Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 5.djvu/273

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PUBLIC LAW 104-275—OCT. 9, 1996 110 STAT. 3347 Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (d) INITIAL MEETING.— Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed under subsection (b)(1), the Commission shall hold its first meeting. (e) QUORUM. —^A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. (f) CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN.— The Commission shall select a chairman and vice chairman from among its members. (g) MEETINGS. — The Commission shall meet at the call of the chairman of the Commission. (h) PANELS.— The Commission may establish panels composed of less than the full membership of the Commission for the purpose of carrying out the Commission's duties. The actions of such panels shall be subject to the review and control of the Commission. Any findings and determinations made by such a panel shall not be considered the findings and determinations of the Commission unless approved by the Commission. (i) AUTHORITY OF INDIVIDUALS TO ACT FOR COMMISSION.—Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take under this title. SEC. 702. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. (a) IN GENERAL. — The Commission shall— (1) review the adequacy and effectiveness of veterans transition assistance and benefits programs in providing assistance to members of the Armed Forces in making the transition and adjustment to civilian life; (2) review the allocation under law of responsibility for the administration of veterans transition assistance and benefits programs among the various departments and agencies of the Government and determine the feasibility and desirability of consolidating such administration; (3) evaluate proposals for improving such programs, including proposals for alternative means of providing services delivered by such programs; and (4) make recommendations to Congress regarding the need for improvements in such programs. (b) REVIEW OF PROGRAMS TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AT SEPARATION.—(1) While canning out the general duties specified in subsection (a), the members of the Commission appointed under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 701(b)(1) and the member specified in subparagraph (B) of section 701(b)(3) shall review primarily the programs intended to assist members of the Armed Forces at the time of their separation from service in the Armed Forces, including programs designed to assist families of such members. (2) In carrying out the review, those members of the Commission shall determine the following: (A) The adequacy of the programs referred to in paragraph (1) for their purposes. (B) The adequacy of the support of the Armed Forces for such programs. (C) The adequacy of funding levels for such programs. (D) The effect, if any, of the existence of such programs on military readiness.