[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2938 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2938
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve educational
assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to
enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 29, 2008
Mr. Graham (for himself, Mr. Burr, Mr. McCain, Mr. Chambliss, Mr.
Lieberman, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Alexander, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Martinez, Mr.
Stevens, Mr. Cochran, Ms. Collins, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Domenici, Mrs.
Dole, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Isakson, and Mr. Inhofe) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve educational
assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to
enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces, 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; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Enhancement of
Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of
2008''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Plan on coordination of current educational assistance programs
and development of additional educational
assistance programs to enable career-
oriented members of the Armed Forces to
attain a bachelor's degree.
Sec. 4. Increase in rates of basic educational assistance under the
Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 5. Annual stipend for recipients of basic educational assistance
under the Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 6. Increase in rates of educational assistance for members of the
Selected Reserve.
Sec. 7. Increase in rates of educational assistance for reserve
component members supporting contingency
operations and other operations with
extended service in the Selected Reserve.
Sec. 8. Enhancement of transferability of entitlement to educational
assistance.
Sec. 9. Use of educational assistance to repay Federal student loans.
Sec. 10. Educational assistance for graduates of the service academies
and Reserve Officers' Training Corps
programs.
Sec. 11. Opportunity for current and certain retired VEAP-era personnel
to enroll in basic educational assistance
under the Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 12. College Patriots Grant Program.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The World War II-era GI Bill assisted almost 8,000,000
members of the Armed Forces in readjusting to civilian life
after completing their service to the nation. With the support
and assistance of America's colleges and universities, the GI
Bill provided incentives that transformed American society,
making a college degree a realizable goal for millions of
Americans.
(2) In the years following World War II, the GI Bill
continued to provide educational benefits for members of the
Armed Forces who had been drafted into or volunteered for
service.
(3) The establishment of the All Volunteer Force in 1973,
and its development since its inception, has produced highly
professional Armed Forces that are recognized as the most
effective fighting force the world has ever seen.
(4) The Sonny Montgomery GI Bill was enacted in 1984 to
sustain the All Volunteer Force by providing educational
benefits to aid in the recruitment and retention of highly
qualified personnel for the Armed Forces and to assist veterans
in readjusting to civilian life. Today, it remains a
cornerstone of military recruiting and retention planning for
the Armed Forces and continues to fulfill its original
purposes.
(5) The All Volunteer Force depends for its effectiveness
and vitality on successful recruiting of highly capable men and
women, and retention for careers of soldiers, sailors, airmen,
and marines, in both the active and reserve components of the
Armed Forces, who, with the support of their families and loved
ones, develop into professional, dedicated, and experienced
officers, noncommissioned officers, and petty officers.
(6) The achievement of educational goals, including
obtaining the means to a college degree, has traditionally been
a key reason for volunteering for service in the Armed Forces.
For members who serve a career in the Armed Forces, this goal
extends to their spouses and children and has resulted in
requests for the option to transfer educational benefits under
the GI Bill to spouses and children.
(7) As in the aftermath of World War II, colleges and
universities throughout the United States should demonstrate
their and the Nation's appreciation to veterans by dedicated
programs providing financial aid.
(8) It is in that national interest for the United States--
(A) to express the gratitude of the American people
by assisting those who have honorably served in the
Armed Forces and returned to civilian life to achieve
their educational goals;
(B) to provide significant educational benefits to
provide incentives for successful recruiting;
(C) to motivate continued service in the All
Volunteer Force by those members with the potential for
military careers and their spouses and children; and
(D) to assist those who serve and their families in
achieving their personal goals, including higher
education, while progressing in a military career.
SEC. 3. PLAN ON COORDINATION OF CURRENT EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
AND DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS TO ENABLE CAREER-ORIENTED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES TO ATTAIN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the outstanding men and women who volunteer for service
in the Armed Forces and demonstrate through their service the
ability, motivation, and commitment to serve as career
commissioned officers, noncommissioned officers, petty
officers, and warrant officers should be given the
opportunities and resources needed to obtain a bachelor's
degree before they complete active duty and retire from the
Armed Forces; and
(2) every effort should be made by the leaders of the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard to demonstrate
to members of the Armed Forces who are willing to serve and
study that the dual goals of attaining a bachelor's degree and
a distinguished military career are achievable and not mutually
exclusive.
(b) Plan To Coordinate and Develop Educational Assistance
Programs.--
(1) Plan required.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in
consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, develop a
plan to make the attainment of a bachelor's degree an
achievable goal for members of the Armed Forces who are
motivated towards careers in the Armed Forces and who are able
and willing to accept the challenges of military duty and
pursuit of college level studies.
(2) Advice of the service chiefs.--The Secretary of Defense
shall develop the plan required by paragraph (1) with the
advice of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval
Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the
Commandant of the Marine Corps.
(3) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) Appropriate elements of current programs to
assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining
college-level education, including tuition assistance
programs, distance learning programs, and technical
training and education provided by the military
departments, including programs currently administered
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(B) Appropriate elements of current programs to
provide members of the Armed Forces with assistance in
obtaining college-level credit for the technical
training and experience they undergo during their
military career.
(C) One or more additional education programs to
assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining a
college-level education, including mechanisms for the
provision by the military departments of guidance,
mentoring, and resources to assist members in achieving
their professional military and personal educational
goals.
(D) Such additional programs or mechanisms, such as
sabbaticals from the Armed Forces or college-level
education provided or funded by the military
departments, as the Secretary of Defense considers
appropriate to assist members of the Armed Forces in
making adequate progress towards a bachelor's degree
from an accredited institution of higher education
while continuing a successful military career.
(E) Such mechanisms for the application of the
elements of the plan to members of the National Guard
and Reserves as the Secretary of Defense considers
appropriate to ensure that such members receive
appropriate assistance in achieving their professional
military and personal educational goals.
(F) Such elements of current programs of the
military departments for in-service education of
members of the Armed Forces as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate to maintain and enhance the
recruitment and retention by the Armed Forces of highly
trained and experienced military leaders.
(4) Submittal to congress.--The Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives a report setting forth the plan
required by paragraph (1) not later than August 1, 2009.
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN RATES OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE
MONTGOMERY GI BILL.
(a) Increase in General Rates and Augmented Rates for Extended
Service.--
(1) Rates based on three years of obligated service.--
Subsection (a)(1) of section 3015 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``on a full-time basis, at the
monthly rate of'' and all that follows and inserting ``on a
full-time basis--
``(A) in the case of an individual who served on
active duty in the Armed Forces for 12 or more years,
at the monthly rate of--
``(i) for months occurring during fiscal
year 2009, $1,650;
``(ii) for months occurring during fiscal
year 2010, $1,800;
``(iii) for months occurring during fiscal
year 2011, $2,000; and
``(iv) for months occurring during a
subsequent fiscal year, the amount for months
occurring during the preceding fiscal year
increased under subsection (h); and
``(B) in the case of an individual who served on
active duty in the Armed Forces for less than 12 years,
at the monthly rate of--
``(i) for months occurring during fiscal
year 2009, $1,500; and
``(ii) for months occurring during a
subsequent fiscal year, the amount for months
occurring during the preceding fiscal year
increased under subsection (h); or''.
(2) Rates based on two years of obligated service.--
Subsection (b)(1) of such section is amended--
(A) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and
inserting the following new subparagraph (A):
``(A) for months occurring during fiscal year 2009,
$950; and''; and
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (B).
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply with
respect to basic educational assistance payable for months
beginning on or after that date.
(2) Limitation on cost-of-living adjustments.--
(A) Certain rates based on three years of obligated
service.--No adjustment under subsection (h) of section
3015 of title 38, United States Code, shall be made in
the rates of educational assistance payable under
subsection (a)(1)(A) of such section (as amended by
subsection (a)(1) of this section) for any of fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
(B) Other rates.--No adjustment under subsection
(h) of section 3015 of title 38, United States Code,
shall be made in the rates of educational assistance
payable under subsection (a)(1)(B) of such section (as
so amended), or subsection (b) of such section, for
fiscal year 2009.
SEC. 5. ANNUAL STIPEND FOR RECIPIENTS OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL.
(a) Entitlement to Stipend.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 3020A. Educational stipend
``(a) Entitlement.--Each individual receiving basic educational
assistance under this subchapter who is pursuing a program of education
at an institution of higher learning (as such term is defined in
section 3452(f) of this title) is entitled to an educational stipend
under this section.
``(b) Amount of Stipend.--The educational stipend payable under
this section to an individual entitled to such a stipend shall be
paid--
``(1) in the case of an individual pursuing an approved
program of education on at least a half-time basis, at the
annual rate of $500; and
``(2) in the case of an individual pursuing an approved
program of education on less than a half-time basis, at the
annual rate of $350.
``(c) Payment Frequency and Method.--The educational stipend
payable under this subsection shall be paid with such frequency
(including by lump sum), and by such mechanisms, as the Secretary shall
prescribe for purposes of this section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by adding at
the end of the items relating to subchapter II the following
new item:
``3020A. Educational stipend.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Section 3020A of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is one
year after the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. INCREASE IN RATES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE
SELECTED RESERVE.
(a) Increase in Rates.--Section 16131(b)(1) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$251'' and inserting
``$634'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$188'' and inserting
``$474''; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$125'' and inserting
``$314''.
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply with
respect to educational assistance payable for months beginning
on or after that date.
(2) No cost-of-living adjustment.--No adjustment under
paragraph (2) of section 16131(b) of title 10, United States
Code, shall be made in the rates of educational assistance
payable under paragraph (1) of such section for fiscal year
2009.
SEC. 7. INCREASE IN RATES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVE
COMPONENT MEMBERS SUPPORTING CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS AND
OTHER OPERATIONS WITH EXTENDED SERVICE IN THE SELECTED
RESERVE.
(a) Increase in Rates for Extended Service.--Paragraph (2) of
section 16162(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``(2) The educational assistance allowance provided under this
chapter shall be the amount as follows (as adjusted under paragraphs
(3) and (4)):
``(A) In the case of a member who serves an aggregate of 12
years or more in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, the
amount provided under section 3015(a)(1)(A) of title 38 for the
fiscal year concerned, except that if a member otherwise
covered by this subparagraph ceases serving in the Selected
Reserve the amount shall be the amount provided under
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
``(B) In the case of any other member, the amount provided
under section 3015(a)(1)(B) of title 38 for the fiscal year
concerned.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply with respect to
educational assistance payable for months beginning on or after that
date.
SEC. 8. ENHANCEMENT OF TRANSFERABILITY OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Modification of Authority To Transfer Entitlement Under
Montgomery GI Bill.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 3020 of title
38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Subject to the provisions of this section, the
Secretary of Defense shall authorize each Secretary concerned to permit
an individual described in subsection (b) who is entitled to basic
educational assistance under this subchapter to elect to transfer to
one or more of the dependents specified in subsection (c) the unused
portion of such individual's entitlement to such assistance, subject to
the limitation under subsection (d).''.
(2) Eligible individuals.--Subsection (b) of such section
is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Eligible Individuals.--An individual referred to in
subsection (a) is any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty
or as a member of the Selected Reserve who, at the time of the approval
by the Secretary concerned of the member's request to transfer
entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section--
``(1) has completed six years of service in the Armed
Forces; and
``(2) meets such other requirements as the Secretary of
Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section.''.
(3) Limitations on months of transfer.--Subsection (d) of
such section is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Number of Months Transferrable.--(1) Except as provided in
paragraphs (2) and (3), an individual may transfer under this section
any number of months of unused entitlement of the individual to basic
educational assistance under this chapter.
``(2) In the case of an individual who has completed at least six
but less than 12 years of service in the Armed Forces at the time of
the approval by the Secretary concerned of the individual's request to
transfer entitlement under this section, the number of months that may
be transferred by the individual under this section may not exceed the
lesser of--
``(A) the number of months transferrable by the individual
under paragraph (1); or
``(B) 18 months.''.
(4) Timing, revocation, and modification of transfer.--
Subsection (f) of such section is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``without
regard'' and all that follows and inserting ``while the
individual is a member of the Armed Forces.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``while the
individual is serving as a member of the Armed Forces
or in the Selected Reserve'' after ``at any time''.
(5) Exclusion from marital property.--Subsection (f) of
such section is further amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Entitlement transferred under this section may not be treated
as marital property, or the asset of a marital estate, subject to
division in a divorce or other civil proceeding.''.
(6) Overpayment.--Subsection (i) of such section is
amended--
(A) by striking ``(1)'' before ``In the event'';
and
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3).
(7) Regulations.--Subsection (k) of such section is amended
to read as follows:
``(k) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, prescribe regulations for
purposes of this section. Such regulations shall specify the following:
``(1) The circumstances under which the Secretaries
concerned may permit and approve transfers of entitlement under
this section.
``(2) Such requirements for eligibility for transfer of
entitlement under this section as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate for purposes of subsection (b)(2).
``(3) The manner and effect of an election to modify or
revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2).''.
(8) Heading amendment.--The heading of such section is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance''.
(9) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 3020 and inserting the following:
``3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance.''.
(b) Authority for Transfer of Entitlement Under Reserve Components
Educational Assistance Programs.--
(1) Selected reserve program.--
(A) In general.--Chapter 1606 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section
16131a the following new section:
``Sec. 16131b. Transfer of entitlement to educational assistance
``(a) In General.--Subject to the provisions of this section, the
Secretary concerned may permit a member of the Armed Forces described
in subsection (b) who is entitled to educational assistance under this
chapter to elect to transfer to one or more of the dependents specified
in subsection (c) a portion of such member's entitlement to such
assistance, subject to the limitations under subsection (d).
``(b) Eligible Members.--A member described in this subsection is a
member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who, at the time of
the approval of the member's request to transfer entitlement to
educational assistance under this section--
``(1) has completed at least six years of service in the
Selected Reserve; and
``(2) meets such other requirements as the Secretary of
Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section.
``(c) Eligible Dependents.--A member approved to transfer an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer
the member's entitlement as follows:
``(1) To the member's spouse.
``(2) To one or more of the member's children.
``(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(d) Number of Months Transferrable.--(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2), a member may transfer under this section any number of
months of unused entitlement of the member to educational assistance
under this chapter.
``(2) In the case of a member who has completed at least six but
less than 12 years of service in the Selected Reserve at the time of
the approval by the Secretary concerned of the member's request to
transfer entitlement under this section, the number of months that may
be transferred by the member under this section may not exceed the
lesser of--
``(A) the number of months transferrable by the individual
under paragraph (1); or
``(B) 18 months.
``(e) Designation of Transferee.--A member transferring an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section shall--
``(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such
entitlement is being transferred;
``(2) designate the number of months of such entitlement to
be transferred to each such dependent; and
``(3) specify the period for which the transfer shall be
effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1).
``(f) Time for Transfer; Revocation and Modification.--(1) Subject
to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 16133 of
this title, a member approved to transfer entitlement to educational
assistance under this section may transfer such entitlement at any time
after the approval of the member's request to transfer such
entitlement.
``(2)(A) A member transferring entitlement under this section may
modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of the
entitlement so transferred.
``(B) The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement
under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice
of the action to both the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
``(3) Entitlement transferred under this section may not be treated
as marital property, or the asset of a marital estate, subject to
division in a divorce or other civil proceeding.
``(g) Commencement of Use.--A dependent to whom entitlement to
educational assistance is transferred under this section may not
commence the use of the transferred entitlement until--
``(1) in the case of entitlement transferred to a spouse,
the completion by the member making the transfer of six years
of service in the Selected Reserve; or
``(2) in the case of entitlement transferred to a child,
both--
``(A) the completion by the member making the
transfer of six years of service in the Selected
Reserve; and
``(B) either--
``(i) the completion by the child of the
requirements of a secondary school diploma (or
equivalency certificate); or
``(ii) the attainment by the child of 18
years of age.
``(h) Additional Administrative Matters.--(1) The use of any
entitlement to educational assistance transferred under this section
shall be charged against the entitlement of the member making the
transfer at the rate of one month for each month of transferred
entitlement that is used.
``(2) Except as provided under subsection (e)(2) and subject to
paragraphs (5) and (6), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred
under this section is entitled to educational assistance under this
chapter in the same manner as the member from whom the entitlement was
transferred.
``(3) The monthly rate of educational assistance payable to a
dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section shall
be the monthly amount payable to the member making the transfer under
section 16131 or 16132a of this title, as applicable.
``(4)(A) The death of a member transferring entitlement under this
section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the dependent to
whom the entitlement is transferred.
``(B) The involuntary separation or retirement of a member
transferring entitlement under this section because of a
nondiscretionary provision of law for age or for years of service, as
described in section 16133(b) of this title, or medical
disqualification which is not the result of gross negligence or
misconduct of the member shall not affect the use of entitlement by the
dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred.
``(5) A child to whom entitlement is transferred under this section
may not use any entitlement so transferred after attaining the age of
26 years.
``(6) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include
the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school
diploma (or equivalency certificate).
``(7) The administrative provisions of this chapter shall apply to
the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that the
dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated as
the eligible member for purposes of such provisions.
``(i) Overpayment.--(1) In the event of an overpayment of
educational assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement
is transferred under this section, the dependent and the member making
the transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United States
for the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685 of title
38.
``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of a
member transferring entitlement under this section whose eligibility is
terminated under section 16134(2) of this title, the amount of any
transferred entitlement under this section that is used by a dependent
of the member as of the date of the failure of the member to
participate satisfactorily in training as specified in section 16134(2)
of this title shall be treated as an overpayment of educational
assistance under paragraph (1).
``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of a member who
fails to complete service agreed to by the member--
``(i) by reason of the death of the member; or
``(ii) for a reason referred to in section 16133(b) of this
title.
``(j) Approvals of Transfer Subject to Availability of
Appropriations.--The Secretary concerned may approve transfers of
entitlement to educational assistance under this section in a fiscal
year only to the extent that appropriations for military personnel are
available in that fiscal year for purposes of making deposits in the
Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund under section 2006 of
this title in that fiscal year to cover the present value of future
benefits payable from the Fund for the Department of Defense portion of
payments of educational assistance attributable to increased usage of
benefits as a result of such transfers of entitlement in that fiscal
year.
``(k) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, prescribe regulations for
purposes of this section. Such regulations shall specify the following:
``(1) The circumstances under which the Secretaries
concerned may permit and approve transfers of entitlement under
this section.
``(2) Such requirements for eligibility for transfer of
entitlement under this section as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate for purposes of subsection (b)(2).
``(3) The manner and effect of an election to modify or
revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2).''.
(B) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 1606 of such title is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 16131a
the following new item:
``16131b. Transfer of entitlement to educational assistance.''.
(2) Program for reserve components supporting contingency
and other operations.--
(A) In general.--Chapter 1607 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section
16162a the following new section:
``Sec. 16162b. Transfer of entitlement to educational assistance
``(a) In General.--Subject to the provisions of this section, the
Secretary concerned may permit a member of the Armed Forces described
in subsection (b) who is entitled to educational assistance under this
chapter to elect to transfer to one or more of the dependents specified
in subsection (c) a portion of such member's entitlement to such
assistance, subject to the limitations under subsection (d).
``(b) Eligible Members.--A member referred to in subsection (a) is
a member of the Armed Forces who, at the time of the approval of the
member's request to transfer entitlement to educational assistance
under this section--
``(1) has completed at least six years of service in the
Armed Forces; and
``(2) meets such other requirements as the Secretary of
Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section.
``(c) Eligible Dependents.--A member approved to transfer an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer
the member's entitlement as follows:
``(1) To the member's spouse.
``(2) To one or more of the member's children.
``(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(d) Number of Months Transferrable.--(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2), a member may transfer under this section any number of
months of unused entitlement of the member to educational assistance
under this chapter.
``(2) In the case of a member who has completed at least six but
less than 12 years of service in the Armed Forces at the time of the
approval by the Secretary concerned of the member's request to transfer
entitlement under this section, the number of months that may be
transferred by the member under this section may not exceed the lesser
of--
``(A) the number of months transferrable by the individual
under paragraph (1); or
``(B) 18 months.
``(e) Designation of Transferee.--A member transferring an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section shall--
``(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such
entitlement is being transferred;
``(2) designate the number of months of such entitlement to
be transferred to each such dependent; and
``(3) specify the period for which the transfer shall be
effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1).
``(f) Time for Transfer; Revocation and Modification.--(1) Subject
to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 16164 of
this title, a member approved to transfer entitlement to educational
assistance under this section may transfer such entitlement only while
serving as a member of the Armed Forces when the transfer is executed.
``(2)(A) A member transferring entitlement under this section may
modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of the
entitlement so transferred.
``(B) The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement
under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice
of the action to both the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
``(g) Commencement of Use.--A dependent to whom entitlement to
educational assistance as transferred under this section may not
commence the use of the transferred entitlement until--
``(1) in the case of entitlement transferred to a spouse,
the completion by the member making the transfer of the years
of service in the Armed Forces applicable to the member under
subsection (b); or
``(2) in the case of entitlement transferred to a child,
both--
``(A) the completion by the member making the
transfer of the years of service in the Armed Forces
applicable to the member under subsection; and
``(B) either--
``(i) the completion by the child of the
requirements of a secondary school diploma (or
equivalency certificate); or
``(ii) the attainment by the child of 18
years of age.
``(h) Additional Administrative Matters.--(1) The use of any
entitlement to educational assistance transferred under this section
shall be charged against the entitlement of the member making the
transfer at the rate of one month for each month of transferred
entitlement that is used.
``(2) Except as provided under subsection (e)(2) and subject to
paragraphs (5) and (6), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred
under this section is entitled to educational assistance under this
chapter in the same manner as the member from whom the entitlement was
transferred.
``(3) The monthly rate of educational assistance payable to a
dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section shall
be the monthly amount payable to the member making the transfer under
section 16162 or 16162a of this title, as applicable.
``(4) The death of a member transferring an entitlement under this
section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the dependent to
whom the entitlement is transferred.
``(5) A child to whom entitlement is transferred under this section
may not use any entitlement so transferred after attaining the age of
26 years.
``(6) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include
the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school
diploma (or equivalency certificate).
``(7) The administrative provisions of this chapter shall apply to
the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that the
dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated as
the eligible member for purposes of such provisions.
``(i) Overpayment.--In the event of an overpayment of educational
assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section, the dependent and the member making the
transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United States for
the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685 of title 38.
``(j) Approvals of Transfer Subject to Availability of
Appropriations.--The Secretary concerned may approve transfers of
entitlement to educational assistance under this section in a fiscal
year only to the extent that appropriations for military personnel are
available in that fiscal year for purposes of making deposits in the
Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund under section 2006 of
this title in that fiscal year to cover the present value of future
benefits payable from the Fund for the Department of Defense portion of
payments of educational assistance attributable to increased usage of
benefits as result of such transfers of entitlement in that fiscal
year.
``(k) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, prescribe regulations for
purposes of this section. Such regulations shall specify the following:
``(1) The circumstances under which the Secretaries
concerned may permit and approve transfers of entitlement under
this section.
``(2) Such requirements for eligibility for transfer of
entitlement under this section as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate for purposes of subsection (b)(2).
``(3) The manner and effect of an election to modify or
revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2).''.
(B) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 1607 of such title is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 16162a
the following new item:
``16162b. Transfer of entitlement to educational assistance.''.
(3) Funding under department of defense education benefits
fund.--Section 2006(b)(2)(D) of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, including payments attributable to increased
usage of benefits as a result of transfers of entitlement to
educational assistance under sections 16131b and 16162b of this
title''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall
take effect on October 1, 2009.
SEC. 9. USE OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO REPAY FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS.
(a) Use of Educational Assistance To Repay Federal Student Loans.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 38,
United States Code, as amended by section 4(a) of this Act, is
further amended by inserting after section 3020A the following
new section:
``Sec. 3020B. Use of basic educational assistance benefits for
repayment of Federal student loans
``(a) In General.--An individual entitled to basic educational
assistance under this subchapter who is serving on active duty in the
Armed Forces may elect to apply amounts of basic educational assistance
otherwise available to the individual under this subchapter to repay
all or a portion of the outstanding principal and interest on any
Federal student loan owed by the individual for the individual's
pursuit of a course of education.
``(b) Designation of Loans and Amounts Payable.--An individual
electing under this section to apply amounts of basic educational
assistance to the payment of the outstanding principal and interest on
Federal student loans shall designate (in such form and manner as the
Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of this section) the following:
``(1) Each Federal student loan of the individual for which
payment shall be made under this section.
``(2) For each Federal student loan designated under
paragraph (1), the monthly amount to be paid under this
section.
``(c) Limitation on Amount of Payments.--(1) The monthly amount
payable with respect to an individual under this section may not exceed
the monthly rate of basic educational assistance to which the
individual is otherwise entitled under this subchapter at the time of
payment of such monthly amount.
``(2) The aggregate amount of basic educational assistance payable
with respect to an individual under this section for any 12-month
period may not exceed $6,000.
``(d) Frequency of Payments.--Payment of amounts of principal and
interest on Federal student loans of an individual under this section
shall be made on a monthly basis.
``(e) Cessation of Payments.--Payments made under this section with
respect to an individual shall cease if the individual ceases serving
on active duty in the Armed Forces, effective as of the first month
that begins after the date on which the individual ceases serving on
active duty in the Armed Forces.
``(f) Charge Against Entitlement.--The period of entitlement to
basic educational assistance under this subchapter of an individual for
whom payments are made under this section shall be charged at the rate
of one month for each payment or aggregate of payments under this
section that are equivalent in amount to the monthly rate of basic
educational assistance to which the individual is otherwise entitled
under this subchapter.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the
administration of this section.
``(h) Federal Student Loan Defined.--In this section, the term
`Federal student loan' means any loan made under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections of
subchapter II of chapter 30 of such title, as so amended, is
further amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3020A the following new item:
``3020B. Use of basic educational assistance benefits for repayment of
Federal student loans.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Section 3020B of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to educational
assistance payable for months that begin on or after the date that is
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 10. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR GRADUATES OF THE SERVICE ACADEMIES
AND RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS PROGRAMS.
(a) Active Duty Program.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 3011 of title
38, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by adding ``or'' at the
end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) after September 30, 2009--
``(i) receives a commission as an officer
in the Armed Forces--
``(I) upon graduation from the
United States Military Academy, the
United States Naval Academy, the United
States Air Force Academy, or the Coast
Guard Academy; or
``(II) upon completion of a Senior
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
program under chapter 103 of title 10;
and
``(ii) completes at least five years of
continuous active duty in the Armed Forces
(excluding any period of obligated service in
connection with receipt of a commission as an
officer in the Armed Forces under clause (i)
and excluding any other period of obligated
service in connection with education, training,
or instruction provided or funded, whether in
whole or in part, by the United States);''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Such section is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection
(c)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)'';
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
(ii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
and
(C) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection
(c)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)''.
(b) Selected Reserve Program.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 3012 of such
title is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by adding ``or'' at the
end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) after September 30, 2009--
``(i) receives a commission as an officer
in the Armed Forces--
``(I) upon graduation from the
United States Military Academy, the
United States Naval Academy, the United
States Air Force Academy, or the Coast
Guard Academy; or
``(II) upon completion of a Senior
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
program under chapter 103 of title 10;
and
``(ii) completes at least five years of
continuous active duty in the Armed Forces
(excluding any period of obligated service in
connection with receipt of a commission as an
officer in the Armed Forces under clause (i)
and excluding any other period of obligated
service in connection with education, training,
or instruction provided or funded, whether in
whole or in part, by the United States);''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Such section is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsection
(d)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (d)'';
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) by striking ``(1)'' after ``(d)''; and
(ii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
and
(C) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``subsection
(d)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (d)''.
(c) Amount of Basic Educational Assistance.--Section 3015(c) of
such title is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Paragraph (1) of this section also applies to the following:
``(A) An individual entitled to an educational assistance
allowance under section 3011 of this title by reason of
subsection (a)(1)(D) of such section.
``(B) An individual entitled to an educational assistance
allowance under section 3012 of this title by reason of
subsection (a)(1)(D) of such section.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2009.
SEC. 11. OPPORTUNITY FOR CURRENT AND CERTAIN RETIRED VEAP-ERA PERSONNEL
TO ENROLL IN BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE
MONTGOMERY GI BILL.
(a) Opportunity for Current and Certain Retired VEAP-Era Personnel
to Enroll.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 30 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 3018C the following
new section:
``Sec. 3018D. Opportunity for current and certain retired VEAP-era
personnel to enroll
``(a) In General.--An individual described in subsection (b) who
makes an election described in paragraph (5) of such subsection is
entitled to basic educational assistance under this chapter, subject to
the provisions of subsection (d).
``(b) Covered Individuals.--An individual described in this
subsection is an individual who meets each of the following
requirements:
``(1) The individual first became a member of the Armed
Forces or first entered on active duty as a member of the Armed
Forces on or after January 1, 1977, but before July 1, 1985.
``(2) The individual, as of the date of the individual's
election under paragraph (5)--
``(A) is serving on active duty without a break in
service (other than as described in section 3202(1)(C)
of this title) since the date the individual first
became such a member or first entered on active duty as
such a member; or
``(B) is retired from the Armed Forces after
serving at least 20 years on active duty in the Armed
Forces, which service included service on active duty
in the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, and
elected not to participate in the program of
educational assistance under chapter 32 of this title.
``(3) The individual, before applying for benefits under
this section, has completed the requirements of a secondary
school diploma (or equivalency certificate) or has successfully
completed the equivalent of 12 semester hours in a program of
education leading to a standard college degree, but has not
completed the requirements for nor been awarded a bachelor's
degree.
``(4) The individual--
``(A) in the case of an individual described by
paragraph (2)(A), is discharged with an honorable
discharge or released with service characterized as
honorable by the Secretary concerned; or
``(B) in the case of an individual described by
paragraph (2)(B), was discharged with an honorable
discharge or released with service characterized as
honorable by the Secretary concerned.
``(5) During the one-year period beginning on October 1,
2009, the individual makes an irrevocable election to receive
benefits under this section pursuant to procedures which the
Secretary of each military department shall provide in
accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Defense for the purpose of carrying out this section or which
the Secretary of Transportation shall provide for such purpose
with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a
service in the Navy.
``(c) Reduction of Pay; Collection and Payment of Amounts.--(1) In
the case of an individual described by subsection (b) who makes an
election under this section to become entitled to basic educational
assistance under this chapter--
``(A) the basic pay or retired or retainer pay, as
applicable, of the individual shall be reduced (in a manner
determined by the Secretary concerned) until the total amount
by which such pay is reduced is $2,700; or
``(B) to the extent that the basic pay of the individual is
not so reduced before the individual's discharge or release
from active duty as described in subsection (d)(4)(A), the
Secretary concerned shall collect from the individual an amount
equal to the difference between $2,700 and the total amount of
reductions with respect to the individual under subparagraph
(A).
``(2) An individual covered by paragraph (1) may at any time pay
the Secretary concerned an amount equal to the difference between the
total of the reductions otherwise required with respect to the
individual under that paragraph and the total amount of the reductions
with respect to the individual under that paragraph at the time of the
payment.
``(3) Any amounts collected under paragraph (1)(B) or paid under
paragraph (2) shall be paid into the Department of Defense Education
Benefits Fund under section 2006 of title 10.
``(4) The total amount of reductions in pay, or of collections or
payments, required with respect to an individual under paragraph (1)
shall be achieved not later than 12 months after the date on which the
individual makes an election under subsection (b)(5).
``(5) No amount of educational assistance allowance under this
chapter shall be paid to an individual covered by paragraph (1) until
the date on which the total amount of reductions in pay, or of
collections or payments, required with respect to the individual under
paragraph (1) is achieved.
``(d) Limitations on Basic Educational Assistance.--(1) The basic
educational assistance allowance payable under this chapter to an
individual entitled to such educational assistance allowance under this
section shall be payable at the monthly rate of basic educational
assistance payable under section 3015(a)(1)(B) of this title.
``(2) Basic educational assistance under this section shall be
available only for pursuit of a non-degree vocational training program,
an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree, but shall not be available
for pursuit of a masters degree or other advanced college degree.
``(3) An individual entitled under this section to basic
educational assistance under this chapter is entitled to the
educational stipend provided under section 3020A of this title.
``(4)(A) Entitlement under this section to basic educational
assistance under this chapter is not transferrable under the provisions
of section 3020 of this title.
``(B) An individual entitled under this section to basic
educational assistance under this chapter is not eligible for the
following:
``(i) The use of basic educational assistance benefits
under this chapter for the repayment of Federal student loans
under section 3020B of this title.
``(ii) Supplemental educational assistance authorized by
subchapter III of this chapter.
``(5)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the provisions of
section 3031 of this title shall apply to the use of entitlement under
this section to basic educational assistance under this chapter.
``(B) In the case of an individual entitled under this section to
basic educational assistance under this chapter who is described by
subsection (b)(2)(B), the period during which the individual may use
such entitlement expires on October 1, 2019.
``(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall, in coordination with the
Secretary of Defense, provide for notice of the opportunity under this
section to elect to become entitled to basic educational assistance
under this chapter.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 3018C the following new
item:
``3018D. Opportunity for current and certain retired VEAP-era personnel
to enroll.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3017(b)(1) of such title is
amended--
(1) in subparagraphs (A) and (C), by striking ``or
3018C(e)'' and inserting ``3018C(e), or 3018D(c)''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or 3018C(e) of this
title'' after ``section 3018C(e), or 3018D(c) of this title or
paid by the individual under section 3018D(c) of this title''.
SEC. 12. COLLEGE PATRIOTS GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 36 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER IV--COLLEGE PATRIOTS GRANTS
``Sec. 3699A. College Patriots Grant Program
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to provide,
through a partnership with the Department and institutions of higher
education, supplemental educational grants to assist in making
available the benefits of postsecondary education to qualified veterans
by meeting such veterans' unmet financial need.
``(b) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary shall carry out a
supplemental educational grant program under which--
``(1) an institution of higher education participating in
the program voluntarily provides a covered individual enrolled
in the institution with the non-Federal share of a percentage
of the covered individual's unmet financial need determined in
accordance with subsection (e); and
``(2) the Secretary provides the Federal share of a
percentage of the covered individual's unmet financial need
determined in accordance with subsection (e).
``(c) Designation of Program.--The program under this section shall
be known as the `College Patriots Grant Program'.
``(d) Institutional Eligibility Criteria.--Assistance may be made
available under this section only to an institution of higher education
that satisfies any criteria specified by the Secretary. Such criteria
shall include an agreement or other appropriate assurance from the
institution of higher education that--
``(1) the non-Federal share of a covered individual's unmet
financial need awarded under this section shall be provided
from non-Federal resources, including--
``(A) institutional grants and scholarships;
``(B) tuition or fee waivers;
``(C) State scholarships; and
``(D) foundation or other charitable organization
funds; and
``(2) funds made available under this section shall be
provided to a covered individual for whom the institution of
higher education has made a determination that the covered
individual has an unmet financial need, which determination
shall be made before including Federal student loans under
title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 in the covered
individual's financial aid package.
``(e) Federal Share; Non-Federal Share.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not approve an
institution of higher education for participation in the
College Patriots Grant Program unless the institution of higher
education has provided, in the manner required by the
Secretary, the following:
``(A) An agreement or other assurance that the
institution of higher education will provide the non-
Federal share in accordance with this subsection.
``(B) Information on the specific methods by which
the non-Federal share shall be paid.
``(C) An acknowledgment that the non-Federal share
provided under this subsection shall supplement and not
supplant other Federal and non-Federal funds.
``(2) Federal and non-federal shares.--Each institution of
higher education participating in the program under this
section shall select one of the three contribution percentage
tiers described in paragraph (3) for purposes of meeting a
percentage of the unmet financial needs of covered individuals
enrolled in the institution.
``(3) Percentage contribution tiers.--
``(A) 25 percent tier.--In the case of a covered
individual enrolled in the institution who has an unmet
financial need that is--
``(i) less than $8,000, the non-Federal
share shall be 12.5 percent of the unmet
financial need and the Federal share shall be
12.5 percent of the unmet financial need,
except that the Federal share shall not exceed
$1,000; and
``(ii) equal to or greater than $8,000, the
Federal share shall be $1,000 and the non-
Federal share shall be 25 percent of the
covered individual's unmet financial need minus
$1,000.
``(B) 50 percent tier.--In the case of a covered
individual enrolled in the institution who has an unmet
financial need that is--
``(i) less than $8,000, the non-Federal
share shall be 25 percent of the unmet
financial need and the Federal share shall be
25 percent of the unmet financial need, except
that the Federal share shall not exceed $2,000;
and
``(ii) equal to or greater than $8,000, the
Federal share shall be $2,000 and the non-
Federal share shall be 50 percent of the
covered individual's unmet financial need minus
$2,000.
``(C) 100 percent tier.--In the case of a covered
individual enrolled in the institution who has an unmet
financial need that is--
``(i) less than $6,000, the non-Federal
share shall be 50 percent of the unmet
financial need and the Federal share shall be
50 percent of the unmet financial need, except
that the Federal share shall not exceed $3,000;
and
``(ii) equal to or greater than $6,000, the
Federal share shall be $3,000 and the non-
Federal share shall be 100 percent of the
covered individual's unmet financial need minus
$3,000.
``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations
necessary to implement and administer the College Patriots Grant
Program, including regulations establishing the procedures for
determining eligibility for the program, applying for supplemental
educational grants under the program, and distributing the Federal
share provided by the Secretary under the program.
``(g) Outreach.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Education, shall--
``(1) make available to the public on the Internet website
of the Department--
``(A) a current list of institutions of higher
education participating in the College Patriots Grant
Program; and
``(B) information on the extent of participation of
each institution of higher education participating in
the College Patriots Grant Program;
``(2) make available to the public on the Internet website
of the Department information about all Federal and State
education benefits that members of the regular components of
the Armed Forces, members of the reserve components of the
Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents may be eligible to
receive; and
``(3) make available to institutions of higher education
information about the College Patriots Grant Program and take
appropriate actions to encourage broad participation of
institutions of higher education in the program.
``(h) Awards for Institutional Recognition.--The Secretary may
establish and administer an awards program to recognize the extent of
an institution of higher education's participation in the College
Patriots Grant Program.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Cost of attendance.--The term `cost of attendance'
has the meaning given the term in section 472 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll).
``(2) Covered individual.--The term `covered individual'
means an individual who--
``(A) is enrolled in an institution of higher
education that is participating in the College Patriots
Grant Program;
``(B) has such amount of remaining entitlement to
educational assistance under chapter 30 or 32 of this
title, or under chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, as
the Secretary may require for purposes of this section;
and
``(C) after receipt of any of the educational
assistance described in subparagraph (B), has an unmet
financial need to attend the institution of higher
education for which a supplemental educational grant is
sought.
``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002).
``(4) Unmet financial need.--The term `unmet financial
need' means, with respect to a covered individual, the cost of
attendance for the covered individual to attend an institution
of higher education participating in the College Patriots Grant
Program, minus the sum of--
``(A) grant and work assistance received by the
covered individual under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); and
``(B) any educational assistance payments received
by the covered individual through any programs
administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or
the Department of Defense.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by adding at
the end the following new items:
``subchapter iv--college patriots grants
``3699A. College Patriots Grant Program.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall
apply to terms, quarters, or semesters beginning on or after that date.
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