H.R. 4004 – Reading Mode

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 4004

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 5, 2014

Mr. Waxman (for himself, Ms. Brownley of California, and Mr. Schiff) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases for certain buildings of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the West Los Angeles Medical Center, California.

Authority to enter into enhanced-use leases for certain buildings of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the West Los Angeles Medical Center, California

(a)

Authority

(1)

In general

Except as provided by subsection (b), in accordance with subchapter V of chapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into an enhanced-use lease for a covered building for the provision of long-term therapeutic housing for covered veterans.

(2)

Rule of construction

The authority provided by paragraph (1) is a specific authorization for purposes of section 8162(c) of such title.

(b)

Prohibition on disposition of leased property

(1)

In general

In accordance with section 224(a) of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (division I of Public Law 110–161; 121 Stat. 2272), section 8164 of title 38, United States Code, shall not apply to a covered building.

(2)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the prohibition under such section 224(a) on the disposal of a covered building.

(c)

Biennial review and report

(1)

Review required

Not less than once during each two-year period in which an enhanced-use lease is in effect under subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a review of such lease, including by assessing the party that is entered into such lease and determining whether such lease should continue.

(2)

Report required

During each two-year period in which an enhanced-use lease is in effect under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1).

(d)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Covered building

The term covered building means any of the following buildings located at the West Los Angeles Medical Center, California:

(A)

Building 205.

(B)

Building 208.

(2)

Covered veteran

The term covered veteran means a veteran who is—

(A)

homeless; and

(B)

with respect to housing, requires assisted living or other similar form of care.

(3)

Enhanced-use lease

The term enhanced-use lease has the meaning given that term in section 8161 of title 38, United States Code.

(4)

Long-term therapeutic housing

The term long-term therapeutic housing means supportive housing consisting of clinically supportive living facilities that provide housing to a homeless veteran for a period that is sufficient for the veteran to achieve stability and require a lower level of care than is provided at such facilities.