Description:
H.R. 2256 would establish a tracking system for biological implants, create a commission to assess mental health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expand the definition of homeless veterans for purpose of certain programs and benefits offered by VA, and require VA to submit an annual report to the Congress. In total, CBO estimates that implementing this bill would increase costs to VA by $9 million over the 2016-2020 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.
In addition, CBO estimates that enacting the bill would decrease direct spending by $9 million over the 2016-2025 period by adjusting the monthly payments for VA educational benefits; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply to the bill. Enacting H.R. 2256 would not affect revenues.
H.R. 2256 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments.
ESTIMATED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 2256 is shown in the following table. The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 700 (veterans benefits and services).
