HR6599AUG1

Legislation News & Report (TM)

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Managing America: Appropriations

Home

Contact: House / Senate

Newest Public Laws

Monthly Budget Review

Perspective

Legal

Previous Editions

Search & Research

TITLE I

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Military Construction, Army

(including rescissions of funds)

For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military installations, facilities, and real property for the Army as currently authorized by law, including personnel in the Army Corps of Engineers and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation, and for construction and operation of facilities in support of the functions of the Commander in Chief, $4,801,536,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of this amount, not to exceed $175,823,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, architect and engineer services, and host nation support, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Army' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Army' under Public Law 110-5, $34,720,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Army' under Public Law 110-161, $16,600,000 are hereby rescinded.

Details

NC: Fort Bragg Digital Multipurpose Range Complex -20,000,000

Italy: Vicenza Barracks Complex (PN 61847) -4,980,000

Italy: Vicenza Barracks Complex (PN 62438) -4,440,000

Italy: Vicenza Brigade Complex -5,300,000

Subtotal, PL 110-5 -34,720,000

PL 110-161 (FY 2008):

NV: Hawthorne Army Depot Ground Water Treatment Plant -3,500,000

NY: Fort Drum Brigade Complex-Company Operations -6,600,000

TX: Fort Bliss Health and Dental Clinic -6,500,000

Subtotal, PL 110-161 -51,320,000 -16,600,000

To Top

Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public works, naval installations, facilities, and real property for the Navy and Marine Corps as currently authorized by law, including personnel in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this appropriation, $3,280,809,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of this amount, not to exceed $247,128,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Navy' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

To Top

Military Construction, Air Force

(including rescissions of funds)

For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military installations, facilities, and real property for the Air Force as currently authorized by law, $976,524,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of this amount, not to exceed $77,314,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Air Force' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Air Force' under Public Law 109-114, $1,359,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Air Force' under Public Law 110-5, $3,581,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Air Force' under Public Law 110-161, $12,741,000 are hereby rescinded.

Details-

PL 109-114 (FY 2006);

Korea; Kunsan AB Dormitory -1,359,000

PL 110-5 (FY 2007):

AK: Eielson AFB Add/Alter Physical Fitness Center -1,415,000

AK: Elmendorf AFB F/A-22 Corrosion Control/Low Observable Composite Repair Facility -1,119,000

HI: Hickam AFB C-17 Fuel Cell Nose Dock -1,047,000

Subtotal, PL 110-5 -3,581,000

PL 110-161 (FY 2008):

AK: Elmendorf AFB -17,681,000 -12,741,000

Arizona-Luke AFB: Repair Runway Pavement.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,755,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Texas-Lackland AFB: Security Forces Building, Phase 1.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $900,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Texas-Laughlin AFB: Student Officer Quarters, Phase 2.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,440,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Texas-Randolph AFB: Fire and Rescue Station.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $972,000 be made available for the design of this project.

To Top

Military Construction, Defense-Wide

(including transfer and rescission of funds)

For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public works, installations, facilities, and real property for activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (other than the military departments), as currently authorized by law, $1,614,450,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, 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 designate, to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes, and for the same time period, as the appropriation or fund to which transferred: Provided further, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $211,606,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Defense-Wide' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated for `Military Construction, Defense-Wide' under Public Law 108-324, $3,589,000 are hereby rescinded.

To Top

Military Construction, Army National Guard

For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Army National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $628,668,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $50,563,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Army National Guard' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Maryland-Dundalk: Readiness Center Add/Alt.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $579,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Minnesota-Arden Hills ATS: Infrastructure Improvements.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,005,000 be made available for the design of this project.

North Carolina-Camp Butner: Training Complex.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,376,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Pennsylvania-Honesdale: Readiness Center Add/Alt.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $504,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh: Combined Support Maintenance Shop.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $3,250,000 be made available for the design of this project.

South Carolina-Sumter: Readiness Center.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $382,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Vermont-Ethan Allen Range: Readiness Center.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $323,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Virginia-Fort Belvoir: Readiness Center and NGB Conference Center.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,085,000 be made available for the design of this project.

To Top

Military Construction, Air National Guard

For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $142,809,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $10,209,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Air National Guard' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Illinois-Greater Peoria RAP: C-130 Squadron Operations Center.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $400,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Massachusetts-Otis ANGB: TFI Digital Ground Station FOC Beddown.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $1,700,000 be made available for the design of this project.

Rhode Island-Quonset State AP: Replace Control Tower.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $600,000 be made available for the design of this project.

To Top

Military Construction, Army Reserve

For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Army Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $282,607,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $14,883,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Army Reserve' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Texas-Bryan: Reserve Center.--Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $920,000 be made available for the design of this project.

To Top

Military Construction, Navy Reserve

For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the reserve components of the Navy and Marine Corps as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $57,045,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $2,045,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Navy Reserve' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

To Top

Military Construction, Air Force Reserve

For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air Force Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $30,018,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the amount appropriated, not to exceed $5,675,000 shall be available for study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the headings `Air Force Reserve' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Massachusetts-Westover ARB: Joint Service Lodging Facility. Of the funds provided for planning and design in this account, the Committee directs that not less than $943,000 be made available for the design of this project.

To Top

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 (including international military headquarters) and for related expenses for the collective defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Area as authorized by section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $218,867,000, to remain available until expended.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (NSIP) consists of annual contributions by NATO member countries. The program finances the costs of construction needed to support the roles of the major NATO commands. The investments cover facilities such as airfields, fuel pipelines and storage, harbors, communications and information systems, radar and navigational aids, and military headquarters.

Family Housing

Family housing construction accounts provide funds for new construction, construction improvements, the Federal government costs for family housing privatization projects, and planning and design. The operation and maintenance accounts provide funds to pay for maintenance and repair, furnishings, management, services, utilities, leasing, interest, mortgage insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.

Family Housing Construction, Army

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $646,580,000 for Family Housing Construction, Army, an increase of $226,739,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and a decrease of $32,000,000 below the budget request. The appropriation includes $226,000,000 to construct new family housing units, $420,001,000 to improve or privatize existing units, and $579,000 for planning and design.

For expenses of family housing for the Army for construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, $646,580,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the heading `Family Housing Construction, Army' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $716,110,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army, a decrease of $15,810,000 below the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request.

For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $716,110,000.

Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $382,778,000 for Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps, an increase of $89,649,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request. The appropriation includes $62,598,000 to construct new family housing units, $318,011,000 to improve or privatize existing units, and $2,169,000 for planning and design.

For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, $382,778,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the heading `Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $376,062,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps, an increase of $4,658,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request.

For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $376,062,000.

Family Housing Construction, Air Force

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $395,879,000 for Family Housing Construction, Air Force, an increase of $83,132,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request. The appropriation includes $71,828,000 to construct new family housing units, $316,343,000 to improve or privatize existing units, and $7,708,000 for planning and design.

For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, $395,879,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified under the heading `Family Housing Construction, Air Force' in the table entitled `Military Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $594,465,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force, a decrease of $93,870,000 below the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and a decrease of $5,000,000 below the budget request.

For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by law, $594,465,000.

Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $49,231,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, an increase of $383,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request.

For expenses of family housing for the activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (other than the military departments) for operation and maintenance, leasing, and minor construction, as authorized by law, $49,231,000.

Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund

The Family Housing Improvement Fund (FHIF) is authorized by section 2883, title 10, United States Code, and provides the Department of Defense with authority to finance joint ventures with the private sector to revitalize and to manage the Department's housing inventory. The statute authorizes the Department to use limited partnerships, make direct and guaranteed loans, and convey Department-owned property to stimulate the private sector to increase the availability of affordable, quality housing for military personnel.

For the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund, $850,000, to remain available until expended, for family housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring and improving military family housing and supporting facilities.

Homeowners Assistance Fund

The Homeowners Assistance Fund account finances the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) which provides assistance to individual military and Federal civilian homeowners who sustain losses on the sales of their primary residences due to declining real estate markets attributable to the closure or realignment of military installations. This non-expiring revolving fund receives funding from several sources, including appropriations, borrowing authority, reimbursable authority, prior fiscal year unobligated balances, appropriation transfers, revenue from sale of acquired properties, and recovery of prior year obligations.

For the Homeowners Assistance Fund established by section 1013 of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3374), $4,500,000, to remain available until expended.

To Top

Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide

(including transfer of funds)

The Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide account provides funds for the design and construction of full-scale chemical disposal facilities and associated projects to upgrade installation support facilities and infrastructures required to support the Chemical Demilitarization program.

For expenses of construction, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the destruction of the United States stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions in accordance with section 1412 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521), and for the destruction of other chemical warfare materials that are not in the chemical weapon stockpile, as currently authorized by law, $134,278,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, 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 as the Secretary may designate, to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes, and for the same time period, as the appropriation to which transferred: Provided further, That the amount appropriated in this paragraph shall be for the projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table entitled `Chemical Demilitarization Construction' in the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives to accompany this bill.

To Top

Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $473,377,000 for the Base Realignment and Closure Account 1990, an increase of $177,688,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and an increase of $80,000,000 above the budget request. Of the amount provided above the budget request, the Committee directs that $60,000,000 shall be made available to the Navy, and $20,000,000 shall be made available to the Army. The Committee is aware that there is a backlog of remaining requirements, particularly for cleanup of unexploded ordnance, for closed installations dating back to the 1988 BRAC round. The Committee is concerned by the slow pace of progress in remediating these properties and directs the Department of Defense to make funding for previous BRAC rounds a higher priority.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,065,386,000 for the Base Realignment and Closure Account 2005, an increase of $1,829,795,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request. This funding supports the most recent base realignment and closure round which affects over 800 locations across the nation through 24 major closures, 24 major realignments, and 765 other actions.

For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990, established by section 2906(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), $473,377,000, to remain available until expended.

Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005

For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005, established by section 2906A(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), $9,065,386,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That the Department of Defense shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 14 days prior to obligating an amount for a construction project that exceeds or reduces the amount identified for that project in the most recently submitted budget request for this account by 20 percent or $2,000,000, whichever is less: Provided further, That the previous proviso shall not apply to projects costing less than $5,000,000, except for those projects not previously identified in any budget submission for this account and exceeding the minor construction threshold under 10 U.S.C. 2805.

To Top

Administrative Provisions

Sec. 101. None of the funds made available in this title shall be expended for payments under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction, where cost estimates exceed $25,000, to be performed within the United States, except Alaska, without the specific approval in writing of the Secretary of Defense setting forth the reasons therefore.

Sec. 102. Funds made available in this title for construction shall be available for hire of passenger motor vehicles.

Sec. 103. Funds made available in this title for construction may be used for advances to the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, for the construction of access roads as authorized by section 210 of title 23, United States Code, when projects authorized therein are certified as important to the national defense by the Secretary of Defense.

Sec. 104. 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 made.

Sec. 105. None of the funds made available in this title shall be used for purchase of land or land easements in excess of 100 percent of the value as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, except: (1) where there is a determination of value by a Federal court; (2) purchases negotiated by the Attorney General or the designee of the Attorney General; (3) where the estimated value is less than $25,000; or (4) as otherwise determined by the Secretary of Defense to be in the public interest.

Sec. 106. None of the funds made available in this title shall be used to: (1) acquire land; (2) provide for site preparation; or (3) install utilities for any family housing, except housing for which funds have been made available in annual Acts making appropriations for military construction.

Sec. 107. 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 another, without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.

Sec. 108. 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 producers, fabricators, and manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such steel procurement.

Sec. 109. 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 nation.

Sec. 110. 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 Congress.

Sec. 111. None of the funds made available in this title may be obligated for architect and engineer contracts estimated by the Government to exceed $500,000 for projects to be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian Sea, unless such contracts are awarded to United States firms or United States firms in joint venture with host nation firms.

Sec. 112. 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 Atoll, or in countries bordering the Arabian Sea, may be used to award any contract estimated by the Government to exceed $1,000,000 to a foreign contractor: Provided, 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 20 percent: Provided further, 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 contractor.

Sec. 113. The Secretary of Defense is to inform the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, including the Committees on Appropriations, of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving United States personnel 30 days prior to its occurring, if amounts expended for construction, either temporary or permanent, are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

Sec. 114. Not more than 20 percent of the funds made available in this title which are limited for obligation during the current fiscal year shall be obligated during the last two months of the fiscal year.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 115. 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 Congress.

Sec. 116. For military construction or family housing projects that are being completed with funds otherwise expired or lapsed for obligation, expired or lapsed funds may be used to pay the cost of associated supervision, inspection, overhead, engineering and design on those projects and on subsequent claims, if any.

Sec. 117. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 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 contract, or for any portion of such a project or contract, at any time before the end of the fourth fiscal year after the fiscal year for which funds for such project were made available, if the funds obligated for such project: (1) are obligated from funds available for military construction projects; and (2) do not exceed the amount appropriated for such project, plus any amount by which the cost of such project is increased pursuant to law.

Sec. 118. (a) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, by February 15 of each year, an annual report, in unclassified and, if necessary classified form, on actions taken by the Department of Defense and the Department of State during the previous fiscal year to encourage host countries to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such countries and the United States.

(b) The report under subsection (a) shall include a description of--

(1) attempts to secure cash and in-kind contributions from host countries for military construction projects;

(2) attempts to achieve economic incentives offered by host countries to encourage private investment for the benefit of the United States Armed Forces;

(3) attempts to recover funds due to be paid to the United States by host countries for assets deeded or otherwise imparted to host countries upon the cessation of United States operations at military installations;

(4) the amount spent by host countries on defense, in dollars and in terms of the percent of gross domestic product (GDP) of the host country; and

(5) for host countries that are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the amount contributed to NATO by host countries, in dollars and in terms of the percent of the total NATO budget.

(c) In this section, the term `host country' means other member countries of NATO, Japan, South Korea, and United States allies bordering the Arabian Sea.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 119. In addition to any other transfer authority available to the Department of Defense, proceeds deposited to the Department of Defense Base Closure Account established by section 207(a)(1) of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (10 U.S.C. 2687 note) pursuant to section 207(a)(2)(C) of such Act, may be transferred to the account established by section 2906(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), to be merged with, and to be available for the same purposes and the same time period as that account.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 120. Subject to 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883, of title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, such additional amounts as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense may be transferred to: (1) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction in `Family Housing' accounts, 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 Fund; or (2) the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction of military unaccompanied housing in `Military Construction' accounts, 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 Fund: Provided, That appropriations made available to the Funds shall be available to cover the costs, as defined in section 502(5) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of direct loans or loan guarantees issued by the Department of Defense pursuant to the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, pertaining to alternative means of acquiring and improving military family housing, military unaccompanied housing, and supporting facilities.

Sec. 121. (a) Not later than 60 days before issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing the Secretary of the military department concerned shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the notice described in subsection (b).

(b)(1) A notice referred to in subsection (a) is a notice of any guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments) proposed to be made by the Secretary to the private party under the contract involved in the event of--

(A) the closure or realignment of the installation for which housing is provided under the contract;

(B) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or

(2) Each notice under this subsection shall specify the nature of the guarantee involved and assess the extent and likelihood, if any, of the liability of the Federal Government with respect to the guarantee.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 122. In addition to any other transfer authority available to the Department of Defense, amounts may be transferred from the accounts established by sections 2906(a)(1) and 2906A(a)(1) of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), to the fund established by section 1013(d) of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 3374) to pay for expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program. 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 transferred.

Sec. 123. Notwithstanding this or any other provision of law, 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 units, including general or flag officer quarters: Provided, That not more than $35,000 per unit may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer quarters without 30 days prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, 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 submission: Provided further, That the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) 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 year.

Sec. 124. Amounts contained in the Ford Island Improvement Account established by subsection (h) of section 2814 of title 10, United States Code, are appropriated and shall be available until expended for the purposes specified in subsection (i)(1) of such section or until transferred pursuant to subsection (i)(3) of such section.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 125. None of the funds made available in this title, or in any Act making appropriations for military construction which remain available for obligation, may be obligated or expended to carry out a military construction, land acquisition, or family housing project at or for a military installation approved for closure, or at a military installation for the purposes of supporting a function that has been approved for realignment to another installation, in 2005 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note), unless such a project at a military installation approved for realignment will support a continuing mission or function at that installation or a new mission or function that is planned for that installation, or unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that the cost to the United States of carrying out such project would be less than the cost to the United States of cancelling such project, or if the project is at an active component base that shall be established as an enclave or in the case of projects having multi-agency use, that another Government agency has indicated it will assume ownership of the completed project. The Secretary of Defense may not transfer funds made available as a result of this limitation from any military construction project, land acquisition, or family housing project to another account or use such funds for another purpose or project without the prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress. This section shall not apply to military construction projects, land acquisition, or family housing projects for which the project is vital to the national security or the protection of health, safety, or environmental quality: Provided, That the Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees within seven days of a decision to carry out such a military construction project.

(including transfer of funds)

Sec. 126. During the 5-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 obligation, 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 appropriations, unobligated balances of such appropriations may be transferred into the appropriation `Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense', to be merged with and to be available for the same time period and for the same purposes as the appropriation to which transferred.

Sec. 127. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this title may be used for any action that is related to or promotes the expansion of the boundaries or size of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colorado.

To Top

TITLE II

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest Federal agencies in terms of employment with an average employment of approximately 253,000. The nation has more than 23,500,000 veterans, and 35,900,000 family members of living veterans and survivors of deceased veterans. Thus, close to 59,400,000 people, comprising about 19.6 percent of the total population of the United States, are potential recipients of veterans benefits provided by the Federal government.

The funds recommended provide compensation payments to 3,356,343 veterans and survivors of deceased veterans with service-connected disabilities; pension payments to 517,736 non-service-connected disabled veterans, widows and children in need of financial assistance; education training, tuition assistance, and vocational assistance to 567,854 veterans, servicemembers, and reservists, and 82,728 eligible dependents of deceased veterans or seriously disabled veterans; housing credit assistance in the form of 180,000 guaranteed loans to veterans and servicemembers; administration or supervision of life insurance programs with 7,087,725 policies for veterans and active duty servicemembers providing coverage of $1,084,862,000,000; inpatient care and treatment of beneficiaries in 153 hospitals, 50 domiciliary residential rehabilitation treatment programs (formerly called `domiciliaries'), 135 nursing homes, and 1,089 outpatient clinics, which includes independent, satellite, community-based, and rural outreach clinics involving 70,457,000 visits; and administration of the National Cemetery Administration for burial of eligible veterans, servicemembers and their survivors.

Veterans Benefits Administration

compensation and pensions

(including transfer of funds)

This appropriation provides funds for service-connected compensation payments to an estimated 3,356,343 beneficiaries and pension payments to another 517,736 beneficiaries with non-service-connected disabilities. The average cost per compensation case in 2009 is estimated at $11,817, and pension payments are projected at a unit cost of $7,737.

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $43,111,681,000 for compensation, pension, and burial benefits, an increase of $1,875,359,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the budget request.

For the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of veterans and a pilot program for disability examinations as authorized by section 107 and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code; pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 15, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code; and burial benefits, the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors, emergency and other officers' retirement pay, adjusted-service credits and certificates, payment of premiums due on commercial life insurance policies guaranteed under the provisions of title IV of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 541 et seq.) and for other benefits as authorized by sections 107, 1312, 1977, and 2106, and chapters 23, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code, $43,111,681,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That not to exceed $26,798,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be reimbursed to `General operating expenses', `Medical support and compliance', and `Information technology systems' for necessary expenses in implementing the provisions of chapters 51, 53, and 55 of title 38, United States Code, the funding source for which is specifically provided as the `Compensation and pensions' appropriation: Provided further, That such sums as may be earned on an actual qualifying patient basis, shall be reimbursed to `Medical care collections fund' to augment the funding of individual medical facilities for nursing home care provided to pensioners as authorized.

readjustment benefits

This appropriation finances the education and training of veterans and servicemembers whose initial entry on active duty took place on or after July 1, 1985. These benefits are included in the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. Eligibility to receive this assistance began in 1987. Basic benefits are funded through appropriations made to the Readjustment Benefits appropriation and transfers from the Department of Defense. Supplemental benefits are also provided to certain veterans through education assistance to certain members of the Selected Reserve and are funded through transfers from the Department of Defense. In addition, certain disabled veterans are provided with vocational rehabilitation, specially adapted housing grants, and automobile grants with approved adaptive equipment.

This account also finances educational assistance allowances for eligible dependents of those veterans who died from service-connected causes or have a total and permanent service-connected disability as well as dependents of servicemembers who were captured or missing-in-action.

For the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits to or on behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 21, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 39, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code, $3,086,944,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That expenses for rehabilitation program services and assistance which the Secretary is authorized to provide under subsection (a) of section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, other than under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11) of that subsection, shall be charged to this account.

veterans insurance and indemnities

The Veterans Insurance and Indemnities appropriation is made up of the former appropriations for military and naval insurance, applicable to World War I veterans; national service life insurance (NSLI), applicable to certain World War II veterans; servicemen's indemnities, applicable to Korean conflict veterans; and the veterans mortgage life insurance, applicable to individuals who have received a grant for specially adapted housing.

For military and naval insurance, national service life insurance, servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled veterans insurance, and veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by title 38, United States Code, chapters 19 and 21, $42,300,000, to remain available until expended.

veterans housing benefit program fund program account

The purpose of the home loan guaranty program is to facilitate the extension of mortgage credit on favorable terms by private lenders to eligible veterans.

For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program, as authorized by subchapters I through III of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That during fiscal year 2009, within the resources available, not to exceed $500,000 in gross obligations for direct loans are authorized for specially adapted housing loans.

In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs, $157,210,000.

vocational rehabilitation loans program account

(including transfer of funds)

This appropriation covers the funding subsidy cost of direct loans for vocational rehabilitation of eligible veterans and, in addition, it includes administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct loan program. Loans of up to $1,041 (based on indexed chapter 31 subsistence allowance rate) are available to service-connected disabled veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation programs when the veteran is temporarily in need of additional assistance. Repayment is made in monthly installments, without interest, through deductions from future payments of compensation, pension, subsistence allowance, educational assistance allowance, or retirement pay. Most loans are repaid in full in less than one year.

For the cost of direct loans, $61,000, as authorized by chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed $3,180,000.

In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct loan program, $320,000, which may be transferred to and merged with the appropriation for `General operating expenses'.

native american veteran housing loan program account

The Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program, as authorized by title 38 United States Code, chapter 37, subchapter V, provides the Secretary with authority to make direct housing loans to Native American veterans for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, or improving dwellings on trust lands.

For administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan program authorized by subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, $646,000.

guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans program account

Public Law 105-368, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998, established this program. All funds authorized for this program were appropriated in fiscal year 2000. Therefore, no appropriation request has been included for fiscal year 2009. Bill language is included allowing the use of up to a total of $750,000 in Medical Support and Compliance and General Operating Expenses funds to administer this program.

For the administrative expenses to carry out the guaranteed transitional housing loan program authorized by subchapter VI of chapter 20 of title 38, United States Code, not to exceed $750,000 of the amounts appropriated by this Act for `General operating expenses' and `Medical support and compliance' may be expended.

To Top

Veterans Health Administration

medical services

(including transfer of funds)

The Department operates the largest Federal medical care delivery system in the country, with 153 hospitals, 50 domiciliary residential rehabilitation treatment programs (formerly called `domiciliaries'), 135 nursing homes, and 1,089 outpatient clinics which include independent, satellite, community-based, and rural outreach clinics.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is comprised of four accounts: Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical and Prosthetic Research. For these accounts, the Administration has requested total resources of $39,178,503,000 in direct appropriations and $2,544,000,000 in Medical Care Collections Fund appropriations, to fund the various operating programs of the VHA.

This appropriation provides for medical services of eligible veterans and beneficiaries in Department medical centers, outpatient clinic facilities, contract hospitals, State homes, and outpatient programs on a fee basis. Hospital and outpatient care is also provided by the private sector for certain dependents and survivors of veterans under the civilian health and medical programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Traumatic Brain Injury.--The Committee notes that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) was included as a Select Program in the budget submission. The Department of Veterans Affairs is directed to continue to include TBI as a Select Program in all future budget submissions.

Diabetes.--More than 70 percent of veterans who seek medical care through the VHA are overweight and 20 percent of the patient population has diabetes; which is a rate that is almost three times higher than the general population. The Committee is encouraged by the efforts that the Department has taken to address the challenges of obesity and diabetes.

Access to Medical Care in Remote Areas.--The Committee continues to be concerned by reports of poor access to care for veterans living in rural areas, areas where VHA services are not available, and areas where travel to VHA facilities is lengthy or difficult. While the Committee agrees that VHA facilities are the preferred option for health care services and that the electronic health record reduces waste while improving treatment, the Committee notes that receiving care should be the first priority. The Committee has therefore provided an additional $200,000,000 for fee-based services.

HIV/AIDS.--The Committee notes that the budget request has included $73,680,000 to update HIV testing policies, pending authorization. The Committee agrees with the funding and commends the Department for taking this action.

Prosthetics.--The Committee recommends an additional increase of $116,000,000 above the budget request for new generation prosthetics. The Secretary is directed to review policies with regard to prosthetics and report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress by January 30, 2009 on the steps taken to ensure that the Department is providing veterans with appropriate prosthetic support given recent advances in technology.

Outpatient Services for the Blind.--The Committee was pleased to see an increase in funding for Blind Rehabilitation Services and expects the Department to continue current outpatient services for the blind at no less than fiscal year 2008 levels.

High Risk Populations.--The Committee believes that every effort should be made to increase research, develop early detection and prevention programs, and partner with the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services to develop comprehensive and universal clinical practice guidelines based on evidence-based medicine for diseases that are prevalent among the veteran population and/or the veteran population is at greater risk of contracting than other Americans. The Committee encourages the Department to consider increasing efforts for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; lung cancer screening technologies such as computed tomography scans and computer aided detection in conjunction with chest x-rays; photon-mediated pain treatment; ultrasonic bone stimulation on healing; and bladder cancer screening.

Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Veterans.--The Committee has included an additional $50,000,000 for a total increase of $100,000,000, to increase the mileage reimburseent rate for veterans by an additional 6.5 cents, to 41.5 cents per mile. This further increase is necessary due to the fact that average retail gasoline prices have increased an average of $1.75 per gallon since January 2007 to a national average of over $4 per gallon.

For necessary expenses for furnishing, as authorized by law, inpatient and outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans described in section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, including care and treatment in facilities not under the jurisdiction of the Department, and including medical supplies and equipment, food services, and salaries and expenses of health-care employees hired under title 38, United States Code, and aid to State homes as authorized by section 1741 of title 38, United States Code; $30,854,270,000, plus reimbursements, of which not less than $3,800,000,000 shall be expended for specialty mental health care: Provided, That of the funds made available under this heading, not to exceed $1,350,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2010: Provided further, That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a priority for the provision of medical treatment for veterans who have service-connected disabilities, lower income, or have special needs: Provided further, That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall give priority funding for the provision of basic medical benefits to veterans in enrollment priority groups 1 through 6: Provided further, That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, 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 Secretary: Provided further, That the implementation of the program described in the previous proviso shall incur no additional cost to the Department of Veterans Affairs: Provided further, That for the Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as authorized by section 8111(d) of title 38, United States Code, a minimum of $15,000,000, to remain available until expended, for any purpose authorized by section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.

medical support and compliance

The Medical Support and Compliance appropriation funds the expenses of management and administration of the Department's health care system to include financial management, public health and environmental hazard, quality and performance management, medical inspection, human research oversight, training programs and continuing education, security, volunteer operations, and human resources.

For necessary expenses in the administration of the medical, hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, construction, supply, and research activities, as authorized by law; administrative expenses in support of capital policy activities; and administrative and legal expenses of the Department for collecting and recovering amounts owed the Department as authorized under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, and the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.): $4,400,000,000, plus reimbursements, of which $250,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2010.

medical facilities

The Medical Facilities appropriation provides funds for the operation and maintenance of the Department's health care system's capital infrastructure. Included under this heading are provisions for costs associated with utilities, engineering, capital planning, leases, laundry, grounds keeping, garbage, housekeeping, facility repair, and property disposition and acquisition.

For necessary expenses for the maintenance and operation of hospitals, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities and other necessary facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; for administrative expenses in support of planning, design, project management, real property acquisition and disposition, construction, and renovation of any facility under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department; for oversight, engineering, and architectural activities not charged to project costs; for repairing, altering, improving, or providing facilities in the several hospitals and homes under the jurisdiction of the Department, not otherwise provided for, either by contract or by the hire of temporary employees and purchase of materials; for leases of facilities; and for laundry services, $5,029,000,000, plus reimbursements, of which $350,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2010: Provided, That $300,000,000 for non-recurring maintenance provided under this heading shall be allocated in a manner not subject to the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation.

medical and prosthetic research

This account includes medical, rehabilitative, and health services research. Medical research is an important aspect of the Department's programs, providing complete medical and hospital services for veterans. The prosthetic research program is also essential in the development and testing of prosthetic, orthopedic, and sensory aids for the purpose of improving the care and rehabilitation of eligible disabled veterans, including amputees, paraplegics, and the blind. The health services research program provides unique opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care delivery system. In addition, budgetary resources from a number of areas including appropriations from the medical care accounts, reimbursements from the Department of Defense, and grants from the National Institutes of Health, private proprietary sources, and voluntary organizations provide support for the Department's researchers.

For necessary expenses in carrying out programs of medical and prosthetic research and development as authorized by chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, $500,000,000, plus reimbursements, to remain available until September 30, 2010.

National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration was established in accordance with Public Law 93-43, the National Cemeteries Act of 1973. It has a fourfold mission: to provide for the interment, in any national cemetery with available grave space, the remains of eligible deceased servicemembers and discharged veterans, together with their spouses and certain dependents, and to permanently maintain their graves; to provide headstones for, and to mark graves of eligible persons in national, State, and private cemeteries; to administer the grant program for aid to States in establishing, expanding, or improving State veterans' cemeteries; and to administer the Presidential Memorial Certificate Program. This appropriation will provide for the operation and maintenance of 164 cemeterial installations in 39 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

For necessary expenses of the National Cemetery Administration for operations and maintenance, not otherwise provided for, including uniforms or allowances therefor; cemeterial expenses as authorized by law; purchase of one passenger motor vehicle for use in cemeterial operations; hire of passenger motor vehicles; and repair, alteration or improvement of facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department, $240,000,000, of which not to exceed $20,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2010.

To Top

Departmental Administration

general operating expenses

For necessary operating expenses of the Department of Veterans Affairs, not otherwise provided for, including administrative expenses in support of Department-Wide capital planning, management and policy activities, uniforms, or allowances therefor; not to exceed $25,000 for official reception and representation expenses; hire of passenger motor vehicles; and reimbursement of the General Services Administration for security guard services, and the Department of Defense for the cost of overseas employee mail, $1,801,867,000: Provided, That expenses for services and assistance authorized under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11) of section 3104(a) of title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans: (1) to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment; or (2) to achieve maximum independence in daily living, shall be charged to this account: Provided further, That the Veterans Benefits Administration shall be funded at not less than $1,473,753,000: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, not to exceed $75,000,000 shall be available for obligation until September 30, 2010: Provided further, That from the funds made available under this heading, the Veterans Benefits Administration may purchase (on a one-for-one replacement basis only) up to two passenger motor vehicles for use in operations of that Administration in Manila, Philippines.

information technology systems

The Information Technology Systems account was established in P.L. 109-114. The account previously encompassed the entire non-pay information technology portfolio for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including all automation efforts in all administrations. Starting in fiscal year 2007, and reflected for the first time in the budget request for fiscal year 2008, this account also included pay and associated costs for information technology staff.

For necessary expenses for information technology systems and telecommunications support, including developmental information systems and operational information systems; including pay and associated cost; for the capital asset acquisition of information technology systems, including management and related contractual costs of said acquisitions, including contractual costs associated with operations authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, $2,492,066,000, plus reimbursements, to be available until September 30, 2010: Provided, That none of these funds may be obligated until the Department of Veterans Affairs submits to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and such Committees approve, a plan for expenditure that: (1) meets the capital planning and investment control review requirements established by the Office of Management and Budget; (2) complies with the Department of Veterans Affairs enterprise architecture; (3) conforms with an established enterprise life cycle methodology; and (4) complies with the acquisition rules, requirements, guidelines, and systems acquisition management practices of the Federal Government: Provided further, That within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a reprogramming base letter which provides, by project, the costs included in this appropriation.

To Top

office of inspector general

The Office of Inspector General was established by the Inspector General Act of 1978 and is responsible for the audit, investigation, and inspection of all Department of Veterans Affairs programs and operations. The overall operational objective is to focus available resources on areas which would help improve services to veterans and their beneficiaries, assist managers of Department programs to operate economically in accomplishing program goals, and to prevent and deter recurring and potential fraud, waste, and inefficiencies.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, to include information technology, in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), $87,818,000, of which $5,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 2010.

To Top

construction, major projects

The Construction, Major Projects appropriation provides for constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including planning, architectural and engineering services, assessments, and site acquisition where the estimated cost of a project is $10,000,000 or more.

For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the facilities, including parking projects, under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or for any of the purposes set forth in sections 316, 2404, 2406, 8102, 8103, 8106, 8108, 8109, 8110, and 8122 of title 38, United States Code, including planning, architectural and engineering services, construction management services, maintenance or guarantee period services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the project, services of claims analysts, offsite utility and storm drainage system construction costs, and site acquisition, where the estimated cost of a project is more than the amount set forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States Code, or where funds for a project were made available in a previous major project appropriation, $923,382,000, to remain available until expended, of which $10,000,000 shall be to make reimbursements as provided in section 13 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 612) for claims paid for contract disputes: Provided, That except for advance planning activities, including needs assessments which may or may not lead to capital investments, and other capital asset management related activities, including portfolio development and management activities, and in