(a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of Survivors Assistance (in this section referred to as the “Office”) to serve as a resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department—
(1) to survivors and dependents of deceased veterans; and
(2) to survivors and dependents of deceased members of the Armed Forces.
Terms Used In 38 USC 321
- Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
(b) Advisory Duties.—The Office shall serve as a primary advisor to the Secretary on all matters related to the policies, programs, legislative issues, and other initiatives affecting the survivors and dependents described in subsection (a).
(c) Guidance From Stakeholders.—In establishing the Office, the Secretary shall seek guidance from interested stakeholders.
(d) Resources.—The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate personnel, funding, and other resources are provided to the Office to carry out its responsibilities.
(e) Inclusion of Information on Office in Annual Report on Department Activities.—The Secretary shall include in each annual Performance and Accountability report submitted by the Secretary to Congress a description of the activities of the Office during the fiscal year covered by such report.
