((a)) ** .—** 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.

((b)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** In establishing the Office, the Secretary shall seek guidance from interested stakeholders.

((d)) ** .—** The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate personnel, funding, and other resources are provided to the Office to carry out its responsibilities.

((e)) ** .—** 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.