[House Report 117-34]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress   }                                     {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session     }                                     {       117-34

======================================================================



 
            GI BILL NATIONAL EMERGENCY EXTENDED DEADLINE ACT

                                _______
                                

  May 14, 2021.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

  Mr. Takano, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 2167]

    The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 2167) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
provide for extensions of the time limitations for use of 
entitlement under Department of Veterans Affairs educational 
assistance programs by reason of school closures due to 
emergency and other situations, and for other purposes, having 
considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment 
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Amendment........................................................     2
Purpose and Summary..............................................     5
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     5
Hearings.........................................................     5
Subcommittee Consideration.......................................     6
Committee Consideration..........................................     6
Committee Votes..................................................     6
Section-by-Section Description...................................     6
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................     7
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................     7
Constitutional Authority Statement...............................     7
Earmark Statement................................................     7
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     7
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................     8
Performance Goals................................................     8
Supplemental, Additional, Dissenting, and Minority views.........     8
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................     8
Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs.....................     8
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............     8

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``GI Bill National Emergency Extended 
Deadline Act''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT UNDER 
                    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATIONAL 
                    ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS BY REASON OF SCHOOL CLOSURES 
                    DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER SITUATIONS.

  (a) Montgomery GI Bill.--Section 3031 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and subsection (i)'' 
        after ``through (g)''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(i)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing the 
individual's chosen program of education before the expiration of the 
10-year period for the use of entitlement under this chapter otherwise 
applicable under this section because of a covered reason, as 
determined by the Secretary, such 10-year period--
          ``(A) shall not run during the period the individual is so 
        prevented from pursuing such program; and
          ``(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by the 
        Secretary that is--
                  ``(i) not earlier than the first day after the 
                individual is able to resume pursuit of a program of 
                education with educational assistance under this 
                chapter; and
                  ``(ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
  ``(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
          ``(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational 
        institution by reason of an emergency situation; or
          ``(B) another reason that prevents the individual from 
        pursuing the individual's chosen program of education, as 
        determined by the Secretary.''.
  (b) Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--Section 3321(b)(1) of such 
title is amended--
          (1) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Subsections'';
          (2) by striking ``and (d)'' and inserting ``(d), and (i)''; 
        and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
          ``(B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 of this title shall 
        apply with respect to the running of the 15-year period 
        described in paragraphs (4)(A) and (5)(A) of this subsection in 
        the same manner as such subsection applies under section 3031 
        with respect to the running of the 10-year period described in 
        section 3031(a).''.

SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY BY REASON OF SCHOOL CLOSURES 
                    DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER SITUATIONS UNDER 
                    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TRAINING AND 
                    REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-
                    CONNECTED DISABILITIES.

  Section 3103 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``or (g)'' and inserting 
        ``(g), or (h)''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(h)(1) In the case of a veteran who is eligible for a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter and who is prevented from 
participating in the vocational rehabilitation program within the 
period of eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) because of a covered 
reason, as determined by the Secretary, such period of eligibility--
          ``(A) shall not run during the period the veteran is so 
        prevented from participating in such program; and
          ``(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by the 
        Secretary that is--
                  ``(i) not earlier than the first day after the 
                veteran is able to resume participation in a vocational 
                rehabilitation program under this chapter; and
                  ``(ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
  ``(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
          ``(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational 
        institution by reason of an emergency situation; or
          ``(B) another reason that prevents the veteran from 
        participating in the vocational rehabilitation program, as 
        determined by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES OFFERED 
                    BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING THAT DO 
                    NOT CHARGE VETERANS THE IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR 
                    PURPOSES OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL 
                    ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Section 3679(c) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or 33'' and inserting 
        ``33, or 35'';
          (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new 
        subparagraph:
          ``(D) An individual who is entitled to assistance under 
        section 3510 of this title.''; and
          (3) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and 33'' and inserting 
        ``33, and 35''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3679(e) of such title is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or 33'' and 
                inserting ``, 33, or 35''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or 33'' and 
                inserting ``33, or 35''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or 33'' and inserting 
        ``33, or 35''.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall take 
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with 
respect to an academic period that begins on or after August 1, 2022.

SEC. 5. IMPROVEMENTS TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES USED TO PROCESS 
                    CLAIMS FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Modern Information Technology Service.--The Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall implement an information technology service to process 
claims for educational assistance under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of 
title 38, United States Code, using one or more commercial software 
systems. The Secretary shall complete such implementation not later 
than August 1, 2024.
  (b) Required Capabilities.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
modern information technology service under subsection (a) has the 
following capabilities:
          (1) As compared to legacy information technology systems--
                  (A) the ability to process claims faster and in a 
                more efficient manner by improving processing 
                integration and accuracy;
                  (B) improved data exchange and reporting; and
                  (C) improved customer integration and simplification 
                of the online experience.
          (2) Timely communication by employees of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs to individuals and educational institutions 
        using an online portal that can provide real-time information 
        on claims for educational assistance.
          (3) The ability to be customized to address future 
        capabilities required by law.
          (4) Fully automated to the extent practicable for all 
        original and supplemental claims, including with respect to 
        calculating accurate awards.
          (5) The ability for individuals entitled to educational 
        assistance to electronically apply for, withdraw from, and 
        amend such entitlement, and to reallocate a transferred 
        entitlement.
          (6) The ability to electronically process changes made by 
        educational institutions.
          (7) The ability to verify attendance at an educational 
        institution.
          (8) The ability to process validations made by an educational 
        institution.
  (c) Initial Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
report containing information on the cost, schedule, and performance of 
the project for implementing such system, including, with respect to 
such project, the following:
          (1) An estimate of acquisition, implementation, and life 
        cycle costs (including all direct and indirect costs to 
        acquire, implement, operate, and maintain such system).
          (2) An intended implementation schedule indicating 
        significant milestones, initial operating capability, and full 
        operating capability or completion.
          (3) Key business, functional, or performance objectives.
          (4) With respect to both original claims and supplemental 
        claims processed on a monthly basis, statistics regarding--
                  (A) the number of such claims processed using legacy 
                information systems;
                  (B) the number of such claims that were off-ramped 
                and processed manually; and
                  (C) the number of such claims estimated to be 
                processed using the modern information technology 
                service.
          (5) The amount of savings that are estimated to be realized 
        from using the modern information technology service rather 
        than legacy information technology systems.
          (6) The estimated accuracy of processing claims.
          (7) The estimated timeliness for--
                  (A) processing original claims; and
                  (B) processing supplemental claims.
          (8) A description of how the modern information technology 
        service will--
                  (A) automate the processing of original claims; and
                  (B) automate the processing of supplemental claims.
  (d) Updated Information.--
          (1) Annual reports.--On an annual basis during the period in 
        which the Secretary is implementing the modern information 
        technology service, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives 
        and the Senate a report containing updated information 
        regarding the matters specified in subsection (c). Each such 
        updated report shall identify any changes to the cost, 
        schedule, or performance of the project to implement such 
        system.
          (2) Notification.--
                  (A) Requirement.--Not later than 60 days after the 
                date on which an action described in subparagraph (B) 
                occurs, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
                Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and 
                the Senate a notification of such action, including a 
                description of and explanation for such action.
                  (B) Action described.--An action described in this 
                subparagraph is, with respect to the project to 
                implement the modern information technology service, 
                any of the following:
                          (i) With respect to the acquisition, 
                        implementation, or life cycle cost of the 
                        project, or an increment therein, a change or 
                        variance that is 10 percent or greater compared 
                        to the amount identified the most recent report 
                        submitted under paragraph (1).
                          (ii) With respect to the schedule for 
                        achieving a significant milestone, initial 
                        operating capability, or final completion of 
                        the project, a change or variance that is 180 
                        days or greater compared to the schedule 
                        identified the most recent report submitted 
                        under paragraph (1).
                          (iii) With respect to the performance, an 
                        instance where a key business, functional, or 
                        performance objective is not attained, or is 
                        not anticipated to be attained, in whole or in 
                        part.
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal years 2022 
through 2024 a total of $250,000,000 to carry out this section.
  (f) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) The term ``legacy information technology system'' means 
        an information technology system used by the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs to process claims for educational assistance 
        under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, United States 
        Code, before the date on which the Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs awards a contract under subsection (a) for the modern 
        information technology service.
          (2) The term ``modern information technology service'' means 
        the information technology service implemented under subsection 
        (a) to process claims for educational assistance under chapters 
        30, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 6. TIME PERIOD FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' 
                    EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF 
                    VETERANS AFFAIRS.

  (a) In General.--Section 3512 of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
          (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (f); and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 
following persons may be afforded educational assistance under this 
chapter at any time after August 1, 2023, and without regard to the age 
of the person:
          ``(1) A person who first becomes an eligible person on or 
        after August 1, 2023.
          ``(2) A person who--
                  ``(A) first becomes an eligible person before August 
                1, 2023; and
                  ``(B) has not received any payment of educational 
                assistance under this chapter before such date.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``The educational'' and 
        inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g), the 
        educational'';
          (2) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``subsection 
                (g) or'' after ``provided in''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' 
                and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g), 
                notwithstanding''; and
          (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``No person'' and 
        inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (g), no person''.

SEC. 7. PILOT PROGRAM ON SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS.

  (a) Authority.--The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' 
Employment and Training shall carry out a pilot program under which a 
State may use a grant or contract under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 
38, United States Code, to carry out a short-term fellowship program.
  (b) Locations; Agreements.--The Secretary shall select at least 
three, but not more than five, States to carry out a short-term 
fellowship program pursuant to subsection (a). Each such State shall 
enter into an agreement with a non-profit organization to carry out 
such program.
  (c) Short-term Fellowship Program.--Each short-term fellowship 
program carried out by a State pursuant to subsection (a) shall--
          (1) consist of veterans participating as fellows with an 
        employer for a period not exceeding 20 weeks;
          (2) provide to such veterans a monthly stipend during such 
        period; and
          (3) provide to such veterans an opportunity to be employed on 
        a long-term basis with the employer following such period.
  (d) Amount of Stipend.--The amount of the stipend provided to a 
veteran pursuant to subsection (c)(2) for a month shall be the amount 
equal to the amount of the wages earned by the veteran during that 
month for participating in the fellowship
  (e) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than four years after the 
date on which the pilot program commences under this section, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees 
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
report on the pilot program.
  (f) Definition of State.--In this section, the term ``State'' has the 
meaning given such term in section 4101(6) of title 38, United States 
Code.
  (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to funds made 
available under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United States Code, 
there is authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to 
carry out the pilot program under this section $15,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 2167, as introduced, authorizes VA to extend the time 
limit for use of educational assistance benefits by reason of 
temporary or permanent school closure due to an emergency or 
other reason that prevents the individual's continuation of 
their chosen program of education. H.R. 2167, as amended, 
expands educational benefits in a number of ways, including 
expanding the extension of time limits for Montgomery GI Bill, 
the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, usage of the 
Chapter 35 benefit, expanding in-state tuition benefits to 
Chapter 35 recipients, improves to the education information 
technology systems at VA, and the creation of a pilot program 
at DOL VETS for a short term fellowship program.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limit on VA authority to 
extend the time for use of its educational assistance programs 
amid an emergency. Without the proposed changes in this 
legislation, in circumstances that close or suspend an 
institution's programs, veterans utilizing the educational 
assistance program would potentially be unfairly time penalized 
in regards to this benefit during the closure. This change 
authorizes VA to ``pause the clock'' as needed when an 
institution must close temporarily or permanently due to an 
emergency or when an individual is prevented from continuing 
their program for other reasons.

                                Hearings

    H.R. 2167, as introduced, was examined at a legislative 
hearing by the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on April 
14, 2021. The following witnesses testified at the hearing: The 
Honorable Ruben Gallego,U.S. House of Representatives, 7th 
Congressional District of Arizona; The Honorable Tracey Mann, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of 
Kansas; The Honorable Mikie Sherrill, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 11th Congressional District of New Jersey; The 
Honorable Nancy Mace, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st 
Congressional District of South Carolina; The Honorable Madison 
Cawthorn, U.S. House of Representatives, 11th Congressional 
District of North Carolina; The Honorable Mariannette Miller-
Meeks, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of Iowa The Honorable Brad Wenstrup, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Ohio; Ms. 
Kaitlynne Hetrick, Associate, Government Affairs, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Justin Hauschild, Legal 
Fellow, Student Veterans of America; Ms. Maureen Elias, 
Associate Legislative Director of Government Relations, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ms. Ashlynne Haycock, Deputy 
Director, Policy and Legislation, Tragedy Assistance Program 
for Survivors; Mr. Matthew Doyle, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Mike Freuh, 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. James Ruhlman, Deputy Director for Program Management, 
Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Michael W. Fisher, MSW, 
Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer Readjustment Counseling 
Service, 10RCS, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs.

                       Subcommittee Consideration

    H.R. 2167, as introduced, was considered before the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on April 14, 2021.

                        Committee Consideration

    On May 4, 2021, the full Committee met in an open session, 
a quorum being present, to consider H.R. 2167. The bill was 
agreed to by voice vote. The Committee ordered that H.R. 2167, 
as amended, be ordered favorably reported to the House of 
Representatives.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee to list the recorded 
votes on the motion to report the legislation and amendments 
thereto. Representative Moore offered an Amendment in the 
Nature of a Substitute to the bill. Representatives Mace and 
Cawthorn offered Amendments to the bill.
    Representatives Mace and Cawthorn's amendments were passed 
by a voice vote. Representative Moore's Amendment in the Nature 
of a Substitute was passed by a voice vote.
    A motion to favorably report H.R. 2167, as amended, to the 
House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Mike 
Bost of Illinois and adopted by a voice vote.

                     Section-by-Section Description

    Section 1 is the short title of the legislation.
    Section 2 of this legislation provides for the extension of 
the time limit of the Montgomery GI Bill by reason of school 
closures due to emergency and other situations.
    Section 3 of this legislation provides for the extension of 
the time limit of the Veteran Readiness and Employment program 
by reason of school closures due to emergency and other 
situations.
    Section 4 of this legislation provides in-state tuition at 
public institutions for recipients of Chapter 35 educational 
benefits.
    Section 5 of this legislation directs the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to modernize information technology services 
for education programs at the agency, and requires the 
modernizations to provide expedited claim processing, improved 
data exchange, and an improved customer experience for 
beneficiaries. This section also includes reporting 
requirements and definitions.
    Section 6 of this legislation extends the time period 
Chapter 35 educational benefits can be used.
    Section 7 of this legislation creates a limited pilot 
program at the Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service. This pilot has states, non-profits, and 
employers to partner and create a short-term fellowship program 
that provides participating veterans a stipend, and an 
opportunity for long-term employment with participating 
employers. This section authorizes the program at $15,000,000 
from fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

               Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    The Committee did not receive a formal score on the amended 
bill in time for filing.

                      Committee Oversight Findings

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 
(2)(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of 
this report.

                   Constitutional Authority Statement

    Pursuant to Article I, section 8 of the United States 
Constitution, H.R. 2167, as amended is authorized by Congress' 
power to ``provide for the common Defense and general Welfare 
of the United States.''

                           Earmark Statement

    H.R. 2167, as amended, does not contain any Congressional 
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as 
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates regarding H.R. 2167, as amended, prepared by the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 
423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R. 
2167, as amended.

                           Performance Goals

    In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance 
goals and objectives are to improve the ability of veterans and 
beneficiaries to utilize education and employment programs.

        Supplemental, Additional, Dissenting, and Minority Views

    There are no supplemental, additional, dissenting, and 
minority views.

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that H.R. 2167, as amended, does not 
relate to the terms and condition of employment or access to 
public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

              Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision 
of H.R. 2167, as amended establishes or reauthorizes a program 
of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another 
Federal program, a program that was included in any report from 
the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to 
section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a 
program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                      TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
PART III--READJUSTMENT AND RELATED BENEFITS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 30--ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



SUBCHAPTER IV--TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT; 
                 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS


Sec. 3031. Time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement

  (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) through (g) and 
subsection (i), and subject to subsection (h), of this section, 
the period during which an individual entitled to educational 
assistance under this chapter may use such individual's 
entitlement expires at the end of the 10-year period beginning 
on the date of such individual's last discharge or release from 
active duty, except that such 10-year period shall begin--
          (1) in the case of an individual who becomes entitled 
        to such assistance under clause (A) or (B) of section 
        3012(a)(1) of this title, on the later of the date of 
        such individual's last discharge or release from active 
        duty or the date on which the four-year requirement 
        described in clause (A)(ii) or (B)(ii), respectively, 
        of such section 3012(a)(1) is met;
          (2) in the case of an individual who becomes entitled 
        to such assistance under section 3011(a)(1)(B), on the 
        later of the date of such individual's last discharge 
        or release from active duty or January 1, 1990; and
          (3) in the case of an individual who becomes entitled 
        to such assistance under section 3011(a)(1)(C) or 
        3012(a)(1)(C) of this title, on December 27, 2001.
  (b) In the case of any eligible individual who has been 
prevented, as determined by the Secretary, from pursuing a 
program of education under this chapter within the 10-year 
period prescribed by subsection (a) of this section because 
such individual had not met the nature of discharge requirement 
of this chapter before the nature of such individual's 
discharge or release was changed by appropriate authority, such 
10-year period shall not run during the period of time that 
such individual was so prevented from pursuing such program of 
education.
  (c) In the case of an individual eligible for educational 
assistance under the provisions of this chapter who, after such 
individual's last discharge or release from active duty, was 
detained by a foreign government or power, the 10-year period 
described in subsection (a) of this section shall not run (1) 
while such individual is so detained, or (2) during any period 
immediately following such individual's release from such 
detention during which such individual is hospitalized at a 
military, civilian, or Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
facility.
  (d)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing 
the individual's chosen program of education before the 
expiration of the 10-year period for the use of entitlement 
under this chapter otherwise applicable under this section 
because of a physical or mental disability which is not the 
result of the individual's own willful misconduct, such 10-year 
period--
          (A) shall not run during the period the individual is 
        so prevented from pursuing such program; and
          (B) shall again begin running on the first day after 
        the individual's recovery from such disability on which 
        it is reasonably feasible, as determined under 
        regulations prescribed by the Secretary, for the 
        individual to initiate or resume pursuit of a program 
        of education with educational assistance under this 
        chapter.
  (2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), in the case of an 
individual eligible for educational assistance under this 
chapter who is prevented from pursuing the individual's chosen 
program of education before the expiration of the 10-year 
period for the use of entitlement under this chapter otherwise 
applicable under this section by reason of acting as the 
primary provider of personal care services for a veteran or 
member of the Armed Forces under section 1720G(a) of this 
title, such 10-year period--
          (i) shall not run during the period the individual is 
        so prevented from pursuing such program; and
          (ii) shall again begin running on the first day after 
        the date of the recovery of the veteran or member from 
        the injury, or the date on which the individual ceases 
        to be the primary provider of personal care services 
        for the veteran or member, whichever is earlier, on 
        which it is reasonably feasible, as so determined, for 
        the individual to initiate or resume pursuit of a 
        program of education with educational assistance under 
        this chapter.
  (B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to the 
period of an individual as a primary provider of personal care 
services if the period concludes with the revocation of the 
individual's designation as such a primary provider under 
section 1720G(a)(7)(D) of this title.
  (e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this 
subsection, in the case of an individual described in section 
3011(a)(1)(B), 3011(a)(1)(C), 3012(a)(1)(B), or 3012(a)(1)(C) 
of this title who is entitled to basic educational assistance 
under this chapter, the 10-year period prescribed in subsection 
(a) of this section shall be reduced by an amount of time equal 
to the amount of time that such individual was not serving on 
active duty during the period beginning on January 1, 1977, and 
ending on June 30, 1985.
  (2) In the case of an individual to which paragraph (1) of 
this subsection is applicable and who is described in section 
3452(a)(1)(B) of this title, the 10-year period prescribed in 
subsection (a) of this section shall not be reduced by any 
period in 1977 before the individual began serving on active 
duty.
  (f)(1) If an individual eligible for educational assistance 
under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an 
educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or 
semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement 
under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire during a 
quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end 
of such quarter or semester.
  (2) If an individual eligible for educational assistance 
under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an 
educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter 
or semester system and the period of such individual's 
entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, 
expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such 
period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 
weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.
  (g) In the case of an individual described in section 
3011(f)(3) of this title, the period during which that 
individual may use the individual's entitlement to educational 
assistance allowance expires on the last day of the 10-year 
period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Veterans 
Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act if that date is later 
than the date that would otherwise be applicable to that 
individual under this section.
  (h) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, an 
individual's last discharge or release from active duty shall 
not include any discharge or release from a period of active 
duty of less than 90 days of continuous service unless the 
individual involved is discharged or released for a service-
connected disability, for a medical condition which preexisted 
such service and which the Secretary determines is not service 
connected, for hardship, or as a result of a reduction in force 
as described in section 3011(a)(1)(A)(ii)(III) of this title.
  (i)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing 
the individual's chosen program of education before the 
expiration of the 10-year period for the use of entitlement 
under this chapter otherwise applicable under this section 
because of a covered reason, as determined by the Secretary, 
such 10-year period--
          (A) shall not run during the period the individual is 
        so prevented from pursuing such program; and
          (B) shall again begin running on a date determined by 
        the Secretary that is--
                  (i) not earlier than the first day after the 
                individual is able to resume pursuit of a 
                program of education with educational 
                assistance under this chapter; and
                  (ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
  (2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
          (A) the temporary or permanent closure of an 
        educational institution by reason of an emergency 
        situation; or
          (B) another reason that prevents the individual from 
        pursuing the individual's chosen program of education, 
        as determined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


   CHAPTER 31--TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-
CONNECTED DISABILITIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3103. Periods of eligibility

  (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), [or 
(g)] (g), or (h) of this section, a rehabilitation program may 
not be afforded to a veteran under this chapter after the end 
of the twelve-year period beginning on the date of such 
veteran's discharge or release from active military, naval, air 
or space service.
  (b)(1) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a 
veteran has been prevented from participating in a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter within the period of 
eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) of this section 
because a medical condition of such veteran made it infeasible 
for such veteran to participate in such a program, the twelve-
year period of eligibility shall not run during the period of 
time that such veteran was so prevented from participating in 
such a program, and such period of eligibility shall again 
begin to run on the first day following such veteran's recovery 
from such condition on which it is reasonably feasible, as 
determined under regulations which the Secretary shall 
prescribe, for such veteran to participate in such a program.
  (2) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a 
veteran has been prevented from participating in a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter within the period of 
eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) of this section 
because--
          (A) such veteran had not met the requirement of a 
        discharge or release from active military, naval, air 
        or space service under conditions other than 
        dishonorable before (i) the nature of such discharge or 
        release was changed by appropriate authority, or (ii) 
        the Secretary determined, under regulations prescribed 
        by the Secretary, that such discharge or release was 
        under conditions other than dishonorable, or
          (B) such veteran's discharge or dismissal was, under 
        section 5303 of this title, a bar to benefits under 
        this title before the Secretary made a determination 
        that such discharge or dismissal is not a bar to such 
        benefits,
the twelve-year period of eligibility shall not run during the 
period of time that such veteran was so prevented from 
participating in such a program.
  (3) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a 
veteran has been prevented from participating in a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter within the period of 
eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) of this section 
because such veteran had not established the existence of a 
service-connected disability rated at 10 percent or more, the 
twelve-year period of eligibility shall not run during the 
period such veteran was so prevented from participating in such 
a program.
  (c) In any case in which the Secretary determines that a 
veteran is in need of services to overcome a serious employment 
handicap, such veteran may be afforded a vocational 
rehabilitation program after the expiration of the period of 
eligibility otherwise applicable to such veteran if the 
Secretary also determines, on the basis of such veteran's 
current employment handicap and need for such services, that an 
extension of the applicable period of eligibility is necessary 
for such veteran and--
          (1) that such veteran had not previously been 
        rehabilitated to the point of employability;
          (2) that such veteran had previously been 
        rehabilitated to the point of employability but (A) the 
        need for such services had arisen out of a worsening of 
        such veteran's service-connected disability that 
        precludes such veteran from performing the duties of 
        the occupation for which such veteran was previously 
        trained in a vocational rehabilitation program under 
        this chapter, or (B) the occupation for which such 
        veteran had been so trained is not suitable in view of 
        such veteran's current employment handicap and 
        capabilities; or
          (3) under regulations which the Secretary shall 
        prescribe, that an extension of the period of 
        eligibility of such veteran is necessary to accomplish 
        the purposes of a rehabilitation program for such 
        veteran.
  (d) In any case in which the Secretary has determined that a 
veteran's disability or disabilities are so severe that the 
achievement of a vocational goal currently is not reasonably 
feasible, such veteran may be afforded a program of independent 
living services and assistance in accordance with the 
provisions of section 3120 of this title after the expiration 
of the period of eligibility otherwise applicable to such 
veteran if the Secretary also determines that an extension of 
the period of eligibility of such veteran is necessary for such 
veteran to achieve maximum independence in daily living.
  (e)(1) The limitation in subsection (a) shall not apply to a 
rehabilitation program described in paragraph (2).
  (2) A rehabilitation program described in this paragraph is a 
rehabilitation program pursued by a veteran under section 
3102(b) of this title.
  (f) In any case in which the Secretary has determined that a 
veteran was prevented from participating in a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter within the period of 
eligibility otherwise prescribed in this section as a result of 
being ordered to serve on active duty under section 688, 
12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, 12304a, or 12304b 
of title 10, such period of eligibility shall not run for the 
period of such active duty service plus four months.
  (g) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a veteran who was 
discharged or released from active military, naval, or air 
service on or after January 1, 2013.
  (h)(1) In the case of a veteran who is eligible for a 
vocational rehabilitation program under this chapter and who is 
prevented from participating in the vocational rehabilitation 
program within the period of eligibility prescribed in 
subsection (a) because of a covered reason, as determined by 
the Secretary, such period of eligibility--
          (A) shall not run during the period the veteran is so 
        prevented from participating in such program; and
          (B) shall again begin running on a date determined by 
        the Secretary that is--
                  (i) not earlier than the first day after the 
                veteran is able to resume participation in a 
                vocational rehabilitation program under this 
                chapter; and
                  (ii) not later than 90 days after that day.
  (2) In this subsection, a covered reason is--
          (A) the temporary or permanent closure of an 
        educational institution by reason of an emergency 
        situation; or
          (B) another reason that prevents the veteran from 
        participating in the vocational rehabilitation program, 
        as determined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 33--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Sec. 3321. Time limitation for use of and eligibility for entitlement

  (a) In General.--Except as provided in this section, the 
period during which an individual entitled to educational 
assistance under this chapter may use such individual's 
entitlement--
          (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) Exceptions.--
          (1) Applicability of section 3031 to running of 
        period.--(A) Subsections (b), (c), [and (d)] (d), and 
        (i) of section 3031 shall apply with respect to the 
        running of the 15-year period described in subsection 
        (a) of this section in the same manner as such 
        subsections apply under section 3031 with respect to 
        the running of the 10-year period described in section 
        3031(a).
          (B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 of this title 
        shall apply with respect to the running of the 15-year 
        period described in paragraphs (4)(A) and (5)(A) of 
        this subsection in the same manner as such subsection 
        applies under section 3031 with respect to the running 
        of the 10-year period described in section 3031(a).
          (2) Applicability of section 3031 to termination.--
        Section 3031(f) shall apply with respect to the 
        termination of an individual's entitlement to 
        educational assistance under this chapter in the same 
        manner as such section applies to the termination of an 
        individual's entitlement to educational assistance 
        under chapter 30, except that, in the administration of 
        such section for purposes of this chapter, the 
        reference to section 3013 shall be deemed to be a 
        reference to section 3312 of this title.
          (3) Determination of last discharge or release.--For 
        purposes of subsection (a), an individual's last 
        discharge or release from active duty shall not include 
        any discharge or release from a period of active duty 
        of less than 90 days of continuous service, unless the 
        individual is discharged or released as described in 
        section 3311(b)(2).
          (4) Applicability to children of deceased members.--
        The period during which a child entitled to educational 
        assistance by reason of section 3311(b)(8) of this 
        title may use such child's entitlement--
                  (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.
          (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.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 35--SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER II--ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3512. Periods of eligibility

  (a) [The educational] Except as provided in subsection (g), 
the educational assistance to which an eligible person whose 
eligibility is based on the death or disability of a parent or 
on a parent being listed in one of the categories referred to 
in section 3501(a)(1)(C) of this title is entitled under 
section 3511 of this title or subchapter V of this chapter may 
be afforded the person during the period beginning on the 
person's eighteenth birthday, or on the successful completion 
of the person's secondary schooling, whichever first occurs, 
and ending on the person's twenty-sixth birthday, except that--
          (1) if the person is above the age of compulsory 
        school attendance under applicable State law, and the 
        Secretary determines that the person's best interests 
        will be served thereby, such period may begin before 
        the person's eighteenth birthday;
          (2) if the person has a mental or physical handicap, 
        and the Secretary determines that the person's best 
        interests will be served by pursuing a program of 
        special restorative training or a specialized course of 
        vocational training approved under section 3536 of this 
        title, such period may begin before the person's 
        eighteenth birthday, but not before the person's 
        fourteenth birthday;
          (3) if the Secretary first finds that the parent from 
        whom eligibility is derived has a service-connected 
        total disability permanent in nature, or if the death 
        of the parent from whom eligibility is derived occurs, 
        after the eligible person's eighteenth birthday but 
        before the person's twenty-sixth birthday, then (unless 
        paragraph (4) or (5) applies) such period shall end 8 
        years after the date that is elected by that person to 
        be the beginning date of entitlement under section 3511 
        of this title or subchapter V of this chapter if--
                  (A) the Secretary approves that beginning 
                date;
                  (B) the eligible person elects that beginning 
                date by not later than the end of the 60-day 
                period beginning on the date on which the 
                Secretary provides written notice to that 
                person of that person's opportunity to make 
                such election, such notice including a 
                statement of the deadline for the election 
                imposed under this subparagraph; and
                  (C) that beginning date--
                          (i) in the case of a person whose 
                        eligibility is based on a parent who 
                        has a service-connected total 
                        disability permanent in nature, is the 
                        date determined pursuant to subsection 
                        (d), or any date between the two dates 
                        described in subsection (d); and
                          (ii) in the case of a person whose 
                        eligibility is based on the death of a 
                        parent, is between--
                                  (I) the date of the parent's 
                                death; and
                                  (II) the date of the 
                                Secretary's decision that the 
                                death was service-connected;
          (4) if the person otherwise eligible under paragraph 
        (3) fails to elect a beginning date of entitlement in 
        accordance with that paragraph, the beginning date of 
        the person's entitlement shall be the date of the 
        Secretary's decision that the parent has a service-
        connected total disability permanent in nature, or that 
        the parent's death was service-connected, whichever is 
        applicable;
          (5) if the person serves on duty with the Armed 
        Forces as an eligible person after the person's 
        eighteenth birthday but before the person's twenty-
        sixth birthday, then such period shall end 8 years 
        after the person's first discharge or release from such 
        duty with the Armed Forces (excluding from such 8 years 
        all periods during which the eligible person served on 
        active duty before August 1, 1962, pursuant to (A) a 
        call or order thereto issued to the person as a Reserve 
        after July 30, 1961, or (B) an extension of enlistment, 
        appointment, or period of duty with the Armed Forces 
        pursuant to section 2 of Public Law 87-117); however, 
        in no event shall such period be extended beyond the 
        person's thirty-first birthday by reason of this 
        paragraph;
          (6) if the person becomes eligible by reason of a 
        parent being listed in one of the categories referred 
        to in section 3501(a)(1)(C) of this title after the 
        person's eighteenth birthday but before the person's 
        twenty-sixth birthday, then (unless paragraph (5) 
        applies) such period shall end eight years after the 
        date on which the person becomes eligible by reason of 
        such provisions, but in no event shall such period be 
        extended beyond the person's thirty-first birthday by 
        reason of this paragraph;
          (7)(A) if such person is enrolled in an educational 
        institution regularly operated on the quarter or 
        semester system and such period ends during a quarter 
        or semester, such period shall be extended to the end 
        of the quarter or semester; or
          (B) if such person is enrolled in an educational 
        institution operated on other than a quarter or 
        semester system and such period ends after a major 
        portion of the course is completed, such period shall 
        be extended to the end of the course, or until 12 weeks 
        have expired, whichever first occurs; and
          (8) if the person is pursuing a preparatory course 
        described in section 3002(3)(B) of this title, such 
        period may begin on the date that is the first day of 
        such course pursuit, notwithstanding that such date may 
        be before the person's eighteenth birthday, except that 
        in no case may such person be afforded educational 
        assistance under this chapter for pursuit of secondary 
        schooling unless such course pursuit would otherwise be 
        authorized under this subsection.
  (b)(1)(A) Except as provided in subsection (g) or 
subparagraph (B), (C), or (D), a person made eligible by 
subparagraph (B) or (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title or 
a person made eligible by the disability of a spouse under 
section 3501(a)(1)(E) of this title may be afforded educational 
assistance under this chapter during the 10-year period 
beginning on the date (as determined by the Secretary) the 
person becomes an eligible person within the meaning of section 
3501(a)(1)(B), 3501(a)(1)(D)(i), 3501(a)(1)(D)(ii), or 
3501(a)(1)(E) of this title. In the case of a surviving spouse 
made eligible by clause (ii) of section 3501(a)(1)(D) of this 
title, the 10-year period may not be reduced by any earlier 
period during which the person was eligible for educational 
assistance under this chapter as a spouse made eligible by 
clause (i) of that section.
  (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an eligible person 
referred to in that subparagraph may, subject to the 
Secretary's approval, elect a later beginning date for the 10-
year period than would otherwise be applicable to the person 
under that subparagraph. The beginning date so elected may be 
any date between the beginning date determined for the person 
under subparagraph (A) and whichever of the following dates 
applies:
          (i) The date on which the Secretary notifies the 
        veteran from whom eligibility is derived that the 
        veteran has a service-connected total disability 
        permanent in nature.
          (ii) The date on which the Secretary determines that 
        the veteran from whom eligibility is derived died of a 
        service-connected disability.
          (iii) The date on which the Secretary notifies the 
        member of the Armed Forces from whom eligibility is 
        derived that the member has a total disability 
        permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line 
        of duty in the active military, naval, air or space 
        service.
  (C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an eligible person 
referred to in that subparagraph who is made eligible under 
section 3501(a)(1)(B) of this title by reason of the death of a 
person on active duty may be afforded educational assistance 
under this chapter during the 20-year period beginning on the 
date (as determined by the Secretary) such person becomes an 
eligible person within the meaning of such section.
  (D) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an eligible person 
referred to in that subparagraph who is made eligible under 
section 3501(a)(1)(D)(i) of this title by reason of a service-
connected disability that was determined to be a total 
disability permanent in nature not later than three years after 
discharge from service may be afforded educational assistance 
under this chapter during the 20-year period beginning on the 
date the disability was so determined to be a total disability 
permanent in nature, but only if the eligible person remains 
the spouse of the disabled person throughout the period.
  (2) [Notwithstanding] Except as provided in subsection (g), 
notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this 
subsection, in the case of any eligible person (as defined in 
section 3501(a)(1)(B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) whose 
eligibility is based on the death or disability of a spouse or 
on a spouse being listed in one of the categories referred to 
in section 3501(a)(1)(C) of this title who was prevented from 
initiating or completing such person's chosen program of 
education within such period because of a physical or mental 
disability which was not the result of such person's own 
willful misconduct, such person shall, upon application made 
within one year after (A) the last date of the delimiting 
period otherwise applicable under this section, (B) the 
termination of the period of mental or physical disability, or 
(C) October 1, 1980, whichever is the latest, be granted an 
extension of the applicable delimiting period for such length 
of time as the Secretary determines, from the evidence, that 
such person was so prevented from initiating or completing such 
program of education. When an extension of the applicable 
delimiting period is granted under the exception in the 
preceding sentence, the delimiting period will again begin 
running on the first day following such eligible person's 
recovery from such disability on which it is reasonably 
feasible, as determined in accordance with regulations which 
the Secretary shall prescribe, for such eligible person to 
initiate or resume pursuit of a program of education with 
educational assistance under this chapter.
  (c)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) and subject to 
paragraph (2), an eligible person may be afforded educational 
assistance beyond the age limitation applicable to the person 
under such subsection if--
          (A) the person suspends pursuit of such person's 
        program of education after having enrolled in such 
        program within the time period applicable to such 
        person under such subsection;
          (B) the person is unable to complete such program 
        after the period of suspension and before attaining the 
        age limitation applicable to the person under such 
        subsection; and
          (C) the Secretary finds that the suspension was due 
        to either of the following:
                  (i) The actions of the person as the primary 
                provider of personal care services for a 
                veteran or member of the Armed Forces under 
                section 1720G(a) of this title.
                  (ii) Conditions otherwise beyond the control 
                of the person.
  (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to the period 
of an individual as a primary provider of personal care 
services if the period concludes with the revocation of the 
individual's designation as such a primary provider under 
section 1720G(a)(7)(D) of this title.
  (3) Educational assistance may not be afforded a person under 
paragraph (1) after the earlier of--
          (A) the age limitation applicable to the person under 
        subsection (a), plus a period of time equal to the 
        period the person was required to suspend pursuit of 
        the person's program of education as described in 
        paragraph (1); or
          (B) the date of the person's thirty-first birthday.
  (d) The term ``first finds'' as used in this section means 
the effective date of the rating or date of notification to the 
person from whom eligibility is derived establishing a service-
connected total disability permanent in nature whichever is 
more advantageous to the eligible person.
  (e) [No person] Except as provided in subsection (g), no 
person made eligible by section 3501(a)(1)(C) of this title 
based on a spouse being listed in one of the categories 
referred to in section 3501(a)(1)(C) of this title may be 
afforded educational assistance under this chapter beyond 10 
years after the date on which the spouse was so listed.
  [(h)] (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
section, if an eligible person, during the delimiting period 
otherwise applicable to such person under this section, serves 
on active duty pursuant to an order to active duty issued under 
section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of 
title 10, or is involuntarily ordered to full-time National 
Guard duty under section 502(f) of title 32, such person shall 
be granted an extension of such delimiting period for the 
length of time equal to the period of such active duty plus 
four months.
  (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 
following persons may be afforded educational assistance under 
this chapter at any time after August 1, 2023, and without 
regard to the age of the person:
          (1) A person who first becomes an eligible person on 
        or after August 1, 2023.
          (2) A person who--
                  (A) first becomes an eligible person before 
                August 1, 2023; and
                  (B) has not received any payment of 
                educational assistance under this chapter 
                before such date.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 36--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER I--STATE APPROVING AGENCIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3679. Disapproval of courses

  (a)(1) Except as provided by paragraph (2), any course 
approved for the purposes of this chapter which fails to meet 
any of the requirements of this chapter shall be immediately 
disapproved by the Secretary or the appropriate State approving 
agency. An educational institution which has its courses 
disapproved by the Secretary or a State approving agency will 
be notified of such disapproval by a certified or registered 
letter of notification and a return receipt secured.
  (2) In the case of a course of education that would be 
subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) solely for the 
reason that the Secretary of Education withdraws the 
recognition of the accrediting agency that accredited the 
course, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Education, and notwithstanding the withdrawal, 
may continue to treat the course as an approved course of 
education under this chapter for a period not to exceed 18 
months from the date of the withdrawal of recognition of the 
accrediting agency, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or 
the appropriate State approving agency determines that there is 
evidence to support the disapproval of the course under this 
chapter. The Secretary shall provide to any veteran enrolled in 
such a course of education notice of the status of the course 
of education.
  (b) Each State approving agency shall notify the Secretary of 
each course which it has disapproved under this section. The 
Secretary shall notify the State approving agency of the 
Secretary's disapproval of any educational institution under 
chapter 31 of this title.
  (c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter 
and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary shall 
disapprove a course of education provided by a public 
institution of higher learning if the institution charges 
tuition and fees for that course for covered individuals who 
are pursuing the course with educational assistance under 
chapter 30, 31, [or 33] 33, or 35 of this title while living in 
the State in which the institution is located at a rate that is 
higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and 
fees for that course for residents of the State in which the 
institution is located, regardless of the covered individual's 
State of residence.
  (2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is 
any individual as follows:
          (A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a 
        period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the 
        active military, naval, air or space service less than 
        three years before the date of enrollment in the course 
        concerned.
          (B) An individual who is entitled to assistance 
        under--
                  (i) section 3311(b)(8) of this title; or
                  (ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of 
                the individual's relationship to--
                          (I) a veteran described in 
                        subparagraph (A); or
                          (II) a member of the uniformed 
                        services described in section 3319(b) 
                        of this title who is serving on active 
                        duty.
          (C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation 
        under section 3102(a) of this title.
          (D) An individual who is entitled to assistance under 
        section 3510 of this title.
  (3) If after enrollment in a course of education that is 
subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) by reason of 
paragraph (2)(A), (2)(B), or (2)(C) a covered individual 
pursues one or more courses of education at the same public 
institution of higher learning while remaining continuously 
enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between 
courses, semesters or terms) at that institution of higher 
learning, any course so pursued by the covered individual at 
that institution of higher learning while so continuously 
enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph 
(1).
  (4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of 
education under paragraph (1) if a public institution of higher 
learning requires a covered individual pursuing a course of 
education at the institution to demonstrate an intent, by means 
other than satisfying a physical presence requirement, to 
establish residency in the State in which the institution is 
located, or to satisfy other requirements not relating to the 
establishment of residency, in order to be charged tuition and 
fees for that course at a rate that is equal to or less than 
the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that 
course for residents of the State.
  (5) The Secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph 
(1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
  (6) Disapproval under paragraph (1) shall apply only with 
respect to educational assistance under chapters 30, 31, [and 
33] 33, and 35 of this title.
  (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the 
Secretary or the applicable State approving agency shall 
disapprove a course of education described in paragraph (14) or 
(15) of section 3676(c) of this title unless the educational 
institution providing the course of education--
          (1) publicly discloses any conditions or additional 
        requirements, including training, experience, or 
        examinations, required to obtain the license, 
        certification, or approval for which the course of 
        education is designed to provide preparation; and
          (2) makes each disclosure required by paragraph (1) 
        in a manner that the Secretary considers prominent (as 
        specified by the Secretary in regulations prescribed 
        for purposes of this subsection).
  (e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, 
beginning on August 1, 2019, a State approving agency, or the 
Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving 
agency, shall disapprove a course of education provided by an 
educational institution that has in effect a policy that is 
inconsistent with any of the following:
          (A) A policy that permits any covered individual to 
        attend or participate in the course of education during 
        the period beginning on the date on which the 
        individual provides to the educational institution a 
        certificate of eligibility for entitlement to 
        educational assistance under chapter 31 [or 33], 33, or 
        35 of this title and ending on the earlier of the 
        following dates:
                  (i) The date on which the Secretary provides 
                payment for such course of education to such 
                institution.
                  (ii) The date that is 90 days after the date 
                on which the educational institution certifies 
                for tuition and fees following receipt from the 
                student such certificate of eligibility.
          (B) A policy that ensures that the educational 
        institution will not impose any penalty, including the 
        assessment of late fees, the denial of access to 
        classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, 
        or the requirement that a covered individual borrow 
        additional funds, on any covered individual because of 
        the individual's inability to meet his or her financial 
        obligations to the institution due to the delayed 
        disbursement of a payment to be provided by the 
        Secretary under chapter 31 [or 33] 33, or 35 of this 
        title.
  (2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is 
any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under 
chapter 31 [or 33] 33, or 35 of this title.
  (3) The Secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph 
(1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.
  (4) It shall not be inconsistent with a policy described in 
paragraph (1) for an educational institution to require a 
covered individual to take the following additional actions:
          (A) Submit a certificate of eligibility for 
        entitlement to educational assistance not later than 
        the first day of a course of education for which the 
        individual has indicated the individual wishes to use 
        the individual's entitlement to educational assistance.
          (B) Submit a written request to use such entitlement.
          (C) Provide additional information necessary to the 
        proper certification of enrollment by the educational 
        institution.

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