Floor Situation

On Friday, September 27, 2013, the House will consider the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1412, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013, as Amended. The Senate passed H.R. 1412 with an amendment and an amendment to the title by unanimous consent on September 23, 2013.  The legislation was originally called the Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013.

Bill Summary

The Senate Amendment, which operates in the nature of a substitute, extends certain authorities that would expire on October 1, 2013 through the end of the calendar year, and extends other authorities through FY 2014.  It extends the following authorizations through December 31, 2013:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) authority to provide monthly assistance for veterans with disabilities competing for, or selected to the U.S. Paralympic Team
• The VA’s authority to award grants to plan, develop, and manage an adaptive sports program for disabled veterans and service members

Other expiring authorities are extended through September, 2014.  Moreover, this legislation extends the VA’s authority to use the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Directory of New Hires for income verification purposes for needs-based veterans’ benefits for 180 days after enactment.

Background

On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, the House passed H.R. 1412, the Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013 by a vote of 416-0.[1]

Cost

According to the CBO, H.R. 1412 will save $1 million in FY 2014, $3 million over FY 2014-2018, and $4 million over FY 2014-2023.[1]

Additional Information

For questions or further information contact the GOP Conference at 5-5107.