[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1598 Reported in Senate (RS)]

<DOC>





                                                       Calendar No. 200
115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1598

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in 
  the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for 
                            other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 20, 2017

 Mr. Isakson (for himself, Mr. Tester, Mr. Rounds, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr. 
    Tillis, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Heller, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. 
   Franken, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Inhofe, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. 
Sullivan, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Daines, Mr. Udall, Ms. Collins, Ms. Heitkamp, 
Mr. Blunt, Mr. Peters, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Brown, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Heinrich, 
   Mr. Moran, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Boozman, Mr. 
  Cardin, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Nelson, Ms. Stabenow, Mrs. Shaheen, Mrs. 
  Murray, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Warren, Mr. Cassidy, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. 
 Kennedy, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Warner, Mr. 
 Markey, Mr. McCain, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Baldwin, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. 
   Coons, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. 
 Thune, Mr. Casey, Mr. Graham, Mr. Strange, Mr. Reed, Mr. Merkley, Mr. 
Schumer, and Ms. Cortez Masto) introduced the following bill; which was 
     read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

                             August 2, 2017

               Reported by Mr. Isakson, without amendment

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in 
  the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 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 ``Harry W. Colmery 
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
           TITLE I--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care 
                            from Secretary of Defense as active duty 
                            for purposes of eligibility for Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance.
Sec. 102. Educational assistance under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance 
                            Program for members of the Armed Forces 
                            awarded the Purple Heart.
Sec. 103. Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart 
                            recipients in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education 
                            Enhancement Program.
Sec. 104. Inclusion of certain members of the Armed Forces serving on 
                            active duty in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education 
                            Enhancement Program.
Sec. 105. Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance Program of the 
                            Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 106. Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance for certain 
                            members of reserve components of Armed 
                            Forces who lost entitlement to educational 
                            assistance under Reserve Educational 
                            Assistance Program.
Sec. 107. Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance Program based on 
                            location of campus where classes are 
                            attended.
Sec. 108. Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification 
                            tests and national tests under Department 
                            of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational 
                            Assistance Program.
Sec. 109. Restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and 
                            other relief for veterans affected by 
                            school closure or disapproval.
Sec. 110. Additional authorized transfer of unused Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance benefits to 
                            dependents upon death of originally 
                            designated dependent.
Sec. 111. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.
Sec. 112. Honoring the national service of members of the Armed Forces 
                            by elimination of time limitation for use 
                            of entitlement.
Sec. 113. Monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components 
                            of the Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance.
Sec. 114. Annual reports to Congress on information on student progress 
                            submitted by educational institutions.
Sec. 115. Improvement of information technology of the veterans 
                            benefits administration of the Department 
                            of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 116. Department of Veterans Affairs high technology pilot program.
            TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Sec. 201. Work-study allowance.
Sec. 202. Duration of educational assistance under Survivors' and 
                            Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 203. Olin E. Teague increase in amounts of educational assistance 
                            payable under Survivors' and Dependents' 
                            Educational Assistance Program.
      TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Sec. 301. State approving agency funding.
Sec. 302. Authorization for use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to 
                            pursue independent study programs at 
                            certain educational institutions that are 
                            not institutions of higher learning.
Sec. 303. Provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans 
                            in certain courses of education.
Sec. 304. Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational 
                            institutions and sponsors of programs of 
                            apprenticeship.
Sec. 305. Training for school certifying officials.
Sec. 306. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 307. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of on-campus 
                            educational and vocational counseling for 
                            veterans.
Sec. 308. Provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to 
                            educational assistance.
Sec. 309. Treatment, for purposes of educational assistance 
                            administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
                            Affairs, of educational courses that begin 
                            seven or fewer days after the first day of 
                            an academic term.
Sec. 310. Inclusion of risk-based reviews in State approving agency 
                            oversight activities.
Sec. 311. Comptroller General study of State approving agency 
                            performance.
                  TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS

Sec. 401. Eligibility of reserve component members for Post-9/11 
                            Educational Assistance.
Sec. 402. Time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans 
                            with service-connected disabilities.
                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 501. Repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for 
                            housing to benefits under laws administered 
                            by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability 
                            compensation for veterans who allege full-
                            body exposure to nitrogen mustard gas, 
                            sulfur mustard gas, or Lewisite during 
                            World War II.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES 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.

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

SEC. 101. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING MEDICAL CARE 
              FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS ACTIVE DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF 
              ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting 
``12301(h),'' after ``12301(g),''.
    (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or 
after September 11, 2001.
    (c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual 
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment 
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of 
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 102. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
              PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AWARDED THE 
              PURPLE HEART.

    (a) Eligibility.--Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new paragraph:
            ``(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for 
        service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 
        2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed Forces 
        or is discharged or released from active duty as described in 
        subsection (c).''.
    (b) Amount of Assistance.--Section 3313(c)(1) is amended by 
striking ``or (9)'' and inserting ``(9), or (10)''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2018.

SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF FRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PURPLE HEART 
              RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second 
sentence, by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting 
``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2018.

SEC. 104. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SERVING ON 
              ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first sentence, 
by striking ``section 3313(c)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection 
(c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this title''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2022.

SEC. 105. CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY TIERS UNDER POST-9/11 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
              VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b), as amended by section 102, is 
further amended--
            (1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``12 months'' and 
        inserting ``6 months'';
            (2) by striking paragraph (7); and
            (3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as 
        paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively.
    (b) Amount of Educational Assistance.--Section 3313(c) is amended 
by striking paragraph (7).
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 33 is further amended as 
follows:
            (1) In section 3311(f), by striking ``paragraph (9)'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``paragraph (8)''.
            (2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102--
                    (A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``(9), or 
                (10)'' and inserting ``(8), or (9)'';
                    (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
                through (7)'' each place it appears and inserting 
                ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
                    (C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)--
                            (i) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through 
                        (8)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) through 
                        (7)''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through 
                        (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through 
                        (6)'';
                    (D) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii), by striking 
                ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and inserting 
                ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
                    (E) in subsection (g)(3)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(iv)--
                                    (I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) 
                                through (8)'' and inserting 
                                ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                                    (II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
                                through (7)'' and inserting 
                                ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--
                                    (I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) 
                                through (8)'' and inserting 
                                ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                                    (II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
                                through (7)'' and inserting 
                                ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
                            (iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
                                    (I) in subclause (I), by striking 
                                ``(9)'' and inserting ``(8)''; and
                                    (II) in subclause (II)--
                                            (aa) by striking 
                                        ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' 
                                        and inserting ``paragraphs (3) 
                                        through (7)''; and
                                            (bb) by striking 
                                        ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' 
                                        and inserting ``paragraphs (2) 
                                        through (6)''; and
                            (iv) in subparagraph (D)(ii)--
                                    (I) in subclause (I), by striking 
                                ``(9)'' and inserting ``(8)''; and
                                    (II) in subclause (II)--
                                            (aa) by striking 
                                        ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' 
                                        and inserting ``paragraphs (3) 
                                        through (7)''; and
                                            (bb) by striking 
                                        ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' 
                                        and inserting ``paragraphs (2) 
                                        through (6)''; and
                    (F) in subsection (h), by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
                through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through 
                (6)''.
            (3) In section 3316--
                    (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``paragraphs 
                (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) 
                through (6)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``paragraphs 
                (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) 
                through (6)''.
            (4) In section 3317(a), in the second sentence, as amended 
        by section 103, by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and 
        (10)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), (8), and (9)''.
            (5) In section 3321(b)(4), as amended by section 112, by 
        striking ``section 3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``section 
        3311(b)(8)''.
            (6) In section 3322--
                    (A) in subsection (e), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' 
                and inserting ``3311(b)(8)'';
                    (B) in subsection (f), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' 
                and inserting ``3311(b)(8)''; and
                    (C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking 
                ``3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
            (7) In section 3679(c)(2)(B), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' 
        and inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2020.

SEC. 106. ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN 
              MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF ARMED FORCES WHO LOST 
              ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Election.--Section 16167 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--A member 
who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursuant to 
subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such form and manner as 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) to have such service 
previously credited toward this chapter credited towards establishing 
eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, 
notwithstanding the provisions of section 16163(e) of this title or 
section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.''.
    (b) Qualification of Service.--Section 3301(1) of title 38, United 
States Code, shall be construed to include, in the case of a member of 
a reserve component of the Armed Forces who, before November 25, 2015, 
established eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 1607 
of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of 
such title, but lost eligibility for such educational assistance 
pursuant to section 16167(b) of such title, service on active duty (as 
defined in section 101 of such title) that satisfies the requirements 
of section 16163(a)(1) of such title.
    (c) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United States 
Code, shall be construed to include an individual who, before November 
25, 2015, established eligibility for educational assistance under 
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section 
16163(b) of such title, but lost such eligibility pursuant to section 
16167(b) of such title.
    (d) Duration.--Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38, United 
States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility for educational 
assistance under chapter 33 of such title by crediting towards such 
chapter service previously credited towards chapter 1607 of title 10, 
United States Code, is only entitled to a number of months of 
educational assistance under section 3313 of title 38, United States 
Code, equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under 
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, at the time of conversion 
to chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 107. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER POST-9/11 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED ON LOCATION OF 
              CAMPUS WHERE CLASSES ARE ATTENDED.

    (a) In General.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by striking 
``the institution of higher learning at which the individual is 
enrolled'' and inserting ``the campus of the institution of higher 
learning where the individual physically participates in a majority of 
classes''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of education on 
or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 108. CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT FOR CERTAIN LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION 
              TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Licensure and Certification Tests.--Subsection (c) of section 
3315 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one 
        month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting 
        ``shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee 
        charged for the test relative to the rate for one month''; and
            (2) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and 
        inserting ``payable''.
    (b) National Tests.--Section 3315A is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following 
        new paragraph:
            ``(3) A national test that evaluates prior learning and 
        knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an 
        institution of higher learning as so described.''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate 
                of one month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and 
                inserting ``shall be pro-rated based on the actual 
                amount of the fee charged for the test relative to the 
                rate for one month''; and
                    (B) by striking ``for each amount paid that 
                equals'' and inserting ``payable''.
    (c) Tests Included.--Section 3452(b) is amended in the last 
sentence--
            (1) by striking ``and national tests providing'' and 
        inserting ``, national tests providing''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
        following: ``, and national tests that evaluate prior learning 
        and knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at 
        an institution of higher learning''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to 
a test taken on or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 109. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND 
              OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS AFFECTED BY SCHOOL CLOSURE OR 
              DISAPPROVAL.

    (a) School Closure or Disapproval.--
            (1) Restoration of entitlement.--Chapter 36 is amended by 
        adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational 
              institution
    ``(a) Closure or Disapproval.--Any payment of educational 
assistance described in subsection (b) shall not--
            ``(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational 
        assistance of the individual concerned; or
            ``(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which 
        section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational 
        assistance by such individual.
    ``(b) Educational Assistance Described.--Subject to subsection (c), 
the payment of educational assistance described in this paragraph is 
the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course 
or program of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 
32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, if 
the Secretary determines that the individual--
            ``(1) was unable to complete such course or program as a 
        result of--
                    ``(A) the closure of the educational institution; 
                or
                    ``(B) the disapproval of the course or a course 
                that is a necessary part of that program under this 
                chapter by reason of--
                            ``(i) a provision of law enacted after the 
                        date on which the individual enrolls at such 
                        institution affecting the approval or 
                        disapproval of courses under this chapter; or
                            ``(ii) after the date on which the 
                        individual enrolls at such institution, the 
                        Secretary prescribing or modifying regulations 
                        or policies of the Department affecting such 
                        approval or disapproval; and
            ``(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward 
        completion of the program of education being so pursued.
    ``(c) Period Not Charged.--The period for which, by reason of this 
subsection, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement 
or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of 
this title shall not exceed the aggregate of--
            ``(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course 
        from which the individual did not receive credit or with 
        respect to which the individual lost training time, as 
        determined under subsection (b)(2); and
            ``(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended 
        under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title.
    ``(d) Continuing Pursuit of Disapproved Courses.--(1) The Secretary 
may treat a course of education that is disapproved under this chapter 
as being approved under this chapter with respect to an individual 
described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines, on a case-by-
case basis, that--
            ``(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described 
        in clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (b)(1)(B); and
            ``(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best 
        interest of the individual.
    ``(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual 
who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution 
under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 
of title 10, as of the date on which the course is disapproved under 
this chapter.
    ``(e) Notice of Closures.--Not later than five business days after 
the date on which the Secretary receives notice that an educational 
institution will close or is closed, the Secretary shall provide to 
each individual who is enrolled in a course or program or education at 
such educational institution using entitlement to educational 
assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 
1606 or 1607 of title 10, notice of--
            ``(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and
            ``(2) the effect of such closure on the individual's 
        entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this 
        section.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
        item relating to section 3698 the following new item:

``3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational 
                            institution.''.
    (b) Monthly Housing Stipend.--
            (1) In general.--Subsection (a) section 3680 is amended--
                    (A) by striking the matter after paragraph (3)(B);
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by redesignating 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), 
                respectively;
                    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
                subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
                    (D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as 
                redesignated, in the first sentence, by striking 
                ``Payment of'' and inserting ``(1) Except as provided 
                in paragraph (2), payment of''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph (2):
    ``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may, pursuant to 
such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, continue to pay 
allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in 
courses set forth in paragraph (1)(A)--
            ``(A) during periods when educational institutions are 
        temporarily closed under an established policy based on an 
        Executive order of the President or due to an emergency 
        situation, except that the total number of weeks for which 
        allowances may continue to be so payable in any 12-month period 
        may not exceed four weeks; or
            ``(B) solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing 
        stipend described in section 3313 of this title, during periods 
        following a permanent closure of an educational institution, or 
        following the disapproval of a course of study described in 
        section 3699(b)(1)(B) of this title, except that payment of 
        such a stipend may only be continued until the earlier of--
                    ``(i) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or 
                semester during which the closure or disapproval 
                occurred; and
                    ``(ii) the date that is 120 days after the date of 
                the closure or disapproval.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of such 
        subsection, as redesignated, is amended by striking ``described 
        in subclause (A) of this clause'' and inserting ``described in 
        clause (i)''.
    (c) Applicability.--
            (1) School closure or disapproval.--
                    (A) In general.--The amendments made by subsection 
                (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after 
                the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply 
                with respect to courses and programs of education 
                discontinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, 
                United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), 
                after January 1, 2015.
                    (B) Special application.--With respect to courses 
                and programs of education discontinued as described in 
                section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added 
                by subsection (a)(1), during the period beginning 
                January 1, 2015, and ending on the date of the 
                enactment of this Act, an individual who does not 
                transfer credits from such program of education shall 
                be deemed to be an individual who did not receive such 
                credits, as described in subsection (b)(2) of such 
                section, except that the period for which the 
                individual's entitlement is not charged shall be the 
                entire period of the individual's enrollment in the 
                program of education. In carrying out this paragraph, 
                the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with 
                the Secretary of Education, shall establish procedures 
                to determine whether the individual transferred credits 
                to a comparable course or program of education.
            (2) Monthly housing stipend.--The amendments made by 
        subsection (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and shall 
        apply with respect to courses and programs of education 
        discontinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, United 
        States Code, as added by such subsection, on or after the date 
        of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 110. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF UNUSED POST-9/11 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS UPON DEATH 
              OF ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT.

    (a) Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--Section 3319 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ``section 
        3321'' the following: ``, and except as provided in subsection 
        (k) or (l),''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(k) Additional Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--In the case of 
a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is 
transferred under this section who dies before using all of such 
entitlement, the individual who transferred the entitlement to the 
dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a different 
eligible dependent, notwithstanding whether the individual is serving 
as a member of the Armed Forces when such transfer is executed.
    ``(l) Transfer by Dependent.--In the case of an individual who 
transfers entitlement to educational assistance under this section who 
dies before the dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance 
is so transferred has used all of such entitlement, such dependent may 
transfer such entitlement to another eligible dependent in accordance 
with the provisions of this section.''.
    (b) Effective Dates.--
            (1) Eligible deaths.--The amendments made by this section 
        shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after August 
        1, 2009.
            (2) Use of entitlement.--A dependent to whom entitlement to 
        educational assistance is transferred under subsection (k) or 
        (l) of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as added 
        by subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue a course 
        of education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 111. EDITH NOURSE ROGERS STEM SCHOLARSHIP.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to the limitation under subsection (f), 
the Secretary shall provide additional benefits to eligible individuals 
selected by the Secretary under this section. Such benefits shall be 
known as the `Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship'.
    ``(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, an eligible 
individual is an individual--
            ``(1) who is or was entitled to educational assistance 
        under section 3311 of this title;
            ``(2) who has used all of the educational assistance to 
        which the individual is entitled under this chapter or will, 
        based on the individual's rate of usage, use all of such 
        assistance within 180 days of applying for benefits under this 
        section;
            ``(3) who applies for assistance under this section; and
            ``(4) who--
                    ``(A) is an individual who--
                            ``(i) is enrolled in a program of education 
                        leading to a post-secondary degree that, in 
                        accordance with the guidelines of the 
                        applicable regional or national accrediting 
                        agency, requires more than the standard 128 
                        semester (or 192 quarter) credit hours for 
                        completion in a standard, undergraduate college 
                        degree in--
                                    ``(I) biological or biomedical 
                                science;
                                    ``(II) physical science;
                                    ``(III) science technologies or 
                                technicians;
                                    ``(IV) computer and information 
                                science and support services;
                                    ``(V) mathematics or statistics;
                                    ``(VI) engineering;
                                    ``(VII) engineering technologies or 
                                an engineering-related field;
                                    ``(VIII) a health profession or 
                                related program;
                                    ``(IX) a medical residency program;
                                    ``(X) an agriculture science 
                                program or a natural resources science 
                                program; or
                                    ``(XI) other subjects and fields 
                                identified by the Secretary as meeting 
                                national needs; and
                            ``(ii) has completed at least 60 standard 
                        semester (or 90 quarter) credit hours in a 
                        field referred to in clause (i); or
                    ``(B) is an individual who has earned a post-
                secondary degree in a field referred to in subparagraph 
                (A)(i) and is enrolled in a program of education 
                leading to a teaching certification.
    ``(c) Priority.--In selecting eligible individuals to receive 
additional benefits under this section, the Secretary shall give 
priority to the following individuals:
            ``(1) Individuals who require the most credit hours 
        described in subsection (b)(4).
            ``(2) Individuals who are entitled to educational 
        assistance under this chapter by reason of paragraph (1), (2), 
        (8), or (9) of section 3311(b) of this title.
    ``(d) Amount of Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall pay to each 
eligible individual who receives additional benefits under this section 
the monthly amount payable under section 3313 of this title for not 
more than nine months of the program of education in which the 
individual is enrolled (adjusted with respect to the individual 
pursuant to section 3313(c), as appropriate), except that the aggregate 
amount paid to an individual under this section may not exceed $30,000.
    ``(2) The Secretary may not pay to such an individual an amount in 
addition to the amount payable under paragraph (1) by reason of section 
3317 of this title.
    ``(3) An individual who receives additional benefits under this 
section may also receive amounts payable by a college or university 
pursuant to section 3317 of this title.
    ``(e) Prohibition on Transfer.--An individual who receives 
additional benefits under this section may not transfer any amount of 
such additional benefits under section 3319 of this title.
    ``(f) Maximum Amount of Total Assistance.--The total amount of 
benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this section may not 
exceed--
            ``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
            ``(2) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 
        2022; and
            ``(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent 
        fiscal year.
    ``(g) Congressional Notice.--If the Secretary identifies a new 
subject or field pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) as meeting a 
national need, the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such 
identification at least 90 days before conferring eligibility on any 
individual for purposes of this section on the basis of such 
identification, including any analysis of labor market supply and 
demand used in identifying the new subject or field, as applicable.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
3319 the following new item:

``3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--Section 3320 of title 38, United States Code, 
shall take effect on August 1, 2019.
    (d) Comptroller General Report.--
            (1) Interim report.--Not later than August 1, 2022, the 
        Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to 
        Congress a report containing the results of an interim 
        assessment of the Comptroller General of the Edith Nourse 
        Rogers STEM Scholarship program under section 3320 of title 38, 
        United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such report 
        shall include the recommendations of the Comptroller General 
        for improving the scholarship program and an assessment of each 
        of the following, using rigorous, systematic, and objective 
        methodology, and including comparisons to eligible veterans who 
        did not participate in the program:
                    (A) An explanation of the identification of the 
                Secretary of Veterans Affairs of subjects and fields 
                meeting national needs under subsection 
                (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) of such section, including any 
                analysis of labor market supply and demand, as 
                applicable.
                    (B) An evaluation of the types of educational 
                institutions and programs where beneficiaries use the 
                educational assistance provided under the scholarship 
                program.
                    (C) The completion rate of students participating 
                in the program.
                    (D) The job placement rate for individuals who 
                completed a program of education using educational 
                assistance provided under the scholarship program in 
                the field of study of the program of education.
                    (E) The median annual earnings of individuals who 
                completed a program of education using educational 
                assistance provided under the scholarship program.
                    (F) The average age of the individuals who received 
                educational assistance under the scholarship program.
                    (G) An assessment of the extent to which any 
                educational institutions made changes to degrees or 
                programs of education offered by the institution for 
                which the scholarship program may be used after the 
                date of the enactment of this Act.
            (2) Final report.--Not later than August 1, 2024, the 
        Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an assessment of 
        such scholarship program that includes each of the following:
                    (A) Each item described in subparagraphs (A) 
                through (G) of paragraph (1).
                    (B) The percentage of individuals who completed a 
                program of education using educational assistance 
                provided under the scholarship program who were 
                subsequently employed for a period of six months or 
                longer in the field of study of the program of 
                education.
                    (C) The percentage of individuals who completed a 
                program of education using educational assistance 
                provided under the scholarship program who were 
                subsequently employed for a period of less than six 
                months in the field of study of the program of 
                education.

SEC. 112. HONORING THE NATIONAL SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
              BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 3321 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``individual's entitlement'' and all that 
        follows through the period and inserting ``individual's 
        entitlement--''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
            ``(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
        release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires at 
        the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of such 
        discharge or release; or
            ``(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
        release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, shall 
        not expire.''.
    (b) Children of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b)(4) of such 
section is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``of this title'' after ``3311(b)(9)'';
            (2) by striking ``child's entitlement'' and all that 
        follows through the period and inserting ``child's 
        entitlement--''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
                    ``(A) in the case of a child who first becomes 
                entitled to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, 
                expires at the end of the 15-year period beginning on 
                the date of such child's eighteenth birthday; or
                    ``(B) in the case of a child who first becomes 
                entitled to such entitlement on or after January 1, 
                2013, shall not expire.''.
    (c) Spouses of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(5) Applicability to spouses of deceased members.--The 
        period during which a spouse entitled to educational assistance 
        by reason of section 3311(b)(9) may use such spouse's 
        entitlement--
                    ``(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes 
                entitled to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, 
                expires at the end of the 15-year period beginning on 
                the date on which the spouse first becomes entitled to 
                such entitlement; or
                    ``(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes 
                entitled to such entitlement on or after January 1, 
                2013, shall not expire.''.

SEC. 113. MONTHLY STIPEND FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS 
              OF THE ARMED FORCES RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
              ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 3313 is further amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection:
    ``(j) Determination of Monthly Stipends During Certain Active Duty 
Service.--
            ``(1) Pro rata basis.--In any month in which an individual 
        described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service 
        described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the Secretary 
        shall determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under 
        this section for such month on a pro rata basis for the period 
        of such month in which the covered individual is not performing 
        such active duty service.
            ``(2) Individual described.--An individual described in 
        this paragraph is an individual who is--
                    ``(A) a member of the reserve components of the 
                Armed Forces; and
                    ``(B) pursuing a program of education using 
                educational assistance under this chapter.''.
    (b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, commencing 
on or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 114. ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON INFORMATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS 
              SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 3326 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``As a condition'' and inserting ``(a) 
        Submittal of Information by Educational Institutions.--As a 
        condition''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than March 1 of each year, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes a summary 
of the information provided by educational institutions under 
subsection (a) for the calendar year preceding the year during which 
such report is submitted.''.

SEC. 115. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE VETERANS 
              BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS.

    (a) Processing of Certain Educational Assistance Claims.--The 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum extent possible, 
make such changes and improvements to the information technology system 
of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to ensure that--
            (1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and 
        supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 
        of title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated 
        electronically; and
            (2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with 
        respect to such claims with little human intervention.
    (b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and improvements 
described in subsection (a).
    (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the implementation of the changes and 
improvements described in subsection (a).
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 to carry 
out this section during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

SEC. 116. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry 
out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide eligible 
veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of 
education that the Secretary determines provide training or skills 
sought by employers in a relevant field or industry.
    (b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under this 
section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to 
educational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 38, 
United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, United States 
Code.
    (c) Contracts.--
            (1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection 
        (a), by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the 
        Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with any number of 
        qualified providers of high technology programs of education 
        for the provision of such programs to eligible veterans under 
        the pilot program. Each such contract shall provide for the 
        conditions under which the Secretary may terminate the contract 
        with the provider and the procedures for providing for the 
        completion of the instruction of students who were enrolled in 
        a program provided by such provider in the case of such a 
        termination.
            (2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this 
        subsection shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a 
        provider--
                    (A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in 
                the program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and 
                other fees for the program of education for the 
                veteran;
                    (B) upon the completion of the program by the 
                veteran, 25 percent of such cost; and
                    (C) upon the employment of the veteran in the field 
                of study of the program following completion of the 
                program, 50 percent of such cost.
            (3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot 
        program, a provider of a high technology program of education 
        is qualified if--
                    (A) the provider has been operational for at least 
                two years;
                    (B) the provider has successfully provided the high 
                technology program for at least one year; and
                    (C) the provider meets the approval criteria 
                developed by the Secretary under paragraph (4).
            (4) Approval criteria.--The Secretary shall develop 
        criteria for approving providers for purposes of the pilot 
        program. In developing such criteria, the Secretary may consult 
        with State approving agencies. Such criteria is not required to 
        meet the requirements of section 3672 of title 38, United 
        States Code.
            (5) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to 
        carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give 
        preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition 
        reimbursement for any student who--
                    (A) completes a program of education offered by the 
                provider; and
                    (B) does not find full-time meaningful employment 
                in the field of study of the program within the 180-day 
                period beginning on the date the student completes the 
                program.
    (d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each eligible 
veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education under 
the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing stipend equal 
to the product--
            (1) of--
                    (A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident 
                training, the monthly amount of the basic allowance for 
                housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United 
                States Code, 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
                    (B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of 
                education through distance learning, a monthly amount 
                equal to 50 percent of the amount payable under 
                subparagraph (A), multiplied by
            (2) the lesser of--
                    (A) 1.0; or
                    (B) 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.
    (e) High Technology Program of Education Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``high technology program of education'' means a program of 
education that--
            (1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of 
        higher learning;
            (2) does not lead to a degree; and
            (3) provides instruction in computer programming, computer 
        software, media application, data processing, or information 
        sciences.
    (f) Reports.--
            (1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than one year 
        after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
        thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on 
        the pilot program under this section.
            (2) Comptroller general.--
                    (A) Interim report.--Not later than three years 
                after the date on which the Secretary first enters into 
                a contract under this section, the Comptroller General 
                of the United States shall submit to Congress a report 
                containing the results of the interim assessment of the 
                Comptroller General. Such report shall include the 
                recommendations of the Comptroller General for 
                improving the pilot program and an assessment of each 
                of the following:
                            (i) The technology experience of the 
                        directors and instructors of the providers of 
                        high technology programs of education under the 
                        pilot program.
                            (ii) Whether the providers cooperated with 
                        the technology industry to create the 
                        curriculum for the program of education.
                            (iii) Whether the providers use an open 
                        source curriculum for the program of education.
                            (iv) The admittance rate into the pilot 
                        program.
                            (v) The job placement and retention rate 
                        for veterans who completed a program of 
                        education under the pilot program in the field 
                        of study of the program.
                            (vi) The percentage of veterans who 
                        completed a program of education under the 
                        pilot program who were subsequently employed 
                        for a period of six months or longer in a field 
                        of study of the program.
                            (vii) The percentage of veterans who 
                        completed a program of education under the 
                        pilot program who were subsequently employed 
                        for a period of less than six months in a field 
                        of study of the program.
                            (viii) The median annual salary of veterans 
                        who completed a program of education under the 
                        pilot program and were subsequently employed.
                            (ix) As applicable, the transfer rates to 
                        other academic or vocational programs and 
                        certifications and licensure exam passage 
                        rates.
                            (x) The average age of veterans who 
                        participated in the pilot program.
                    (B) Final report.--Not later than five years after 
                the date on which the Secretary first enters into a 
                contract under this section, the Comptroller General 
                shall submit to Congress a final report on the pilot 
                program. Such report shall include the recommendation 
                of the Comptroller General with respect to whether the 
                program should be extended and an assessment of each 
                item described in clauses (i) through (x) of 
                subparagraph (A).
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each fiscal year during 
which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under this section, 
$15,000,000 shall be made available for such purpose from funds 
appropriated to, or otherwise made available to, the Department for the 
payment of readjustment benefits.
    (h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under 
this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the 
date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this 
section.

            TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.

    Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``the period beginning on 
June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``any time on or after June 30, 2017,''.

SEC. 202. DURATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND 
              DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 3511(a)(1) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``chapter for'' and all that follows 
        through the period and inserting ``chapter--''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a 
        program of education using such entitlement before August 1, 
        2018, for an aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or to 
        the equivalent thereof in part-time training); or
            ``(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a 
        program of education using such entitlement on or after August 
        1, 2018, for an aggregate period not in excess of 36 months (or 
        to the equivalent thereof in part-time training).''.

SEC. 203. OLIN E. TEAGUE INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
              PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL 
              ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Increase.--Section 3532 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``$788'' and inserting 
                        ``$1,224'';
                            (ii) by striking ``$592'' and inserting 
                        ``$967''; and
                            (iii) by striking ``$394'' and inserting 
                        ``$710''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``$788'' and 
                inserting ``$1,224''; and
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$788'' and inserting 
        ``$1,224''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to a month that begins on or after October 1, 2018.

      TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

SEC. 301. STATE APPROVING AGENCY FUNDING.

    (a) Increase.--Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``out of amounts 
        available for the payment of readjustment benefits'' and 
        inserting ``out of amounts in the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs readjustment benefits account and amounts appropriated 
        to the Secretary'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
        paragraph (4):
    ``(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (5), 
there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year.''; and
            (4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
                    (A) by striking ``The total'' and inserting ``(A) 
                The total'';
                    (B) by striking ``for any fiscal year shall be 
                $19,000,000'' and inserting ``for fiscal year 2018 
                shall be $21,000,000 and for fiscal year 2019 and 
                thereafter shall be $23,000,000''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
    ``(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an increase 
in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination made under 
section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, 
effective on the date of such increase in benefit amounts, increase the 
amount in effect under subparagraph (A), as in effect immediately prior 
to the date of such increase in benefit amounts payable under title II 
of the Social Security Act, by the same percentage as the percentage by 
which such benefit amounts are increased.''.

SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO 
              PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL 
              INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
              LEARNING.

    Section 3680A is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``in--'' and inserting ``in any of the 
                following:'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting 
                        ``Any''; and
                            (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end 
                        and inserting a period;
                    (C) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting 
                        ``Any''; and
                            (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end 
                        and inserting a period;
                    (D) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting 
                        ``Any''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
                        period; and
                    (E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
                following new paragraph (4):
            ``(4) Any independent study program except an independent 
        study program (including such a program taken over open circuit 
        television) that--
                    ``(A) is accredited by an accrediting agency or 
                association recognized by the Secretary of Education 
                under subpart 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b);
                    ``(B) leads to--
                            ``(i) a standard college degree;
                            ``(ii) a certificate that reflects 
                        educational attainment offered by an 
                        institution of higher learning; or
                            ``(iii) a certificate that reflects 
                        completion of a course of study offered by--
                                    ``(I) an area career and technical 
                                education school (as defined in 
                                subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 
                                3(3) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                                Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
                                U.S.C. 2302(3))) that provides 
                                education at the postsecondary level; 
                                or
                                    ``(II) a postsecondary vocational 
                                institution (as defined in section 
                                102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 
                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))) that provides 
                                education at the postsecondary level; 
                                and
                    ``(C) in the case of a program described in 
                subparagraph (B)(iii)--
                            ``(i) provides training aligned with the 
                        requirements of employers in the State or local 
                        area where the program is located, which may 
                        include in-demand industry sectors or 
                        occupations;
                            ``(ii) provides a student, upon completion 
                        of the program, with a recognized postsecondary 
                        credential that is recognized by employers in 
                        the relevant industry, which may include a 
                        credential recognized by industry or sector 
                        partnerships in the State or local area where 
                        the industry is located; and
                            ``(iii) meets such content and 
                        instructional standards as may be required to 
                        comply with the criteria under section 
                        3676(c)(14) and (15) of this title.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(h) In this section, the terms `State or local area', `recognized 
postsecondary credential', `industry or sector partnership', and `in-
demand industry sector or occupation' have the meaning given such terms 
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
3102).''.

SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT FOR VETERANS 
              IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION.

    Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended--
            (1) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ``; 
        and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                    ``(xi) information on whether the institution 
                administers a priority enrollment system that allows 
                certain student veterans to enroll in courses earlier 
                than other students.''.

SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON USE OF REPORTING FEES PAYABLE TO EDUCATIONAL 
              INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF PROGRAMS OF APPRENTICESHIP.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, or 
to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing education or 
training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this 
title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu of any other compensation 
or reimbursement for reports or certifications which such educational 
institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship is required to 
submit to the Secretary by law or regulation.
    ``(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar year 
by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible veterans or eligible 
persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this 
title. The reporting fee shall be paid to such educational institution 
or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship as soon as feasible after the 
end of the calendar year for which it is applicable.
    ``(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under 
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary against any 
liability of such institution for any overpayment for which such 
institution may be administratively determined to be liable under 
section 3685 of this title unless such liability is not contested by 
such institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a court of 
appropriate jurisdiction.
    ``(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or 
sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enactment 
of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 
2011 (Public Law 111-377)--
            ``(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor 
        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; and
            ``(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more 
        enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or 
        merged with amounts available for the general fund of the 
        educational institution or sponsor of a program of 
        apprenticeship.
    ``(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be paid 
from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2018.

SEC. 305. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS.

    (a) Training Requirement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, 
in consultation with the State approving agencies, set forth 
requirements relating to training for school certifying officials 
employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of 
education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code. If 
a covered educational institution does not ensure that a school 
certifying official employed by the educational institution meets such 
requirements, the Secretary may disapprove any course of education 
offered by such educational institution.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``covered educational institution'' means an 
        educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more 
        individuals using educational assistance under title 38, United 
        States Code.
            (2) The term ``school certifying official'' means an 
        employee of an educational institution with primary 
        responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the 
        educational institution.
            (3) The term ``State approving agency'' means a department 
        or agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title 38, 
        United States Code.
    (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on August 1, 
2018.

SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

    Section 3692 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2017'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2022''.

SEC. 307. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ON-CAMPUS 
              EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING FOR VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after section 
3697A the following new section:
``Sec. 3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide educational and 
vocational counseling services for individuals described in section 
3697A(b) of this title at locations on the campuses of institutions of 
higher learning selected by the Secretary. Such counseling services 
shall be provided by employees of the Department who provide such 
services under section 3697A of this title.
    ``(b) Selection of Locations.--(1) To be selected by the Secretary 
under this section, an institution of higher learning shall provide an 
appropriate space on the campus of the institution where counseling 
services can be provided under this section.
    ``(2) In selecting locations for the provision of counseling 
services under this section, the Secretary shall seek to select 
locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to 
such services.
    ``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report on the counseling services provided 
under this section. Such report shall include, for the year covered by 
the report--
            ``(1) the average ratio of counselors providing such 
        services to individuals who received such services at each 
        location where such services were provided;
            ``(2) a description of such services provided;
            ``(3) the recommendations of the Secretary for improving 
        the provision of such services; and
            ``(4) any other matters the Secretary determines 
        appropriate.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
3697A the following new item:

``3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling.''.

SEC. 308. PROVISION OF INFORMATION REGARDING VETERAN ENTITLEMENT TO 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further amended by 
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 
              institutions
    ``(a) In General.--For each veteran or other individual pursuing a 
course of education that has been approved under this chapter using 
educational assistance to which the veteran or other individual is 
entitled under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, the Secretary 
shall make available to the educational institution offering the course 
information about the amount of such educational assistance to which 
the veteran or other individual is entitled. Such information shall be 
provided to such educational institution through a secure information 
technology system accessible by the educational institution and shall 
be regularly updated to reflect any amounts used by the veteran or 
other individual.
    ``(b) Election.--A veteran or other individual pursuing a course of 
education described in subsection (a) may elect not to provide the 
information described in such subsection to an educational institution 
in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 3699 the following new item:

``3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 
                            institutions.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--Section 3699A of title 38, United States Code, 
as added by this section, shall take effect on August 1, 2018.

SEC. 309. TREATMENT, FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
              ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, OF 
              EDUCATIONAL COURSES THAT BEGIN SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS AFTER 
              THE FIRST DAY OF AN ACADEMIC TERM.

    Section 3684(a) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
        paragraph (4):
    ``(4) A course offered by an educational institution that does not 
begin on the first day of an academic term, but does begin seven or 
fewer days after such day, shall be treated as beginning on such day 
for purposes of this section.''.

SEC. 310. INCLUSION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS IN STATE APPROVING AGENCY 
              OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES.

    Section 3673(d) is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Compliance 
        and'';
            (2) by striking ``such compliance and oversight'' and 
        inserting ``conducting risk-based surveys and other such 
        oversight''; and
            (3) by inserting ``, in consultation with the State 
        approving agencies,'' after ``as the Secretary''.

SEC. 311. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF STATE APPROVING AGENCY 
              PERFORMANCE.

    (a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall carry out a study on the performance of State approving agencies. 
Such study shall include each of the following:
            (1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation 
        between the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving 
        agencies regarding the execution of shared compliance and 
        oversight responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38, United 
        States Code.
            (2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State 
        approving agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such 
        agencies under such title, including an analysis of whether 
        Congress has appropriated sufficient funds for State approving 
        agencies to fulfill such responsibilities and the historic 
        effect of funding on the ability of such agencies to fulfill 
        such responsibilities.
            (3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies of 
        risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of 
        established standards under such chapter.
            (4) An examination of how State approving agencies use risk 
        factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment, 
        increases in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of 
        student complaints, rates of Federal student loan defaults of 
        veterans, veteran completion rates, deficiencies identified by 
        accreditors and other State agencies, and deficiencies in 
        Department of Veterans Affairs program administration 
        compliance, in their oversight and compliance responsibilities 
        and in selecting educational institutions for review of 
        eligibility.
            (5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State 
        approving agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve, or 
        disapprove educational institutions under such chapter.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
Representatives, a report on the study required under subsection (a) 
and the findings and recommendations of the Comptroller General with 
respect to such study.

                  TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS

SEC. 401. ELIGIBILITY OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS FOR POST-9/11 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking ``or 
12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
    (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or 
after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
    (c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual 
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment 
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of 
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

SEC. 402. TIME LIMITATION FOR TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS 
              WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.

    Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting 
``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.

                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 501. REPEAL INAPPLICABILITY OF MODIFICATION OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR 
              HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY 
              OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Repeal.--Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl Levin and 
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 37 U.S.C. 403 note) is repealed.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with respect to 
individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assistance 
under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, on or after such 
date.

SEC. 502. RECONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY DENIED CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY 
              COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE FULL-BODY EXPOSURE 
              TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS, SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE 
              DURING WORLD WAR II.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Reconsideration required.--The Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs shall reconsider all claims for compensation described 
        in paragraph (2) and make a new determination regarding each 
        such claim.
            (2) Claims for compensation described.--A claim for 
        compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for 
        compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, 
        that the Secretary determines--
                    (A) arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a 
                veteran to a covered substance--
                            (i) during active military, naval, or air 
                        service during World War II; and
                            (ii) at a site listed in paragraph (3); and
                    (B) was denied before the date of the enactment of 
                this Act.
            (3) Sites.--The sites listed in this paragraph are the 
        following:
                    (A) Camp Siebert, Alabama.
                    (B) Fort McClellan, Alabama.
                    (C) Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama.
                    (D) Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado.
                    (E) Naval Research Laboratory, D.C.
                    (F) Bushnell Field, Florida.
                    (G) Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois.
                    (H) Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland.
                    (I) Fort Detrick, Maryland.
                    (J) Naval Research Laboratory, Maryland.
                    (K) Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
                    (L) Horn Island Installation, Mississippi.
                    (M) Camp Crowder, Missouri.
                    (N) Hart's Island, New York.
                    (O) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
                    (P) Charleston, South Carolina.
                    (Q) Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
                    (R) Toole Army Depot, Utah.
                    (S) Naval Research Laboratory, Virginia.
                    (T) U.S.S. Eagle Boat No. 58.
                    (U) Ondal, India.
                    (V) Fort Clayton, San Jose Island, Panama.
                    (W) Any site the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
                determines is appropriate.
            (4) Factors of consideration.--In making a determination 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
                    (A) shall consider--
                            (i) that contemporaneous records of testing 
                        of full-body exposure to a covered substance 
                        frequently may be unavailable because such 
                        tests were classified or such records were lost 
                        or destroyed;
                            (ii) that many veterans were sworn to 
                        secrecy following testing described in clause 
                        (i);
                            (iii) each statement based on personal 
                        knowledge of a veteran who served at a site 
                        listed in paragraph (3);
                            (iv) information in the report from the 
                        Secretary of Defense under subsection (b)(2); 
                        and
                            (v) any evidence the Secretary considers 
                        relevant; and
                    (B) may not determine that testing of full-body 
                exposure to a covered substance did not occur at a site 
                based solely on--
                            (i) information contained in the Department 
                        of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs 
                        Chemical Biological Warfare Database; or
                            (ii) any list of known sites of testing of 
                        full-body exposure to a covered substance 
                        maintained by the Department of Veterans 
                        Affairs or the Department of Defense.
            (5) Presumption of exposure.--In carrying out paragraph 
        (1), when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a 
        determination regarding whether a veteran experienced full-body 
        exposure to a covered substance, the Secretary--
                    (A) shall presume, unless there is affirmative 
                evidence to establish otherwise, that the veteran 
                experienced such exposure by reason of the service of 
                the veteran in World War II--
                            (i) based on the locations listed in 
                        paragraph (3); and
                            (ii) consistent with the places, types, and 
                        circumstances of service of the veteran in 
                        accordance with section 1154 of title 38; and
                    (B) shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of 
                the veteran.
            (6) Effective date of award.--The effective date of any 
        award of disability compensation resulting from reconsideration 
        of a claim under paragraph (1) shall be fixed in accordance 
        with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of 
        the receipt of the claim for compensation described in 
        paragraph (2).
    (b) Investigation and Report by the Secretary of Defense.--Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Defense shall--
            (1) investigate and assess each site--
                    (A) where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered 
                evidence of testing conducted by the Department of 
                Defense during World War II to assess the effects of 
                full-body exposure to a covered substance on humans; or
                    (B) with regards to which more than two veterans 
                have been denied claims for compensation under chapter 
                11 of title 38, United States Code, in connection with 
                exposure to a covered substance at such site; and
            (2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and 
        the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on testing described 
        in paragraph (1)(A), including--
                    (A) a list of each location where such testing 
                occurred, including locations investigated and assessed 
                under paragraph (1);
                    (B) the dates of each such testing; and
                    (C) the number of members of the Armed Forces who 
                experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance 
                in each such testing.
    (c) Investigation and Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.--Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
            (1) investigate and assess--
                    (A) the actions taken by the Secretary to contact 
                individuals who experienced full-body exposure to a 
                covered substance in the course of testing described in 
                subsection (b)(1)(A);
                    (B) the number of claims filed with the Secretary 
                for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 
                38, United States Code, arising from testing described 
                in subsection (b)(1)(A); and
                    (C) the percentage of claims described in 
                subparagraph (B) that the Secretary denied; and
            (2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and 
        the Secretary of Defense a report regarding the investigations 
        and assessments carried out under paragraph (1).
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The terms ``active military, naval, or air service'', 
        ``veteran'', and ``World War II'' have the meanings given such 
        terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
            (2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
        means--
                    (A) the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
                of Representatives and the Senate; and
                    (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
                House of Representatives and the Senate.
            (3) The term ``covered substance'' means--
                    (A) nitrogen mustard gas;
                    (B) sulfur mustard gas; or
                    (C) Lewisite.
            (4) The term ``full-body exposure'', with respect to a 
        covered substance, has the meaning given that term by the 
        Secretary of Defense.
                                                       Calendar No. 200

115th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                                S. 1598

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in 
  the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for 
                            other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                             August 2, 2017

                       Reported without amendment