United States 115th Congress ✓ Enacted · P.L. 115-407 1 D cosponsors

S 2248 — Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

Last action — Became Public Law No: 115-407.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
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    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
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    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 19, 2017. Enacted.

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Advancing 52% · moderate confidence

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High

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    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 D).

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Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

427 added · 391 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendments to S 2248 include provisions that expand eligibility for certain veterans to maintain their enrollment in educational courses while waiting for financial assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it allows for the inclusion of additional periods of active duty service that can suspend charges to veterans' educational benefits during rehabilitation program participation. It also mandates the provision of monthly housing stipend information under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program. These changes aim to improve access to educational opportunities for veterans.

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[Congressional Bills 115th Congress] [From the U.S.
[115th Congress Public Law 407] [From the U.S.
Government Publishing Office] [S.
Government Publishing Office] [[Page 5367]] VETERANS BENEFITS AND TRANSITION ACT OF 2018 [[Page 132 STAT.
2248 Engrossed Amendment House (EAH)] <DOC> In the House of Representatives, U.
5368]] Public Law 115-407 115th Congress An Act To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain burial benefits for spouses and children of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries, and for other purposes.
S., December 10, 2018.
<<NOTE:
Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S.
Dec.
2248) entitled ``An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain burial benefits for spouses and children of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries, and for other purposes.'', do pass with the following AMENDMENT:
31, 2018 - [S.
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
2248]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE:
SECTION 1.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.
38 USC 101 note.>> SECTION 1.
Provision of monthly housing stipend information under Post- 9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
Provision of monthly housing stipend information under Post-9/ Educational Assistance Program.
TITLE V--DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION Sec.
[[Page 132 STAT.
5369]] TITLE V--DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION Sec.
PROVISION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND INFORMATION UNDER POST- 9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
PROVISION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND INFORMATION UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
``(2) Manner.--The Secretary shall make such documentation available to the individual using an internet website in the same manner the Secretary provides documentation verifying compensation and other benefits furnished by the Secretary to individuals.''.
``(2) <<NOTE:
Web posting.>> Manner.--The Secretary shall make such documentation available to the individual using an internet website in the same manner the Secretary provides documentation verifying compensation and other benefits furnished by the Secretary to individuals.''.
``(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, beginning on August 1, 2019, a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, shall disapprove a course of education provided by an educational institution that has in effect a policy that is inconsistent with any of the following:
``(e)(1) <<NOTE:
``(A) A policy that permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of this title and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
Effective date.>> Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, beginning on August 1, 2019, a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, shall disapprove a course of education provided by an educational institution that has in effect a policy that is inconsistent with any of the following:
``(A) <<NOTE:
Termination dates.>> A policy that permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to [[Page 132 STAT.
5370]] the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of this title and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
``(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of this title.
``(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31 or of this title.
``(3) The Secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(3) <<NOTE:
Waiver authority.>> The Secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(A) Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance not later than the first day of a course of education for which the individual has indicated the individual wishes to use the individual's entitlement to educational assistance.
``(A) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance not later than the first day of a course of education for which the individual has indicated the individual wishes to use the individual's entitlement to educational assistance.
(b) Prompt Payments.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the Secretary makes a payment to an educational institution on behalf of an individual, who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of title 38, United States Code, and who is using such assistance to pursue a program of education at the educational institution, not later than 60 days after the date on which the educational institution certifies to the Secretary the applicable tuition and fees for the individual.
(b) <<NOTE:
38 USC 3680 note.>> Prompt Payments.-- (1) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the Secretary makes a payment to an educational institution on behalf of an individual, who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of title 38, United States Code, and who is using such assistance to pursue a program of education at the educational institution, not later than 60 days after the date on which the educational institution certifies to the Secretary the applicable tuition and fees for the individual.
(c) Rule of Construction.--In a case in which an individual is unable to meet a financial obligation to an educational institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Secretary under chapter 31 or 33 of such title and the amount of such disbursement is less than anticipated, nothing in section 3679(e) of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall be construed to prohibit an educational institution from requiring additional payment or imposing a fee for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the financial obligation and the amount of the disbursement.
(c) <<NOTE:
38 USC 3679 note.>> Rule of Construction.--In a case in which an individual is unable to meet a financial obligation to an educational institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Secretary under chapter 31 or 33 of such title and the amount of such disbursement is less than anticipated, nothing [[Page 132 STAT.
5371]] in section 3679(e) of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall be construed to prohibit an educational institution from requiring additional payment or imposing a fee for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the financial obligation and the amount of the disbursement.
and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the amount payable'' and all that follows through ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``the national average of the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member with dependents in pay grade E-5''.
and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the amount payable'' and all that follows through ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``the national average of the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member with dependents in pay grade E- 5''.
``SEC.
[[Page 132 STAT.
5372]] ``SEC.
``(2) The term `covered cemetery' means any of the following:
``(2) <<NOTE:
Definition.>> The term `covered cemetery' means any of the following:
``(i) In this section, the term `tribal organization' has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.''.
``(i) <<NOTE:
Definition.>> In this section, the term `tribal organization' has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.''.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF HEADSTONES AND MARKERS FOR, AND INTERMENT IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES OF, SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY.
<<NOTE:
Effective dates.>> DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF HEADSTONES AND MARKERS FOR, AND INTERMENT IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES OF, SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY.
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and (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, or the eligible dependent child of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, as shown by a statement from a general court-martial convening authority, at the time of the child's death if such death occurs before October 1, 2024'' after ``veteran''.
and (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, or the eligible dependent child of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, as [[Page 132 STAT.
5373]] shown by a statement from a general court-martial convening authority, at the time of the child's death if such death occurs before October 1, 2024'' after ``veteran''.
``(3) Death of lessee.--The spouse of the lessee on a lease described in subsection (b)(1) may terminate the lease during the one-year period beginning on the date of the death of the lessee, if the lessee dies while in military service or while performing full-time National Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inactive-duty training (as such terms are defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code).''.
``(3) <<NOTE:
Time period.
Effective date.>> Death of lessee.--The spouse of the lessee on a lease described in subsection (b)(1) may terminate the lease during the one-year period beginning on the date of the death of the lessee, if the lessee dies while in military service or while performing full- time National Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inactive-duty training (as such terms are defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code).''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any return of State or local income tax filed for any taxable year beginning with the taxable year that includes the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) <<NOTE:
50 USC 4001 note.>> Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any return of State or local income tax filed for any taxable year beginning with the taxable year that includes the date of the enactment of this Act.
``(1) a person who is absent from a State because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from that same State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence-- ``(A) be deemed to have lost a residence or domicile in that State, without regard to whether or not the person intends to return to that State;
``(1) a person who is absent from a State because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent [[Page 132 STAT.
5374]] from that same State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence-- ``(A) be deemed to have lost a residence or domicile in that State, without regard to whether or not the person intends to return to that State;
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) <<NOTE:
50 USC 4025 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
``(3) Return of provider-owned equipment.--If a servicemember terminates a contract under subsection (a), the servicemember shall return any provider-owned consumer premises equipment to the service provider not later than 10 days after the date on which service is disconnected.'';
``(3) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> Return of provider-owned equipment.--If a servicemember terminates a contract under subsection (a), the servicemember shall return any provider- owned consumer premises equipment to the service provider not later than 10 days after the date on which service is disconnected.'';
and (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
and (B) <<NOTE:
Definitions.>> by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(3) The term `provider-owned consumer premises equipment' means any equipment that a provider of internet access service or multichannel video programming service rents or loans to a customer during the provision of that service, including gateways, routers, cable modems, voice-capable modems, CableCARDs, converters, digital adapters, remote controls, and any other equipment provided.''.
[[Page 132 STAT.
5375]] ``(3) The term `provider-owned consumer premises equipment' means any equipment that a provider of internet access service or multichannel video programming service rents or loans to a customer during the provision of that service, including gateways, routers, cable modems, voice-capable modems, CableCARDs, converters, digital adapters, remote controls, and any other equipment provided.''.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with State entities that serve members of the Armed Forces who are retired, separated, or discharged from the Armed Forces, shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-Federal entity to carry out a study to identify community-based programs-- (1) that provide transition assistance to such members;
(a) <<NOTE:
Consultation.>> Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with State entities that serve members of the Armed Forces who are retired, separated, or discharged from the Armed Forces, shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-Federal entity to carry out a study to identify community-based programs-- (1) that provide transition assistance to such members;
(b) Transmission to Members.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transmit the list of programs identified under this section to the Secretary of Defense so the Secretaries of the military departments may provide information in the list to members of the Armed Forces who participate in the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
(b) <<NOTE:
Lists.>> Transmission to Members.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transmit the list of programs identified under this section to the Secretary of Defense so the Secretaries of the military departments may provide information in the list to members of the Armed Forces who participate in the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
TITLE V--DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION SEC.
[[Page 132 STAT.
5376]] TITLE V--DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION SEC.
Misuse of Department purchase cards ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary shall prohibit any employee of the Department who the Secretary or the Inspector General of the Department determines has knowingly misused a purchase card from serving as a purchase card holder or approving official.
<<NOTE:
38 USC 728.>> Misuse of Department purchase cards ``(a) <<NOTE:
Determination.>> In General.--(1) The Secretary shall prohibit any employee of the Department who the Secretary or the Inspector General of the Department determines has knowingly misused a purchase card from serving as a purchase card holder or approving official.
``(b) Misuse.--For purposes of this section, the term `misuse' means-- ``(1) splitting purchases;
``(b) <<NOTE:
Definition.>> Misuse.--For purposes of this section, the term `misuse' means-- ``(1) splitting purchases;
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section the following new item:
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter <<NOTE:
38 USC 701 prec.>> is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 728 the following new item:
UPDATING DEPENDENT INFORMATION.
<<NOTE:
38 USC 5701 note prec.>> UPDATING DEPENDENT INFORMATION.
OVERSIGHT OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD MODERNIZATION PROGRAM.
<<NOTE:
(a) Program Documents.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the following documents concerning the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program:
38 USC 5701 note prec.>> OVERSIGHT OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD MODERNIZATION PROGRAM.
(a) <<NOTE:
Deadline.
Plans.
Cost estimates.>> Program Documents.-- Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the following documents concerning the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program:
(5) Cost baseline.
[[Page 132 STAT.
5377]] (5) Cost baseline.
(b) Quarterly Updates.--Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter during the period beginning with the fiscal quarter in which this Act is enacted and ending on the date on which the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the most recent updated versions, if any exist, of the following documents:
(b) <<NOTE:
Deadline.
Effective date.
Termination date.
Plans.
Reports.>> Quarterly Updates.--Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter during the period beginning with the fiscal quarter in which this Act is enacted and ending on the date on which the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the most recent updated versions, if any exist, of the following documents:
(c) Contracts.--Not later than 5 days after awarding a contract, order, or agreement, including any modifications thereto, under the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the entire such contract, order, agreement, or modification.
(c) <<NOTE:
(d) Notification.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than 10 days after an event described in paragraph (2) occurs, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such occurrence, including a description of the event and an explanation for why such event occurred.
Deadline.>> Contracts.--Not later than 5 days after awarding a contract, order, or agreement, including any modifications thereto, under the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the entire such contract, order, agreement, or modification.
(d) Notification.-- (1) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> Requirement.--Not later than 10 days after an event described in paragraph (2) occurs, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such occurrence, including a description of the event and an explanation for why such event occurred.
(D) A loss of clinical or other data.
[[Page 132 STAT.
(E) A breach of patient privacy, including any-- (i) disclosure of protected health information that is not permitted under regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191;
5378]] (D) A loss of clinical or other data.
U.S.C.
(E) A breach of patient privacy, including any-- (i) disclosure of protected health information that is not permitted under regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of (Public Law 104-191;
42 U.S.C.
(a) Debt Notification Letter Formats.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall collaborate with veterans service organizations to develop a standard format for any letter provided to an individual who the Secretary determines is indebted to the United States by virtue of such individual's participation in a benefits program administered by the Secretary.
(a) <<NOTE:
Determination.
38 USC 5301 note prec.>> Debt Notification Letter Formats.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall collaborate with veterans service organizations to develop a standard format for any letter provided to an individual who the Secretary determines is indebted to the United States by virtue of such individual's participation in a benefits program administered by the Secretary.
(b) Delivery of Debt Notices by Standard Mail and Electronic Means.--The Secretary shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive notice of debt by electronic means and shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the letter developed under subsection (a) is delivered-- (1) by both standard mail and by electronic means to intended recipients who have made such an election;
(b) Delivery of Debt Notices by Standard Mail and Electronic Means.--The Secretary <<NOTE:
38 USC 5301 note prec.>> shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive notice of debt by electronic means and shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the letter developed under subsection (a) is delivered-- (1) by both standard mail and by electronic means to intended recipients who have made such an election;
(c) Notice to Congress.-- (1) Notices of completion.--Upon completion of the development of the standard letter format required under subsection (a) and upon completion of development of the method by which individuals may elect to receive notice of debt by electronic means under subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of the completion of the respective development.
(c) <<NOTE:
(2) Progress reports.--If the Secretary has not submitted each notice required by paragraph (1) by the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall-- (A) submit to Congress a report describing the progress of the Secretary toward implementing subsections (a) and (b) and an explanation for why the respective development has not been completed;
38 USC 5301 note prec.>> Notice to Congress.-- (1) Notices of completion.--Upon completion of the development of the standard letter format required under subsection (a) and upon completion of development of the method by which individuals may elect to receive notice of debt by [[Page 132 STAT.
5379]] electronic means under subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of the completion of the respective development.
(2) <<NOTE:
Effective date.>> Progress reports.--If the Secretary has not submitted each notice required by paragraph (1) by the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall-- (A) submit to Congress a report describing the progress of the Secretary toward implementing subsections (a) and (b) and an explanation for why the respective development has not been completed;
(d) Study and Report.-- (1) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall conduct a study on the process by which individuals who are indebted to the United States by virtue of their participation in a benefits program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are notified of debt collection efforts relating to such indebtedness.
(d) Study and Report.-- (1) <<NOTE:
(2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
Coordination.>> Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall conduct a study on the process by which individuals who are indebted to the United States by virtue of their participation in a benefits program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are notified of debt collection efforts relating to such indebtedness.
(2) <<NOTE:
Analyses.>> Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(B) Identification of administrative actions the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Treasury can carry out to reduce the number of incorrect or unknown addresses of such individuals in the databases of the Department Veterans Affairs and the Department of the Treasury and a timeline for carrying out such actions.
(B) <<NOTE:
(C) An estimate of the costs associated with sending debt collection notices to such individuals by certified mail.
Timeline.>> Identification of administrative actions the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Treasury can carry out to reduce the number of incorrect or unknown addresses of such individuals in the databases of the Department Veterans Affairs and the Department of the Treasury and a timeline for carrying out such actions.
(C) <<NOTE:
Cost estimate.>> An estimate of the costs associated with sending debt collection notices to such individuals by certified mail.
(3) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Secretaries with respect to the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(3) <<NOTE:
Coordination.>> Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, [[Page 132 STAT.
5380]] in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Secretaries with respect to the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(1) Construction of a community living center and renovation of domiciliary and outpatient facilities in Canandaigua, New York, in an amount not to exceed $351,980,000 (an increase of $193,000,000 as compared to the previous authorization for such project).
(1) <<NOTE:
(2) Renovation of space for a simulation training education center in North Chicago, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $15,980,000.
New York.>> Construction of a community living center and renovation of domiciliary and outpatient facilities in Canandaigua, New York, in an amount not to exceed $351,980,000 (an increase of $193,000,000 as compared to the previous authorization for such project).
(3) Construction of a surgical intensive care unit and renovation to expand the operating room suite in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in an amount not to exceed $29,461,000.
(2) <<NOTE:
(4) Construction of a new medical facility in Louisville, Kentucky, in an amount not to exceed $450,000,000 (an increase of $300,000,000 as compared to the previous authorization for such project).
Illinois.>> Renovation of space for a simulation training education center in North Chicago, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $15,980,000.
(3) <<NOTE:
Oklahoma.>> Construction of a surgical intensive care unit and renovation to expand the operating room suite in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in an amount not to exceed $29,461,000.
(4) <<NOTE:
Kentucky.>> Construction of a new medical facility in Louisville, Kentucky, in an amount not to exceed $450,000,000 (an increase of $300,000,000 as compared to the previous authorization for such project).
PLANS TO IMPROVE MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
<<NOTE:
(a) Plans Required.-- (1) Plans of directors of medical facilities.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall require each director of a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit to the director of the Veterans Integrated Service Network that covers the facility a plan to improve such facility.
38 USC 1701 note.>> PLANS TO IMPROVE MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) <<NOTE:
Deadlines.>> Plans Required.-- (1) Plans of directors of medical facilities.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall require each director of a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit to the director of the Veterans Integrated Service Network that covers the facility a plan to improve such facility.
(b) Regular Reports.--The Secretary shall ensure that each director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network submits to the Secretary, not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter, a report on the actions taken by the director to improve the facilities within that Veterans Integrated Service Network and what further such actions might be necessary.
(b) Regular Reports.--The Secretary shall ensure that each director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network submits to the Secretary, not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter, a report on the actions taken by the director to improve [[Page 132 STAT.
5381]] the facilities within that Veterans Integrated Service Network and what further such actions might be necessary.
(1) In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55, by inserting a period at the end of the item relating to section 5501A.
(1) <<NOTE:
38 USC 5501 prec.>> In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55, by inserting a period at the end of the item relating to section 5501A.
MEDICAL SURGICAL PRIME VENDOR PROGRAM.
<<NOTE:
(a) Vendors.--In procuring certain medical, surgical, and dental supplies or laboratory supplies for medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor program, or successor program, in a manner that-- (1) requires the Secretary to award contracts to multiple regional prime vendors instead of a single nationwide prime vendor;
38 USC 8125 note.>> MEDICAL SURGICAL PRIME VENDOR PROGRAM.
(a) Vendors.--In procuring certain medical, surgical, and dental supplies or laboratory supplies for medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor program, or successor program, in a manner that-- [[Page 132 STAT.
5382]] (1) <<NOTE:
Contracts.>> requires the Secretary to award contracts to multiple regional prime vendors instead of a single nationwide prime vendor;
(2) Lists.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every six months thereafter with respect to any updates, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a list of each employee described in paragraph (1) and the relevant medical expertise of the employee, listed by the categories of items in the formulary described in such paragraph.
(2) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> Lists.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every six months thereafter with respect to any updates, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a list of each employee described in paragraph (1) and the relevant medical expertise of the employee, listed by the categories of items in the formulary described in such paragraph.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(b) <<NOTE:
Analyses.>> Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(3) An analysis of the financial impact to the Department of Veterans Affairs of providing dental care to eligible veterans, including-- (A) whether the provision of such services would result in a reduction in total health care costs;
[[Page 132 STAT.
(B) a cost-benefit analysis that indicates potential cost savings to the Department over a 5-, 10- , and 20-year period;
5383]] (3) An analysis of the financial impact to the Department of Veterans Affairs of providing dental care to eligible veterans, including-- (A) whether the provision of such services would result in a reduction in total health care costs;
(B) a cost-benefit analysis that indicates potential cost savings to the Department over a 5-, 10-, and 20- year period;
Attest:
Approved December 31, 2018.
Clerk.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S.
115th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
2248 (H.R.
2248 _______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT
3657):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOUSE REPORTS:
No.
115-388 (Comm.
on Veterans' Affairs) accompanying H.R.
3657.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol.
164 (2018):
March 1, considered and passed Senate.
Dec.
10, considered and passed House, amended.
Dec.
19, Senate concurred in House amendment.
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Action History

  1. Signed by President.

  2. Signed by President.

  3. Became Public Law No: 115-407.

  4. Became Public Law No: 115-407.

  5. Presented to President.

  6. Presented to President.

  7. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  8. Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 2248 by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7896)

  9. Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 2248 by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7896)

  10. Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.

  11. Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  12. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9794-9802)

  13. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2248.

  14. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9794-9798)

  15. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9794-9798)

  16. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  17. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  18. Received in the House.

  19. Held at the desk.

  20. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S1321)

  21. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1321)

  22. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S1321)

  23. Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S1321)

  24. Introduced in Senate

  25. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

veterans
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 2248?
S 2248 is sponsored by Tester, Jon (Democratic).
What is the current status of S 2248?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 19, 2017. Enacted.
Where can I track S 2248?
Track S 2248 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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