[115th Congress Public Law 46]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 957]]
VA CHOICE AND QUALITY EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 2017
[[Page 131 STAT. 958]]
Public Law 115-46
115th Congress
An Act
To authorize appropriations and to appropriate amounts for the Veterans
Choice Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve hiring
authorities of the Department, to authorize major medical facility
leases, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Aug. 12, 2017 - [S. 114]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: VA Choice and
Quality Employment Act of 2017. 38 USC 101 note.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``VA Choice and
Quality Employment Act of 2017''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--APPROPRIATION OF AMOUNTS FOR VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Appropriation of amounts for Veterans Choice Program.
TITLE II--PERSONNEL MATTERS
Sec. 201. Modification to annual determination of staffing shortages in
Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 202. Establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs Executive
Management Fellowship Program.
Sec. 203. Accountability of leaders for managing the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 204. Reemployment of former employees at Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 205. Promotional opportunities for technical experts at Department
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 206. Employment of students and recent graduates by Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 207. Encouragement of transition of military medical professionals
into employment with Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 208. Recruiting database at Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 209. Training for human resources professionals of Veterans Health
Administration on recruitment and retention.
Sec. 210. Plan to hire directors of medical centers of Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 211. Exit surveys at Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 212. Requirement that physician assistants employed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs receive competitive pay.
Sec. 213. Expansion of direct-hiring authority for Department of
Veterans Affairs in case of shortage of highly qualified
candidates.
Sec. 214. Comptroller General of the United States assessment of
succession planning at Department of Veterans Affairs.
TITLE III--MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES
Sec. 301. Authorization of certain major medical facility leases of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 302. Authorization of appropriations for medical facility leases.
[[Page 131 STAT. 959]]
TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 401. Extension of reduction in amount of pension furnished by
Department of Veterans Affairs for certain veterans covered
by medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing
facilities.
Sec. 402. Extension of requirement for collection of fees for housing
loans guaranteed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 403. Extension of authority to use income information.
TITLE I--APPROPRIATION OF AMOUNTS FOR VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM
SEC. 101. APPROPRIATION OF AMOUNTS FOR VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated, and is
appropriated, to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, out of any funds in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $2,100,000,000 to be deposited
in the Veterans Choice Fund under section 802 of the Veterans Access,
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C.
1701 note).
(b) Availability.--The amount appropriated under subsection (a)
shall remain available until expended.
TITLE II--PERSONNEL MATTERS
SEC. 201. MODIFICATION TO ANNUAL DETERMINATION OF STAFFING
SHORTAGES IN VETERANS HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION.
Section 7412(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``the five occupations'' and inserting ``at
a minimum, the five clinical occupations and the five
nonclinical occupations''; and
(2) by striking ``throughout the Department'' and inserting
``with respect to each medical center of the Department,''.
SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Fellowship Program.--Chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended <<NOTE: 38 USC prec. 741.>> by adding at the end the
following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER III--EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
``Sec. 741. <<NOTE: 38 USC 741.>> Executive Management Fellowship
Program
``(a) Fellowship Program.--There is in the Department an Executive
Management Fellowship Program. The purpose of the program shall be to
provide--
``(1) eligible employees of the Veterans Benefits
Administration and the Veterans Health Administration with
training and experience in the private sector; and
``(2) eligible employees of a private-sector entity with
training and experience in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
``(b) Fellowship.--(1) A fellowship provided under this section is a
1-year fellowship during which--
``(A) with respect to a Department participant, the
participant receives training and experience at a private-sector
entity that is engaged in the administration and delivery of
health
[[Page 131 STAT. 960]]
care or other services similar to the benefits administered by
the Secretary; and
``(B) with respect to a private-sector participant, the
participant receives training and experience at the Veterans
Benefits Administration or the Veterans Health Administration.
``(2) <<NOTE: Contracts.>> The Secretary shall enter into such
agreements with private-sector entities as are necessary to carry out
this section.
``(c) Selection of Recipients.--(1) In August of each year, the
Secretary shall select--
``(A) not fewer than 18 and not more than 30 eligible
employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration and the
Veterans Health Administration to receive a fellowship under
this section; and
``(B) not fewer than 18 and not more than 30 eligible
employees of private-sector entities to receive a fellowship
under this section.
``(2) To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall select eligible
employees under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) from among
eligible employees who are veterans in a manner that is reflective of
the demographics of the veteran population of the United States and that
whenever practicable provides a preference to such employees who
represent or service rural areas.
``(d) Eligible Employees.--For the purposes of this section, an
eligible employee is--
``(1) with respect to an employee of the Veterans Benefits
Administration or the Veterans Health Administration, an
employee who--
``(A) is compensated at a rate of basic pay not less
than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-
14 of the General Schedule and not more than either the
minimum rate of basic pay payable to a member of the
Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5
or the minimum rate of basic pay payable pursuant to
chapter 74 of this title, as the case may be;
``(B) enters into an agreement with the Secretary
under subsection (e); and
``(C) submits to the Secretary an application
containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require; and
``(2) with respect to an employee of a private-sector
entity, an employee who--
``(A) is employed in a position whose duties and
responsibilities are commensurate with an employee of
the Department described in paragraph (1);
``(B) enters into an agreement with the Secretary
under subsection (e); and
``(C) submits to the Secretary an application
containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(e) Agreements.--(1) An agreement between the Secretary and a
Department participant shall be in writing, shall be signed by the
participant, and shall include the following provisions:
``(A) The Secretary's agreement to provide the participant
with a fellowship under this section;
``(B) The participant's agreement--
``(i) to accept the fellowship;
[[Page 131 STAT. 961]]
``(ii) <<NOTE: Time period.>> after completion of
the fellowship, to serve as a full-time employee in the
Veterans Benefits Administration or the Veterans Health
Administration for at least 2 years as specified in the
agreement; and
``(iii) that, during the 2-year period beginning on
the last day of the fellowship, the participant will not
accept employment in the same industry as the industry
of the private-sector entity at which the participant
accepts the fellowship.
``(C) A provision that any financial obligation of the
United States arising out of an agreement entered into under
this subchapter, and any obligation of the participant which is
conditioned on such agreement, is contingent upon funds being
appropriated.
``(D) A statement of the damages to which the United States
is entitled under this subchapter for the participant's breach
of the agreement.
``(E) <<NOTE: Determination.>> Such other terms as the
Secretary determines are required to be included in the
agreement.
``(2) An agreement between the Secretary and a private-sector
participant shall be in writing, shall be signed by the participant, and
shall include the following provisions:
``(A) The Secretary's agreement to provide the participant
with a fellowship under this section.
``(B) The participant's agreement to accept the fellowship.
``(C) Such other terms as the Secretary determines are
required to be included in the agreement.
``(f) Treatment of Recipients.--(1) A Department participant shall
be considered an employee of the Department for all purposes, including
for purposes of receiving a salary and benefits, and shall remain
eligible for all promotion and incentive programs otherwise available to
such an employee.
``(2) A private-sector participant shall be considered an employee
of the private-sector entity that employs the participant for all
purposes, including for purposes of receiving a salary and benefits, and
during the fellowship shall be treated as a contractor of the
Department.
``(g) Reports.--(1) Not later than 60 days after completing a
fellowship under this section, a recipient of the fellowship shall
submit to the Secretary a report on the fellowship.
``(2) Each such report shall describe the duties of the recipient
during the fellowship and any recommendations of the recipient for the
application by the Secretary of industry processes, technologies, and
best practices.
``(3) Not later than 7 days after receiving each such report, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives such report without change.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `Department participant' means an employee of
the Veterans Benefits Administration or the Veterans Health
Administration who is participating in the fellowship under this
section.
``(2) The term `private-sector entity' includes an entity
operating under a public-private partnership.
[[Page 131 STAT. 962]]
``(3) The term `private-sector participant' means an
employee of a private-sector entity who is participating in the
fellowship under this section.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 741 note.>> Deadline for Implementation.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement the Executive Management
Fellowship Program required under section 741 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a).
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, <<NOTE: 38 USC prec. 701.>>
is amended by adding at the end the following new items:
``subchapter iii--executive management fellowship program
``741. Executive Management Fellowship Program.''.
SEC. 203. ACCOUNTABILITY OF LEADERS FOR MANAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 7 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 725. <<NOTE: 38 USC 725.>> Annual performance plan for
political appointees
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual performance
plan for each political appointee of the Department that is similar to
the annual performance plan conducted for an employee of the Department
who is appointed as a career appointee (as that term is defined in
section 3132(a) of title 5) within the Senior Executive Service at the
Department.
``(b) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> Elements of Plan.--Each annual
performance plan conducted under subsection (a) with respect to a
political appointee of the Department shall include an assessment of
whether the appointee is meeting the following goals:
``(1) Recruiting, selecting, and retaining well-qualified
individuals for employment at the Department.
``(2) Engaging and motivating employees.
``(3) Training and developing employees and preparing those
employees for future leadership roles within the Department.
``(4) Holding each employee of the Department that is a
manager accountable for addressing issues relating to
performance, in particular issues relating to the performance of
employees that report to the manager.
``(c) Definition of Political Appointee.--In this section, the term
`political appointee' means an employee of the Department who holds--
``(1) a position which has been excepted from the
competitive service by reason of its confidential, policy-
determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character; or
``(2) a position in the Senior Executive Service as a
noncareer appointee (as such term is defined in section 3132(a)
of title 5).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 7 of such title <<NOTE: 38 USC prec. 701.>> is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 723 the following new item:
``725. Annual performance plan for political appointees.''.
[[Page 131 STAT. 963]]
SEC. 204. <<NOTE: 38 USC 701 note.>> REEMPLOYMENT OF FORMER
EMPLOYEES AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding sections 3309 through 3318 of title
5, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
noncompetitively appoint a qualified former career or career conditional
employee to any position within the competitive service at the
Department of Veterans Affairs that is one grade or equivalent higher
than the grade or equivalent of the position at the Department most
recently occupied by the employee.
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may not appoint a qualified former
employee to a position that is more than one grade (or equivalent)
higher than the position at the Department most recently occupied by the
employee.
(c) Definition of Qualified Former Employee.--For purposes of this
section, the term ``qualified former employee'' means any individual
who--
(1) formerly occupied any career or career conditional
position at the Department of Veterans Affairs within 2 years
before applying for reemployment at the Department;
(2) voluntarily left such position, or was subject to a
reduction in force, and had a satisfactory performance record
while occupying such position; and
(3) since leaving such position has maintained licensing
requirements, related to the position, if any, and gained skill,
knowledge, or other factors related to the position.
SEC. 205. <<NOTE: Deadline. 38 USC 701 note.>> PROMOTIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTS AT
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a promotional track
system for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs that the
Secretary determines are technical experts pursuant to regulations
prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of carrying out this section.
Such system shall--
(1) provide any such employee the opportunity to advance
within the Department without being required to transition to a
management position; and
(2) for purposes of achieving career advancement--
(A) provide for the establishment of new positions
within the Department; and
(B) notwithstanding any other provision of law,
provide for increases in pay for any such employee.
SEC. 206. <<NOTE: 38 USC 701 note.>> EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS AND
RECENT GRADUATES BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> In General.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall prescribe regulations to allow for excepted service
appointments of students and recent graduates leading to conversion to
career or career conditional employment of a student or recent graduate
of a qualifying educational institution, as defined by the Department.
(b) Applicability.--The conversion authority described in subsection
(a) shall be applicable to individuals in good standing who--
(1) are employed in a qualifying internship or fellowship
program at the Department;
(2) are employed in the Department in a volunteer capacity
and performing substantive duties comparable to those of
[[Page 131 STAT. 964]]
individuals in internship or fellowship programs and meet the
required number of hours for conversion;
(3) are employed in the Department under a contract or
agreement with an external nonprofit organization and performing
substantive duties comparable to those of individuals in
internship or fellowship programs;
(4) have received educational assistance under chapter 33 of
title 38, United States Code; or
(5) graduated from a qualifying educational institution, as
defined by the Department, and have not reached 30 years of age.
(c) Uniformity.--For the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of
subsection (b), hours of work performed by an individual employed shall
be considered equal to those performed by an individual employed in a
qualifying internship or fellowship program by the Department.
SEC. 207. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7401 note.>> ENCOURAGEMENT OF TRANSITION
OF MILITARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS INTO
EMPLOYMENT WITH VETERANS HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a program to
encourage an individual who serves in the Armed Forces with a military
occupational specialty relating to the provision of health care to seek
employment with the Veterans Health Administration when the individual
has been discharged or released from service in the Armed Forces or is
contemplating separating from such service.
SEC. 208. <<NOTE: Determinations. 38 USC 701 note.>> RECRUITING
DATABASE AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
establish a single database that lists--
(1) each vacant position in the Department of Veterans
Affairs that the Secretary determines is critical to the mission
of the Department, difficult to fill, or both; and
(2) each vacant position in the Department of Veterans
Affairs for a mental health professional.
(b) Qualified Applicant.--If the Secretary determines that an
applicant for a vacant position listed in the database established under
subsection (a) is qualified for such position but does not select the
applicant for such position, the Secretary, at the election of the
applicant, may consider the applicant for other similar vacant positions
listed in the database for which the applicant is qualified.
(c) Prolonged Vacancies.--If the Secretary does not fill a vacant
position listed in the database established under subsection (a) after a
period determined appropriate by the Secretary, the Secretary--
(1) may ensure that applicants described in subsection (b)
are considered for such position; and
(2) may use the database established under subsection (a) to
assist in filling such position.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the use
and efficacy of the database established under subsection (a).
[[Page 131 STAT. 965]]
SEC. 209. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7401 note.>> TRAINING FOR HUMAN
RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS OF VETERANS HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION ON RECRUITMENT AND
RETENTION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to
human resources professionals of the Veterans Health Administration
training on how to best recruit and retain employees of the Veterans
Health Administration, including with respect to any recruitment and
retention matters that are unique to the Veterans Health Administration
pursuant to chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, or other
provisions of law.
(b) Virtual Training.--Training provided under this section shall be
provided virtually.
(c) Amount of Training.--The Secretary shall ensure that each human
resources professional of the Veterans Health Administration receives
the training described in subsection (a)--
(1) as soon as practicable after being hired by the
Secretary as a human resources professional; and
(2) annually thereafter.
(d) Certification.--The Secretary shall require that each human
resources professional of the Veterans Health Administration, upon the
completion of the training described in subsection (a), certifies that
the professional received the training and understands the information
provided by the training.
(e) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the training described in subsection (a), including the cost of
providing such training and the number of human resources professionals
who received such training during the year covered by the report.
SEC. 210. <<NOTE: Deadlines. 38 USC 7401 note.>> PLAN TO HIRE
DIRECTORS OF MEDICAL CENTERS OF DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Plan.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and
implement a plan to hire highly qualified directors for each medical
center of the Department of Veterans Affairs that lacks a permanent
director as of the date of the plan.
(b) Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize under the plan
developed under subsection (a) the hiring of directors for medical
centers that have not had a permanent director for the longest periods.
(c) Matters Included.--The plan developed under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A deadline to hire directors of medical centers of the
Department as described in such subsection.
(2) Identification of the possible impediments to such
hiring.
(3) Identification of opportunities to promote and train
candidates from within the Department to senior executive
positions in the Department, including as directors of medical
centers.
(d) Submittal of Plan.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives the plan developed under
subsection (a).
[[Page 131 STAT. 966]]
(e) Semiannual Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and not later than 180 days thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report containing a list of each medical center of the
Department that lacks a permanent director as of the date of the report.
SEC. 211. <<NOTE: 38 USC 701 note.>> EXIT SURVEYS AT DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Exit Surveys Required.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
develop and carry out a standardized exit survey to be
voluntarily completed by career and noncareer employees and
executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs who voluntarily
separate from the Department.
(2) Consultation.--Such exit survey shall be developed in
consultation with an appropriate non-Department entity with
experience developing such surveys.
(b) Survey Content.--The survey shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
(1) Reasons for leaving the Department.
(2) Efforts made by the supervisor of the employee to retain
the individual.
(3) The extent of job satisfaction and engagement during the
employment.
(4) The intent of employee to either remain employed within
the Federal Government or to leave employment with the Federal
Government.
(5) Such other matters as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Anonymity of Survey Content.--The Secretary shall ensure that
data collected under subsection (a)--
(1) is anonymized, including through the use of a location
that allows for privacy;
(2) is not directly visible by another employee; and
(3) does not require the departing employee to input any
personally identifiable data.
(d) Sharing of Survey Data.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
results of the survey required by subsection (a) are--
(1) aggregated at the Veterans Integrated Service Network
level; and
(2) shared on an annual basis with directors and managers of
facilities of the Department and the Veterans Integrated Service
Networks.
(e) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each
year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives a report containing the
aggregate results of the exit survey under subsection (a)
covering the year prior to the report.
(2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include, for the period covered by the report, the
following:
(A) <<NOTE: Analysis.>> An analysis of the most
common reasons employees choose to leave the Department.
[[Page 131 STAT. 967]]
(B) The steps the Secretary is taking to improve
retention, particularly for mission-critical
occupations.
(C) The demographic characteristics of employees
choosing to leave the Department.
(D) Any legislative barriers to improving employee
retention.
(E) The total number of employees who voluntarily
separated from the Department and the number and
percentage of whom took the exit survey under subsection
(a).
SEC. 212. REQUIREMENT THAT PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS EMPLOYED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECEIVE
COMPETITIVE PAY.
Section 7451(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph (B):
``(B) Physician assistant.''; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated by paragraph (1),
by striking ``and registered nurse'' and inserting ``registered
nurse, and physician assistant''.
SEC. 213. EXPANSION OF DIRECT-HIRING AUTHORITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS IN CASE OF SHORTAGE OF
HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES.
Section 3304(a)(3)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
inserting ``(or, with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs,
that there exists a severe shortage of highly qualified candidates)''
after ``severe shortage of candidates''.
SEC. 214. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES ASSESSMENT OF
SUCCESSION PLANNING AT DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall assess the extent to which key succession planning
policies and guidance at the Department of Veterans Affairs,
including the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans
Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery
Administration, are consistent with leading practices for
succession and workforce planning identified by Comptroller
General.
(2) Additional matters.--In carrying out the assessment
required by paragraph (1), the Comptroller General may assess
such other matters as the Comptroller General considers
appropriate.
(b) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the
assessment carried out under subsection (a).
(c) Sense of Congress on Study on Compliance With Policies and
Guidance.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Comptroller General should conduct a study to
examine the extent to which a sampling of installations of the
Department of Veterans Affairs are complying with policies
[[Page 131 STAT. 968]]
and guidance of the Department, as well as applicable leading
practices; and
(2) the scope and timeframe of a study conducted as
described in paragraph (1) may be dependent upon the findings of
the Comptroller General with respect to the assessment carried
out under subsection (a).
TITLE III--MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major
medical facility leases at the locations specified and in an amount for
each lease not to exceed the amount specified for such location (not
including any estimated cancellation costs):
(1) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, an amount not to exceed $4,247,000.
(2) For a new outpatient mental health clinic, Birmingham,
Alabama, an amount not to exceed $6,649,000.
(3) For new research space, Boston, Massachusetts, an amount
not to exceed $6,224,000.
(4) For a replacement research space, Charleston, South
Carolina, an amount not to exceed $7,274,000.
(5) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Corpus Christi,
Texas, an amount not to exceed $6,556,000.
(6) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Daytona Beach,
Florida, an amount not to exceed $12,198,000.
(7) For a replacement Chief Business Office Purchased Care
office space, Denver, Colorado, an amount not to exceed
$14,784,000.
(8) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Fredericksburg,
Virginia, an amount not to exceed $45,015,000.
(9) For a new outpatient clinic, Gainesville, Florida, an
amount not to exceed $7,891,000.
(10) For an outpatient mental health clinic, Gainesville,
Florida, an amount not to exceed $4,320,000.
(11) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Hampton Roads,
Virginia, an amount not to exceed $18,141,000.
(12) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Indianapolis,
Indiana, an amount not to exceed $7,876,000.
(13) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Jacksonville,
Florida, an amount not to exceed $18,623,000.
(14) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Missoula, Montana,
an amount not to exceed $6,942,000.
(15) For a replacement outpatient mental health clinic,
Northern Colorado, Colorado, an amount not to exceed $8,904,000.
(16) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Ocala, Florida, an
amount not to exceed $5,026,000.
(17) For a new outpatient clinic, Oxnard, California, an
amount not to exceed $5,274,000.
(18) For a new outpatient clinic, Pike County, Georgia, an
amount not to exceed $5,565,000.
(19) For a new outpatient clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
an amount not to exceed $6,247,000.
[[Page 131 STAT. 969]]
(20) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Portland, Maine,
an amount not to exceed $6,808,000.
(21) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Raleigh, North
Carolina, an amount not to exceed $21,870,000.
(22) For a replacement outpatient clinic, phase II,
Rochester, New York, an amount not to exceed $3,645,000.
(23) For a replacement research space, San Diego,
California, an amount not to exceed $4,852,000.
(24) For a new outpatient clinic, Santa Rosa, California, an
amount not to exceed $6,922,000.
(25) For a replacement mental health clinic, Tampa, Florida,
an amount not to exceed $13,387,000.
(26) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Lakeland, Tampa,
Florida, an amount not to exceed $10,760,000.
(27) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Terre Haute,
Indiana, an amount not to exceed $4,102,000.
(28) For a replacement outpatient clinic, Rapid City, South
Dakota, an amount not to exceed $4,532,000.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR MEDICAL FACILITY
LEASES.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal year 2018 or the year in which funds are appropriated
for the Medical Facilities account $274,634,000 for the major medical
facility leases authorized in section 301.
TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 401. EXTENSION OF REDUCTION IN AMOUNT OF PENSION FURNISHED BY
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR CERTAIN
VETERANS COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR
SERVICES FURNISHED BY NURSING FACILITIES.
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''.
SEC. 402. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR COLLECTION OF FEES FOR
HOUSING LOANS GUARANTEED BY SECRETARY OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(B) in clause (iv), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027'';
(3) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(4) in subparagraph (D)--
[[Page 131 STAT. 970]]
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``September 30,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''.
SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO USE INCOME INFORMATION.
Section 5317(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''.
Approved August 12, 2017.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 114 (H.R. 1690):
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HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115-249 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs) accompanying
H.R. 1690.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017):
May 25, considered and passed Senate.
July 24, considered and failed House.
July 28, considered and passed House, amended.
Aug. 1, Senate concurred in House amendments.
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2017):
Aug. 12, Presidential remarks.
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