Floor SpeechBipartisan2023-09-26

EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

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Context

On 2023-09-26, Representative Gregory F. Murphy (R-NC-3) delivered a floor speech titled "EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, the environment. It referenced legislation including HR1767, S2795.

Full Text

EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [House] [Pages H4475-H4480] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2795) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: S. 2795 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY CLARIFICATION OF LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO PERFORM MEDICAL DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER PILOT PROGRAM FOR USE OF CONTRACT PHYSICIANS FOR DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS. Section 2002(a)(4) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking ``three years'' and inserting ``five years''. SEC. 2. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN RELIEF FOR RECIPIENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. Section 3699(c)(2)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025''. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Section 8117(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''. SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOAN FEES. The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``November 14, 2031'' each place it appears and inserting ``November 15, 2031''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 2795. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2795, a bill that extends VA's expiring authorities. The Veterans' Affairs Committee works on an extender bill every year. This year, it was introduced by my friends, Senators Tester and Moran. The 2023 extender bill does three things. It would extend VA's participation in the National Disaster Medical System for 5 years. VA has a mission to protect veterans and staff and support public health during disasters or emergencies. Second, the bill would also allow medical professionals who are contracted to perform veterans' disability exams to continue practicing across State lines. Now, VA depends on the contractors to perform most of the disability exams, and the contractors depend on this authority. This bill would continue the authority for 2 more years. Finally, the bill would continue to protect student veterans if their school closed or gets disapproved under the GI Bill. It would also allow the Secretary to restore the entitlement to education benefits for 2 more years. I support this legislation because it gives VA important tools to take care of all of our veterans. Without extending these authorities, serious impacts to operations might mean VA's ability to protect Americans during disasters would be limited, veterans' claims for disability compensation would grind to a halt, and student veterans would be left out in the cold if they attended a college that closed due to fraud or mismanagement. We can't let that happen. I once again thank Senators Tester and Moran for working on this legislation in the Senate, and I also thank Dr. Murphy for his work to lead and champion the legislation here in the House. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 2795, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for S. 2795. Before I speak on the bill, I would like to note that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I remind everyone that help is available any time of day or night. If you are a veteran in crisis, or if you are concerned about a veteran, confidential help is available by calling 988 and selecting 1, or you can text 838255. You are not alone. The House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs have worked together in a bipartisan manner on S. 2795, which extends expiring authorities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent, and I hope my colleagues will support it. This bill must be signed into law before Sunday so that important programs at VA do not lapse. It is a bit ironic that we all recognize the need to pass this bill before Sunday because of how important VA programs are and that we work to extend them the same week that we are facing a [[Page H4476]] government shutdown that will shutter some important services at VA. Nevertheless, this is a must-pass piece of legislation. Section 1 of the bill extends VA's authority to enlist medical professionals across State lines for the purposes of conducting disability medical exams on behalf of veterans. When a veteran files a claim with VA for a service-connected disability, they are often required to receive an exam to document and substantiate their injury or illness and its severity. This exam requires a medical professional who is well-versed in the injuries and illnesses that are unique to the veterans population and in the forms VA requires to be submitted. It may be the case that a provider with this expertise is not reasonably near the veteran. To alleviate this problem, Congress enabled VA to authorize certain medical professionals to practice across State lines. This vital authority has been used by VA and its contract examiners to tremendous effect, greatly reducing the potential wait time a veteran may face in scheduling their exam and also reducing the distance many veterans must travel to attend that exam. Extending this authority means removing roadblocks to veterans accessing the care and benefits they have earned. Section 2 of S. 2795 provides relief to veterans who are affected by the closure or disapproval of an educational institution. Student veterans should not be the ones penalized when their school closes. While we can't give student veterans back their time when their higher education institution closes, at the very least we should give them back their GI eligibility. Section 2 of this legislation extends the relief established in the Isakson and Roe law for more than 2 years. Our committee remains committed to making it straightforward for student veterans to get their benefits back when a school fails to uphold its promise. While it is important to make sure that the authority being extended in the legislation before us today does not lapse on Sunday, I note that a permanent solution authored by Representative Ramirez, H.R. 1767, the Bipartisan Student Veterans Benefit Restoration Act, has been favorably reported out of the committee and is widely supported by the veterans service organizations but is still awaiting a vote before the full House. Representative Ramirez' bill would address the inequity in protections and relief for current and former student veterans who have lost their GI Bill benefits due to fraud when their benefits were not restored while their nonveteran classmates have had their student loans discharged. It is inexplicable that, in our current system, these student veterans are still waiting for their relief and that Congress allows this inequity to persist. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to take up and pass H.R. 1767 as soon as possible. It would grant relief to thousands of student veterans who have lost their GI Bill benefits due to fraud and would finally ensure that GI Bill beneficiaries have the same protections as student loan borrowers. Section 3 of the bill before us today will extend VA's authority to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies for the next 5 years. This authority is commonly referred to as ``VA's Fourth Mission.'' The bill authorizes appropriations to carry out this authority. Under its Fourth Mission, VA carries out several major responsibilities. First and foremost, it ensures VA medical facilities are prepared to protect veterans and staff during a public health emergency. Second, under this authority, VA serves as a contingency backup to the Department of Defense medical system during a national emergency. VA can also provide support under this authority, such as staff or medical supplies, to assist civilian patients. Finally, VA may furnish hospital care or medical services at its own facilities to nonveteran patients on a humanitarian basis during emergencies. The COVID-19 emergency proved what a vital role VA's Fourth Mission authority plays in protecting public health, not just for veterans but for all Americans. I could not be prouder of how heroically the Department of Veterans Affairs carried out this mission during the height of the pandemic. VA not only sustained its own capacity to provide care to veterans and prevent the spread of the virus among its workforce, but it also provided critical care to civilians, serving as the backstop to the American healthcare system through Fourth Mission a

Referenced legislation: HR1767, S2795

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EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [House] [Pages H4475-H4480] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXTENDING AND MODIFYING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2795) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: S. 2795 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY CLARIFICATION OF LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO PERFORM MEDICAL DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER PILOT PROGRAM FOR USE OF CONTRACT PHYSICIANS FOR DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS. Section 2002(a)(4) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking ``three years'' and inserting ``five years''. SEC. 2. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN RELIEF FOR RECIPIENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. Section 3699(c)(2)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025''. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Section 8117(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''. SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOUSING LOAN FEES. The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``November 14, 2031'' each place it appears and inserting ``November 15, 2031''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 2795. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2795, a bill that extends VA's expiring authorities. The Veterans' Affairs Committee works on an extender bill every year. This year, it was introduced by my friends, Senators Tester and Moran. The 2023 extender bill does three things. It would extend VA's participation in the National Disaster Medical System for 5 years. VA has a mission to protect veterans and staff and support public health during disasters or emergencies. Second, the bill would also allow medical professionals who are contracted to perform veterans' disability exams to continue practicing across State lines. Now, VA depends on the contractors to perform most of the disability exams, and the contractors depend on this authority. This bill would continue the authority for 2 more years. Finally, the bill would continue to protect student veterans if their school closed or gets disapproved under the GI Bill. It would also allow the Secretary to restore the entitlement to education benefits for 2 more years. I support this legislation because it gives VA important tools to take care of all of our veterans. Without extending these authorities, serious impacts to operations might mean VA's ability to protect Americans during disasters would be limited, veterans' claims for disability compensation would grind to a halt, and student veterans would be left out in the cold if they attended a college that closed due to fraud or mismanagement. We can't let that happen. I once again thank Senators Tester and Moran for working on this legislation in the Senate, and I also thank Dr. Murphy for his work to lead and champion the legislation here in the House. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 2795, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for S. 2795. Before I speak on the bill, I would like to note that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I remind everyone that help is available any time of day or night. If you are a veteran in crisis, or if you are concerned about a veteran, confidential help is available by calling 988 and selecting 1, or you can text 838255. You are not alone. The House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs have worked together in a bipartisan manner on S. 2795, which extends expiring authorities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent, and I hope my colleagues will support it. This bill must be signed into law before Sunday so that important programs at VA do not lapse. It is a bit ironic that we all recognize the need to pass this bill before Sunday because of how important VA programs are and that we work to extend them the same week that we are facing a [[Page H4476]] government shutdown that will shutter some important services at VA. Nevertheless, this is a must-pass piece of legislation. Section 1 of the bill extends VA's authority to enlist medical professionals across State lines for the purposes of conducting disability medical exams on behalf of veterans. When a veteran files a claim with VA for a service-connected disability, they are often required to receive an exam to document and substantiate their injury or illness and its severity. This exam requires a medical professional who is well-versed in the injuries and illnesses that are unique to the veterans population and in the forms VA requires to be submitted. It may be the case that a provider with this expertise is not reasonably near the veteran. To alleviate this problem, Congress enabled VA to authorize certain medical professionals to practice across State lines. This vital authority has been used by VA and its contract examiners to tremendous effect, greatly reducing the potential wait time a veteran may face in scheduling their exam and also reducing the distance many veterans must travel to attend that exam. Extending this authority means removing roadblocks to veterans accessing the care and benefits they have earned. Section 2 of S. 2795 provides relief to veterans who are affected by the closure or disapproval of an educational institution. Student veterans should not be the ones penalized when their school closes. While we can't give student veterans back their time when their higher education institution closes, at the very least we should give them back their GI eligibility. Section 2 of this legislation extends the relief established in the Isakson and Roe law for more than 2 years. Our committee remains committed to making it straightforward for student veterans to get their benefits back when a school fails to uphold its promise. While it is important to make sure that the authority being extended in the legislation before us today does not lapse on Sunday, I note that a permanent solution authored by Representative Ramirez, H.R. 1767, the Bipartisan Student Veterans Benefit Restoration Act, has been favorably reported out of the committee and is widely supported by the veterans service organizations but is still awaiting a vote before the full House. Representative Ramirez' bill would address the inequity in protections and relief for current and former student veterans who have lost their GI Bill benefits due to fraud when their benefits were not restored while their nonveteran classmates have had their student loans discharged. It is inexplicable that, in our current system, these student veterans are still waiting for their relief and that Congress allows this inequity to persist. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to take up and pass H.R. 1767 as soon as possible. It would grant relief to thousands of student veterans who have lost their GI Bill benefits due to fraud and would finally ensure that GI Bill beneficiaries have the same protections as student loan borrowers. Section 3 of the bill before us today will extend VA's authority to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies for the next 5 years. This authority is commonly referred to as ``VA's Fourth Mission.'' The bill authorizes appropriations to carry out this authority. Under its Fourth Mission, VA carries out several major responsibilities. First and foremost, it ensures VA medical facilities are prepared to protect veterans and staff during a public health emergency. Second, under this authority, VA serves as a contingency backup to the Department of Defense medical system during a national emergency. VA can also provide support under this authority, such as staff or medical supplies, to assist civilian patients. Finally, VA may furnish hospital care or medical services at its own facilities to nonveteran patients on a humanitarian basis during emergencies. The COVID-19 emergency proved what a vital role VA's Fourth Mission authority plays in protecting public health, not just for veterans but for all Americans. I could not be prouder of how heroically the Department of Veterans Affairs carried out this mission during the height of the pandemic. VA not only sustained its own capacity to provide care to veterans and prevent the spread of the virus among its workforce, but it also provided critical care to civilians, serving as the backstop to the American healthcare system through Fourth Mission a Referenced legislation: HR1767, S2795