HR 4366 — Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024

29]] made available under this heading, $270,461,000 shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading ``Military Construction, Army National Guard'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes.

Provided, That,<<NOTE: of the amount, not to exceed $68,454,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Director of the Air National Guard determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Determination.

Notification.>> That, of the amount, not to exceed $68,454,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Director of the Air National Guard determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Provided, That,<<NOTE: of the amount, not to exceed $27,389,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Army Reserve determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Determination.

Notification.>> That, of the amount, not to exceed $27,389,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Army Reserve determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Military Construction, Navy Reserve For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the reserve components of the Navy and Marine Corps as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $51,291,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028:

Provided, That,<<NOTE: of the amount, not to exceed $6,495,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor.

Determination.

Notification.>> That, of the amount, not to exceed $6,495,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, [[Page 138 STAT.

30]] and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor.

Provided, That,<<NOTE: of the amount, not to exceed $14,646,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Air Force Reserve determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Determination.

Notification.>> That, of the amount, not to exceed $14,646,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Chief of the Air Force Reserve determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor:

Family[[Page Housing138 OperationSTAT. and Maintenance, Army For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $395,485,000.

31]] Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $395,485,000.

Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund For the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund, $496,000, to remain available until expended,[[Page for138 unaccompaniedSTAT. housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring and improving military unaccompanied housing and supporting facilities.

32]] expended, for unaccompanied housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring and improving military unaccompanied housing and supporting facilities.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title shall be expended for payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction, where cost estimates exceed $25,000, to be performed within the United States, except Alaska, without the specific approval in writing of the Secretary of Defense setting forth the reasons therefor.

Contracts.

Approval.>> None of the funds made available in this title shall be expended for payments under a cost- plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction, where cost estimates exceed $25,000, to be performed within the United States, except Alaska, without the specific approval in writing of the Secretary of Defense setting forth the reasons therefor.

Funds<<NOTE: made available in this title for construction may be used for advances to the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, for the construction of access roads as authorized by section 210 of title 23, United States Code, when projects authorized therein are certified as important to the national defense by the Secretary of Defense.

Certification.>> Funds made available in this title for construction may be used for advances to the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, for the construction of access roads as authorized by section 210 of title 23, United States Code, when projects authorized therein are certified as important to the national defense by the Secretary of Defense.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title shall be used for purchase of land or land easements in excess of 100 percent of the value as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, except:

Determination.>> None of the funds made available in this title shall be used for purchase of land or land easements in excess of 100 percent of the value as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, except:

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title for minor construction may be used to transfer or relocate any activity from one base or installation to another, without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Notification.>> None of the funds made available in this title for minor construction may be used to transfer or relocate any activity from one base or installation to another, without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title may be used for the procurement of steel for any construction project or activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such steel procurement.

Steel.>> None of the funds made available in this title may be used for the procurement of steel for any construction project or activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such steel procurement.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title may be used to initiate a new installation overseas without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Notification.>> None of the funds made available in this title may be used to initiate a new installation overseas without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title may be obligated for architect and engineer contracts estimated by the Government to exceed $500,000 for projects to be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, unless such contracts are awarded to United States firms or United States firms in joint venture with host nation firms.

Contracts.

Japan.>> None of the funds made available in this title may be obligated for architect and engineer contracts estimated by the [[Page 138 STAT.

33]] Government to exceed $500,000 for projects to be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, unless such contracts are awarded to United States firms or United States firms in joint venture with host nation firms.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this title for military construction in the United States territories and possessions in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, may be used to award any contract estimated by the Government to exceed $1,000,000 to a foreign contractor:

Kwajalein Atoll.

Contracts.>> None of the funds made available in this title for military construction in the United States territories and possessions in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, may be used to award any contract estimated by the Government to exceed $1,000,000 to a foreign contractor:

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Defense shall inform the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, including the Committees on Appropriations, of plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving United States personnel 30 days prior to its occurring, if amounts expended for construction, either temporary or permanent, are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

Notification.

Military exercise.

Time period.>> The Secretary of Defense shall inform the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, including the Committees on Appropriations, of plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving United States personnel 30 days prior to its occurring, if amounts expended for construction, either temporary or permanent, are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

Subject<<NOTE: to 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883 of title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, such additional amounts as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense may be transferred to:

Time periods.

Notifications.

Determination.>> Subject to 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883 of title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, such additional amounts as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense may be transferred to:

or (2) the Department[[Page of138 DefenseSTAT. Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction of military unaccompanied housing in ``Military Construction'' accounts, to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes and for the same period of time as amounts appropriated directly to the Fund:

34]] Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction of military unaccompanied housing in ``Military Construction'' accounts, to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes and for the same period of time as amounts appropriated directly to the Fund:

Notwithstanding<<NOTE: any other provision of law, funds made available in this title for operation and maintenance of family housing shall be the exclusive source of funds for repair and maintenance of all family housing units, including general or flag officer quarters:

Provided,10 ThatUSC not2821 morenote.>> thanNotwithstanding $35,000any perother unitprovision may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of anylaw, generalfunds ormade flagavailable officerin quartersthis withouttitle 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for aoperation notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883maintenance of titlefamily 10,housing United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, except that an after-the-fact notification shall be submitted if the limitationexclusive issource exceededof solelyfunds duefor torepair costsand associatedmaintenance withof environmentalall remediationfamily thathousing couldunits, notincluding begeneral reasonablyor anticipatedflag atofficer thequarters: time of the budget submission:

ProvidedProvided, further,<<NOTE: That the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is to report annually to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress all operation and maintenance expenditures for each individual general or flag officer quarters for the prior fiscal year.

Time periods.

Notifications.>> That not more than $35,000 per unit may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer quarters without 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883 of title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, except that an after-the-fact notification shall be submitted if the limitation is exceeded solely due to costs associated with environmental remediation that could not be reasonably anticipated at the time of the budget submission:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Reports.>> That the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is to report annually to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress all operation and maintenance expenditures for each individual general or flag officer quarters for the prior fiscal year.

During<<NOTE: the 5-year period after appropriations available in this Act to the Department of Defense for military construction and family housing operation and maintenance and construction have expired for obligation, upon a determination that such appropriations will not be necessary for the liquidation of obligations or for making authorized adjustments to such appropriations for obligations incurred during the period of availability of such appropriations, unobligated balances of such appropriations may be transferred into the appropriation ``Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense'', to be merged with and to be available for the same time period and for the same purposes as the appropriation to which transferred.

Time period.

Determination.>> During the 5-year period after appropriations available in this Act to the Department of Defense for military construction and family housing operation and maintenance and construction have expired for obligation, upon a determination that such appropriations will not be necessary for the liquidation of obligations or for making authorized adjustments to such appropriations for [[Page 138 STAT.

35]] obligations incurred during the period of availability of such appropriations, unobligated balances of such appropriations may be transferred into the appropriation ``Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense'', to be merged with and to be available for the same time period and for the same purposes as the appropriation to which transferred.

Provided further, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

All<<NOTE: amounts appropriated to the ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Army'', ``Department of Defense-- Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Air Force'', and ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' accounts pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in a National Defense Authorization Act specified for fiscal year 2024 in the funding table in section 4601 of that Act shall be immediately available and allotted to contract for the full scope of authorized projects.

Allotment.

Contracts.>> All amounts appropriated to the ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Army'', ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'', ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Air Force'', and ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' accounts pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in a National Defense Authorization Act specified for fiscal year 2024 in the funding table in section 4601 of that Act shall be immediately available and allotted to contract for the full scope of authorized projects.

Notwithstanding section 116 of this Act, funds made available in this Act or any available unobligated balances from prior appropriations Acts may be obligated before October 1, 2025 for fiscal year 2017, 2018, and 2019 military construction projects for which project authorization has not lapsed or for which authorization[[Page is138 extendedSTAT. for fiscal year 2024 by a National Defense Authorization Act:

36]] authorization is extended for fiscal year 2024 by a National Defense Authorization Act:

For<<NOTE: the purposes of this Act, the term ``congressional defense committees'' means the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

Definition.>> For the purposes of this Act, the term ``congressional defense committees'' means the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations [[Page 138 STAT.

37]] of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section:

ProvidedDeadline. further, That the Secretary of the military department concerned may not obligate or expend any funds prior to approval by the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the expenditure plan required by this section.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Approvals.>> That the Secretary of the military department concerned may not obligate or expend any funds prior to approval by the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the expenditure plan required by this section.

Provided further, That<<NOTE: not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations [[Page 138 STAT.

38]] of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

Deadline.

Expenditure plan.>> That not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, or their designee, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available by this Act may be used to carry out the closure or realignment of the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

TITLECuba.>> IINone DEPARTMENTof OFthe VETERANSfunds AFFAIRSmade Veteransavailable Benefitsby Administrationthis compensationAct andmay pensionsbe (includingused transferto ofcarry funds)out For the paymentclosure of compensation benefits to or onrealignment behalf of veteransthe andUnited aStates pilotNaval programStation, forGuantanamo disabilityBay, examinationsCuba. as authorized by section 107 and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code;

__________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial note:

The text above is the only information printed on this page of the signed law.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 138 STAT.

39]] TITLE II DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Benefits Administration compensation and pensions (including transfer of funds) For the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of veterans and a pilot program for disability examinations as authorized by section and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code;

and burial benefits, the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors, emergency and other officers' retirement pay, adjusted-adjusted-service service credits and certificates, payment of premiums due on commercial life insurance policies guaranteed under the provisions of title IV of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C.

Provided, That<<NOTE: not to exceed $22,109,000 of the amount made available for fiscal year 2025 under this heading shall be reimbursed to ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'', and ``Information Technology Systems'' for necessary expenses in implementing the provisions of chapters 51, 53, and 55 of title 38, United States Code, the funding source for which is specifically provided as the ``Compensation and Pensions'' appropriation:

ProvidedReimbursement.>> further, That suchnot sumsto asexceed may$22,109,000 beof earnedthe onamount anmade actualavailable qualifyingfor patientfiscal basis,year 2025 under this heading shall be reimbursed to ``Medical``General CareOperating CollectionsExpenses, Fund''Veterans toBenefits augmentAdministration'', and ``Information Technology Systems'' for necessary expenses in implementing the fundingprovisions of individualchapters medical51, facilities53, and 55 of title 38, United States Code, the funding source for nursingwhich homeis carespecifically provided toas pensionersthe as``Compensation authorized.and Pensions'' appropriation:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Reimbursement.>> That such sums as may be earned on an actual qualifying patient basis, shall be reimbursed to ``Medical Care Collections Fund'' to augment the funding of individual medical facilities for nursing home care provided to pensioners as authorized.

veterans[[Page insurance138 andSTAT. indemnities For military and naval insurance, national service life insurance, servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled veterans insurance, and veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by chapters 19 and 21 of title 38, United States Code, $12,701,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1, 2023, to remain available until expended;

40]] veterans insurance and indemnities For military and naval insurance, national service life insurance, servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled veterans insurance, and veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by chapters 19 and 21 of title 38, United States Code, $12,701,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1, 2023, to remain available until expended;

Provided, That<<NOTE: expenses for services and assistance authorized under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11) of section 3104(a) of title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans:

(1)Determination.>> toThat theexpenses maximumfor extentservices feasible,and toassistance becomeauthorized employableunder andparagraphs to(1), obtain(2), (5), and maintain(11) suitableof employment;section 3104(a) of title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans:

(1) [[Page 138 STAT.

41]] to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment;

38 U.S.C.

Provided further, That,<<NOTE: notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may authorize the dispensing of prescription drugs from Veterans Health Administration facilities to enrolled veterans with privately written prescriptions based on requirements established by the Secretary:

Drugs and drug abuse.>> That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may authorize the dispensing of prescription drugs from Veterans Health Administration facilities to enrolled veterans with privately written prescriptions based on requirements established by the Secretary:

Provided further, That the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that sufficient amounts appropriated under this heading for medical supplies and equipment are available for the acquisition of prosthetics designed specifically for[[Page female138 veterans:STAT.

Provided42]] further, That nothing in section 2044(e) of title 38, United States Code, may be construed as limiting amounts that may be made available under this heading for fiscalfemale yearsveterans: 2024 and 2025 in this or prior Acts.

Provided further, That nothing in section 2044(e) of title 38, United States Code, may be construed as limiting amounts that may be made available under this heading for fiscal years 2024 and in this or prior Acts.

$149,485,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1, 2023;[[Page 138 STAT.

43]] 2023;

information technology systems (including transfer of funds) For necessary expenses for information technology systems and telecommunications support, including developmental information systems[[Page and138 operationalSTAT. information systems;

44]] systems and operational information systems;

Provided further, That<<NOTE: amounts made available for salaries and expenses, operations and maintenance, and information technology systems development may be transferred among the three subaccounts after the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requests from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued:

Approvals.>> That amounts made available for salaries and expenses, operations and maintenance, and information technology systems development may be transferred among the three subaccounts after the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requests from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: no project may be increased or decreased by more than $3,000,000 of cost prior to submitting a request to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress to make the transfer and an approval is issued, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed:

Time period.

Approvals.>> That no project may be increased or decreased by more than $3,000,000 of cost prior to submitting a request to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress to make the transfer and an approval is issued, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed:

veterans electronic<<NOTE: health record For activities related to implementation, preparation, development, interface, management, rollout, and maintenance of a Veterans Electronic Health Record system, including contractual costs associated with operations authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and salaries and expenses of employees hired under titles 5 and 38, United States Code, $1,334,142,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026:

Reports.>> electronic health record For activities related to implementation, preparation, development, interface, management, rollout, and maintenance of a Veterans Electronic Health Record system, including contractual costs associated with operations authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and salaries and expenses of employees hired under titles 5 and 38, United States Code, $1,334,142,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: percent of the funds made available under this heading shall not be available until July 1, 2024, and are contingent upon the Secretary of Veterans Affairs-- (1) providing the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report, no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on the status of issues that caused the delayed deployment of the new electronic health record to additional sites that was announced on April 21, 2023;

(2)Effective providingdate.>> theThat Committees25 onpercent Appropriations of boththe Housesfunds ofmade Congressavailable aunder reportthis onheading theshall resetnot processbe asavailable ofuntil JuneJuly 1, 2024, including an outline of the measurable operational metrics that will be used to determine when it is appropriate to re-start deployments, progress on achieving those metrics, progress toward clinical and productare standardization,contingent andupon the currentSecretary performance at all Department of Veterans AffairsAffairs-- facilities[[Page using138 theSTAT. new electronic health record on or before September 2023 compared to pre-deployment baselines for metrics impacted by the deployment of the new electronic health record;

and45]] (3)(1) certifyingproviding inthe writingCommittees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report, no later than 3060 days priorafter toenactment Julyof 1,this 2024,Act whetheron the systemstatus isof stable,issues ready,that andcaused optimizedthe fordelayed further deployment atof VAthe sites,new andelectronic ifhealth not,record anto estimateadditional ofsites thethat timelinewas requiredannounced toon beginApril further21, deployments.2023;

(2) <<NOTE:

Outline.>> providing the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report on the reset process as of June 1, 2024, including an outline of the measurable operational metrics that will be used to determine when it is appropriate to re-start deployments, progress on achieving those metrics, progress toward clinical and product standardization, and the current performance at all Department of Veterans Affairs facilities using the new electronic health record on or before September 2023 compared to pre-deployment baselines for metrics impacted by the deployment of the new electronic health record;

and (3) <<NOTE:

Certification.>> certifying in writing no later than 30 days prior to July 1, 2024, whether the system is stable, ready, and optimized for further deployment at VA sites, and if not, an estimate of the timeline required to begin further deployments.

Provided, That<<NOTE: except for advance planning activities, including needs assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments, and other capital asset management related activities, including portfolio development and management activities, and planning, cost estimating, and design for major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases and investment strategy studies funded through the advance planning fund and the planning and design activities funded through the design fund, staffing expenses, and funds provided for the purchase, security, and maintenance of land for the National Cemetery Administration and the Veterans Health Administration through the land acquisition line item, none of the funds made available under this heading shall be used for any project that has not been notified to Congress through the budgetary process or that has not been approved by the Congress through statute, joint resolution, or in the explanatory statement accompanying such Act and presented to the President at the time of enrollment:

Notification.

Approval.>> That except for advance planning activities, including needs assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments, and other capital asset management related activities, including portfolio development and management activities, and planning, cost estimating, and design for major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases and investment strategy studies funded through the advance planning fund and the planning [[Page 138 STAT.

46]] and design activities funded through the design fund, staffing expenses, and funds provided for the purchase, security, and maintenance of land for the National Cemetery Administration and the Veterans Health Administration through the land acquisition line item, none of the funds made available under this heading shall be used for any project that has not been notified to Congress through the budgetary process or that has not been approved by the Congress through statute, joint resolution, or in the explanatory statement accompanying such Act and presented to the President at the time of enrollment:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: such sums as may be necessary shall be available to reimburse the ``General Administration'' account for payment of salaries and expenses of all Office of Construction and Facilities Management employees to support the full range of capital infrastructure services provided, including minor construction and leasing services:

ProvidedReimbursement.>> further, That fundssuch madesums as may be necessary shall be available underto thisreimburse headingthe ``General Administration'' account for fiscalpayment yearof 2024,salaries forand eachexpenses approvedof projectall shallOffice beof obligated:Construction and Facilities Management employees to support the full range of capital infrastructure services provided, including minor construction and leasing services:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Contracts.

Deadlines.>> That funds made available under this heading for fiscal year 2024, for each approved project shall be obligated:

Provided further, That the<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall promptly submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a written report on any approved major construction project for which obligations are not incurred within the time limitations established above:

Reports.>> the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall promptly submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a written report on any approved major construction project for which obligations are not incurred within the time limitations established above:

(1) repairs to any of the nonmedical facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department which[[Page are138 necessarySTAT. because of loss or damage caused by any natural disaster or catastrophe;

47]] which are necessary because of loss or damage caused by any natural disaster or catastrophe;

Provided, That,<<NOTE: before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.

Approval.

Time period.>> That, before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.

Amounts<<NOTE: made available for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2024, in this or any other Act, under the ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'' accounts may be transferred among the accounts:

Notifications.

Approvals.>> Amounts made available for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2024, in this or any other Act, under the ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'' accounts may be transferred among the accounts:

Sec.[[Page 138 STAT.

48]] Sec.

No<<NOTE: appropriations in this title shall be available for hospitalization or examination of any persons (except beneficiaries entitled to such hospitalization or examination under the laws providing such benefits to veterans, and persons receiving such treatment under sections 7901 through 7904 of title 5, United States Code, or the Robert T.

Reimbursement.>> No appropriations in this title shall be available for hospitalization or examination of any persons (except beneficiaries entitled to such hospitalization or examination under the laws providing such benefits to veterans, and persons receiving such treatment under sections 7901 through 7904 of title 5, United States Code, or the Robert T.

Appropriations<<NOTE: available in this title for ``Compensation and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and ``Veterans Insurance and Indemnities'' shall be available for payment of prior year accrued obligations required to be recorded by law against the corresponding prior year accounts within the last quarter of fiscal year 2023.

Time period.>> Appropriations available in this title for ``Compensation and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and ``Veterans Insurance and Indemnities'' shall be available for payment of prior year accrued obligations required to be recorded by law against the corresponding prior year accounts within the last quarter of fiscal year 2023.

Notwithstanding<<NOTE: any other provision of law, during fiscal year 2024, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, from the National Service Life Insurance Fund under section 1920 of title 38, United States Code, the Veterans' Special Life Insurance Fund under section 1923 of title 38, United States Code, and the United States Government Life Insurance Fund under section 1955 of title 38, United States Code, reimburse the ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' and ``Information Technology Systems'' accounts for the cost of administration of the insurance programs financed through those accounts:

Reimbursement.>> Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during fiscal year 2024, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, from the National Service Life Insurance Fund under section 1920 of title 38, United States Code, the Veterans' Special Life Insurance Fund under section 1923 of title 38, United States Code, and the United States Government Life Insurance Fund under section 1955 of title 38, United States Code, reimburse the ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' and ``Information Technology Systems'' accounts for the cost of administration of the insurance programs financed through those accounts:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: the Secretary shall determine the cost of administration for fiscal year 2024 which is properly allocable to the provision of each such insurance program and to the provision of any total disability income insurance included in that insurance program.

Sec.Determination.>> That the Secretary shall determine the cost of administration for fiscal year 2024 which is properly allocable to the provision of each such insurance program and to the provision of any total disability income insurance included in that insurance program.

[[Page 138 STAT.

49]] Sec.

Provided, That<<NOTE: payments may be made in advance for services to be furnished based on estimated costs:

Cost estimates.>> That payments may be made in advance for services to be furnished based on estimated costs:

No<<NOTE: funds of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be available for hospital care, nursing home care, or medical services provided to any person under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, for a non-service-connected disability described in section 1729(a)(2) of such title, unless that person has disclosed to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in such form as the Secretary may require, current, accurate third-party reimbursement information for purposes of section 1729 of such title:

Disclosure.

Reimbursement.>> No funds of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be available for hospital care, nursing home care, or medical services provided to any person under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, for a non-service-connected disability described in section 1729(a)(2) of such title, unless that person has disclosed to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in such form as the Secretary may require, current, accurate third-party reimbursement information for purposes of section 1729 of such title:

and (2)[[Page for138 funeralSTAT. expenses, burial expenses, and other expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries receiving care in the Department.

50]] (2) for funeral expenses, burial expenses, and other expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries receiving care in the Department.

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service, to provide healthcare, including behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural Alaska.

TheContracts. Secretary shall require participating veterans and facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and regulations, as established by the Secretary.

TheAlaska. term ``rural Alaska'' shall mean those lands which are not within the boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Native Americans.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service, to provide healthcare, including behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural Alaska.

<<NOTE:

Requirements.

Compliance.>> The Secretary shall require participating veterans and facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and regulations, as established by the Secretary.

<<NOTE:

Definition.>> The term ``rural Alaska'' shall mean those lands which are not within the boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Not<<NOTE: later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report on the financial status of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the preceding quarter:

Reports.>> Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report on the financial status of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the preceding quarter:

Provided further, That,<<NOTE: before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued.

(includingApprovals.>> That, before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of funds)Veterans Sec.Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued.

[[Page 138 STAT.

51]] (including transfer of funds) Sec.

Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2024 for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', ``Medical Facilities'', ``Construction, Minor Projects'', and ``Information Technology Systems'', up to $430,532,000, plus reimbursements, may be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Defense--Department Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84;

Provided, That<<NOTE: additional funds may be transferred from accounts designated in this section to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress:

ProvidedNotification.>> further, That additional funds may be transferred from accounts designated in this section 220to ofthe titleJoint IIDepartment of divisionDefense--Department Jof Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of PublicVeterans LawAffairs 117-328to isthe repealed.Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress:

Provided further, That section <<NOTE:

Repeal.

136 Stat.

4961.>> 220 of title II of division J of Public Law 117-328 is repealed.

Of<<NOTE: the amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs which become available on October 1, 2024, for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', up to $456,547,000, plus reimbursements, may be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense-- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84;

Effective date.>> Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs which become available on October 1, 2024, for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', up to $456,547,000, plus reimbursements, may be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84;

Provided, That<<NOTE: additional funds may be transferred from accounts designated in this section to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Notification.>> That additional funds may be transferred from accounts designated in this section to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

(1) for transfer to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84;111- 84;

and (2) for operations of the facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year[[Page 2009138 (PublicSTAT. Law 110-417;

52]] Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417;

2573), amounts transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Defense--Department Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund shall remain available until expended.

Of the amounts available in this title for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', a minimum of $15,000,000 shall be transferred to the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section 8111(d) of title 38, United States Code, to remain available until expended, for any purpose authorized by section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of all bid savings in a major construction project that total at least $5,000,000, or 5 percent of the programmed amount of the project, whichever is less:

Notifications.

Deadlines.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of all bid savings in a major construction project that total at least $5,000,000, or 5 percent of the programmed amount of the project, whichever is less:

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available for ``Construction, Major Projects'' may be used for a project in excess of the scope specified for that project in the original justification data provided to the Congress as part of the request for appropriations unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs receives approval from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Approvals.>> None of the funds made available for ``Construction, Major Projects'' may be used for a project in excess of the scope specified for that project in the original justification data provided to the Congress as part of the request for appropriations unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs receives approval from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Not<<NOTE: later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a quarterly report containing performance measures and data from each Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office:

Reports.

Data.>> Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a quarterly report containing performance measures and data from each Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: the report shall also include information on the number of appeals pending at the Veterans Benefits Administration as well as the Board of Veterans Appeals on a quarterly basis.

Time period.>> That the report shall also include information on the number of appeals pending at the Veterans Benefits Administration as well as the Board of Veterans Appeals on a quarterly basis.

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide written notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 15 days prior to organizational changes which result in the transfer of 25 or more full-time equivalents from one organizational unit of the Department of Veterans Affairs to another.

Sec.Notification.

Deadline.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide written notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 15 days prior to organizational changes which result in the transfer of 25 or more full- time equivalents from one organizational unit of the Department of Veterans Affairs to another.

[[Page 138 STAT.

53]] Sec.

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide on a quarterly basis to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress notification of any single national outreach and awareness marketing campaign in which obligations exceed $1,000,000.

Time period.

Notification.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide on a quarterly basis to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress notification of any single national outreach and awareness marketing campaign in which obligations exceed $1,000,000.

The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon determination that such action is necessary to address needs of the Veterans Health Administration, may transfer to the ``Medical Services'' account any discretionary appropriations made available for fiscal year 2024 in this title (except appropriations made to the ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' account) or any discretionary unobligated balances within the Department of Veterans Affairs, including those appropriated for fiscal year 2024, that were provided in advance by appropriations Acts:

Provided,Determinations.>> ThatThe transfersSecretary shallof beVeterans Affairs, upon determination that such action is necessary to address needs of the Veterans Health Administration, may transfer to the ``Medical Services'' account any discretionary appropriations made onlyavailable withfor fiscal year 2024 in this title (except appropriations made to the approval``General ofOperating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' account) or any discretionary unobligated balances within the OfficeDepartment of ManagementVeterans andAffairs, Budget:including those appropriated for fiscal year 2024, that were provided in advance by appropriations Acts:

Provided, That transfers <<NOTE:

Approval.>> shall be made only with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget:

Provided further,<<NOTE: That before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and receive approval of that request.

Approvals.>> further, That before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and receive approval of that request.

Provided, That before<<NOTE: a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and receive approval of that request.

Approvals.>> before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and receive approval of that request.

(a)<<NOTE: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the toll-free suicide hotline under section 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code-- (1) provides to individuals who contact the hotline immediate assistance from a trained professional;

andSuicide (2)hotline.>> adheres(a) toThe allSecretary requirements of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the Americantoll-free Associationsuicide hotline under section 1720F(h) of Suicidology.title 38, United States Code-- (1) provides to individuals who contact the hotline immediate assistance from a trained professional;

and [[Page 138 STAT.

54]] (2) adheres to all requirements of the American Association of Suicidology.

(2) In<<NOTE: this subsection-- (A) the term ``civil service'' has the meaning given such term in section 2101(1) of title 5, United States Code;

Definitions.>> In this subsection-- (A) the term ``civil service'' has the meaning given such term in section 2101(1) of title 5, United States Code;

(c)(1) The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the hotline specified in subsection (a) during the 5-year period beginning on January 1, 2016, based on an analysis of national suicide data and data collected from such hotline.

(2)Study. At a minimum, the study required by paragraph (1) shall-- (A) determine the number of veterans who contact the hotline specified in subsection (a) and who receive follow up services from the hotline or mental health services from the Department of Veterans Affairs thereafter;

Time period.

Analysis.

Data.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the hotline specified in subsection (a) during the 5-year period beginning on January 1, 2016, based on an analysis of national suicide data and data collected from such hotline.

(2) <<NOTE:

Determinations.>> At a minimum, the study required by paragraph (1) shall-- (A) determine the number of veterans who contact the hotline specified in subsection (a) and who receive follow up services from the hotline or mental health services from the Department of Veterans Affairs thereafter;

Effective<<NOTE: during the period beginning on October 1, 2018, and ending on January 1, 2025, none of the funds made available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by this or any other Act may be obligated or expended in contravention of the ``Veterans Health Administration Clinical Preventive Services Guidance Statement on the Veterans Health Administration's Screening for Breast Cancer Guidance'' published on May 10, 2017, as issued by the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Effective date.

Time period.>> Effective during the period beginning on October 1, 2018, and ending on January 1, 2025, none of the funds made available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by this or any other Act may be obligated or expended in contravention of the ``Veterans Health Administration Clinical Preventive Services Guidance Statement on the Veterans Health Administration's Screening for Breast Cancer Guidance'' published on May 10, 2017, as issued by the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

(b) In<<NOTE: this section:

Definitions.>> In this section:

(3) The term ``assisted reproductive technology'' means benefits relating to reproductive assistance provided to a member[[Page of138 theSTAT. Armed Forces who incurs a serious injury or illness on active duty pursuant to section 1074(c)(4)(A) of title 10, United States Code, as described in the memorandum on the subject of ``Policy for Assisted Reproductive Services for the Benefit of Seriously or Severely Ill/Injured (Category II or III) Active Duty Service Members'' issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on April 3, 2012, and the guidance issued to implement such policy, including any limitations on the amount of such benefits available to such a member except that-- (A) the time periods regarding embryo cryopreservation and storage set forth in part III(G) and in part IV(H) of such memorandum shall not apply;

55]] member of the Armed Forces who incurs a serious injury or illness on active duty pursuant to section 1074(c)(4)(A) of title 10, United States Code, as described in the memorandum on the subject of ``Policy for Assisted Reproductive Services for the Benefit of Seriously or Severely Ill/Injured (Category II or III) Active Duty Service Members'' issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on April 3, 2012, and the guidance issued to implement such policy, including any limitations on the amount of such benefits available to such a member except that-- (A) the time periods regarding embryo cryopreservation and storage set forth in part III(G) and in part IV(H) of such memorandum shall not apply;

Section<<NOTE: 842 of Public Law 109-115 shall not apply to conversion of an activity or function of the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, or National Cemetery Administration to contractor performance by a business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more Indian Tribes as defined in section 5304(e) of title 25, United States Code, or one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined in section 637(a)(15) of title 15, United States Code.

Contracts.>> Section 842 of Public Law 109-115 shall not apply to conversion of an activity or function of the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, or National Cemetery Administration to contractor performance by a business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more Indian Tribes as defined in section 5304(e) of title 25, United States Code, or one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined in section 637(a)(15) of title 15, United States Code.

(a) The<<NOTE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, shall discontinue collecting and using Social Security account numbers to authenticate individuals in all information systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs for all individuals not later than September 30, 2024.

Discontinuation.

Deadline.

38 USC note prec.

5701.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, shall discontinue collecting and using Social Security account numbers to authenticate individuals in all information systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs for all individuals not later than September 30, 2024.

(2)[[Page comply138 withSTAT. a law, regulation, or court order;

56]] (2) comply with a law, regulation, or court order;

For<<NOTE: funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025 for ``Medical Services'', section of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

Applicability.>> For funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025 for ``Medical Services'', section 239 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

Of<<NOTE: the funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 for ``Medical Services'', funds may be used in each year to carry out and expand the child care program authorized by section 205 of Public Law 111-163, notwithstanding subsection (e) of such section.

Time periods.>> Of the funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 for ``Medical Services'', funds may be used in each year to carry out and expand the child care program authorized by section 205 of Public Law 111-163, notwithstanding subsection (e) of such section.

None<<NOTE: of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this title may be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict in any way the individual from speaking to members of Congress or their staff on any topic not otherwise prohibited from disclosure by Federal law or required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.

Contracts.>> None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this title may be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict in any way the individual from speaking to members of Congress or their staff on any topic not otherwise prohibited from disclosure by Federal law or required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.

For<<NOTE: funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025, section 258 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

Time periods.

Applicability.>> For funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025, section 258 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

(a)<<NOTE: None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to deny an Inspector General funded under this Act timely access to any records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which that Inspector General has responsibilities under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.

Records.

Compliance.>> (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to deny an Inspector General funded under this Act timely access to any records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which that Inspector General has responsibilities under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.

(d) Each<<NOTE: Inspector General covered by this section shall report to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives within 5 calendar days of any failure by any department or agency covered by this section to comply with this requirement.

Reports.>> Each Inspector General covered by this section shall report to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives within 5 calendar days of any failure by any department or agency covered by this section to comply with this requirement.

Sec.[[Page 138 STAT.

57]] Sec.

None<<NOTE: of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to the Veterans Health Administration may be used in fiscal year 2024 to convert any program which received specific purpose funds in fiscal year 2023 to a general purpose funded program unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits written notification of any such proposal to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days prior to any such action and an approval is issued by the Committees.

Notifications.

Proposal.

Deadline.>> None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to the Veterans Health Administration may be used in fiscal year 2024 to convert any program which received specific purpose funds in fiscal year to a general purpose funded program unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits written notification of any such proposal to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days prior to any such action and an approval is issued by the Committees.

For<<NOTE: funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025, section 248 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

Time periods.

Applicability.>> For funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year 2024 and 2025, section 248 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall apply.

(a)<<NOTE: None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to conduct research commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act, that uses any canine, feline, or non-human primate unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves such research specifically and in writing pursuant to subsection (b).

(b)(1)Research The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may approve the conduct of research commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act, using canines, felines, or non-human primates if the Secretary certifies that-- (A) the scientific objectives of the research can only be met by using such canines, felines, or non-human primates and cannotdevelopment. be met using other animal models, in vitro models, computational models, human clinical studies, or other research alternatives;

Effective date.

Animals.

Approval.

38 USC 303 note.>> (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to conduct research commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act, that uses any canine, feline, or non-human primate unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves such research specifically and in writing pursuant to subsection (b).

(b)(1) <<NOTE:

Certification.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may approve the conduct of research commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act, using canines, felines, or non-human primates if the Secretary certifies that-- (A) the scientific objectives of the research can only be met by using such canines, felines, or non-human primates and cannot be met using other animal models, in vitro models, computational models, human clinical studies, or other research alternatives;

(c) If<<NOTE: the Secretary approves any new research pursuant to subsection (b), not later than 30 days before the commencement of such research, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing-- (1) the nature of the research to be conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates;

Reports.>> If the Secretary approves any new research pursuant to subsection (b), not later than 30 days before the commencement of such research, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing-- (1) the nature of the research to be conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates;

(d)[[Page Not138 laterSTAT. than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report describing-- (1) any research being conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs using canines, felines, or non-human primates as of the date of the submittal of the report;

58]] (d) <<NOTE:

Reports.>> Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report describing-- (1) any research being conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs using canines, felines, or non-human primates as of the date of the submittal of the report;

(e) Not<<NOTE: later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Department of Veterans Affairs must submit to voluntary U.S.

Deadlines.

Inspections.>> Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Department of Veterans Affairs must submit to voluntary U.S.

(f) Not<<NOTE: later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report describing -- (1) any violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or other Department of Veterans Affairs policies related to oversight of animal research found during that quarter in VA research facilities;

Reports.>> Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report describing -- (1) any violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or other Department of Veterans Affairs policies related to oversight of animal research found during that quarter in VA research facilities;

(g) The<<NOTE: Department shall implement a plan under which the Secretary will eliminate the research conducted using canines, felines, or non- human primates by not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

Plan.

Deadline.>> The Department shall implement a plan under which the Secretary will eliminate the research conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates by not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

(b) Not<<NOTE: later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the programs of rehabilitation conducted under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, including-- (1) an assessment of the veteran-to-staff ratio for each such program;

andReports.>> (2)Not recommendationslater forthan such180 actiondays asafter the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary considersshall necessarysubmit to reduceCongress a report on the veteran-to-staffprograms ratioof forrehabilitation eachconducted suchunder program.chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, including-- (1) <<NOTE:

Assessment.>> an assessment of the veteran-to- staff ratio for each such program;

and (2) <<NOTE:

Recommenda- tions.>> recommendations for such action as the Secretary considers necessary to reduce the veteran-to-staff ratio for each such program.

Obligations<<NOTE: and expenditures applicable to the ``Medical Services'' account in fiscal years 2017 through 2019 for aid to state homes (as authorized by section 1741 of title 38, United States Code) shall remain in the ``Medical Community Care'' account for such fiscal years.

Time periods.>> Obligations and expenditures applicable to the ``Medical Services'' account in fiscal years 2017 through 2019 for aid to state homes (as authorized by section 1741 of title 38, United [[Page 138 STAT.

59]] States Code) shall remain in the ``Medical Community Care'' account for such fiscal years.

Of the unobligated balances available in fiscal year 2024 in the ``Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund'' established in section 243 of division J of Public Law 114-113, and in addition to any funds otherwise made available for such purposes in this, prior, or subsequent fiscal years, $646,000,000 shall be available for constructing, altering, extending, and improving medical facilities of the Veterans Health Administration, including all supporting activities and required contingencies, during the period of availability of the Fund:

Provided, That<<NOTE: prior to obligation of any of the funds provided in this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide a plan for the execution of the funds appropriated in this section to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.

Execution plan.

Approval.

Time period.>> That prior to obligation of any of the funds provided in this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide a plan for the execution of the funds appropriated in this section to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.

Not<<NOTE: later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a quarterly report on the status of section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan of (Public Law 117-2):

Provided,Reports.>> That,Not atlater athan minimum,30 days after the reportend of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall includesubmit anto updatethe Committees on obligationsAppropriations byof program,both projectHouses orof activityCongress and a planquarterly forreport expendingon the remainingstatus funds.of section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan of 2021 (Public Law 117-2):

Provided, <<NOTE:

Update.

Expenditure plan.>> That, at a minimum, the report shall include an update on obligations by program, project or activity and a plan for expending the remaining funds.

Not<<NOTE: later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds made available through the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5) for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund for fiscal year 2024:

Expenditure plan.>> Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds made available through the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5) for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund for fiscal year 2024:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary shall submit a quarterly report on the status of the funds, including, at a minimum, an update on obligations by program, project or activity.

Reports.

Update.>> That not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary shall submit a quarterly report on the status of the funds, including, at a minimum, an update on obligations by program, project or activity.

Any<<NOTE: amounts transferred to the Secretary and administered by a corporation referred to in section 7364(b) of title 38, United States Code, between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018 for purposes of carrying out an order placed with the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1535 of title 31, United States Code, that are available for obligation pursuant to section 7364(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, are to remain available for the liquidation of valid obligations incurred by such corporation during the period of performance of such order, provided that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that such amounts need to remain available for such liquidation.

(rescissionTime ofperiod. funds) Sec.

Determination.>> Any amounts transferred to the Secretary and administered by a corporation referred to in section 7364(b) of title 38, United States Code, between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018 for purposes of carrying out an order placed with the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1535 of title 31, United States Code, that are available for obligation pursuant to section 7364(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, are to remain available for the liquidation of valid obligations incurred by such corporation during the period of performance of such order, provided that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that such amounts need to remain available for such liquidation.

[[Page 138 STAT.

60]] (rescission of funds) Sec.

None<<NOTE: of the funds in this or any other Act may be used to close Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, domiciliaries, or clinics, conduct an environmental assessment, or to diminish healthcare services at existing Veterans Health Administration medical facilities as part of a planned realignment of services until the Secretary provides to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report including an analysis of how any such planned realignment of services will impact access to care for veterans living in rural or highly rural areas, including travel distances and transportation costs to access a Department medical facility and availability of local specialty and primary care.

Reports.

Analysis.

Urban and rural areas.>> None of the funds in this or any other Act may be used to close Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, domiciliaries, or clinics, conduct an environmental assessment, or to diminish healthcare services at existing Veterans Health Administration medical facilities as part of a planned realignment of services until the Secretary provides to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report including an analysis of how any such planned realignment of services will impact access to care for veterans living in rural or highly rural areas, including travel distances and transportation costs to access a Department medical facility and availability of local specialty and primary care.

Provided, That before<<NOTE: such unobligated balances are obligated pursuant to this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to obligate such unobligated balances and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed:

ProvidedObligation further,request. That the request to obligate such unobligated balances must provide Congress notice that the entity described in section 2(a)(2) of Public Law 114-294, as amended, has exhausted available cost containment approaches as set forth in the agreement under section 2(c) of such Public Law.

Approvals.

Time period.>> before such unobligated balances are obligated pursuant to this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to obligate such unobligated balances and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed:

Provided further, That the request <<NOTE:

Notice.>> to obligate such unobligated balances must provide Congress notice that the entity described in section 2(a)(2) of Public Law 114-294, as amended, has exhausted available cost containment approaches as set forth in the agreement under section 2(c) of such Public Law.

Provided further,<<NOTE: That the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a plan for rescinding amounts required by this section no later than 30 days after enactment of this Act.

(rescissionsRescission ofplan. funds) Sec.

Deadline.>> further, That the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a plan for rescinding amounts required by this section no later than 30 days after enactment of this Act.

[[Page 138 STAT.

61]] (rescissions of funds) Sec.

TITLE__________ III--------------------------------------------------------------------------- RELATEDEditorial AGENCIESnote: American Battle Monuments Commission salaries and expenses For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American Battle Monuments Commission, including the acquisition of land or interest in land in foreign countries;

The text above is the only information printed on this page of the signed law.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 138 STAT.

62]] TITLE III RELATED AGENCIES American Battle Monuments Commission salaries and expenses For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American Battle Monuments Commission, including the acquisition of land or interest in land in foreign countries;

Provided, That $3,000,000 shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance as described and in accordance with the process and reporting procedures set forth under this heading in Public Law 102-102-229. 229.

construction[[Page For138 necessarySTAT. expenses for planning and design and construction at Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery, $88,600,000, to remain available until expended, for planning and design and construction associated with the Southern Expansion project at Arlington National Cemetery.

63]] construction For necessary expenses for planning and design and construction at Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery, $88,600,000, to remain available until expended, for planning and design and construction associated with the Southern Expansion project at Arlington National Cemetery.

TITLE__________ IV--------------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERALEditorial PROVISIONSnote: Sec.

The text above is the only information printed on this page of the signed law.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 138 STAT.

64]] TITLE IV GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.

(a)<<NOTE: Any agency receiving funds made available in this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on the public Web site of that agency any report required to be submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, upon the determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national interest.

Web posting.

Public information.

Reports.

Determination.>> (a) Any agency receiving funds made available in this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on the public Web site of that agency any report required to be submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, upon the determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national interest.

(c) The<<NOTE: head of the agency posting such report shall do so only after such report has been made available to the requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less than 45 days.

Time period.>> The head of the agency posting such report shall do so only after such report has been made available to the requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less than 45 days.

(a)<<NOTE: None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

Pornography.>> (a) None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by an agency of the executive branch to pay for first-classfirst- travel[[Page by138 anSTAT. employee of the agency in contravention of sections 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.

65]] class travel by an employee of the agency in contravention of sections 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.

None<<NOTE: of the funds made available in this Act may be used to execute a contract for goods or services, including construction services, where the contractor has not complied with Executive Order No.

Contracts.>> None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to execute a contract for goods or services, including construction services, where the contractor has not complied with Executive Order No.

(a)<<NOTE: In General.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in this Act may be used to construct, renovate, or expand any facility in the United States, its territories, or possessions to house any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense.

Detainees.

Cuba.>> (a) In General.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in this Act may be used to construct, renovate, or expand any facility in the United States, its territories, or possessions to house any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense.

DIVISION[[Page B--AGRICULTURE,138 RURALSTAT. DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 TITLE I AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS Processing, Research, and Marketing Office of the Secretary (including transfers of funds) For necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary, $58,292,000 of which not to exceed $7,000,000 shall be available for the immediate Office of the Secretary;

66]] DIVISION B-- <<NOTE:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.>> AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 TITLE I AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS Processing, Research, and Marketing Office of the Secretary (including transfers of funds) For necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary, $58,292,000 of which not to exceed $7,000,000 shall be available for the immediate Office of the Secretary;

Provided further, That<<NOTE: the amount made available under this heading for Departmental Administration shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations in this Act for travel expenses incident to the holding of hearings as required by 5 U.S.C.

Reimbursement.>> That the amount made available under this heading for Departmental Administration shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations in this Act for travel expenses incident to the holding of hearings as required [[Page 138 STAT.

67]] by 5 U.S.C.

Provided further, That<<NOTE: no funds made available under this heading for the Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations may be obligated after 30 days from the date of enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary has notified the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency:

ProvidedTime further,period. That during any 30 day notification period referenced in section 716 of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take no action to begin implementation of the action that is subject to section 716 of this Act or make any public announcement of such action in any form.

Notification.>> That no funds made available under this heading for the Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations may be obligated after 30 days from the date of enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary has notified the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency:

Provided further, That <<NOTE:

Time period.

Notification.>> during any day notification period referenced in section 716 of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take no action to begin implementation of the action that is subject to section 716 of this Act or make any public announcement of such action in any form.

Provided, That funds made available by[[Page this138 ActSTAT. to an agency in the Civil Rights mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.

68]] by this Act to an agency in the Civil Rights mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.

Office of Inspector General For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, including employment pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452;95- 452;

Office[[Page of138 theSTAT. General Counsel For necessary expenses of the Office of the General Counsel, $60,537,000.

69]] Office of the General Counsel For necessary expenses of the Office of the General Counsel, $60,537,000.

Provided, That<<NOTE: amounts made available for the Census of Agriculture may be used to conduct Current Industrial Report surveys subject to 7 U.S.C.

Surveys.>> That amounts made available for the Census of Agriculture may be used to conduct Current Industrial Report surveys subject to 7 U.S.C.

Provided, That appropriations<<NOTE: hereunder shall be available for the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the purchase of not to exceed one for replacement only:

Provided7 further,USC That2254.>> appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuantfor the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the purchase of not to 7exceed U.S.C.one for replacement only:

2250Provided forfurther, theThat construction,<<NOTE: alteration, and repair of buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided, the cost of constructing any one building shall not exceed $500,000, except for headhouses or greenhouses which shall each be limited to $1,800,000, except for 10 buildings to be constructed or improved at a cost not to exceed $1,100,000 each, and except for four buildings to be constructed at a cost not to exceed $5,000,000 each, and the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building or $500,000, whichever is greater:

Provided7 further,USC That2254.>> appropriations hereunder shall be available forpursuant enteringto into7 leaseU.S.C. agreements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the lease shall be that any facility shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the non- Federal entity and shall be removed upon the expiration or termination of the lease agreement:

Providedfor further,the Thatconstruction, thealteration, limitationsand onrepair alterationsof containedbuildings inand thisimprovements, Actbut unless otherwise provided, the cost of constructing any one building shall not applyexceed $500,000, except for headhouses or greenhouses which shall each be limited to modernization$1,800,000, except for 10 buildings to be constructed or replacementimproved ofat existinga facilitiescost not to exceed $1,100,000 each, and except for four buildings to be constructed at Beltsville,a Maryland:cost not to exceed $5,000,000 each, and the cost of altering any one building during [[Page 138 STAT.

Provided70]] further,the Thatfiscal appropriationsyear hereunder shall benot availableexceed for10 grantingpercent easementsof atthe current replacement value of the Beltsvillebuilding Agriculturalor Research$500,000, Center:whichever is greater:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Contracts.>> That appropriations hereunder shall be available for entering into lease agreements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the lease shall be that any facility shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the non-Federal entity and shall be removed upon the expiration or termination of the lease agreement:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Maryland.>> That the limitations on alterations contained in this Act shall not apply to modernization or replacement of existing facilities at Beltsville, Maryland:

Provided further, That appropriations <<NOTE:

Easements.>> hereunder shall be available for granting easements at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by, and acceptable to, the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the easements shall be that upon completion the facility shall be accepted by the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds herein, if the Secretary finds that acceptance of the facility is in the interest of the United States:

Easements.>> That appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by, and acceptable to, the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the easements shall be that upon completion the facility shall be accepted by the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds herein, if the Secretary finds that acceptance of the facility is in the interest of the United States:

Provided, That funds for research grants for institutions, education grants for 1890 institutions, Hispanic serving institutions education grants, capacity building for non-land- grant colleges of agriculture, the agriculture and food research initiative, veterinary medicine loan repayment, multicultural[[Page scholars,138 graduateSTAT. fellowship and institution challenge grants, grants management systems, tribal colleges education equity grants, and scholarships at institutions shall remain available until expended:

71]] multicultural scholars, graduate fellowship and institution challenge grants, grants management systems, tribal colleges education equity grants, and scholarships at 1890 institutions shall remain available until expended:

Provided further, That<<NOTE: funds for education grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions be made available to individual eligible institutions or consortia of eligible institutions with funds awarded equally to each of the States of Alaska and Hawaii:

Grants.

Alaska.

Hawaii.>> That funds for education grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions be made available to individual eligible institutions or consortia of eligible institutions with funds awarded equally to each of the States of Alaska and Hawaii:

3221 and 3222:

Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, indirect costs shall not be charged against any Extension Implementation[[Page Program138 AreaSTAT. grant awarded under the Crop Protection/Pest Management Program (7 U.S.C.

72]] Implementation Program Area grant awarded under the Crop Protection/Pest Management Program (7 U.S.C.

of which up to $1,500,000, to remain available[[Page until138 expended,STAT. shall be for the scrapie program for indemnities;

73]] available until expended, shall be for the scrapie program for indemnities;

Provided further, That no funds<<NOTE: shall be used to formulate or administer a brucellosis eradication program for the current fiscal year that does not require minimum matching by the States of at least 40 percent:

Brucellosis eradication.>> funds shall be used to formulate or administer a brucellosis eradication program for the current fiscal year that does not require minimum matching by the States of at least 40 percent:

In fiscal<<NOTE: year 2024, the agency is authorized to collect fees to cover the total costs of providing technical assistance, goods, or services requested by States, other political subdivisions, domestic and international organizations, foreign governments, or individuals, provided that such fees are structured such that any entity's liability for such fees is reasonably based on the technical assistance, goods, or services provided to the entity by the agency, and such fees shall be reimbursed to this account, to remain available until expended, without further appropriation, for providing such assistance, goods, or services.

Fees.

Reimbursement.>> fiscal year 2024, the agency is authorized to collect fees to cover the total costs of providing technical assistance, goods, or services requested by States, other political subdivisions, domestic and international organizations, foreign governments, or individuals, provided that such fees are structured such that any entity's liability for such fees is reasonably based on the technical assistance, goods, or services provided to the entity by the agency, and such fees shall be reimbursed to this account, to remain available until expended, without further appropriation, for providing such assistance, goods, or services.

Agricultural[[Page Marketing138 ServiceSTAT. marketing services For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service, $222,887,000, of which $6,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 12306 of Public Law 113-79, and of which $1,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 779 of division A of Public Law 117-103:

74]] Agricultural Marketing Service marketing services For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service, $222,887,000, of which $6,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 12306 of Public Law 113-79, and of which $1,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of section 779 of division A of Public Law 117-103:

Fees may<<NOTE: be collected for the cost of standardization activities, as established by regulation pursuant to law (31 U.S.C.

Fees.>> may be collected for the cost of standardization activities, as established by regulation pursuant to law (31 U.S.C.

Provided, That<<NOTE: if crop size is understated and/or other uncontrollable events occur, the agency may exceed this limitation by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Notification.>> That if crop size is understated and/ or other uncontrollable events occur, the agency may exceed this limitation by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

limitation[[Page on138 inspectionSTAT. and weighing services expenses Not to exceed $55,000,000 (from fees collected) shall be obligated during the current fiscal year for inspection and weighing services:

Provided,75]] Thatlimitation ifon graininspection exportand activitiesweighing requireservices additionalexpenses supervisionNot andto oversight,exceed or$55,000,000 other(from uncontrollablefees factorscollected) occur,shall this limitation may be exceededobligated byduring up to 10 percent with notification to the Committeescurrent onfiscal Appropriationsyear offor bothinspection Housesand ofweighing Congress.services:

Provided, <<NOTE:

Notification.>> That if grain export activities require additional supervision and oversight, or other uncontrollable factors occur, this limitation may be exceeded by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

and in addition, $1,000,000 may be credited to this account from fees collected for the cost of laboratory accreditation as authorized by section 1327 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.

Provided further, That no fewer<<NOTE: than 148 full-time equivalent positions shall be employed during fiscal year 2024 for purposes dedicated solely to inspections and enforcement related to the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C.

Employment positions.>> fewer than 148 full-time equivalent positions shall be employed during fiscal year 2024 for purposes dedicated solely to inspections and enforcement related to the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C.

Provided further,<<NOTE: That the Food Safety and Inspection Service shall continue implementation of section 11016 of Public Law 110-246 as further clarified by the amendments made in section 12106 of Public Law 113-79:

Continuation.>> further, That the Food Safety and Inspection Service shall continue implementation of section 11016 of Public Law 110-246 as further clarified by the amendments made in section 12106 of Public Law 113-79:

TITLE__________ II--------------------------------------------------------------------------- FARMEditorial PRODUCTIONnote: AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, $1,527,000:

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 138 STAT.

76]] TITLE II FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, $1,527,000:

Provided,<<NOTE: That the agency shall submit a report by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress that identifies for each project/investment that is operational (a) current performance against key indicators of customer satisfaction, (b) current performance of service level agreements or other technical metrics, (c) current performance against a pre-established cost baseline, (d) a detailed breakdown of current and planned spending on operational enhancements or upgrades, and (e) an assessment of whether the investment continues to meet business needs as intended as well as alternatives to the investment:

ProvidedReports. further, That the Secretary is authorized to use the services, facilities, and authorities (but not the funds) of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make program payments for all programs administered by the Agency:

Assessment.>> Provided, That the agency shall submit a report by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress that identifies for each project/investment that is operational (a) current performance against key indicators of customer satisfaction, (b) current performance of service level agreements or other technical metrics, (c) current performance against a pre-established cost baseline, (d) a detailed breakdown of current and planned spending on operational enhancements or upgrades, and (e) an assessment of whether the investment continues to meet business needs as intended as well as alternatives to the investment:

Provided further, <<NOTE:

Payments.>> That the Secretary is authorized to use the services, facilities, and authorities (but not the funds) of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make program payments for all programs administered by the Agency:

Provided further, That, notwithstanding the[[Page preceding138 proviso,STAT. any funds made available to county offices in the current fiscal year that the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency deems to exceed or not meet the amount needed for the county offices may be transferred to or from the Farm Service Agency for necessary expenses:

77]] the preceding proviso, any funds made available to county offices in the current fiscal year that the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency deems to exceed or not meet the amount needed for the county offices may be transferred to or from the Farm Service Agency for necessary expenses:

Provided further,<<NOTE: That none of the funds available to the Farm Service Agency shall be used to permanently relocate county based employees that would result in an office with two or fewer employees without prior notification and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Notification.

Advance approval.>> further, That none of the funds available to the Farm Service Agency shall be used to permanently relocate county based employees that would result in an office with two or fewer employees without prior notification and approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

1936c), and Indian highly[[Page fractionated138 landSTAT. loans (25 U.S.C.

78]] highly fractionated land loans (25 U.S.C.