Us Congress House Bill HB5377

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/8/23
• Refer: 9/8/23
• Refer: 9/13/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill also introduces provisions that extend the period of applicability of certain educational assistance relief for veterans affected by the closure or disapproval of educational institutions. This extension pushes the deadline from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2025. Such a change provides necessary support to veterans who might be affected by sudden institutional changes, ensuring that they still receive their entitled benefits during this period.

Summary

House Bill 5377 aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to extend and modify certain authorizations and requirements related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Notably, it extends the temporary clarification of licensure requirements for contractor medical professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the VA. The bill proposes to expand the duration of this pilot program from three years to five years, enhancing the VA’s ability to manage disability claims effectively by utilizing contractor physicians.

Contention

Additionally, HB 5377 modifies the authorization of appropriations for the VA's emergency preparedness operations. It changes the authorization deadline from 2023 to 2028, which will allow for more prolonged planning and enhancement of the VA's response capabilities in emergencies. One point of contention related to the bill may arise regarding the modification of housing loan fees, which affects the financial landscape for veterans seeking loans, hence this aspect may need further discussion among legislators.