; and (2) for purposes of achieving career advancement— (A) provide for the establishment of new positions within the Department; and (B) notwithstanding any other provision of law, provide for increases in pay for any such employee. 9. Comptroller General of the United States assessment of succession planning at Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Assessment (1) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall assess the extent to which key succession planning policies and guidance at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration, are consistent with leading practices for succession and workforce planning identified by Comptroller General. (2) Additional matters In carrying out the assessment required by paragraph (1), the Comptroller General may assess such other matters as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (b) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the assessment carried out under subsection (a). (c) Sense of Congress on study on compliance with policies and guidance It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Comptroller General should conduct a study to examine the extent to which a sampling of installations of the Department of Veterans Affairs are complying with policies and guidance of the Department, as well as applicable leading practices