General provisions of this bill promise Veterans better long-term health care, new Veterans' cemeteries, immediate construction of the World War II Memorial, and several other improved benefits as highlighted below. A related bill passed by the House last week provides for a 2.4 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for disability compensation and survivors' benefits. Approval of both H.R. 2116 and the COLA by the Senate is expected making both bills ready for President Clinton's signature.

Health Care Enhancements in H.R. 2116

Improved access to long-term care for severely disabled Veterans.

VA's duty to provide alternatives to nursing home care are expanded.

The VA would be authorized to pay reasonable emergency care costs for Veterans obtaining their principal health care from the VA.

Improved specialized mental health care services for Veterans.

Authorize the VA to offer health care to TRICARE-eligible retirees and Purple Heart recipients who otherwise do not qualify for VA care.

Allow the VA greater flexibility in how it generates new income and how it can spend it to enhance Veterans' care.

Continue and expand the VA's authority to create and award grants to assist homeless Veterans.

Other Benefits Provisions of H.R. 2116

Increase the VA's authority in raising money for the American Battle Monuments Commission, thus making it possible for construction of the National World War II Memorial to begin in 2000.

Obligate Advanced Planning Funds for construction of six new national Veterans' cemeteries and a study of needs and improvements to existing national cemeteries.

Makes surviving spouses of former POWs who die with a service-related disability eligible for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) payments.

Restores certain CHAMPVA benefits to surviving spouses following termination of a subsequent marriage.

Adds bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma, a form of lung cancer not related to tobacco use, to the list of service-related diseases for certain veterans exposed to nuclear radiation.

The housing loan program for members of the Reserves and National Guard who serve at least six years would be extended from 2003 to 2007.

Authorizes $65 million for homeless Veterans' programs during 2000 - 2003.

Require the VA to develop and implement quality assurance measures for all benefits programs.

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