,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cbah ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #be1 #bjag,received ,,an ,,act ,to amend title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,harry ,w4 ,colmery ,veterans ,educational ,assistance ,act of #bjag4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,title ,i--,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program ,sec4 #aja4 ,consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care from ,secretary of ,defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,educational assistance under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program for members of the ,armed ,forces awarded the ,purple ,heart4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,inclusion of ,fry ,scholarship recipients and ,purple ,heart recipients in ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,inclusion of certain members of the ,armed ,forces serving on active duty in ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,eligibility for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance for certain members of reserve components of ,armed ,forces who lost entitlement to educational assistance under ,reserve ,educational ,assistance ,program4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,calculation of monthly housing stipend under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program based on location of campus where classes are attended4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and national tests under ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,additional authorized transfer of unused ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance benefits to dependents upon death of originally designated dependent4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,edith ,nourse ,rogers ,,stem ,scholarship4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,honoring the national service of members of the ,armed ,forces by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces receiving ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,annual reports to ,congress on information on student progress submitted by educational institutions4 ,sec4 #aae4 ,improvement of information technology of the veterans benefits administration of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #aaf4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs high technology pilot program4 ,title ,,ii--,other educational assistance programs ,sec4 #bja4 ,work-study allowance4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,duration of educational assistance under ,survivors' and ,dependents' ,educational ,assistance ,program4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,olin ,e4 ,teague increase in amounts of educational assistance payable under ,survivors' and ,dependents' ,educational ,assistance ,program4 ,title ,,iii--,administration of educational assistance programs ,sec4 #cja4 ,state approving agency funding4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,authorization for use of ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance to pursue independent study programs at certain educational institutions that are not institutions of higher learning4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans in certain courses of education4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,training for school certifying officials4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,extension of authority for ,advisory ,committee on ,education4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs provision of on-campus educational and vocational counseling for veterans4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to educational assistance4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,treatment1 for purposes of educational assistance administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 of educational courses that begin seven or fewer days after the first day of an academic term4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,inclusion of risk-based reviews in ,state approving agency oversight activities4 ,sec4 #caa4 ,comptroller ,general study of ,state approving agency performance4 ,title ,,iv--,reserve ,component ,benefits ,sec4 #dja4 ,eligibility of reserve component members for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities4 ,title ,v--,other ,matters ,sec4 #eja4 ,repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for housing to benefits under laws administered by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability compensation for veterans who allege full-body exposure to nitrogen mustard gas1 sulfur mustard gas1 or ,lewisite during ,world ,war ,,ii4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 whenever in this ,act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to1 or repeal of1 a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,i ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program #aja4 ,consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care from ,secretary of ,defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccja7a77;,b7 is amended by inserting #abcja7;h71 after #abcja7;g714 7b7 ,retroactive application ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to service in the ,armed ,forces occurring on or after ,september #aa1 #bjja4 7c7 ,application with respect to use of entitlement ,an individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment made by subsection 7a7 may use such entitlement to pursue a course of education beginning on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #ajb4 ,educational assistance under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program for members of the ,armed ,forces awarded the ,purple ,heart 7a7 ,eligibility ,section #ccaa7;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#aj7 ,an individual who is awarded the ,purple ,heart for service in the ,armed ,forces occurring on or after ,september #aa1 #bjja1 and continues to serve on active duty in the ,armed ,forces or is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection 7c74 4 7b7 ,amount of assistance ,section #ccac7;c77#a7 is amended by striking or 7#i7 and inserting 7#i71 or 7#aj74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah4 #ajc4 ,inclusion of ,fry ,scholarship recipients and ,purple ,heart recipients in ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccag7;a7 is amended1 in the second sentence1 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#i71 and 7#aj74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah4 #ajd4 ,inclusion of certain members of the ,armed ,forces serving on active duty in ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccag7;a7 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking section #ccac7;c77#a77;,a7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a77;,a7 or 7e77#b77;,a7 of section #ccac of this title4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjbb4 #aje4 ,consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,entitlement ,section #ccaa7;b71 as amended by section #ajb1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#f77;,a71 by striking #ab months and inserting #f months2 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#g72 and 7#c7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#h71 7#i71 and 7#aj7 as paragraphs 7#g71 7#h71 and 7#i71 respectively4 7b7 ,amount of educational assistance ,section #ccac7;c7 is amended by striking paragraph 7#g74 7c7 ,conforming amendments ,chapter #cc is further amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in section #ccaa7;f71 by striking paragraph 7#i7 each place it appears and inserting paragraph 7#h74 7#b7 ,in section #ccac1 as amended by section #ajb-- 7,a7 in subsection 7c77#a71 by striking 7#i71 or 7#aj7 and inserting 7#h71 or 7#i72 7,b7 in subsection 7d71 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 each place it appears and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7,c7 in subsection 7e77#b77;,c7-- 7i7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#h7 and inserting paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g72 and 7ii7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7,d7 in subsection 7f77#b77;,a77ii71 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7,e7 in subsection 7g77#c7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a77iv7-- 7,i7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#h7 and inserting paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g72 and 7,,ii7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b77iii7-- 7,i7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#h7 and inserting paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g72 and 7,,ii7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,c77ii7-- 7,i7 in subclause 7,i71 by striking 7#i7 and inserting 7#h72 and 7,,ii7 in subclause 7,,ii7-- 7aa7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#h7 and inserting paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g72 and 7bb7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 and 7iv7 in subparagraph 7,d77ii7-- 7,i7 in subclause 7,i71 by striking 7#i7 and inserting 7#h72 and 7,,ii7 in subclause 7,,ii7-- 7aa7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#h7 and inserting paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g72 and 7bb7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 and 7,f7 in subsection 7h71 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 7#c7 ,in section #ccaf-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a77#a71 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#a71 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#f74 7#d7 ,in section #ccag7;a71 in the second sentence1 as amended by section #ajc1 by striking paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#i71 and 7#aj7 and inserting paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#h71 and 7#i74 7#e7 ,in section #ccba7;b77#d71 as amended by section #aab1 by striking section #ccaa7;b77#i7 and inserting section #ccaa7;b77#h74 7#f7 ,in section #ccbb-- 7,a7 in subsection 7e71 by striking #ccaa7;b77#i7 and inserting #ccaa7;b77#h72 7,b7 in subsection 7f71 by striking #ccaa7;b77#i7 and inserting #ccaa7;b77#h72 and 7,c7 in subsection 7h77#b71 by striking #ccaa7;b77#i7 and inserting #ccaa7;b77#h74 7#g7 ,in section #cfgi7;c77#b77;,b71 by striking #ccaa7;b77#i7 and inserting #ccaa7;b77#h74 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjbj4 #ajf4 ,eligibility for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance for certain members of reserve components of ,armed ,forces who lost entitlement to educational assistance under ,reserve ,educational ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,election ,section #afafg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,eligibility for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,a member who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursuant to subsection 7b7 shall be allowed to elect 7in such form and manner as the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may prescribe7 to have such service previously credited toward this chapter credited towards establishing eligibility for educational assistance under chapter #cc of title #ch1 notwithstanding the provisions of section #afafc7;e7 of this title or section #ccbb7;h77#a7 of title #ch4 4 7b7 ,qualification of service ,section #ccja7a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be construed to include1 in the case of a member of a reserve component of the ,armed ,forces who1 before ,november #be1 #bjae1 established eligibility for educational assistance under chapter #afjg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 pursuant to section #afafc7;a77#a7 of such title1 but lost eligibility for such educational assistance pursuant to section #afafg7;b7 of such title1 service on active duty 7as defined in section #aja of such title7 that satisfies the requirements of section #afafc7;a77#a7 of such title4 7c7 ,entitlement ,section #ccaa7;b77#f7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be construed to include an individual who1 before ,november #be1 #bjae1 established eligibility for educational assistance under chapter #afjg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 pursuant to section #afafc7;b7 of such title1 but lost such eligibility pursuant to section #afafg7;b7 of such title4 7d7 ,duration ,notwithstanding section #ccab of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 an individual who establishes eligibility for educational assistance under chapter #cc of such title by crediting towards such chapter service previously credited towards chapter #afjg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is only entitled to a number of months of educational assistance under section #ccac of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under chapter #afjg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 at the time of conversion to chapter #cc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #ajg4 ,calculation of monthly housing stipend under ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program based on location of campus where classes are attended 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccac7;c77#a77;,b77i77,i7 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 classes4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of education on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #ajh4 ,charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and national tests under ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,licensure and certification tests ,subsection 7c7 of section #ccae is amended-- 7#a7 by striking shall be determined at the rate of one month 7rounded to the nearest whole month7 and inserting shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test relative to the rate for #a month2 and 7#b7 by striking for each amount paid that equals and inserting payable4 7b7 ,national tests ,section #ccae;,a is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,a national test that evaluates prior learning and knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an institution of higher learning as so described4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by striking shall be determined at the rate of one month 7rounded to the nearest whole month7 and inserting shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test relative to the rate for #a month2 and 7,b7 by striking for each amount paid that equals and inserting payable4 7c7 ,tests included ,section #cdeb7;b7 is amended in the last sentence-- 7#a7 by striking and national tests providing and inserting 1 national tests providing2 and 7#b7 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 and national tests that evaluate prior learning and knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an institution of higher learning4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply to a test taken on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #aji4 ,restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval 7a7 ,school closure or disapproval 7#a7 ,restoration of entitlement ,chapter #cf is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cfii4 ,effects of closure or disapproval of educational institution 7a7 ,closure or disapproval ,any payment of educational assistance described in subsection 7b7 shall not-- 7#a7 be charged against any entitlement to educational assistance of the individual concerned2 or 7#b7 be counted against the aggregate period for which section #cfie of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by such individual4 7b7 ,educational assistance described ,subject to subsection 7c71 the payment of educational assistance described in this paragraph is the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course or program of education at an educational institution under chapter #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 or #ce of this title1 or chapter #afjf or #afjg of title #aj1 if the ,secretary determines that the individual-- 7#a7 was unable to complete such course or program as a result of-- 7,a7 the closure of the educational institution2 or 7,b7 the disapproval of the course or a course that is a necessary part of that program under this chapter by reason of-- 7i7 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 chapter2 or 7ii7 after the date on which the individual enrolls at such institution1 the ,secretary prescribing or modifying regulations or policies of the ,department affecting such approval or disapproval2 and 7#b7 did not receive credit or lost training time1 toward completion of the program of education being so pursued4 7c7 ,period not charged ,the period for which1 by reason of this subsection1 educational assistance is not charged against entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section #cfie of this title shall not exceed the aggregate of-- 7#a7 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 time1 as determined under subsection 7b77#b72 and 7#b7 the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under section #cfhj7;a77#b77;,b7 of this title4 7d7 ,continuing pursuit of disapproved courses 7#a7 ,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 7#b7 if the ,secretary determines1 on a case-by-case basis1 that-- 7,a7 such disapproval is the result of an action described in clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of subsection 7b77#a77;,b72 and 7,b7 continuing pursuing such course is in the best interest of the individual4 7#b7 ,an individual described in this paragraph is an individual who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution under chapter #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 or #ce of this title1 or chapter #afjf or #afjg of title #aj1 as of the date on which the course is disapproved under this chapter4 7e7 ,notice of closures ,not later than #e business days after the date on which the ,secretary receives notice that an educational institution will close or is closed1 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 #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 or #ce of this title1 or chapter #afjf or #afjg of title #aj1 notice of-- 7#a7 such closure and the date of such closure2 and 7#b7 the effect of such closure on the individual's entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this section4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cfih the following new item3 #cfii4 ,effects of closure or disapproval of educational institution4 4 7b7 ,monthly housing stipend 7#a7 ,in general ,subsection 7a7 section #cfhj is amended-- 7,a7 by striking the matter after paragraph 7#c77;,b72 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 as clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively2 7,c7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c71 respectively2 7,d7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 as redesignated1 in the first sentence1 by striking ,payment of and inserting 7#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 payment of2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph 7#b73 7#b7 ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may1 pursuant to such regulations as the ,secretary shall prescribe1 continue to pay allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in courses set forth in paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 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 situation1 except that the total number of weeks for which allowances may continue to be so payable in any #ab-month period may not exceed #d weeks2 or 7,b7 solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing stipend described in section #ccac of this title1 during periods following a permanent closure of an educational institution1 or following the disapproval of a course of study described in section #cfii7;b77#a77;,b7 of this title1 except that payment of such a stipend may only be continued until the earlier of-- 7i7 the date of the end of the term1 quarter1 or semester during which the closure or disapproval occurred2 and 7ii7 the date that is #abj days after the date of the closure or disapproval4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#a77;,c77ii7 of such subsection1 as redesignated1 is amended by striking described in subclause 7,a7 of this clause and inserting described in clause 7i74 7c7 ,applicability 7#a7 ,school closure or disapproval 7,a7 ,in general ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the date that is #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and shall apply with respect to courses and programs of education discontinued as described in section #cfii of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a77#a71 after ,january #a1 #bjae4 7,b7 ,special application ,with respect to courses and programs of education discontinued as described in section #cfii of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a77#a71 during the period beginning ,january #a1 #bjae1 and ending on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 an individual who does not transfer credits from such program of education shall be deemed to be an individual who did not receive such credits1 as described in subsection 7b77#b7 of such section1 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 education4 ,in carrying out this paragraph1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,education1 shall establish procedures to determine whether the individual transferred credits to a comparable course or program of education4 7#b7 ,monthly housing stipend ,the amendments made by subsection 7b7 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah1 and shall apply with respect to courses and programs of education discontinued as described in section #cfii of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by such subsection1 on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aaj4 ,additional authorized transfer of unused ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance benefits to dependents upon death of originally designated dependent 7a7 ,transfer upon death of dependent ,section #ccai is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7f77#a71 by inserting after section #ccba the following3 1 and except as provided in subsection 7k7 or 7l712 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7k7 ,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 entitlement1 the individual who transferred the entitlement to the dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a different eligible dependent1 notwithstanding whether the individual is serving as a member of the ,armed ,forces when such transfer is executed4 7l7 ,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 entitlement1 such dependent may transfer such entitlement to another eligible dependent in accordance with the provisions of this section4 4 7b7 ,effective dates 7#a7 ,eligible deaths ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after ,august #a1 #bjji4 7#b7 ,use of entitlement ,a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is transferred under subsection 7k7 or 7l7 of section #ccai of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 may use such entitlement to pursue a course of education beginning on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #aaa4 ,edith ,nourse ,rogers ,,stem ,scholarship 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #cc is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ccbj4 ,edith ,nourse ,rogers ,,stem ,scholarship 7a7 ,in general ,subject to the limitation under subsection 7f71 the ,secretary shall provide additional benefits to eligible individuals selected by the ,secretary under this section4 ,such benefits shall be known as the ,edith ,nourse ,rogers ,,stem ,scholarship4 7b7 ,eligibility ,for purposes of this section1 an eligible individual is an individual-- 7#a7 who is or was entitled to educational assistance under section #ccaa of this title2 7#b7 who has used all of the educational assistance to which the individual is entitled under this chapter or will1 based on the individual's rate of usage1 use all of such assistance within #ahj days of applying for benefits under this section2 7#c7 who applies for assistance under this section2 and 7#d7 who-- 7,a7 is an individual who-- 7i7 is enrolled in a program of education leading to a post-secondary degree that1 in accordance with the guidelines of the applicable regional or national accrediting agency1 requires more than the standard #abh semester 7or #aib quarter7 credit hours for completion in a standard1 undergraduate college degree in-- 7,i7 biological or biomedical science2 7,,ii7 physical science2 7,,iii7 science technologies or technicians2 7,,iv7 computer and information science and support services2 7,v7 mathematics or statistics2 7,,vi7 engineering2 7,,vii7 engineering technologies or an engineering-related field2 7,,viii7 a health profession or related program2 7,,ix7 a medical residency program2 7,x7 an agriculture science program or a natural resources science program2 or 7,,xi7 other subjects and fields identified by the ,secretary as meeting national needs2 7ii7 has completed at least #fj standard semester 7or #ij quarter7 credit hours in a field referred to in clause 7i72 or 7,b7 is an individual who has earned a post-secondary degree in a field referred to in subparagraph 7,a77i7 and is enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching certification4 7c7 ,priority ,in selecting eligible individuals to receive additional benefits under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to the following individuals3 7#a7 ,individuals who require the most credit hours described in subsection 7b77#d74 7#b7 ,individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under this chapter by reason of paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 7#h71 or 7#i7 of section #ccaa7;b7 of this title4 7d7 ,amount of assistance 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall pay to each eligible individual who receives additional benefits under this section the monthly amount payable under section #ccac of this title for not more than #i months of the program of education in which the individual is enrolled 7adjusted with respect to the individual pursuant to section #ccac7;c71 as appropriate71 except that the aggregate amount paid to an individual under this section may not exceed #cj1jjj4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary may not pay to such an individual an amount in addition to the amount payable under paragraph 7#a7 by reason of section #ccag of this title4 7#c7 ,an individual who receives additional benefits under this section may also receive amounts payable by a college or university pursuant to section #ccag of this title4 7e7 ,prohibition on transfer ,an individual who receives additional benefits under this section may not transfer any amount of such additional benefits under section #ccai of this title4 7f7 ,maximum amount of total assistance ,the total amount of benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this section may not exceed-- 7#a7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #ge1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbb2 and 7#c7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc and each subsequent fiscal year4 7g7 ,congressional notice ,if the ,secretary identifies a new subject or field pursuant to subsection 7b77#d77;,a77i77,,xi7 as meeting a national need1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress notice of such identification at least #ij days before conferring eligibility on any individual for purposes of this section on the basis of such identification1 including any analysis of labor market supply and demand used in identifying the new subject or field1 as applicable4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ccai the following new item3 #ccbj4 ,edith ,nourse ,rogers ,,stem ,scholarship4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #ccbj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjai4 7d7 ,comptroller ,general report 7#a7 ,interim report ,not later than ,august #a1 #bjbb1 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 #ccbj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a74 ,such report shall include the recommendations of the ,comptroller ,general for improving the scholarship program and an assessment of each of the following1 using rigorous1 systematic1 and objective methodology1 and including comparisons to eligible veterans who did not participate in the program3 7,a7 ,an explanation of the identification of the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs of subjects and fields meeting national needs under subsection 7b77#d77;,a77i77,,xi7 of such section1 including any analysis of labor market supply and demand1 as applicable4 7,b7 ,an evaluation of the types of educational institutions and programs where beneficiaries use the educational assistance provided under the scholarship program4 7,c7 ,the completion rate of students participating in the program4 7,d7 ,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 education4 7,e7 ,the median annual earnings of individuals who completed a program of education using educational assistance provided under the scholarship program4 7,f7 ,the average age of the individuals who received educational assistance under the scholarship program4 7,g7 ,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 ,act4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than ,august #a1 #bjbd1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress an assessment of such scholarship program that includes each of the following3 7,a7 ,each item described in subparagraph 7,a7 through 7,g7 of paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,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 #f months or longer in the field of study of the program of education4 7,c7 ,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 #f months in the field of study of the program of education4 #aab4 ,honoring the national service of members of the ,armed ,forces by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7a7 of section #ccba is amended-- 7#a7 by striking individual's entitlement and all that follows through the period and inserting individual's entitlement--2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#a7 in the case of an individual whose last discharge or release from active duty is before ,january1 #a1 #bjac1 expires at the end of the #ae-year period beginning on the date of such discharge or release2 or 7#b7 in the case of an individual whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after ,january #a1 #bjac1 shall not expire4 4 7b7 ,children of deceased members ,subsection 7b77#d7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting of this title after #ccaa7;b77#i72 7#b7 by striking child's entitlement and all that follows through the period and inserting child's entitlement--2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs3 7,a7 in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to such entitlement before ,january #a1 #bjac1 expires at the end of the #ae-year period beginning on the date of such child's eighteenth birthday2 or 7,b7 in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to such entitlement on or after ,january #a1 #bjac1 shall not expire4 4 7c7 ,spouses of deceased members ,subsection 7b7 of such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,applicability to spouses of deceased members ,the period during which a spouse entitled to educational assistance by reason of section #ccaa7;b77#i7 may use such spouse's entitlement-- 7,a7 in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to such entitlement before ,january #a1 #bjac1 expires at the end of the #ae-year period beginning on the date on which the spouse first becomes entitled to such entitlement2 or 7,b7 in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to such entitlement on or after ,january #a1 #bjac1 shall not expire4 4 #aac4 ,monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces receiving ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccac is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,determination of monthly stipends during certain active duty service 7#a7 ,pro rata basis ,in any month in which an individual described in paragraph 7#b7 is performing active duty service described in section #ccja7a77;,b7 of this title1 the ,secretary shall determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under this section for such month on a pro rata basis for the period of such month in which the covered individual is not performing such active duty service4 7#b7 ,individual described ,an individual described in this paragraph is an individual who is-- 7,a7 a member of the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces2 and 7,b7 pursuing a program of education using educational assistance under this chapter4 4 7b7 ,application ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to a quarter1 semester1 or term1 as applicable1 commencing on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #aad4 ,annual reports to ,congress on information on student progress submitted by educational institutions ,section #ccbf is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,as a condition and inserting 7a7 ,submittal of information by educational institutions4--,as a condition2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7b7 ,reports to ,congress ,not later than ,march #a of each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report that includes a summary of the information provided by educational institutions under subsection 7a7 for the calendar year preceding the year during which such report is submitted4 4 #aae4 ,improvement of information technology of the veterans benefits administration of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,processing of certain educational assistance claims ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 to the maximum extent possible1 make such changes and improvements to the information technology system of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to ensure that-- 7#a7 to the maximum extent possible1 all original and supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter #cc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 are adjudicated electronically2 and 7#b7 rules-based processing is used to make decisions with respect to such claims with little human intervention4 7b7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to ,congress a plan to implement the changes and improvements described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to ,congress a report on the implementation of the changes and improvements described in subsection 7a74 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs #cj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section during fiscal years #bjah and #bjai4 #aaf4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs high technology pilot program 7a7 ,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 industry4 7b7 ,eligibility ,for purposes of the pilot program under this section1 an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 #cd1 or #ce of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 or chapter #afjf or #afjg of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,contracts 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of carrying out subsection 7a71 by not later than #ahj days after ,august #a1 #bjah1 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 program4 ,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 termination4 7#b7 ,payment of contractors ,a contract under this subsection shall provide that the ,secretary shall pay to a provider-- 7,a7 upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the program1 #be percent of the cost of the tuition and other fees for the program of education for the veteran2 7,b7 upon the completion of the program by the veteran1 #be percent of such cost2 and 7,c7 upon the employment of the veteran in the field of study of the program following completion of the program1 #ej percent of such cost4 7#c7 ,qualified providers ,for purposes of the pilot program1 a provider of a high technology program of education is qualified if-- 7,a7 the provider has been operational for at least #b years2 7,b7 the provider has successfully provided the high technology program for at least #a year2 and 7,c7 the provider meets the approval criteria developed by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#d74 7#d7 ,approval criteria ,the ,secretary shall develop criteria for approving providers for purposes of the pilot program4 ,in developing such criteria1 the ,secretary may consult with ,state approving agencies4 ,such criteria is not required to meet the requirements of section #cfgb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,tuition reimbursement ,in entering into contracts to carry out the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall give preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any student who-- 7,a7 completes a program of education offered by the provider2 and 7,b7 does not find full-time meaningful employment in the field of study of the program within the #ahj-;day period beginning on the date the student completes the program4 7d7 ,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-- 7#a7 of-- 7,a7 in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training1 the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section #djc of title #cg1 ,united ,states ,code1 for a member with dependents in pay grade ,e-#e 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 enrolled2 or 7,b7 in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of education through distance learning1 a monthly amount equal to #ej percent of the amount payable under subparagraph 7,a71 multiplied by 7#b7 the lesser of-- 7,a7 #a4j2 or 7,b7 the number of course hours borne by the individual in pursuit of the program of education involved1 divided by the minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit of such program of education1 rounded to the nearest multiple of #aj4 7e7 ,high technology program of education defined ,in this section1 the term high technology program of education means a program of education that-- 7#a7 is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher learning2 7#b7 does not lead to a degree2 and 7#c7 provides instruction in computer programming1 computer software1 media application1 data processing1 or information sciences4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the pilot program under this section4 7#b7 ,comptroller ,general 7,a7 ,interim report ,not later than #c years after the date on which the ,secretary first enters into a contract under this section1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to ,congress a report containing the results of the interim assessment of the ,comptroller ,general4 ,such report shall include the recommendations of the ,comptroller ,general for improving the pilot program and an assessment of each of the following3 7i7 ,the technology experience of the directors and instructors of the providers of high technology programs of education under the pilot program4 7ii7 ,whether the providers cooperated with the technology industry to create the curriculum for the program of education4 7iii7 ,whether the providers use an open source curriculum for the program of education4 7iv7 ,the admittance rate into the pilot program4 7v7 ,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 program4 7vi7 ,the percentage of veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program who were subsequently employed for a period of #f months or longer in a field of study of the program4 7vii7 ,the percentage of veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program who were subsequently employed for a period of less than #f months in a field of study of the program4 7viii7 ,the median annual salary of veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program and were subsequently employed4 7ix7 ,as applicable1 the transfer rates to other academic or vocational programs and certifications and licensure exam passage rates4 7x7 ,the average age of veterans who participated in the pilot program4 7,b7 ,final report ,not later than #e years after the date on which the ,secretary first enters into a contract under this section1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress a final report on the pilot program4 ,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 7i7 through 7x7 of subparagraph 7,a74 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for each fiscal year during which the ,secretary carries out a pilot program under this section1 #ae1jjj1jjj shall be made available for such purpose from funds appropriated to1 or otherwise made available to1 the ,department for the payment of readjustment benefits4 7h7 ,termination ,the authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is #e years after the date on which the ,secretary first enters into a contract under this section4 ,,ii ,other educational assistance programs #bja4 ,work-study allowance ,section #cdhe7;a77#d7 is amended by striking the period beginning on ,june #cj1 #bjag1 and ending on ,june #cj1 #bjbb1 each place it appears and inserting any time on or after ,june #cj1 #bjag14 #bjb4 ,duration of educational assistance under ,survivors' and ,dependents' ,educational ,assistance ,program ,section #ceaa7;a77#a7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking chapter for and all that follows through the period and inserting chapter--2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs3 7,a7 in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of education using such entitlement before ,august #a1 #bjah1 for an aggregate period not in excess of #de months 7or to the equivalent thereof in part-time training72 or 7,b7 in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of education using such entitlement on or after ,august #a1 #bjah1 for an aggregate period not in excess of #cf months 7or to the equivalent thereof in part-time training74 4 #bjc4 ,olin ,e4 ,teague increase in amounts of educational assistance payable under ,survivors' and ,dependents' ,educational ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,increase ,section #cecb is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking #ghh and inserting #a1bbd2 7ii7 by striking #eib and inserting #ifg2 and 7iii7 by striking #cid and inserting #gaj2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 by striking #ghh and inserting #a1bbd2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking #ghh and inserting #a1bbd4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to a month that begins on or after ,october #a1 #bjah4 ,,iii ,administration of educational assistance programs #cja4 ,state approving agency funding 7a7 ,increase ,section #cfgd7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 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 ,secretary2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph 7#d73 7#d7 ,in addition to amounts made available under paragraph 7#e71 there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each subsequent fiscal year4 2 and 7#d7 in paragraph 7#e71 as so redesignated-- 7,a7 by striking ,the total and inserting 7,a7 ,the total2 7,b7 by striking for any fiscal year shall be #ai1jjj1jjj and inserting for fiscal year #bjah shall be #ba1jjj1jjj and for fiscal year #bjai and thereafter shall be #bc1jjj1jjj2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 ,beginning in fiscal year #bjai1 whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq47 as a result of a determination made under section #bae7;i7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dae7;i771 the ,secretary shall1 effective on the date of such increase in benefit amounts1 increase the amount in effect under subparagraph 7,a71 as in effect immediately prior to the date of such increase in benefit amounts payable under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act1 by the same percentage as the percentage by which such benefit amounts are increased4 4 #cjb4 ,authorization for use of ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance to pursue independent study programs at certain educational institutions that are not institutions of higher learning ,section #cfhj;,a is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking in-- and inserting in any of the following32 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking any and inserting ,any2 and 7ii7 by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by striking any and inserting ,any2 and 7ii7 by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by striking any and inserting ,any2 and 7ii7 by striking 2 or and inserting a period2 and 7,e7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following new paragraph 7#d73 7#d7 ,any independent study program except an independent study program 7including such a program taken over open circuit television7 that-- 7,a7 is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the ,secretary of ,education under subpart #b of part ,h of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajii;b72 7,b7 leads to-- 7i7 a standard college degree2 7ii7 a certificate that reflects educational attainment offered by an institution of higher learning2 or 7iii7 a certificate that reflects completion of a course of study offered by-- 7,i7 an area career and technical education school 7as defined in subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d7 of section #c7c7 of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb7c777 that provides education at the postsecondary level2 or 7,,ii7 a postsecondary vocational institution 7as defined in section #ajb7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c777 that provides education at the postsecondary level2 and 7,c7 in the case of a program described in subparagraph 7,b77iii7-- 7i7 provides training aligned with the requirements of employers in the ,state or local area where the program is located1 which may include in-demand industry sectors or occupations2 and 7ii7 provides a student1 upon completion of the program1 with a recognized postsecondary credential that is recognized by employers in the relevant industry1 which may include a credential recognized by industry or sector partnerships in the ,state or local area where the industry is located2 and 7iii7 meets such content and instructional standards as may be required to comply with the criteria under section #cfgf7;c77#ad7 and7#ae7 of this title4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7h7 ,in this section1 the terms ,state or local area1 recognized postsecondary credential1 industry or sector partnership1 and in-demand industry sector or occupation have the meaning given such terms in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 4 #cjc4 ,provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans in certain courses of education ,section #cfih7;c77#a77;,c7 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7ix71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in clause 7x71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7xi7 information on whether the institution administers a priority enrollment system that allows certain student veterans to enroll in courses earlier than other students4 4 #cjd4 ,limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7c7 of section #cfhd is amended to read as follows3 7c7 7#a7 ,the ,secretary may pay to any educational institution1 or to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship1 furnishing education or training under either this chapter or chapter #ca1 #cd1 or #ce of this title1 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 regulation4 7#b7 ,such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar year by multiplying #af by the number of eligible veterans or eligible persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter #ca1 #cd1 or #ce of this title4 ,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 applicable4 7#c7 ,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 #cfhe 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 jurisdiction4 7#d7 ,any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enactment of the ,post-#i_/aa ,veterans ,educational ,assistance ,improvements ,act of #bjaa 7,public ,law #aaa-cgg7-- 7,a7 shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor solely for the making of certifications required under this chapter or chapter #ca1 #cd1 or #ce of this title or for otherwise supporting programs for veterans2 and 7,b7 with respect to an institution that has #ajj or more enrollees described in paragraph 7#b7 may not be used for or merged with amounts available for the general fund of the educational institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship4 7#e7 ,the reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah4 #cje4 ,training for school certifying officials 7a7 ,training requirement ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 in consultation with the ,state approving agencies1 set forth requirements relating to training for school certifying officials employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of education approved under chapter #cf of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,if a covered educational institution does not ensure that a school certifying official employed by the educational institution meets such requirements1 the ,secretary may disapprove any course of education offered by such educational institution4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term covered educational institution means an educational institution that has enrolled #bj or more individuals using educational assistance under title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,the term school certifying official means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution4 7#c7 ,the term ,state approving agency means a department or agency of a ,state designated under section #cfga of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah4 #cjf4 ,extension of authority for ,advisory ,committee on ,education ,section #cfib is amended by striking ,december #ca1 #bjag and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjbb4 #cjg4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs provision of on-campus educational and vocational counseling for veterans 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #cf is amended by inserting after section #cfig;,a the following new section3 #cfig;,b4 ,on-campus educational and vocational counseling 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide educational and vocational counseling services for individuals described in section #cfig;,a7b7 of this title at locations on the campuses of institutions of higher learning selected by the ,secretary4 ,such counseling services shall be provided by employees of the ,department who provide such services under section #cfig;,a of this title4 7b7 ,selection of locations 7#a7 ,to be selected by the ,secretary under this section1 an institution of higher learning shall provide an appropriate space on the campus of the institution where counseling services can be provided under this section4 7#b7 ,in selecting locations for the provision of counseling services under this section1 the ,secretary shall seek to select locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to such services4 7c7 ,annual report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this section1 and each year thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the counseling services provided under this section4 ,such report shall include1 for the year covered by the report-- 7#a7 the average ratio of counselors providing such services to individuals who received such services at each location where such services were provided2 7#b7 a description of such services provided2 7#c7 the recommendations of the ,secretary for improving the provision of such services2 and 7#d7 any other matters the ,secretary determines appropriate4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cfig;,a the following new item3 #cfig;,b4 ,on-campus educational and vocational counseling4 4 #cjh4 ,provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to educational assistance 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #cf is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cfii;,a4 ,provision of certain information to educational institutions 7a7 ,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 #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 or #ce of this title1 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 entitled4 ,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 individual4 7b7 ,election ,a veteran or other individual pursuing a course of education described in subsection 7a7 may elect not to provide the information described in such subsection to an educational institution in a manner prescribed by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cfii the following new item3 #cfii;,a4 ,provision of certain information to educational institutions4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #cfii;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by this section1 shall take effect on ,august #a1 #bjah4 #cji4 ,treatment1 for purposes of educational assistance administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 of educational courses that begin seven or fewer days after the first day of an academic term ,section #cfhd7;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph 7#d73 7#d7 ,a course offered by an educational institution that does not begin on the first day of an academic term1 but does begin seven or fewer days after such day1 shall be treated as beginning on such day for purposes of this section4 4 #caj4 ,inclusion of risk-based surveys in ,state approving agency oversight activities ,section #cfgc7;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking compliance and 2 7#b7 by striking such compliance and oversight and inserting conducting risk-based surveys and other such oversight2 and 7#c7 by inserting 1 in consultation with the ,state approving agencies1 after as the ,secretary4 #caa4 ,comptroller ,general study of ,state approving agency performance 7a7 ,study required ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall carry out a study on the performance of ,state approving agencies4 ,such study shall include each of the following3 7#a7 ,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 #cf of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,an analysis of the resources necessary for ,state approving agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such agencies under such title1 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 responsibilities4 7#c7 ,an evaluation of the use by ,state approving agencies of risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of established standards under such chapter4 7#d7 ,an examination of how ,state approving agencies use risk factors1 including rapid increases in veteran enrollment1 increases in the amount of benefits per capita1 volume of student complaints1 rates of ,federal student loan defaults of veterans1 veteran completion rates1 deficiencies identified by accreditors and other ,state agencies1 and deficiencies in ,department of ,veterans ,affairs program administration compliance1 in their oversight and compliance responsibilities and in selecting educational institutions for review of eligibility4 7#e7 ,recommendations on how the ,secretary and ,state approving agencies can better use data to evaluate1 approve1 or disapprove educational institutions under such chapter4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 a report on the study required under subsection 7a7 and the findings and recommendations of the ,comptroller ,general with respect to such study4 ,,iv ,reserve ,component ,benefits #dja4 ,eligibility of reserve component members for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccja7a77;,b7 is amended by striking or #abcjd and inserting #abcjd1 #abcjd;a1 or #abcjd;b4 7b7 ,retroactive application ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to service in the ,armed ,forces occurring on or after the date of the enactment of the ,post-#i_/aa ,veterans ,educational ,assistance ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-beb74 7c7 ,application with respect to use of entitlement ,an individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment made by subsection 7a7 may use such entitlement to pursue a course of education beginning on or after ,august #a1 #bjah4 #djb4 ,time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities ,section #cajc7;f7 is amended by striking or #abcjd and inserting #abcjd1 #abcjd;a1 or #abcjd;b4 ,v ,other ,matters #eja4 ,repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for housing to benefits under laws administered by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,repeal ,subsection 7b7 of section #fjd of the ,carl ,levin and ,howard ,p4 ,buck ,mc,keon ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjae 7,public ,law #aac-bia2 #cg ,u4,s4,c4 #djc note7 is repealed4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjah1 and shall apply with respect to individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assistance under chapter #cc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on or after such date4 #ejb4 ,reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability compensation for veterans who allege full-body exposure to nitrogen mustard gas1 sulfur mustard gas1 or ,lewisite during ,world ,war ,,ii 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,reconsideration required ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall reconsider all claims for compensation described in paragraph 7#b7 and make a new determination regarding each such claim4 7#b7 ,claims for compensation described ,a claim for compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 that the ,secretary determines-- 7,a7 arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a veteran to a covered substance-- 7i7 during active military1 naval1 or air service during ,world ,war ,,ii2 and 7ii7 at a site listed in paragraph 7#c72 and 7,b7 was denied before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,sites ,the sites listed in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,camp ,siebert1 ,alabama4 7,b7 ,fort ,mc,clellan1 ,alabama4 7,c7 ,huntsville ,arsenal1 ,alabama4 7,d7 ,rocky ,mountain ,arsenal1 ,colorado4 7,e7 ,naval ,research ,laboratory1 ,d4,c4 7,f7 ,bushnell ,field1 ,florida4 7,g7 ,great ,lakes ,naval ,training ,center1 ,illinois4 7,h7 ,edgewood ,arsenal1 ,maryland4 7,i7 ,fort ,detrick1 ,maryland4 7,j7 ,naval ,research ,laboratory1 ,maryland4 7,k7 ,naval ,training ,center1 ,bainbridge1 ,maryland4 7,l7 ,horn ,island ,installation1 ,mississippi4 7,m7 ,camp ,crowder1 ,missouri4 7,n7 ,hart's ,island1 ,new ,york4 7,o7 ,camp ,lejeune1 ,north ,carolina4 7,p7 ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina4 7,q7 ,dugway ,proving ,ground1 ,utah4 7,r7 ,toole ,army ,depot1 ,utah4 7,s7 ,naval ,research ,laboratory1 ,virginia4 7,t7 ,u4,s4,s4 ,eagle ,boat ,no4 #eh4 7,u7 ,ondal1 ,india4 7,v7 ,fort ,clayton1 ,san ,jose ,island1 ,panama4 7,w7 ,any site the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs determines is appropriate4 7#d7 ,factors of consideration ,in making a determination under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall consider-- 7i7 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 destroyed2 7ii7 that many veterans were sworn to secrecy following testing described in clause 7i72 7iii7 each statement based on personal knowledge of a veteran who served at a site listed in paragraph 7#c72 7iv7 information in the report from the ,secretary of ,defense under subsection 7b77#b72 and 7v7 any evidence the ,secretary considers relevant2 and 7,b7 may not determine that testing of full-body exposure to a covered substance did not occur at a site based solely on-- 7i7 information contained in the ,department of ,defense and ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,chemical ,biological ,warfare ,database2 or 7ii7 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 ,defense4 7#e7 ,presumption of exposure ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 when the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs makes a determination regarding whether a veteran experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance1 the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall presume1 unless there is affirmative evidence to establish otherwise1 that the veteran experienced such exposure by reason of the service of the veteran in ,world ,war ,,ii-- 7i7 based on the locations listed in paragraph 7#c72 and 7ii7 consistent with the places1 types1 and circumstances of service of the veteran in accordance with section #aaed of title #ch2 and 7,b7 shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran4 7#f7 ,effective date of award ,the effective date of any award of disability compensation resulting from reconsideration of a claim under paragraph 7#a7 shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found1 but shall not be earlier than the date of the receipt of the claim for compensation described in paragraph 7#b74 7b7 ,investigation and report by the ,secretary of ,defense ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall-- 7#a7 investigate and assess each site-- 7,a7 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 humans2 or 7,b7 with regards to which more than two veterans have been denied claims for compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 in connection with exposure to a covered substance at such site2 and 7#b7 submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs a report on testing described in paragraph 7#a77;,a71 including-- 7,a7 a list of each location where such testing occurred1 including locations investigated and assessed under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 the dates of each such testing2 and 7,c7 the number of members of the ,armed ,forces who experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance in each such testing4 7c7 ,investigation and report by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall-- 7#a7 investigate and assess-- 7,a7 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 7b77#a77;,a72 7,b7 the number of claims filed with the ,secretary for disability compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 arising from testing described in subsection 7b77#a77;,a72 and 7,c7 the percentage of claims described in subparagraph 7,b7 that the ,secretary denied4 7#b7 submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the ,secretary of ,defense a report regarding the investigations and assessments carried out under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the terms active military1 naval1 or air service1 veteran1 and ,world ,war ,,ii have the meanings given such terms in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate4 7#c7 ,the term covered substance means-- 7,a7 nitrogen mustard gas2 7,b7 sulfur mustard gas2 or 7,c7 ,lewisite4 7#d7 ,the term full-body exposure1 with respect to a covered substance1 has the meaning given that term by the ,secretary of ,defense4 ,passed the ,house of ,representatives ,july #bd1 #bjag4,karen ,l4 ,haas1,clerk