[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5651 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 5651

   To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of 
educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the 
     Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 14, 2008

 Mr. Mitchell introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
  Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on 
Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
  Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
           within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of 
educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the 
     Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, 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. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Student Veterans' College 
Affordability Act of 2008''.

SEC. 2. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO 
              SERVE AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.

    (a) Educational Assistance Authorized.--
            (1) In general.--Part III of title 38, United States Code, 
        is amended by inserting after chapter 32 the following new 
        chapter:

             ``CHAPTER 33--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

                       ``subchapter i--definitions

``Sec.
``3301. Definitions.
                 ``subchapter ii--educational assistance

``3311. Educational assistance for service in the Armed Forces 
                            commencing on or after September 11, 2001: 
                            entitlement.
``3312. Educational assistance: duration.
``3313. Educational assistance: amount; payment.
``3314. Tutorial assistance.
``3315. Licensure and certification tests.
``3316. Supplemental educational assistance for additional service.
``3317. Public-private contributions for additional educational 
                            assistance.
               ``subchapter iii--administrative provisions

``3321. Time limitation for use of and eligibility for entitlement.
``3322. Bar to duplication of educational assistance benefits.
``3323. Administration.
``3324. Allocation of administration and costs.

                      ``SUBCHAPTER I--DEFINITIONS

``Sec. 3301. Definitions
    ``For purposes of this chapter:
            ``(1) The term `active duty' has the meanings as follows 
        (subject to the limitations specified in sections 3002(6) and 
        3311(b) of this title):
                    ``(A) In the case of members of the regular 
                components of the Armed Forces, the meaning given such 
                term in section 101(21)(A) of this title.
                    ``(B) In the case of members of the reserve 
                components of the Armed Forces, service on active duty 
                under a call or order to active duty under section 688, 
                12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 
                10.
            ``(2) The term `entry level and skill training' means the 
        following:
                    ``(A) In the case of members of the Army, Basic 
                Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
                    ``(B) In the case of members of the Navy, Recruit 
                Training (or Boot Camp) and Skill Training (or so-
                called `A' School).
                    ``(C) In the case of members of the Air Force, 
                Basic Military Training and Technical Training.
                    ``(D) In the case of members of the Marine Corps, 
                Recruit Training and Marine Corps Training (or School 
                of Infantry Training).
                    ``(E) In the case of members of the Coast Guard, 
                Basic Training.
            ``(3) The terms `program of education' and `Secretary of 
        Defense' have the meaning given such terms in section 3002 of 
        this title.

                ``SUBCHAPTER II--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

``Sec. 3311. Educational assistance for service in the Armed Forces 
              commencing on or after September 11, 2001: entitlement
    ``(a) Entitlement.--Subject to subsections (d) and (e), each 
individual described in subsection (b) is entitled to educational 
assistance under this chapter.
    ``(b) Covered Individuals.--An individual described in this 
subsection is any individual as follows:
            ``(1) An individual (including an individual as a Reserve) 
        who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 36 months on active 
                duty in the Armed Forces (including service on active 
                duty in entry level and skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty; or
                            ``(ii) is discharged or released from 
                        active duty as described in subsection (c).
            ``(2) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves at least 30 continuous days on active duty in 
                the Armed Forces; and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A), is discharged or released from active 
                duty in the Armed Forces for a service-connected 
                disability.
            ``(3) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 30 months, but less 
                than 36 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces 
                (including service on active duty in entry level and 
                skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 36 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 36 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
            ``(4) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 24 months, but less 
                than 30 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces 
                (including service on active duty in entry level and 
                skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 30 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 30 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
            ``(5) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 18 months, but less 
                than 24 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces 
                (excluding service on active duty in entry level and 
                skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 24 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 24 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
            ``(6) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 12 months, but less 
                than 18 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces 
                (excluding service on active duty in entry level and 
                skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 18 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 18 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
            ``(7) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 6 months, but less than 
                12 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces 
                (excluding service on active duty in entry level and 
                skill training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 12 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 12 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
            ``(8) An individual who--
                    ``(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, 
                serves an aggregate of at least 90 days, but less than 
                6 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (excluding 
                service on active duty in entry level and skill 
                training); and
                    ``(B) after completion of service described in 
                subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) continues on active duty for an 
                        aggregate of less than 6 months; or
                            ``(ii) before completion of service on 
                        active duty of an aggregate of 6 months, is 
                        discharged or released from active duty as 
                        described in subsection (c).
    ``(c) Covered Discharges and Releases.--A discharge or release from 
active duty of an individual described in this subsection is a 
discharge or release as follows:
            ``(1) A discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces with 
        an honorable discharge.
            ``(2) A release after service on active duty in the Armed 
        Forces characterized by the Secretary concerned as honorable 
        service and placement on the retired list, transfer to the 
        Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, or placement on 
        the temporary disability retired list.
            ``(3) A release from active duty in the Armed Forces for 
        further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
        after service on active duty characterized by the Secretary 
        concerned as honorable service.
            ``(4) A discharge or release from active duty in the Armed 
        Forces for--
                    ``(A) a medical condition which preexisted the 
                service of the individual as described in the 
                applicable paragraph of subsection (b) and which the 
                Secretary determines is not service-connected;
                    ``(B) hardship; or
                    ``(C) a physical or mental condition that was not 
                characterized as a disability and did not result from 
                the individual's own willful misconduct but did 
                interfere with the individual's performance of duty, as 
                determined by the Secretary concerned in accordance 
                with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of 
                Defense.
    ``(d) Prohibition on Treatment of Certain Service as Period of 
Active Duty.--The following periods of service shall not be considered 
a part of the period of active duty on which an individual's 
entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter is based:
            ``(1) A period of service on active duty of an officer 
        pursuant to an agreement under section 2107(b) of title 10.
            ``(2) A period of service on active duty of an officer 
        pursuant to an agreement under section 4348, 6959, or 9348 of 
        title 10.
            ``(3) A period of service that is terminated because of a 
        defective enlistment and induction based on--
                    ``(A) the individual's being a minor for purposes 
                of service in the Armed Forces;
                    ``(B) an erroneous enlistment or induction; or
                    ``(C) a defective enlistment agreement.
    ``(e) Treatment of Individuals Entitled Under Multiple 
Provisions.--In the event an individual entitled to educational 
assistance under this chapter is entitled by reason of both paragraphs 
(4) and (5) of subsection (b), the individual shall be treated as being 
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
paragraph (5) of such subsection.
``Sec. 3312. Educational assistance: duration
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 3695 of this title and except 
as provided in subsections (b) and (c), an individual entitled to 
educational assistance under this chapter is entitled to a number of 
months of educational assistance under section 3313 of this title equal 
to 36 months, which is the equivalent of four academic years.
    ``(b) Continuing Receipt.--The receipt of educational assistance 
under section 3313 of this title by an individual entitled to 
educational assistance under this chapter is subject to the provisions 
of section 3321(b)(2) of this title.
    ``(c) Discontinuation of Education for Active Duty.--(1) Any 
payment of educational assistance described in paragraph (2) shall 
not--
            ``(A) be charged against any entitlement to educational 
        assistance of the individual concerned under this chapter; or
            ``(B) be counted against the aggregate period for which 
        section 3695 of this title limits the individual's receipt of 
        educational assistance under this chapter.
    ``(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the payment of educational 
assistance described in this paragraph is the payment of such 
assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course or courses under 
this chapter if the Secretary finds that the individual--
            ``(A)(i) in the case of an individual not serving on active 
        duty, had to discontinue such course pursuit as a result of 
        being called or ordered to serve on active duty under section 
        688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10; 
        or
            ``(ii) in the case of an individual serving on active duty, 
        had to discontinue such course pursuit as a result of being 
        ordered to a new duty location or assignment or to perform an 
        increased amount of work; and
            ``(B) failed to receive credit or lost training time toward 
        completion of the individual's approved education, 
        professional, or vocational objective as a result of having to 
        discontinue, as described in subparagraph (A), the individual's 
        course pursuit.
    ``(3) The period for which, by reason of this subsection, 
educational assistance is not charged against entitlement or counted 
toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of this title 
shall not exceed the portion of the period of enrollment in the course 
or courses from which the individual failed to receive credit or with 
respect to which the individual lost training time, as determined under 
paragraph (2)(B).
``Sec. 3313. Educational assistance: amount; payment
    ``(a) Payment.--The Secretary shall pay to each individual entitled 
to educational assistance under this chapter who is pursuing an 
approved program of education (other than a program covered by 
subsections (e) through (i)) the amounts specified in subsection (c) to 
meet the expenses of such individual's subsistence, tuition, fees, and 
other educational costs for pursuit of such program of education.
    ``(b) Approved Programs of Education.--Except as provided in 
subsections (g) through (i), a program of education is an approved 
program of education for purposes of this chapter if the program of 
education is approved for purposes of chapter 30 of this title.
    ``(c) Amount of Educational Assistance.--The amounts payable under 
this subsection for pursuit of an approved program of education are 
amounts as follows:
            ``(1) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(1) 
        or 3311(b)(2) of this title, amounts as follows:
                    ``(A) An amount equal to the established charges 
                for the program of education, except that the amount 
                payable under this subparagraph may not exceed the 
                maximum amount of established charges regularly charged 
                in-State students for full-time pursuit of programs of 
                education by the public institution of higher education 
                in the State in which the individual is enrolled that 
                has the highest rate of regularly-charged established 
                charges for programs of education among all public 
                institutions of higher education in such State.
                    ``(B) A monthly housing stipend in an amount equal 
                to the monthly amount of the basic allowance for 
                housing payable under section 403 of title 37 for a 
                member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the 
                military housing area that encompasses all or the 
                majority portion of the ZIP code area in which is 
                located the institution of higher education at which 
                the individual is enrolled.
                    ``(C) A yearly stipend for books, supplies, 
                equipment, and other educational costs in the amount of 
                $1,000.
            ``(2) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(3) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 90 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
            ``(3) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(4) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 80 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
            ``(4) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(5) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 70 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
            ``(5) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(6) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 60 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
            ``(6) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(7) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 50 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
            ``(7) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of section 3311(b)(8) 
        of this title, amounts equal to 40 percent of the amounts that 
        would be payable to the individual under paragraph (1) for the 
        program of education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
        for the program of education under paragraph (1) rather than 
        this paragraph.
    ``(d) Frequency of Payment.--(1) Payment of the amounts payable 
under subsection (c)(1)(A), and of similar amounts payable under 
paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection (c), for pursuit of a program 
of education shall be made in a lump-sum amount for the entire quarter, 
semester, or term, as applicable, of the program of education before 
the commencement of such quarter, semester, or term.
    ``(2) Payment of the amount payable under subsection (c)(1)(B), and 
of similar amounts payable under paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
subsection (c), for pursuit of a program of education shall be made on 
a monthly basis.
    ``(3) The amount payable under subsection (c)(1)(C), and similar 
amounts payable under paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection (c), for 
pursuit of a program of education shall be payable in equal 
installments for the quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, falling 
within the year concerned. Payment of such amounts shall be made in a 
lump-sum amount for the entire quarter, semester, or term, as the case 
may be, of the program of education before the commencement of such 
quarter, semester, or term.
    ``(4) The Secretary shall prescribe in regulations methods for 
determining the number of months (including fractions thereof) of 
entitlement of an individual to educational assistance this chapter 
that are chargeable under this chapter for an advance payment of 
amounts under paragraphs (1) and (3) for pursuit of a program of 
education on a quarter, semester, term, or other basis.
    ``(e) Programs of Education Pursued on Active Duty.--(1) 
Educational assistance is payable under this chapter for pursuit of an 
approved program of education while on active duty.
    ``(2) The amount of educational assistance payable under this 
chapter to an individual pursuing a program of education while on 
active duty is the lesser of--
            ``(A) the established charges which similarly circumstanced 
        nonveterans enrolled in the program of education involved would 
        be required to pay; or
            ``(B) the amount of the charges of the educational 
        institution as elected by the individual in the manner 
        specified in section 3014(b)(1) of this title.
    ``(3) Payment of the amount payable under paragraph (2) for pursuit 
of a program of education shall be made in a lump-sum amount for the 
entire quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, of the program of 
education before the commencement of such quarter, semester, or term.
    ``(4) For each month (as determined pursuant to the methods 
prescribed under subsection (d)(4)) for which amounts are paid an 
individual under this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged at the rate 
of one month for each such month.
    ``(f) Programs of Education Pursued on Less Than Half-Time Basis.--
(1) Educational assistance is payable under this chapter for pursuit of 
an approved program of education on less than half-time basis.
    ``(2) The educational assistance payable under this chapter to an 
individual pursuing a program of education on less than half-time basis 
is the amounts as follows:
            ``(A) The amount equal to the lesser of--
                    ``(i) the established charges which similarly 
                circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the program of 
                education involved would be required to pay; or
                    ``(ii) the maximum amount that would be payable to 
                the individual for the program of education under 
                paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (c), or under the 
                provisions of paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
                (c) applicable to the individual, for the program of 
                education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
                for the program of education under subsection (c) 
                rather than this subsection.
            ``(B) A housing stipend in an amount equal to the amount of 
        the appropriately reduced amount of monthly stipend for housing 
        otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (c).
            ``(C) A stipend in an amount equal to the amount of the 
        appropriately reduced amount of the yearly stipend for books, 
        supplies, equipment, and other educational costs otherwise 
        payable to the individual under subsection (c).
    ``(3)(A) Payment of the amounts payable to an individual under 
subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (2) for pursuit of a program of 
education on less than half-time basis shall be made in a lump-sum, and 
shall be made not later than the last day of the month immediately 
following the month in which certification is received from the 
educational institution involved that the individual has enrolled in 
and is pursuing a program of education at the institution.
    ``(B) Payments of the amounts payable to an individual under 
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) shall be made on a monthly basis.
    ``(4) For each month (as determined pursuant to the methods 
prescribed under subsection (d)(4)) for which amounts are paid an 
individual under this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged at a 
percentage of a month equal to--
            ``(A) the number of course hours borne by the individual in 
        pursuit of the program of education involved, divided by
            ``(B) the number of course hours for full-time pursuit of 
        such program of education.
    ``(g) Apprenticeship or Other On-Job Training.--(1) Educational 
assistance is payable under this chapter for full-time pursuit of a 
program of apprenticeship or other on-job training described in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 3687(a) of this title.
    ``(2) The educational assistance payable under this chapter to an 
individual for pursuit of a program of apprenticeship or training 
referred to in paragraph (1) is the amounts as follows:
            ``(A) The amount equal to the lesser of--
                    ``(i) the established charge which similarly 
                circumstances nonveterans enrolled in the program would 
                be required to pay; or
                    ``(ii) the maximum amount that would be payable to 
                the individual for the program of education under 
                paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (c), or under the 
                provisions of paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
                (c) applicable to the individual, for the program of 
                education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
                for the program of education under subsection (c) 
                rather than this subsection.
            ``(B) A housing stipend in an amount equal to the amount of 
        the appropriately reduced amount of monthly stipend for housing 
        otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (c).
            ``(C) A stipend in an amount equal to the amount of the 
        appropriately reduced amount of the yearly stipend for books, 
        supplies, equipment, and other educational costs otherwise 
        payable to the individual under subsection (c).
    ``(3) The nature and amount of the tuition, fees, and other 
expenses constituting the established charge for a program of 
apprenticeship or training under this subsection shall be determined in 
accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
    ``(4)(A) Payment of the amounts payable under subparagraphs (A) and 
(C) of paragraph (2) for pursuit of a program of apprenticeship or 
training shall be made, at the election of the Secretary--
            ``(i) in a lump sum for such period of the program as the 
        Secretary shall determine before the commencement of such 
        period of the program; or
            ``(ii) on a monthly basis.
    ``(B) Payments of the amounts payable under subparagraph (B) of 
paragraph (2) shall be made on a monthly basis.
    ``(5) For each month (as determined pursuant to the methods 
prescribed under subsection (d)(4)) for which amounts are paid an 
individual under this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged at the rate 
of one month for each such month.
    ``(h) Programs of Education by Correspondence.--(1) Educational 
assistance is payable under this chapter for pursuit of a program of 
education exclusively by correspondence.
    ``(2) The educational assistance payable under this chapter to an 
individual who is pursuing a program of education exclusively by 
correspondence is the amounts as follows:
            ``(A) An amount equal to 55 percent of amount that would be 
        payable to the individual for the program of education under 
        paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (c), or under the provisions of 
        paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection (c) applicable to the 
        individual, for the program of education if the individual were 
        entitled to amounts for the program of education under 
        subsection (c) rather than this subsection.
            ``(B) A stipend in an amount equal to the equivalent of 55 
        percent of the appropriately reduced amount of the yearly 
        stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational 
        costs otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (c).
    ``(3) Payment of the amounts payable under paragraph (2) for 
pursuit of a program of education by correspondence shall be made 
quarterly on a pro rata basis for the lessons completed by the 
individual and serviced by the institution involved.
    ``(4) For each month (as determined pursuant to the methods 
prescribed under subsection (d)(4)) for which amounts are paid an 
individual under this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged at the rate 
of one month for each such month.
    ``(i) Flight Training.--(1) Educational assistance is payable under 
this chapter for a program of education consisting of flight training 
as follows:
            ``(A) Courses of flight training approved under section 
        3860A(b) of this title.
            ``(B) Flight training meeting the requirements of section 
        3034(d) of this title.
    ``(2) Paragraphs (2) and (4) of section 3032(e) of this title shall 
apply with respect to the availability of educational assistance under 
this chapter for pursuit of flight training covered by paragraph (1).
    ``(3) The educational assistance payable under this chapter to an 
individual for pursuit of a program of education consisting of flight 
training covered by paragraph (1) is the amounts as follows:
            ``(A) The amount equal to the lesser of--
                    ``(i) the established charge which similarly 
                circumstances nonveterans enrolled in the program would 
                be required to pay; or
                    ``(ii) the maximum amount that would be payable to 
                the individual for the program of education under 
                paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (c), or under the 
                provisions of paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
                (c) applicable to the individual, for the program of 
                education if the individual were entitled to amounts 
                for the program of education under subsection (c) 
                rather than this subsection.
            ``(B) A housing stipend in an amount equal to the amount of 
        the appropriately reduced amount of monthly stipend for housing 
        otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (c).
            ``(C) A monthly stipend in an amount equal to the monthly 
        equivalent of the appropriately reduced amount of the yearly 
        stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational 
        costs otherwise payable to the individual under subsection (c).
    ``(4) The nature and amount of the tuition, fees, and other 
expenses constituting the established charge for a program of flight 
training under this subsection shall be determined in accordance with 
regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
    ``(5) Payment of the amounts payable under paragraph (3) for 
pursuit of a program of flight training shall be made on a monthly 
basis.
    ``(6) For each month for which amounts are paid an individual under 
this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to educational 
assistance under this chapter shall be charged at the rate of one month 
for each such month.
    ``(j) Payment of Certain Amounts by Voucher.--Amounts payable under 
subsections (c)(1)(A), (e)(2)(A), (f)(2)(A), (g)(2)(A), (h)(2)(A), and 
(i)(3)(A) shall be paid to the individual concerned in the form of a 
voucher, or other form of credit specified by the Secretary for 
purposes of this subsection, that is redeemable by the educational 
institution concerned in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe.
    ``(k) Established Charges Defined.--(1) In subsections (c), (e), 
and (f), the term `established charges', in the case of a program of 
education, means the actual charges (as determined pursuant to 
regulations prescribed by the Secretary) for tuition and fees which 
similarly circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the program of 
education would be required to pay.
    ``(2) Established charges shall be determined for purposes of this 
subsection on the following basis:
            ``(A) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
        education offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the 
        tuition and fees charged the individual for the term, quarter, 
        or semester.
            ``(B) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
        education not offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, 
        the tuition and fees charged the individual for the entire 
        program of education.
``Sec. 3314. Tutorial assistance
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), an individual 
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall also be 
entitled to benefits provided an eligible veteran under section 3492 of 
this title.
    ``(b) Conditions.--(1) The provision of benefits under subsection 
(a) shall be subject to the conditions applicable to an eligible 
veteran under section 3492 of this title.
    ``(2) In addition to the conditions specified in paragraph (1), 
benefits may not be provided to an individual under subsection (a) 
unless the professor or other individual teaching, leading, or giving 
the course for which such benefits are provided certifies that--
            ``(A) such benefits are essential to correct a deficiency 
        of the individual in such course; and
            ``(B) such course is required as a part of, or is 
        prerequisite or indispensable to the satisfactory pursuit of, 
        an approved program of education.
    ``(c) Amount.--(1) The amount of benefits described in subsection 
(a) that are payable under this section may not exceed $100 per month, 
for a maximum of 12 months, or until a maximum of $1,200 is utilized.
    ``(2) The amount provided an individual under this subsection is in 
addition to the amounts of educational assistance paid the individual 
under section 3313 of this title.
    ``(d) No Charge Against Entitlement.--Any benefits provided an 
individual under subsection (a) are in addition to any other 
educational assistance benefits provided the individual under this 
chapter.
``Sec. 3315. Licensure and certification tests
    ``(a) In General.--An individual entitled to educational assistance 
under this chapter shall also be entitled to payment for one licensing 
or certification test described in section 3452(b) of this title.
    ``(b) Limitation on Amount.--The amount payable under subsection 
(a) for a licensing or certification test may not exceed the lesser 
of--
            ``(1) $2,000; or
            ``(2) the fee charged for the test.
    ``(c) No Charge Against Entitlement.--Any amount paid an individual 
under subsection (a) is in addition to any other educational assistance 
benefits provided the individual under this chapter.
``Sec. 3316. Supplemental educational assistance for additional service
    ``(a) In General.--Under such regulations as the Secretary of 
Defense shall prescribe, an individual entitled to educational 
assistance under this chapter shall be eligible for supplemental 
educational assistance for additional service as authorized by the 
provisions of subchapter III of chapter 30 of this title.
    ``(b) Administration.--The qualification for entitlement, amount, 
and payment of supplemental educational assistance under this section 
shall be in accordance with the provisions of subchapter III of chapter 
30 of this title, except that any reference in such provisions to 
eligibility for basic educational assistance under a provision of 
subchapter II of chapter 30 of this title shall be treated as a 
reference to eligibility for educational assistance under the 
appropriate provision of this chapter.
``Sec. 3317. Public-private contributions for additional educational 
              assistance
    ``(a) Establishment of Program.--In instances where the educational 
assistance provided pursuant to section 3313(c)(1)(A) does not cover 
the full cost of established charges (as specified in section 3313 of 
this title), the Secretary shall carry out a program under which 
colleges and universities can, voluntarily, enter into an agreement 
with the Secretary to cover a portion of those established charges not 
otherwise covered under section 3313(c)(1)(A), which contributions 
shall be matched by equivalent contributions toward such costs by the 
Secretary. The program shall only apply to covered individuals 
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 3311(b).
    ``(b) Designation of Program.--The program under this section shall 
be known as the `Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program'.
    ``(c) Agreements.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with 
each college or university seeking to participate in the program under 
this section. Each agreement shall specify the following:
            ``(1) The manner (whether by direct grant, scholarship, or 
        otherwise) of the contributions to be made by the college or 
        university concerned.
            ``(2) The maximum amount of the contribution to be made by 
        the college or university concerned with respect to any 
        particular individual in any given academic year.
            ``(3) The maximum number of individuals for whom the 
        college or university concerned will make contributions in any 
        given academic year.
            ``(4) Such other matters as the Secretary and the college 
        or university concerned jointly consider appropriate.
    ``(d) Matching Contributions.--(1) In instances where the 
educational assistance provided an individual under section 
3313(c)(1)(A) of this title does not cover the full cost of tuition and 
mandatory fees at a college or university, the Secretary shall provide 
up to 50 percent of the remaining costs for tuition and mandatory fees 
if the college or university voluntarily enters into an agreement with 
the Secretary to match an equal percentage of any of the remaining 
costs for such tuition and fees.
    ``(2) Amounts available to the Secretary under section 3324(b) of 
this title for payment of the costs of this chapter shall be available 
to the Secretary for purposes of paragraph (1).
    ``(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall make available on the Internet 
website of the Department available to the public a current list of the 
colleges and universities participating in the program under this 
section. The list shall specify, for each college or university so 
listed, appropriate information on the agreement between the Secretary 
and such college or university under subsection (c).

              ``SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

``Sec. 3321. Time limitation for use of and eligibility for entitlement
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in this section, the period 
during which an individual entitled to educational assistance under 
this chapter may use such individual's entitlement expires at the end 
of the 15-year period beginning on the date of such individual's last 
discharge or release from active duty.
    ``(b) Exceptions.--(1) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 
3031 of this title shall apply with respect to the running of the 15-
year period described in subsection (a) of this section in the same 
manner as such subsections apply under section 3031 of this title with 
respect to the running of the 10-year period described in section 
3031(a) of this title.
    ``(2) Section 3031(f) of this title shall apply with respect to the 
termination of an individual's entitlement to educational assistance 
under this chapter in the same manner as such section applies to the 
termination of an individual's entitlement to educational assistance 
under chapter 30 of this title, except that, in the administration of 
such section for purposes of this chapter, the reference to section 
3013 of this title shall be deemed to be a reference to 3312 of this 
title.
    ``(3) For purposes of subsection (a), an individual's last 
discharge or release from active duty shall not include any discharge 
or release from a period of active duty of less than 90 days of 
continuous service, unless the individual is discharged or released as 
described in section 3311(b)(2) of this title.
``Sec. 3322. Bar to duplication of educational assistance benefits
    ``(a) In General.--An individual entitled to educational assistance 
under this chapter who is also eligible for educational assistance 
under chapter 30, 31, 32, or 35 of this title, chapter 107, 1606, or 
1607 of title 10, or the provisions of the Hostage Relief Act of 1980 
(Public Law 96-449; 5 U.S.C. 5561 note) may not receive assistance 
under two or more such programs concurrently, but shall elect (in such 
form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under which chapter or 
provisions to receive educational assistance.
    ``(b) Inapplicability of Service Treated Under Educational Loan 
Repayment Programs.--A period of service counted for purposes of 
repayment of an education loan under chapter 109 of title 10 may not be 
counted as a period of service for entitlement to educational 
assistance under this chapter.
    ``(c) Service in Selected Reserve.--An individual who serves in the 
Selected Reserve may receive credit for such service under only one of 
this chapter, chapter 30 of this title, and chapters 1606 and 1607 of 
title 10, and shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary may 
prescribe) under which chapter such service is to be credited.
    ``(d) Additional Coordination Matters.--In the case of an 
individual entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30, 31, 32, 
or 35 of this title, chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, or the 
provisions of the Hostage Relief Act of 1980, or making contributions 
toward entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 30 of this 
title, as of the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans 
Educational Assistance Act of 2007, coordination of entitlement to 
educational assistance under this chapter, on the one hand, and such 
chapters or provisions, on the other, shall be governed by the 
provisions of section 3(c) of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2007.
``Sec. 3323. Administration
    ``(a) In General.--(1) Except as otherwise provided in this 
chapter, the provisions specified in section 3034(a)(1) of this title 
shall apply to the provision of educational assistance under this 
chapter.
    ``(2) In applying the provisions referred to in paragraph (1) to an 
individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter for 
purposes of this section, the reference in such provisions to the term 
`eligible veteran' shall be deemed to refer to an individual entitled 
to educational assistance under this chapter.
    ``(3) In applying section 3474 of this title to an individual 
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter for purposes of 
this section, the reference in such section 3474 to the term 
`educational assistance allowance' shall be deemed to refer to 
educational assistance payable under section 3313 of this title.
    ``(4) In applying section 3482(g) of this title to an individual 
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter for purposes of 
this section--
            ``(A) the first reference to the term `educational 
        assistance allowance' in such section 3482(g) shall be deemed 
        to refer to educational assistance payable under section 3313 
        of this title; and
            ``(B) the first sentence of paragraph (1) of such section 
        3482(g) shall be applied as if such sentence ended with 
        `equipment'.
    ``(b) Information on Benefits.--(1) The Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall provide the information described in paragraph (2) to 
each member of the Armed Forces at such times as the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly prescribe 
in regulations.
    ``(2) The information described in this paragraph is information on 
benefits, limitations, procedures, eligibility requirements (including 
time-in-service requirements), and other important aspects of 
educational assistance under this chapter, including application forms 
for such assistance under section 5102 of this title.
    ``(3) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall furnish the 
information and forms described in paragraph (2), and other educational 
materials on educational assistance under this chapter, to educational 
institutions, training establishments, military education personnel, 
and such other persons and entities as the Secretary considers 
appropriate.
    ``(c) Regulations.--(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
for the administration of this chapter.
    ``(2) Any regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for 
purposes of this chapter shall apply uniformly across the Armed Forces.
``Sec. 3324. Allocation of administration and costs
    ``(a) Administration.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
chapter, the Secretary shall administer the provision of educational 
assistance under this chapter.
    ``(b) Costs.--Payments for entitlement to educational assistance 
earned under this chapter shall be made from funds appropriated to, or 
otherwise made available to, the Department of Veterans Affairs for the 
payment of readjustment benefits.''.
            (2) Clerical amendments.--The tables of chapters at the 
        beginning of title 38, United States Code, and at the beginning 
        of part III of such title, are each amended by inserting after 
        the item relating to chapter 32 the following new item:

``33. Post-9/11 Educational Assistance......................    3301''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Amendments relating to duplication of benefits.--
                    (A) Section 3033 of title 38, United States Code, 
                is amended--
                            (i) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting 
                        ``33,'' after ``32,''; and
                            (ii) in subsection (c), by striking ``both 
                        the program established by this chapter and the 
                        program established by chapter 106 of title 
                        10'' and inserting ``two or more of the 
                        programs established by this chapter, chapter 
                        33 of this title, and chapters 1606 and 1607 of 
                        title 10''.
                    (B) Paragraph (4) of section 3695(a) of such title 
                is amended to read as follows:
            ``(4) Chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of this title.''.
                    (C) Section 16163(e) of title 10, United States 
                Code, is amended by inserting ``33,'' after ``32,''.
            (2) Additional conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Title 38, United States Code, is further 
                amended by inserting ``33,'' after ``32,'' each place 
                it appears in the following provisions:
                            (i) In subsections (b) and (e)(1) of 
                        section 3485.
                            (ii) In section 3688(b).
                            (iii) In subsections (a)(1), (c)(1), 
                        (c)(1)(G), (d), and (e)(2) of section 3689.
                            (iv) In section 3690( b)(3)(A).
                            (v) In subsections (a) and (b) of section 
                        3692.
                            (vi) In section 3697(a).
                    (B) Section 3697A(b)(1) of such title is amended by 
                striking ``or 32'' and inserting ``32, or 33''.
    (c) Applicability to Individuals Under Montgomery GI Bill 
Program.--
            (1) Individuals eligible to elect participation in post-9/
        11 educational assistance.--An individual may elect to receive 
        educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United 
        States Code (as added by subsection (a)), if such individual--
                    (A) as of the date of the enactment of this Act--
                            (i) is entitled to basic educational 
                        assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United 
                        States Code, and has used, but retains unused, 
                        entitlement under that chapter;
                            (ii) is entitled to educational assistance 
                        under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, 
                        United States Code, and has used, but retains 
                        unused, entitlement under the applicable 
                        chapter;
                            (iii) is entitled to basic educational 
                        assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United 
                        States Code, but has not used any entitlement 
                        under that chapter;
                            (iv) is entitled to educational assistance 
                        under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, 
                        United States Code, but has not used any 
                        entitlement under such chapter;
                            (v) is a member of the Armed Forces who is 
                        eligible for receipt of basic educational 
                        assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United 
                        States Code, and is making contributions toward 
                        such assistance under section 3011(b) or 
                        3012(c) of such title; or
                            (vi) is a member of the Armed Forces who is 
                        not entitled to basic educational assistance 
                        under chapter 30 of title 38, United States 
                        Code, by reason of an election under section 
                        3011(c)(1) or 3012(d)(1) of such title; and
                    (B) as of the date of the individual's election 
                under this paragraph, meets the requirements for 
                entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 33 
                of title 38, United States Code (as so added).
            (2) Election on treatment of transferred entitlement.--
                    (A) Election.--If, on the date an individual 
                described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (A)(iii) of 
                paragraph (1) makes an election under that paragraph, a 
                transfer of the entitlement of the individual to basic 
                educational assistance under section 3020 of title 38, 
                United States Code, is in effect and a number of months 
                of the entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, 
                the individual may elect to revoke all or a portion of 
                the entitlement so transferred that remains unutilized.
                    (B) Availability of revoked entitlement.--Any 
                entitlement revoked by an individual under this 
                paragraph shall no longer be available to the dependent 
                to whom transferred, but shall be available to the 
                individual instead for educational assistance under 
                chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code (as so 
                added), as provided in paragraph (3)(B).
                    (C) Availability of unrevoked entitlement.--Any 
                entitlement described in subparagraph (A) that is not 
                revoked by an individual in accordance with that 
                subparagraph shall remain available to the dependent or 
                dependents concerned in accordance with the current 
                transfer of such entitlement under section 3020 of 
                title 38, United States Code.
            (3) Post-9/11 educational assistance.--
                    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an 
                individual making an election under paragraph (1) shall 
                be entitled to educational assistance under chapter 33 
                of title 38, United States Code (as so added), in 
                accordance with the provisions of such chapter, instead 
                of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of 
                title 38, United States Code, or educational assistance 
                under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, United 
                States Code, as applicable.
                    (B) Limitation on entitlement for certain 
                individuals.--In the case of an individual making an 
                election under paragraph (1) who is described by 
                subparagraph (A)(i) of that paragraph, the number of 
                months of entitlement of such individual to educational 
                assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States 
                Code (as so added), shall be the number of months equal 
                to the number of months of unused entitlement of such 
                individual under chapter 30 of title 38, United States 
                Code, as of the date of the election, including any 
                number of months entitlement revoked by the individual 
                under paragraph (2)(A).
            (4) Continuing educational assistance under montgomery gi 
        bill.--
                    (A) In general.--If the aggregate amount of 
                entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 33 
                of title 38, United States Code (as so added), 
                accumulated by an individual described in subparagraph 
                (A)(i) or (A)(ii) of paragraph (1) who makes an 
                election under that paragraph is less than 36 months, 
                the individual shall retain, and may utilize, any 
                unutilized entitlement of the individual to educational 
                assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States 
                Code, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, United 
                States Code, as applicable, for a number of months 
                equal to the lesser of--
                            (i) 36 months minus the number of months of 
                        entitlement so accumulated by the individual; 
                        or
                            (ii) the number of months of such 
                        unutilized entitlement of the individual.
                    (B) Utilization of retained entitlement.--The 
                utilization of entitlement retained by an individual 
                under this paragraph shall be governed by the 
                provisions of chapter 30 of title 38, United States 
                Code, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, United 
                States Code, as applicable.
            (5) Treatment of contributions toward basic educational 
        assistance.--
                    (A) Refund of contributions.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
                shall pay to each individual making an election under 
                paragraph (1) who is described by clause (i), (iii), or 
                (v) of subparagraph (A) of that paragraph an amount 
                equal to the total amount of contributions made by such 
                individual under subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 
                38, United States Code, for basic educational 
                assistance under that chapter, including any 
                contributions made under subsection (b) or (e) of 
                section 3011 of such title or any contributions made 
                under subsection (c) or (f) of section 3012 of such 
                title.
                    (B) Exception.--In the case of an individual 
                described by subparagraph (A) who is entitled to basic 
                educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, 
                United States Code, by reason of paragraph (4)(A), the 
                amount payable to the individual under this paragraph 
                shall be an amount equal to--
                            (i) the amount otherwise payable to the 
                        individual under subparagraph (A), multiplied 
                        by
                            (ii) a fraction--
                                    (I) the numerator of which is the 
                                number equal to the number of months of 
                                basic educational assistance under 
                                chapter 30 of title 38, United States 
                                Code, to which the individual is 
                                entitled by reason of paragraph (4)(A); 
                                and
                                    (II) the denominator of which is 
                                36.
                    (C) Cessation of contributions.--Effective as of 
                the first month beginning on or after the date of an 
                election under paragraph (1) of an individual described 
                by subparagraph (A)(v) of that paragraph, the 
                obligation of such individual to make contributions 
                under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of title 38, United 
                States Code, as applicable, shall cease, and the 
                requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no 
                longer applicable to such person.
            (6) Termination of entitlement under montgomery gi bill.--
        Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (4), effective on the 
        last day of the month in which an individual makes an election 
        under paragraph (1), the entitlement, if any, of the individual 
        to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, 
        United States Code, or educational assistance under chapter 
        107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, United States Code, as 
        applicable, shall terminate.
            (7) Irrevocability of elections.--An election under 
        paragraph (1) or (2)(A) is irrevocable.

SEC. 3. TREATMENT AS OTHER FINANCIAL AID.

    Section 480(j)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1087vv(j)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``veterans' education benefits as in 
        subsection (c) of this section, and''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
        following: ``, but excluding any payments of educational 
        assistance to veterans under title 38, United States Code, and 
        to members of the Selected Reserve under chapters 1606 and 1607 
        of title 10, United States Code''.
                                 <all>