Senate Appropriations Committee Issues Report on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2018 (Part 5 of 6)
MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Advance appropriations, 2018............................ 6,654,480,000
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 284,397,000
Committee recommendation, 2018.......................... 100,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2019............ 7,239,156,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2019... 7,239,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Support and Compliance account provides funds for management, security, and administrative expenses within the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2017, the Committee provided an advance appropriation of
The Committee recommendation also includes an advance appropriation of
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Advance appropriations, 2018............................ 5,434,880,000
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 1,079,795,000
Committee recommendation, 2018.......................... 707,000,000
Budget estimate, advance appropriation, 2019............ 5,914,288,000
Committee recommendation, advance appropriation, 2019... 5,915,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Facilities account provides funds for the operation and maintenance of the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
In fiscal year 2017, the Committee provided an advance appropriation of
The Committee recommendation also includes an advance appropriation of
Medical Facilities Leases Authorization.--The Committee continues to be concerned by the extensive delays in authorizing
MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 640,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 722,262,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
The Committee remains highly supportive of this program, and recognizes its importance both in improving healthcare services to veterans and recruiting and retaining high quality medical professionals in the
Through the Department's research and development program,
Advanced Medical Device Study.--The Committee commends
Continuous Health Monitoring Technology.--The Committee has a longstanding interest in improving
Public Access to
Geriatrics and Extended Care Services.--The Committee recognizes
Exposure to Agent Orange by Certain Navy Veterans.--Under the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-4), most veterans of deployments to
Cancer Moonshot Contribution.--The Committee supports the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative and the Department's contribution utilizing advances in genomic science to provide targeted treatment to veterans. The Department has identified prostate cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and colorectal cancer as areas of priority. Due to the prevalence of various skin cancers among service members, the Committee directs that skin cancer be included as well.
Overprescription Prevention Report.--The Committee is discouraged by multiple GAO reports retaining VHA on the "high-risk" list and the unfathomable increase in polydrug use and narcotics prescriptions by
Gulf War Illness Studies.--The Committee recommends the Department continue to conduct epidemiological studies regarding the prevalence of Gulf War illness, morbidity, and mortality in Persian Gulf War veterans and the development of effective treatments, preventions, and cures. The Committee is concerned by the lack of public availability of the findings of all research conducted by or for the Executive Branch relating to the health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and by the lack of coordination by the Department in ensuring the public availability of this information. The Committee urges the Department to publish disease-specific mortality data related specifically to Persian Gulf War veterans. The Committee remains concerned by
MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY COLLECTIONS
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 2,507,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,507,000,000
MEDICAL CARE COLLECTION FUND--REVENUES APPLIED
Appropriations, 2017.................................... -
Budget estimate, 2018................................... -2,507,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -2,507,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation includes the authority to retain co-payments and third-party collections, estimated to total
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 306,193,000
Committee recommendation................................ 306,193,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
The
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
The Committee has included bill language to make available through
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 5,707,593,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,725,391,000
ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Public Law 114-223 moved the General Operating Expenses,
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 346,891,000
Committee recommendation................................ 329,891,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Filling Vacant Positions.--The Committee remains concerned about the length of time veterans are waiting for appointments, claims processing, and other essential veteran's services at
Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015.--Public Law 114- 31 directed the Secretary of
BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 155,596,000
Committee recommendation................................ 166,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
As set forth in section 7101(a) of title 38 United States Code, the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Growing Backlog of Appeals.--The Committee remains concerned over the growing backlog of disability claims at all stages of the appeals process but is particularly concerned about the increase at the
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 4,055,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,055,500,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Information Technology [IT] Systems appropriation, along with reimbursements, funds the costs of all IT staff salaries and expenses, the operations and maintenance of all existing information technology systems, and the development of new projects and programs designed to improve the delivery of service to veterans. This appropriation also funds the costs associated with the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
The Committee has appropriated the Information Technology Systems account as three subaccounts. This funding structure enhances the Committee's ability to ensure funds are executed in a manner consistent with the Department's budget submission. The Committee has provided sufficient flexibility within the subaccounts by way of authorized carryover amounts and reprogramming authority to give the
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS [In thousands of dollars]
(TABLE OMITTED)
Electronic Health Record.--Achieving interoperability between the health records of the
Additionally, the Committee remains concerned about the continued status of electronic health record interoperability between
Cybersecurity.--The Committee recommends the full budget request of
Network Capabilities.--As
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 159,606,000
Committee recommendation................................ 164,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 512,430,000
Committee recommendation................................ 512,430,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, Major Projects account provides for constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the facilities (including parking projects) under the jurisdiction or for the use of
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
The following table reflects the President's budget request for major construction projects and the corresponding Committee recommendations.
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS [In thousands of dollars]
(TABLE OMITTED)
The Future of
Another
CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 342,570,000
Committee recommendation................................ 342,570,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Construction, Minor Projects account provides for constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the facilities (including parking) under the jurisdiction or for the use of
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
The recommendation includes
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 90,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 110,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account is used to provide grants to assist States in acquiring or constructing State home facilities for furnishing domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans, and to expand, remodel, or alter existing buildings for furnishing domiciliary, nursing home, or hospital care to veterans in State homes. The grant may not exceed 65 percent of the total cost of the project. Public Law 102-585 granted permanent authority for this program, and Public Law 106-117 provided greater specificity in directing
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Funding Prioritization.--The Committee continues to be concerned about the prioritization of funding for new State veterans homes. The criteria used by the Department when making funding decisions for new facilities should consider the unique needs of geographically small States that depend on just one facility, straining capacity and leaving those States without alternative facilities to care for veterans while their projects are pending. Similarly, the Department should also prioritize large rural States where veterans may live hundreds of miles from the next nearest facility.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS CEMETERIES
Appropriations, 2017....................................
Budget estimate, 2018................................... 45,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 45,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Public Law 105-368 amended title 38 U.S.C. 2408 and established authority to provide aid to States for establishment, expansion, and improvement of State veterans cemeteries, which are operated and permanently maintained by the States. This statutory change increased the maximum Federal share from 50 percent to 100 percent in order to fund construction costs and initial equipment expenses when the cemetery is established. States remain responsible for providing the land and for paying all costs related to operation and maintenance of the cemeteries, including the costs for subsequent equipment purchases.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Administrative Provisions
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
Sec. 201. The Committee includes a provision which outlines transfer authority and responsibilities for the
Sec. 202. The Committee includes a provision which outlines transfer authority and responsibilities for the
Sec. 203. The Committee includes a provision which outlines the use of funds appropriated for salaries and expenses.
Sec. 204. The Committee includes a provision mandating that only construction funds may be used for land procurement or the construction of any new hospital or home.
Sec. 205. The Committee includes a provision allowing for reimbursements to the
Sec. 206. The Committee includes a provision allowing for payments of prior year obligations.
Sec. 207. The Committee includes a provision which allows for the use of funds for prior year obligations.
Sec. 208. The Committee includes a provision which allows for payments from the
Sec. 209. The Committee includes a provision which outlines the use of funds from enhanced-use lease proceeds.
Sec. 210. The Committee includes a provision which provides for funds for the
Sec. 211. The Committee includes a provision which requires disclosure of third-party reimbursement information.
Sec. 212. The Committee includes a provision which allows for the transfer of revenue derived from enhanced-use leases into the construction accounts.
Sec. 213. The Committee includes a provision which outlines authorized uses for Medical Services account funds.
Sec. 214. The Committee includes a provision which allows funds in the
Sec. 215. The Committee includes a provision which allows eligible veterans in the
Sec. 216. The Committee includes a provision which allows for the transfer of funds into the construction accounts.
Sec. 217. The Committee includes a provision rescinding funds from Medical services.
Sec. 218. The Committee includes a provision requiring the Secretary of
Sec. 219. The Committee includes a provision outlining transfer authority for the Information Technology Systems account.
Sec. 220. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting any funds to be used to contract out any functions performed by more than 10 employees without a fair competition process.
Sec. 221. The Committee includes a provision allowing for the transfer of funds from certain accounts to the
Sec. 222. The Committee includes a provision allowing for the transfer of funds from certain advance appropriation accounts to the
Sec. 223. The Committee includes a provision allowing for the transfer of certain funds deposited in the
Sec. 224. The Committee includes a provision directing a minimum of
Sec. 225. The Committee includes a provision directing the Department to make every effort to fund
Sec. 226. The Committee includes a provision requiring notification of all bid savings for major construction projects.
Sec. 227. The Committee includes a provision restricting scope increases for major construction projects above that specified in the original project justification.
Sec. 228. The Committee includes a provision requiring the Department to submit reports relating to the
Sec. 229. The Committee includes a provision limiting the funding from the Medical Support and Compliance account for the VistA Evolution and electronic health record interoperability projects.
Sec. 230. The Committee includes a provision requiring
Sec. 231. The Committee includes a provision directing funding for non-recurring maintenance.
Sec. 232. The Committee includes a provision permitting the transfer to the Medical Services account of fiscal year discretionary 2018 appropriated funds.
Sec. 233. The Committee includes a provision permitting the transfer of funds between GOE,VBA and BVA.
Sec. 234. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting the reprogramming of funds in excess of
Sec. 235. The Committee includes a provision rescinding unobligated balances from the
Sec. 236. The Committee includes a provision pertaining to Native Hawaiian small businesses.
Sec. 237. The Committee includes a provision limiting bonuses for senior executives.
Sec. 238. The Committee includes a provision directing the discontinuation of the usage of social security numbers with the
Sec. 239. The Committee includes a provision pertaining to the certification of marriage and family therapists.
Sec. 240. The Committee includes a provision restricting funds for the purpose of using groups of subject matter experts to evaluation compensation claims.
Sec. 241. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting the transfer of funds from the
Sec. 242. The Committee includes a provision denying or revoking the eligibility of a healthcare provider to provide non-
Sec. 243. The Committee includes a provision relating to the availability of Construction, Major Projects funds.
Sec. 244. The Committee includes a provision relating to the availability of Construction, Major Projects funds.
Sec. 245. The Committee includes a provision regarding a childcare program.
Sec. 246. The Committee includes a provision relating to the availability of chiropractic care.
Sec. 247. The Committee includes a provision on a pilot program for the education and training of physician assistants.
Sec. 248. The Committee includes a provision on coastwise merchant seamen.
Sec. 249. The Committee includes a provision on fertility treatment and counseling for service-connected disabled veterans.
Sec. 250. The Committee includes a provision rescinding funds from the Information Technology Systems account.
Sec. 251. The Committee includes a provision related to a demand profile for healthcare services.
Sec. 252. The Committee includes a provision regarding uniform access standards for healthcare services.
Sec. 253. The Committee includes a provision regarding vacant, mostly vacant, or underutilized buildings and structures.
Sec. 254. The Committee includes a provision ensuring particular ratios of veterans to full-time employment equivalents within any
Sec. 255. The Committee includes a provision indicating that no funds may be used to deny the Inspector General timely access to
Sec. 256. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting funds to be used to restrict an individual's ability to speak with a Member of
Sec. 257. The Committee includes a provision providing authority for VHA to administer the National Veterans Sports Program.
Sec. 258. The Committee includes a provision requiring certain data to be included in the budget justifications for the Construction, Major account.
Sec. 259. The Committee includes a provision related to the Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot.
Sec. 260. The Committee includes a provision on a national realignment strategy for
Sec. 261. The Committee includes a provision concerning eligibility for burial at
Sec. 262. The Committee includes a provision related to veteran health and wellness programs.
Sec. 263. The Committee includes a provision regarding new construction in the State Extended Care Facilities grant program.
Sec. 264. The Committee includes a provision related to eligibility for certain medical services for veterans with other than honorable discharges.
Sec. 265. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting the use of funds to interfere with the ability of veterans to participate in State-approved medicinal marijuana programs or deny services to such veterans.
Continues with Part 6 of 6
Senate Appropriations Committee Issues Report on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2018 (Part 1 of 6)
Senate Appropriations Committee Issues Report on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2018 (Part 3 of 6)
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