[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H3548-H3558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS MILLENNIUM EDUCATION ACT

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
Senate bill (S. 1402) to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance 
programs providing education benefits for veterans, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                S. 1402

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,
       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES TO 
                   TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
     and Dependents Millennium Education Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references to title 38, United 
              States Code.
Sec. 2. Increase in rates of basic educational assistance under 
              Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 3. Additional opportunity for certain VEAP participants to enroll 
              in basic educational assistance under Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 4. Increase in rates of survivors and dependents educational 
              assistance.
Sec. 5. Adjusted effective date for award of survivors' and dependents' 
              educational assistance.
Sec. 6. Revision of educational assistance interval payment 
              requirements.
Sec. 7. Availability of education benefits for payment for licensing or 
              certification tests.
Sec. 8. Extension of certain temporary authorities.
Sec. 9. Codification of recurring provisions in annual Department of 
              Veterans Affairs appropriations Acts.
Sec. 10. Preservation of certain reporting requirements.

       (c) References to Title 38, United States Code.--Except as 
     otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
     amendment

[[Page H3549]]

     or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
     of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be 
     considered to be made to a section or other provision of 
     title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 2. INCREASE IN RATES OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                   UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

       (a) Active Duty Educational Assistance.--(1) Section 3015 
     is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``$528'' and 
     inserting ``$720''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``$429'' and 
     inserting ``$585''.
       (2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect 
     on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
     educational assistance allowances paid for months after 
     September 2002.
       (3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid 
     for a month after September 2000, and before October 2002 
     under section 3015 of such title--
       (A) subsection (a)(1) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting ``$600'' for ``$528''; and
       (B) subsection (b)(1) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting ``$487'' for ``$429''.
       (b) CPI Adjustment.--No adjustment in rates of educational 
     assistance shall be made under section 3015(g) of title 38, 
     United States Code, for fiscal years 2001 and 2003.

     SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CERTAIN VEAP PARTICIPANTS 
                   TO ENROLL IN BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER 
                   MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

       (a) Special Enrollment Period.--Section 3018C is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(e)(1) A qualified individual (described in paragraph 
     (2)) may make an irrevocable election under this subsection, 
     during the one-year period beginning on the date of the 
     enactment of this subsection, to become entitled to basic 
     educational assistance under this chapter. Such an election 
     shall be made in the same manner as elections made under 
     subsection (a)(5).
       ``(2) A qualified individual referred to in paragraph (1) 
     is an individual who meets the following requirements:
       ``(A) The individual was a participant in the educational 
     benefits program under chapter 32 of this title on or before 
     October 9, 1996.
       ``(B) The individual has continuously served on active duty 
     since October 9, 1996 (excluding the periods referred to in 
     section 3202(1)(C) of this title), through at least April, 1, 
     2000.
       ``(C) The individual meets the requirements of subsection 
     (a)(3).
       ``(D) The individual is discharged or released from active 
     duty with an honorable discharge.
       ``(3)(A) Subject to succeeding provisions of this 
     paragraph, with respect to a qualified individual who makes 
     an election under paragraph (1) to become entitled to basic 
     education assistance under this chapter--
       ``(i) the basic pay of the qualified individual shall be 
     reduced (in a manner determined by the Secretary concerned) 
     until the total amount by which such basic pay is reduced is 
     $2,700; and
       ``(ii) to the extent that basic pay is not so reduced 
     before the qualified individual's discharge or release from 
     active duty as specified in subsection (a)(4), at the 
     election of the qualified individual--
       ``(I) the Secretary concerned shall collect from the 
     qualified individual, or
       ``(II) the Secretary concerned shall reduce the retired or 
     retainer pay of the qualified individual by,
     an amount equal to the difference between $2,700 and the 
     total amount of reductions under clause (i), which shall be 
     paid into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous 
     receipts.
       ``(B)(i) The Secretary concerned shall provide for an 18-
     month period, beginning on the date the qualified individual 
     makes an election under paragraph (1), for the qualified 
     individual to pay that Secretary the amount due under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed as 
     modifying the period of eligibility for and entitlement to 
     basic education assistance under this chapter applicable 
     under section 3031 of this title.
       ``(C) The provisions of subsection (c) shall apply to 
     individuals making elections under this subsection in the 
     same manner as they applied to individuals making elections 
     under subsection (a)(5).
       ``(4) With respect to qualified individuals referred to in 
     paragraph (3)(A)(ii), no amount of educational assistance 
     allowance under this chapter shall be paid to the qualified 
     individual until the earlier of the date on which--
       ``(A) the Secretary concerned collects the applicable 
     amount under subparagraph (I) of such paragraph, or
       ``(B) the retired or retainer pay of the qualified 
     individual is first reduced under subparagraph (II) of such 
     paragraph.
       ``(5) The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of 
     Defense, shall provide for notice to participants in the 
     educational benefits program under chapter 32 of this title 
     of the opportunity under this section to elect to become 
     entitled to basic educational assistance under this 
     chapter.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3018C(b) is amended by 
     striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a) or 
     (e)''.

     SEC. 4. INCREASE IN RATES OF SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS 
                   EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance.--(1) 
     Section 3532 is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (i) by striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720'';
       (ii) by striking ``$365'' and inserting ``$540''; and
       (iii) by striking ``$242'' and inserting ``$360'';
       (B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``$485'' and 
     inserting ``$720'';
       (C) in subsection (b), by striking ``$485'' and inserting 
     ``$720''; and
       (D) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (i) by striking ``$392'' and inserting ``$582'';
       (ii) by striking ``$294'' and inserting ``$436''; and
       (iii) by striking ``$196'' and inserting ``$291''.
       (2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect 
     on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
     educational assistance allowances paid for months after 
     September 2002.
       (3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid 
     for a month after September 2000 and before October 2002 
     under section 3532 of such title--
       (A) subsection (a)(1) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting--
       (i) ``$600'' for ``$485'';
       (ii) ``$450'' for ``$365''; and
       (iii) ``$300'' for ``$242'';
       (B) subsection (a)(2) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting ``$600'' for ``$485'';
       (C) subsection (b) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting ``$600'' for ``$485''; and
       (D) subsection (c)(2) of such section shall be applied by 
     substituting--
       (i) ``$485'' for ``$392'';
       (ii) ``$364'' for ``$294''; and
       (iii) ``$242'' for ``$196''.
       (b) Correspondence Course.--(1) Section 3534(b) is amended 
     by striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720''.
       (2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect 
     on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
     educational assistance allowances paid under section 3534(b) 
     of title 38, United States Code, for months after September 
     2002.
       (3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid 
     for a month after September 2000 and before October 2002 
     under section 3534 of such title, subsection (b) of such 
     section shall be applied by substituting ``$600'' for 
     ``$485''.
       (c) Special Restorative Training.--(1) Section 3542(a) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``$485'' and inserting ``$720'';
       (B) by striking ``$152'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``$225''; and
       (C) by striking ``$16.16'' and inserting ``$24''.
       (2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect 
     on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
     educational assistance allowances paid under section 3542(a) 
     of title 38, United States Code, for months after September 
     2002.
       (3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid 
     for a month after September 2000 and before October 2002 
     under section 3542 of such title, subsection (a) of such 
     section shall be applied by substituting--
       (A) ``$600'' for ``$485'';
       (B) ``$188'' for ``$152'' each place it appears; and
       (C) ``$20'' for ``$16.16''.
       (d) Apprenticeship Training.--(1) Section 3687(b)(2) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``$353'' and inserting ``$524'';
       (B) by striking ``$264'' and inserting ``$392'';
       (C) by striking ``$175'' and inserting ``$260''; and
       (D) by striking ``$88'' and inserting ``$131''.
       (2) The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect 
     on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to 
     educational assistance allowances paid under section 
     3687(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, for months after 
     September 2002.
       (3) In the case of an educational assistance allowance paid 
     for a month after September 2000 and before October 2002 
     under section 3687 of such title, subsection (b)(2) of such 
     section shall be applied by substituting--
       (A) ``$437'' for ``$353'';
       (B) ``$327'' for ``$264'';
       (C) ``$216'' for ``$175''; and
       (D) ``$109'' for ``$88''.
       (e) Provision for Annual Adjustments to Amounts of 
     Assistance.--
       (1) Chapter 35.--(A) Subchapter VI of chapter 35 is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 3564. Annual adjustment of amounts of educational 
       assistance

       ``With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     provide a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) 
     in the rates payable under sections 3532, 3534(b), and 
     3542(a) of this title equal to the percentage by which--
       ``(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States 
     city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 
     preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the 
     increase is made, exceeds
       ``(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period 
     preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).''.
       (B) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 35 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3563 
     the following new item:

``3564. Annual adjustment of amounts of educational assistance.''.

       (2) Chapter 36.--Section 3687 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:

[[Page H3550]]

       ``(d) With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     provide a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) 
     in the rates payable under subsection (b)(2) equal to the 
     percentage by which--
       ``(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States 
     city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 
     preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the 
     increase is made, exceeds
       ``(2) such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period 
     preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).''.
       (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection 
     shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal 
     year beginning on or after October 1, 2003.

     SEC. 5. ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AWARD OF SURVIVORS' AND 
                   DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Section 5113 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (b) of this 
     section'' and inserting ``subsections (b) and (c)''; and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(b)(1) When determining the effective date of an award of 
     survivors' and dependents' educational assistance under 
     chapter 35 of this title for an individual described in 
     paragraph (2) based on an original claim, the Secretary shall 
     consider the individual's application (under section 3513 of 
     this title) as having been filed on the effective date from 
     which the Secretary, by rating decision, determines that the 
     individual is entitled to such educational assistance (such 
     entitlement being based on the total service-connected 
     disability evaluated as permanent in nature, or the service-
     connected death, of the spouse or parent from whom the 
     individual's eligibility is derived) if that date is more 
     than one year before the date such rating decision is made.
       ``(2) An individual referred to in paragraph (1) is a 
     person who is eligible for educational assistance under 
     chapter 35 of this title by reason of subparagraph (A)(i), 
     (A)(ii), (B), or (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title 
     who--
       ``(A) submits to the Secretary an original application 
     under such section 3513 for such educational assistance 
     within one year of the date that the Secretary issues the 
     rating decision referred to in paragraph (1);
       ``(B) claims such educational assistance for an approved 
     program of education for months preceding the one-year period 
     ending on the date on which the individual's application 
     under such section was received by the Secretary; and
       ``(C) would have been entitled to such educational 
     assistance for such course pursuit for such months, without 
     regard to this subsection, if the individual had submitted 
     such an application on the effective date from which the 
     Secretary determined the individual was eligible for such 
     educational assistance.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply to applications first made under section 3513 of 
     title 38, United States Code, that--
       (1) are received on or after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, or
       (2) on the date of the enactment of this Act, are pending 
     (A) with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or (B) exhaustion 
     of available administrative and judicial remedies.

     SEC. 6. REVISION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE INTERVAL PAYMENT 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Subclause (C) of the third sentence of 
     section 3680(a) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) during periods between school terms where the 
     educational institution certifies the enrollment of the 
     eligible veteran or eligible person on an individual term 
     basis if (i) the period between such terms does not exceed 
     eight weeks, and (ii) both the terms preceding and following 
     the period are not shorter in length than the period.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to payments of educational 
     assistance under title 38, United States Code, for months 
     beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 7. AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR PAYMENT FOR 
                   LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION TESTS.

       (a) In General.--Sections 3452(b) and 3501(a)(5) are each 
     amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: 
     ``Such term also includes licensing or certification tests, 
     the successful completion of which demonstrates an 
     individual's possession of the knowledge or skill required to 
     enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a 
     predetermined and identified vocation or profession, provided 
     such tests and the licensing or credentialing organizations 
     or entities that offer such tests are approved by the 
     Secretary in accordance with section 3689 of this title.''.
       (b) Amount of Payment.--
       (1) Chapter 30.--Section 3032 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(g) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--
     (1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
     assistance payable under this chapter for a licensing or 
     certification test described in section 3452(b) of this title 
     is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee charged for the test.
       ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the 
     case of any individual for such licensing or certification 
     test is equal to the number (including any fraction) 
     determined by dividing the total amount of educational 
     assistance paid such individual for such test by the full-
     time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance 
     which, except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such 
     individual would otherwise be paid under subsection (a)(1), 
     (b)(1), (d), or (e)(1) of section 3015 of this title, as the 
     case may be.
       ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance 
     under this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of 
     the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
       (2) Chapter 32.--Section 3232 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--
     (1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
     assistance payable under this chapter for a licensing or 
     certification test described in section 3452(b) of this title 
     is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee charged for the test.
       ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the 
     case of any individual for such licensing or certification 
     test is equal to the number (including any fraction) 
     determined by dividing the total amount paid to such 
     individual for such test by the full-time monthly 
     institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance 
     which, except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such 
     individual would otherwise be paid under this chapter.
       ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance 
     under this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of 
     the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
       (3) Chapter 34.--Section 3482 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(h) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--
     (1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
     assistance payable under this chapter for a licensing or 
     certification test described in section 3452(b) of this title 
     is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee charged for the test.
       ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the 
     case of any individual for such licensing or certification 
     test is equal to the number (including any fraction) 
     determined by dividing the total amount paid to such 
     individual for such test by the full-time monthly 
     institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance 
     which, except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such 
     individual would otherwise be paid under this chapter.
       ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance 
     under this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of 
     the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
       (4) Chapter 35.--Section 3532 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subsection:
       ``(f) Payment Amount for Licensing or Certification Test.--
     (1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational 
     assistance payable under this chapter for a licensing or 
     certification test described in section 3452(b) of this title 
     is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee charged for the test.
       ``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the 
     case of any individual for such licensing or certification 
     test is equal to the number (including any fraction) 
     determined by dividing the total amount paid to such 
     individual for such test by the full-time monthly 
     institutional rate of the educational assistance allowance 
     which, except for paragraph (1) of this subsection, such 
     individual would otherwise be paid under this chapter.
       ``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance 
     under this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of 
     the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
       (c) Requirements for Licensing and Credentialing Testing.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after 
     section 3688 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 3689. Approval requirements for licensing and 
       certification testing

       ``(a) In General.--(1) No payment may be made for a 
     licensing or certification test described in section 3452(b) 
     or section 3501(a)(5) of this title unless the Secretary 
     determines that the requirements of this section have been 
     met with respect to such test and the organization or entity 
     offering the test. The requirements of approval for tests and 
     organizations or entities offering tests shall be in 
     accordance with the relevant provisions of this part and with 
     such regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out 
     this section.
       ``(2) To the extent that the Secretary determines 
     practicable, State approving agencies may, in lieu of the 
     Secretary, approve licensing and certification tests, and 
     organizations and entities offering such tests, under this 
     section.
       ``(b) Requirements for Tests.--(1) Subject to paragraph 
     (2), a licensing or certification test is approved for 
     purposes of this section only if--
       ``(A) the test is required under Federal, State, or local 
     law or regulation for an individual to enter into, maintain, 
     or advance in employment in a predetermined and identified 
     vocation or profession, or
       ``(B) the Secretary determines that the test is generally 
     accepted, in accordance with relevant government, business, 
     or industry standards, employment policies, or hiring 
     practices, as attesting to a level of

[[Page H3551]]

     knowledge or skill required to qualify to enter into, 
     maintain, or advance in employment in a predetermined and 
     identified vocation or profession.
       ``(2) A licensing or certification test offered by a State, 
     or a political subdivision of the State, is deemed approved 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Requirements for Organizations or Entities Offering 
     Tests.--(1) Each organization or entity that is not an entity 
     of the United States, a State, or political subdivision of a 
     State, that offers a licensing or certification test for 
     which payment may be made under this part, and that meets the 
     following requirements shall be approved by the Secretary to 
     offer such test:
       ``(A) The organization or entity certifies to the Secretary 
     that each licensing or certification test offered by the 
     organization or entity is required to obtain the license or 
     certificate required to enter into, maintain, or advance in 
     employment in a predetermined and identified vocation or 
     profession.
       ``(B) The organization or entity is licensed, chartered, or 
     incorporated in a State and has offered such tests for a 
     minimum of two years before the date on which the 
     organization or entity first submits to the Secretary an 
     application for approval under this section.
       ``(C) The organization or entity employs, or consults with, 
     individuals with expertise or substantial experience with 
     respect to all areas of knowledge or skill that are measured 
     by the test and that are required for the license of 
     certificate issued.
       ``(D) The organization or entity has no direct financial 
     interest in--
       ``(i) the outcome of a test, or
       ``(ii) organizations that provide the education or training 
     of candidates for licenses or certificates required for 
     vocations or professions.
       ``(E) The organization or entity maintains appropriate 
     records with respect to all candidates who take such a test 
     for a period prescribed by the Secretary, but in no case for 
     a period of less than three years.
       ``(F)(i) The organization or entity promptly issues notice 
     of the results of the test to the candidate for the license 
     or certificate.
       ``(ii) The organization or entity has in place a process to 
     review complaints submitted against the organization or 
     entity with respect to a test the organization or entity 
     offers or the process for obtaining a license or certificate 
     required for vocations or professions.
       ``(G) The organization or entity furnishes to the Secretary 
     such information with respect to a licensing or certification 
     test offered by the organization or entity as the Secretary 
     requires to determine whether payment may be made for the 
     test under this part, including personal identifying 
     information, fee payment, and test results. Such information 
     shall be furnished in the form prescribed by the Secretary.
       ``(H) The organization or entity furnishes to the Secretary 
     the following information:
       ``(i) A description of each licensing or certification test 
     offered by the organization or entity, including the purpose 
     of each test, the vocational, professional, governmental, and 
     other entities that recognize the test, and the license of 
     certificate issued upon successful completion of the test.
       ``(ii) The requirements to take such a test, including the 
     amount of the fee charged for the test and any prerequisite 
     education, training, skills, or other certification.
       ``(iii) The period for which the license or certificate 
     awarded upon successful completion of such a test is valid, 
     and the requirements for maintaining or renewing the license 
     or certificate.
       ``(I) Upon request of the Secretary, the organization or 
     entity furnishes such information to the Secretary that the 
     Secretary determines necessary to perform an assessment of--
       ``(i) the test conducted by the organization or entity as 
     compared to the level of knowledge or skills that a license 
     or certificate attests, and
       ``(ii) the applicability of the test over such periods of 
     time as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(2) With respect to each organization or entity that is 
     an entity of the United States, a State, or political 
     subdivision of a State, that offers a licensing or 
     certification test for which payment may be made under this 
     part, the following provisions of paragraph (1) shall apply 
     to the entity: subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (H).
       ``(d) Administration.--(1) Except as otherwise specifically 
     provided in this section or part, in implementing this 
     section and making payment under this part for a licensing or 
     certification test, the test is deemed to be a `course' and 
     the organization or entity that offers such test is deemed to 
     be an `institution' or `educational institution', 
     respectively, as those terms are applied under and for 
     purposes of sections 3671, 3673, 3674, 3678, 3679, 3681, 
     3682, 3683, 3685, 3690, and 3696 of this title.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall use amounts appropriated to the 
     Department in fiscal year 2001 for readjustment benefits to 
     develop the systems and procedures required to make payments 
     under this part for a licensing or certification test, such 
     amounts not to exceed $3,000,000.
       ``(e) Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory 
     Committee.--(1) There is established within the Department a 
     committee to be known as the Professional Certification and 
     Licensure Advisory Committee (hereinafter in this section 
     referred to as the `Committee').
       ``(2) The Committee shall advise the Secretary with respect 
     to the requirements of organizations or entities offering 
     licensing and certification tests to individuals for which 
     payment for such tests may be made under this part, and such 
     other related issues as the Committee determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(3)(A) The Secretary shall appoint five individuals with 
     expertise in matters relating to licensing and certification 
     tests to serve as members of the Committee, of whom--
       ``(i) one shall be a representative of the Coalition for 
     Professional Certification,
       ``(ii) one shall be a representative of the Council on 
     Licensure and Enforcement, and
       ``(iii) one shall be a representative of the National Skill 
     Standards Board (established under section 503 of the 
     National Skill Standards Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 5933)).
       ``(B) The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Defense 
     shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee.
       ``(C) A vacancy in the Committee shall be filled in the 
     manner in which the original appointment was made.
       ``(4)(A) The Secretary shall appoint the chairman of the 
     Committee.
       ``(B) The Committee shall meet at the call of the chairman.
       ``(C)(i) Members of the Committee shall serve without 
     compensation.
       ``(ii) Members of the Committee shall be allowed reasonable 
     and necessary travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for persons serving 
     intermittently in the Government service in accordance with 
     the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while 
     away from their homes or regular places of business in the 
     performance of the responsibilities of the Committee.
       ``(5) The Committee shall terminate December 31, 2006.''.
       (2) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 36 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 3688 the following new item:

``3689. Approval requirements for licensing and certification 
              testing.''.

       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2000, and apply with respect 
     to licensing and certification tests approved by the 
     Secretary on or after such date.

     SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Enhanced Loan Asset Sale Authority.--Section 3720(h)(2) 
     is amended by striking ``December 31, 2002'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2008''.
       (b) Home Loan Fees.--Section 3729(a) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4)(B)--
       (A) by striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2008''; and
       (B) by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2009''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5)(C), by striking ``October 1, 2002'' 
     and inserting ``October 1, 2008''.
       (c) Procedures Applicable to Liquidation Sales on Defaulted 
     Home Loans Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs.--Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking 
     ``October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``October 1, 2008''.
       (d) Income Verification Authority.--Section 5317(g) is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2002'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2008''.
       (e) Limitation on Pension for Certain Recipients of 
     Medicaid-covered Nursing Home Care.--Section 5503(f)(7) is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2002'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2008''.

     SEC. 9. CODIFICATION OF RECURRING PROVISIONS IN ANNUAL 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS 
                   ACTS.

       (a) Codification of Recurring Provisions.--(1) Section 313 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsections:
       ``(c) Compensation and Pension.--Funds appropriated for 
     Compensation and Pensions are available for the following 
     purposes:
       ``(1) The payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf 
     of veterans as authorized by section 107 and chapters 11, 13, 
     51, 53, 55, and 61 of this title.
       ``(2) Pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as 
     authorized by chapters 15, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of this title 
     and section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension 
     Improvement Act of 1978.
       ``(3) The payment of benefits as authorized under chapter 
     18 of this title.
       ``(4) Burial benefits, emergency and other officers' 
     retirement pay, adjusted-service credits and certificates, 
     payments of premiums due on commercial life insurance 
     policies guaranteed under the provisions of article IV of the 
     Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (50 U.S.C. 
     App. 540 et seq.), and other benefits as authorized by 
     sections 107, 1312, 1977, and 2106 and chapters 23, 51, 53, 
     55, and 61 of this title and the World War Adjusted 
     Compensation Act (43 Stat. 122, 123), the Act of May 24, 1928 
     (Public Law No. 506 of the 70th Congress; 45 Stat. 735), and 
     Public Law 87-875 (76 Stat. 1198).
       ``(d) Medical Care.--Funds appropriated for Medical Care 
     are available for the following purposes:
       ``(1) The maintenance and operation of hospitals, nursing 
     homes, and domiciliary facilities.
       ``(2) Furnishing, as authorized by law, inpatient and 
     outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the 
     Department, including

[[Page H3552]]

     care and treatment in facilities not under the jurisdiction 
     of the Department.
       ``(3) Furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and 
     equipment.
       ``(4) Funeral and burial expenses and other expenses 
     incidental to funeral and burial expenses for beneficiaries 
     receiving care from the Department.
       ``(5) Administrative expenses in support of planning, 
     design, project management, real property acquisition and 
     disposition, construction, and renovation of any facility 
     under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department.
       ``(6) Oversight, engineering, and architectural activities 
     not charged to project cost.
       ``(7) Repairing, altering, improving, or providing 
     facilities in the medical facilities and homes under the 
     jurisdiction of the Department, not otherwise provided for, 
     either by contact or by the hire of temporary employees and 
     purchase of materials.
       ``(8) Uniforms or uniform allowances, as authorized by 
     sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5.
       ``(9) Aid to State homes, as authorized by section 1741 of 
     this title.
       ``(10) Administrative and legal expenses of the Department 
     for collecting and recovering amounts owed the Department as 
     authorized under chapter 17 of this title and Public Law 87-
     693, popularly known as the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.).
       ``(e) Medical Administration and Miscellaneous Operating 
     Expenses.--Funds appropriated for Medical Administration and 
     Miscellaneous Operating Expenses are available for the 
     following purposes:
       ``(1) The administration of medical, hospital, nursing 
     home, domiciliary, construction, supply, and research 
     activities authorized by law.
       ``(2) Administrative expenses in support of planning, 
     design, project management, architectural work, engineering, 
     real property acquisition and disposition, construction, and 
     renovation of any facility under the jurisdiction or for the 
     use of the Department, including site acquisition.
       ``(3) Engineering and architectural activities not charged 
     to project costs.
       ``(4) Research and development in building construction 
     technology.
       ``(f) General Operating Expenses.--Funds appropriated for 
     General Operating Expenses are available for the following 
     purposes:
       ``(1) Uniforms or allowances therefor.
       ``(2) Hire of passenger motor vehicles.
       ``(3) Reimbursement of the General Services Administration 
     for security guard services.
       ``(4) Reimbursement of the Department of Defense for the 
     cost of overseas employee mail.
       ``(5) Administration of the Service Members Occupational 
     Conversion and Training Act of 1992 (10 U.S.C. 1143 note).
       ``(g) Construction.--Funds appropriated for Construction, 
     Major Projects, and for Construction, Minor Projects, are 
     available, with respect to a project, for the following 
     purposes:
       ``(1) Planning.
       ``(2) Architectural and engineering services.
       ``(3) Maintenance or guarantee period services costs 
     associated with equipment guarantees provided under the 
     project.
       ``(4) Services of claims analysts.
       ``(5) Offsite utility and storm drainage system 
     construction costs.
       ``(6) Site acquisition.
       ``(h) Construction, Minor Projects.--In addition to the 
     purposes specified in subsection (g), funds appropriated for 
     Construction, Minor Projects, are available for--
       ``(1) repairs to any of the nonmedical facilities under the 
     jurisdiction or for the use of the Department which are 
     necessary because of loss or damage caused by a natural 
     disaster or catastrophe; and
       ``(2) temporary measures necessary to prevent or to 
     minimize further loss by such causes.''.
       (2)(A) Chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 116. Definition of cost of direct and guaranteed loans

       ``For the purpose of any provision of law appropriating 
     funds to the Department for the cost of direct or guaranteed 
     loans, the cost of any such loan, including the cost of 
     modifying any such loan, shall be as defined in section 502 
     of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 661a).''.
       (B) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``116. Definition of cost of direct and guaranteed loans.''.

       (b) Effective Date.--Subsections (c) through (h) of section 
     313 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection 
     (a)(1), and section 116 of such title, as added by subsection 
     (a)(2), shall take effect with respect to funds appropriated 
     for fiscal year 2002.

     SEC. 10. PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Inapplicability of Prior Reports Termination Provision 
     to Certain Reports of the Department of Veterans Affairs.--
     Section 3003(a)(1) of the Federal Reports Elimination and 
     Sunset Act of 1995 (31 U.S.C. 1113 note) does not apply to 
     any report required to be submitted under any of the 
     following sections of title 38, United States Code: sections 
     503(c), 529, 541(c), 542(c), 3036, and 7312(d).
       (b) Repeal of Reporting Requirements Terminated by Prior 
     Law.--Sections 8111A(f) and 8201(h) are repealed.
       (c) Sunset of Certain Reporting Requirements.--
       (1) Annual report on equitable relief cases.--Section 
     503(c) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     sentence: ``No report shall be required under this subsection 
     after December 31, 2004.''.
       (2) Biennial report of advisory committee on former 
     prisoners of war.--Section 541(c)(1) is amended by inserting 
     ``through 2003'' after ``each odd-numbered year''.
       (3) Biennial report of advisory committee on women 
     veterans.--Section 542(c)(1) is amended by inserting 
     ``through 2004'' after ``each even-numbered year''.
       (4) Biennial reports on montgomery gi bill.--Subsection (d) 
     of section 3036 is amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) No report shall be required under this section after 
     January 1, 2005.''.
       (5) Annual report of special medical advisory group.--
     Section 7312(d) is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new sentence: ``No report shall be required under this 
     subsection after December 31, 2004.''.
       (d) Cost Information To Be Provided With Each Report 
     Required by Congress.--
       (1) In general.--(A) Chapter 1, as amended by section 
     9(2)(A), is further
      amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 117. REPORTS TO CONGRESS: COST INFORMATION

       ``Whenever the Secretary submits to Congress, or any 
     committee of Congress, a report that is required by law or by 
     a joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference of 
     the Congress, the Secretary shall include with the report--
       ``(1) a statement of the cost of preparing the report; and
       ``(2) a brief explanation of the methodology used in 
     preparing that cost statement.''.
       (B) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter, 
     as amended by section 9(2)(B), is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following new item:

``117. Reports to Congress: cost information.''.

       (2) Effective Date.--Section 117 of title 38, United States 
     Code, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection, shall 
     apply with respect to any report submitted by the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs after the end of the 90-day period 
     beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump).


                             General Leave

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on S. 1402.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. STUMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, the committee amendment to S. 1402 is H.R. 
4268, the Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act. This bill 
was favorably reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs on May 11.
  Last year, the report of the congressional commission on service 
members and veterans transition assistance, better known as the 
Principi Commission, indicated that substantial increases in veterans' 
education programs are needed. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
agreed with that assessment. H.R. 4268 would take our first steps to 
improve veterans' education benefits as recommended in the commission 
report. It would increase the Montgomery GI Bill from $536 to $600 per 
month on October 1, 2000, and to $720 a month on October 1, 2002. 
Educational assistance benefits for survivors and dependents would be 
raised at the same amount.
  H.R. 4268 would also furnish individuals still on active duty the 
option to convert to Montgomery GI Bill eligibility if they were 
eligible for the post-Vietnam era Veterans' Educational Assistance 
Program. More needs to be done on this to bring the Montgomery GI Bill 
benefits in line with the rising cost of education, but this bill is a 
good start. We have worked closely with the Committee on the Budget on 
this legislation, which is paid for under the pay-go requirements of 
the Budget Act. I want to personally thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Kasich) for his support of this proposal and for working to include it 
in the budget resolution.
  I urge my colleagues to support passage of S. 1402, as amended.

[[Page H3553]]

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  First, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) for his 
leadership on this legislation before us today. I am optimistic that 
the House will enact legislation to increase the Montgomery GI Bill 
basic monthly benefit and make other improvements to this important 
veterans' readjustment program. I am very pleased that the person who 
provided the inspiration for this program, Sonny Montgomery, has joined 
us today. We appreciate his attendance. We are very pleased that he 
came up with the idea of the new GI Bill, and we will work with him in 
the future.
  I also want to recognize the other gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. 
Shows) for his determined advocacy for veterans. He is a leader on 
veterans' educational benefits and health care for our retirees. On 
behalf of our veterans, I want to thank him for his leadership on these 
and many other important issues. I also welcome the support of the 
administration for needed benefit increases in the Montgomery GI Bill. 
The administration has proposed to increase the basic monthly benefit 
to $670 per month effective October 1 of this year. That would provide 
a very significant 25 percent increase in the monthly benefit.
  I think every member of our committee believes that this increase is 
needed, long overdue, and a step in the right direction. The 
administration's support for benefit increases in the GI Bill is very 
welcome, and I look forward to working with them in the future.
  Last year, the gentleman from Arizona and I introduced separate 
measures to improve the Montgomery GI Bill. The legislation I authored 
with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), H.R. 1071, is 
cosponsored by 143 Members of our House of Representatives. This 
includes a large representation of the Members, and it is a great honor 
to support the gentleman from Arizona's leadership on this issue. H.R. 
1071 would provide the meaningful increase in educational benefits I 
believe our Nation should provide to the women and men who serve our 
country in the Armed Forces by restoring the GI Bill's purchasing 
power. Mr. Speaker, we know H.R. 4268 is only the first step toward 
improving the Montgomery GI Bill program in a meaningful way. This 
legislation does comply with pay-go. Congress can enact it. It will 
provide real benefit increases for veterans and their dependents. That 
is why I hope the House will approve this unanimously today.
  Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank Chairman Stump for his leadership 
on the legislation before us today. I am optimistic that Congress will 
enact legislation to increase the Montgomery GI Bill basic monthly 
benefit and make other improvements to his important veterans' 
readjustment program. I also want to recognize the gentleman from 
Mississippi, Ronnie Shows, for his determined advocacy for veterans. He 
is a leader on veterans' educational benefits and health care for our 
military retirees. On behalf of our veterans, I thank him for his 
leadership on these and so many other important issues.
  Mr. Speaker, I also welcome support from the Administration for 
needed benefit increases in the Montgomery GI Bill. The Administration 
has proposed to increase the basic monthly benefit to $670 per month 
effective October 1st this year. This would provide a very significant 
25% increase in the monthly benefit. I believe every Member of the 
Committee on Veterans Affairs believes this increase is needed, long 
overdue, and represents a step in the right direction. I look forward 
to working with the Administration in the future as we move forward 
with the subsequent steps necessary to restore the original purchasing 
power to the GI Bill.
  Last year, Chairman Stump and I introduced separate measures to 
improve the Montgomery GI bill. The legislation which I authored with 
Congressman Dingell, H.R. 1071, is cosponsored by 143 members of the 
House. H.R. 1071 provides the meaningful increase in educational 
benefits I believe our nation should provide the women and men who 
serve our country in the Armed Forces.
  Historically, the MGIB program has been the most important recruiting 
incentive for the armed services. But the value of these benefits has 
failed to keep up with the spiraling costs of higher education. 
Enhancements to rectify this problem with the MGIB are long overdue. I 
strongly agree with the report of the Congressional Commission on 
Service members and Veterans Transition Assistance, which concluded ``. 
. . an opportunity to obtain the best education for which they qualify 
is the most valuable benefit our Nation can offer the men and women 
whose military service preserves our liberty.'' I applaud the 
Commission's bold, new plan for the MGIB. This proposal, however, must 
be further strengthened and enhanced if the MGIB is to fulfill its 
purposes as a meaningful readjustment benefit and as an effective 
recruitment incentive for our Armed Forces. Since implementation of the 
Montgomery GI Bill on July 1, 1985, there have been major changes in 
the economic and sociological landscapes that make revisions in the 
structure and benefit level of this program imperative.

  Of immediate concern is the ineffectiveness of the MGIB as a 
readjustment program for service members making the transition from a 
military to a civilian workforce. Although costs of education have 
soared, nearly doubling since 1980, GI Bill benefits have not kept 
pace. In fact, during the 1995-96 school year, the basic benefit paid 
under the MGIB offsets only a paltry 36 percent of average total 
education costs, and the disappointingly low usage rate of 51% for 1998 
confirms the inadequacy of the current program's benefit levels.
  Under current law, young men and women who serve in our Armed Forces 
have the option of enrolling in the MGIB when they enter the military. 
This includes their agreement to a $100 per month pay reduction during 
the first 12 months of service, for a total contribution of $1200. Once 
their initial term of service has been honorably served, a veteran is 
eligible to receive the basic educational benefit of $536 each month he 
or she is enrolled in full-time college study. The benefit continues 
for up to 36 months. Assuming he or she is enrolled for a typical nine-
month academic year, the veteran's total benefit for that year is 
$4,824. With this modest amount he or she is expected to pay for 
tuition, fees, room and board.
  The average annual cost of tuition and basic expenses at a four-year 
public college is $8,774 for commuter students and $10,909 for students 
who live on campus. Not surprisingly, the same annual costs for four-
year private colleges are even higher: $20,500 for commuter students 
and $23,651 for residents. the disparity between these ever-increasing 
costs and a veteran's ability to pay for them is clear. This disparity 
recently prompted key military and veteran organizations to join 
together with organizations representing colleges to form the 
``Partnership for Veterans' Education.'' The coalition launched an 
energetic campaign calling for Congress to at least go as far as 
increasing the basic benefit under the MGIB to $975 per month, enough 
to cover the $8,774 average annual cost of attending a four-year public 
college as a commuter student.
  As I've stated already, H.R. 4268 will not meet these overwhelming 
education costs standing on its own. It is an important step in the 
right direction, though, as Congress seeks to find ways to fully 
restore the GI Bill's purchasing power to what was originally intended. 
As introduced, section two of H.R. 4268 would increase the basic 
benefit under the GI Bill from $536 to $600 per month on October 1, 
2000 and to $720 per month on October 1, 2002, for full-time students, 
with proportionate increases for part-time students. Section three 
would furnish individuals still on active duty who either turned down a 
previous opportunity to convert to the MGIB or had a zero balance in 
their Vietnam era Veterans' Education Assistance Program (VEAP) 
account, the option to pay $2,700 to convert to MGIB eligibility.

  Section four would increase survivors' and dependents' educational 
assistance benefits for full-time students from $485 to $600 per month 
effective October 1, 2000, and $720 per month effective October 1, 
2002, with proportionate increases from part-time students. An annual 
cost of living adjustment is also authorized.
  Section five would permit the award of Survivors' and Dependents' 
Educational Assistance payments to be retroactive to the date of VA's 
adjudication of a service-connected death or a 100% disability rating. 
Section six would solve a problem that faces a small number of students 
whose schools have different schedules. It would allow for monthly 
educational assistance benefits to be paid between term, quarter, or 
semester intervals of up to 8 weeks in duration. Section seven would 
allow the use of Montgomery GI Bill

[[Page H3554]]

benefits to pay for fee associated with a veteran's civilian 
occupational licensing or certification examination.
  To offset the costs of H.R. 4268, section eight of the bill as 
introduced, would extend temporary authorities to 2008 that would 
otherwise expire on September 30, 2002. These include a VA enhanced 
loan asset authority guaranteeing the payment of principal and interest 
on VA-issued certificates or other securities; VA home loan fees of 
three-quarters of 1 percent of the total loan amount, procedures 
applicable to liquidation sales on defaulted home loans guaranteed by 
VA; VA/Department of Health and Human Services income verification 
authority in which VA verifies the eligibility of, or applicants for, 
VA needs-based benefits and VA means-tested medical care by gaining 
access to income records of the Department of Health and Human 
Services/Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue 
Service; and limitation on VA pension on veterans without dependents 
receiving Medicaid-covered nursing home care.
  In addition, section nine of the bill would codify recurring 
provisions in annual VA appropriations acts, and section ten would 
reinstate the requirements that the Secretary provide periodic reports. 
Specifically, these concern reports on equitable relief granted by the 
Secretary to an individual beneficiary (expires December 31, 2004); 
work and activities of the Department; programs and activities examined 
by the Advisory Committees on Former Prisoners of War and Women 
Veterans (expires after biennial reports submitted in 2003); operation 
of the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program (expires 
December 31, 2004); and the activities of the Secretary's special 
medical advisory group (expires December 31, 2004). In addition, 
section ten requires the Secretary to include with any report an 
estimate of the cost of preparing the report.

  The current structure of the MGIB served the veterans of the second 
half of the 20th century very well. However, the MGIB must now be re-
examined in the context of a January, 1999 report by he Departments of 
Commerce, Labor, and Education, the Small Business Administration, and 
the National Institute for Literacy. This report, entitled ``21st 
Century Skills for 21st Century Jobs,'' has important implications for 
veterans entering the civilian workforce. Emphasizing the importance to 
the nation of investing in education and training, the report concluded 
changes in the economy and workplace are requiring greater levels of 
skill and education than ever before. It predicted eight of the ten 
fastest growing jobs in the next decade will require college education 
or moderate to long-term training, and jobs requiring a bachelor's 
degree will increase by 25%. The report also noted workers with more 
education enjoy greater benefits, experience less unemployment and, if 
dislocated, re-enter the labor force far more quickly than individuals 
with less education. It also reports that, on average, college 
graduates earn 77% more than individuals with only a high school 
diploma. If America's veterans are to successfully compete in the 
challenging 21st century workforce, they simply have to have the 
ability to obtain the education and training critical to their success. 
As noted by the Transition Commission, ``. . . education will be the 
key to employment in the information age.''
  According to the 1997 Department of Defense report entitled 
``Population Representation in the Military Services,'' 20% of the new 
enlisted recruits for that year were African American, 10% were 
Hispanic, 6% were other minorities, including Native Americans, Asians, 
and Pacific Islanders, and 18% were women. The report further notes 
that, although members of the military come from backgrounds somewhat 
lower in socioeconomic status than the U.S. average, these young men 
and women have higher levels of education, measured aptitudes, and 
reading skills than their civilian counterparts. These young people, 
most of whom do not enter military service with financial or 
socioeconomic advantages, have enormous potential, and it is in the 
best interests of the nation they be given every opportunity to achieve 
their highest potential. Access to education is the key to achieving 
that potential. It is also important to remember that, through the 
sacrifices required of them through their military service, this group 
of young Americans--more than any other--earns the benefits provided 
for them by a grateful nation.

  Of equal concern to me as a member of the Armed Services Committee is 
the MGIB program's failure to fulfill its purpose as a recruitment 
incentive for the Armed Forces. Findings of the 1998 Youth Attitude 
Tracking Study (YATS)--confirm that recruiters are faced with serious 
challenges, and these challenges are likely to continue. This survey of 
young men and women, conducted annually by the Department of Defense, 
provides information on the propensity, attitudes and motivations of 
young people toward military service. The latest YATS shows the 
propensity to enlist among young males has fallen from 34% in 1991 to 
26% in 1998, in spite of a generally favorable view of the military. In 
addition to a thriving civilian economy, which inevitably results in 
recruiting challenges, the percentage of American youth going to 
college is increasing and the young people most likely to go to college 
express little interest in joining our Armed Forces. Interestingly, 
these same youth note that if they were to serve in the military, their 
primary reason for enlisting would be to earn educational assistance 
benefits.
  The study concluded the propensity to enlist is substantially below 
pre-drawdown levels and, as a result, the services will probably not 
succeed in recruiting the number of young, high-quality men and women 
they need in FY 1999. High-quality youth are defined as those who have 
a high school diploma and who have at least average scores on tests 
measuring mathematical and verbal skills. The Department of Defense 
tells us about 80% of these recruits will complete their first three 
years of active duty while only 50% of recruits with a GED will 
complete their enlistment. GAO notes that it costs at least $35,000 to 
replace a recruit who leaves the service prematurely. The report states 
these findings underscore the need for education benefits that will 
attract college-bound youth who need money for school, a segment of 
American young people we conclude are not opting to take advantage of 
the many other sources of federal education assistance. The current 
structure and benefit level of the MGIB must be significantly amended 
if these high quality young men and women are to be attracted to 
service in our Armed Forces.
  The Army has been missing its enlistment goals several times now. 
Additionally, for the first time since 1979, the Air Force may be 
missing its targets too. Although the Navy and Marine Corps are 
currently meeting their enlistment goals, they will likely miss them in 
the future unless we take quick and effective action. The CINC, U.S. 
Atlantic Fleet, Admiral Paul Reason, recently reported to the Senate 
Armed Services Committee that the last three carrier battle groups have 
deployed with forces below the required manning level. Specifically, 
the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt battle group deployed last year with 9% 
of its positions unfilled. These are strong indications of a coming 
readiness crisis, and we must not ignore these disturbing signals.

  Many factors have come together to create what could soon develop 
into a recruiting emergency. First, our thriving national economy is 
generating employment opportunities for our young people. Additionally, 
young Americans increasingly see a college education as the key to 
success and prosperity. In 1980, 74% of high school graduates went to 
college but, by 1992, that percentage had risen to 81% and is 
increasing. As a result, the military must compete head-to-head with 
colleges for high-quality youth. As I have mentioned already, the 
percentage of young Americans who are interested in serving in the 
Armed Forces is also shrinking. Make no mistake about it--the strength 
of our Armed Forces begins and ends with the men and women who serve 
our nation. Just as education is the key to a society's success or 
failure, it is also key to the quality and effectiveness of our 
military forces--and the MGIB increases included in this substitute 
budget resolution are a step in the right direction toward providing 
that key.
  Veterans are not using the MGIB benefits they earned through 
honorable military service, and high-ability, college-bound young 
Americans are choosing not to serve in the Armed Forces. Significant 
changes in the program will increase program usage and will enable the 
military services to recruit the smart young people they need. 
Accordingly, several bills have been introduced in both the House and 
the Senate during the 106th Congress that would significantly improve 
the MGIB. The Senate has twice passed legislation that included 
numerous changes designed to enhance educational opportunities under 
the

[[Page H3555]]

MGIB, and other bills have been introduced. In the House, MGIB 
legislation has been introduced by Mr. Stump, Chairman of the House 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, Mr. Shows, and me, the Ranking Democrat on 
the Committee. H.R. 4268 is the most likely of these legislative 
initiatives to be passed by the House and move forward. Mr. Speaker, we 
know H.R. 4268 is only the first step that needs to be taken to improve 
the MGIB program. H.R. 4268 does comply with pay-go and should be 
enacted by Congress. It will provide real benefit increases for 
veterans and their dependents. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I strongly 
urge the House to vote unanimously in favor of the Veterans and 
Dependents Millennium Education Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), the chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Benefits.
  Mr. QUINN. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of the amendment 
to S. 1402. On April 13, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and 21 members of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs introduced the Veterans and Dependents Millennium 
Education Act, H.R. 4268, which was the culmination of over 16 months 
of effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time now to be specific about 
what is in this bill and how it helps almost immediately close to a 
half a million of our veterans and their families. This excellent 
bipartisan bill improves the veterans' readjustment and military 
recruitment aspects of the Montgomery GI Bill. In fact, I believe it 
builds on the wisdom and foresight of the revered individual and our 
friend, Sonny Montgomery, who is with us this morning for whom Congress 
named the all-volunteer force Educational Assistance Program back in 
1987.
  S. 1402, as amended, then will help hundreds of thousands of 
veterans, service members and their families; and it will do so right 
now. For over 300,000 veteran-students now using the Montgomery GI Bill 
and young Americans contemplating service in our all-volunteer force, 
effective October 1 of this year, the bill increases the basic 
Montgomery GI Bill benefit from $536 per month, as was mentioned, to 
$600 per month. On October 1, 2002, it increases this basic benefit to 
$720 per month. Each of these improvements have proportional increases 
for part-time students and for those who enlist for only 2 years. 
Currently, the Montgomery GI Bill provides $19,296 in benefits over 4 
years. Over the next 4 years, our bill increases this amount to 
$23,760, an increase of over $4,400.
  This bill will be welcome news for 137,000 active-duty service 
members who either previously turned down an opportunity to convert 
from the post-Vietnam era Veterans Educational Assistance Program, 
which has come to be known as VEAP, to the Montgomery GI Bill or who 
had a zero balance in their VEAP account previously. For a $2,700 buy-
in, these individuals will receive full Montgomery GI Bill benefits. We 
have also structured in the bill the buy-in so service members who 
retire as of April 1 of this year and later will also be eligible.
  We will help about 48,000 survivors and dependents of veterans who 
died or are permanently disabled as the result of military service. We 
will increase their monthly benefits to go to college from $485 per 
month to $600 per month effective this October and to $720 per month 2 
years in the future. We will also help about 360 veteran-students 
attending Ohio University and hundreds of veterans at other colleges 
around the country. These are colleges that take an extended term break 
between Thanksgiving and New Year's, for example.
  This measure would allow veteran-students to be paid for the 40-day 
term interval just as student-veterans with a 30-day interval or less. 
Lastly, we will help about 25,000 service members who are discharged 
from the military each year who need a civilian license or 
certification to enter, maintain, or advance their vocation or 
profession. They will be able to use their Montgomery GI Bill benefits 
to pay for these examinations, which sometimes average to be $150 each 
or more. All told, about a half a million, 519,000 veterans, survivors 
and service members will benefit from this measure during the first 
year of its enactment.
  Mr. Speaker, the spending associated with the bill is budget neutral 
over 5 years. We have identified offsets by eliminating sunset dates on 
certain provisions, including veterans home loan fees, liquidation 
sales on defaulted home loans, authority for VA to access IRS data for 
determining eligibility for veterans' pension benefits and limitations 
on pensions for some veterans in nursing homes who are eligible for 
Medicaid coverage instead.
  Forty-two veterans, military service and higher education 
organizations have supported and endorsed the bill. In closing, this 
morning's bill is only the first step. Indeed, we had lengthy 
discussions at the full committee during the markup that it is not all 
that we want to do, but it is what we can do right now and make a 
difference. We look forward to continuing our work with veterans, 
military, and higher education associations in the partnership for 
veterans' education to find ways to continue to improve Montgomery GI 
Bill benefits.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues this afternoon to 
support S. 1402, as amended. I also want to close by thanking the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump) who have served together on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
now for almost 19 years for their enduring commitment on veterans 
issues. Today's bill we see is an excellent example of their strong 
bipartisan leadership on behalf of our Nation's service members and 
veterans.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner).
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I have to be honest with my colleagues, Mr. Speaker. I am 
disappointed in this bill. I know the deep commitment that the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Benefits, have for the veterans of this Nation. I know 
they want to do what is best for our veterans. But the Veterans and 
Dependents Millennium Education Act, S. 1402, does not come even close 
to where we need to be for an effective educational benefit for our 
veterans today. If this is a bill for the millennium, it is a bill for 
the last millennium.
  Let me try to show that through the history that our committee has 
gone through. The previous speakers have talked about the congressional 
Commission on Service Members and Veterans Transition Assistance, which 
reported its work to the Congress more than a year ago. That commission 
said that the biggest single thing we can do for our veterans in terms 
of benefits is to make the Montgomery GI Bill really relevant to their 
education and pick up the full cost of college education plus a decent 
stipend.

                              {time}  1215

  In fact, that would be a great inducement to recruitment, which, as 
we all know, is falling behind today.
  Everybody on our Committee on Veterans' Affairs applauded that 
recommendation and said we ought to move forward with it. The gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member of the committee, 
introduced H.R. 1071, which said that the recommendations of that 
Transition Commission were accepted. That bill would pay for the full 
cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and, in addition, a stipend 
of $800 a month. The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) put forward a 
bill which was almost as good. His bill, H.R. 1182, would have paid for 
90 percent of a veteran's tuition cost.
  When those of us on the committee and the veterans and education 
community recognized we would have to take steps toward that and could 
not do it all at once, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Shows) 
introduced H.R. 4344, which had a broad coalition backing of 47 
organizations which represented veterans of our Nation, the military 
and the higher education community. The bill of the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Shows) would reimburse veterans for the cost of 
attending a 4-year public college as a commuter student, and that 
worked out for this year to a monthly stipend of $975.

[[Page H3556]]

  That stipend of $975 should be compared with the $600 that is in the 
current bill. We can do better. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) 
said this is something we can do right now, we can do the bill of the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Shows) right now. We have the funds to 
do that.
  The bill before us just will not accomplish what the Montgomery GI 
Bill set out to do and what the Transition Commission recommended. The 
$536 that a veteran gets now does not go very far considering the cost 
of higher education. In fact, the increase to $600 has already been 
eaten up by the inflationary pressures that are faced by our colleges. 
If you compare that with the $300 a month that was the benefit back in 
1985, you can see how the benefit has not kept up with current demands.
  Today, when America's economy is booming, when our budget is in great 
surplus, I have a hard time looking veterans in the eye and telling 
them to pursue a degree with the kind of money that the Montgomery Bill 
gives them today. It comes up short when you compare it to the cost of 
higher education. All our veterans know it, we know it, the committee 
knows it, and all of you here said that you know it. You see this as a 
first step.
  Now, I know that, as I said, our leadership on the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans) on the Democratic side, we all want to do more, and I certainly 
will work with both of you, all of you, in the months ahead to provide 
the kind of education benefits that our veterans deserve and this new 
millennium demands.
  People have said that our former member, Sonny Montgomery, great 
chairman of the committee, is with us in the Chamber. We salute him, we 
salute the bill to which he gave his name, the Montgomery GI Bill. Let 
us really honor Sonny Montgomery by significantly, in the months ahead, 
improving this benefit for our veterans.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), a member of the committee.
  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the full 
committee, the dean of our delegation, for yielding me time.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise as the vice chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Benefits, thanking the chairman of the subcommittee for his comments, 
thanking the ranking member for his comments, and acknowledging that, 
in a free society, dealing with difficult questions, at times there are 
those who are frustrated because, in their minds, perfection is 
alluded. Let me suggest, Mr. Speaker, to all those within the sound of 
my voice, and especially my colleagues here today, we will never 
achieve perfection. Indeed, one of the challenges we confront is how to 
best shape and prioritize the very serious constitutional missions that 
we have.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important for this Congress to reaffirm 
support for men and women in uniform who confront shortages in terms of 
ammunition, in terms of training, in terms of their dependence, and 
those are other questions with which we must deal.
  Would, Mr. Speaker, that all of us here could show the same 
allegiance to those currently wearing the uniform as we profess for 
veterans. But let us turn to the question of those currently in uniform 
and one of the reasons I rise in strong support of this legislation. It 
is something that my colleague from New York, the chairman of the 
subcommittee, pointed out; the fact that now we have provided 
provisions for those service members who are unable to convert their 
funds to the Montgomery GI Bill during the 1997 open window to do so 
with this. First, individuals who had no money in their VEAP accounts, 
often because their service branch advised them to transfer their VEAP 
dollars to an interest-bearing account; and secondly, those who had 
some money in their VEAP account and did not convert because they did 
not know of the opportunity.
  So it is in this spirit that we take that step today, not only 
mindful of our good friend from Mississippi who joins us, the former 
chairman of this committee, but also speaking volumes about the 
leadership of my good friend from Arizona and the ranking member from 
Illinois, and that we do not let the perfect become the enemy of the 
good, but we stand tall for this important legislation to help current 
service members and veterans receive the educational benefits they 
deserve.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further questions for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), a member of the committee.
  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman of the 
full committee, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), a veteran 
himself, who has been a dedicated individual for veterans rights, for 
granting me the time to speak on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in support of S. 1402 and 
this important update to the historic Montgomery GI Bill, a bill which 
was originally sponsored by my good friend, Sonny Montgomery from 
Mississippi, who is present with us today.
  I think it is an honor for all of us to have an opportunity to help 
educate hundreds of thousands of veterans and service members and their 
families. This bill will go a long way, especially addressing some of 
the needs of our guard and reserve members as well. Best of all, it 
will help them now.
  Mr. Speaker, America is proud, and rightly so, of its tradition of 
defense by its citizen soldiers; and we in this Congress are, for the 
first time, beginning to reverse decades of declining resources 
dedicated to equipping our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines for 
their combat roles. This bill now under consideration does the same for 
equipping them in advancing their educational goals.
  This budget-neutral bill will increase the Montgomery GI stipend by a 
third over 2 years, it will increase the monies available to surviving 
families of deceased service members, and it will provide the licensing 
or certification of funds for veterans who are integrating into the 
civilian workforce.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Stump); the 
ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans); and the 
chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits (Chairman Quinn) in urging 
your support for the strong and much deserved bipartisan Veterans and 
Dependents Millennium Education Act.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of our Committee on 
International Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1402, the Veterans 
and Dependents Millennium Act, and I thank the distinguished chairman 
of our committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump) for his continual support of our veterans and for bringing this 
measure to the floor at this time; along with the subcommittee 
chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn); and the ranking 
minority member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for giving us 
the opportunity to consider this measure.
  I want to add my compliments to the former Congressman, the former 
chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Mr. Montgomery, who has 
been the father and major proponent of the GI Bill. We are pleased he 
is here with us today.
  The purpose of this bill is to bring the various education benefits 
afforded to veterans to a level more in line with today's increasingly 
expensive higher education opportunities. Specifically, the legislation 
increases the monthly Montgomery GI Bill rate from $536 a month to $600 
a month, beginning in October of this year. That amount increases to 
$720 a month starting in October of 2002. The bill also increases 
survivors and dependents educational assistance, which is so important.
  Mr. Speaker, the GI Bill is arguably the most profound and far-
reaching piece of legislation enacted by Congress in the 20th Century. 
It has helped many of us here in the Congress. The program, first 
implemented after World War II, single-handedly afforded

[[Page H3557]]

a college education to millions of working class men and women who 
served during the war, and, in doing so, it helped to transform America 
in the post-war years, leading to the baby-boom and the rise in middle-
class suburbia.
  This measure is the latest of several bills passed in the last 50 
years to bring the benefits of the GI Bill to levels that reflect the 
contemporary costs of higher education. Consequently, current and 
future generations are going to be able to enjoy the tangible benefits 
of a college education as a result of their service in the military of 
their country. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this worthy 
and timely legislation.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans), the ranking member on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for 
all of his hard work on this bill, and also his own bill, which would 
have benefitted the veterans very much. I would like to thank the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) and the Subcommittee on Benefits 
for the work they have done on this bill. My appreciation is extended 
to the leadership for allowing us to present this bill today. It is 
fitting we have a veterans benefits bill on Memorial Day for our 
ceremonies throughout the country. This is a bipartisan bill, and I 
urge Members to support it.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1402, 
The Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act. As you know, this 
bill will assist veterans and their family in attaining enhanced 
educational assistance.
  Since inception in 1944, educational benefits for our nation's 
veterans have opened the doors to post-secondary education 
opportunities for millions. Specifically, The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) 
has been one of our nation's leading and most effective programs. 
Millions of our nation's military personnel and their dependents have 
been able to afford a post-secondary education, who might otherwise not 
have been able to if not for the MGIB.
  Under the Montgomery GI Bill, military officers accept a reduction in 
their base pay of $100 per month for 12 months. In exchange, they 
become entitled to 36 months of education benefits after they complete 
their period of service or receive an honorable discharge from the 
Armed Forces.
  This program has enhanced our nation's competitiveness and military 
readiness by helping to develop a more educated and productive 
workforce and assisted the Armed Services in recruiting and retaining 
the high quality individuals they need to attract to the military. 
According to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Togo D. West, ``new 
recruits to the Armed Forces cite money for college as the major reason 
given for enlisting.'' As a matter of fact, some 96% of new recruits to 
the Armed Forces sign up to participate specifically in the GI Bill.
  However, despite the wisdom and foresight of this meaningful 
educational assistance program, the MGIB has lost its effectiveness as 
both a readjustment and recruitment tool. The amount available under 
the MGIB is not enough to compensate youth for the time spent and risk 
involved in military service. In fact, since 1985, about 95 percent of 
service members have paid $1,200 to participate in the MGIB; 
nevertheless, only about half of these members have used their MGIB. 
Clearly, the time has come for Congress to intervene and make this bill 
viable again for our military members, their dependents and our nation.
  S. 1402 will make this meaningful program viable once. Specifically, 
this bill will increase the MGIB from $536 to $600 per month on October 
1, 2000, and $720 per month on October 1, 2002, for full-time students, 
with proportionate increases for part-time students. Second, this bill 
will equip individuals still on active duty, who have turned down a 
previous opportunity to convert to the MGIB or have had a zero balance 
in their Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program 
(VEAP) account, the option to pay $2,700 to convert to MGIB 
eligibility. Third, the bill will increase survivors' and dependents' 
educational assistance benefits for full-time students from $485 to 
$600 per month, and authorize an annual cost-of-living adjustment for 
them. Finally, S. 1402 will allow MGIB benefits to pay the fee for a 
veteran's civilian occupational licensing or certification examination. 
Nevertheless, I hope this Congress will soon move to fully fund our 
veterans who desire to seek opportunities for higher education.
  I believe that S. 1402 will assist our nation in securing educated 
and highly skilled military recruits. In addition, this bill will 
secure the future of our military as well. As a result, I urge my 
colleagues to pass this vital bill and make this worthwhile program 
viable once again.
  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the amendment 
offered to S. 1402. This truly bipartisan effort addresses many of the 
problems service members face with regard to accessing adequate GI bill 
education benefits.
  Over the last several years, veterans and their families have called 
on Congress to increase veterans education assistance, and equally 
important, correct the injustices that have prevented many of the VEAP 
era veterans from receiving GI bill education benefits. Congress, 
through the leadership of House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman 
Stump and Ranking Member Mr. Evans have answered their call by offering 
this amendment.
  While this legislation may not fully address the concerns of the 
veterans community, it is clearly another giant step in our continued 
efforts to improve GI bill education benefits. Rest assured, that my 
colleagues and I on the House Veterans Affairs Committee will continue 
to fight for improved and increased GI bill educational benefits.
  Leaving the active military can be a very difficult time period for 
veterans and their families. It is filled with uncertainty, 
apprehension, and trepidation. Unfortunately, the current GI bill 
education benefit has failed to keep pace with the rapidly changing 
economy. In fact, many veterans have found that current educational 
assistance does not meet their transition needs.
  Furthermore, many other Federal programs offer far greater benefits 
for little or no commitment. In fact, veterans educational assistance 
is one of the few Federal educational benefits that is truly earned 
with sweat equity, and yes, sometimes blood or loss of limb.
  For these reasons, improving GI bill education benefits and 
increasing access to these benefits is extremely important. Not only do 
GI bill educational benefits assist veterans as they transition back 
into the local communities that they willingly left to serve this 
nation, these benefits also reflect the gratitude of a grateful nation. 
I believe GI bill benefits, and this amendment represent a fitting and 
proper way to say thank you for your sacrifice and unselfish commitment 
in protecting America's cherished freedoms and liberties.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment holds true to the spirit of the original 
GI bill that Congress passed in 1944. It will improve and increase 
access to veterans educational assistance, and allow veterans the 
opportunity to make a more complete transition as they leave the 
military and enter the civilian workforce.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak in support of S. 1402, 
the Veterans Millennium Education Bill.
  I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which is 
a long overdue step to address the serious erosion of our veterans 
educational benefits. Through this bill we raise the educational 
benefits our veterans deserve and provide the recruitment incentive our 
Armed Forces need.
  Montgomery GI Bill benefits allow our Nation to extend its gratitude 
to veterans for their service, compensate them for their time away from 
family and careers, and gives them the opportunity to gain valuable 
knowledge and skills through attendance at our Nation's colleges and 
universities.
  With the opportunities it provides to obtain an education, the GI 
bill has been considered the most significant reason for our country's 
high educational attainment and post-World War II economic leadership 
and success.
  Over time, however, the value of GI bill benefits has not kept pace 
with the rising costs of higher education. In fact there is a gross 
disparity between current benefits and the costs of going to school. In 
an environment where there are greater sources of private scholarships 
and funding, along with a strong economy, our best recruits no longer 
see the same value in the GI bill. This has seriously hurt military 
recruiting efforts.
  Our veterans deserve better, and from a national security standpoint, 
we cannot afford to allow our military to be without necessary manpower 
and strength. With a strong economy and large budget surpluses this 
situation has been unacceptable.
  As a result, I am proud that this bill enhances educational 
assistance amounts by almost 30 percent over 3 years, and at the same 
time addresses a long time injustice, by allowing for those men and 
women still on active duty to convert to the Montgomery GI Bill from 
their Vietnam Era Veterans' Education Assistance Program [VEAP].
  The benefit increases in H.R. 4268, raise the monthly amount from 
$536 to $600 per month on October 1, 2000 and to $720 per month on 
October 1, 2002 for full-time students.
  While further increases in benefits are needed, this bill creates a 
strong foundation for bringing the educational and training benefits to 
the level for which our veterans are entitled.
  We must never fail in our efforts to maintain, enhance, and improve 
the benefits entitled to

[[Page H3558]]

our veteran population. By doing this, we honor their service, and 
adequately provide for their needs and the recruiting requirements of 
our Armed Forces.
  I therefore stand in support of this bill, and ask my colleagues to 
join in voting for its passage.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of S. 
1402, the Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act of 2000 
which would increase the amount of educational assistance to veterans 
under the Montgomery GI Bill. This is a bipartisan bill that is long 
over due and I complement Veterans Committee Chairman Stump and Ranking 
Democrat Evans for their leadership in bringing it to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, we continue to fail our veterans in repaying them for 
their service to their country. We send them off to fight in our 
defense and yet when they return we break many of the promises that 
were made to them. This bill is a start in the right direction in 
reversing this trend. We owe our veterans much more than we have been 
giving them.
  If it becomes law, the Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education 
Act, would increase the current Montgomery GI Bill benefit from $536 to 
$600 a month on October 1, 2000 for full time students and to $720 on 
October 1, 2000. There would also be proportional increases for part-
time students, as well.
  The bill would also increase survivors' and dependents' educational 
assistance benefits for full-time students from $485 to $600 a month 
starting October 1, 2000 and to $720 a month on October 1, 2000. It 
would also permit the award of survivors' and dependents' educational 
assistance payments to be retroactive to the date of the service-
connected death or award of 100 percent disability rating.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the many Virgin Islands veterans being 
able to take advantage of the increased benefits offered by this bill 
to further their education. In today's world where a high premium is 
placed on our workforce being highly skilled, this bill makes such 
training and higher education more affordable to our veterans.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to be an 
original sponsor of the Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education 
Act [H.R. 4268]. the chairman and ranking members of the Veterans' 
Affairs Committee, and others, have worked tirelessly to craft this 
important bill in a collaborative and bipartisan fashion.
  Passage of the Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act will 
benefit more than 500,000 people immediately, and its increase of 
Montgomery G.I. Bill [MGIB] benefits will go a long way toward 
recruiting--and retaining--more young Americans to serve our country in 
uniform. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to honor those who have died in 
service to our country on Memorial Day, we must also remember our 
obligation to help those who continue to defend our country. Increasing 
education benefits for those who have responded to the call of duty is 
the least we can do. Under this legislation, Montgomery G.I. Bill 
benefits for full-time students will rise from $536 to $600 per month 
on October 1, 2000, and to $720 per month on October 1, 2002. The bill 
also authorizes proportional increases for part-time students.
  Similarly, H.R. 4268 increases survivors' and dependents' educational 
assistance for full-time students from $485 to $600 per month at the 
start of fiscal year 2001, and to $720 per month at the beginning of 
fiscal year 2003. Importantly, today's bill makes these benefits 
retroactive to the date of the veteran's service-connected death or 100 
percent service-connected disability rating. It is worth noting that 
H.R. 4268 also provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment for 
survivors' and dependents' educational assistance, which is currently 
available only for MGIB benefits.
  The veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act also fills an 
important gap in our military's education assistance program for some 
137,000 active duty personnel. For these service men and women who 
either turned down an earlier opportunity to convert to the Montgomery 
G.I. bill program, or who have no funds in their Vietnam-Era Veterans' 
Education Assistance Program [VEAP] account--the educational assistance 
program in place before MGIB--a payment of $2,700 enables them to 
receive full MGIB benefits. This important provision will be a major 
help to many senior non-commissioned officers who, after leaving the 
service, often attend college part time while working.
  Finally, H.R. 4268 accommodates students who attend a college or 
university that has extended breaks, by permitting MGIB or similar 
benefits to be paid between intervals of up to 8 weeks. The Veterans 
and Dependents Millennium Education Act provides added flexibility by 
permitting these benefits to be used for civilian occupational 
licensing or a certification examination.
  I would like to point out that the legislation which we are 
considering today is deficit-neutral. By reauthorizing programs already 
in place that either save or generate revenue--such as the VA home loan 
fee of \3/4\ of 1 percent--we can provide these improved benefits to 
veterans and their families. I urge my colleagues to support the 
Veterans and Dependents Millennium Education Act.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 1402, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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