38 USC 546 - Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation

Collapse to view only § 546. Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation

§ 541. Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War
§ 542. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
§ 543. Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs
§ 544. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans
§ 545. Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans
§ 546. Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation
§ 547. Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs
§ 548. Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States

§ 541. Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War

(a)

(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(2)

(A) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary from the general public and shall include—

(i) appropriate representatives of veterans who are former prisoners of war;

(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to disabilities prevalent among former prisoners of war, including authorities in epidemiology, mental health, nutrition, geriatrics, and internal medicine; and

(iii) appropriate representatives of disabled veterans.

(B) The Committee shall also include, as ex officio members, the Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.

(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that the term of service of any such member may not exceed three years.

(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits under this title for veterans who are former prisoners of war and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, and rehabilitation.

(c)

(1) Not later than July 1 of each odd-numbered year through 2009, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to veterans who are former prisoners of war. Each such report shall include—

(A) an assessment of the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, and rehabilitation;

(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and

(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers to be appropriate.

(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted to the Congress pursuant to that section.

(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 392; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, § 302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 106–419, title IV, § 403(c)(2), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 108–454, title VIII, § 803, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3626.)

§ 542. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

(a)

(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the Committee”).

(2)

(A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including—

(i) representatives of women veterans;

(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of women veterans, including the gender-specific health-care needs of women;

(iii) representatives of both female and male veterans with service-connected disabilities, including at least one female veteran with a service-connected disability and at least one male veteran with a service-connected disability; and

(iv) women veterans who are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces.

(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members—

(i) the Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the Secretary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment);

(ii) the Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense after consultation with the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services); and

(iii) the Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.

(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other departments and agencies of the United States to participate in the meetings and other activities of the Committee.

(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such member for additional terms of service.

(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits by the Department for women veterans, reports and studies pertaining to women veterans and the needs of women veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department, including the Center for Women Veterans.

(c)

(1) Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to women veterans. Each such report shall include—

(A) an assessment of the needs of women veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department;

(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs;

(D) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.

(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 393; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, § 302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 104–275, title V, § 501(e)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3341; Pub. L. 106–419, title IV, § 403(c)(3), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 109–444, § 5, Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3308; Pub. L. 109–461, title II, § 208(b), title X, § 1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3413, 3468; Pub. L. 110–387, title VIII, § 808, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4141; Pub. L. 111–163, title II, § 204(a), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 116–315, title V, § 5302, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5038; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, § 5101, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3205.)

§ 543. Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs

(a) There is in the Department an advisory committee known as the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(b) The objectives and scope of activities of the Committee shall relate to—

(1) prosthetics and special-disabilities programs administered by the Secretary;

(2) the coordination of programs of the Department for the development and testing of, and for information exchange regarding, prosthetic devices;

(3) the coordination of Department and non-Department programs that involve the development and testing of prosthetic devices; and

(4) the adequacy of funding for the prosthetics and special-disabilities programs of the Department.

(c) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee on the matters described in subsection (b).

(d) Not later than January 15 of 1993, 1994, and 1995, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the prosthetics and special-disabilities programs administered by the Secretary during the preceding fiscal year. Not more than 60 days after the date on which any such report is received by the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit a report to such committees commenting on the report of the Committee.

(e) As used in this section, the term “special-disabilities programs” includes all programs administered by the Secretary for—

(1) spinal-cord-injured veterans;

(2) blind veterans;

(3) veterans who have lost or lost the use of extremities;

(4) hearing-impaired veterans; and

(5) other veterans with serious incapacities in terms of daily life functions.

(Added Pub. L. 102–405, title I, § 105(b)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1975.)

§ 544. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans

(a)

(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the Committee”).

(2)

(A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including—

(i) representatives of veterans who are minority group members;

(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of veterans who are minority group members;

(iii) veterans who are minority group members and who have experience in a military theater of operations;

(iv) veterans who are minority group members and who do not have such experience; and

(v) women veterans who are minority group members and are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces.

(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the following:

(i) The Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the Secretary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment).

(ii) The Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense).

(iii) The Secretary of the Interior (or a representative of the Secretary of the Interior designated by the Secretary of the Interior).

(iv) The Secretary of Commerce (or a representative of the Secretary of Commerce designated by the Secretary of Commerce).

(v) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Services designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services).

(vi) The Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.

(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other departments and agencies of the United States to participate in the meetings and other activities of the Committee.

(4) The Committee shall meet as often as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate, but not less often than twice each fiscal year.

(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits by the Department for veterans who are minority group members, reports and studies pertaining to such veterans and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department, including the Center for Minority Veterans.

(c)

(1) Not later than July 1 of every other year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to veterans who are minority group members. Each such report shall include—

(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans who are minority group members with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department;

(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and

(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.

(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

(d) In this section, the term “minority group member” means an individual who is—

(1) Asian American;

(2) Black;

(3) Hispanic;

(4) Native American (including American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian); or

(5) Pacific-Islander American.

(e) The Committee shall cease to exist September 30, 2026.

(Added Pub. L. 103–446, title V, § 510(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4668; amended Pub. L. 104–275, title V, § 501(e)(2), (f), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3341; Pub. L. 106–117, title VIII, § 803, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1586; Pub. L. 108–183, title VII, § 703, Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2671; Pub. L. 110–389, title VIII, § 808, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4189; Pub. L. 111–163, title II, § 204(b), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 113–175, title IV, § 404, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1905; Pub. L. 114–58, title IV, § 406, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 114–228, title IV, § 406, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 115–62, title IV, § 406, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1164; Pub. L. 115–251, title I, § 166, Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3171; Pub. L. 117–180, div. E, title IV, § 403, Sept. 30, 2022, 136 Stat. 2139.)

§ 545. Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans

(a)

(1) There is in the Department the Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(2) The Committee shall consist of not more than 18 members appointed by the Secretary from among individuals who—

(A) have demonstrated significant civic or professional achievement; and

(B) have experience with the provision of veterans benefits and services by the Department.

(3) The Secretary shall seek to ensure that members appointed to the Committee include individuals from a wide variety of geographic areas and ethnic backgrounds, individuals from veterans service organizations, individuals with combat experience, and women.

(4) The Secretary shall determine the terms of service and pay and allowances of the members of the Committee, except that a term of service may not exceed two years. The Secretary may reappoint any member for additional terms of service.

(b)

(1) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the provision by the Department of benefits and services to veterans in order to assist veterans in the readjustment to civilian life.

(2)

(A) In providing advice to the Secretary under this subsection, the Committee shall—

(i) assemble and review information relating to the needs of veterans in readjusting to civilian life;

(ii) provide information relating to the nature and character of psychological problems arising from service in the Armed Forces;

(iii) provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the policies, organizational structures, and services of the Department in assisting veterans in readjusting to civilian life; and

(iv) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate means of responding to the readjustment needs of veterans in the future.

(B) In carrying out its duties under subparagraph (A), the Committee shall take into special account the needs of veterans who have served in a theater of combat operations.

(c)

(1) Not later than March 31 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that relate to the readjustment of veterans to civilian life. Each such report shall include—

(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans with respect to readjustment to civilian life;

(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and

(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.

(2) Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of the report, together with any comments and recommendations concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

(d)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of chapter 10 of title 5 shall apply to the activities of the Committee under this section.

(2)Section 1013 of title 5 shall not apply to the Committee.

(Added Pub. L. 104–262, title III, § 333(a)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3199; amended Pub. L. 107–14, § 8(a)(16), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(217), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4330.)

§ 546. Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation

(a)Establishment.—

(1) There is in the Department the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(2) The Committee shall consist of not more than 18 members appointed by the Secretary from among individuals who—

(A) have experience with the provision of disability compensation by the Department; or

(B) are leading medical or scientific experts in relevant fields.

(3)

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall determine the terms of service and pay and allowances of the members of the Committee.

(B) A term of service may not exceed four years and shall be staggered to ensure that the dates for the termination of the members’ terms are not all the same.

(4) The Secretary shall select a Chair from among the members of the Committee.

(b)Responsibilities of Committee.—

(1) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the schedule for rating disabilities under section 1155 of this title.

(2)

(A) In providing advice to the Secretary under this subsection, the Committee shall—

(i) assemble and review relevant information relating to the needs of veterans with disabilities;

(ii) provide information relating to the nature and character of disabilities arising from service in the Armed Forces;

(iii) provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the schedule for rating disabilities; and

(iv) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate means of responding to the needs of veterans relating to disability compensation in the future.

(B) In carrying out its duties under subparagraph (A), the Committee shall take into special account the needs of veterans who have served in a theater of combat operations.

(c)Resources.—The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate personnel, funding, and other resources are provided to the Committee to carry out its responsibilities.

(d)Biennial Reports to the Secretary.—

(1) Not later than October 31, 2010, and not less frequently than every two years thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that relate to the payment of disability compensation. Each such report shall include—

(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans with respect to disability compensation; and

(B) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative or legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.

(2) The Committee may submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.

(e)Biennial Reports to Congress.—

(1) Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report required under subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a copy of such report, together with such comments and recommendations concerning such report as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(2) The Secretary shall submit with each report required under paragraph (1) a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary under subsection (d)(2) since the previous report transmitted by the Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(f)Applicability of Chapter 10 of Title 5.—

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of chapter 10 of title 5 shall apply to the activities of the Committee under this section.

(2)Section 1013 of title 5 shall not apply to the Committee.

(Added Pub. L. 110–389, title II, § 214(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4152; amended Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(218), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4330.)

§ 547. Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs

(a)Establishment.—

(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native American veterans.

(2) The advisory committee established under paragraph (1) shall be known as the “Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs” (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

(3) The Committee shall facilitate, but not supplant, government-to-government consultation between the Department and Indian tribes or tribal organizations.

(4) The Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in developing a charter for the Committee.

(b)Membership.—

(1) The Committee shall be comprised of 15 voting members selected by the Secretary from among individuals nominated as specified under this subsection.

(2) In selecting members under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that—

(A) at least one member of each of the 12 service areas of the Indian Health Service is represented in the membership of the Committee nominated by Indian tribes or tribal organizations;

(B) at least one member of the Committee represents the Native Hawaiian veteran community nominated by a Native Hawaiian Organization;

(C) at least one member of the Committee represents urban Indian organizations nominated by a national urban Indian organization; and

(D) not fewer than half of the members are veterans, unless the Secretary determines that an insufficient number of qualified veterans were nominated under paragraph (1).

(3) No member of the Committee may be an employee of the Federal Government.

(c)Terms; Vacancies.—

(1) A member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of two years.

(2) The Secretary shall fill a vacancy in the Committee in the same manner as the original appointment within 180 days.

(d)Meetings.—

(1)

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Committee shall meet in-person with the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, not less frequently than twice each year and hold monthly conference calls as necessary.

(B) During a public health emergency (as defined in section 20003 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116–136)), meetings under subparagraph (A) may be conducted virtually.

(2)

(A) Representatives of relevant Federal agencies may attend meetings of the Committee and provide information to the Committee.

(B) One representative of the Office of Tribal Government Relations of the Department shall attend at each meeting of the Committee.

(D) A representative attending a meeting or providing information under this paragraph may not receive additional compensation for services performed with respect to the Committee.

(e)Subcommittees.—

(1) The Committee may establish subcommittees.

(2) The Secretary may, in consultation with the Committee, appoint a member to a subcommittee established under paragraph (1) who is not a member of the Committee.

(3) Such subcommittees may enhance the function of the Committee, but may not supersede the authority of the Committee or provide direct advice or work products to the Department.

(f)Duties.—The duties of the Committee are as follows:

(1) To advise the Secretary on ways the Department can improve the programs and services of the Department to better serve Native American veterans.

(2) To identify for the Department evolving issues of relevance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native American veterans relating to programs and services of the Department.

(3) To propose clarifications, recommendations, and solutions to address issues raised at tribal, regional, and national levels, especially regarding any tribal consultation reports.

(4) To provide a forum for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and the Department to discuss issues and proposals for changes to Department regulations, policies, and procedures.

(5) To identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate strategies for tribal consultation and urban Indian organizations conferring on issues at the tribal, regional, or national levels.

(6) To ensure that pertinent issues are brought to the attention of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in a timely manner, so that feedback can be obtained.

(7) To encourage the Secretary to work with other Federal agencies and Congress so that Native American veterans are not denied the full benefit of their status as both Native Americans and veterans.

(8) To highlight contributions of Native American veterans in the Armed Forces.

(9) To make recommendations on the consultation policy of the Department on tribal matters.

(10) To support a process to develop an urban Indian organization confer policy to ensure the Secretary confers, to the maximum extent practicable, with urban Indian organizations.

(11) To conduct other duties as recommended by the Committee.

(g)Reports.—

(1) Not less frequently than once each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress such recommendations as the Committee may have for legislative or administrative action for the upcoming year.

(2) Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a recommendation under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a written response to the recommendation.

(3) Not less frequently than once every two years, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the activities of the Committee during the previous two years.

(4) The Secretary shall make publicly available on an Internet website of the Department—

(A) each recommendation the Secretary receives under paragraph (1);

(B) each response the Secretary submits under paragraph (2); and

(h)Committee Personnel Matters.—A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.

(i)Federal Advisory Committee Act Exemption.—Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 1

1 See References in Text note below.

shall not apply to the Committee.

(j)Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—

(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.

(2) The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(3) The term “Native Hawaiian organization” means any organization that—

(A) serves the interests of Native Hawaiians;

(B) has Native Hawaiians in substantive and policymaking positions within the organization;

(D) shall include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

(4) The term “Native American veteran” has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.

(5) The term “Office of Hawaiian Affairs” means the Office of Hawaiian Affairs established by the constitution of the State of Hawaii.

(6) The term “tribal organization” has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.

(7) The term “urban Indian organization” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).

(Added Pub. L. 116–315, title VII, § 7002(a)(1), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5054.)

§ 548. Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States

(a)Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the “Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States”, to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to covered veterans.

(b)Duties.—The duties of the Committee shall be the following:

(1) To advise the Secretary on matters relating to covered veterans, including how the Secretary may improve the programs and services of the Department to better serve such veterans.

(2) To identify for the Secretary evolving issues of relevance to covered veterans.

(3) To propose clarifications, recommendations, and solutions to address issues raised by covered veterans.

(4) To provide a forum for covered veterans, veterans service organizations serving covered veterans, and the Department to discuss issues and proposals for changes to regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department.

(5) To identify priorities for and provide advice to the Secretary on appropriate strategies for consultation with veterans service organizations serving covered veterans.

(6) To encourage the Secretary to work with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, and Congress, to ensure covered veterans are provided the full benefits of their status as covered veterans.

(7) To highlight contributions of covered veterans in the Armed Forces.

(8) To conduct other duties as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(c)Membership.—

(1) The Committee shall be comprised of 15 voting members appointed by the Secretary.

(2) In appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure the following:

(A) At least one member is appointed to represent covered veterans in each of the following areas:

(i) American Samoa.

(ii) Guam.

(iii) Puerto Rico.

(iv) The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(v) The Virgin Islands of the United States.

(vi) The Federated States of Micronesia.

(vii) The Republic of the Marshall Islands.

(viii) The Republic of Palau.

(B) Not fewer than half of the members appointed are covered veterans, unless the Secretary determines that an insufficient number of qualified covered veterans are available.

(3) In appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary may consult with any Member of Congress who represents an area specified in paragraph (2)(A).

(4) In addition to the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1), the Committee shall be comprised of such ex officio members as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior shall appoint from among employees of the Department of State and the Department of the Interior, respectively.

(d)Terms; Vacancies.—

(1) A member of the Committee—

(A) shall be appointed for a term of two years; and

(B) may be reappointed to serve an additional two-year term.

(2) Not later than 180 days after the Secretary (or in the case of an ex officio member, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of the Interior, as the case may be) receives notice of a vacancy in the Committee, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(e)Meeting Format and Frequency.—

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Committee shall meet in-person with the Secretary not less frequently than once each year and hold monthly conference calls as necessary.

(2) Meetings held under paragraph (1) may be conducted virtually if determined necessary based on—

(A) Department protocols; and

(B) timing and budget considerations.

(f)Additional Representation.—

(1) Representatives of relevant Federal departments and agencies may attend meetings of the Committee and provide information to the Committee.

(2) One representative of the Department shall attend each meeting of the Committee.

(3) Representatives attending meetings under this subsection—

(A) may not be considered voting members of the Committee; and

(B) may not receive additional compensation for services performed with respect to the Committee.

(g)Subcommittees.—

(1) The Committee may establish subcommittees.

(2) The Secretary may, in consultation with the Committee, appoint a member to a subcommittee established under paragraph (1) who is not a member of the Committee.

(3) A subcommittee established under paragraph (1) may enhance the function of the Committee, but may not supersede the authority of the Committee or provide direct advice or work products to the Secretary.

(h)Reports.—

(1) Not less frequently than once every two years, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees a report—

(A) containing such recommendations as the Committee may have for legislative or administrative action; and

(B) describing the activities of the Committee during the previous two years.

(2) Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a written response to the report after—

(A) giving the Committee an opportunity to review such written response; and

(B) including in such written response any comments the Committee considers appropriate.

(3) The Secretary shall make publicly available on an internet website of the Department—

(A) each report the Secretary receives under paragraph (1); and

(B) each written response the Secretary submits under paragraph (2).

(i)Committee Personnel Matters.—A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.

(j)Consultation.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with veterans service organizations serving covered veterans.

(k)Termination.—The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section.

(l)Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.

(2) The term “Committee” means the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States established under subsection (a).

(3) The term “covered veteran” means a veteran residing in an area specified in subsection (c)(2)(A).

(4) The term “veterans service organization serving covered veterans” means any organization that—

(A) serves the interests of covered veterans;

(B) has covered veterans in substantive and policymaking positions within the organization; and

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, § 5102(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3205.)