Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. The bill also specifies that the VA may adjust the per diem rate in response to an emergency.
Impact
If enacted, HB 491 will significantly impact the financial assistance provided to organizations supporting homeless veterans. By adjusting the per diem payments, the bill not only aims to increase the capacity of these organizations to offer essential services but also to encourage more entities to participate in providing support. This potential increase in funding could lead to enhanced services and improved living conditions for veterans facing homelessness, which is a pressing concern across multiple states.
Summary
House Bill 491, titled the 'Return Home to Housing Act', aims to enhance the support for homeless veterans by increasing the maximum per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to qualifying entities offering services and transitional housing. This initiative seeks to recognize the growing need for support services for homeless veterans and improve the resources available to organizations that assist them. Notably, the bill allows for the adjustment of per diem rates in response to emergency situations, thereby promoting a more flexible and effective approach in addressing urgent needs among these vulnerable populations.
Contention
While the bill addresses critical issues surrounding veterans' homelessness and aims at expanding funding, there may be discussions regarding budget allocations and the sustainability of increased per diem rates. Some lawmakers could express concerns about the potential financial implications for the VA and whether sufficient funding exists to support these adjustments without affecting other veterans' services. Additionally, ensuring that the funds allocated to organizations are used effectively and monitored could also be points of contention during legislative discussions.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to entities that furnish services to homeless veterans.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to entities that furnish services to homeless veterans.
Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects during FY2023. The bill also indicates the maximum amount that can be spent on each project.
Gerald's Law Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies from a non-service-connected disability in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care).
Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.
VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Battle Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.
Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to local and tribal government entities for the planning and implementation of programs to address homelessness. The program includes five-year implementation grants to assist such entities in carrying out activities and paying capital building costs associated with the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families. Eligible entities must demonstrate the capacity to address areas such as mental health, substance use disorder and recovery services, chronic health conditions, and educational and job training.