,,ii ,calendar ,no4 #dbd #aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bhjf ,report ,no4 #aad-bcg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #ah1 #bjaf,mr4 ,kirk1 from the ,committee on ,appropriations1 reported the following original bill2 which was read twice and placed on the calendar ,a ,,bill ,making appropriations for military construction1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 and related agencies for the fiscal year ending ,september #cj1 #bjag1 and for other purposes4 ,that the following sums are appropriated1 out of any money in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 for military construction1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 and related agencies for the fiscal year ending ,september #cj1 #bjag1 and for other purposes1 namely3 ,i ,department of defense ,military construction1 army ,for acquisition1 construction1 installation1 and equipment of temporary or permanent public works1 military installations1 facilities1 and real property for the ,army as currently authorized by law1 including personnel in the ,army ,corps of ,engineers and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation1 and for construction and operation of facilities in support of the functions of the ,commander in ,chief1 #ecb1cei1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 navy and marine corps ,for acquisition1 construction1 installation1 and equipment of temporary or permanent public works1 naval installations1 facilities1 and real property for the ,navy and ,marine ,corps as currently authorized by law1 including personnel in the ,naval ,facilities ,engineering ,command and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation1 #a1jhg1egb1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 air force ,for acquisition1 construction1 installation1 and equipment of temporary or permanent public works1 military installations1 facilities1 and real property for the ,air ,force as currently authorized by law1 #a1egi1gih1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 defense-,wide 7including transfer of funds7 ,for acquisition1 construction1 installation1 and equipment of temporary or permanent public works1 installations1 facilities1 and real property for activities and agencies of the ,department of ,defense 7other than the military departments71 as currently authorized by law1 #b1jch1ihj1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba3 ,provided1 ,that such amounts of this appropriation as may be determined by the ,secretary of ,defense may be transferred to such appropriations of the ,department of ,defense available for military construction or family housing as the ,secretary may designate1 to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes1 and for the same time period1 as the appropriation or fund to which transferred4 ,military construction1 army national guard ,for construction1 acquisition1 expansion1 rehabilitation1 and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the ,army ,national ,guard1 and contributions therefor1 as authorized by chapter #ahjc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #bcb1icj1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 air national guard ,for construction1 acquisition1 expansion1 rehabilitation1 and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the ,air ,national ,guard1 and contributions therefor1 as authorized by chapter #ahjc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #adc1ieg1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 army reserve ,for construction1 acquisition1 expansion1 rehabilitation1 and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the ,army ,reserve as authorized by chapter #ahjc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #fh1bcj1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 navy reserve ,for construction1 acquisition1 expansion1 rehabilitation1 and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the reserve components of the ,navy and ,marine ,corps as authorized by chapter #ahjc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #ch1eig1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,military construction1 air force reserve ,for construction1 acquisition1 expansion1 rehabilitation1 and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the ,air ,force ,reserve as authorized by chapter #ahjc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #ahh1iej1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,north atlantic treaty organization security investment program ,for the ,united ,states share of the cost of the ,north ,atlantic ,treaty ,organization ,security ,investment ,program for the acquisition and construction of military facilities and installations 7including international military headquarters7 and for related expenses for the collective defense of the ,north ,atlantic ,treaty ,area as authorized by section #bhjf of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and ,military ,construction ,authorization ,acts1 #agg1icb1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 ,department of defense base closure account ,for deposit into the ,department of ,defense ,base ,closure ,account1 established by section #bijf7;a7 of the ,defense ,base ,closure and ,realignment ,act of #aiij 7#aj ,u4,s4,c4 #bfhg note71 #bje1bcg1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 ,family housing operation and maintenance1 army ,for expenses of family housing for the ,army for operation and maintenance1 including debt payment1 leasing1 minor construction1 principal and interest charges1 and insurance premiums1 as authorized by law1 #cbe1iie1jjj4 ,family housing operation and maintenance1 navy and marine corps ,for expenses of family housing for the ,navy and ,marine ,corps for operation and maintenance1 including debt payment1 leasing1 minor construction1 principal and interest charges1 and insurance premiums1 as authorized by law1 #cjj1iae1jjj4 ,family housing operation and maintenance1 air force ,for expenses of family housing for the ,air ,force for operation and maintenance1 including debt payment1 leasing1 minor construction1 principal and interest charges1 and insurance premiums1 as authorized by law1 #bgd1dbi1jjj4 ,family housing operation and maintenance1 defense-,wide ,for expenses of family housing for the activities and agencies of the ,department of ,defense 7other than the military departments7 for operation and maintenance1 leasing1 and minor construction1 as authorized by law1 #ei1aeg1jjj4 ,department of defense family housing improvement fund ,for the ,department of ,defense ,family ,housing ,improvement ,fund1 #c1beh1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 for family housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section #bhhc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 providing alternative means of acquiring and improving military family housing and supporting facilities4 ,family housing construction1 army ,for expenses of family housing for the ,army for construction1 including acquisition1 replacement1 addition1 expansion1 extension1 and alteration1 as authorized by law1 #bjj1gce1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,family housing construction1 navy and marine corps ,for expenses of family housing for the ,navy and ,marine ,corps for construction1 including acquisition1 replacement1 addition1 expansion1 extension1 and alteration1 as authorized by law1 #id1jaa1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,family housing construction1 air force ,for expenses of family housing for the ,air ,force for construction1 including acquisition1 replacement1 addition1 expansion1 extension1 and alteration1 as authorized by law1 #fa1ceb1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,administrative provisions #aja4 ,none of the funds made available in this title shall be expended for payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction1 where cost estimates exceed #be1jjj1 to be performed within the ,united ,states1 except ,alaska1 without the specific approval in writing of the ,secretary of ,defense setting forth the reasons therefor4 #ajb4 ,funds made available in this title for construction shall be available for hire of passenger motor vehicles4 #ajc4 ,funds made available in this title for construction may be used for advances to the ,federal ,highway ,administration1 ,department of ,transportation1 for the construction of access roads as authorized by section #baj of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 when projects authorized therein are certified as important to the national defense by the ,secretary of ,defense4 #ajd4 ,none of the funds made available in this title may be used to begin construction of new bases in the ,united ,states for which specific appropriations have not been made4 #aje4 ,none of the funds made available in this title shall be used for purchase of land or land easements in excess of #ajj percent of the value as determined by the ,army ,corps of ,engineers or the ,naval ,facilities ,engineering ,command1 except3 7#a7 where there is a determination of value by a ,federal court2 7#b7 purchases negotiated by the ,attorney ,general or the designee of the ,attorney ,general2 7#c7 where the estimated value is less than #be1jjj2 or 7#d7 as otherwise determined by the ,secretary of ,defense to be in the public interest4 #ajf4 ,none of the funds made available in this title shall be used to3 7#a7 acquire land2 7#b7 provide for site preparation2 or 7#c7 install utilities for any family housing1 except housing for which funds have been made available in annual ,acts making appropriations for military construction4 #ajg4 ,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 another1 without prior notification to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress4 #ajh4 ,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 producers1 fabricators1 and manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such steel procurement4 #aji4 ,none of the funds available to the ,department of ,defense for military construction or family housing during the current fiscal year may be used to pay real property taxes in any foreign nation4 #aaj4 ,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 ,congress4 #aaa4 ,none of the funds made available in this title may be obligated for architect and engineer contracts estimated by the ,government to exceed #ejj1jjj for projects to be accomplished in ,japan1 in any ,north ,atlantic ,treaty ,organization member country1 or in countries bordering the ,arabian ,gulf1 unless such contracts are awarded to ,united ,states firms or ,united ,states firms in joint venture with host nation firms4 #aab4 ,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 ,atoll1 or in countries bordering the ,arabian ,gulf1 may be used to award any contract estimated by the ,government to exceed #a1jjj1jjj to a foreign contractor3 ,provided1 ,that this section shall not be applicable to contract awards for which the lowest responsive and responsible bid of a ,united ,states contractor exceeds the lowest responsive and responsible bid of a foreign contractor by greater than #bj percent3 ,provided further1 ,that this section shall not apply to contract awards for military construction on ,kwajalein ,atoll for which the lowest responsive and responsible bid is submitted by a ,marshallese contractor4 #aac4 ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall inform the appropriate committees of both ,houses of ,congress1 including the ,committees on ,appropriations1 of plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving ,united ,states personnel #cj days prior to its occurring1 if amounts expended for construction1 either temporary or permanent1 are anticipated to exceed #ajj1jjj4 #aad4 ,funds appropriated to the ,department of ,defense for construction in prior years shall be available for construction authorized for each such military department by the authorizations enacted into law during the current session of ,congress4 #aae4 ,for military construction or family housing projects that are being completed with funds otherwise expired or lapsed for obligation1 expired or lapsed funds may be used to pay the cost of associated supervision1 inspection1 overhead1 engineering and design on those projects and on subsequent claims1 if any4 #aaf4 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 any funds made available to a military department or defense agency for the construction of military projects may be obligated for a military construction project or contract1 or for any portion of such a project or contract1 at any time before the end of the fourth fiscal year after the fiscal year for which funds for such project were made available1 if the funds obligated for such project3 7#a7 are obligated from funds available for military construction projects2 and 7#b7 do not exceed the amount appropriated for such project1 plus any amount by which the cost of such project is increased pursuant to law4 7including transfer of funds7 #aag4 ,subject to #cj days prior notification1 or #ad days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections #dhj and #bhhc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress1 such additional amounts as may be determined by the ,secretary of ,defense may be transferred to3 7#a7 the ,department of ,defense ,family ,housing ,improvement ,fund from amounts appropriated for construction in ,family ,housing accounts1 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 ,fund2 or 7#b7 the ,department of ,defense ,military ,unaccompanied ,housing ,improvement ,fund from amounts appropriated for construction of military unaccompanied housing in ,military ,construction accounts1 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 ,fund3 ,provided1 ,that appropriations made available to the ,funds shall be available to cover the costs1 as defined in section #ejb7e7 of the ,congressional ,budget ,act of #aigd1 of direct loans or loan guarantees issued by the ,department of ,defense pursuant to the provisions of subchapter ,,iv of chapter #afi of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 pertaining to alternative means of acquiring and improving military family housing1 military unaccompanied housing1 and supporting facilities4 7including transfer of funds7 #aah4 ,in addition to any other transfer authority available to the ,department of ,defense1 amounts may be transferred from the ,department of ,defense ,base ,closure ,account to the fund established by section #ajac7;d7 of the ,demonstration ,cities and ,metropolitan ,development ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ccgd7 to pay for expenses associated with the ,homeowners ,assistance ,program incurred under #db ,u4,s4,c4 #ccgd7;a77#a77;,a74 ,any amounts transferred shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes and for the same time period as the fund to which transferred4 #aai4 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 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 units1 including general or flag officer quarters3 ,provided1 ,that not more than #ce1jjj per unit may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer quarters without #cj days prior notification1 or #ad days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections #dhj and #bhhc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress1 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 submission3 ,provided further1 ,that the ,under ,secretary of ,defense 7,comptroller7 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 year4 #abj4 ,amounts contained in the ,ford ,island ,improvement ,account established by subsection 7h7 of section #bhad of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 are appropriated and shall be available until expended for the purposes specified in subsection 7i77#a7 of such section or until transferred pursuant to subsection 7i77#c7 of such section4 7including transfer of funds7 #aba4 ,during the #e-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 obligation1 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 appropriations1 unobligated balances of such appropriations may be transferred into the appropriation ,foreign ,currency ,fluctuations1 ,construction1 ,defense1 to be merged with and to be available for the same time period and for the same purposes as the appropriation to which transferred4 #abb4 ,amounts appropriated or otherwise made available in an account funded under the headings in this title may be transferred among projects and activities within the account in accordance with the reprogramming guidelines for military construction and family housing construction contained in ,department of ,defense ,financial ,management ,regulation #gjjj4ad-,r1 ,volume #c1 ,chapter #g1 of ,february #bjji1 as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act4 #abc4 ,none of the funds made available in this title may be obligated or expended for planning and design and construction of projects at ,arlington ,national ,cemetery4 #abd4 ,for the purposes of this ,act1 the term congressional defense committees means the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate1 the ,subcommittee on ,military ,construction and ,veterans ,affairs of the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 and the ,subcommittee on ,military ,construction and ,veterans ,affairs of the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #abe4 ,for an additional amount for the accounts and in the amounts specified1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba3 ,military ,construction1 ,army1 #dj1ejj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,navy and ,marine ,corps1 #adc1jjj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,air ,force1 #aie1dfe1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,defense-,wide1 #fd1cfd1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,army ,national ,guard1 #af1ejj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,air ,national ,guard1 #aa1jjj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,army ,reserve1 #cj1jjj1jjj2 ,family ,housing ,construction1 ,army1 #ad1djj1jjj3 ,provided1 ,that such funds may only be obligated to carry out construction projects identified in the respective military department's unfunded priority list for fiscal year #bjag submitted to ,congress3 ,provided further1 ,that such funds are subject to authorization prior to obligation and expenditure of funds to carry out construction3 ,provided further1 ,that not later than #cj days after enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the military department concerned1 or their designee1 shall submit to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress an expenditure plan for funds provided under this section4 7rescissions of funds7 #abf4 ,of the unobligated balances available to the ,department of ,defense from prior appropriation ,acts1 the following funds are hereby rescinded from the following accounts in the amounts specified3 ,military ,construction1 ,army1 #cj1jjj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,air ,force1 #bb1cdj1jjj2 ,military ,construction1 ,defense-,wide1 #acb1bhc1jjj2 and ,north ,atlantic ,treaty ,organization ,security ,investment ,program1 #ae1jjj1jjj3 ,provided1 ,that no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the ,congress for ,overseas ,contingency ,operations_/,global ,war on ,terrorism or as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the ,balanced ,budget and ,emergency ,deficit ,control ,act of #aihe1 as amended4 #abg4 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other ,act may be used to consolidate or relocate any element of a ,united ,states ,air ,force ,rapid ,engineer ,deployable ,heavy ,operational ,repair ,squadron ,engineer 7,,red ,,horse7 outside of the ,united ,states until the ,secretary of the ,air ,force 7#a7 completes an analysis and comparison of the cost and infrastructure investment required to consolidate or relocate a ,,red ,,horse squadron outside of the ,united ,states versus within the ,united ,states2 7#b7 provides to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress 7the ,committees7 a report detailing the findings of the cost analysis2 and 7#c7 certifies in writing to the ,committees that the preferred site for the consolidation or relocation yields the greatest savings for the ,air ,force3 ,provided1 ,that the term ,united ,states in this section does not include any territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 #abh4 ,none of the funds made available by this ,act may be used to carry out the closure or transfer of the ,united ,states ,naval ,station1 ,guantnamo ,bay1 ,cuba4 ,,ii ,department of veterans affairs ,veterans benefits administration ,compensation and pensions 7including transfer of funds7 ,for the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of veterans and a pilot program for disability examinations as authorized by section #ajg and chapters #aa1 #ac1 #ah1 #ea1 #ec1 #ee1 and #fa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters #ae1 #ea1 #ec1 #ee1 and #fa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 and burial benefits1 the ,reinstated ,entitlement ,program for ,survivors1 emergency and other officers' retirement pay1 adjusted-service credits and certificates1 payment of premiums due on commercial life insurance policies guaranteed under the provisions of title ,,iv of the ,servicemembers ,civil ,relief ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4 #eda et seq47 and for other benefits as authorized by sections #ajg1 #acab1 #aigg1 and #bajf1 and chapters #bc1 #ea1 #ec1 #ee1 and #fa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #ij1aai1ddi1jjj1 to remain available until expended and to become available on ,october #a1 #bjag3 ,provided1 ,that not to exceed #ag1bbd1jjj of the amount made available for fiscal year #bjah under this heading shall be reimbursed to ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration1 and ,information ,technology ,systems for necessary expenses in implementing the provisions of chapters #ea1 #ec1 and #ee of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 the funding source for which is specifically provided as the ,compensation and ,pensions appropriation3 ,provided further1 ,that such sums as may be earned on an actual qualifying patient basis1 shall be reimbursed to ,medical ,care ,collections ,fund to augment the funding of individual medical facilities for nursing home care provided to pensioners as authorized4 ,readjustment benefits ,for the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters #ba1 #cj1 #ca1 #cc1 #cd1 #ce1 #cf1 #ci1 #da1 #ea1 #ec1 #ee1 and #fa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #ac1gjh1fdh1jjj1 to remain available until expended and to become available on ,october #a1 #bjag3 ,provided1 ,that expenses for rehabilitation program services and assistance which the ,secretary is authorized to provide under subsection 7a7 of section #cajd of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 other than under paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#e71 and 7#aa7 of that subsection1 shall be charged to this account4 ,veterans insurance and indemnities ,for military and naval insurance1 national service life insurance1 servicemen's indemnities1 service-disabled veterans insurance1 and veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by chapters #ai and #ba1 title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #abd1ejd1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 of which #ajg1hii1jjj shall become available on ,october #a1 #bjag4 ,veterans housing benefit program fund ,for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program1 as authorized by subchapters ,i through ,,iii of chapter #cg of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code3 ,provided1 ,that such costs1 including the cost of modifying such loans1 shall be as defined in section #ejb of the ,congressional ,budget ,act of #aigd3 ,provided further1 ,that1 during fiscal year #bjag1 within the resources available1 not to exceed #ejj1jjj in gross obligations for direct loans are authorized for specially adapted housing loans4 ,in addition1 for administrative expenses to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs1 #aih1hef1jjj4 ,vocational rehabilitation loans program account ,for the cost of direct loans1 #cf1jjj1 as authorized by chapter #ca of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code3 ,provided1 ,that such costs1 including the cost of modifying such loans1 shall be as defined in section #ejb of the ,congressional ,budget ,act of #aigd3 ,provided further1 ,that funds made available under this heading are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed #b1eag1jjj4 ,in addition1 for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct loan program1 #chi1jjj1 which may be paid to the appropriation for ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration4 ,native american veteran housing loan program account ,for administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan program authorized by subchapter ,v of chapter #cg of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #a1afc1jjj4 ,general operating expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration ,for necessary operating expenses of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration1 not otherwise provided for1 including hire of passenger motor vehicles1 reimbursement of the ,general ,services ,administration for security guard services1 and reimbursement of the ,department of ,defense for the cost of overseas employee mail1 #b1hef1afj1jjj3 ,provided1 ,that expenses for services and assistance authorized under paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#e71 and 7#aa7 of section #cajd7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 that the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans3 7#a7 to the maximum extent feasible1 to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment2 or 7#b7 to achieve maximum independence in daily living1 shall be charged to this account3 ,provided further1 ,that1 of the funds made available under this heading1 not to exceed #e percent shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah4 ,veterans health administration ,medical services ,for necessary expenses for furnishing1 as authorized by law1 inpatient and outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and veterans described in section #agje7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 including care and treatment in facilities not under the jurisdiction of the ,department1 and including medical supplies and equipment1 bioengineering services1 food services1 and salaries and expenses of healthcare employees hired under title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 aid to ,state homes as authorized by section #agda of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 assistance and support services for caregivers as authorized by section #agbj;,g of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 loan repayments authorized by section #fjd of the ,caregivers and ,veterans ,omnibus ,health ,services ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-afc2 #abd ,stat4 #aagd2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gfha note71 and hospital care and medical services authorized by section #aghg of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 #a1jgh1iic1jjj1 which shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under this heading that became available on ,october #a1 #bjaf2 and1 in addition1 #dd1hhf1eed1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 shall become available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 and shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that1 of the amount made available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 under this heading1 #a1djj1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjai3 ,provided further1 ,that1 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall establish a priority for the provision of medical treatment for veterans who have service-connected disabilities1 lower income1 or have special needs3 ,provided further1 ,that1 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall give priority funding for the provision of basic medical benefits to veterans in enrollment priority groups #a through #f3 ,provided further1 ,that1 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 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 ,secretary3 ,provided further1 ,that the implementation of the program described in the previous proviso shall incur no additional cost to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs3 ,provided further1 ,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 female veterans4 ,medical community care ,for necessary expenses for furnishing health care to individuals pursuant to chapter #ag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 at non-,department facilities1 #g1bdf1aha1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 of which #b1jjj1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjbj2 and1 in addition1 #i1dji1aah1jjj shall become available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 and shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that of the amount made available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 #a1ejj1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba4 ,medical support and compliance ,for necessary expenses in the administration of the medical1 hospital1 nursing home1 domiciliary1 construction1 supply1 and research activities1 as authorized by law2 administrative expenses in support of capital policy activities2 and administrative and legal expenses of the ,department for collecting and recovering amounts owed the ,department as authorized under chapter #ag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the ,federal ,medical ,care ,recovery ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bfea et seq471 #f1fed1dhj1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 shall become available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 and shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that1 of the amount made available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 under this heading1 #ajj1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjai4 ,medical facilities ,for necessary expenses for the maintenance and operation of hospitals1 nursing homes1 domiciliary facilities1 and other necessary facilities of the ,veterans ,health ,administration2 for administrative expenses in support of planning1 design1 project management1 real property acquisition and disposition1 construction1 and renovation of any facility under the jurisdiction or for the use of the ,department2 for oversight1 engineering1 and architectural activities not charged to project costs2 for repairing1 altering1 improving1 or providing facilities in the several hospitals and homes under the jurisdiction of the ,department1 not otherwise provided for1 either by contract or by the hire of temporary employees and purchase of materials2 for leases of facilities2 and for laundry services2 #die1ajj1jjj1 which shall be in addition to funds previously appropriated under this heading that became available on ,october #a1 #bjaf2 and1 in addition1 #e1dcd1hhj1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 shall become available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 and shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that1 of the amount made available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 under this heading1 #bej1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjai4 ,medical and prosthetic research ,for necessary expenses in carrying out programs of medical and prosthetic research and development as authorized by chapter #gc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #fge1cff1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall ensure that sufficient amounts appropriated under this heading are available for prosthetic research specifically for female veterans1 and for toxic exposure research4 ,national cemetery administration ,for necessary expenses of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration for operations and maintenance1 not otherwise provided for1 including uniforms or allowances therefor2 cemeterial expenses as authorized by law2 purchase of one passenger motor vehicle for use in cemeterial operations2 hire of passenger motor vehicles2 and repair1 alteration or improvement of facilities under the jurisdiction of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration1 #bhf1aic1jjj1 of which not to exceed #aj percent shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah4 ,departmental administration ,general administration 7,including transfer of funds7 ,for necessary operating expenses of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 not otherwise provided for1 including administrative expenses in support of ,department-wide capital planning1 management and policy activities1 uniforms1 or allowances therefor2 not to exceed #be1jjj for official reception and representation expenses2 hire of passenger motor vehicles2 and reimbursement of the ,general ,services ,administration for security guard services1 #dag1iei1jjj1 of which not to exceed #e percent shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that funds provided under this heading may be transferred to ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration4 ,board of ,veterans ,appeals ,for necessary operating expenses of the ,board of ,veterans ,appeals1 #aef1jif1jjj1 of which not to exceed #aj percent shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided1 ,that up to #b1ejj1jjj may be available to facilitate the furnishing of legal and other assistance1 without charge1 to veterans and other individuals who are unable to afford the cost of legal representation in connection with a decision by the ,board of ,veterans ,appeals under chapter #ga of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 in accordance with the process and reporting procedures set forth in ,public ,law #ajb-bbi under the heading ,salaries and ,expenses under the heading ,court of ,veterans ,appeals3 ,provided further1 ,that the ,board of ,veterans ,appeals submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress a certification that there is a substantial unmet need for pro bono representation before the ,board of ,veterans ,appeals prior to expending funds for this purpose4 ,information technology systems 7including transfer of funds7 ,for necessary expenses for information technology systems and telecommunications support1 including developmental information systems and operational information systems2 for pay and associated costs2 and for the capital asset acquisition of information technology systems1 including management and related contractual costs of said acquisitions1 including contractual costs associated with operations authorized by section #caji of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 #d1bgh1bei1jjj1 plus reimbursements3 ,provided1 ,that #a1bgb1edh1jjj shall be for pay and associated costs1 of which not to exceed #cg1ajj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided further1 ,that #b1ecd1ddb1jjj shall be for operations and maintenance1 of which not to exceed #ahj1bjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided further1 ,that #dga1bfi1jjj shall be for information technology systems development1 modernization1 and enhancement1 and shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided further1 ,that amounts made available for information technology systems development1 modernization1 and enhancement may not be obligated or expended until the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs or the ,chief ,information ,officer of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress a certification of the amounts1 in parts or in full1 to be obligated and expended for each development project3 ,provided further1 ,that amounts made available for salaries and expenses1 operations and maintenance1 and information technology systems development1 modernization1 and enhancement 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 issued3 ,provided further1 ,that amounts made available for the ,information ,technology ,systems account for development1 modernization1 and enhancement may be transferred among projects or to newly defined projects3 ,provided further1 ,that no project may be increased or decreased by more than #a1jjj1jjj 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 issued1 or absent a response1 a period of #cj days has elapsed3 ,provided further1 ,that funds under this heading may be used by the ,interagency ,program ,office through the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to define data standards1 code sets1 and value sets used to enable interoperability3 ,provided further1 ,that of the funds made available for information technology systems development1 modernization1 and enhancement for ,vist,a ,evolution or any successor program1 not more than #be percent may be obligated or expended until the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs3 7#a7 ,certifies in writing to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress that the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs has met the requirements contained in the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act of ,fiscal ,year #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-ff7 which require that electronic health record systems of the ,department of ,defense and the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs have reached interoperability1 comply with national standards and architectural requirements identified by the ,do,d_/,,va ,interagency ,program ,office in collaboration with the ,office of ,national ,coordinator for ,health ,information ,technology2 7#b7 submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress the ,vist,a ,evolution ,business ,case and supporting documents regarding continuation of ,vist,a ,evolution or alternatives to ,vist,a ,evolution1 including an analysis of necessary or desired capabilities1 technical and security requirements1 the plan for modernizing the platform framework1 and all associated costs2 7#c7 submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress1 and such ,committees approve1 the following3 a report that describes a strategic plan for ,vist,a ,evolution1 or any successor program1 and the associated implementation plan including metrics and timelines2 a master schedule and lifecycle cost estimate for ,vist,a ,evolution or any successor2 and an implementation plan for the transition from the ,project ,management ,accountability ,system to a new project delivery framework1 the ,veteran-focused ,integration ,process1 that includes the methodology by which projects will be tracked1 progress measured1 and deliverables evaluated2 7#d7 submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress a report outlining the strategic plan to reach interoperability with private sector healthcare providers1 the timeline for reaching meaningful use as defined by the ,office of ,national ,coordinator for ,health ,information ,technology for each data domain covered under the ,vist,a ,evolution program1 and the extent to which the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs leverages the ,state ,health ,information ,exchanges to share health data with private sector providers2 and 7#e7 submits to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress1 and such ,committees approve1 the following3 a report that describes the extent to which ,vist,a ,evolution1 or any successor program1 maximizes the use of commercially available software used by ,do,d and the private sector1 requires an open architecture that leverages best practices and rapidly adapts to technologies produced by the private sector1 enhances full interoperability between the ,,va and ,do,d and between ,,va and the private sector1 and ensures the security of personally identifiable information of veterans and beneficiaries3 ,provided further1 ,that the funds made available under this heading for information technology systems development1 modernization1 and enhancement1 shall be for the projects1 and in the amounts1 specified under this heading in the report accompanying this ,act4 ,office of inspector general ,for necessary expenses of the ,office of ,inspector ,general1 to include information technology1 in carrying out the provisions of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 #afj1ajf1jjj1 of which not to exceed #aj percent shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjah4 ,construction1 major projects ,for constructing1 altering1 extending1 and improving any of the facilities1 including parking projects1 under the jurisdiction or for the use of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 or for any of the purposes set forth in sections #caf1 #bdjd1 #bdjf and chapter #ha of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 not otherwise provided for1 including planning1 architectural and engineering services1 construction management services1 maintenance or guarantee period services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the project1 services of claims analysts1 offsite utility and storm drainage system construction costs1 and site acquisition1 where the estimated cost of a project is more than the amount set forth in section #hajd7;a77#c77;,a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 or where funds for a project were made available in a previous major project appropriation1 #ebh1aaj1jjj1 of which #ddh1aaj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba1 and of which #hj1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended3 ,provided1 ,that except for advance planning activities1 including needs assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments1 and other capital asset management related activities1 including portfolio development and management activities1 and investment strategy studies funded through the advance planning fund and the planning and design activities funded through the design fund1 including needs assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments1 and salaries and associated costs of the resident engineers who oversee those capital investments funded through this account and contracting officers who manage specific major construction projects1 and funds provided for the purchase1 security1 and maintenance of land for the ,national ,cemetery ,administration through the land acquisition line item1 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 statute1 joint resolution1 or in the explanatory statement accompanying such ,act and presented to the ,president at the time of enrollment3 ,provided further1 ,that funds made available under this heading for fiscal year #bjag1 for each approved project shall be obligated3 7#a7 by the awarding of a construction documents contract by ,september #cj1 #bjag2 and 7#b7 by the awarding of a construction contract by ,september #cj1 #bjah3 ,provided further1 ,that 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 above3 ,provided further1 ,that1 of the amount made available under this heading1 #bbb1fbj1jjj for ,veterans ,health ,administration major construction projects shall not be available until the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs-- 7#a7 enters into an agreement with an appropriate non-,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,federal entity to serve as the design and_/or construction agent for any ,veterans ,health ,administration major construction project with a ,total ,estimated ,cost of #ajj1jjj1jjj or above by providing full project management services1 including management of the project design1 acquisition1 construction1 and contract changes1 consistent with section #ejb of ,public ,law #aad-eh2 and 7#b7 certifies in writing that such an agreement is executed and intended to minimize or prevent subsequent major construction project cost overruns and provides a copy of the agreement entered into and any required supplementary information to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress4 ,construction1 minor projects ,for constructing1 altering1 extending1 and improving any of the facilities1 including parking projects1 under the jurisdiction or for the use of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 including planning and assessments of needs which may lead to capital investments1 architectural and engineering services1 maintenance or guarantee period services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the project1 services of claims analysts1 offsite utility and storm drainage system construction costs1 and site acquisition1 or for any of the purposes set forth in sections #caf1 #bdjd1 #bdjf and chapter #ha of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 not otherwise provided for1 where the estimated cost of a project is equal to or less than the amount set forth in section #hajd7;a77#c77;,a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cgb1jfi1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba1 along with unobligated balances of previous ,construction1 ,minor ,projects appropriations which are hereby made available for any project where the estimated cost is equal to or less than the amount set forth in such section3 ,provided1 ,that funds made available under this heading shall be for3 7#a7 repairs to any of the nonmedical facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the ,department which are necessary because of loss or damage caused by any natural disaster or catastrophe2 and 7#b7 temporary measures necessary to prevent or to minimize further loss by such causes4 ,grants for construction of state extended care facilities ,for grants to assist ,states to acquire or construct ,state nursing home and domiciliary facilities and to remodel1 modify1 or alter existing hospital1 nursing home1 and domiciliary facilities in ,state homes1 for furnishing care to veterans as authorized by sections #haca through #hacg of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #ij1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 ,grants for construction of veterans cemeteries ,for grants to assist ,states and tribal organizations in establishing1 expanding1 or improving veterans cemeteries as authorized by section #bdjh of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #de1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 ,administrative provisions 7including transfer of funds7 #bja4 ,any appropriation for fiscal year #bjag for ,compensation and ,pensions1 ,readjustment ,benefits1 and ,veterans ,insurance and ,indemnities may be transferred as necessary to any other of the mentioned appropriations3 ,provided1 ,that1 before a transfer may take place1 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 approval1 or absent a response1 a period of #cj days has elapsed4 7including transfer of funds7 #bjb4 ,amounts made available for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag1 in this or any other ,act1 under the ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,community ,care1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 and ,medical ,facilities accounts may be transferred among the accounts3 ,provided1 ,that any transfers between the ,medical ,services and ,medical ,support and ,compliance accounts of #a percent or less of the total amount appropriated to the account in this or any other ,act may take place subject to notification from the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress of the amount and purpose of the transfer3 ,provided further1 ,that any transfers between the ,medical ,services and ,medical ,support and ,compliance accounts in excess of #a percent1 or exceeding the cumulative #a percent for the fiscal year1 may take place only after the ,secretary requests from the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued3 ,provided further1 ,that any transfers to or from the ,medical ,facilities account may take place only after the ,secretary requests from the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress the authority to make the transfer and an approval is issued4 #bjc4 ,appropriations available in this title for salaries and expenses shall be available for services authorized by section #caji of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 hire of passenger motor vehicles2 lease of a facility or land or both2 and uniforms or allowances therefore1 as authorized by sections #eija through #eijb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bjd4 ,no appropriations in this title 7except the appropriations for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 and ,construction1 ,minor ,projects7 shall be available for the purchase of any site for or toward the construction of any new hospital or home4 #bje4 ,no appropriations in this title shall be available for hospitalization or examination of any persons 7except beneficiaries entitled to such hospitalization or examination under the laws providing such benefits to veterans1 and persons receiving such treatment under sections #gija through #gijd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq4771 unless reimbursement of the cost of such hospitalization or examination is made to the ,medical ,services account at such rates as may be fixed by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 #bjf4 ,appropriations available in this title for ,compensation and ,pensions1 ,readjustment ,benefits1 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 #bjaf4 #bjg4 ,appropriations available in this title shall be available to pay prior year obligations of corresponding prior year appropriations accounts resulting from sections #ccbh7;a71 #cccd1 and #cgab7;a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 except that if such obligations are from trust fund accounts they shall be payable only from ,compensation and ,pensions4 7including transfer of funds7 #bjh4 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during fiscal year #bjag1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 from the ,national ,service ,life ,insurance ,fund under section #aibj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,veterans' ,special ,life ,insurance ,fund under section #aibc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the ,united ,states ,government ,life ,insurance ,fund under section #aiee of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 reimburse the ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration and ,information ,technology ,systems accounts for the cost of administration of the insurance programs financed through those accounts3 ,provided1 ,that reimbursement shall be made only from the surplus earnings accumulated in such an insurance program during fiscal year #bjag that are available for dividends in that program after claims have been paid and actuarially determined reserves have been set aside3 ,provided further1 ,that if the cost of administration of such an insurance program exceeds the amount of surplus earnings accumulated in that program1 reimbursement shall be made only to the extent of such surplus earnings3 ,provided further1 ,that the ,secretary shall determine the cost of administration for fiscal year #bjag 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 program4 #bji4 ,amounts deducted from enhanced-use lease proceeds to reimburse an account for expenses incurred by that account during a prior fiscal year for providing enhanced-use lease services1 may be obligated during the fiscal year in which the proceeds are received4 7including transfer of funds7 #baj4 ,funds available in this title or funds for salaries and other administrative expenses shall also be available to reimburse the ,office of ,resolution ,management of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,office of ,employment ,discrimination ,complaint ,adjudication under section #cai of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for all services provided at rates which will recover actual costs but not to exceed #dg1ffh1jjj for the ,office of ,resolution ,management and #c1ecb1jjj for the ,office of ,employment ,discrimination ,complaint ,adjudication3 ,provided1 ,that payments may be made in advance for services to be furnished based on estimated costs3 ,provided further1 ,that amounts received shall be credited to the ,general ,administration and ,information ,technology ,systems accounts for use by the office that provided the service4 #baa4 ,none of the funds in this or any other ,act may be used to close ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7,,va7 hospitals1 domiciliaries1 or clinics1 conduct an environmental assessment1 or to diminish healthcare services at existing ,veterans ,health ,administration medical facilities located in ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network #bc as part of a planned realignment of ,,va services until the ,secretary provides to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress a report including the following elements3 7#a7 a national realignment strategy that includes a detailed description of realignment plans within each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network 7,,visn71 including an updated ,long ,range ,capital ,plan to implement realignment requirements2 7#b7 an explanation of the process by which those plans were developed and coordinated within each ,,visn2 7#c7 a cost vs4 benefit analysis of each planned realignment1 including the cost of replacing ,veterans ,health ,administration services with contract care or other outsourced services2 7#d7 an analysis of how any such planned realignment of services will impact access to care for veterans living in rural or highly rural areas1 including travel distances and transportation costs to access a ,,va medical facility and availability of local specialty and primary care2 7#e7 an inventory of ,,va buildings with historic designation and the methodology used to determine the buildings' condition and utilization2 7#f7 a description of how any realignment will be consistent with requirements under the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act2 and 7#g7 consideration given for reuse of historic buildings within newly identified realignment requirements3 ,provided1 ,that1 this provision shall not apply to capital projects in ,,visn #bc1 or any other ,,visn1 which have been authorized or approved by ,congress4 #bab4 ,no funds of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs shall be available for hospital care1 nursing home care1 or medical services provided to any person under chapter #ag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for a non-service-connected disability described in section #agbi7;a77#b7 of such title1 unless that person has disclosed to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 in such form as the ,secretary may require1 current1 accurate third-party reimbursement information for purposes of section #agbi of such title3 ,provided1 ,that the ,secretary may recover1 in the same manner as any other debt due the ,united ,states1 the reasonable charges for such care or services from any person who does not make such disclosure as required3 ,provided further1 ,that any amounts so recovered for care or services provided in a prior fiscal year may be obligated by the ,secretary during the fiscal year in which amounts are received4 7including transfer of funds7 #bac4 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 proceeds or revenues derived from enhanced-use leasing activities 7including disposal7 may be deposited into the ,construction1 ,major ,projects and ,construction1 ,minor ,projects accounts and be used for construction 7including site acquisition and disposition71 alterations1 and improvements of any medical facility under the jurisdiction or for the use of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,such sums as realized are in addition to the amount provided for in ,construction1 ,major ,projects and ,construction1 ,minor ,projects4 #bad4 ,amounts made available under ,medical ,services are available-- 7#a7 for furnishing recreational facilities1 supplies1 and equipment2 and 7#b7 for funeral expenses1 burial expenses1 and other expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries receiving care in the ,department4 7including transfer of funds7 #bae4 ,such sums as may be deposited to the ,medical ,care ,collections ,fund pursuant to section #agbi;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 may be transferred to the ,medical ,services and ,medical ,community ,care accounts1 to remain available until expended for the purposes of these accounts4 #baf4 ,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 ,service1 to provide healthcare1 including behavioral health and dental care1 to veterans in rural ,alaska4 ,the ,secretary shall require participating veterans and facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and regulations1 as established by the ,secretary4 ,the term rural ,alaska shall mean those lands which are not within the boundaries of the municipality of ,anchorage or the ,fairbanks ,north ,star ,borough4 7including transfer of funds7 #bag4 ,such sums as may be deposited to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,capital ,asset ,fund pursuant to section #haah of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 may be transferred to the ,construction1 ,major ,projects and ,construction1 ,minor ,projects accounts1 to remain available until expended for the purposes of these accounts4 7rescission of funds7 #bah4 ,of the amounts appropriated in title ,,ii of division ,j of ,public ,law #aad-aac under the heading ,medical ,services which become available on ,october #a1 #bjaf1 #g1bdf1aha1jjj are hereby rescinded4 #bai4 ,not later than #cj days after the end of each fiscal quarter1 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 quarter3 ,provided1 ,that1 at a minimum1 the report shall include the direction contained in the explanatory statement described in section #d in the matter preceding division ,a of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjaf ,public ,law #aad-aac in title ,,ii of ,division ,j of the consolidated ,act in the paragraph entitled ,quarterly ,report1 under the heading ,general ,administration4 7including transfer of funds7 #bbj4 ,amounts made available under the ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,community ,care1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 ,medical ,facilities1 ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration1 ,general ,administration1 and ,national ,cemetery ,administration accounts for fiscal year #bjag may be transferred to or from the ,information ,technology ,systems account3 ,provided1 ,that such transfers may not result in a more than #aj percent aggregate increase in the total amount made available by this ,act for the ,information ,technology ,systems account3 ,provided further1 ,that1 before a transfer may take place1 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 issued4 #bba4 ,none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this ,act or any other ,act for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs may be used in a manner that is inconsistent with3 7#a7 section #hdb of the ,transportation1 ,treasury1 ,housing and ,urban ,development1 the ,judiciary1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and ,independent ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjf 7,public ,law #aji-aae2 #aai ,stat4 #bejf72 or 7#b7 section #haaj7;a77#e7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7including transfer of funds7 #bbb4 ,of the amounts appropriated to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag for ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 ,medical ,facilities1 ,construction1 ,minor ,projects1 and ,information ,technology ,systems1 up to #bgd1gca1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 may be transferred to the ,joint ,department of ,defense-,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facility ,demonstration ,fund1 established by section #agjd of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-hd2 #abc ,stat4 #cega7 and may be used for operation of the facilities designated as combined ,federal medical facilities as described by section #gjf of the ,duncan ,hunter ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjji 7,public ,law #aaj-dag2 #abb ,stat4 #dejj73 ,provided1 ,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 ,congress3 ,provided further1 ,that section #bbc of title ,,ii of division ,j of ,public ,law #aad-aac is repealed4 7including transfer of funds7 #bbc4 ,of the amounts appropriated to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs which become available on ,october #a1 #bjag1 for ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 and ,medical ,facilities1 up to #bhj1hjb1jjj1 plus reimbursements1 may be transferred to the ,joint ,department of ,defense-,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facility ,demonstration ,fund1 established by section #agjd of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-hd2 #abc ,stat4 #cega7 and may be used for operation of the facilities designated as combined ,federal medical facilities as described by section #gjf of the ,duncan ,hunter ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjji 7,public ,law #aaj-dag2 #abb ,stat4 #dejj73 ,provided1 ,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 ,congress4 7including transfer of funds7 #bbd4 ,such sums as may be deposited to the ,medical ,care ,collections ,fund pursuant to section #agbi;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for healthcare provided at facilities designated as combined ,federal medical facilities as described by section #gjf of the ,duncan ,hunter ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjji 7,public ,law #aaj-dag2 #abb ,stat4 #dejj7 shall also be available3 7#a7 for transfer to the ,joint ,department of ,defense-,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facility ,demonstration ,fund1 established by section #agjd of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-hd2 #abc ,stat4 #cega72 and 7#b7 for operations of the facilities designated as combined ,federal medical facilities as described by section #gjf of the ,duncan ,hunter ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjji 7,public ,law #aaj-dag2 #abb ,stat4 #dejj74 7including transfer of funds7 #bbe4 ,of the amounts available in this title for ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 and ,medical ,facilities1 a minimum of #ae1jjj1jjj shall be transferred to the ,,dod-,,va ,health ,care ,sharing ,incentive ,fund1 as authorized by section #haaa7;d7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 to remain available until expended1 for any purpose authorized by section #haaa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bbf4 ,none of the funds available to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 in this or any other ,act1 may be used to replace the current system by which the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks select and contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment4 #bbg4 ,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 #e1jjj1jjj1 or #e percent of the programmed amount of the project1 whichever is less3 ,provided1 ,that such notification shall occur within #ad days of a contract identifying the programmed amount3 ,provided further1 ,that the ,secretary shall notify the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress #ad days prior to the obligation of such bid savings and shall describe the anticipated use of such savings4 #bbh4 ,none of the funds made available for ,construction1 ,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 ,congress4 #bbi4 ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress a quarterly report that contains the following information from each ,veterans ,benefits ,administration ,regional ,office3 7#a7 the average time to complete a disability compensation claim2 7#b7 the number of claims pending more than #abe days1 disaggregated by initial and supplemental claims2 7#c7 error rates2 7#d7 the number of claims personnel2 7#e7 any corrective action taken within the quarter to address poor performance2 7#f7 training programs undertaken2 and 7#g7 the number and results of ,quality ,review ,team audits3 ,provided1 ,that each quarterly report shall be submitted no later than #cj days after the end of the respective quarter4 #bcj4 ,of the funds provided to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag for ,medical ,support and ,compliance a maximum of #dj1jjj1jjj may be obligated from the ,medical ,support and ,compliance account for the ,vist,a ,evolution and electronic health record interoperability projects3 ,provided1 ,that funds in addition to these amounts may be obligated for the ,vist,a ,evolution and electronic health record interoperability projects upon written notification by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress4 #bca4 ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall provide written notification to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress #ae days prior to organizational changes which result in the transfer of #be or more full-time equivalents from one organizational unit of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to another4 7including transfer of funds7 #bcb4 ,amounts made available for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag1 under the ,board of ,veterans ,appeals and the ,general ,operating ,expenses1 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration accounts may be transferred between such accounts3 ,provided1 ,that before a transfer may take place1 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 request4 7rescission of funds7 #bcc4 ,of the unobligated balances available within the ,,dod-,,va ,health ,care ,sharing ,incentive ,fund1 #eb1jjj1jjj are hereby rescinded4 #bcd4 ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may not reprogram funds among major construction projects or programs if such instance of reprogramming will exceed #e1jjj1jjj1 unless such reprogramming is approved by the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress4 #bce4 ,none of the funds appropriated in this or prior appropriations ,acts or otherwise made available to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs may be used to transfer any amounts from the ,filipino ,veterans ,equity ,compensation ,fund to any other account within the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 #bcf4 ,paragraph 7#c7 of section #djc7;a7 of the ,veterans' ,mental ,health and ,other ,care ,improvements ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-chg2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agjc note7 is amended to read as follows3 7#c7 ,duration ,a veteran may receive health services under this section during the period beginning on the date specified in paragraph 7#b7 and ending on ,september #cj1 #bjah4 4 #bcg4 7a7 ,section #agbb;,a7a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,paragraph 7#a7 does not apply to opioid antagonists furnished under this chapter to a veteran who is at high risk for overdose of a specific medication or substance in order to reverse the effect of such an overdose4 4 7b7 ,section #agaj7;g77#c7 of such title is amended-- 7#a7 by striking with respect to home health services and inserting with respect to the following3 7,a7 ,home health services 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 ,education on the use of opioid antagonists to reverse the effects of overdoses of specific medications or substances4 4 #bch4 ,section #cab of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended in subsection7c77#a7 by striking the phrase that makes a recommendation or otherwise suggests corrective action14 #bci4 ,the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs is authorized to administer financial assistance grants and enter into cooperative agreements with organizations1 utilizing a competitive selection process1 to train and employ homeless and at-risk veterans in natural resource conservation management4 #bdj4 ,the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academy of ,medicine for an assessment on research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure and to evaluate the feasibility of a research entity or entities to conduct research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the ,armed ,forces4 #bda4 ,of the funds provided to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for each of fiscal year #bjag and fiscal year #bjah for ,medical ,services1 #c1jjj1jjj in each year for carrying out and expanding to each medical center of the ,department the child care program authorized by section #bje of ,public ,law #aaa-afc1 notwithstanding subsection 7e7 of such section4 #bdb4 ,section #egja7l7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking may and inserting shall4 #bdc4 7a7 ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 as part of the hiring process for each health care provider considered for a position at the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 require from the medical board of each ,state in which the health care provider holds or has held a medical license-- 7#a7 information on any violation of the requirements of the medical license of the health care provider2 and 7#b7 information on whether the health care provider has entered into any settlement agreement for a disciplinary charge relating to the practice of medicine by the health care provider4 7b7 ,the ,secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section4 #bdd4 7a7 ,notwithstanding section #eeb;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 with respect to each health care provider of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs that has violated a requirement of their medical license1 provide to the medical board of each ,state in which the health care provider is licensed or practices all relevant information contained in the ,state ,licensing ,board ,reporting ,file or any successor file of the ,department with respect to such violation4 7b7 ,the ,secretary shall provide the information required in subsection 7a7 to a medical board described in such subsection notwithstanding that such board may not have formally requested such information from the ,department4 7including transfer of funds7 #bde4 ,upon determination by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs that such action is necessary for providing health care1 benefits and other services1 the ,secretary may transfer amounts made available to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag by this ,act between any discretionary appropriations accounts for fiscal year #bjag3 ,provided1 ,that amounts so transferred shall be merged with the account to which transferred3 ,provided further1 ,that the total amount that the ,secretary may transfer under this section may not exceed two percent of the total discretionary appropriations made available to the ,department for fiscal year #bjag by this ,act3 ,provided further1 ,that a transfer of funds between the ,medical ,services1 ,medical ,community ,care1 ,medical ,support and ,compliance1 and ,medical ,facilities accounts shall not be counted toward the two percent limitation in the previous proviso3 ,provided further1 ,that the transfer authority provided by this section may be exercised only to support activities in an appropriations account that have a higher priority than those undertaken in the appropriations account from which budget authority is transferred1 as determined by the ,secretary3 ,provided further1 ,that such transfer authority may not be used to provide budget authority for an activity that the ,secretary lacks the authority to carry out3 ,provided further1 ,that the transfer authority provided in this section is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law3 ,provided further1 ,that before a transfer may take place1 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 request4 ,,va ,patient ,protection ,act of #bjaf #bdf4 7a7 ,procedure and administration 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #g of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter3 ,,ii ,whistleblower complaints #gca4 ,whistleblower complaint defined ,in this subchapter1 the term whistleblower complaint means a complaint by an employee of the ,department disclosing1 or assisting another employee to disclose1 a potential violation of any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagement1 gross waste of funds1 abuse of authority1 or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety4 #gcb4 ,treatment of whistleblower complaints 7a7 ,filing 7#a7 ,in addition to any other method established by law in which an employee may file a whistleblower complaint1 an employee of the ,department may file a whistleblower complaint in accordance with subsection 7g7 with a supervisor of the employee4 7#b7 ,except as provided by subsection 7d77#a71 in making a whistleblower complaint under paragraph 7#a71 an employee shall file the initial complaint with the immediate supervisor of the employee4 7b7 ,notification 7#a7 7,a7 ,not later than four business days after the date on which a supervisor receives a whistleblower complaint by an employee under this section1 the supervisor shall notify1 in writing1 the employee of whether the supervisor determines that there is a reasonable likelihood that the complaint discloses a violation of any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagement1 gross waste of funds1 abuse of authority1 or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety4 7,b7 ,the supervisor shall retain written documentation regarding the whistleblower complaint and shall submit to the next-level supervisor and the central whistleblower office described in subsection 7h7 a written report on the complaint4 7#b7 7,a7 ,on a monthly basis1 the supervisor shall submit to the appropriate director or other official who is superior to the supervisor a written report that includes the number of whistleblower complaints received by the supervisor under this section during the month covered by the report1 the disposition of such complaints1 and any actions taken because of such complaints pursuant to subsection 7c74 7,b7 ,in the case in which such a director or official carries out this paragraph1 the director or official shall submit such monthly report to the supervisor of the director or official and to the central whistleblower office described in subsection 7h74 7c7 ,positive determination ,if a supervisor makes a positive determination under subsection 7b77#a7 regarding a whistleblower complaint of an employee1 the supervisor shall include in the notification to the employee under such subsection the specific actions that the supervisor will take to address the complaint4 7d7 ,filing complaint with next-,level supervisors 7#a7 ,if any circumstance described in paragraph 7#c7 is met1 an employee may file a whistleblower complaint in accordance with subsection 7g7 with the next-level supervisor who shall treat such complaint in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,an employee may file a whistleblower complaint with the ,secretary if the employee has filed the whistleblower complaint to each level of supervisors between the employee and the ,secretary in accordance with paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,a circumstance described in this paragraph is any of the following circumstances3 7,a7 ,a supervisor does not make a timely determination under subsection 7b77#a7 regarding a whistleblower complaint4 7,b7 ,the employee who made a whistleblower complaint determines that the supervisor did not adequately address the complaint pursuant to subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,the immediate supervisor of the employee is the basis of the whistleblower complaint4 7e7 ,transfer of employee who files whistleblower complaint ,if a supervisor makes a positive determination under subsection 7b77#a7 regarding a whistleblower complaint filed by an employee1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 inform the employee of the ability to volunteer for a transfer in accordance with section #cceb of title #e2 and 7#b7 give preference to the employee for such a transfer in accordance with such section4 7f7 ,prohibition on exemption ,the ,secretary may not exempt any employee of the ,department from being covered by this section4 7g7 ,whistleblower complaint form 7#a7 ,a whistleblower complaint filed by an employee under subsection 7a7 or 7d7 shall consist of the form described in paragraph 7#b7 and any supporting materials or documentation the employee determines necessary4 7#b7 ,the form described in this paragraph is a form developed by the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,special ,counsel1 that includes the following3 7,a7 ,an explanation of the purpose of the whistleblower complaint form4 7,b7 ,instructions for filing a whistleblower complaint as described in this section4 7,c7 ,an explanation that filing a whistleblower complaint under this section does not preclude the employee from any other method established by law in which an employee may file a whistleblower complaint4 7,d7 ,a statement directing the employee to information accessible on the ,internet website of the ,department as described in section #gce7;d74 7,e7 ,fields for the employee to provide-- 7i7 the date that the form is submitted2 7ii7 the name of the employee2 7iii7 the contact information of the employee2 7iv7 a summary of the whistleblower complaint 7including the option to append supporting documents pursuant to paragraph 7#a772 and 7v7 proposed solutions to the complaint4 7,f7 ,any other information or fields that the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,special ,counsel1 shall develop the form described in paragraph 7#b7 by not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this section4 7h7 ,central whistleblower office 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the central whistleblower office-- 7,a7 is not an element of the ,office of the ,general ,counsel2 7,b7 is not headed by an official who reports to the ,general ,counsel2 7,c7 does not provide1 or receive from1 the ,general ,counsel any information regarding a whistleblower complaint except pursuant to an action regarding the complaint before an administrative body or court2 and 7,d7 does not provide advice to the ,general ,counsel4 7#b7 ,the central whistleblower office shall be responsible for investigating all whistleblower complaints of the ,department1 regardless of whether such complaints are made by or against an employee who is not a member of the ,senior ,executive ,service4 7#c7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the central whistleblower office maintains a toll-free hotline to anonymously receive whistleblower complaints4 7#d7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the central whistleblower office has such staff and resources as the ,secretary considers necessary to carry out the functions of the central whistleblower office4 7#e7 ,in this subsection1 the term central whistleblower office means the ,office of ,accountability ,review or a successor office that is established or designated by the ,secretary to investigate whistleblower complaints filed under this section or any other method established by law4 #gcc4 ,adverse actions against supervisory employees who commit prohibited personnel actions relating to whistleblower complaints 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,in accordance with paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall carry out the following adverse actions against supervisory employees 7as defined in section #gajc7;a7 of title #e7 whom the ,secretary1 an administrative judge1 the ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board1 the ,office of ,special ,counsel1 an adjudicating body provided under a union contract1 a ,federal judge1 or the ,inspector ,general of the ,department determines committed a prohibited personnel action described in subsection 7c73 7,a7 ,with respect to the first offense1 an adverse action that is not less than a #ab-;day suspension and not more than removal4 7,b7 ,with respect to the second offense1 removal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,an employee against whom an adverse action under paragraph 7#a7 is proposed is entitled to written notice4 7,b7 7i7 ,an employee who is notified under subparagraph 7,a7 of being the subject of a proposed adverse action under paragraph 7#a7 is entitled to #ad days following such notification to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer4 7ii7 ,if the employee does not furnish any such evidence as described in clause 7i7 or if the ,secretary determines that such evidence is not sufficient to reverse the determination to propose the adverse action1 the ,secretary shall carry out the adverse action following such #ad-;day period4 7,c7 ,paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b7 of section #geac of title #e1 subsection 7c7 of such section1 paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b7 of section #gedc of such title1 and subsection 7c7 of such section shall not apply with respect to an adverse action carried out under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,limitation on other adverse actions ,with respect to a prohibited personnel action described in subsection 7c71 if the ,secretary carries out an adverse action against a supervisory employee1 the ,secretary may carry out an additional adverse action under this section based on the same prohibited personnel action if the total severity of the adverse actions do not exceed the level specified in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,prohibited personnel action described ,a prohibited personnel action described in this subsection is any of the following actions3 7#a7 ,taking or failing to take a personnel action in violation of section #bcjb of title #e against an employee relating to the employee-- 7,a7 filing a whistleblower complaint in accordance with section #gcb of this title2 7,b7 filing a whistleblower complaint with the ,inspector ,general of the ,department1 the ,special ,counsel1 or ,congress2 7,c7 providing information or participating as a witness in an investigation of a whistleblower complaint in accordance with section #gcb or with the ,inspector ,general of the ,department1 the ,special ,counsel1 or ,congress2 7,d7 participating in an audit or investigation by the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states2 7,e7 refusing to perform an action that is unlawful or prohibited by the ,department2 or 7,f7 engaging in communications that are related to the duties of the position or are otherwise protected4 7#b7 ,preventing or restricting an employee from making an action described in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f7 of paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,conducting a negative peer review or opening a retaliatory investigation because of an activity of an employee that is protected by section #bcjb of title #e4 7#d7 ,requesting a contractor to carry out an action that is prohibited by section #dgje7;b7 or section #dgab7;a77#a7 of title #da1 as the case may be4 #gcd4 ,evaluation criteria of supervisors and treatment of bonuses 7a7 ,evaluation criteria 7#a7 ,in evaluating the performance of supervisors of the ,department1 the ,secretary shall include the criteria described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,the criteria described in this subsection are the following3 7,a7 ,whether the supervisor treats whistleblower complaints in accordance with section #gcb of this title4 7,b7 ,whether the appropriate deciding official1 performance review board1 or performance review committee determines that the supervisor was found to have committed a prohibited personnel action described in section #gcc7;b7 of this title by an administrative judge1 the ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board1 the ,office of ,special ,counsel1 an adjudicating body provided under a union contract1 a ,federal judge1 or1 in the case of a settlement of a whistleblower complaint 7regardless of whether any fault was assigned under such settlement71 the ,secretary4 7b7 ,bonuses 7#a7 ,the ,secretary may not pay to a supervisor described in subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 an award or bonus under this title or title #e1 including under chapter #de or #ec of such title1 during the one-year period beginning on the date on which the determination was made under such subsection4 7#b7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall issue an order directing a supervisor described in subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 to repay the amount of any award or bonus paid under this title or title #e1 including under chapter #de or #ec of such title1 if-- 7,a7 such award or bonus was paid for performance during a period in which the supervisor committed a prohibited personnel action as determined pursuant to such subsection 7a77#b77;,b72 7,b7 the ,secretary determines such repayment appropriate pursuant to regulations prescribed by the ,secretary to carry out this section2 and 7,c7 the supervisor is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing before making such repayment4 #gce4 ,training regarding whistleblower complaints 7a7 ,training ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,whistleblower ,protection ,ombudsman designated under section #c7;d77#a77;,c7 of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 shall provide to each employee of the ,department training regarding whistleblower complaints1 including-- 7#a7 an explanation of each method established by law in which an employee may file a whistleblower complaint2 7#b7 an explanation of prohibited personnel actions described by section #gcc7;c7 of this title2 7#c7 with respect to supervisors1 how to treat whistleblower complaints in accordance with section #gcb of this title2 7#d7 the right of the employee to petition ,congress regarding a whistleblower complaint in accordance with section #gbaa of title #e2 7#e7 an explanation that the employee may not be prosecuted or reprised against for disclosing information to ,congress1 the ,inspector ,general1 or another investigatory agency in instances where such disclosure is permitted by law1 including under sections #egja1 #egje1 and #ggcb of this title1 under section #eeb;a of title #e 7commonly referred to as the ,privacy ,act71 under chapter #ic of title #ah1 and pursuant to regulations promulgated under section #bfd7;c7 of the ,health ,insurance ,portability and ,accountability ,act of #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aia72 7#f7 an explanation of the language that is required to be included in all nondisclosure policies1 forms1 and agreements pursuant to section #aae7;a77#a7 of the ,whistleblower ,protection ,enhancement ,act of #bjab 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb note72 and 7#g7 the right of contractors to be protected from reprisal for the disclosure of certain information under section #dgje or #dgab of title #da4 7b7 ,manner training is provided ,the ,secretary shall ensure that training provided under subsection 7a7 is provided in person4 7c7 ,certification ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary shall provide training on merit system protection in a manner that the ,special ,counsel certifies as being satisfactory4 7d7 ,publication 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall publish on the ,internet website of the ,department1 and display prominently at each facility of the ,department1 the rights of an employee to file a whistleblower complaint1 including the information described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 of subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,the ,secretary shall publish on the ,internet website of the ,department1 the whistleblower complaint form described in section #gcb7;g77#b74 #gcf4 ,reports to ,congress 7a7 ,annual reports ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that includes-- 7#a7 with respect to whistleblower complaints filed under section #gcb of this title during the year covered by the report-- 7,a7 the number of such complaints filed2 7,b7 the disposition of such complaints2 and 7,c7 the ways in which the ,secretary addressed such complaints in which a positive determination was made by a supervisor under subsection 7b77#a7 of such section2 7#b7 the number of whistleblower complaints filed during the year covered by the report that are not included under paragraph 7#a71 including-- 7,a7 the method in which such complaints were filed2 7,b7 the disposition of such complaints2 and 7,c7 the ways in which the ,secretary addressed such complaints2 and 7#c7 with respect to disclosures made by a contractor under section #dgje or #dgab of title #da-- 7,a7 the number of complaints relating to such disclosures that were investigated by the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs during the year covered by the report2 7,b7 the disposition of such complaints2 and 7,c7 the ways in which the ,secretary addressed such complaints4 7b7 ,notice of ,office of ,special ,counsel determinations ,not later than #cj days after the date on which the ,secretary receives from the ,special ,counsel information relating to a whistleblower complaint pursuant to section #abac of title #e1 the ,secretary shall notify the appropriate committees of ,congress of such information1 including the determination made by the ,special ,counsel4 7c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives4 4 7#b7 ,conforming and clerical amendments 7,a7 ,conforming amendment ,such chapter is further amended by inserting before section #gja the following3 ,i ,general employee matters 4 7,b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended-- 7i7 by inserting before the item relating to section #gja the following new item3 ,subchapter ,i--,general employee matters 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following new items3 ,subchapter ,,ii--,whistleblower complaints#gca4 ,whistleblower complaint defined4#gcb4 ,treatment of whistleblower complaints4#gcc4 ,adverse actions against supervisory employees who commit prohibited personnel actions relating to whistleblower complaints4#gcd4 ,evaluation criteria of supervisors and treatment of bonuses4#gce4 ,training regarding whistleblower complaints4#gcf4 ,reports to ,congress4 4 7b7 ,treatment of congressional testimony by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs employees as official duty 7#a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #g of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as designated by section #b7;a77#b77;,a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #gae4 ,congressional testimony by employees3 treatment as official duty 7a7 ,congressional testimony ,an employee of the ,department is performing official duty during the period with respect to which the employee is testifying in an official capacity in front of either chamber of ,congress1 a committee of either chamber of ,congress1 or a joint or select committee of ,congress4 7b7 ,travel ,expenses ,the ,secretary shall provide travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 to any employee of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs performing official duty described under subsection 7a74 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter1 as amended by section #b7;a77#b77;,b71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gac the following new item3 #gae4 ,congressional testimony by employees3 treatment as official duty4 4 #bdg4 7a7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for the ,medical ,services account1 for fiscal year #bjag1 not less than #ah1jjj1jjj1 and for fiscal year #bjah1 not less than #gj1jjj1jjj1 shall be used for the provision of fertility treatment and counseling1 including treatment using assisted reproductive technology1 to veterans and their spouses if the veteran has a service-connected condition that results in the veteran being unable to procreate without the use of such fertility treatment4 7b7 ,in this section1 the term service-connected condition means a condition that was incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military1 naval1 or air service 7as defined in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code74 #bdh4 ,none of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by title ,,ii may be used to carry out the ,home ,marketing ,incentive ,program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs or to carry out the ,appraisal ,value ,offer ,program of the ,department with respect to an employee of the ,department in a senior executive position 7as defined in section #gac7;g7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code73 ,provided1 ,that the ,secretary may waive this prohibition with respect to the use of the ,home ,marketing ,incentive ,program and ,appraisal ,value ,offer ,program to recruit for a position for which recruitment or retention of qualified personnel is likely to be difficult in the absence of the use of these incentives3 ,provided further1 ,that within #ae days of a determination by the ,secretary to waive this prohibition1 the ,secretary shall submit written notification thereof to the ,committees on ,appropriations of both ,houses of ,congress containing the reasons and identifying the position title for which the waiver has been issued4 #bdi4 ,none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs in this ,act may be used in a manner that would-- 7#a7 interfere with the ability of a veteran to participate in a medicinal marijuana program approved by a ,state2 7#b7 deny any services from the ,department to a veteran who is participating in such a program2 or 7#c7 limit or interfere with the ability of a health care provider of the ,department to make appropriate recommendations1 fill out forms1 or take steps to comply with such a program4 #bej4 7a7 ,in general ,for the purposes of verifying that an individual performed service under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman who is recognized pursuant to section #dja of the ,,gi ,bill ,improvement ,act of #aigg 7,public ,law #ie-bjb2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ajf note7 as having performed active duty service for the purposes described in subsection 7c77#a71 the ,secretary of ,defense shall accept the following3 7#a7 ,in the case of an individual who served on a coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom no applicable ,coast ,guard shipping or discharge form1 ship logbook1 merchant mariner's document or ,z-card1 or other official employment record is available1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall provide such recognition on the basis of applicable ,social ,security ,administration records submitted for or by the individual1 together with validated testimony given by the individual or the primary next of kin of the individual that the individual performed such service during the period beginning on ,december #g1 #aida1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #aidf4 7#b7 ,in the case of an individual who served on a coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom the applicable ,coast ,guard shipping or discharge form1 ship logbook1 merchant mariner's document or ,z-card1 or other official employment record has been destroyed or otherwise become unavailable by reason of any action committed by a person responsible for the control and maintenance of such form1 logbook1 or record1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall accept other official documentation demonstrating that the individual performed such service during period beginning on ,december #g1 #aida1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #aidf4 7#c7 ,for the purpose of determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during the period beginning on ,december #g1 #aida1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #aidf1 the ,secretary shall recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other officers in command of similarly organized groups as agents of the ,united ,states who were authorized to document any individual for purposes of hiring the individual to perform service in the merchant marine or discharging an individual from such service4 7b7 ,treatment of other documentation ,other documentation accepted by the ,secretary of ,defense pursuant to subsection 7a77#b7 shall satisfy all requirements for eligibility of service during the period beginning on ,december #g1 #aida1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #aidf4 7c7 ,benefits allowed 7#a7 ,medals1 ribbons1 and decorations ,an individual whose service is recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection 7a7 may be awarded an appropriate medal1 ribbon1 or other military decoration based on such service4 7#b7 ,status of veteran ,an individual whose service is recognized as active duty pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of such recognized service to any benefit that is not described in this subsection4 ,,iii ,related agencies ,american battle monuments commission ,salaries and expenses ,for necessary expenses1 not otherwise provided for1 of the ,american ,battle ,monuments ,commission1 including the acquisition of land or interest in land in foreign countries2 purchases and repair of uniforms for caretakers of national cemeteries and monuments outside of the ,united ,states and its territories and possessions2 rent of office and garage space in foreign countries2 purchase 7one-for-one replacement basis only7 and hire of passenger motor vehicles2 not to exceed #g1ejj for official reception and representation expenses2 and insurance of official motor vehicles in foreign countries1 when required by law of such countries1 #ge1ajj1jjj to remain available until expended4 ,foreign currency fluctuations account ,for necessary expenses1 not otherwise provided for1 of the ,american ,battle ,monuments ,commission1 such sums as may be necessary1 to remain available until expended1 for purposes authorized by section #baji of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,united states court of appeals for veterans claims ,salaries and expenses ,for necessary expenses for the operation of the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims as authorized by sections #gbea through #gbih of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cj1ide1ajj3 ,provided1 ,that #b1ejj1jjj shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance as described1 and in accordance with the process and reporting procedures set forth under this heading in ,public ,law #ajb-bbi4 ,department of defense--,civil ,cemeterial expenses1 ,army ,salaries and expenses ,for necessary expenses for maintenance1 operation1 and improvement of ,arlington ,national ,cemetery and ,soldiers' and ,airmen's ,home ,national ,cemetery1 including the purchase or lease of passenger motor vehicles for replacement on a one-for-one basis only1 and not to exceed #a1jjj for official reception and representation expenses1 #gj1hjj1jjj of which not to exceed #bh1jjj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjai4 ,in addition1 such sums as may be necessary for parking maintenance1 repairs and replacement1 to be derived from the ,lease of ,department of ,defense ,real ,property for ,defense ,agencies account4 ,armed forces retirement home ,trust fund ,for expenses necessary for the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home to operate and maintain the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home--,washington1 ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home--,gulfport1 ,mississippi1 to be paid from funds available in the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home ,trust ,fund1 #fd1cjj1jjj1 of which #a1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for construction and renovation of the physical plants at the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home--,washington1 ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home--,gulfport1 ,mississippi3 ,provided1 ,that of the amounts made available under this heading from funds available in the ,armed ,forces ,retirement ,home ,trust ,fund1 #bb1jjj1jjj shall be paid from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,trust ,fund4 ,administrative ,provisions #cja4 ,funds appropriated in this ,act under the heading ,department of ,defense--,civil1 ,cemeterial ,expenses1 ,army1 may be provided to ,arlington ,county1 ,virginia1 for the relocation of the federally owned water main at ,arlington ,national ,cemetery1 making additional land available for ground burials4 #cjb4 ,amounts deposited into the special account established under #aj ,u4,s4,c4 #dgbg are appropriated and shall be available until expended to support activities at the ,army ,national ,military ,cemeteries4 ,,iv ,,general ,,provisions #dja4 ,no part of any appropriation contained in this ,act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein4 #djb4 ,none of the funds made available in this ,act may be used for any program1 project1 or activity1 when it is made known to the ,federal entity or official to which the funds are made available that the program1 project1 or activity is not in compliance with any ,federal law relating to risk assessment1 the protection of private property rights1 or unfunded mandates4 #djc4 ,all departments and agencies funded under this ,act are encouraged1 within the limits of the existing statutory authorities and funding1 to expand their use of ,e-,commerce technologies and procedures in the conduct of their business practices and public service activities4 #djd4 ,unless stated otherwise1 all reports and notifications required by this ,act shall be submitted to the ,subcommittee on ,military ,construction and ,veterans ,affairs1 and ,related ,agencies of the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,subcommittee on ,military ,construction and ,veterans ,affairs1 and ,related ,agencies of the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 #dje4 ,none of the funds made available in this ,act may be transferred to any department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,united ,states ,government except pursuant to a transfer made by1 or transfer authority provided in1 this or any other appropriations ,act4 #djf4 7a7 ,any agency receiving funds made available in this ,act1 shall1 subject to subsections 7b7 and 7c71 post on the public ,web site of that agency any report required to be submitted by the ,congress in this or any other ,act1 upon the determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national interest4 7b7 ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply to a report if-- 7#a7 the public posting of the report compromises national security2 or 7#b7 the report contains confidential or proprietary information4 7c7 ,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 #de days4 #djg4 7a7 ,none of the funds made available in this ,act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing1 downloading1 and exchanging of pornography4 7b7 ,nothing in subsection 7a7 shall limit the use of funds necessary for any ,federal1 ,state1 tribal1 or local law enforcement agency or any other entity carrying out criminal investigations1 prosecution1 or adjudication activities4 #djh4 ,none of the funds made available in this ,act may be used by an agency of the executive branch to pay for first-class travel by an employee of the agency in contravention of sections #cja-aj4abb through #cja-aj4abd of title #da1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 #dji4 7a7 ,in ,general ,none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the ,department of ,defense in this ,act may be used to construct1 renovate1 or expand any facility in the ,united ,states1 its territories1 or possessions to house any individual detained at ,united ,states ,naval ,station1 ,guantnamo ,bay1 ,cuba1 for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the control of the ,department of ,defense4 7b7 ,the prohibition in subsection 7a7 shall not apply to any modification of facilities at ,united ,states ,naval ,station1 ,guantnamo ,bay1 ,cuba4 7c7 ,an individual described in this subsection is any individual who1 as of ,june #bd1 #bjji1 is located at ,united ,states ,naval ,station1 ,guantnamo ,bay1 ,cuba1 and who-- 7#a7 is not a citizen of the ,united ,states or a member of the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 is-- 7,a7 in the custody or under the effective control of the ,department of ,defense2 or 7,b7 otherwise under detention at ,united ,states ,naval ,station1 ,guantnamo ,bay1 ,cuba4 ,this ,act may be cited as the ,military ,construction1 ,veterans ,affairs1 and ,related ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #bjag4 ,april #ah1 #bjaf,read twice and placed on the calendar