S. 3039 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 3039 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 12, 2019Mr. Tester (for himself and Mr. Rounds) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program, and for other purposes. 1. Grant program for cemetery research and the production of educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program of the National Cemetery Administration (a) Grant program authorized (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program. (2) Eligible recipients The Secretary may award a grant under this section to any of the following recipients: (A) An institution of higher learning. (B) A local educational agency. (C) A nonprofit entity that the Secretary determines has a demonstrated history of community engagement. (D) Such other recipient as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (3) Use of funds The recipient of a grant under this section may use the grant amount for the following purposes: (A) To conduct research relating to national, State, or Tribal veterans’ cemeteries. (B) To produce educational materials for the purpose of teaching about the histories of veterans interred in national, State, or Tribal veterans’ cemeteries. (C) To promote community engagement with the histories of veterans interred in national, State, or Tribal veterans’ cemeteries. (4) Maximum grant amount The amount of a grant awarded under this section may not exceed $500,000. (b) Regulations If the Secretary establishes a grant program under this section, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations regarding— (1) the evaluation of applications for grants under the program; and (2) administration of the program. (c) Report required Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary establishes a grant program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the determination of the Secretary as to whether the grant program is a financially effective means to promote the purposes under subsection (a)(3). (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Institution of higher learning The term institution of higher learning has the meaning given that term in section 3452(f) of title 38, United States Code. (2) Local educational agency The term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (3) Veterans Legacy Program The term Veterans Legacy Program means the program of the National Cemetery Administration that is responsible for providing engagement and educational tools and opportunities for the public regarding the service and sacrifice of veterans interred in national, State, and Tribal veterans’ cemeteries.