I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2274 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 22, 2011 Mr. Bilirakis introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress annual reports on the Post–9/11 Educational Assistance Program, and for other purposes.
1.
Annual reports on Post–9/11 Educational Assistance Program
(a)
Reports required
(1)
In general
Subchapter III of chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3325.
Reporting requirement
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary shall submit to the Congress at least once every year separate reports on the operation of the program provided for in this chapter. (b)
Contents of Secretary of Defense reports
The Secretary of Defense shall include in each report submitted under this section— (1)information indicating— (A)the extent to which the benefit levels provided under this chapter are adequate to achieve the purposes of inducing individuals to enter and remain in the Armed Forces and of providing an adequate level of financial assistance to help meet the cost of pursuing a program of education; (B)whether it is necessary for the purposes of maintaining adequate levels of well-qualified active-duty personnel in the Armed Forces to continue to offer the opportunity for educational assistance under this chapter to individuals who have not yet entered active-duty service; and (C)describing the efforts under section 3323(b) of this title to inform members of the Armed Forces of the active duty service requirements for entitlement to educational assistance benefits under this chapter and the results from such efforts; and (2)such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes regarding the provision of educational assistance to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and their dependents, as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate. (c)
Contents of Secretary of Veterans Affairs reports
The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under this section— (1)information concerning the level of utilization of educational assistance and of expenditures under this chapter; (2)the number of credit hours, certificates, degrees, and other qualifications earned by beneficiaries under this chapter during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which the report is submitted; and (3)such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes regarding the provision of educational assistance to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and their dependents, as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d)
Termination
No report shall be required under this section after January 1, 2021.
. (2)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3324 the following new item: 3325. Reporting requirement. . (b)
Repeal of report on All Volunteer-Force Educational Assistance Program
(1)
In general
Chapter 30 of such title is amended by striking section 3036. (2)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 3036.