[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 VA EDUCATION 2-YEAR RULE MODIFICATION

                                 ______


                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 1996

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce H.R. 2851 to amend title 
38, U.S. Code to modify the Department of Veterans Affair's GI bill's 
2-year rule to allow easier access for veterans to institutions of 
higher learning.
  The proposed bill waives the current 2-year operating rule for branch 
campuses of public or other tax-supported institutions. It also waives 
the rule for proprietary profit or nonprofit educational institutions 
where the branch and parent institution have been in operation for 2 
years.
  The 2-year rule is an important qualification for schools. In ensures 
that only quality educational institutions and courses are offered to 
our Nation's veterans. The rule was originated after World War II and 
resurfaced after the Vietnam war to negate the impact fly-by-night 
operations that preyed on veterans, bilking them of their educational 
benefits.
  As a result, veterans did not receive the education and the training 
they needed and for which the citizens of this country paid with their 
taxes.
  Today, the situation has changed substantially. While we recognize 
that some low-quality and fly-by-night organizations clearly still 
exist, the majority of for-profit education institutions offering 
meaningful, quality course-work. They have default rates well below the 
Department of Education's standards for continued operation and they 
are continually monitored for the VA by the State approving agencies.
  This proposed legislation does not alter the stringent requirements 
already in place mandating that the institutions must be degree 
granting, and be recognized by a Department of Veterans Affairs-
affiliated accrediting agency. The institution must be also be licensed 
by the State in which it operates.
  Allowing participation by veterans on new branch campuses of already 
proven institutions gives necessary flexibility to veteran 
beneficiaries of the Montgomery GI bill and I urge its passage.

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