PUBLIC LAW 103-446—NOV. 2, 1994 108 STAT. 4661 of the Senate and House of Representatives on December 2, 1993, and the effect of such implementation on the system. (7) The effectiveness in improving the system of any pilot programs carried out by the Secretary at regiomil offices of the Department and of efforts by the Secretary to implement such programs throughout the system. (8) The effectiveness of the quaHty control practices and quality assurance practices under the system in achieving the goals of such practices. (d) COOPERATION OF SECRETARY.— Upon the request of the chairman of the commission, the Secretary shall, wimin 30 days of such request, submit to the conunission, and to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, such information as the chairman shall determine is necessary for the commission to carry out the study required under this section. (e) REPORTS.— (1) Not later than one yesir after the date of the enactment of this Act, the commission shall submit to the Secretary and to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a preliminary report on the study required under suDsection (c). The report shall contain the preliminary findings and conclusions of the commission with respect to the evaluation and assessment required under the study. (2) Not later than 18 months after such date, the conunission shall submit to the Secretary and to such committees a report on such study. The report shall include the following: (A) The findings and conclusions of the commission, including its findings and conclusions with respect to the matters referred to in subsection (c). (B) The reconmiendations of the commission for means of improving the Department of Veterans Affairs system for the disposition of claims for veterans benefits. (C) Such other information and reconmiendations with respect to the system as the commission considers appropriate. SEC. 403. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. (a) HEARINGS.— The commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the commission considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this title. (b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—In addition to the information referred to in section 402(d), the commission may secure directly fix)m any Federal department or agency such information as the commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Upon request of the chairman of the commission, the head of such department or agency shall fiimish such information to the commission. (c) POSTAL SERVICES. — The commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (d) GIFTS. —The commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. SEC. 404. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. (a) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.— Each member of the commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive
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