[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 124 (Monday, July 24, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H6158-H6170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HARRY W. COLMERY VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2017
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 3218) to amend title 38, United States Code, to
make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3218
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Harry W.
Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care
from Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of
eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.
Sec. 102. Educational assistance under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance
Program for members of the Armed Forces awarded the
Purple Heart.
Sec. 103. Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart
recipients in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement
Program.
Sec. 104. Inclusion of certain members of the Armed Forces serving on
active duty in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement
Program.
Sec. 105. Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11
Educational Assistance Program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 106. Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance for certain
members of reserve components of Armed Forces who lost
entitlement to educational assistance under Reserve
Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 107. Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11
Educational Assistance Program based on location of
campus where classes are attended.
Sec. 108. Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification
tests and national tests under Department of Veterans
Affairs Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 109. Restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and
other relief for veterans affected by school closure or
disapproval.
Sec. 110. Additional authorized transfer of unused Post-9/11
Educational Assistance benefits to dependents upon death
of originally designated dependent.
Sec. 111. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.
Sec. 112. Honoring the national service of members of the Armed Forces
by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement.
Sec. 113. Monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components
of the Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 Educational
Assistance.
Sec. 114. Annual reports to Congress on information on student progress
submitted by educational institutions.
Sec. 115. Improvement of information technology of the veterans
benefits administration of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 116. Department of Veterans Affairs high technology pilot program.
TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. Work-study allowance.
Sec. 202. Duration of educational assistance under Survivors' and
Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 203. Olin E. Teague increase in amounts of educational assistance
payable under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational
Assistance Program.
TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Sec. 301. State approving agency funding.
Sec. 302. Authorization for use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to
pursue independent study programs at certain educational
institutions that are not institutions of higher
learning.
Sec. 303. Provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans
in certain courses of education.
Sec. 304. Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational
institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship.
Sec. 305. Training for school certifying officials.
Sec. 306. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 307. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of on-campus
educational and vocational counseling for veterans.
Sec. 308. Provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to
educational assistance.
Sec. 309. Treatment, for purposes of educational assistance
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of
educational courses that begin seven or fewer days after
the first day of an academic term.
Sec. 310. Inclusion of risk-based reviews in State approving agency
oversight activities.
Sec. 311. Comptroller General study of State approving agency
performance.
TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS
Sec. 401. Eligibility of reserve component members for Post-9/11
Educational Assistance.
Sec. 402. Time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans
with service-connected disabilities.
TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 501. Repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for
housing to benefits under laws administered by Secretary
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability
compensation for veterans who allege full-body exposure
to nitrogen mustard gas, sulfur mustard gas, or Lewisite
during World War II.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of title 38, United States Code.
[[Page H6159]]
TITLE I--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 101. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING
MEDICAL CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS
ACTIVE DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting
``12301(h),'' after ``12301(g),''.
(b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to service in the
Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001.
(c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An
individual who is entitled to educational assistance by
reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such
entitlement to pursue a course of education beginning on or
after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 102. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for
service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September
11, 2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed
Forces or is discharged or released from active duty as
described in subsection (c).''.
(b) Amount of Assistance.--Section 3313(c)(1) is amended by
striking ``or (9)'' and inserting ``(9), or (10)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on August 1, 2018.
SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF FRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PURPLE
HEART RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I.
EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second
sentence, by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on August 1, 2018.
SEC. 104. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I.
EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first
sentence, by striking ``section 3313(c)(1)(A)'' and inserting
``subsection (c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this
title''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on August 1, 2022.
SEC. 105. CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY TIERS UNDER
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b), as amended by section
102, is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``12 months'' and
inserting ``6 months'';
(2) by striking paragraph (7); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as
paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively.
(b) Amount of Educational Assistance.--Section 3313(c) is
amended by striking paragraph (7).
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 33 is further amended
as follows:
(1) In section 3311(f), by striking ``paragraph (9)'' each
place it appears and inserting ``paragraph (8)''.
(2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102--
(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``(9), or (10)'' and
inserting ``(8), or (9)'';
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through
(7)'' each place it appears and inserting ``paragraphs (2)
through (6)'';
(C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)--
(i) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(ii) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''.
(D) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ``paragraphs
(2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through
(6)'';
(E) in subsection (g)(3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(iv)--
(I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--
(I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and inserting
``(8)''; and
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (D)(ii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and inserting
``(8)''; and
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
(F) in subsection (h), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through
(7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(3) In section 3316--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2)
through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
and
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2)
through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''.
(4) In section 3317(a), in the second sentence, as amended
by section 103, by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and
(10)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), (8), and (9)''.
(5) In section 3321(b)(4), as amended by section 112, by
striking ``section 3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``section
3311(b)(8)''.
(6) In section 3322--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)'';
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)''; and
(C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
(7) In section 3679(c)(2)(B), by striking ``3311(b)(9)''
and inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on August 1, 2020.
SEC. 106. ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF
ARMED FORCES WHO LOST ENTITLEMENT TO
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Election.--Section 16167 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(c) Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--A
member who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter
pursuant to subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such
form and manner as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
prescribe) to have such service previously credited toward
this chapter credited towards establishing eligibility for
educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38,
notwithstanding the provisions of section 16163(e) of this
title or section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.''.
(b) Qualification of Service.--Section 3301(1) of title 38,
United States Code, shall be construed to include, in the
case of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces
who, before November 25, 2015, established eligibility for
educational assistance under chapter 1607 of title 10, United
States Code, pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of such title,
but lost eligibility for such educational assistance pursuant
to section 16167(b) of such title, service on active duty (as
defined in section 101 of such title) that satisfies the
requirements of section 16163(a)(1) of such title.
(c) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United
States Code, shall be construed to include an individual who,
before November 25, 2015, established eligibility for
educational assistance under chapter 1607 of title 10, United
States Code, pursuant to section 16163(b) of such title, but
lost such eligibility pursuant to section 16167(b) of such
title.
(d) Duration.--Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38,
United States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility
for educational assistance under chapter 33 of such title by
crediting towards such chapter service previously credited
towards chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, is only
entitled to a number of months of educational assistance
under section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, equal to
the number of months of entitlement remaining under chapter
1607 of title 10, United States Code, at the time of
conversion to chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 107. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER POST-
9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED ON
LOCATION OF CAMPUS WHERE CLASSES ARE ATTENDED.
(a) In General.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by
striking ``the institution of higher learning at which the
individual is enrolled'' and inserting ``the campus of the
institution of higher learning where the individual
physically participates in a majority of classes''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program
of education on or after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 108. CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT FOR CERTAIN LICENSURE AND
CERTIFICATION TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Licensure and Certification Tests.--Subsection (c) of
section 3315 is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one
month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting
``shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee
charged for the test relative to the rate for one month'';
and
[[Page H6160]]
(2) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and
inserting ``payable''.
(b) National Tests.--Section 3315A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(3) A national test that evaluates prior learning and
knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an
institution of higher learning as so described.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one
month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting
``shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee
charged for the test relative to the rate for one month'';
and
(B) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and
inserting ``payable''.
(c) Tests Included.--Section 3452(b) is amended in the last
sentence--
(1) by striking ``and national tests providing'' and
inserting ``, national tests providing''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and national tests that evaluate prior
learning and knowledge and provides an opportunity for course
credit at an institution of higher learning''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall
apply to a test taken on or after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 109. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE AND OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS
AFFECTED BY SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL.
(a) School Closure or Disapproval.--
(1) Restoration of entitlement.--Chapter 36 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational
institution
``(a) Closure or Disapproval.--Any payment of educational
assistance described in subsection (b) shall not--
``(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational
assistance of the individual concerned; or
``(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which
section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational
assistance by such individual.
``(b) Educational Assistance Described.--Subject to
subsection (c), the payment of educational assistance
described in this paragraph is the payment of such assistance
to an individual for pursuit of a course or program of
education at an educational institution under chapters 30,
32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapters 1606 or 1607 of
title 10, if the Secretary determines that the individual--
``(1) was unable to complete such course or program as a
result of--
``(A) the closure of the educational institution; or
``(B) the disapproval of the course or a course that is a
necessary part of that program under this chapter by reason
of--
``(i) a provision of law enacted after the date on which
the individual enrolls at such institution affecting the
approval or disapproval of courses under this chapter; or
``(ii) after the date on which the individual enrolls at
such institution, the Secretary prescribing or modifying
regulations or policies of the Department affecting such
approval or disapproval; and
``(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward
completion of the program of education being so pursued.
``(c) Period Not Charged.--The period for which, by reason
of this subsection, educational assistance is not charged
against entitlement or counted toward the applicable
aggregate period under section 3695 of this title shall not
exceed the aggregate of--
``(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course
from which the individual did not receive credit or with
respect to which the individual lost training time, as
determined under subsection (b)(2), and
``(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended
under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title.
``(d) Continuing Pursuit of Disapproved Courses.--(1) The
Secretary may treat a course of education that is disapproved
under this chapter as being approved under this chapter with
respect to an individual described in paragraph (2) if the
Secretary determines, on a case-by-case basis, that--
``(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described
in clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (b)(1)(B); and
``(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best
interest of the individual.
``(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an
individual who is pursuing a course of education at an
educational institution under chapters 30, 32, 33, or 35 of
this title, or chapters 1606 or 1607 of title 10, as of the
date on which the course is disapproved under this chapter.
``(e) Notice of Closures.--Not later than five business
days after the date on which the Secretary receives notice
that an educational institution will close or is closed, the
Secretary shall provide to each individual who is enrolled in
a course or program or education at such educational
institution using entitlement to educational assistance under
chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or
1607 of title 10, notice of--
``(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and
``(2) the effect of such closure on the individual's
entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this
section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3698 the following new item:
``3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational
institution.''.
(b) Monthly Housing Stipend.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (a) section 3680 is amended--
(A) by striking the matter after paragraph (3)(B);
(B) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
(D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as
redesignated, in the first sentence, by striking ``Payment
of'' and inserting ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2),
payment of''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may,
pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary shall
prescribe, continue to pay allowances to eligible veterans
and eligible persons enrolled in courses set forth in
paragraph (1)(A)--
``(A) during periods when educational institutions are
temporarily closed under an established policy based on an
Executive order of the President or due to an emergency
situation, except that the total number of weeks for which
allowances may continue to be so payable in any 12-month
period may not exceed four weeks; or
``(B) solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing
stipend described in section 3313 of this title, during
periods following a permanent closure of an educational
institution, or following the disapproval of a course of
study described in section 3699(b)(1)(B) of this title,
except that payment of such a stipend may only be continued
until the earlier of--
``(i) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester
during which the closure or disapproval occurred; and
``(ii) the date that is 120 days after the date of the
closure or disapproval.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of such
subsection, as redesignated, is amended by striking
``described in subclause (A) of this clause'' and inserting
``described in clause (i)''.
(c) Applicability.--
(1) School closure or disapproval.--
(A) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to
courses and programs of education discontinued as described
in section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a)(1), after January 1, 2015.
(B) Special application.--With respect to courses and
programs of education discontinued as described in section
3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a)(1), during the period beginning January 1, 2015, and
ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, an
individual who does not transfer credits from such program of
education shall be deemed to be an individual who did not
receive such credits, as described in subsection (b)(2) of
such section, except that the period for which the
individual's entitlement is not charged shall be the entire
period of the individual's enrollment in the program of
education. In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of
Education, shall establish procedures to determine whether
the individual transferred credits to a comparable course or
program of education.
(2) Monthly housing stipend.--The amendments made by
subsection (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and shall
apply with respect to courses and programs of education
discontinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, United
States Code, as added by such subsection, on or after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 110. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF UNUSED POST-9/11
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS
UPON DEATH OF ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT.
(a) Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--Section 3319 is
amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ``section
3321'' the following: ``, and except as provided in
subsection (k) or (l),''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Additional Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--In the
case of a dependent to whom entitlement to educational
assistance is transferred under this section who dies before
using all of such entitlement, the individual who transferred
the entitlement to the dependent may transfer any remaining
entitlement to a different eligible dependent,
notwithstanding whether the individual is serving as a member
of the Armed Forces when such transfer is executed.
``(l) Transfer by Dependent.--In the case of an individual
who transfers entitlement to educational assistance under
this section who dies before the dependent to whom
entitlement to educational assistance is so transferred has
used all of such entitlement, such dependent may transfer
such entitlement to another eligible dependent in accordance
with the provisions of this section.''.
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) Eligible deaths.--The amendments made by this section
shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after
August 1, 2009.
[[Page H6161]]
(2) Use of entitlement.--A dependent to whom entitlement to
educational assistance is transferred under subsection (k) or
(l) of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as added
by subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue a
course of education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 111. EDITH NOURSE ROGERS STEM SCHOLARSHIP.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
``(a) In General.--Subject to the limitation under
subsection (f), the Secretary shall provide additional
benefits to eligible individuals selected by the Secretary
under this section. Such benefits shall be known as the
`Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship'.
``(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, an
eligible individual is an individual--
``(1) who is or was entitled to educational assistance
under section 3311 of this title;
``(2) who has used all of the educational assistance to
which the individual is entitled under this chapter or will,
based on the individual's rate of usage, use all of such
assistance within 180 days of applying for benefits under
this section;
``(3) who applies for assistance under this section; and
``(4) who--
``(A) is an individual who--
``(i) is enrolled in a program of education leading to a
post-secondary degree that, in accordance with the guidelines
of the applicable regional or national accrediting agency,
requires more than the standard 128 semester (or 192 quarter)
credit hours for completion in a standard, undergraduate
college degree in--
``(I) biological or biomedical science;
``(II) physical science;
``(III) science technologies or technicians;
``(IV) computer and information science and support
services;
``(V) mathematics or statistics;
``(VI) engineering;
``(VII) engineering technologies or an engineering-related
field;
``(VIII) a health profession or related program;
``(IX) a medical residency program;
``(X) an agriculture science program or a natural resources
science program; or
``(XI) other subjects and fields identified by the
Secretary as meeting national needs;
``(ii) has completed at least 60 standard semester (or 90
quarter) credit hours in a field referred to in clause (i);
or
``(B) is an individual who has earned a post-secondary
degree in a field referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) and is
enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching
certification.
``(c) Priority.--In selecting eligible individuals to
receive additional benefits under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to the following individuals:
``(1) Individuals who require the most credit hours
described in subsection (b)(4).
``(2) Individuals who are entitled to educational
assistance under this chapter by reason of paragraph (1),
(2), (8), or (9) of section 3311(b) of this title.
``(d) Amount of Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall pay to
each eligible individual who receives additional benefits
under this section the monthly amount payable under section
3313 of this title for not more than nine months of the
program of education in which the individual is enrolled
(adjusted with respect to the individual pursuant to section
3313(c), as appropriate), except that the aggregate amount
paid to an individual under this section may not exceed
$30,000.
``(2) The Secretary may not pay to such an individual an
amount in addition to the amount payable under paragraph (1)
by reason of section 3317 of this title.
``(3) An individual who receives additional benefits under
this section may also receive amounts payable by a college or
university pursuant to section 3317 of this title.
``(e) Prohibition on Transfer.--An individual who receives
additional benefits under this section may not transfer any
amount of such additional benefits under section 3319 of this
title.
``(f) Maximum Amount of Total Assistance.--The total amount
of benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this
section may not exceed--
``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(2) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through
2022; and
``(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent
fiscal year.
``(g) Congressional Notice.--If the Secretary identifies a
new subject or field pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI)
as meeting a national need, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress notice of such identification at least 90 days
before conferring eligibility on any individual for purposes
of this section on the basis of such identification,
including any analysis of labor market supply and demand used
in identifying the new subject or field, as applicable.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3319 the following new item:
``3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 3320 of title 38, United
States Code, shall take effect on August 1, 2019.
(d) Comptroller General Report.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than August 1, 2022, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to
Congress a report containing the results of an interim
assessment of the Comptroller General of the Edith Nourse
Rogers STEM Scholarship program under section 3320 of title
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such
report shall include the recommendations of the Comptroller
General for improving the scholarship program and an
assessment of each of the following, using rigorous,
systematic, and objective methodology, and including
comparisons to eligible veterans who did not participate in
the program:
(A) An explanation of the identification of the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs of subjects and fields meeting national
needs under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) of such section,
including any analysis of labor market supply and demand, as
applicable.
(B) An evaluation of the types of educational institutions
and programs where beneficiaries use the educational
assistance provided under the scholarship program.
(C) The completion rate of students participating in the
program.
(D) The job placement rate for individuals who completed a
program of education using educational assistance provided
under the scholarship program in the field of study of the
program of education.
(E) The median annual earnings of individuals who completed
a program of education using educational assistance provided
under the scholarship program.
(F) The average age of the individuals who received
educational assistance under the scholarship program.
(G) An assessment of the extent to which any educational
institutions made changes to degrees or programs of education
offered by the institution for which the scholarship program
may be used after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Final report.--Not later than August 1, 2024, the
Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an assessment of
such scholarship program that includes each of the following:
(A) Each item described in subparagraph (A) through (G) of
paragraph (1).
(B) The percentage of individuals who completed a program
of education using educational assistance provided under the
scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a
period of six months or longer in the field of study of the
program of education.
(C) The percentage of individuals who completed a program
of education using educational assistance provided under the
scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a
period of less than six months in the field of study of the
program of education.
SEC. 112. HONORING THE NATIONAL SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION
FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 3321 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``individual's entitlement'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``individual's
entitlement--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or
release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires
at the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of
such discharge or release; or
``(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or
release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013,
shall not expire.''.
(b) Children of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b)(4) of
such section is amended--
(1) by inserting ``of this title'' after ``3311(b)(9)'';
(2) by striking ``child's entitlement'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``child's
entitlement--''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end
of the 15-year period beginning on the date of such child's
eighteenth birthday; or
``(B) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not
expire.''.
(c) Spouses of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b) of such
section is further amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(5) Applicability to spouses of deceased members.--The
period during which a spouse entitled to educational
assistance by reason of section 3311(b)(9) may use such
spouse's entitlement--
``(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end
of the 15-year period beginning on the date on which the
spouse first becomes entitled to such entitlement; or
``(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not
expire.''.
SEC. 113. MONTHLY STIPEND FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE
COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES RECEIVING POST-
9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3313 is further amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(j) Determination of Monthly Stipends During Certain
Active Duty Service.--
``(1) Pro rata basis.--In any month in which an individual
described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service
described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the
[[Page H6162]]
Secretary shall determine the amount of monthly stipends
payable under this section for such month on a pro rata basis
for the period of such month in which the covered individual
is not performing such active duty service.
``(2) Individual described.--An individual described in
this paragraph is an individual who is--
``(A) a member of the reserve components of the Armed
Forces; and
``(B) pursuing a program of education using educational
assistance under this chapter.''.
(b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as
applicable, commencing on or after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 114. ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON INFORMATION ON
STUDENT PROGRESS SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS.
Section 3326 is amended--
(1) by striking ``As a condition'' and inserting ``(a)
Submittal of Information by Educational Institutions.--As a
condition''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than March 1 of each
year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that
includes a summary of the information provided by educational
institutions under subsection (a) for the calendar year
preceding the year during which such report is submitted.''.
SEC. 115. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Processing of Certain Educational Assistance Claims.--
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum
extent possible, make such changes and improvements to the
information technology system of the Veterans Benefits
Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to
ensure that--
(1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and
supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter
33 of title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated
electronically; and
(2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with
respect to such claims with little human intervention.
(b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall submit to Congress a plan to implement the
changes and improvements described in subsection (a).
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of
the changes and improvements described in subsection (a).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
$30,000,000 to carry out this section during fiscal years
2018 and 2019.
SEC. 116. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall
provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in
high technology programs of education that the Secretary
determines provide training or skills sought by employers in
a relevant field or industry.
(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under
this section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is
entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33,
34, or 35 of title 38, United States Code, or chapter 1606 or
1607 of title 10, United States Code.
(c) Contracts.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection
(a), by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the
Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with any number
of qualified providers of high technology programs of
education for the provision of such programs to eligible
veterans under the pilot program. Each such contract shall
provide for the conditions under which the Secretary may
terminate the contract with the provider and the procedures
for providing for the completion of the instruction of
students who were enrolled in a program provided by such
provider in the case of such a termination.
(2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this
subsection shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a
provider--
(A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the
program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and other fees
for the program of education for the veteran;
(B) upon the completion of the program by the veteran, 25
percent of such cost; and
(C) upon the employment of the veteran in the field of
study of the program following completion of the program, 50
percent of such cost.
(3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot
program, a provider of a high technology program of education
is qualified if--
(A) the provider has been operational for at least two
years;
(B) the provider has successfully provided the high
technology program for at least one year; and
(C) the provider meets the approval criteria developed by
the Secretary under paragraph (4).
(4) Approval criteria.--The Secretary shall develop
criteria for approving providers for purposes of the pilot
program. In developing such criteria, the Secretary may
consult with State approving agencies. Such criteria is not
required to meet the requirements of section 3672 of title
38, United States Code.
(5) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to
carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give
preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition
reimbursement for any student who--
(A) completes a program of education offered by the
provider; and
(B) does not find full-time meaningful employment in the
field of study of the program within the 180-day period
beginning on the date the student completes the program.
(d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each
eligible veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program
of education under the pilot program on a full-time basis a
monthly housing stipend equal to the product--
(1) of--
(A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training,
the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable
under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a
member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the
military housing area that encompasses all or the majority
portion of the ZIP code area in which is located the
institution at which the individual is enrolled; or
(B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of
education through distance learning, a monthly amount equal
to 50 percent of the amount payable under subparagraph (A),
multiplied by
(2) the lesser of--
(A) 1.0; or
(B) the number of course hours borne by the individual in
pursuit of the program of education involved, divided by the
minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit
of such program of education, rounded to the nearest multiple
of 10.
(e) High Technology Program of Education Defined.--In this
section, the term ``high technology program of education''
means a program of education that--
(1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of
higher learning;
(2) does not lead to a degree; and
(3) provides instruction in computer programming, computer
software, media application, data processing, or information
sciences.
(f) Reports.--
(1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the pilot program under this section.
(2) Comptroller general.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than three years after the
date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract
under this section, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress a report containing the
results of the interim assessment of the Comptroller General.
Such report shall include the recommendations of the
Comptroller General for improving the pilot program and an
assessment of each of the following:
(i) The technology experience of the directors and
instructors of the providers of high technology programs of
education under the pilot program.
(ii) Whether the providers cooperated with the technology
industry to create the curriculum for the program of
education.
(iii) Whether the providers use an open source curriculum
for the program of education.
(iv) The admittance rate into the pilot program.
(v) The job placement and retention rate for veterans who
completed a program of education under the pilot program in
the field of study of the program.
(vi) The percentage of veterans who completed a program of
education under the pilot program who were subsequently
employed for a period of six months or longer in a field of
study of the program.
(vii) The percentage of veterans who completed a program of
education under the pilot program who were subsequently
employed for a period of less than six months in a field of
study of the program.
(viii) The median annual salary of veterans who completed a
program of education under the pilot program and were
subsequently employed.
(ix) As applicable, the transfer rates to other academic or
vocational programs and certifications and licensure exam
passage rates.
(x) The average age of veterans who participated in the
pilot program.
(B) Final report.--Not later than five years after the date
on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under
this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a final report on the pilot program. Such report
shall include the recommendation of the Comptroller General
with respect to whether the program should be extended and an
assessment of each item described in clauses (i) through (x)
of subparagraph (A).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each fiscal year
during which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under
this section, $15,000,000 shall be made available for such
purpose from funds appropriated to, or otherwise made
available to, the Department for the payment of readjustment
benefits.
[[Page H6163]]
(h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot
program under this section shall terminate on the date that
is five years after the date on which the Secretary first
enters into a contract under this section.
TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.
Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``the period
beginning on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,''
each place it appears and inserting ``any time on or after
June 30, 2017,''.
SEC. 202. DURATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER SURVIVORS'
AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 3511(a)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``chapter for'' and all that follows
through the period and inserting ``chapter--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a
program of education using such entitlement before August 1,
2018, for an aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or
to the equivalent thereof in part-time training); or
``(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a
program of education using such entitlement on or after
August 1, 2018, for an aggregate period not in excess of 36
months (or to the equivalent thereof in part-time
training).''.
SEC. 203. OLIN E. TEAGUE INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND
DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Increase.--Section 3532 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``$788'' and inserting ``$1,224'';
(ii) by striking ``$592'' and inserting ``$967''; and
(iii) by striking ``$394'' and inserting ``$710''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``$788'' and inserting
``$1,224''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$788'' and inserting
``$1,224''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to a month that begins on or after
October 1, 2018.
TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
SEC. 301. STATE APPROVING AGENCY FUNDING.
(a) Increase.--Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``out of amounts
available for the payment of readjustment benefits'' and
inserting ``out of amounts in the Department of Veterans
Affairs readjustment benefits account and amounts
appropriated to the Secretary'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph
(5), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent
fiscal year.''; and
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``The total'' and inserting ``(A) The
total'';
(B) by striking ``for any fiscal year shall be
$19,000,000'' and inserting ``for fiscal year 2018 shall be
$21,000,000 and for fiscal year 2019 and thereafter shall be
$23,000,000''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an
increase in benefit amounts payable under title II of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a
determination made under section 215(i) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, effective on the date of
such increase in benefit amounts, increase the amount in
effect under subparagraph (A), as in effect immediately prior
to the date of such increase in benefit amounts payable under
title II of the Social Security Act, by the same percentage
as the percentage by which such benefit amounts are
increased.''.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE TO PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS
AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE
NOT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.
Section 3680A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``in--'' and inserting ``in any of the following:'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a
period;
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a
period;
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and
(E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following
new paragraph (4):
``(4) Any independent study program except an independent
study program (including such a program taken over open
circuit television) that--
``(A) is accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of
part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1099b);
``(B) leads to--
``(i) a standard college degree;
``(ii) a certificate that reflects educational attainment
offered by an institution of higher learning; or
``(iii) a certificate that reflects completion of a course
of study offered by--
``(I) an area career and technical education school (as
defined in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 3(3) of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006
(20 U.S.C. 2302(3))) that provides education at the
postsecondary level; or
``(II) a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined
in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002(c))) that provides education at the postsecondary
level; and
``(C) in the case of a program described in subparagraph
(B)(iii)--
``(i) provides training aligned with the requirements of
employers in the State or local area where the program is
located, which may include in-demand industry sectors or
occupations; and
``(ii) provides a student, upon completion of the program,
with a recognized postsecondary credential that is recognized
by employers in the relevant industry, which may include a
credential recognized by industry or sector partnerships in
the State or local area where the industry is located; and
``(iii) meets such content and instructional standards as
may be required to comply with the criteria under section
3676(c)(14) and(15) of this title.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) In this section, the terms `State or local area',
`recognized postsecondary credential', `industry or sector
partnership', and `in-demand industry sector or occupation'
have the meaning given such terms in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.
SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT FOR
VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION.
Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended--
(1) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(xi) information on whether the institution administers a
priority enrollment system that allows certain student
veterans to enroll in courses earlier than other students.''.
SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON USE OF REPORTING FEES PAYABLE TO
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF
PROGRAMS OF APPRENTICESHIP.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended
to read as follows:
``(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational
institution, or to the sponsor of a program of
apprenticeship, furnishing education or training under either
this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title, a
reporting fee which will be in lieu of any other compensation
or reimbursement for reports or certifications which such
educational institution or sponsor of a program of
apprenticeship is required to submit to the Secretary by law
or regulation.
``(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each
calendar year by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible
veterans or eligible persons enrolled under this chapter or
chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title. The reporting fee shall
be paid to such educational institution or sponsor of a
program of apprenticeship as soon as feasible after the end
of the calendar year for which it is applicable.
``(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational
institution under this subsection shall be subject to offset
by the Secretary against any liability of such institution
for any overpayment for which such institution may be
administratively determined to be liable under section 3685
of this title unless such liability is not contested by such
institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a court
of appropriate jurisdiction.
``(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution
or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of
the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational
Assistance Improvements Act of 2011 (Public Law 111-377)--
``(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor
solely for the making of certifications required under this
chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or for
otherwise supporting programs for veterans; and
``(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more
enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or
merged with amounts available for the general fund of the
educational institution or sponsor of a program of
apprenticeship.
``(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall
be paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment
benefits.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on August 1, 2018.
SEC. 305. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS.
(a) Training Requirement.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall, in consultation with the State approving
agencies, set forth requirements relating to training for
school certifying officials employed by covered educational
institutions offering courses of education approved under
chapter 36 of title 38,
[[Page H6164]]
United States Code. If a covered educational institution does
not ensure that a school certifying official employed by the
educational institution meets such requirements, the
Secretary may disapprove any course of education offered by
such educational institution.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered educational institution'' means an
educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more
individuals using educational assistance under title 38,
United States Code.
(2) The term ``school certifying official'' means an
employee of an educational institution with primary
responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the
educational institution.
(3) The term ``State approving agency'' means a department
or agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title
38, United States Code.
(c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on
August 1, 2018.
SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION.
Section 3692 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2017''
and inserting ``December 31, 2022''.
SEC. 307. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ON-
CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING
FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after
section 3697A the following new section:
``Sec. 3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide educational
and vocational counseling services for individuals described
in section 3697A(b) of this title at locations on the
campuses of institutions of higher learning selected by the
Secretary. Such counseling services shall be provided by
employees of the Department who provide such services under
section 3697A of this title.
``(b) Selection of Locations.--(1) To be selected by the
Secretary under this section, an institution of higher
learning shall provide an appropriate space on the campus of
the institution where counseling services can be provided
under this section.
``(2) In selecting locations for the provision of
counseling services under this section, the Secretary shall
seek to select locations where the maximum number of veterans
would have access to such services.
``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this section, and each year
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the counseling services provided under this section. Such
report shall include, for the year covered by the report--
``(1) the average ratio of counselors providing such
services to individuals who received such services at each
location where such services were provided;
``(2) a description of such services provided;
``(3) the recommendations of the Secretary for improving
the provision of such services; and
``(4) any other matters the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 3697A the following new item:
``3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling.''.
SEC. 308. PROVISION OF INFORMATION REGARDING VETERAN
ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational
institutions
``(a) In General.--For each veteran or other individual
pursuing a course of education that has been approved under
this chapter using educational assistance to which the
veteran or other individual is entitled under chapter 30, 32,
33, or 35 of this title, the Secretary shall make available
to the educational institution offering the course
information about the amount of such educational assistance
to which the veteran or other individual is entitled. Such
information shall be provided to such educational institution
through a secure information technology system accessible by
the educational institution and shall be regularly updated to
reflect any amounts used by the veteran or other individual.
``(b) Election.--A veteran or other individual pursuing a
course of education described in subsection (a) may elect not
to provide the information described in such subsection to an
educational institution in a manner prescribed by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 3699 the following new
item:
``3699A. Provision of certain information to educational
institutions.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 3699A of title 38, United
States Code, as added by this section, shall take effect on
August 1, 2018.
SEC. 309. TREATMENT, FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS, OF EDUCATIONAL COURSES THAT BEGIN
SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AN
ACADEMIC TERM.
Section 3684(a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) A course offered by an educational institution that
does not begin on the first day of an academic term, but does
begin seven or fewer days after such day, shall be treated as
beginning on such day for purposes of this section.''.
SEC. 310. INCLUSION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS IN STATE APPROVING
AGENCY OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES.
Section 3673(d) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Compliance
and'' ;
(2) by striking ``such compliance and oversight'' and
inserting ``conducting risk-based surveys and other such
oversight''; and
(3) by inserting ``, in consultation with the State
approving agencies,'' after ``as the Secretary''.
SEC. 311. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF STATE APPROVING AGENCY
PERFORMANCE.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall carry out a study on the performance of State
approving agencies. Such study shall include each of the
following:
(1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation
between the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving
agencies regarding the execution of shared compliance and
oversight responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38,
United States Code.
(2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State
approving agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such
agencies under such title, including an analysis of whether
Congress has appropriated sufficient funds for State
approving agencies to fulfill such responsibilities and the
historic effect of funding on the ability of such agencies to
fulfill such responsibilities.
(3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies of
risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of
established standards under such chapter.
(4) An examination of how State approving agencies use risk
factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment,
increases in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of
student complaints, rates of Federal student loan defaults of
veterans, veteran completion rates, deficiencies identified
by accreditors and other State agencies, and deficiencies in
Department of Veterans Affairs program administration
compliance, in their oversight and compliance
responsibilities and in selecting educational institutions
for review of eligibility.
(5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State
approving agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve,
or disapprove educational institutions under such chapter.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General
shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives, a report on the study required under
subsection (a) and the findings and recommendations of the
Comptroller General with respect to such study.
TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS
SEC. 401. ELIGIBILITY OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS FOR POST-
9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking
``or 12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
(b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to service in the
Armed Forces occurring on or after the date of the enactment
of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008
(Public Law 110-252).
(c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An
individual who is entitled to educational assistance by
reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such
entitlement to pursue a course of education beginning on or
after August 1, 2018.
SEC. 402. TIME LIMITATION FOR TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR
VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ``or 12304'' and
inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 501. REPEAL INAPPLICABILITY OF MODIFICATION OF BASIC
ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS
ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Repeal.--Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl
Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291;
37 U.S.C. 403 note) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with
respect to individuals who first use their entitlement to
educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United
States Code, on or after such date.
SEC. 502. RECONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY DENIED CLAIMS FOR
DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE
FULL-BODY EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS,
SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE DURING WORLD
WAR II.
(a) In General.--
(1) Reconsideration required.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall reconsider
[[Page H6165]]
all claims for compensation described in paragraph (2) and
make a new determination regarding each such claim.
(2) Claims for compensation described.--A claim for
compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for
compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States
Code, that the Secretary determines--
(A) arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a veteran
to a covered substance--
(I) during active military, naval, or air service during
World War II; and
(ii) at a site listed in paragraph (3); and
(B) was denied before the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(3) Sites.--The sites listed in this paragraph are the
following:
(A) Camp Siebert, Alabama.
(B) Fort McClellan, Alabama.
(C) Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama.
(D) Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado.
(E) Naval Research Laboratory, D.C.
(F) Bushnell Field, Florida.
(G) Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois.
(H) Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland.
(I) Fort Detrick, Maryland.
(J) Naval Research Laboratory, Maryland.
(K) Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
(L) Horn Island Installation, Mississippi.
(M) Camp Crowder, Missouri.
(N) Hart's Island, New York.
(O) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
(P) Charleston, South Carolina.
(Q) Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
(R) Toole Army Depot, Utah.
(S) Naval Research Laboratory, Virginia.
(T) U.S.S. Eagle Boat No. 58.
(U) Ondal, India.
(V) Fort Clayton, San Jose Island, Panama.
(W) Any site the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines
is appropriate.
(4) Factors of consideration.--In making a determination
under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
(A) shall consider--
(i) that contemporaneous records of testing of full-body
exposure to a covered substance frequently may be unavailable
because such tests were classified or such records were lost
or destroyed;
(ii) that many veterans were sworn to secrecy following
testing described in clause (i);
(iii) each statement based on personal knowledge of a
veteran who served at a site listed in paragraph (3);
(iv) information in the report from the Secretary of
Defense under subsection (b)(2); and
(v) any evidence the Secretary considers relevant; and
(B) may not determine that testing of full-body exposure to
a covered substance did not occur at a site based solely on--
(i) information contained in the Department of Defense and
Department of Veterans Affairs Chemical Biological Warfare
Database; or
(ii) any list of known sites of testing of full-body
exposure to a covered substance maintained by the Department
of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
(5) Presumption of exposure.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a
determination regarding whether a veteran experienced full-
body exposure to a covered substance, the Secretary--
(A) shall presume, unless there is affirmative evidence to
establish otherwise, that the veteran experienced such
exposure by reason of the service of the veteran in World War
II--
(i) based on the locations listed in paragraph (3); and
(ii) consistent with the places, types, and circumstances
of service of the veteran in accordance with section 1154 of
title 38; and
(B) shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of the
veteran.
(6) Effective date of award.--The effective date of any
award of disability compensation resulting from
reconsideration of a claim under paragraph (1) shall be fixed
in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier
than the date of the receipt of the claim for compensation
described in paragraph (2).
(b) Investigation and Report by the Secretary of Defense.--
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) investigate and assess each site--
(A) where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered
evidence of testing conducted by the Department of Defense
during World War II to assess the effects of full-body
exposure to a covered substance on humans; or
(B) with regards to which more than two veterans have been
denied claims for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38,
United States Code, in connection with exposure to a covered
substance at such site; and
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on testing
described in paragraph (1)(A), including--
(A) a list of each location where such testing occurred,
including locations investigated and assessed under paragraph
(1);
(B) the dates of each such testing; and
(C) the number of members of the Armed Forces who
experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance in each
such testing.
(c) Investigation and Report by Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall--
(1) investigate and assess--
(A) the actions taken by the Secretary to contact
individuals who experienced full-body exposure to a covered
substance in the course of testing described in subsection
(b)(1)(A);
(B) the number of claims filed with the Secretary for
disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United
States Code, arising from testing described in subsection
(b)(1)(A); and
(C) the percentage of claims described in subparagraph (B)
that the Secretary denied.
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and
the Secretary of Defense a report regarding the
investigations and assessments carried out under paragraph
(1).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The terms ``active military, naval, or air service'',
``veteran'', and ``World War II'' have the meanings given
such terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(A) the Committees on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives and the Senate; and
(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
(3) The term ``covered substance'' means--
(A) nitrogen mustard gas;
(B) sulfur mustard gas; or
(C) Lewisite.
(4) The term ``full-body exposure'', with respect to a
covered substance, has the meaning given that term by the
Secretary of Defense.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Roe) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
General Leave
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
I rise today in support of H.R. 3218, as amended, the Harry W.
Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, which I introduced
with Ranking Member Walz and every member of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs 2 weeks ago.
This bill and how it got to this point today is a shining example of
how well Congress can and should work together. It is the result of
tireless work of many veterans service organizations and the bipartisan
efforts of committee members.
I am proud that the improvements and enhancements to the GI Bill that
this Chamber will advance today will empower servicemembers, veterans,
survivors, and dependents for generations to come.
This is the first major improvement to the GI Bill since 2011, and it
encompasses 17 bills introduced by our colleagues, many who serve on
the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and also others who share our
committee's commitment to the men and women who have raised their right
hand side to serve.
This package includes over 30 provisions and brings forward many
enhancements that veterans' groups have requested for years. I have
said it before and I will say it again, this isn't a package that comes
along every day.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3218, as amended, is aptly named after Mr. Harry
W. Colmery, who is credited with actually writing by hand the first
draft of the World War II-era GI Bill. It is only appropriate that we
honor him today for his work on the first GI Bill decades ago.
This package would do a number of things, and I want to focus on just
a few key improvements. First, it would eliminate the 15-year time
limit to use the GI Bill benefits for future eligible beneficiaries and
anyone who left active service on or after January 1, 2013.
Madam Speaker, the GI Bill, when I used it for 2 years after I got
out of the military, was, at 10 years, you could no longer use it. This
is a lifetime commitment to the American people, to our veterans, if
they can exercise their GI Bill benefit at any time.
Let me repeat that. For the first time in the history of our GI Bill,
future beneficiaries and some veterans will be able to carry these
benefits with them throughout their life.
Secondly, the bill would provide significant increases in GI Bill
funding for
[[Page H6166]]
reservists and guardsmen, including those who are currently serving on
orders but do not accrue GI Bill eligibility, as well as dependents,
surviving spouses, and surviving dependents.
It would also provide 100 percent GI eligibility for post-9/11 Purple
Heart recipients.
Finally, it would increase opportunities for veterans to complete a
science, technology, engineering, math degree, or other high technology
program. That particular issue is one that I know Leader McCarthy has
advocated for. It is a privilege to have him as an original cosponsor
of the bill, and we thank him for his leadership in getting the bill to
the House floor promptly.
The provisions I just mentioned only scratch the surface of the
benefits that our veterans and survivors will receive under this bill.
The amendment to this bill before the House today provides technical
and conforming changes to ensure the bill is budget-neutral over the
10-year budget window, clarifies that students impacted by the closure
of ITT Tech would be able to have their GI Bill eligibility restored if
they are unable to transfer their credits, and, starting in fiscal year
2022, would provide eligibility for a Yellow Ribbon Program to Active
Duty servicemembers.
Madam Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to all the VSOs who pushed
for this package. And I would be remiss if I didn't single out and give
my sincere thanks to the Student Veterans of America, the American
Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of America,
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the Military Order of the
Purple Heart, and Got Your Six for working tirelessly across the Hill
over several months to help us make this happen.
I commend and thank them because, without a doubt, we would not be in
this Chamber today on the verge of this historic moment without their
efforts.
Finally, I thank Ranking Member Walz for his strong leadership and
support in making this package come together. I also express my
appreciation to Senators Isakson and Tester for their efforts in
negotiating a strong package we can all agree on. I know they are
planning to hold a markup on this companion bill to H.R. 3218, as
amended, this week, and I would expect that they can pick up and pass
this bill and get it to President Trump's desk before the August
District Work Period.
Madam Speaker, this is a strong bill that would help thousands of
student veterans for the rest of their lives. I urge my colleagues to
support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Committee on Armed Services,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, July 20, 2017.
Hon. David P. Roe, M.D.,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R.
3218, the ``Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance
Act of 2017.'' There are certain provisions in the bill which
fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed
Services.
In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed
expeditiously to floor consideration of this important
legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's further
consideration of H.R. 3218. I do so with the understanding
that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on
Armed Services does not waive any fixture jurisdictional
claim over the subject matters contained in the legislation
which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction.
Please place a copy of this letter and your response
acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the committee
report on H.R. 3218 and into the Congressional Record during
consideration of the measure on the House floor. The
committee also reserves the right to seek appointment to any
House-Senate conference on this legislation and requests your
support if such a request is made. Thank you for the
cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this
matter and others between our respective committees.
Sincerely,
William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, July 21, 2017.
Hon. William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry,
Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thornberry: In reference to your letter on
July 20, 2017, I write to confirm our mutual understanding
regarding H.R. 3218, as amended, the ``Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017.''
I appreciate the House Committee on Armed Services' waiver
of consideration of provisions under its jurisdiction and its
subject matter as specified in your letter. I acknowledge
that the waiver was granted only to expedite floor
consideration of H.R. 3218, as amended, and does not in any
way waive or diminish the Committee on Armed Services'
jurisdictional interests over this legislation or similar
legislation. I will support your committee's request for
appointment to any House-Senate conference on H.R. 3218, as
amended. Finally, I will also support your request to include
a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter in the
committee report on H.R. 3218, as amended, and in the
Congressional Record during floor consideration.
Again, thank you for your assistance and cooperation with
these matters. Sincerely,
David P. Roe, M.D.,
Chairman.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in unwavering support of H.R. 3218.
It is interesting, we may prove a couple of things. One is that the
universe needs to be balanced, or God has an incredible sense of irony,
or our democracy is resilient and strong because, after our debate over
the last piece of legislation, I can tell you that, in the time I have
had the privilege of representing the people of southern Minnesota, I
am not sure there is a day that I feel more of that sense of pride and
honor than to be here today. Much of that thanks goes to a humble man
who won't say so himself.
The Colmery GI Bill, in any years past, and maybe with a different
chairman, would have been the Roe GI Bill, as the Sonny Montgomery GI
Bill; but the chairman is a man of humbleness and passing on thanks to
others, and it shows in giving the credit to so many Members who wrote
and were part of this legislation.
This is a real historic piece of work. It is hard to get big pieces
of legislation like this done. I saw somebody had written up recently
and said: Well, the VA Committee is moving a lot of things because it
is easy.
I think, after that last little debate and how this one has gone,
there is nothing easy about it because it is not supposed to be easy.
It is supposed to be a challenge building the coalitions necessary. It
is supposed to be thoughtful because we are impacting generations going
forward.
There are so many people to thank, and the chairman started hitting
on them; but I want to again as someone who, if not for the GI Bill,
would not have received my education, and our lives and the trajectory
of our lives are changed dramatically for that.
Somebody stood in these chairs years ago and thought about putting a
GI Bill in place that ended up benefiting me; and the idea of being
able to pay it forward from one veteran to another, or from this House
to another, is something that seems like it is lacking too much around
here.
When we get together, there is much we can do for this country. The
improvements in the bill are wide-ranging. I just want to mention a
couple because I think they need to be said and I think veterans are
paying attention, Madam Speaker, and maybe some of the folks watching
this.
I am happy to say we are able to remove the 15-year expiration date.
The idea of a lifetime GI Bill just goes to the reality of modern-day
warriors; many of them serving at different times, serving later in
life, not going right away when they get out, or even changing
professions; and having that benefit there and holding it and enhancing
their education is not only benefiting their lives, it benefits our
economy.
We know that when these wars started we had very high veteran
unemployment rates. We are trying to figure out different ways. And as
the chairman pointed out, using the GI Bill for STEM research and other
ways to get a skill set is just smart legislation.
I want to thank a few folks on the other side about understanding
that we have one force now. We do not have an active Army and a Guard
and Reserve that are two separate things. These warriors fight side by
side, and their call up, when they get called up, means the same thing.
Because of the way regulation was written, there were things in here
that created an inequality among them. And we were happy to have a
general with us in General Bergman, Representatives O'Rourke, Banks,
and Radewagen, along with someone who
[[Page H6167]]
is not a member of this committee but is a co-chair on the Guard and
Reserve Caucus. Mr. Palazzo worked to make sure that we offset those
things to make sure our Guard and reservists receive those same
benefits from when they were deployed.
So this is a rare opportunity, Madam Speaker, to pass a significant
piece of legislation that is fully paid for, compromised to in a
bipartisan manner. The Senate is going to pick this up, I think. And I
look forward to that day when President Trump, hopefully here towards
the end of summer or early fall, picks that pen up and signs this and
makes a difference in veterans' lives today and going forward.
So my thanks once again to the chairman and his leadership for
bringing together and building this coalition that made something that
many of us thought about for many years; we would like to have seen got
done. It is going to get done today.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1500
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I think one of the greatest
things in here is the lifetime benefit. When I was in my early
twenties, I wouldn't have put a big bet on being 40 years old. So I
know you don't ever think you are going to get there, but you do. With
the changing workforce today, it is a huge benefit that I think that
veterans going forward are going to appreciate and the country will
benefit from.
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Fitzpatrick), my good friend.
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking
member for their leadership on this bill.
Since 1944, the GI Bill has provided veterans the opportunity to
invest in themselves and their future through access to education
benefits.
My father attended college on the GI Bill following his service to
our country, launching his life and putting our family on the path to
success.
While the world has changed since 1944, the dedication and service of
our men and women in uniform remains constant. These volunteer warriors
stand ready to defend our Nation in theaters around the globe. While we
can never fully thank them for their commitment, we must endeavor to
assist them and their families wherever possible.
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act improves and
extends the benefits granted to veterans and their surviving dependents
through the GI Bill, helping to ease the transition from Active Duty to
civilian life by paving the way with new career opportunities and
technical education.
This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step to investing in the
success of our veterans and advancing the common cause of serving those
who have served us so honorably.
Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member and the
entire committee for their leadership.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Connecticut (Ms. Esty), my good friend and a stalwart supporter of
veterans, the ranking member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs Subcommittee.
Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic
support of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, or
the new GI Bill.
I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for leading the charge
so that we can bring this important legislation to the House floor
today.
I have the great honor of serving on the House Veterans' Affairs
Committee, a committee on which Democrats and Republicans work together
and work closely with our partners, the veterans service organizations.
The GI Bill we bring forward today is no exception. This strong
bipartisan legislation represents the biggest expansion of veterans'
educational benefits in a decade. It is a huge win for our Nation's
veterans.
The men and women of our military deserve the security of knowing
that, upon completion of their service to our country, they will be
able to embark on a fulfilling career and continue providing for their
families.
I want to highlight several of the veterans who represent why we need
this bill today. The first is a young man from my hometown of Cheshire.
He was a classmate of my middle son in high school, and who, at age 19,
lost his left leg and seriously injured his right leg when his unit was
hit by an IED in Afghanistan. He had been in the country 3 months. It
was the third IED.
He has been awarded a Purple Heart, but this young man and many
others would not, under the current GI Bill, be entitled to receive
educational benefits. That seems crazy, and it is. But this bill will
correct that injustice and ensure that all our Purple Heart heroes, our
American heroes are entitled to use those benefits because, regardless
of those months, they have served this country.
The second one I think of is a 90-plus-year-old, who doesn't like to
disclose his age, a Navy veteran from New Britain, Connecticut. He has
just earned his second master's degree. That is the point of the
lifelong benefits. We need educational benefits for life.
Again, this bill corrects the injustice for Guard and reservists,
lifelong benefits. It is a win for America. The military is changing.
The GI Bill needs to change with it.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my distinguished colleague, a
senior member and vice chair of the committee.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman. I think he outdid
himself on this one. This is outstanding stuff. There is no other word.
It is huge. It really is. He is helping our true American heroes with
this, and I am so proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation.
The challenges our Nation's heroes face do not end on the
battlefield. Education and career training programs offer veterans the
opportunity to enter a new chapter of their lives when they return home
from their service.
I recently visited AmSkills, a manufacturing apprenticeship center in
New Port Richey, Florida, to learn more about the good work they are
doing locally to help veterans transition to civilian careers.
The Forever GI Bill helps ensure that veterans nationwide have the
resources to access career education programs such as AmSkills, of
course, going to a university maybe, a community college, vocational
training, whatever they want to do.
Importantly, this bill allows future eligible GI Bill recipients to
use their benefits at any point in their lives. That is incredible. It
is long overdue, as opposed to the current 15-year time limit, which is
so unfair.
It also includes my provision, the VETERAN Act, which authorizes $30
million to help the VA invest in modernizing their information
technology systems for claims processing.
Congress and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee would have
oversight of the VA's proposed changes and monitor its progress. The
provision would be a major step in helping veterans receive their
benefits in a more timely and efficient manner.
Overall, the legislation before us today will improve, expand, and
modernize the GI Bill program for veterans and their surviving spouses
and dependents. That is so very important.
Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this great bill.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Takano), the vice ranking member of the full Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3218,
which secures and strengthens the GI Bill for future generations of
veterans. It does so without cutting benefits from anyone who is
currently serving.
There are several provisions in this legislation worth celebrating.
Removing time restrictions for future student veterans and making this
a lifetime benefit, and increasing support for reservists, guardsmen,
and their families are among the long overdue improvements to the GI
Bill that are included in this legislation.
But the restoration of GI Bill benefits for students defrauded by ITT
Tech and Corinthian Colleges is particularly noteworthy for veterans in
my district and across the country. When those two schools abruptly
shut their doors, thousands of student veterans were left with
nontransferable credits, depleted
[[Page H6168]]
benefits, and none of the job opportunities they were promised. By
restoring their tuition and housing benefits, we are restoring a
measure of justice for these veterans, and we are restoring their
opportunity to get the education they deserve.
I hope this is just the start of our efforts to crack down on for-
profit colleges that exploit veterans.
Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their
leadership, as well as the other members of the committee and the
veterans service organizations who contributed to the strength of this
legislation.
Madam Speaker, passing H.R. 3218 is an important step toward ensuring
that every person who serves this Nation has the opportunity to live a
rewarding and purposeful and prosperous civilian life. I encourage all
Members to support this bill.
Madam Speaker, before closing, let me just add my praise to the
chairman for his generosity and humbleness. I recognize, too, that this
bill does not bear his name but the name of a predecessor. That was an
incredible gesture, Madam Speaker. I salute the chairman's leadership.
Mr. ROE from Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), my good friend, a Marine and
Army veteran, and senior member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Mr. COFFMAN. Madam Speaker, today the House will vote on H.R. 3218,
the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the largest
expansion of educational benefits for our veterans in over a decade.
This legislation provides a lifetime benefit of the GI Bill, an
additional 9 months of GI Bill eligibility for veterans pursuing a STEM
degree, protection of GI Bill benefits for veterans impacted by a
school's closure, and makes it easier for veterans to use their GI Bill
for credentialing and licensure tests.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3218 also includes provisions from my bill, the
GI Bill Processing Improvement Act, H.R. 2549, which ensures that
veterans studying under the GI Bill for their military service receive
their benefits in a timely manner.
Madam Speaker, as a United States Army veteran who attended the
University of Colorado under the GI Bill, and my late father, a retired
United States Army Master Sergeant, Harold Coffman, who learned heating
and air-conditioning repair under the GI Bill, I rise today in strong
support of this legislation.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the
Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan), my good friend, a member of the
Veterans' Affairs Committee, and the voice of our Pacific Island
veterans.
Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, a bipartisan measure of
which I am an original cosponsor.
Among the bill's many benefits that preceding speakers have stated,
there are three that address issues specifically brought to me by
veterans in my district, the Northern Mariana Islands.
The first affects veterans who were enrolled in colleges that closed
and who, as a result, lost their educational benefit. The bill today
restores that benefit so those veterans can continue their education.
The second problem my veterans brought to me has to do with post-9/11
reservists, like those in Company E, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry
Regiment, part of the Go for Broke Unit; and the 302nd Quartermaster
Company in the Marianas; and national guardsmen, like the 368th
Military Police Company, who were under Active Duty and who did not
accrue education benefits. Those veterans will now have their Active
Duty count towards the GI Bill.
Third, the minimum GI Bill benefit for veterans with less than 36
months of qualifying active service increases to 50 percent of the
maximum amount payable.
Madam Speaker, I thank House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Roe
and Ranking Member Walz for their leadership and commitment to working
together for the benefit of our veterans, a truly bipartisan product of
work.
I also commend the veteran service organizations we worked with for
their determination to ensure our country honors the promise made to
those who served and sacrificed on our behalf and in service to our
Nation.
Madam Speaker, I ask for support for this legislation.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford), an active member of the
Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today also in strong support of
H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of
2017.
When our brave men and women put on the uniform to protect our
Nation, we have a sacred responsibility to provide them and their
families with certain opportunities in repayment for their services and
sacrifice.
As a new generation of servicemembers are returning from the
battlefield, we as a nation have needed to reevaluate how we better
help our veterans succeed back home. This important legislation is an
example of how that success for veterans can be achieved.
As a result of the hard work of many veteran service organizations,
the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and countless veteran advocates,
H.R. 3218 makes many important reforms to the GI Bill to improve
veterans' access to education.
One reform that I would like to highlight is a provision that I
introduced as a stand-alone piece of legislation earlier this year
called the Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Program Expansion Act.
Madam Speaker, under current law, dependents and surviving spouses of
those killed in action who attend college on the Fry Scholarship are
not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program
helps to cover the cost of schools with tuition above the level of what
the GI Bill covers.
{time} 1515
Since the dependents and spouses of those killed in action are not
currently eligible for this program, they are, in fact, limited in
their educational opportunities.
I thank the committee, Chairman Roe, and Ranking Member Walz for
including my bill in this legislation, and it is just one of many
reforms that this package makes.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues' support.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Khanna), a true supporter of veterans and new Member of
the House who came with a passion for veterans.
Mr. KHANNA. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Walz.
I want to commend Ranking Member Walz and Chairman Roe for this
extraordinary piece of legislation that invests in the education of our
veterans. I also am pleased that you included Majority Leader
McCarthy's legislation of which I was a proud original cosponsor, the
VET TEC Act. That will allow veterans, for the first time, to take
technology courses and learn some of the skills that are going to be
needed for the 21st century economy.
It is no surprise that I read that the majority leader got this idea
from his son, who spent a lot of time out in Silicon Valley and is well
regarded. It is really heartening to see this House come together with
the chairman's and ranking member's leadership on the jobs of the 21st
century and making sure our veterans have opportunities for them.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer), my good friend. We have served on
the Education and the Workforce Committee together since he has been
here, and he is in his fourth term.
Mr. MESSER. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the chairman and his
extraordinary leadership on this important topic.
I rise today to urge support for this broad, bipartisan reform
package which expands and modernizes the GI Bill to better serve our
military families. The bill includes a bipartisan proposal that I have
worked on with Congressman Mark Takano of California to help veteran
students impacted by school closures, like ITT Tech and Corinthian
Colleges, based in our home States.
[[Page H6169]]
When ITT Tech abruptly closed its doors, 40,000 students nationwide,
including 7,000 veterans, were left without a degree or path forward.
Jason Nyikos, a U.S. Navy veteran from Greenfield, Indiana, in my
district, had to start his degree completely from scratch after
spending 2 years at ITT Tech. Not a single credit transferred, and his
GI Bill is going to run out before he can get a new degree. He told my
office: ``To spend 2 years of my life at a place with nothing to show
for it is one of the biggest disappointments.''
Jason's story is, sadly, one of thousands. It is not fair to these
veterans that they would lose their GI benefits through no fault of
their own, and if we really care, we need to do something about it.
The Takano-Messer proposal restores GI Bill benefits to veterans who
were attending ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges when they closed so
they can earn their degrees elsewhere. It also helps veterans who may
be impacted by a school closure in the future.
Our military men and women count on their GI Bill benefits to build a
career and a life after they have served our country. This bill will
make sure they get a chance.
Madam Speaker, I urge your support and again thank the chairman for
his efforts on this important issue and all of the reforms in this
bill.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, it sounds like the gentleman who
spent 2 years and didn't have anything to show for it was in the U.S.
Congress, but that is another story altogether.
Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana
(Mrs. Brooks), my good friend, whom I served with on the Education and
the Workforce Committee.
Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in
support of H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational
Assistance Act. This bipartisan package will extend and ultimately
improve our veterans' access to GI Bill benefits.
And while I wasn't prepared to speak to this, since my colleague from
Indiana, Mr. Messer, just spoke, I also rise in support of the Takano-
Messer amendment to support those veterans who are not receiving
credits now from their time at ITT Tech. So I do support that amendment
as well.
But I am proud to be a part of this bill that Chairman Roe has so
ably shepherded, and I appreciate the bipartisan support on both sides
of the aisle for including the Veterans TEST Accessibility Act. This
act does just what the title implies: it gives our veterans simpler,
fairer access to tests like the SAT and GRE, as well as licensing and
certification tests, like certifications to be mechanics, firefighters,
Realtors, to name just a few.
Our current law requires veterans to use a full month of eligibility
to be reimbursed for these tests. Given the relatively low cost of many
tests, it simply isn't worth it for many veterans to lose potential
reimbursement for an entire month of other educational expenses, like
tuition. This provision fixes that problem. Veterans will be reimbursed
for the amount of the test only, and they can still utilize the
remaining eligibility to cover other educational expenses incurred that
month.
Our vets have the skills and experience that many universities and
employers are looking for, but they face challenges. This commonsense
provision will give our veterans the tools they need to compete in the
job market and help address veteran underemployment and unemployment.
It allows them to take what they have learned, so many skills that they
learned prior to and during their service, and use these benefits they
have earned to advance their education and career.
I would like to thank Chairman Roe for his leadership, the VSOs, and
all of our colleagues who have contributed to this important piece of
legislation, and I urge passage of the bill.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have left.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Tenney). The gentleman from Minnesota
has 9 minutes remaining.
Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Once again, you heard from members of the committee, and Members of
this House about an important piece of legislation.
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet with my hometown
Guard unit, the 2nd Battalion of the 135th Infantry, the Red Bull
Battalion. They came back from a mission in the Sinai.
When they left to go to the Sinai, because of the 12304(b) orders
that were in there, they were not eligible for certain benefits. The
entire time they were deployed, they continued to call and asked what
was happening on the bill. On Saturday, they had just returned, and I
was able to tell them that we were going to vote tonight, we were going
to move this thing, and that their questions had been responded to.
So, retroactively, we were able to get this back to 2013. There are
lots of good things in here that I think, as people spend a little more
time on this, they will see, smart stuff.
Generations of veterans have contributed to our country and bettered
themselves through the GI Bill. It is one of those things that a
grateful nation does, an earned benefit that has been improved with
time.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R.
3218, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
This was a process, and it took several months working with the VSOs,
with our staffs, with Mr. Walz's team and our team and others to get
this bill where it is. And I think, as Mr. Walz said, that as people
dig into this bill, it is truly, I believe, an outstanding piece of
legislation that honors the people who serve this country and will give
them a benefit when they come home.
If you are 25 years old and you come home and you have a job from the
military, you separate after a few years of service, and your job
leaves when you are 42, you have lost that benefit now.
Now, you can go back and get retrained. We know that the average
person is going to have five, six, seven different occupations during a
professional working career. This will allow our veterans, I think some
of the absolute finest people that grace this Nation, to be able to be
the ones who are the leaders in the future because of the education
benefit that they have earned with their service.
I thank my friend, Mr. Walz, for his work on this and leadership on
this, along with his team and our team here.
Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of
H.R. 3218, the ``Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act
of 2017.''
H.R. 3218 eliminates the current 15-year cap for veterans to use the
benefits provided in the GI Bill, therefore enabling future eligible
recipients to use their GI bill benefits for their entire lives.
This change would greatly aid our brave veterans in facilitating the
transition from active duty to civilian life by ensuring that veterans
have access to retraining at any point after service to meet the needs
of a changing economy.
Furthermore, H.R. 3218 would enhance GI Bill benefits for survivors
of military members killed during active duty by granting them access
to the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a program that covers more costs
at private institutions of higher learning for eligible recipients.
By expanding access to financial assistance, this bill ameliorates
the often high cost barrier associated with higher education for
survivors of military members killed in the line of duty.
H.R. 3218 will also protect veteran's GI Bill benefits from the
closures of private, for-profit universities, a development that has
negatively impacted many student veterans across the nation.
Madam Speaker, our veterans deserve better than to see their hard-
earned benefits lost, especially for events beyond their own control.
This bill also increases GI Bill benefits for nine additional months
for student veterans enrolled in STEM 5-year degree programs.
I am pleased that this bill gives our veterans the resources they
need to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the growing
technology industry.
Last, this bill would qualify post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients for
full GI Bill benefits.
It is imperative that service members whose active duty is cut short
due to an injury suffered in the line of fire have their heroic service
recognized fully when receiving GI Bill benefits.
[[Page H6170]]
H.R. 3218 corrects previous inequities faced by our nation's brave
veterans, and protects their future.
I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3218.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 3218, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam 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, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________