[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3447 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        S.3447

                      One Hundred Eleventh Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
             the fifth day of January, two thousand and ten


                                 An Act


 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance 
 for veterans who served 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; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Post-9/11 Veterans 
Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Reference to title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 3. Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act compliance.

           TITLE I--POST-9/11 VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Sec. 101. Modification of entitlement to educational assistance.
Sec. 102. Amounts of assistance for programs of education leading to a 
          degree pursued at public, non-public, and foreign institutions 
          of higher learning.
Sec. 103. Amounts of assistance for programs of education leading to a 
          degree pursued on active duty.
Sec. 104. Educational assistance for programs of education pursued on 
          half-time basis or less.
Sec. 105. Educational assistance for programs of education other than 
          programs of education leading to a degree.
Sec. 106. Determination of monthly housing stipend payments for academic 
          years.
Sec. 107. Availability of assistance for licensure and certification 
          tests.
Sec. 108. National tests.
Sec. 109. Continuation of entitlement to additional educational 
          assistance for critical skills or specialty.
Sec. 110. Transfer of unused education benefits.
Sec. 111. Bar to duplication of certain educational assistance benefits.
Sec. 112. Technical amendments.

             TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE MATTERS

Sec. 201. Extension of delimiting dates for use of educational 
          assistance by primary caregivers of seriously injured veterans 
          and members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 202. Limitations on receipt of educational assistance under 
          National Call to Service and other programs of educational 
          assistance.
Sec. 203. Approval of courses.
Sec. 204. Reporting fees.
Sec. 205. Election for receipt of alternate subsistence allowance for 
          certain veterans with service-connected disabilities 
          undergoing training and rehabilitation.
Sec. 206. Modification of authority to make certain interval payments.
SEC. 2. REFERENCE TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States 
Code.
SEC. 3. STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO ACT COMPLIANCE.
    The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying 
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by 
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO 
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that 
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

           TITLE I--POST-9/11 VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

    SEC. 101. MODIFICATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
    (a) Modification of Definitions on Eligibility for Educational 
Assistance.--
        (1) Expansion of definition of active duty to include service 
    in national guard for certain purposes.--Paragraph (1) of section 
    3301 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
    subparagraph:
            ``(C) In the case of a member of the Army National Guard of 
        the United States or Air National Guard of the United States, 
        in addition to service described in subparagraph (B), full-time 
        service--
                ``(i) in the National Guard of a State for the purpose 
            of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or 
            training the National Guard; or
                ``(ii) in the National Guard under section 502(f) of 
            title 32 when authorized by the President or the Secretary 
            of Defense for the purpose of responding to a national 
            emergency declared by the President and supported by 
            Federal funds.''.
        (2) Expansion of definition of army entry level and skill 
    training to include one station unit training.--Paragraph (2)(A) of 
    such section is amended by inserting ``or One Station Unit 
    Training'' before the period at the end.
        (3) Clarification of definition of entry level and skill 
    training for the coast guard.--Paragraph (2)(E) of such section is 
    amended by inserting ``and Skill Training (or so-called `A' 
    School)'' before the period at the end.
    (b) Clarification of Applicability of Honorable Service Requirement 
for Certain Discharges and Releases From the Armed Forces as Basis for 
Entitlement to Educational Assistance.--Section 3311(c)(4) is amended 
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``A discharge or 
release from active duty in the Armed Forces'' and inserting ``A 
discharge or release from active duty in the Armed Forces after service 
on active duty in the Armed Forces characterized by the Secretary 
concerned as honorable service''.
    (c) Exclusion From Period of Service on Active Duty of Periods of 
Service in Connection With Attendance at Coast Guard Academy.--Section 
3311(d)(2) is amended by inserting ``or section 182 of title 14'' 
before the period at the end.
    (d) Effective Dates.--
        (1) Service in national guard as active duty.--The amendment 
    made by subsection (a)(1) shall take effect on August 1, 2009, as 
    if included in the enactment of chapter 33 of title 38, United 
    States Code, pursuant to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
    Assistance Act of 2008 (title V of Public Law 110-252). However, no 
    benefits otherwise payable by reason of such amendment for the 
    period beginning on August 1, 2009, and ending on September 30, 
    2011, may be paid before October 1, 2011.
        (2) One station unit training.--The amendment made by 
    subsection (a)(2) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of 
    this Act.
        (3) Entry level and skill training for the coast guard.--The 
    amendment made by subsection (a)(3) shall take effect on the date 
    of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to 
    individuals entering service on or after that date.
        (4) Honorable service requirement.--The amendment made by 
    subsection (b) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of 
    this Act, and shall apply with respect to discharges and releases 
    from the Armed Forces that occur on or after that date.
        (5) Service in connection with attendance at coast guard 
    academy.--The amendment made by subsection (c) shall take effect on 
    the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect 
    to individuals entering into agreements on service in the Coast 
    Guard on or after that date.
    SEC. 102. AMOUNTS OF ASSISTANCE FOR PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION LEADING 
      TO A DEGREE PURSUED AT PUBLIC, NON-PUBLIC, AND FOREIGN 
      INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.
    (a) Amounts of Educational Assistance.--
        (1) In general.--Section 3313(c) is amended--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
        ``leading to a degree at an institution of higher learning (as 
        that term is defined in section 3452(f))'' after ``program of 
        education''; and
            (B) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (A) and 
        inserting the following new subparagraph (A):
            ``(A) An amount equal to the following:
                ``(i) In the case of a program of education pursued at 
            a public institution of higher learning, the actual net 
            cost for in-State tuition and fees assessed by the 
            institution for the program of education after the 
            application of--

                    ``(I) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and 
                fees; and
                    ``(II) any scholarship, or other Federal, State, 
                institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance 
                (other than loans and any funds provided under section 
                401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1070a)) that is provided directly to the institution 
                and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                defraying tuition and fees.

                ``(ii) In the case of a program of education pursued at 
            a non-public or foreign institution of higher learning, the 
            lesser of--

                    ``(I) the actual net cost for tuition and fees 
                assessed by the institution for the program of 
                education after the application of--

                        ``(aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition 
                    and fees; and
                        ``(bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, 
                    State, institutional, or employer-based aid or 
                    assistance (other than loans and any funds provided 
                    under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
                    1965) that is provided directly to the institution 
                    and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                    defraying tuition and fees; or

                    ``(II) the amount equal to--

                        ``(aa) for the academic year beginning on 
                    August 1, 2011, $17,500; or
                        ``(bb) for an academic year beginning on any 
                    subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous 
                    academic year beginning on August 1 under this 
                    subclause, as increased by the percentage increase 
                    equal to the most recent percentage increase 
                    determined under section 3015(h).''.
        (2) Conforming amendment.--The heading of such section is 
    amended to read as follows: ``Programs of Education Leading to a 
    Degree Pursued at Institutions of Higher Learning on More Than 
    Half-time Basis.--''.
    (b) Amounts of Monthly Stipends.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B) is 
amended--
        (1) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iv); and
        (2) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following new 
    clauses:
                ``(i) Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), for 
            each month an individual pursues a program of education on 
            more than a half-time basis, a monthly housing stipend 
            equal to the product of--

                    ``(I) 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 learning at which the 
                individual is enrolled, multiplied by
                    ``(II) the lesser of--

                        ``(aa) 1.0; or
                        ``(bb) the number of course hours borne by the 
                    individual in pursuit of the program of education, 
                    divided by the minimum number of course hours 
                    required for full-time pursuit of the program of 
                    education, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10.
                ``(ii) In the case of an individual pursuing a program 
            of education at a foreign institution of higher learning on 
            more than a half-time basis, for each month the individual 
            pursues the program of education, a monthly housing stipend 
            equal to the product of--

                    ``(I) the national average of 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, multiplied by
                    ``(II) the lesser of--

                        ``(aa) 1.0; or
                        ``(bb) the number of course hours borne by the 
                    individual in pursuit of the program of education, 
                    divided by the minimum number of course hours 
                    required for full-time pursuit of the program of 
                    education, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10.
                ``(iii) In the case of an individual pursuing a program 
            of education solely through distance learning on more than 
            a half-time basis, a monthly housing stipend equal to 50 
            percent of the amount payable under clause (ii) if the 
            individual were otherwise entitled to a monthly housing 
            stipend under that clause for pursuit of the program of 
            education.''.
    (c) Effective Dates.--
        (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
    amendments made by this section shall take effect on August 1, 
    2011, and shall apply with respect to amounts payable for 
    educational assistance for pursuit of programs of education on or 
    after that date.
        (2) Stipend for distance learning on more than half-time 
    basis.--Clause (iii) of section 3313(c)(1)(B) of title 38, United 
    States Code (as added by subsection (b)(2) of this section), shall 
    take effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to 
    amounts payable for educational assistance for pursuit of programs 
    of education as covered by such clause on or after that date.
    SEC. 103. AMOUNTS OF ASSISTANCE FOR PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION LEADING 
      TO A DEGREE PURSUED ON ACTIVE DUTY.
    (a) In General.--Section 3313(e) is amended--
        (1) in paragraphs (1), by inserting ``leading to a degree'' 
    after ``approved program of education'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)--
            (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
        ``leading to a degree'' after ``program of education'';
            (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
        (i) and (iii), respectively;
            (C) in the matter preceding clause (i), as redesignated by 
        subparagraph (B) of this paragraph--
                (i) by striking ``The amount'' and inserting ``The 
            amounts''; and
                (ii) by striking ``is the lesser of--'' and inserting 
            ``are as follows:
            ``(A) Subject to subparagraph (C), an amount equal to the 
        lesser of--'';
            (D) by striking clause (i), as so redesignated, and 
        inserting the following new clauses:
                ``(i) in the case of a program of education pursued at 
            a public institution of higher learning, the actual net 
            cost for in-State tuition and fees assessed by the 
            institution for the program of education after the 
            application of--

                    ``(I) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and 
                fees; and
                    ``(II) any scholarship, or other Federal, State, 
                institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance 
                (other than loans and any funds provided under section 
                401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1070a)) that is provided directly to the institution 
                and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                defraying tuition and fees;

                ``(ii) in the case of a program of education pursued at 
            a non-public or foreign institution of higher learning, the 
            lesser of--

                    ``(I) the actual net cost for tuition and fees 
                assessed by the institution for the program of 
                education after the application of--

                        ``(aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition 
                    and fees; and
                        ``(bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, 
                    State, institutional, or employer-based aid or 
                    assistance (other than loans and any funds provided 
                    under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
                    1965) that is provided directly to the institution 
                    and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                    defraying tuition and fees; or

                    ``(II) the amount equal to--

                        ``(aa) for the academic year beginning on 
                    August 1, 2011, $17,500; or
                        ``(bb) for an academic year beginning on any 
                    subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous 
                    academic year beginning on August 1 under this 
                    subclause, as increased by the percentage increase 
                    equal to the most recent percentage increase 
                    determined under section 3015(h); or''.
            (E) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs 
        (B) and (C):
            ``(B) Subject to subparagraph (C), for the first month of 
        each quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, of the program 
        of education pursued by the individual, a lump sum amount for 
        books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs with 
        respect to such quarter, semester, or term in the amount equal 
        to--
                ``(i) $1,000, multiplied by
                ``(ii) the fraction of a complete academic year under 
            the program of education that such quarter, semester, or 
            term constitutes.
            ``(C) In the case of an individual entitled to educational 
        assistance by reason of paragraphs (3) through (8) of section 
        3311(b), the amounts payable to the individual pursuant to 
        subparagraphs (A)(i), (A)(ii), and (B) shall be the amounts 
        otherwise determined pursuant to such subparagraphs multiplied 
        by the same percentage applicable to the monthly amounts 
        payable to the individual under paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
        subsection (c).''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of such section is amended 
to read as follows: ``Programs of Education Leading to a Degree Pursued 
on Active Duty on More Than Half-time Basis.--''.
    (c) Effective Dates.--
        (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
    amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that 
    is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall 
    apply with respect to amounts payable for educational assistance 
    for pursuit of programs of education on or after such effective 
    date.
        (2) Lump sum for books and other educational costs.--
    Subparagraph (B) of section 3313(e)(2) of title 38, United States 
    Code (as added by subsection (a)(2)(E) of this section), shall take 
    effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to amounts 
    payable for educational assistance for pursuit of programs of 
    education on or after that date.
    SEC. 104. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION PURSUED 
      ON HALF-TIME BASIS OR LESS.
    (a) Clarification of Availability of Assistance.--Section 3313(f) 
is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the end 
    the following: ``whether a program of education pursued on active 
    duty, a program of education leading to a degree, or a program of 
    education other than a program of education leading to a degree''; 
    and
        (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``covered by this 
    subsection'' after ``program of education'' in the matter preceding 
    subparagraph (A).
    (b) Amount of Assistance.--Clause (i) of paragraph (2)(A) of such 
section is amended to read as follows:
                ``(i) the actual net cost for in-State tuition and fees 
            assessed by the institution of higher learning for the 
            program of education after the application of--

                    ``(I) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and 
                fees; and
                    ``(II) any scholarship, or other Federal, State, 
                institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance 
                (other than loans and any funds provided under section 
                401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1070a)) that is provided directly to the institution 
                and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                defraying tuition and fees; or''.

    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to amounts 
payable for educational assistance for pursuit of programs of education 
on or after that date.
    SEC. 105. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION OTHER 
      THAN PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION LEADING TO A DEGREE.
    (a) Approved Programs of Education at Institutions Other Than 
Institutions of Higher Learning.--Subsection (b) of section 3313 is 
amended by striking ``is offered by an institution of higher learning 
(as that term is defined in section 3452(f)) and''.
    (b) Assistance for Pursuit of Programs of Education Other Than 
Programs of Education Leading to a Degree.--Such section is further 
amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (h);
        (2) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
        (3) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new 
    subsection (g):
    ``(g) Programs of Education Other Than Programs of Education 
Leading to a Degree.--
        ``(1) In general.--Educational assistance is payable under this 
    chapter for pursuit of an approved program of education other than 
    a program of education leading to a degree at an institution other 
    than an institution of higher learning (as that term is defined in 
    section 3452(f)).
        ``(2) Pursuit on half-time basis or less.--The payment of 
    educational assistance under this chapter for pursuit of a program 
    of education otherwise described in paragraph (1) on a half-time 
    basis or less is governed by subsection (f).
        ``(3) Amount of assistance.--The amounts of educational 
    assistance payable under this chapter to an individual entitled to 
    educational assistance under this chapter who is pursuing an 
    approved program of education covered by this subsection are as 
    follows:
            ``(A) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
        education (other than a program described in subparagraphs (B) 
        through (D)) in pursuit of a certificate or other non-college 
        degree, the following:
                ``(i) Subject to clause (iv), an amount equal to the 
            lesser of--

                    ``(I) the actual net cost for in-State tuition and 
                fees assessed by the institution concerned for the 
                program of education after the application of--

                        ``(aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition 
                    and fees; and
                        ``(bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, 
                    State, institutional, or employer-based aid or 
                    assistance (other than loans and any funds provided 
                    under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
                    1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a)) that is provided directly 
                    to the institution and specifically designated for 
                    the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees; or

                    ``(II) the amount equal to--

                        ``(aa) for the academic year beginning on 
                    August 1, 2011, $17,500; or
                        ``(bb) for an academic year beginning on any 
                    subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous 
                    academic year beginning on August 1 under this 
                    subclause, as increased by the percentage increase 
                    equal to the most recent percentage increase 
                    determined under section 3015(h).
                ``(ii) Except in the case of an individual pursuing a 
            program of education on a half-time or less basis and 
            subject to clause (iv), a monthly housing stipend equal to 
            the product--

                    ``(I) of--

                        ``(aa) in the case of an individual pursuing 
                    resident training, 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 at 
                    which the individual is enrolled; or
                        ``(bb) in the case of an individual pursuing a 
                    program of education through distance learning, a 
                    monthly amount equal to 50 percent of the amount 
                    payable under item (aa), multiplied by

                    ``(II) the lesser of--

                        ``(aa) 1.0; or
                        ``(bb) the number of course hours borne by the 
                    individual in pursuit of the program of education 
                    involved, divided by the minimum number of course 
                    hours required for full-time pursuit of such 
                    program of education, rounded to the nearest 
                    multiple of 10.
                ``(iii) Subject to clause (iv), a monthly stipend in an 
            amount equal to $83 for each month (or pro rata amount for 
            a partial month) of training pursued for books supplies, 
            equipment, and other educational costs.
                ``(iv) In the case of an individual entitled to 
            educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (3) through 
            (8) of section 3311(b), the amounts payable pursuant to 
            clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be the amounts otherwise 
            determined pursuant to such clauses multiplied by the same 
            percentage applicable to the monthly amounts payable to the 
            individual under paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
            (c).
            ``(B) In the case of an individual pursuing a full-time 
        program of apprenticeship or other on-job training, amounts as 
        follows:
                ``(i) Subject to clauses (iii) and (iv), for each month 
            the individual pursues the program of education, a monthly 
            housing stipend equal to--

                    ``(I) during the first six-month period of the 
                program, 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 employer at which the individual pursues 
                such program;
                    ``(II) during the second six-month period of the 
                program, 80 percent of the monthly amount of the basic 
                allowance for housing payable as described in subclause 
                (I);
                    ``(III) during the third six-month period of the 
                program, 60 percent of the monthly amount of the basic 
                allowance for housing payable as described in subclause 
                (I);
                    ``(IV) during the fourth six-month period of such 
                program, 40 percent of the monthly amount of the basic 
                allowance for housing payable as described in subclause 
                (I); and
                    ``(V) during any month after the first 24 months of 
                such program, 20 percent of the monthly amount of the 
                basic allowance for housing payable as described in 
                subclause (I).

                ``(ii) Subject to clauses (iii) and (iv), a monthly 
            stipend in an amount equal to $83 for each month (or pro 
            rata amount for each partial month) of training pursued for 
            books supplies, equipment, and other educational costs.
                ``(iii) In the case of an individual entitled to 
            educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (3) through 
            (8) of sections 3311(b), the amounts payable pursuant to 
            clauses (i) and (ii) shall be the amounts otherwise 
            determined pursuant to such clauses multiplied by the same 
            percentage applicable to the monthly amounts payable to the 
            individual under paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
            (c).
                ``(iv) In any month in which an individual pursuing a 
            program of education consisting of a program of 
            apprenticeship or other on-job training fails to complete 
            120 hours of training, the amount of monthly educational 
            assistance allowance payable under clauses (i) and (iii) to 
            the individual shall be limited to the same proportion of 
            the applicable rate determined under this subparagraph as 
            the number of hours worked during such month, rounded to 
            the nearest eight hours, bears to 120 hours.
            ``(C) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
        education consisting of flight training (regardless of the 
        institution providing such program of education), an amount 
        equal to--
                ``(i) the lesser of--

                    ``(I) the actual net cost for in-State tuition and 
                fees assessed by the institution concerned for the 
                program of education after the application of--

                        ``(aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition 
                    and fees; and
                        ``(bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, 
                    State, institutional, or employer-based aid or 
                    assistance (other than loans and any funds provided 
                    under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
                    1965) that is provided directly to the institution 
                    and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                    defraying tuition and fees; or

                    ``(II) the amount equal to--

                        ``(aa) for the academic year beginning on 
                    August 1, 2011, $10,000; or
                        ``(bb) for an academic year beginning on any 
                    subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous 
                    academic year beginning on August 1 under this 
                    subclause, as increased by the percentage increase 
                    equal to the most recent percentage increase 
                    determined under section 3015(h), multiplied by--
                ``(ii) either--

                    ``(I) in the case of an individual entitled to 
                educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (1), 
                (2), or (9) of section 3311(b), 100 percent; or
                    ``(II) in the case of an individual entitled to 
                educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (3) 
                through (8) of section 3311(b), the same percentage as 
                would otherwise apply to the monthly amounts payable to 
                the individual under paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
                subsection (c).

            ``(D) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of 
        education that is pursued exclusively by correspondence 
        (regardless of the institution providing such program of 
        education), an amount equal to--
                ``(i) the lesser of--

                    ``(I) the actual net cost for tuition and fees 
                assessed by the institution concerned for the program 
                of education after the application of--

                        ``(aa) any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition 
                    and fees; and
                        ``(bb) any scholarship, or other Federal, 
                    State, institutional, or employer-based aid or 
                    assistance (other than loans and any funds provided 
                    under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 
                    1965) that is provided directly to the institution 
                    and specifically designated for the sole purpose of 
                    defraying tuition and fees.

                    ``(II) the amount equal to--

                        ``(aa) for the academic year beginning on 
                    August 1, 2011, $8,500; or
                        ``(bb) for an academic year beginning on any 
                    subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous 
                    academic year beginning on August 1 under this 
                    subclause, as increased by the percentage increase 
                    equal to the most recent percentage increase 
                    determined under section 3015(h), multiplied by--
                ``(ii) either--

                    ``(I) in the case of an individual entitled to 
                educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (1), 
                (2), or (9) of section 3311(b), 100 percent; or
                    ``(II) in the case of an individual entitled to 
                educational assistance by reason of paragraphs (3) 
                through (8) of section 3311(b), the same percentage as 
                would otherwise apply to the monthly amounts payable to 
                the individual under paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
                subsection (c).

        ``(4) Frequency of payment.--
            ``(A) Quarter, semester, or term payments.--Payment of the 
        amounts payable under paragraph (3)(A)(i) for pursuit of a 
        program of education shall be made for the entire quarter, 
        semester, or term, as applicable, of the program of education.
            ``(B) Monthly payments.--Payment of the amounts payable 
        under paragraphs (3)(A)(ii) and (3)(B)(i) for pursuit of a 
        program of education shall be made on a monthly basis.
            ``(C) Lump sum payments.--
                ``(i) Payment for the amount payable under paragraphs 
            (3)(A)(iii) and (3)(B)(ii) shall be paid to the individual 
            for the first month of each quarter, semester, or term, as 
            applicable, of the program education pursued by the 
            individual.
                ``(ii) Payment of the amount payable under paragraph 
            (3)(C) for pursuit of a program of education shall be made 
            upon receipt of certification for training completed by the 
            individual and serviced by the training facility.
            ``(D) Quarterly payments.--Payment of the amounts payable 
        under paragraph (3)(D) for pursuit of a program of education 
        shall be made quarterly on a pro rata basis for the lessons 
        completed by the individual and serviced by the institution.
        ``(5) Charge against entitlement for certificate and other non-
    college degree programs.--
            ``(A) In general.--In the case of amounts paid under 
        paragraph (3)(A)(i) for pursuit of a program of education, the 
        charge against entitlement to educational assistance under this 
        chapter of the individual for whom such payment is made shall 
        be one month for each of--
                ``(i) the amount so paid, divided by
                ``(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), the amount equal to 
            one-twelfth of the amount applicable in the academic year 
            in which the payment is made under paragraph (3)(A)(i)(II).
            ``(B) Pro rata adjustment based on certain eligibility.--If 
        the amount otherwise payable with respect to an individual 
        under paragraph (3)(A)(i) is subject to a percentage adjustment 
        under paragraph (3)(A)(iv), the amount applicable with respect 
        to the individual under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be the 
        amount otherwise determined pursuant to such subparagraph 
        subject to a percentage adjustment equal to the percentage 
        adjustment applicable with respect to the individual under 
        paragraph (3)(A)(iv).''.
    (c) Payment of Amounts to Educational Institutions.--Subsection (h) 
of section 3313, as redesignated by subsection (b)(2) of this section, 
is amended by inserting ``, and under subparagraphs (A)(i), (C), and 
(D) of subsection (g)(3),'' after ``(f)(2)(A)''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to amounts 
payable for educational assistance for pursuit of programs of education 
on or after that date.
    SEC. 106. DETERMINATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND PAYMENTS FOR 
      ACADEMIC YEARS.
    (a) In General.--Section 3313, as amended by this Act, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Determination of Housing Stipend Payments for Academic 
Years.--Any monthly housing stipend payable under this section during 
the academic year beginning on August 1 of a calendar year shall be 
determined utilizing rates for basic allowances for housing payable 
under section 403 of title 37 in effect as of January 1 of such 
calendar year.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 107. AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE FOR LICENSURE AND 
      CERTIFICATION TESTS.
    (a) Availability of Assistance for Additional Tests.--Subsection 
(a) of section 3315 is amended by striking ``one licensing or 
certification test'' and inserting ``licensing or certification 
tests''.
    (b) Charge Against Entitlement for Receipt of Assistance.--
        (1) In general.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended to 
    read as follows:
    ``(c) Charge Against Entitlement.--The charge against an 
individual's entitlement under this chapter for payment for a licensing 
or certification test shall be determined at the rate of one month 
(rounded to the nearest whole month) for each amount paid that equals--
        ``(1) for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2011, 
    $1,460; or
        ``(2) for an academic year beginning on any subsequent August 
    1, the amount for the previous academic year beginning on August 1 
    under this subsection, as increased by the percentage increase 
    equal to the most recent percentage increase determined under 
    section 3015(h).''.
        (2) Conforming amendments.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
    amended--
            (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the end;
            (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; or''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) the amount of entitlement available to the individual 
    under this chapter at the time of payment for the test under this 
    section.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to licensure and 
certification tests taken on or after that date.
    SEC. 108. NATIONAL TESTS.
    (a) National Tests.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 33 is amended by inserting after 
    section 3315 the following new section:
``Sec. 3315A. National tests
    ``(a) In General.--An individual entitled to educational assistance 
under this chapter shall also be entitled to educational assistance for 
the following:
        ``(1) A national test for admission to an institution of higher 
    learning as described in the last sentence of section 3452(b).
        ``(2) A national test providing an opportunity for course 
    credit at an institution of higher learning as so described.
    ``(b) Amount.--The amount of educational assistance payable under 
this chapter for a test described in subsection (a) is the lesser of--
        ``(1) the fee charged for the test; or
        ``(2) the amount of entitlement available to the individual 
    under this chapter at the time of payment for the test under this 
    section.
    ``(c) Charge Against Entitlement.--The number of months of 
entitlement charged an individual under this chapter for a test 
described in subsection (a) shall be determined at the rate of one 
month (rounded to the nearest whole month) for each amount paid that 
equals--
        ``(1) for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2011, 
    $1,460; or
        ``(2) for an academic year beginning on any subsequent August 
    1, the amount for the previous academic year beginning on August 1 
    under this subsection, as increased by the percentage increase 
    equal to the most recent percentage increase determined under 
    section 3015(h).''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 33 is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
    section 3315 the following new item:

``3315A. National tests.''.

    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to national 
tests taken on or after that date.
    SEC. 109. CONTINUATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE FOR CRITICAL SKILLS OR SPECIALTY.
    (a) In General.--Section 3316 is amended--
        (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e); and
        (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
    subsection (c):
    ``(c) Continuation of Increased Educational Assistance.--
        ``(1) In general.--An individual who made an election to 
    receive educational assistance under this chapter pursuant to 
    section 5003(c)(1)(A) of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
    Assistance Act of 2008 (38 U.S.C. 3301 note) and who, at the time 
    of the election, was entitled to increased educational assistance 
    under section 3015(d) or section 16131(i) of title 10 shall remain 
    entitled to increased educational assistance in the utilization of 
    the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this 
    chapter.
        ``(2) Rate.--The monthly rate of increased educational 
    assistance payable to an individual under paragraph (1) shall be--
            ``(A) the rate of educational assistance otherwise payable 
        to the individual under section 3015(d) or section 16131(i) of 
        title 10, as the case may be, had the individual not made the 
        election described in paragraph (1), multiplied by
            ``(B) the lesser of--
                ``(i) 1.0; or
                ``(ii) the number of course hours borne by the 
            individual in pursuit of the program of education involved 
            divided by the minimum number of course hours required for 
            full-time pursuit of the program of education, rounded to 
            the nearest multiple of 10.
        ``(3) Frequency of payment.--Payment of the amounts payable 
    under paragraph (1) during pursuit of a program of education shall 
    be made on a monthly basis.''.
    (b) Clarification on Funding of Increased Assistance.--
        (1) In general.--Such section is further amended by inserting 
    after subsection (c), as added by subsection (a)(2) of this 
    section, the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Funding.--Payments for increased educational assistance under 
this section shall be made from the Department of Defense Education 
Benefits Fund under section 2006 of title 10 or from appropriations 
available to the Department of Homeland Security for that purpose, as 
applicable.''.
        (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 2006(b) of title 10, United 
    States Code, is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or 33'' after 
        ``chapter 30''; and
            (B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following 
        new subparagraph:
            ``(E) The present value of any future benefits payable from 
        the Fund for amounts attributable to increased amounts of 
        educational assistance authorized by section 3316 of title 
        38.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 110. TRANSFER OF UNUSED EDUCATION BENEFITS.
    (a) Availability of Transfer Authority for Members of PHS and 
NOAA.--Section 3319 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``Armed Forces'' each place it appears (other 
    than in subsection (a)) and inserting ``uniformed services''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (k).
    (b) Scope and Exercise of Authority.--Subsection (a) of such 
section is amended--
        (1) by striking ``Subject to the provisions of this section,'' 
    and all that follows through ``to permit'' and inserting ``(1) 
    Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary concerned 
    may permit''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) The purpose of the authority in paragraph (1) is to promote 
recruitment and retention in the uniformed services. The Secretary 
concerned may exercise the authority for that purpose when authorized 
by the Secretary of Defense in the national security interests of the 
United States.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 111. BAR TO DUPLICATION OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
      BENEFITS.
    (a) Bar To Concurrent Receipt of Transferred Education Benefits and 
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Assistance.--Section 
3322 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Bar To Concurrent Receipt of Transferred Education Benefits 
and Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Assistance.--An 
individual entitled to educational assistance under both sections 
3311(b)(9) and 3319 may not receive assistance under both provisions 
concurrently, but shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary 
may prescribe) under which provision to receive educational 
assistance.''.
    (b) Bar To Receipt of Compensation and Pension and Marine Gunnery 
Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Assistance.--Such section is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f) Bar To Receipt of Compensation and Pension and Marine Gunnery 
Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Assistance.--The commencement of a 
program of education under section 3311(b)(9) shall be a bar to the 
following:
        ``(1) Subsequent payments of dependency and indemnity 
    compensation or pension based on the death of a parent to an 
    eligible person over the age of 18 years by reason of pursuing a 
    course in an educational institution.
        ``(2) Increased rates, or additional amounts, of compensation, 
    dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension because of such a 
    person, whether eligibility is based upon the death of the 
    parent.''.
    (c) Bar To Concurrent Receipt of Transferred Education Benefits.--
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(g) Bar To Concurrent Receipt of Transferred Education 
Benefits.--A spouse or child who is entitled to educational assistance 
under this chapter based on a transfer of entitlement from more than 
one individual under section 3319 may not receive assistance based on 
transfers from more than one such individual concurrently, but shall 
elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under 
which source to utilize such assistance at any one time.''.
    (d) Bar To Duplication of Eligibility Based on a Single Event.--
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(h) Bar To Duplication of Eligibility Based on a Single Event or 
Period of Service.--
        ``(1) Active-duty service.--An individual with qualifying 
    service in the Armed Forces that establishes eligibility on the 
    part of such individual for educational assistance under this 
    chapter, chapter 30 or 32 of this title, and chapter 1606 or 1607 
    of title 10, shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary 
    may prescribe) under which authority such service is to be 
    credited.
        ``(2) Eligibility for educational assistance based on parent's 
    service.--A child of a member of the Armed Forces who, on or after 
    September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on 
    active duty, who is eligible for educational assistance under 
    either section 3311(b)(9) or chapter 35 of this title based on the 
    parent's death may not receive such assistance under both this 
    chapter and chapter 35 of this title, but shall elect (in such form 
    and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under which chapter to 
    receive such assistance.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 112. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
    (a) Section 3313.--Section 3313 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``higher education'' each place it appears and 
    inserting ``higher learning''; and
        (2) in clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) of subsection (e)(2), 
    as redesignated by section 103(a)(2) of this Act, by adding a 
    period at the end.
    (b) Section 3319.--Section 3319(b)(2) is amended by striking ``to 
section (k)'' and inserting ``to subsection (j)''.
    (c) Section 3323.--Section 3323(a) is amended by striking ``section 
3034(a)(1)'' and inserting ``sections 3034(a)(1) and 3680(c)''.

             TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE MATTERS

    SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF DELIMITING DATES FOR USE OF EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE BY PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF SERIOUSLY INJURED VETERANS 
      AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
    (a) All-volunteer Force Educational Assistance.--Subsection (d) of 
section 3031 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(d)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing the 
individual's chosen program of education before the expiration of the 
10-year period for the use of entitlement under this chapter otherwise 
applicable under this section because of a physical or mental 
disability which is not the result of the individual's own willful 
misconduct, such 10-year period--
        ``(A) shall not run during the period the individual is so 
    prevented from pursuing such program; and
        ``(B) shall again begin running on the first day after the 
    individual's recovery from such disability on which it is 
    reasonably feasible, as determined under regulations prescribed by 
    the Secretary, for the individual to initiate or resume pursuit of 
    a program of education with educational assistance under this 
    chapter.
    ``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), in the case of an individual 
eligible for educational assistance under this chapter who is prevented 
from pursuing the individual's chosen program of education before the 
expiration of the 10-year period for the use of entitlement under this 
chapter otherwise applicable under this section by reason of acting as 
the primary provider of personal care services for a veteran or member 
of the Armed Forces under section 1720G(a) of this title, such 10-year 
period--
        ``(i) shall not run during the period the individual is so 
    prevented from pursuing such program; and
        ``(ii) shall again begin running on the first day after the 
    date of the recovery of the veteran or member from the injury, or 
    the date on which the individual ceases to be the primary provider 
    of personal care services for the veteran or member, whichever is 
    earlier, on which it is reasonably feasible, as so determined, for 
    the individual to initiate or resume pursuit of a program of 
    education with educational assistance under this chapter.
    ``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to the period 
of an individual as a primary provider of personal care services if the 
period concludes with the revocation of the individual's designation as 
such a primary provider under section 1720G(a)(7)(D) of this title.''.
    (b) Certain Transferees of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--
Paragraph (5) of section 3319(h) is amended to read as follows:
        ``(5) Limitation on age of use by child transferees.--
            ``(A) In general.--A child to whom entitlement is 
        transferred under this section may use the benefits transferred 
        without regard to the 15-year delimiting date specified in 
        section 3321, but may not, except as provided in subparagraph 
        (B), use any benefits so transferred after attaining the age of 
        26 years.
            ``(B) Primary caregivers of seriously injured members of 
        the armed forces and veterans.--
                ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), in the case 
            of a child who, before attaining the age of 26 years, is 
            prevented from pursuing a chosen program of education by 
            reason of acting as the primary provider of personal care 
            services for a veteran or member of the Armed Forces under 
            section 1720G(a), the child may use the benefits beginning 
            on the date specified in clause (iii) for a period whose 
            length is specified in clause (iv).
                ``(ii) Inapplicability for revocation.--Clause (i) 
            shall not apply with respect to the period of an individual 
            as a primary provider of personal care services if the 
            period concludes with the revocation of the individual's 
            designation as such a primary provider under section 
            1720G(a)(7)(D).
                ``(iii) Date for commencement of use.--The date 
            specified in this clause for the beginning of the use of 
            benefits by a child under clause (i) is the later of--

                    ``(I) the date on which the child ceases acting as 
                the primary provider of personal care services for the 
                veteran or member concerned as described in clause (i);
                    ``(II) the date on which it is reasonably feasible, 
                as determined under regulations prescribed by the 
                Secretary, for the child to initiate or resume the use 
                of benefits; or
                    ``(III) the date on which the child attains the age 
                of 26 years.

                ``(iv) Length of use.--The length of the period 
            specified in this clause for the use of benefits by a child 
            under clause (i) is the length equal to the length of the 
            period that--

                    ``(I) begins on the date on which the child begins 
                acting as the primary provider of personal care 
                services for the veteran or member concerned as 
                described in clause (i); and
                    ``(II) ends on the later of--

                        ``(aa) the date on which the child ceases 
                    acting as the primary provider of personal care 
                    services for the veteran or member as described in 
                    clause (i); or
                        ``(bb) the date on which it is reasonably 
                    feasible, as so determined, for the child to 
                    initiate or resume the use of benefits.''.
    (c) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.--Subsection 
(c) of section 3512 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) and subject to paragraph 
(2), an eligible person may be afforded educational assistance beyond 
the age limitation applicable to the person under such subsection if--
        ``(A) the person suspends pursuit of such person's program of 
    education after having enrolled in such program within the time 
    period applicable to such person under such subsection;
        ``(B) the person is unable to complete such program after the 
    period of suspension and before attaining the age limitation 
    applicable to the person under such subsection; and
        ``(C) the Secretary finds that the suspension was due to either 
    of the following:
            ``(i) The actions of the person as the primary provider of 
        personal care services for a veteran or member of the Armed 
        Forces under section 1720G(a) of this title.
            ``(ii) Conditions otherwise beyond the control of the 
        person.
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to the period of 
an individual as a primary provider of personal care services if the 
period concludes with the revocation of the individual's designation as 
such a primary provider under section 1720G(a)(7)(D) of this title.
    ``(3) Educational assistance may not be afforded a person under 
paragraph (1) after the earlier of--
        ``(A) the age limitation applicable to the person under 
    subsection (a), plus a period of time equal to the period the 
    person was required to suspend pursuit of the person's program of 
    education as described in paragraph (1); or
        ``(B) the date of the person's thirty-first birthday.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to preventions 
and suspension of pursuit of programs of education that commence on or 
after that date.
    SEC. 202. LIMITATIONS ON RECEIPT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER 
      NATIONAL CALL TO SERVICE AND OTHER PROGRAMS OF EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE.
    (a) Bar to Duplication of Educational Assistance Benefits.--Section 
3322(a) is amended by inserting ``or section 510'' after ``or 1607''.
    (b) Limitation on Concurrent Receipt of Educational Assistance.--
Section 3681(b)(2) is amended by inserting ``and section 510'' after 
``and 107''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 203. APPROVAL OF COURSES.
    (a) Constructive Approval of Certain Courses.--
        (1) In general.--Section 3672(b) is amended--
            (A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2)(A) Subject to sections 3675(b)(1) and (b)(2), 3680A, 3684, 
and 3696 of this title, the following programs are deemed to be 
approved for purposes of this chapter:
        ``(i) An accredited standard college degree program offered at 
    a public or not-for-profit proprietary educational institution that 
    is accredited by an agency or association recognized for that 
    purpose by the Secretary of Education.
        ``(ii) A flight training course approved by the Federal 
    Aviation Administration that is offered by a certified pilot school 
    that possesses a valid Federal Aviation Administration pilot school 
    certificate.
        ``(iii) An apprenticeship program registered with the Office of 
    Apprenticeship (OA) of the Employment Training Administration of 
    the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency recognized 
    by the Office of Apprenticeship pursuant to the Act of August 16, 
    1937 (popularly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'; 29 
    U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
        ``(iv) A program leading to a secondary school diploma offered 
    by a secondary school approved in the State in which it is 
    operating.
    ``(B) A licensure test offered by a Federal, State, or local 
government is deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter.''.
        (2) Conforming amendments.--
            (A) Paragraph (3) of section 3034(d) is amended to read as 
        follows:
        ``(3) the flight school courses are approved by the Federal 
    Aviation Administration and are offered by a certified pilot school 
    that possesses a valid Federal Aviation Administration pilot school 
    certificate.''.
            (B) Section 3671(b)(2) is amended by striking ``In the 
        case'' and inserting ``Except as otherwise provided in this 
        chapter, in the case''.
            (C) Section 3689(a)(1) is amended by inserting after 
        ``unless'' the following: ``the test is deemed approved by 
        section 3672(b)(2)(B) of this title or''.
    (b) Use of State Approving Agencies for Compliance and Oversight 
Activities.--Section 3673 is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection:
    ``(d) Use of State Approving Agencies for Compliance and Oversight 
Activities.--The Secretary may utilize the services of a State 
approving agency for such compliance and oversight purposes as the 
Secretary considers appropriate without regard to whether the Secretary 
or the agency approved the courses offered in the State concerned.''.
    (c) Approval of Accredited Courses.--
        (1) In general.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 3675 is amended 
    by striking ``A State approving agency may approve the courses 
    offered by an educational institution'' and inserting ``The 
    Secretary or a State approving agency may approve accredited 
    programs (including non-degree accredited programs) offered by 
    proprietary for-profit educational institutions''.
        (2) Condition of approval.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
    amended--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
        ``the Secretary or'' after ``this section,''; and
            (B) is amended by inserting ``the Secretary or'' after ``as 
        prescribed by''.
    (d) Disapproval of Courses.--Section 3679(a) is amended by 
inserting ``the Secretary or'' after ``disapproved by'' both places it 
appears.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 204. REPORTING FEES.
    (a) Increase in Amount of Fees.--Section 3684(c) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``multiplying $7'' and inserting ``multiplying 
    $12''; and
        (2) by striking ``or $11'' and inserting ``or $15''.
    (b) Use of Fees Paid.--Such section is further amended by inserting 
after the fourth sentence the following new sentence: ``Any reporting 
fee paid an educational institution or joint apprenticeship training 
committee after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans 
Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2011 shall be utilized by 
such institution or committee solely for the making of certifications 
required under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or 
for otherwise supporting programs for veterans.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2011.
    SEC. 205. ELECTION FOR RECEIPT OF ALTERNATE SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE 
      FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES 
      UNDERGOING TRAINING AND REHABILITATION.
    (a) Election Authorized.--Section 3108(b) is amended by adding at 
the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(4) A veteran entitled to a subsistence allowance under this 
chapter and educational assistance under chapter 33 of this title may 
elect to receive payment from the Secretary in lieu of an amount 
otherwise determined by the Secretary under this subsection in an 
amount equal to the applicable monthly amount of 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 providing rehabilitation program 
concerned.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.
    SEC. 206. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE CERTAIN INTERVAL 
      PAYMENTS.
    (a) In General.--The flush matter following clause (3)(B) of 
section 3680(a) is amended by striking ``of this subsection--'' and all 
that follows and inserting ``of this subsection during periods when 
schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on an 
Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation. 
However, the total number of weeks for which allowances may continue to 
be so payable in any 12-month period may not exceed 4 weeks.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2011.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.