135 STAT. 1489 PUBLIC LAW 117–66—NOV. 30, 2021 Public Law 117–66 117th Congress An Act To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY ON DISPARITIES ASSOCIATED WITH RACE AND ETHNICITY WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN BENEFITS ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study— (1) to assess whether there are disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to— (A) compensation benefits administered by the Sec- retary of Veterans Affairs; (B) disability ratings determined by the Secretary, with specific consideration of disability evaluations based on pain; and (C) the rejection of fully developed claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and (2) to develop recommendations to facilitate better data collection on the disparities described in paragraph (1). (b) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief Congress on the initial results of the study conducted under sub- section (a). (c) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 240 days after the date on which the briefing required by subsection (b) is conducted, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a final report setting Deadline. Recommenda- tions. Determination. Evaluation. Assessment. Nov. 30, 2021 [S. 1031] VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:33 Dec 02, 2021 Jkt 029139 PO 00066 Frm 00001 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL066.117 PUBL066 dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with PUBLAWS 135 STAT. 1490 PUBLIC LAW 117–66—NOV. 30, 2021 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 1031: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 167 (2021): Aug. 5, considered and passed Senate. Nov. 15, considered and passed House. DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2021): Nov. 30, Presidential remarks. Æ forth the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), including the recommendations developed under paragraph (2) of such subsection. Approved November 30, 2021. VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:33 Dec 02, 2021 Jkt 029139 PO 00066 Frm 00002 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6580 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL066.117 PUBL066 dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with PUBLAWS