In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.
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Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Community Building Code
Administration Grant Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

(a) Grant Authorization.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development shall provide grants to local building code enforcement
departments.
(b) Competitive Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under
subsection (a) on a competitive basis pursuant to the criteria set
forth in section 6, but also taking into consideration the following:
(1) The financial need of each building code enforcement
department.
(2) The benefit to the local jurisdiction of having an
adequately funded building code enforcement department.
(3) The demonstrated ability of each building code
enforcement department to work cooperatively with other local
code enforcement offices, health departments, and local
prosecutorial agencies.
(c) Maximum Amount.--The maximum amount of any grant awarded under
this section shall not exceed $1,000,000.

SEC. 3. REQUIRED ELEMENTS IN GRANT PROPOSALS.

In order to be eligible for a grant under section 2, a local
building code enforcement department shall submit to the Secretary the
following:
(1) A demonstration of the jurisdiction's needs in
executing building code enforcement administration.
(2) A plan for the use of any funds received under this Act
that addresses the needs discussed in paragraph (1) and that is
consistent with the authorized uses established in section 4.
(3) A plan for local governmental actions to be taken to
establish and sustain local building code enforcement
administration functions, without continuing Federal support,
at a level at least equivalent to that proposed in the grant
application.
(4) A plan to create and maintain a program of public
outreach that includes a regularly updated and readily
accessible means of public communication, interaction, and
reporting regarding the services and work of the local building
code enforcement department to be supported by the grant.
(5) A plan for ensuring the timely and effective
administrative enforcement of building safety and fire
prevention violations.

SEC. 4. USE OF FUNDS; MATCHING FUNDS.

(a) Authorized Uses.--Grants awarded under section 2 may be used by
the grant recipient to supplement existing State or local funding for
building code enforcement administration. Such funds may be used to
increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence
and professional qualifications, support individual certification or
departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically
dedicated to the administration of the local building code enforcement
department.
(b) Matching Funds Required.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this Act, a local building code enforcement department
serving--
(A) a community that is very economically
disadvantaged, shall provide matching, non-Federal
funds in an amount equal to not less than 5 percent of
the total amount of any grant to be awarded under this
Act;
(B) a community that is moderately economically
disadvantaged, shall provide matching, non-Federal
funds in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of
the total amount of any grant to be awarded under this
Act; or
(C) any other community, shall provide matching,
non-Federal funds in an amount equal to not less than
20 percent of the total amount of any grant to be
awarded under this Act.
(2) Economic distress.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the
matching fund requirements under paragraph (1), and
institute, by regulation, new matching fund
requirements based upon the level of economic distress
of the local jurisdiction in which the local building
code enforcement department seeking such grant is
located.
(B) Content of regulations.--Any regulations
instituted under subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) a method that allows for a comparison
of the degree of economic distress among the
local jurisdictions of grant applicants, as
measured by the differences in the extent of
growth lag, the extent of poverty, and the
adjusted age of housing in such jurisdiction;
and
(ii) any other factor determined to be
relevant by the Secretary in assessing the
comparative degree of economic distress among
such local jurisdictions.
(c) In-Kind Contributions.--In determining the non-Federal share
required to be provided under subsection (b), the Secretary shall
consider in-kind contributions, not to exceed 50 percent of the amount
that the department contributes in non-Federal funds.
(d) Waiver of Matching Requirement.--The Secretary shall waive the
matching fund requirements under subsection (b) for any recipient
jurisdiction that has legislatively dedicated all building code
permitting fees to the conduct of local building code enforcement.

SEC. 5. RATING AND RANKING OF APPLICATIONS.

Eligible applications shall be rated and ranked according to the
criteria described in section 6. All complete applications will be
compared to one another and points assigned on a continuum within each
criterion, with the maximum points awarded to the application that best
meets the criterion.

SEC. 6. CRITERIA.

(a) Need and Community Benefit From Code Enforcement Grant Funds.--
Applications shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the
application demonstrates the intent and means to ensure cooperative and
effective working relationships between local building code enforcement
officials and other local agencies, as well as a community-oriented
approach to building code enforcement, with the award of points as
follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A detailed description of the capital expenditures to be acquired with 0-10
grant funds and a demonstration that the items' costs are reasonable.
The jurisdiction's need for the capital expenditure and how the grant 0-10
funds will fulfill this need.
The joint benefits provided by the proposed expenditure for the 0-5
following groups or activities: Provide a brief explanation of the
benefit. (1 point will be awarded for each response, 5 points maximum).
1. Code enforcement program.
2. Community or jurisdiction.
3. Interdisciplinary code enforcement team.
4. Housing preservation, rehabilitation programs, or neighborhood
improvement programs.
5. Special needs groups (disabled, elderly or low or very-low income,
etc.).
Does the proposed capital expenditure provide a cost savings benefit to 0-5
the jurisdiction? Provide a brief explanation of the cost savings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Current Code Enforcement and Housing Conservation Plan.--Each
application shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the local
legislative body in which the applicant resides adopted a ''plan''
which addresses residential structure conservation and building code
enforcement, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The plan provides for proactive code enforcement (not just responding to 10
complaints), an interdisciplinary approach, and includes funding
options for repairs and rehabilitation.
The plan only provides for proactive code enforcement (not just 8
responding to complaints) and calls for an interdisciplinary approach
and does not address funding options for repairs and rehabilitation.
The plan provides for some type of proactive code enforcement (other 6
than just responding to complaints) but doesn't address coordinated
interdisciplinary activities with other local public agencies or
funding options.
The plan provides for only reactive code enforcement. 4
The plan only refers to a need to preserve and/or improve existing 2
housing stock, without any code enforcement program.
No existing plan. 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Community-Oriented or Interdisciplinary Code Enforcement.--Each
application shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the
application demonstrates the intent and means to ensure cooperative and
effective working relationships between building code enforcement
officials and other local agencies, as well as a community-oriented
approach to code enforcement, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identify current or proposed interdisciplinary code enforcement programs 0-10
or activities and the team members (example: code enforcement, police,
local prosecutors, health department, building and planning, fire,
etc.). Provide a description of the team's code enforcement and
coordination procedures, activities and services provided. If the
current programs or resources are limited in scope, explain how receipt
of the grant will be used to improve the program.
Identify current or proposed community-oriented code enforcement 0-10
programs, activities or services. (Examples: community clean-ups,
Neighborhood Watch programs, community meetings, door-to-door code
enforcement knock and talks, etc.). If the current programs or
resources are limited in scope, explain how receipt of the grant will
be used to improve the program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Proactive Code Enforcement Activities.--Each application shall
be rated and ranked on the effectiveness of the proposed or existing
proactive activities and programs operated by any existing building
code enforcement program, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Encourages repairs and preservation, rather than demolition or 0-5
abandonment, of substandard residences.
Abatement of (a) lead hazards and lead-based paints, (b) toxic molds and 0-5
dampness, and (c) displacement or relocation of residents.
Community clean-up campaigns, which may include recycling dates, free or 0-5
reduced disposal rates at dumpsite, public clean-up days that encourage
removal of unwanted or excess debris by making available extra trash
pick-ups, dumpsites or trash or recycling containers on specific dates
to dispose of household debris, inoperable vehicles, tires, toxic
materials, etc.
Resource or referral programs for Federal, State, local, and private 0-5
funds and other resources available in your jurisdiction that can
assist with housing rehabilitation and repairs to rectify code
violations.
Public education programs on housing issues. These could include 0-5
community housing meetings dealing with homeownership, tenant/landlord
issues, housing code enforcement, school age children's programs with
coloring books or handouts, housing safety pamphlets, etc.
Programs that encourage community involvement with groups; such as 0-5
schools, church non-profits, community service groups, utility
companies, local stores, housing agency banks, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) Capacity To Financially and Technically Support Proposed
Capital Expenditures.--Each application shall be rated and ranked on
the degree to which the application demonstrates the jurisdiction's
financial and technical capacity to properly use and successfully
support the proposed capital expenditure during the term of the grant,
with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The anticipated ongoing program funding for the duration of the grant 0-5
program is adequate to financially support the use of the grant-
financed equipment. Include details of funding and technical support
sources for the capital expenditure (examples: insurance, paper,
maintenance, training, supplies, personnel, monthly billing costs,
etc.).
The jurisdiction has the technical capabilities to use and support 0-5
equipment (examples: adequately trained staff or resources to provide
training to operate technical equipment, local service provider for
cell phones or 2-way radios, trained personnel to operate equipment,
etc.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEC. 7. EVALUATION AND REPORT.

(a) In General.--Grant recipients shall--
(1) be obligated to fully account and report for the use of
all grants funds; and
(2) provide a report to the Secretary on the effectiveness
of the program undertaken by the grantee and any other criteria
requested by the Secretary for the purpose of indicating the
effectiveness of, and ideas for, refinement of the grant
program.
(b) Report.--The report required under subsection (a)(2) shall
include a discussion of--
(1) the specific capabilities and functions in local
building code enforcement administration that were addressed
using funds received under this Act;
(2) the lessons learned in carrying out the plans supported
by the grant; and
(3) the manner in which the programs supported by the grant
are to be maintained by the grantee.
(c) Content of Reports.--The Secretary shall--
(1) require each recipient of a grant under ths Act to file
interim and final reports under subsection (b) to ensure that
grant funds are being used as intended and to measure the
effectiveness and benefits of the grant program; and
(2) develop and maintain a means whereby the public can
access such reports, at no cost, via the Internet.

SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Building code enforcement department.--The term
''building code enforcement department'' means the building
code inspection or enforcement agency of a local jurisdiction.
(2) Jurisdiction.--The term ''jurisdiction'' means a city,
county, parish, city and county authority, or city and parish
authority having local authority to enforce building codes and
regulations and collect fees for building permits.
(3) Secretary.--The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 to the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out the provisions
of this Act.
(b) Reservation.--From the amount made available under subsection
(a), the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent for
administrative costs.
(c) Availability.--Any funds appropriated pursuant to subsection
(a) shall remain available until expended.

Answer: Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants, on a competitive basis and with federal matching funds, to qualified local building code enforcement departments to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration.

Sets forth criteria for rating and ranking of grant proposals.

Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat
Conservation and Restoration Act of 2018''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Covered vegetation management activity.--
(A) In general.--The term ''covered vegetation
management activity'' means any activity described in
subparagraph (B) that--
(i) is carried out on public land
administered by the Bureau of Land Management;
(ii) meets the objectives of the order of
the Secretary numbered 3336 and dated January
5, 2015;
(iii) conforms to an applicable land use
plan;
(iv) protects, restores, or improves
greater sage-grouse or mule deer habitat in a
sagebrush steppe ecosystem as described in--
(I) Circular 1416 of the United
States Geological Survey entitled
''Restoration Handbook for Sagebrush
Steppe Ecosystems with Emphasis on
Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat--Part 1.
Concepts for Understanding and Applying
Restoration'' (2015); or
(II) the habitat guidelines for
mule deer published by the Mule Deer
Working Group of the Western
Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies;
(v) will not permanently impair--
(I) the natural state of the
treated area;
(II) outstanding opportunities for
solitude;
(III) outstanding opportunities for
primitive, unconfined recreation;
(IV) economic opportunities
consistent with multiple-use
management; or
(V) the identified values of a unit
of the National Landscape Conservation
System; and
(vi)(I) restores native vegetation
following a natural disturbance;
(II) prevents the expansion into greater
sage-grouse or mule deer habitat of--
(aa) juniper, pinyon pine, or other
associated conifers; or
(bb) nonnative or invasive
vegetation;
(III) reduces the risk of loss of greater
sage-grouse or mule deer habitat from wildfire
or any other natural disturbance; or
(IV) provides emergency stabilization of
soil resources after a natural disturbance.
(B) Description of activities.--An activity
referred to in subparagraph (A) is--
(i) manual cutting and removal of juniper
trees, pinyon pine trees, other associated
conifers, or other nonnative or invasive
vegetation;
(ii) mechanical mastication, cutting, or
mowing, mechanical piling and burning,
chaining, broadcast burning, or yarding;
(iii) removal of cheat grass, medusa head
rye, or other nonnative, invasive vegetation;
(iv) collection and seeding or planting of
native vegetation using a manual, mechanical,
or aerial method;
(v) seeding of nonnative, noninvasive,
ruderal vegetation only for the purpose of
emergency stabilization;
(vi) targeted use of an herbicide, subject
to the condition that the use shall be in
accordance with applicable legal requirements,
Federal agency procedures, and land use plans;
(vii) targeted livestock grazing to
mitigate hazardous fuels and control noxious
and invasive weeds;
(viii) temporary removal of wild horses or
burros in the area in which the activity is
being carried out to ensure treatment
objectives are met;
(ix) in coordination with the affected
permit holder, modification or adjustment of
permissible usage under an annual plan of use
of a grazing permit issued by the Secretary to
achieve restoration treatment objectives;
(x) installation of new, or modification of
existing, fencing or water sources intended to
control use or improve wildlife habitat; or
(xi) necessary maintenance of, repairs to,
rehabilitation of, or reconstruction of an
existing permanent road or construction of
temporary roads to accomplish the activities
described in this subparagraph.
(C) Exclusions.--The term ''covered vegetation
management activity'' does not include--
(i) any activity conducted in a wilderness
area or wilderness study area; or
(ii) any activity for the construction of a
permanent road or permanent trail.
(2) Secretary.--The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) Temporary road.--The term ''temporary road'' means a
road that is--
(A) authorized--
(i) by a contract, permit, lease, other
written authorization; or
(ii) pursuant to an emergency operation;
(B) not intended to be part of the permanent
transportation system of a Federal department or
agency;
(C) not necessary for long-term resource
management;
(D) designed in accordance with standards
appropriate for the intended use of the road, taking
into consideration--
(i) safety;
(ii) the cost of transportation; and
(iii) impacts to land and resources; and
(E) managed to minimize--
(i) erosion; and
(ii) the introduction or spread of invasive
species.

SEC. 3. IMPROVEMENT OF HABITAT FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE DEER.

(a) Categorical Exclusion.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop 1 or
more categorical exclusions (as defined in section 1508.4 of
title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation)) for covered vegetation management activities
carried out to protect, restore, or improve habitat for greater
sage-grouse or mule deer.
(2) Administration.--In developing and administering a
categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall--
(A) comply with the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(B) apply the extraordinary circumstances
procedures under section 220.6 of title 36, Code of
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), in
determining whether to use the categorical exclusion;
and
(C) consider--
(i) the relative efficacy of landscape-
scale habitat projects;
(ii) the likelihood of continued declines
in the populations of greater sage-grouse and
mule deer in the absence of landscape-scale
vegetation management; and
(iii) the need for habitat restoration
activities after wildfire or other natural
disturbances.
(b) Implementation of Covered Vegetative Management Activities
Within the Range of Greater Sage-grouse and Mule Deer.--If a
categorical exclusion developed under subsection (a) is used to
implement a covered vegetative management activity in an area within
the range of both greater sage-grouse and mule deer, the covered
vegetative management activity shall protect, restore, or improve
habitat concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and mule deer.
(c) Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance.--Before commencing any
covered vegetation management activity that is covered by a categorical
exclusion under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop a long-term
monitoring and maintenance plan, covering at least the 20 year-period
beginning on the date of commencement, to ensure that management of the
treated area does not degrade the habitat gains secured by the covered
vegetation management activity.
(d) Disposal of Vegetative Material.--Subject to applicable local
restrictions, any vegetative material resulting from a covered
vegetation management activity that is covered by a categorical
exclusion under subsection (a) may be--
(1) used for--
(A) fuel wood; or
(B) other products; or
(2) piled or burned, or both.
(e) Treatment for Temporary Roads.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 2(1)(B)(xi), any
temporary road constructed in carrying out a covered vegetation
management activity that is covered by a categorical exclusion
under subsection (a)--
(A) shall be used by the Secretary for the covered
vegetation management activity for not more than 2
years; and
(B) shall be decommissioned by the Secretary not
later than 3 years after the earlier of the date on
which--
(i) the temporary road is no longer needed;
and
(ii) the project is completed.
(2) Requirement.--A treatment under paragraph (1) shall
include reestablishing native vegetative cover--
(A) as soon as practicable; but
(B) not later than 10 years after the date of
completion of the applicable covered vegetation
management activity.

Passed the Senate September 6, 2018.

Attest:

JULIE E. ADAMS,

Secretary.

Answer: Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat Conservation and Restoration Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Interior to categorically exclude vegetative management activities that establish or improve habitat for greater sage-grouse and mule deer from environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Examples of vegetative management activities include restoring native vegetation following a natural disturbance or preventing the expansion of nonnative or invasive vegetation into such habitat. A categorical exclusion under NEPA is a category of actions which do not have a significant effect on the human environment and for which neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required. The bill prohibits the categorical exclusion from including: (1) activity conducted in a wilderness area or wilderness study area, or (2) activity for the construction of a permanent road or trail. Before commencing a vegetative management activity that is covered by a categorical exclusion, Interior must develop a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan, covering at least 20 years, to ensure that management of the treated area does not degrade the habitat gains secured by the vegetative management activity. Vegetative material resulting from vegetative management activity may be: (1) used for fuel wood or other products; or (2) piled or burned, or both. Native vegetative cover must be reestablished on a temporary road constructed in connection with a categorically excluded vegetative management activity in order to minimize soil erosion from areas disturbed by the temporary road.

Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Department of Veterans Affairs
Health Care Expansion Act of 1996''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVED EFFICIENCY IN HEALTH CARE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

(a) Repeal of Sunset Provision.--Section 204 of the Veterans Health
Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585; 106 Stat. 4950) is repealed.
(b) Cost Recovery.--Title II of such Act is further amended by
adding at the end the following new section:

''SEC. 207. AUTHORITY TO BILL HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACTS.

''(a) Right To Recover.--In the case of a primary beneficiary (as
described in section 201(2)(B)) who has coverage under a health-plan
contract, as defined in section 1729(i)(1)(A) of title 38, United
States Code, and who is furnished care or services by a Department
medical facility pursuant to this title, the United States shall have
the right to recover or collect charges for such care or services from
such health-plan contract to the extent that the beneficiary (or the
provider of the care or services) would be eligible to receive payment
for such care or services from such health-plan contract if the care or
services had not been furnished by a department or agency of the United
States. Any funds received from such health-plan contract shall be
credited to funds that have been allotted to the facility that
furnished the care or services.
''(b) Enforcement.--The right of the United States to recover under
such a beneficiary's health-plan contract shall be enforceable in the
same manner as that provided by subsections (a)(3), (b), (c)(1), (d),
(f), (h), and (i) of section 1729 of title 38, United States Code.''.

SEC. 3. SHARING AGREEMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE RESOURCES.

(a) Repeal of Section 8151.--(1) Subchapter IV of chapter 81 of
title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking out section 8151; and
(B) by redesignating sections 8152, 8153, 8154, 8155, 8156,
8157, and 8158 as sections 8151, 8152, 8153, 8154, 8155, 8156,
and 8157, respectively.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended--
(A) by striking out the item relating to section 8151; and
(B) by revising the items relating to sections 8152, 8153,
8154, 8155, 8156, 8157, and 8158 to reflect the redesignations
by paragraph (1)(B).
(b) Revised Authority for Sharing Agreements.--Section 8152 of such
title (as redesignated by subsection (a)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
(A) by striking out ''specialized medical
resources'' and inserting in lieu thereof ''health-care
resources''; and
(B) by striking out ''other'' and all that follows
through ''medical schools'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ''any medical school, health-care provider,
health-care plan, insurer, or other entity or
individual'';
(2) in subsection (a)(2) by striking out ''only'' and all
that follows through ''are not'' and inserting in lieu thereof
''if such resources are not, or would not be,'';
(3) in subsection (b), by striking out ''reciprocal
reimbursement'' in the first sentence and all that follows
through the period at the end of that sentence and inserting in
lieu thereof ''payment to the Department in accordance with
procedures that provide appropriate flexibility to negotiate
payment which is in the best interest of the Government.'';
(4) in subsection (d), by striking out ''preclude such
payment, in accordance with--'' and all that follows through
''to such facility therefor'' and inserting in lieu thereof
''preclude such payment to such facility for such care or
services'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection (e):
''(e) The Secretary may make an arrangement that authorizes the
furnishing of services by the Secretary under this section to
individuals who are not veterans only if the Secretary determines--
''(1) that such an arrangement will not result in the
denial of, or a delay in providing access to, care to any
veteran at that facility; and
''(2) that such an arrangement--
''(A) is necessary to maintain an acceptable level
and quality of service to veterans at that facility; or
''(B) will result in the improvement of services to
eligible veterans at that facility.''.
(c) Cross-Reference Amendments.--(1) Section 8110(c)(3)(A) of such
title is amended by striking out ''8153'' and inserting in lieu thereof
''8152''.
(2) Subsection (b) of section 8154 of such title (as redesignated
by subsection (a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking out ''section 8154''
and inserting in lieu thereof ''section 8153''.
(3) Section 8156 of such title (as redesignated by subsection
(a)(1)(B)) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking out ''section 8153(a)''
and inserting in lieu thereof ''section 8152(a)''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(3), by striking out ''section 8153''
and inserting in lieu thereof ''section 8152''.
(4) Subsection (a) of section 8157 of such title (as redesignated
by subsection (a)(1)(B)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking out
''section 8157'' and ''section 8153(a)'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ''section 8156'' and ''section 8152(a)'', respectively;
and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking out ''section
8157(b)(4)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ''section
8156(b)(4)''.

SEC. 4. PERSONNEL FURNISHING SHARED RESOURCES.

Section 712(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking out ''the sum of--'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ''the sum of the following:'';
(2) by capitalizing the first letter of the first word of
each of subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(3) by striking out ''; and'' at the end of subparagraph
(A) and inserting in lieu thereof a period; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
''(C) The number of such positions in the
Department during that fiscal year held by persons
involved in providing health-care resources under
section 8111 or 8152 of this title.''.

Answer:
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Expansion Act of 1996 - Repeals a provision of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 which terminates the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the sharing of health care.
Entitles the United States to recover or collect from a private health care plan charges for care or services furnished by a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility to a primary beneficiary of such plan to the extent that the beneficiary would be eligible under the plan to receive payment if the care or services had not been furnished by a U.S. department or agency.
Repeals a statement of congressional purpose regarding the sharing of health care resources of the Department with certain other entities.
Authorizes the Secretary to share all health care resources (currently, only specialized medical resources) with medical schools, health-care facilities and research centers (current law), as well as with any health-care provider or plan, insurer, or other entity or individual.
Repeals a provision requiring reciprocal reimbursement of the cost of such shared resources, instead providing for payment to the Department under procedures which allow appropriate flexibility to negotiate a payment which is in the best interest of the Government.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an arrangement that authorizes the furnishing of services to non-veterans only if the Secretary determines that such an arrangement: (1) will not result in the denial of or delay in the provision of care to any veteran at that facility; and (2) is necessary to maintain an acceptable level and quality of service to veterans and will result in the improvement of services to eligible veterans at that facility.
Excludes from limitations on the number of full-time equivalent positions permitted in the Department those positions held by persons involved in providing health care resources under sharing arrangements.