Bill > S3898

This bill, the Homeless Veterans Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, provides flexibility for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) in caring for homeless veterans during a covered public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Allowing the VA to use funds to provide homeless veterans with assistance for safety and survival (e.g., food, shelter, clothing), transportation, and communications equipment and services. 2. Enabling the VA to collaborate with organizations to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans during the emergency. 3. Waiving certain limits on grant amounts and per diem payment rates for the VA's Grant and Per Diem program, which supports organizations that provide transitional housing and services to homeless veterans. 4. Allowing the VA to waive certain inspection and life safety code requirements to quickly identify temporary alternate sites of care for homeless veterans, facilitate social distancing or isolation needs, or activate or continue the Grant and Per Diem program. 5. Ensuring, to the extent practicable, that homeless veterans have access to VA telehealth services during the emergency. The bill also designates the legislation as an emergency requirement, which has budgetary implications.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3898/all-info