H.R. 5945 — Introduced in House

I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5945 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 9, 2021Mrs. Torres of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make payments to individuals entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program who pursue a program of education through distance learning to be used to purchase computers, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act. 2. Finding; sense of Congress (a) Finding Congress finds that during the COVID–19 pandemic, remote learning technology such as computers and routers for internet were more important than ever for many veteran students. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs should explore options for ensuring all veteran students have access to the technology and connectivity they need to be successful in school. 3. Additional payment to distance learners under Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for purchase of computer Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Additional amount for purchase of computers for distance learners (1) In general The Secretary shall make a one-time payment to an individual pursuing a program of education solely or partially through distance learning on more than a half-time basis in an amount of $500 to be used for the purchase of a computer for use in pursuing such program of education. (2) Application To be eligible for a payment under this subsection, an individual shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. .