H.R. 3562, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish assistance for adaptions of residences of veterans in rehabilitation programs under chapter 31 of such title, and for other purposes

Floor Situation

On Monday, November 6, 2017, the House will consider H.R. 3562, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish assistance for adaptions of residence of veterans in rehabilitation programs under chapter 31 of such title, and for other purposes, under suspension of the rules. H.R. 3562 was introduced on July 28, 2017, by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, which ordered the bill reported by voice vote on October 12, 2017.

Summary

H.R. 3562 would allow employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Home Loan Service tasked with implementing the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) benefit to also be tasked with providing home adaption to eligible veterans enrolled in the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Most of these veterans would fall under VR&E’s independent living track (meaning they are severely disabled) and home adaptions would be limited to the current SAH cap of $77,307 unless the veteran can demonstrate the need for more investment.

Background

The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides assistance to veterans whose disabilities prevent them from work, including the cost of modifying veterans’ homes to enable them to live independently[1]. VR&E has counselors to offer specialized home adaptions to veterans in need; however they often do not have the proper knowledge of how to appropriately adapt a home[2]. This bill tasks SAH agents, who already have a complete knowledge of home adaptations, with the responsibility of ensuring veterans under the VR&E program receive the best in-home care.

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates enacting H.R. 3562 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Dominique Yantko with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 3-1555.