 
Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations 
during the Persian Gulf War or, after September 11, 
2001, in another Post-9/11 Global Theater of Oper-
ations or exposure during such service’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), by striking ‘‘Gulf 
War veterans’’ each place it appears and inserting 
‘‘veterans described in subsection (c)(1)’’; 
(C) in subsection (f)(1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘service in the Persian Gulf War’’ 
and inserting ‘‘service described in subsection (c)(1)(A)’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘Gulf War service’’ and inserting 
‘‘such service’’; 
(D) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph: 
‘‘(5) In each report under this subsection submitted after the 
date of the enactment of this paragraph, any determinations, discus-
sions, and recommendations as described in paragraph (2) shall 
be submitted separately as follows: 
‘‘(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001. 
‘‘(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 
11, 2001.’’; 
(E) in subsection (i)— 
(i) in paragraph (2)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Persian Gulf War service’’ and 
inserting ‘‘service described in subsection (c)(1)(A)’’; 
(II) by striking ‘‘service in the Persian Gulf 
War’’ and inserting ‘‘such service’’; and 
(III) by striking ‘‘Gulf War veterans’’ and 
inserting 
‘‘veterans 
described 
in 
subsection 
(c)(1)(A)’’; and 
(ii) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(4) In each report under this subsection submitted after the 
date of the enactment of this paragraph, any recommendations 
as described in paragraph (2) shall be submitted separately as 
follows: 
‘‘(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001.
H. R. 3219—30 
‘‘(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 
11, 2001.’’; and 
(F) in subsection (k)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘In this section, the term’’ and 
inserting the following: ‘‘In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘Persian Gulf War’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘Post-9/11 Global Theater of Operations’ 
means Afghanistan, Iraq, and any other theater of operations 
for which the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal 
is awarded for service. 
‘‘(3) The term’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (3), as designated by clause (i)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘vaccine associated with Gulf 
War service’ means’’ and inserting ‘‘vaccine’, with 
respect to service described in subsection (c)(1)(A), 
means’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘service in the Armed Forces 
in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during 
the Persian Gulf War’’ and inserting ‘‘service 
described in such subsection (c)(1)(A)’’. 
(3) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 1604 of the Persian 
Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–277; 38 U.S.C. 
1117 note) is repealed. 
SEC. 807. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL OFFICE IN 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. 
(a) EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.—Section 315(b) is amended by 
striking ‘‘December 31, 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2011’’. 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ 
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate 
and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee 
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report 
on the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
in the Republic of the Philippines. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
include the following: 
(A) A description of the activities of the office described 
in such paragraph, including activities relating to the 
administration of benefits provided under laws adminis-
tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and benefits 
provided under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 
et seq.). 
(B) An assessment of the costs and benefits of 
maintaining such office in the Republic of the Philippines 
in comparison with the costs and benefits of moving the 
activities of such office to the United States. 
SEC. 808. EXTENSION OF AN ANNUAL REPORT ON EQUITABLE RELIEF. 
Section 503(c) is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2009’’ 
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2014’’.
H. R. 3219—31 
SEC. 809. AUTHORITY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DIS-
ABILITY EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT PHYSICIANS. 
Section 704(c) of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public 
Law 108–183; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by section 105 
of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 
110–389; 122 Stat. 4149) is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 
2010’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2012’’. 
TITLE IX—AUTHORIZATION OF MED-
ICAL 
FACILITY 
PROJECTS 
AND 
MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES 
SEC. 901. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2011 MAJOR MEDICAL 
FACILITY LEASES. 
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following 
fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases at the locations speci-
fied, in an amount not to exceed the amount shown for each such 
location: 
(1) Billings, Montana, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 
in an amount not to exceed $7,149,000. 
(2) Boston, Massachusetts, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
not to exceed $3,316,000. 
(3) San Diego, California, Community Based Outpatient 
Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $21,495,000. 
(4) San Francisco, California, Research Lab, in an amount 
not to exceed $10,055,000. 
(5) San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mental Health Facility, in an 
amount not to exceed $5,323,000. 
SEC. 902. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT FOR MAJOR 
MEDICAL 
FACILITY 
CONSTRUCTION 
PROJECT 
PRE-
VIOUSLY AUTHORIZED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LOU-
ISIANA. 
Section 801(a)(1) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–461; 120 Stat. 
3442), as amended by section 702(a)(1) of the Veterans’ Mental 
Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 
110–387; 122 Stat. 4137), is amended by striking ‘‘$625,000,000’’ 
and inserting ‘‘$995,000,000’’. 
SEC. 903. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT FOR MAJOR 
MEDICAL 
FACILITY 
CONSTRUCTION 
PROJECT 
PRE-
VIOUSLY AUTHORIZED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, LONG BEACH, CALI-
FORNIA. 
Section 802(9) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–461; 120 Stat. 
3443) is amended by striking ‘‘$107,845,000’’ and inserting 
‘‘$117,845,000’’. 
SEC. 904. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs for fiscal year 2011 for the Construction, Major Projects 
account $1,112,845,000, of which—
H. R. 3219—32 
(1) $995,000,000 is for the increased amounts authorized 
for the project whose authorization is modified by section 902; 
and 
(2) $117,845,000 is for the increased amounts authorized 
for the project whose authorization is modified by section 903. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
LEASES.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2011 for the Medical Facilities 
account $47,338,000 for the leases authorized in section 901. 
(c) LIMITATIONS.—The projects whose authorizations are modi-
fied under sections 902 and 903 may only be carried out using— 
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2011 pursuant to 
the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this 
section; 
(2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for 
a fiscal year before fiscal year 2011 that remain available 
for obligation; 
(3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for 
a fiscal year after fiscal year 2011 that remain available for 
obligation; 
(4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
for fiscal year 2011 for a category of activity not specific to 
a project; 
(5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
for a fiscal year before 2011 for a category of activity not 
specific to a project; and 
(6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
for a fiscal year after 2011 for a category of activity not specific 
to a project. 
SEC. 905. REQUIREMENT THAT BID SAVINGS ON MAJOR MEDICAL 
FACILITY PROJECTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS BE USED FOR OTHER MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT. 
Section 8104(d) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘In any case’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Except 
as provided in paragraph (2), in any case’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(2)(A) In any fiscal year, unobligated amounts in the Construc-
tion, Major Projects account that are a direct result of bid savings 
from a major medical facility project may only be obligated for 
major medical facility projects authorized for that fiscal year or 
a previous fiscal year. 
‘‘(B) Whenever the Secretary obligates amounts for a major 
medical facility under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appro-
priations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs 
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representa-
tives notice of the following: 
‘‘(i) The major medical facility project that is the source 
of the bid savings. 
‘‘(ii) The other major medical facility project for which 
the amounts are being obligated. 
‘‘(iii) The amounts being obligated for such other major 
medical facility project.’’.
H. R. 3219—33 
TITLE X—OTHER MATTERS 
SEC. 1001. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. 
(a) CHAPTER 1.—The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 1 is amended by striking the item relating to section 118 
and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘118. Submission of reports to Congress in electronic form.’’. 
(b) CHAPTER 11.—Section 1114(r)(2) is amended by striking 
‘‘$$2,983’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,983’’. 
(c) CHAPTER 17.—Chapter 17 is amended as follows: 
(1) In each of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 
1717(a)(2), by striking ‘‘the date of the Caregivers and Veterans 
Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010’’ each place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘May 5, 2010’’. 
(2) In section 1785— 
(A) by striking ‘‘section 2811(b) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11(b))’’ and inserting ‘‘section 
2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh)’’; 
and 
(B) by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)(A) of’’. 
(d) CHAPTER 19.—Chapter 19 is amended as follows: 
(1) In the third sentence of section 1967(a)(3)(B), by striking 
‘‘spouse,,’’ and inserting ‘‘spouse,’’. 
(2) In the second sentence of section 1980A(h), by inserting 
‘‘section’’ before ‘‘1968(a)’’. 
(e) CHAPTER 20.—Section 2044(e)(3) is amended by striking 
‘‘fiscal year’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years’’. 
(f) CHAPTER 30.—The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 30 is amended by striking the item relating to section 
3020 and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘3020. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family members for career 
service members.’’. 
(g) CHAPTER 33.—Chapter 33 is amended as follows: 
(1) In section 3313(c)(1), by striking ‘‘higher education’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘higher learning’’ 
(2) In section 3313(d)(3), by striking ‘‘assistance this 
chapter’’ and inserting ‘‘assistance under this chapter’’. 
(3) In section 3313(e)(2)(B), by inserting a period at the 
end. 
(4) In section 3316(b)(2), by striking ‘‘supplement’’ and 
inserting ‘‘supplemental’’. 
(5) In section 3316(b)(3), by striking ‘‘educational payable’’ 
and inserting ‘‘educational assistance payable’’. 
(6) In section 3318(b)(2)(B), by striking ‘‘higher education’’ 
and inserting ‘‘higher learning’’. 
(7) In section 3319(b)(2), by striking ‘‘section (k)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘subsection (j)’’. 
(8) In section 3321(b)(2), by striking ‘‘3312’’ and inserting 
‘‘section 3312 of this title’’. 
(h) CHAPTER 35.—Section 3512(a)(6) is amended by striking 
‘‘this clause’’ and inserting ‘‘this paragraph’’. 
(i) CHAPTER 36.—Section 3684(a)(1) is amended by striking 
‘‘,,’’ and inserting a comma.
H. R. 3219—34 
(j) CHAPTER 37.—Section 3733(a)(7) is amended by inserting 
a comma after ‘‘2003’’. 
(k) CHAPTER 41.—Section 4102A(b)(8) is amended by striking 
‘‘Employment and Training’’ and inserting ‘‘Employment, Training’’. 
(l) CHAPTER 55.—Chapter 55 is amended as follows: 
(1) In section 5510, in the second sentence of the matter 
preceding paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘following: —’’ and inserting 
‘‘following:’’. 
(2) In section 5510(9), by striking ‘‘government’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Government’’. 
(m) CHAPTER 57.—Chapter 57 is amended as follows: 
(1) In section 5723(g)(2), by inserting ‘‘the’’ before ‘‘Depart-
ment’’. 
(2) In section 5727(20), by striking ‘‘subordinate plan 
defines’’ and inserting ‘‘plan that defines’’. 
(n) CHAPTER 73.—Chapter 73 is amended as follows: 
(1) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 
is amended by striking the item relating to section 7333 and 
inserting the following new item: 
‘‘7333. Nondiscrimination against alcohol and drug abusers and persons infected 
with the human immunodeficiency virus.’’. 
(2) In section 7325(b)(2), by striking ‘‘section 2811(b) of 
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11(b))’’ and 
inserting ‘‘section 2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 300hh–11)’’. 
(o) CHAPTER 79.—Section 7903(a) is amended by striking ‘‘para-
graph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (3)’’. 
(p) CHAPTER 81.—Chapter 81 is amended as follows: 
(1) In section 8111A(a)(2)(B)(ii)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘section 2811(b) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11(b))’’ and inserting ‘‘section 
2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh)’’; 
and 
(B) by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)(A) of’’. 
(2) In section 8117(e)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘(42 U.S.C. 300hh– 
11(b))’’ and inserting ‘‘(42 U.S.C. 300hh–11)’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘(42 U.S.C. 247d– 
6(a))’’ and inserting ‘‘(42 U.S.C. 247d–6)’’. 
SEC. 1002. STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO ACT COMPLIANCE. 
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying 
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined 
by reference to the latest statement titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of 
PAYGO Legislation’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in the
H. R. 3219—35 
Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Com-
mittee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior 
to the vote on passage. 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.