Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006

Bill: 109-s-1235
Sponsor: Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2005-06-14 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative procedure
Administrative remedies
Afghanistan
Armed forces reserves
Authorization
Cardiovascular diseases
Congress
Congressional investigations
Congressional reporting requirements
Counseling
Department of Veterans Affairs
Disabled
Economics and Public Finance
Employee health benefits
Families
Federal advisory bodies
Finance and Financial Sector
Government Operations and Politics
Government life insurance
Government publicity
Health
Health insurance
Homeless
Housing and Community Development
Housing for the disabled
Hypertension
Indian housing
Insurance premiums
Interest rates
Iraq
Iraq compilation
Labor and Employment
Law
Managed care
Military dependents
Military medicine
Minorities
Native Americans
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Prisoners of war
Recruiting of employees
Social Welfare
Stroke
Variable rate mortgage loans
Veterans' benefits
Veterans' disability compensation
Veterans' employment
Veterans' loans
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions
War casualties

Summary:
action_date: 2005-06-14
text: 
Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends federal provisions concerning the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program to direct the Secretary of Defense to make a good-faith effort to notify the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces insured under such program if such member elects at any time to either reduce coverage amounts or name a beneficiary other than the spouse. Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum coverage that may be elected by an insured member, to be evenly divisible by $50,000. Increases from one to two years after separation from active duty (for an active-duty member) or release from active-duty assignment (for a member of the Ready Reserve) the duration of such coverage, if the member is totally disabled after such duty.
 
Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) that may be elected by an insured veteran.
 
States that interest rate adjustments, under a veterans' adjustable rate mortgage demonstration program offered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall be limited to such percentage as such Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, that adjustment is limited to a one percentage point increase or decrease.)

action_date: 2005-09-21
text: 
Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 - 
Title I: Insurance Matters - 
(Sec. 101) Amends federal provisions concerning the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program to direct the Secretary of Defense to make a good-faith effort to notify the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces insured under such program if such member elects at any time to either reduce coverage amounts or name a beneficiary other than the member's spouse or child. Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum coverage that may be elected by an insured member, to be evenly divisible by $50,000. Increases from one to two years after separation from active duty (for an active-duty member) or release from active-duty assignment (for a member of the Ready Reserve) the duration of such coverage, if the member is totally disabled after such duty.
 
Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) that may be elected by an insured veteran.
 
(Sec. 102) Makes a stillborn child an insurable dependent under the SGLI program.
 

Title II: Housing Matters - 
(Sec. 201) States that annual interest rate adjustments, under a veterans' adjustable rate mortgage demonstration program offered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), shall be limited to such percentage as such Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, that adjustment is limited to a one percentage point increase or decrease.)
 
(Sec. 203) Makes permanent (currently, ends December 31, 2008) the pilot program for direct housing loans for Native American veterans.
 

Title III: Other Matters - 
(Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to prepare an annual plan for outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that addresses plans for: (1) identifying veterans who are not enrolled or registered for benefits or services with the Department; and (2) informing veterans and their dependents of modifications to benefits and services, including eligibility for medical and nursing care and services.
 
Directs the Secretary, in developing each plan, to: (1) take into account the lessons learned from the implementation of previous annual plans; and (2) incorporate recommendations for the improvement of veterans outreach and awareness activities included in a report submitted to Congress by the Secretary pursuant to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004.
 
(Sec. 302) Extends through 2009 (currently 2004) a requirement for annual reports from the Secretary to Congress on equitable relief provided by the Department to veterans and their dependents following a loss of benefits because of Department administrative error.
 
(Sec. 303) Adds atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease, as well as stroke and its complications, to the list of diseases or conditions presumed to be associated with prisoner-of-war status, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation.
 
(Sec. 304) Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a policy and training initiatives to standardize the assessment of post traumatic stress disorder disability compensation claims.

action_date: 2005-09-28
text: 
Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 - 
Title I: Insurance Matters - 
(Sec. 101) Amends federal provisions concerning the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program to direct the Secretary of Defense to make a good-faith effort to notify the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces insured under such program if such member elects at any time to either reduce coverage amounts or name a beneficiary other than the member's spouse or child. Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum coverage that may be elected by an insured member, to be evenly divisible by $50,000. Increases from one to two years after separation from active duty (for an active-duty member) or release from active-duty assignment (for a member of the Ready Reserve) the duration of such coverage, if the member is totally disabled after such duty.
 
Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) that may be elected by an insured veteran.
 
(Sec. 102) Makes a stillborn child an insurable dependent under the SGLI program.
 

Title II: Housing Matters - 
(Sec. 201) States that annual interest rate adjustments, under a veterans' adjustable rate mortgage demonstration program offered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), shall be limited to such percentage as such Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, that adjustment is limited to a one percentage point increase or decrease.)
 
(Sec. 203) Makes permanent (currently, ends December 31, 2008) the pilot program for direct housing loans for Native American veterans.
 

Title III: Other Matters - 
(Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to prepare an annual plan for outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that addresses plans for: (1) identifying veterans who are not enrolled or registered for benefits or services with the Department; and (2) informing veterans and their dependents of modifications to benefits and services, including eligibility for medical and nursing care and services.
 
Directs the Secretary, in developing each plan, to: (1) take into account the lessons learned from the implementation of previous annual plans; and (2) incorporate recommendations for the improvement of veterans outreach and awareness activities included in a report submitted to Congress by the Secretary pursuant to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004.
 
(Sec. 302) Extends through 2009 (currently 2004) a requirement for annual reports from the Secretary to Congress on equitable relief provided by the Department to veterans and their dependents following a loss of benefits because of Department administrative error.
 
(Sec. 303) Adds atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease, as well as stroke and its complications, to the list of diseases or conditions presumed to be associated with prisoner-of-war status, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation.
 
(Sec. 304) Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a policy and training initiatives to standardize the assessment of post traumatic stress disorder disability compensation claims.

action_date: 2006-05-22
text: 
Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 - 
Title I: Housing Matters 
- (Sec. 101) Permits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), in the case of a service-disabled veteran who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of the veteran's family, to assist the veteran in acquiring such adaptations determined reasonably necessary due to the veteran's disability. Provides assistance limits. Terminates such assistance five years after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits any veteran from receiving more than three grants of assistance. Requires an interim and final implementation report from the Comptroller General to Congress.
 
(Sec. 102) Allows the Secretary, with respect to hybrid adjustable rate mortgages offered to veterans under provisions of the National Housing Act, to increase or decrease the interest rate in any single adjustment by such percentage points as the Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, the Secretary is limited to an increase of one percentage point in any single adjustment.)
 
(Sec. 103) Amends provisions directing the Secretary to establish and implement a pilot program for making direct housing loans to Native American veterans to: (1) make such program a permanent program rather than a pilot program; and (2) require the Secretary to include information on loans so provided as part of the annual benefits report of the Veterans Benefits Administration.
 
(Sec. 104) Extends eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) direct loans for Native American veterans to a non-Native American veteran who is the spouse of a Native American veteran, as long as there is joint possession or ownership on trust land.
 

Title II: Employment Matters 
- (Sec. 201) Requires, as additional duties of the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training (Assistant Secretary), the: (1) furnishing of information to employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans and disabled veterans; and (2) facilitation of employment of such veterans through participation in labor exchanges and other means.
 
(Sec. 202) Renames the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training as the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach. Expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary to include outreach activities to employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans and the advantages offered by their employment. Revises Committee membership. Directs that a currently-required annual report from the Committee also be transmitted to the congressional veterans' committees, and include a special emphasis on disabled veterans. Requires additional information within the annual reports, including an assessment of veterans' employment outreach activities carried out by the Secretary of Labor.
 
(Sec. 203) Extends through FY2009 the authorization of appropriations for homeless veterans reintegration programs.
 

Title III: Life and Health Insurance Matters 
- (Sec. 301) Extends the period of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for totally disabled veterans following separation from active duty or active duty for training to the earlier of: (1) the date on which the insured ceases to be totally disabled; (2) two years after separation or release, in the case of a separation or release during the period beginning one year before the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2011; and (2) 18 months after separation or release, in the case of a separation or release on or after October 1, 2011. Makes identical changes with respect to certain reserve assignments in which the individual performs active duty or volunteers for assignment to a mobilization category.
 
(Sec. 302) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit a premium increase for reinstated civilian health insurance for a servicemember who is released from active duty.
 
(Sec. 303) Provides for the preservation (reinstatement) of employer-sponsored health coverage for reserve members who acquire coverage under TRICARE (a Department of Defense (DOD)-managed health care plan) by reason of active-duty service, and then later return to civilian employment.
 

Title IV: Other Matters 
- (Sec. 401) Adds atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease, stroke, and their complications to the list of diseases or conditions presumed to be associated with prisoner-of-war status, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation.
 
(Sec. 402) Consolidates and recodifies the veterans outreach services program. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan for VA outreach activities for each two-fiscal-year period. Changes from annually to biennially a required report from the Secretary to Congress on outreach activities.
 
(Sec. 403) Extends through 2009 (currently, 2004) a requirement for annual reports from the Secretary to Congress on VA equitable relief provided to veterans and their dependents following a loss of benefits because of VA administrative error.
 

Title V: Technical Amendments 
- (Sec. 501) Makes technical and clarifying amendments to provisions concerning SGLI traumatic injury protection coverage.
 
(Sec. 502) Makes typographical corrections, stylistic changes, and other revisions in provisions relating to eligibility for veterans' disability compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.

action_date: 2006-06-15
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on May 22, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 - 
Title I: Housing Matters 
- (Sec. 101) Permits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), in the case of a service-disabled veteran who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of the veteran's family, to assist the veteran in acquiring such adaptations determined reasonably necessary due to the veteran's disability. Provides assistance limits. Terminates such assistance five years after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits any veteran from receiving more than three grants of assistance. Requires an interim and final implementation report from the Comptroller General to Congress.
 
(Sec. 102) Allows the Secretary, with respect to hybrid adjustable rate mortgages offered to veterans under provisions of the National Housing Act, to increase or decrease the interest rate in any single adjustment by such percentage points as the Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, the Secretary is limited to an increase of one percentage point in any single adjustment.)
 
(Sec. 103) Amends provisions directing the Secretary to establish and implement a pilot program for making direct housing loans to Native American veterans to: (1) make such program a permanent program rather than a pilot program; and (2) require the Secretary to include information on loans so provided as part of the annual benefits report of the Veterans Benefits Administration.
 
(Sec. 104) Extends eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) direct loans for Native American veterans to a non-Native American veteran who is the spouse of a Native American veteran, as long as there is joint possession or ownership on trust land.
 

Title II: Employment Matters 
- (Sec. 201) Requires, as additional duties of the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training (Assistant Secretary), the: (1) furnishing of information to employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans and disabled veterans; and (2) facilitation of employment of such veterans through participation in labor exchanges and other means.
 
(Sec. 202) Renames the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training as the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach. Expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary to include outreach activities to employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans and the advantages offered by their employment. Revises Committee membership. Directs that a currently-required annual report from the Committee also be transmitted to the congressional veterans' committees, and include a special emphasis on disabled veterans. Requires additional information within the annual reports, including an assessment of veterans' employment outreach activities carried out by the Secretary of Labor.
 
(Sec. 203) Extends through FY2009 the authorization of appropriations for homeless veterans reintegration programs.
 

Title III: Life and Health Insurance Matters 
- (Sec. 301) Extends the period of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for totally disabled veterans following separation from active duty or active duty for training to the earlier of: (1) the date on which the insured ceases to be totally disabled; (2) two years after separation or release, in the case of a separation or release during the period beginning one year before the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2011; and (2) 18 months after separation or release, in the case of a separation or release on or after October 1, 2011. Makes identical changes with respect to certain reserve assignments in which the individual performs active duty or volunteers for assignment to a mobilization category.
 
(Sec. 302) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit a premium increase for reinstated civilian health insurance for a servicemember who is released from active duty.
 
(Sec. 303) Provides for the preservation (reinstatement) of employer-sponsored health coverage for reserve members who acquire coverage under TRICARE (a Department of Defense (DOD)-managed health care plan) by reason of active-duty service, and then later return to civilian employment.
 

Title IV: Other Matters 
- (Sec. 401) Adds atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease, stroke, and their complications to the list of diseases or conditions presumed to be associated with prisoner-of-war status, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation.
 
(Sec. 402) Consolidates and recodifies the veterans outreach services program. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan for VA outreach activities for each two-fiscal-year period. Changes from annually to biennially a required report from the Secretary to Congress on outreach activities.
 
(Sec. 403) Extends through 2009 (currently, 2004) a requirement for annual reports from the Secretary to Congress on VA equitable relief provided to veterans and their dependents following a loss of benefits because of VA administrative error.
 

Title V: Technical Amendments 
- (Sec. 501) Makes technical and clarifying amendments to provisions concerning SGLI traumatic injury protection coverage.
 
(Sec. 502) Makes typographical corrections, stylistic changes, and other revisions in provisions relating to eligibility for veterans' disability compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-06-15
text: Became Public Law No: 109-233.
action_date: 2006-06-15
text: Became Public Law No: 109-233.
action_date: 2006-06-15
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2006-06-15
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2006-06-07
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2006-06-07
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2006-05-25
text: Senate agreed to House amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5285-5295; text as passed Senate: CR S5285-5291)
action_date: 2006-05-25
text: Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to House amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5285-5295; text as passed Senate: CR S5285-5291)
action_date: 2006-05-23
text: Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate bill.
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 372 - 0 (Roll no. 177). (text: CR H2970-2976)
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 372 - 0 (Roll no. 177).(text: CR H2970-2976)
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2988)
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1235.
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2970-2982)
action_date: 2006-05-22
text: Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2005-09-29
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2005-09-29
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2005-09-29
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2005-09-28
text: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10620-10622; text as passed Senate: CR S10620-10622)
action_date: 2005-09-28
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10620-10622; text as passed Senate: CR S10620-10622)
action_date: 2005-09-21
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.
action_date: 2005-09-21
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Craig with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 109-139.
action_date: 2005-09-21
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Craig with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 109-139.
action_date: 2005-07-28
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably (As approved by the Committee, the substitute amendment incorporated related provisions of S. 1235, as introduced, S. 552, S. 917, S. 151, S. 1259, S. 1271, and S. 423).
action_date: 2005-06-23
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2005-06-14
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text of measure as introduced:  CR S6485-6486)
action_date: 2005-06-14
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6484-6485)
action_date: 2005-06-14
text: Introduced in Senate

Enacted as: number: 109-233