[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3218 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.3218
One Hundred Fifteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and seventeen
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

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(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

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from Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of
eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.

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TITLE I

-POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Program for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple
Heart.

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recipients in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement
Program.

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active duty in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement
Program.

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Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.

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members of reserve components of Armed Forces who lost
entitlement to educational assistance under Reserve
Educational Assistance Program.

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Educational Assistance Program based on location of campus
where classes are attended.

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tests and national tests under Department of Veterans Affairs
Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.

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relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval.

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Assistance benefits to dependents upon death of originally
designated dependent.

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by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement.

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of the Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 Educational
Assistance.

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administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.

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TITLE II

-OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

payable under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational
Assistance Program.

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pursue independent study programs at certain educational
institutions that are not institutions of higher learning.

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TITLE III

-ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

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institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship.

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educational and vocational counseling for veterans.

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by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of educational courses
that begin seven or fewer days after the first day of an
academic term.

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TITLE IV

-RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS

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housing to benefits under laws administered by Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.

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TITLE V

-OTHER MATTERS

compensation for veterans who allege full-body exposure to
nitrogen mustard gas, sulfur mustard gas, or Lewisite during
World War II.

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Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States
Code.

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CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS ACTIVE DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF
ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting
``12301(h),'' after ``12301(g),''.
(b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or
after September 11, 2001.
(c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

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ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AWARDED THE
PURPLE HEART.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for
service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11,
2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed Forces or
is discharged or released from active duty as described in
subsection (c).''.
(b) Amount of Assistance.--Section 3313(c)(1) is amended by
striking ``or (9)'' and inserting ``(9), or (10)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on August 1, 2018.

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RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second
sentence, by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on August 1, 2018.

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ON ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first sentence,
by striking ``section 3313(c)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection
(c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this title''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on August 1, 2022.

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11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b), as amended by section 102, is
further amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``12 months'' and
inserting ``6 months'';
(2) by striking paragraph (7); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as
paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively.
(b) Amount of Educational Assistance.--Section 3313(c) is amended
by striking paragraph (7).
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 33 is further amended as
follows:
(1) In section 3311(f), by striking ``paragraph (9)'' each
place it appears and inserting ``paragraph (8)''.
(2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102--
(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``(9), or (10)'' and
inserting ``(8), or (9)'';
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through
(7)'' each place it appears and inserting ``paragraphs (2)
through (6)'';
(C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)--
(i) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(ii) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(D) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ``paragraphs
(2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(E) in subsection (g)(3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(iv)--
(I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--
(I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and
inserting ``(8)''; and
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (D)(ii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and
inserting ``(8)''; and
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
(bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
(F) in subsection (h), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through
(7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
(3) In section 3316--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2)
through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2)
through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''.
(4) In section 3317(a), in the second sentence, as amended by
section 103, by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), (8), and (9)''.
(5) In section 3321(b)(4), as amended by section 112, by
striking ``section 3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``section
3311(b)(8)''.
(6) In section 3322--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)'';
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)''; and
(C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
(7) In section 3679(c)(2)(B), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and
inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on August 1, 2020.

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CERTAIN MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF ARMED FORCES WHO LOST
ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Election.--Section 16167 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--A member
who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursuant to
subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such form and manner as
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) to have such service
previously credited toward this chapter credited towards establishing
eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38,
notwithstanding the provisions of section 16163(e) of this title or
section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.''.
(b) Qualification of Service.--Section 3301(1) of title 38, United
States Code, shall be construed to include, in the case of a member of
a reserve component of the Armed Forces who, before November 25, 2015,
established eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 1607
of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of
such title, but lost eligibility for such educational assistance
pursuant to section 16167(b) of such title, service on active duty (as
defined in section 101 of such title) that satisfies the requirements
of section 16163(a)(1) of such title.
(c) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United States
Code, shall be construed to include an individual who, before November
25, 2015, established eligibility for educational assistance under
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section
16163(b) of such title, but lost such eligibility pursuant to section
16167(b) of such title.
(d) Duration.--Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38, United
States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility for educational
assistance under chapter 33 of such title by crediting towards such
chapter service previously credited towards chapter 1607 of title 10,
United States Code, is only entitled to a number of months of
educational assistance under section 3313 of title 38, United States
Code, equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, at the time of conversion
to chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code.

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EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED ON LOCATION OF CAMPUS WHERE
CLASSES ARE ATTENDED.
(a) In General.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by striking
``the institution of higher learning at which the individual is
enrolled'' and inserting ``the campus of the institution of higher
learning where the individual physically participates in a majority of
classes''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of education on
or after August 1, 2018.

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CERTIFICATION TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Licensure and Certification Tests.--Subsection (c) of section
3315 is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one month
(rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting ``shall be
pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the
test relative to the rate for 1 month''; and
(2) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and
inserting ``payable''.
(b) National Tests.--Section 3315A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) A national test that evaluates prior learning and
knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an
institution of higher learning as so described.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one
month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting
``shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee
charged for the test relative to the rate for 1 month''; and
(B) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and
inserting ``payable''.
(c) Tests Included.--Section 3452(b) is amended in the last
sentence--
(1) by striking ``and national tests providing'' and inserting
``, national tests providing''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``, and national tests that evaluate prior learning and knowledge
and provides an opportunity for course credit at an institution of
higher learning''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to
a test taken on or after August 1, 2018.

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OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS AFFECTED BY SCHOOL CLOSURE OR
DISAPPROVAL.
(a) School Closure or Disapproval.--
(1) Restoration of entitlement.--Chapter 36 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational
institution
``(a) Closure or Disapproval.--Any payment of educational
assistance described in subsection (b) shall not--
``(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational
assistance of the individual concerned; or
``(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which section
3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by
such individual.
``(b) Educational Assistance Described.--Subject to subsection (c),
the payment of educational assistance described in this paragraph is
the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course
or program of education at an educational institution under chapter 30,
32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, if
the Secretary determines that the individual--
``(1) was unable to complete such course or program as a result
of--
``(A) the closure of the educational institution; or
``(B) the disapproval of the course or a course that is a
necessary part of that program under this chapter by reason
of--
``(i) a provision of law enacted after the date on
which the individual enrolls at such institution affecting
the approval or disapproval of courses under this chapter;
or
``(ii) after the date on which the individual enrolls
at such institution, the Secretary prescribing or modifying
regulations or policies of the Department affecting such
approval or disapproval; and
``(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward
completion of the program of education being so pursued.
``(c) Period Not Charged.--The period for which, by reason of this
subsection, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement
or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of
this title shall not exceed the aggregate of--
``(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course
from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect to
which the individual lost training time, as determined under
subsection (b)(2); and
``(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under
section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title.
``(d) Continuing Pursuit of Disapproved Courses.--(1) The Secretary
may treat a course of education that is disapproved under this chapter
as being approved under this chapter with respect to an individual
described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines, on a case-by-
case basis, that--
``(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described in
clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (b)(1)(B); and
``(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best interest
of the individual.
``(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual
who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution
under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607
of title 10, as of the date on which the course is disapproved under
this chapter.
``(e) Notice of Closures.--Not later than 5 business days after the
date on which the Secretary receives notice that an educational
institution will close or is closed, the Secretary shall provide to
each individual who is enrolled in a course or program or education at
such educational institution using entitlement to educational
assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter
1606 or 1607 of title 10, notice of--
``(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and
``(2) the effect of such closure on the individual's
entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 3698 the following new item:
``3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational institution.''.
(b) Monthly Housing Stipend.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (a) section 3680 is amended--
(A) by striking the matter after paragraph (3)(B);
(B) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
(D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as
redesignated, in the first sentence, by striking ``Payment of''
and inserting ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2),
payment of''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may, pursuant to
such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, continue to pay
allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in
courses set forth in paragraph (1)(A)--
``(A) during periods when educational institutions are
temporarily closed under an established policy based on an
Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation,
except that the total number of weeks for which allowances may
continue to be so payable in any 12-month period may not exceed 4
weeks; or
``(B) solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing
stipend described in section 3313 of this title, during periods
following a permanent closure of an educational institution, or
following the disapproval of a course of study described in section
3699(b)(1)(B) of this title, except that payment of such a stipend
may only be continued until the earlier of--
``(i) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester
during which the closure or disapproval occurred; and
``(ii) the date that is 120 days after the date of the
closure or disapproval.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of such
subsection, as redesignated, is amended by striking ``described in
subclause (A) of this clause'' and inserting ``described in clause
(i)''.
(c) Applicability.--
(1) School closure or disapproval.--
(A) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to
courses and programs of education discontinued as described in
section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a)(1), after January 1, 2015.
(B) Special application.--With respect to courses and
programs of education discontinued as described in section 3699
of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1),
during the period beginning January 1, 2015, and ending on the
date of the enactment of this Act, an individual who does not
transfer credits from such program of education shall be deemed
to be an individual who did not receive such credits, as
described in subsection (b)(2) of such section, except that the
period for which the individual's entitlement is not charged
shall be the entire period of the individual's enrollment in
the program of education. In carrying out this paragraph, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the
Secretary of Education, shall establish procedures to determine
whether the individual transferred credits to a comparable
course or program of education.
(2) Monthly housing stipend.--The amendments made by subsection
(b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and shall apply with
respect to courses and programs of education discontinued as
described in section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added
by such subsection, on or after the date of the enactment of this
Act.

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EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS UPON DEATH OF
ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT.
(a) Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--Section 3319 is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ``section 3321''
the following: ``, and except as provided in subsection (k) or
(l),''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Additional Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--In the case of
a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is
transferred under this section who dies before using all of such
entitlement, the individual who transferred the entitlement to the
dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a different
eligible dependent, notwithstanding whether the individual is serving
as a member of the Armed Forces when such transfer is executed.
``(l) Transfer by Dependent.--In the case of an individual who
transfers entitlement to educational assistance under this section who
dies before the dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance
is so transferred has used all of such entitlement, such dependent may
transfer such entitlement to another eligible dependent in accordance
with the provisions of this section.''.
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) Eligible deaths.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after August 1, 2009.
(2) Use of entitlement.--A dependent to whom entitlement to
educational assistance is transferred under subsection (k) or (l)
of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue a course of
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

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(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
``(a) In General.--Subject to the limitation under subsection (f),
the Secretary shall provide additional benefits to eligible individuals
selected by the Secretary under this section. Such benefits shall be
known as the `Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship'.
``(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, an eligible
individual is an individual--
``(1) who is or was entitled to educational assistance under
section 3311 of this title;
``(2) who has used all of the educational assistance to which
the individual is entitled under this chapter or will, based on the
individual's rate of usage, use all of such assistance within 180
days of applying for benefits under this section;
``(3) who applies for assistance under this section; and
``(4) who--
``(A) is an individual who--
``(i) is enrolled in a program of education leading to
a post-secondary degree that, in accordance with the
guidelines of the applicable regional or national
accrediting agency, requires more than the standard 128
semester (or 192 quarter) credit hours for completion in a
standard, undergraduate college degree in--
``(I) biological or biomedical science;
``(II) physical science;
``(III) science technologies or technicians;
``(IV) computer and information science and support
services;
``(V) mathematics or statistics;
``(VI) engineering;
``(VII) engineering technologies or an engineering-
related field;
``(VIII) a health profession or related program;
``(IX) a medical residency program;
``(X) an agriculture science program or a natural
resources science program; or
``(XI) other subjects and fields identified by the
Secretary as meeting national needs;
``(ii) has completed at least 60 standard semester (or
90 quarter) credit hours in a field referred to in clause
(i); or
``(B) is an individual who has earned a post-secondary
degree in a field referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) and is
enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching
certification.
``(c) Priority.--In selecting eligible individuals to receive
additional benefits under this section, the Secretary shall give
priority to the following individuals:
``(1) Individuals who require the most credit hours described
in subsection (b)(4).
``(2) Individuals who are entitled to educational assistance
under this chapter by reason of paragraph (1), (2), (8), or (9) of
section 3311(b) of this title.
``(d) Amount of Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall pay to each
eligible individual who receives additional benefits under this section
the monthly amount payable under section 3313 of this title for not
more than 9 months of the program of education in which the individual
is enrolled (adjusted with respect to the individual pursuant to
section 3313(c), as appropriate), except that the aggregate amount paid
to an individual under this section may not exceed $30,000.
``(2) The Secretary may not pay to such an individual an amount in
addition to the amount payable under paragraph (1) by reason of section
3317 of this title.
``(3) An individual who receives additional benefits under this
section may also receive amounts payable by a college or university
pursuant to section 3317 of this title.
``(e) Prohibition on Transfer.--An individual who receives
additional benefits under this section may not transfer any amount of
such additional benefits under section 3319 of this title.
``(f) Maximum Amount of Total Assistance.--The total amount of
benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this section may not
exceed--
``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(2) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2022;
and
``(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent
fiscal year.
``(g) Congressional Notice.--If the Secretary identifies a new
subject or field pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) as meeting a
national need, the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such
identification at least 90 days before conferring eligibility on any
individual for purposes of this section on the basis of such
identification, including any analysis of labor market supply and
demand used in identifying the new subject or field, as applicable.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3319 the following new item:
``3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 3320 of title 38, United States Code,
shall take effect on August 1, 2019.
(d) Comptroller General Report.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than August 1, 2022, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a
report containing the results of an interim assessment of the
Comptroller General of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
program under section 3320 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a). Such report shall include the
recommendations of the Comptroller General for improving the
scholarship program and an assessment of each of the following,
using rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology, and
including comparisons to eligible veterans who did not participate
in the program:
(A) An explanation of the identification of the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs of subjects and fields meeting national
needs under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) of such section,
including any analysis of labor market supply and demand, as
applicable.
(B) An evaluation of the types of educational institutions
and programs where beneficiaries use the educational assistance
provided under the scholarship program.
(C) The completion rate of students participating in the
program.
(D) The job placement rate for individuals who completed a
program of education using educational assistance provided
under the scholarship program in the field of study of the
program of education.
(E) The median annual earnings of individuals who completed
a program of education using educational assistance provided
under the scholarship program.
(F) The average age of the individuals who received
educational assistance under the scholarship program.
(G) An assessment of the extent to which any educational
institutions made changes to degrees or programs of education
offered by the institution for which the scholarship program
may be used after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Final report.--Not later than August 1, 2024, the
Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an assessment of such
scholarship program that includes each of the following:
(A) Each item described in subparagraph (A) through (G) of
paragraph (1).
(B) The percentage of individuals who completed a program
of education using educational assistance provided under the
scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a period
of 6 months or longer in the field of study of the program of
education.
(C) The percentage of individuals who completed a program
of education using educational assistance provided under the
scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a period
of less than 6 months in the field of study of the program of
education.

77b47457bef03016c956ea0921a51eb56851b94c1a1ab3c31178fb1b9811bb45

FORCES BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 3321 is amended--
(1) by striking ``individual's entitlement'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``individual's
entitlement--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or
release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires at the
end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of such discharge
or release; or
``(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or
release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, shall not
expire.''.
(b) Children of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b)(4) of such
section is amended--
(1) by inserting ``of this title'' after ``3311(b)(9)'';
(2) by striking ``child's entitlement'' and all that follows
through the period and inserting ``child's entitlement--''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end of
the 15-year period beginning on the date of such child's
eighteenth birthday; or
``(B) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not
expire.''.
(c) Spouses of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b) of such section is
further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Applicability to spouses of deceased members.--The period
during which a spouse entitled to educational assistance by reason
of section 3311(b)(9) may use such spouse's entitlement--
``(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end of
the 15-year period beginning on the date on which the spouse
first becomes entitled to such entitlement; or
``(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to
such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not
expire.''.

4391400c539a7e28147837c375db045876e920bf0d8199214c80b77860f7ca35

COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3313 is further amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(j) Determination of Monthly Stipends During Certain Active Duty
Service.--
``(1) Pro rata basis.--In any month in which an individual
described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service
described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the Secretary shall
determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under this section
for such month on a pro rata basis for the period of such month in
which the covered individual is not performing such active duty
service.
``(2) Individual described.--An individual described in this
paragraph is an individual who is--
``(A) a member of the reserve components of the Armed
Forces; and
``(B) pursuing a program of education using educational
assistance under this chapter.''.
(b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, commencing
on or after August 1, 2018.

cc0201c2b8f77c1d3077bce54c1fe8c2313015a73ecd3ef3a080982900bdc461

PROGRESS SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Section 3326 is amended--
(1) by striking ``As a condition'' and inserting ``(a)
Submittal of Information by Educational Institutions.--As a
condition''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than March 1 of each year,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes a summary
of the information provided by educational institutions under
subsection (a) for the calendar year preceding the year during which
such report is submitted.''.

4d31fb87f47bd75d7c2d20aa72b852ca61c7a72d68b8aacdfbb91076bc2bd87f

BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Processing of Certain Educational Assistance Claims.--The
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum extent possible,
make such changes and improvements to the information technology system
of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans
Affairs to ensure that--
(1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and
supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 of
title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated electronically; and
(2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with
respect to such claims with little human intervention.
(b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and improvements
described in subsection (a).
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress
a report on the implementation of the changes and improvements
described in subsection (a).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 to carry
out this section during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

f293dc45a72ffd06b99bda8621c9c887576a13dcd5511ff94ac186325b268cc6

PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry
out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide eligible
veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of
education that the Secretary determines provide training or skills
sought by employers in a relevant field or industry.
(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under this
section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to
educational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 38,
United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, United States
Code.
(c) Contracts.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection (a),
by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the Secretary
shall seek to enter into contracts with any number of qualified
providers of high technology programs of education for the
provision of such programs to eligible veterans under the pilot
program. Each such contract shall provide for the conditions under
which the Secretary may terminate the contract with the provider
and the procedures for providing for the completion of the
instruction of students who were enrolled in a program provided by
such provider in the case of such a termination.
(2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this subsection
shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a provider--
(A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the
program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and other fees
for the program of education for the veteran;
(B) upon the completion of the program by the veteran, 25
percent of such cost; and
(C) upon the employment of the veteran in the field of
study of the program following completion of the program, 50
percent of such cost.
(3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot program, a
provider of a high technology program of education is qualified
if--
(A) the provider has been operational for at least 2 years;
(B) the provider has successfully provided the high
technology program for at least 1 year; and
(C) the provider meets the approval criteria developed by
the Secretary under paragraph (4).
(4) Approval criteria.--The Secretary shall develop criteria
for approving providers for purposes of the pilot program. In
developing such criteria, the Secretary may consult with State
approving agencies. Such criteria is not required to meet the
requirements of section 3672 of title 38, United States Code.
(5) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to carry
out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give preference to a
qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any
student who--
(A) completes a program of education offered by the
provider; and
(B) does not find full-time meaningful employment in the
field of study of the program within the 180-day period
beginning on the date the student completes the program.
(d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each eligible
veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education under
the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing stipend equal
to the product--
(1) of--
(A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training,
the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable
under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member
with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military
housing area that encompasses all or the majority portion of
the ZIP code area in which is located the institution at which
the individual is enrolled; or
(B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of
education through distance learning, a monthly amount equal to
50 percent of the amount payable under subparagraph (A),
multiplied by
(2) the lesser of--
(A) 1.0; or
(B) the number of course hours borne by the individual in
pursuit of the program of education involved, divided by the
minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit
of such program of education, rounded to the nearest multiple
of 10.
(e) High Technology Program of Education Defined.--In this section,
the term ``high technology program of education'' means a program of
education that--
(1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher
learning;
(2) does not lead to a degree; and
(3) provides instruction in computer programming, computer
software, media application, data processing, or information
sciences.
(f) Reports.--
(1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program
under this section.
(2) Comptroller general.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after the date
on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this
section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
submit to Congress a report containing the results of the
interim assessment of the Comptroller General. Such report
shall include the recommendations of the Comptroller General
for improving the pilot program and an assessment of each of
the following:
(i) The technology experience of the directors and
instructors of the providers of high technology programs of
education under the pilot program.
(ii) Whether the providers cooperated with the
technology industry to create the curriculum for the
program of education.
(iii) Whether the providers use an open source
curriculum for the program of education.
(iv) The admittance rate into the pilot program.
(v) The job placement and retention rate for veterans
who completed a program of education under the pilot
program in the field of study of the program.
(vi) The percentage of veterans who completed a program
of education under the pilot program who were subsequently
employed for a period of 6 months or longer in a field of
study of the program.
(vii) The percentage of veterans who completed a
program of education under the pilot program who were
subsequently employed for a period of less than 6 months in
a field of study of the program.
(viii) The median annual salary of veterans who
completed a program of education under the pilot program
and were subsequently employed.
(ix) As applicable, the transfer rates to other
academic or vocational programs and certifications and
licensure exam passage rates.
(x) The average age of veterans who participated in the
pilot program.
(B) Final report.--Not later than 5 years after the date on
which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this
section, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a
final report on the pilot program. Such report shall include
the recommendation of the Comptroller General with respect to
whether the program should be extended and an assessment of
each item described in clauses (i) through (x) of subparagraph
(A).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each fiscal year during
which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under this section,
$15,000,000 shall be made available for such purpose from funds
appropriated to, or otherwise made available to, the Department for the
payment of readjustment benefits.
(h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under
this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date
on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this section.

1b68f8f15b4d7113044ccfb4f18bca9b743dc01c3bfdfe3fe5cbaffd6f6b6b62

Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``the period beginning on
June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,'' each place it appears and
inserting ``any time on or after June 30, 2017,''.

b5b3e51014dcb47be35ffeffde0c87127530e309e069326a5b0f2c1ff75e3e87

DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 3511(a)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``chapter for'' and all that follows through
the period and inserting ``chapter--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of
education using such entitlement before August 1, 2018, for an
aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or to the equivalent
thereof in part-time training); or
``(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of
education using such entitlement on or after August 1, 2018, for an
aggregate period not in excess of 36 months (or to the equivalent
thereof in part-time training).''.

73cf5bc0ab1173a55b3fa928dc4f3eb891caeff7e3bac41e9ef3939cd330d22c

ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Increase.--Section 3532 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``$788'' and inserting ``$1,224'';
(ii) by striking ``$592'' and inserting ``$967''; and
(iii) by striking ``$394'' and inserting ``$710''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``$788'' and inserting
``$1,224''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$788'' and inserting
``$1,224''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to a month that begins on or after October 1, 2018.

7e0a67b13e993682be03270b1ae13e18663d0a50cacf4c15fe562d822487e9e0

(a) Increase.--Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``out of amounts available
for the payment of readjustment benefits'' and inserting ``out of
amounts in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment benefits
account and amounts appropriated to the Secretary'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (5),
there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year.''; and
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``The total'' and inserting ``(A) The
total'';
(B) by striking ``for any fiscal year shall be
$19,000,000'' and inserting ``for fiscal year 2018 shall be
$21,000,000 and for fiscal year 2019 and thereafter shall be
$23,000,000''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an increase
in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination made under
section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall,
effective on the date of such increase in benefit amounts, increase the
amount in effect under subparagraph (A), as in effect immediately prior
to the date of such increase in benefit amounts payable under title II
of the Social Security Act, by the same percentage as the percentage by
which such benefit amounts are increased.''.

6ad89b4a5e3710f1447cab195c867e94ec3387fa9ce95f1fbce69db4ce818ca1

TO PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.
Section 3680A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``in--'' and inserting ``in any of the following:'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
a period;
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
a period;
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
(ii) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and
(E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following
new paragraph (4):
``(4) Any independent study program except an independent study
program (including such a program taken over open circuit
television) that--
``(A) is accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of
part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1099b);
``(B) leads to--
``(i) a standard college degree;
``(ii) a certificate that reflects educational
attainment offered by an institution of higher learning; or
``(iii) a certificate that reflects completion of a
course of study offered by--
``(I) an area career and technical education school
(as defined in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section
3(3) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(3))) that
provides education at the postsecondary level; or
``(II) a postsecondary vocational institution (as
defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))) that provides education at
the postsecondary level; and
``(C) in the case of a program described in subparagraph
(B)(iii)--
``(i) provides training aligned with the requirements
of employers in the State or local area where the program
is located, which may include in-demand industry sectors or
occupations; and
``(ii) provides a student, upon completion of the
program, with a recognized postsecondary credential that is
recognized by employers in the relevant industry, which may
include a credential recognized by industry or sector
partnerships in the State or local area where the industry
is located; and
``(iii) meets such content and instructional standards
as may be required to comply with the criteria under
section 3676(c)(14) and(15) of this title.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) In this section, the terms `State or local area', `recognized
postsecondary credential', `industry or sector partnership', and `in-
demand industry sector or occupation' have the meaning given such terms
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).''.

3eb640f94d12160482005c8f3e88cb16ab61e6ddfdaa60a50c22d923ec781ed3

VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION.
Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended--
(1) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(xi) information on whether the institution administers a
priority enrollment system that allows certain student veterans
to enroll in courses earlier than other students.''.

e68d66263e8d07ea4f967126a6ae6dd1ef3f3538b0137628191d13c33a150c3e

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF PROGRAMS OF
APPRENTICESHIP.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended to read
as follows:
``(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, or
to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing education or
training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this
title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu of any other compensation
or reimbursement for reports or certifications which such educational
institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship is required to
submit to the Secretary by law or regulation.
``(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar year
by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible veterans or eligible
persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this
title. The reporting fee shall be paid to such educational institution
or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship as soon as feasible after the
end of the calendar year for which it is applicable.
``(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary against any
liability of such institution for any overpayment for which such
institution may be administratively determined to be liable under
section 3685 of this title unless such liability is not contested by
such institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a court of
appropriate jurisdiction.
``(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or
sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enactment
of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of
2011 (Public Law 111-377)--
``(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor solely
for the making of certifications required under this chapter or
chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or for otherwise supporting
programs for veterans; and
``(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more
enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or merged
with amounts available for the general fund of the educational
institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship.
``(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be paid
from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on August 1, 2018.

4cdb0a672acfdc34230c6825ec34ef329c9db970141a5605bdb4d4f2948c334a

(a) Training Requirement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
in consultation with the State approving agencies, set forth
requirements relating to training for school certifying officials
employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of
education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code. If
a covered educational institution does not ensure that a school
certifying official employed by the educational institution meets such
requirements, the Secretary may disapprove any course of education
offered by such educational institution.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered educational institution'' means an
educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals
using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code.
(2) The term ``school certifying official'' means an employee
of an educational institution with primary responsibility for
certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution.
(3) The term ``State approving agency'' means a department or
agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title 38, United
States Code.
(c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on August 1,
2018.

815d4d3ca17c07d2d1c83557655728ae597644c38e08763b63a90c916cac15cc

EDUCATION.
Section 3692 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2017'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2022''.

b9f4fc9e91d168850eadaafb44d81b25f6d1771ed9214de6deed1908119189e6

EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after section
3697A the following new section:
``Sec. 3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide educational and
vocational counseling services for individuals described in section
3697A(b) of this title at locations on the campuses of institutions of
higher learning selected by the Secretary. Such counseling services
shall be provided by employees of the Department who provide such
services under section 3697A of this title.
``(b) Selection of Locations.--(1) To be selected by the Secretary
under this section, an institution of higher learning shall provide an
appropriate space on the campus of the institution where counseling
services can be provided under this section.
``(2) In selecting locations for the provision of counseling
services under this section, the Secretary shall seek to select
locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to
such services.
``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report on the counseling services provided
under this section. Such report shall include, for the year covered by
the report--
``(1) the average ratio of counselors providing such services
to individuals who received such services at each location where
such services were provided;
``(2) a description of such services provided;
``(3) the recommendations of the Secretary for improving the
provision of such services; and
``(4) any other matters the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3697A the following new item:
``3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling.''.

5bf889f84fe66c5f95197269a20e1009716b74c3e6f1951be1fc9428516a4c82

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational
institutions
``(a) In General.--For each veteran or other individual pursuing a
course of education that has been approved under this chapter using
educational assistance to which the veteran or other individual is
entitled under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, the Secretary
shall make available to the educational institution offering the course
information about the amount of such educational assistance to which
the veteran or other individual is entitled. Such information shall be
provided to such educational institution through a secure information
technology system accessible by the educational institution and shall
be regularly updated to reflect any amounts used by the veteran or
other individual.
``(b) Election.--A veteran or other individual pursuing a course of
education described in subsection (a) may elect not to provide the
information described in such subsection to an educational institution
in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 3699 the following new item:
``3699A. Provision of certain information to educational
institutions.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 3699A of title 38, United States Code,
as added by this section, shall take effect on August 1, 2018.

7e2871676ff79ca2ee6bedfcc6de89e12c60b8d8202f28e2de7fce9a32399ffd

ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, OF EDUCATIONAL
COURSES THAT BEGIN SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AN
ACADEMIC TERM.
Section 3684(a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) A course offered by an educational institution that does not
begin on the first day of an academic term, but does begin seven or
fewer days after such day, shall be treated as beginning on such day
for purposes of this section.''.

269a937f6827f73dbe8ce0092e3ad1cae960b0bb9500edbcc275e7865cef6fe3

OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES.
Section 3673(d) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Compliance and'' ;
(2) by striking ``such compliance and oversight'' and inserting
``conducting risk-based surveys and other such oversight''; and
(3) by inserting ``, in consultation with the State approving
agencies,'' after ``as the Secretary''.

0d6b4664027ce5f160e53eb2fc9c8d79fa92a98d1a0e4e1044f31b32c8daed5c

PERFORMANCE.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall carry out a study on the performance of State approving agencies.
Such study shall include each of the following:
(1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation between
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving agencies
regarding the execution of shared compliance and oversight
responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State approving
agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such agencies under
such title, including an analysis of whether Congress has
appropriated sufficient funds for State approving agencies to
fulfill such responsibilities and the historic effect of funding on
the ability of such agencies to fulfill such responsibilities.
(3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies of
risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of
established standards under such chapter.
(4) An examination of how State approving agencies use risk
factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment, increases
in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of student complaints,
rates of Federal student loan defaults of veterans, veteran
completion rates, deficiencies identified by accreditors and other
State agencies, and deficiencies in Department of Veterans Affairs
program administration compliance, in their oversight and
compliance responsibilities and in selecting educational
institutions for review of eligibility.
(5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State approving
agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve, or disapprove
educational institutions under such chapter.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives, a report on the study required under subsection (a)
and the findings and recommendations of the Comptroller General with
respect to such study.

7d66cc2fbb4c8c94a6a93395aa46f1d97334b8076d274ec11187bf87faa9d845

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking ``or
12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
(b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or
after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational
Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
(c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.

07f399b1156f2914245a233efdbfd119c8b327af89962050aa7f3a7e9cc45ec6

VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting
``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.

adb0e745afbfeaaf7bb8268203b8928264cadb9abd18e303a6fd1df11fb0f440

FOR HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Repeal.--Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl Levin and
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 37 U.S.C. 403 note) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with respect to
individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assistance
under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, on or after such
date.

8b4b2f1a8139912b973c34f1d93d2f2ad5384226497ef8e8b216eb219b36ac2c

DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE FULL-BODY
EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS, SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE
DURING WORLD WAR II.
(a) In General.--
(1) Reconsideration required.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall reconsider all claims for compensation described in
paragraph (2) and make a new determination regarding each such
claim.
(2) Claims for compensation described.--A claim for
compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for
compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, that
the Secretary determines--
(A) arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a veteran
to a covered substance--
(i) during active military, naval, or air service
during World War II; and
(ii) at a site listed in paragraph (3); and
(B) was denied before the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(3) Sites.--The sites listed in this paragraph are the
following:
(A) Camp Siebert, Alabama.
(B) Fort McClellan, Alabama.
(C) Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama.
(D) Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado.
(E) Naval Research Laboratory, D.C.
(F) Bushnell Field, Florida.
(G) Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois.
(H) Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland.
(I) Fort Detrick, Maryland.
(J) Naval Research Laboratory, Maryland.
(K) Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
(L) Horn Island Installation, Mississippi.
(M) Camp Crowder, Missouri.
(N) Hart's Island, New York.
(O) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
(P) Charleston, South Carolina.
(Q) Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
(R) Toole Army Depot, Utah.
(S) Naval Research Laboratory, Virginia.
(T) U.S.S. Eagle Boat No. 58.
(U) Ondal, India.
(V) Fort Clayton, San Jose Island, Panama.
(W) Any site the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines
is appropriate.
(4) Factors of consideration.--In making a determination under
paragraph (1), the Secretary--
(A) shall consider--
(i) that contemporaneous records of testing of full-
body exposure to a covered substance frequently may be
unavailable because such tests were classified or such
records were lost or destroyed;
(ii) that many veterans were sworn to secrecy following
testing described in clause (i);
(iii) each statement based on personal knowledge of a
veteran who served at a site listed in paragraph (3);
(iv) information in the report from the Secretary of
Defense under subsection (b)(2); and
(v) any evidence the Secretary considers relevant; and
(B) may not determine that testing of full-body exposure to
a covered substance did not occur at a site based solely on--
(i) information contained in the Department of Defense
and Department of Veterans Affairs Chemical Biological
Warfare Database; or
(ii) any list of known sites of testing of full-body
exposure to a covered substance maintained by the
Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of
Defense.
(5) Presumption of exposure.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a determination
regarding whether a veteran experienced full-body exposure to a
covered substance, the Secretary--
(A) shall presume, unless there is affirmative evidence to
establish otherwise, that the veteran experienced such exposure
by reason of the service of the veteran in World War II--
(i) based on the locations listed in paragraph (3); and
(ii) consistent with the places, types, and
circumstances of service of the veteran in accordance with
section 1154 of title 38; and
(B) shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of the
veteran.
(6) Effective date of award.--The effective date of any award
of disability compensation resulting from reconsideration of a
claim under paragraph (1) shall be fixed in accordance with the
facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of the receipt
of the claim for compensation described in paragraph (2).
(b) Investigation and Report by the Secretary of Defense.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense shall--
(1) investigate and assess each site--
(A) where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered
evidence of testing conducted by the Department of Defense
during World War II to assess the effects of full-body exposure
to a covered substance on humans; or
(B) with regards to which more than two veterans have been
denied claims for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38,
United States Code, in connection with exposure to a covered
substance at such site; and
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on testing described in
paragraph (1)(A), including--
(A) a list of each location where such testing occurred,
including locations investigated and assessed under paragraph
(1);
(B) the dates of each such testing; and
(C) the number of members of the Armed Forces who
experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance in each
such testing.
(c) Investigation and Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(1) investigate and assess--
(A) the actions taken by the Secretary to contact
individuals who experienced full-body exposure to a covered
substance in the course of testing described in subsection
(b)(1)(A);
(B) the number of claims filed with the Secretary for
disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United
States Code, arising from testing described in subsection
(b)(1)(A); and
(C) the percentage of claims described in subparagraph (B)
that the Secretary denied.
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the
Secretary of Defense a report regarding the investigations and
assessments carried out under paragraph (1).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The terms ``active military, naval, or air service'',
``veteran'', and ``World War II'' have the meanings given such
terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committees on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives and the Senate; and
(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
(3) The term ``covered substance'' means--
(A) nitrogen mustard gas;
(B) sulfur mustard gas; or
(C) Lewisite.
(4) The term ``full-body exposure'', with respect to a covered
substance, has the meaning given that term by the Secretary of
Defense.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.

593b4ab24408cd2012df1992f0b929b275bf12929afa953e07190a166e419a37

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 — HR. 3218

Other Sections

TITLE I

TITLE II

TITLE III

TITLE IV

TITLE V

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