PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 973 

Public Law 115–48 

115th Congress 

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, 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Harry W. 

Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017’’. 

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act 

is as follows: 

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 

Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. 

TITLE I—POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

Sec. 101. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care from Secretary 

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

Sec. 102. Educational assistance under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program 

for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple Heart. 

Sec. 103. Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart recipients in 

Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. 

Sec. 104. Inclusion of certain members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty 

in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. 

Sec. 105. Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Sec. 106. Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance for certain members of reserve components of Armed Forces who lost entitlement to educational 

assistance under Reserve Educational Assistance Program. 

Sec. 107. Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program based on location of campus where classes are attended. 

Sec. 108. Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and national tests under Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational 

Assistance Program. 

Sec. 109. Restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for 

veterans affected by school closure or disapproval. 

Sec. 110. Additional authorized transfer of unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits to dependents upon death of originally designated dependent. 

Sec. 111. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. 

Sec. 112. Honoring the national service of members of the Armed Forces by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement. 

Sec. 113. Monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components of the 

Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 Educational Assistance. 

Sec. 114. Annual reports to Congress on information on student progress submitted 

by educational institutions. 

Sec. 115. Improvement of information technology of the veterans benefits administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Sec. 116. Department of Veterans Affairs high technology pilot program. 

TITLE II—OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

Sec. 201. Work-study allowance. 

Harry W. 

Colmery 

Veterans 

Educational 

Assistance Act 

of 2017. 

38 USC 101 note. 

Aug. 16, 2017 

[H.R. 3218] 

131 STAT. 974 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

Sec. 202. Duration of educational assistance under Survivors’ and Dependents’ 

Educational Assistance Program. Sec. 203. Olin E. Teague increase in amounts of educational assistance payable 

under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. 

TITLE III—ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

Sec. 301. State approving agency funding. 

Sec. 302. Authorization for use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to pursue independent study programs at certain educational institutions that are not 

institutions of higher learning. Sec. 303. Provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans in certain 

courses of education. 

Sec. 304. Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and 

sponsors of programs of apprenticeship. Sec. 305. Training for school certifying officials. 

Sec. 306. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Education. 

Sec. 307. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of on-campus educational and 

vocational counseling for veterans. Sec. 308. Provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to educational assistance. 

Sec. 309. Treatment, for purposes of educational assistance administered by the 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of educational courses that begin seven or 

fewer days after the first day of an academic term. Sec. 310. Inclusion of risk-based reviews in State approving agency oversight activities. 

Sec. 311. Comptroller General study of State approving agency performance. 

TITLE IV—RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS 

Sec. 401. Eligibility of reserve component members for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance. 

Sec. 402. Time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans with serviceconnected disabilities. 

TITLE V—OTHER MATTERS 

Sec. 501. Repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for housing to 

benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 502. Reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability compensation 

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

SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE. 

Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act 

an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 

to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall 

be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 

38, United States Code. 

TITLE I—POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

SEC. 101. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING MEDICAL CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS ACTIVE 

DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting 

‘‘12301(h),’’ after ‘‘12301(g),’’. 

(b) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces 

occurring on or after September 11, 2001. 

(c) APPLICATION WITH RESPECT TO USE OF ENTITLEMENT.— 

An individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason 

of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement 

to pursue a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 

2018. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 975 

SEC. 102. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 

FORCES AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART. 

(a) ELIGIBILITY.—Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at the 

end the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for 

service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 

11, 2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed 

Forces or is discharged or released from active duty as described 

in subsection (c).’’. 

(b) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE.—Section 3313(c)(1) is amended 

by striking ‘‘or (9)’’ and inserting ‘‘(9), or (10)’’. 

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 

shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 

SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF FRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PURPLE 

HEART RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION 

ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second 

sentence, by striking ‘‘paragraphs (1) and (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 

shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 

SEC. 104. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 

SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘section 3313(c)(1)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection 

(c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this title’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 

shall take effect on August 1, 2022. 

SEC. 105. CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY TIERS UNDER 

POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 

(a) ENTITLEMENT.—Section 3311(b), as amended by section 102, 

is further amended— 

(1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ‘‘12 months’’ and 

inserting ‘‘6 months’’; 

(2) by striking paragraph (7); and 

(3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively. 

(b) AMOUNT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.—Section 3313(c) is 

amended by striking paragraph (7). 

(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 33 is further amended 

as follows: 

(1) In section 3311(f), by striking ‘‘paragraph (9)’’ each 

place it appears and inserting ‘‘paragraph (8)’’. 

(2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102— 

(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘(9), or (10)’’ and 

inserting ‘‘(8), or (9)’’; 

(B) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) 

through (7)’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 

(C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (8)’’ and 

inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; and 

38 USC 3317 

note. 

38 USC 3317 

note. 

38 USC 3311 

note. 

131 STAT. 976 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

(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)’’. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 977 

(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 

shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 

SEC. 106. ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR 

CERTAIN MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF ARMED 

FORCES WHO LOST ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM. 

(a) ELECTION.—Section 16167 of title 10, United States Code, 

is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(c) ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.—A 

member who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursuant to subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such form and 

manner as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) to 

have such service previously credited toward this chapter credited 

towards establishing eligibility for educational assistance under 

chapter 33 of title 38, notwithstanding the provisions of section 

16163(e) of this title or section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.’’. 

(b) QUALIFICATION OF SERVICE.—Section 3301(1) of title 38, 

United States Code, shall be construed to include, in the case 

of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who, 

before November 25, 2015, established eligibility for educational 

assistance under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, 

pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of such title, but lost eligibility 

for such educational assistance pursuant to section 16167(b) of 

such title, service on active duty (as defined in section 101 of 

such title) that satisfies the requirements of section 16163(a)(1) 

of such title. 

(c) ENTITLEMENT.—Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United States 

Code, shall be construed to include an individual who, before 

November 25, 2015, established eligibility for educational assistance 

under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to 

section 16163(b) of such title, but lost such eligibility pursuant 

to section 16167(b) of such title. 

(d) DURATION.—Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38, United 

States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility for educational 

assistance under chapter 33 of such title by crediting towards 

such chapter service previously credited towards chapter 1607 of 

title 10, United States Code, is only entitled to a number of months 

of educational assistance under section 3313 of title 38, United 

States Code, equal to the number of months of entitlement 

remaining under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, 

at the time of conversion to chapter 33 of title 38, United States 

Code. 

SEC. 107. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER 

POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED 

ON LOCATION OF CAMPUS WHERE CLASSES ARE 

ATTENDED. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by 

striking ‘‘the institution of higher learning at which the individual 

is enrolled’’ and inserting ‘‘the campus of the institution of higher 

learning where the individual physically participates in a majority 

of classes’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 

shall apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of 

education on or after August 1, 2018. 

38 USC 3313 

note. 

38 USC 3313 

note. 

38 USC 3311 

note. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

38 USC 3311 

note. 

131 STAT. 978 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

SEC. 108. CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT FOR CERTAIN LICENSURE AND 

CERTIFICATION TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 

(a) LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION TESTS.—Subsection (c) of 

section 3315 is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘shall be determined at the rate of one 

month (rounded to the nearest whole month)’’ and inserting 

‘‘shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee 

charged for the test relative to the rate for 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. 

SEC. 109. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS AFFECTED BY 

SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL. 

(a) SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL.— 

(1) RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT.—Chapter 36 is amended 

by adding at the end the following new section: 

‘‘§ 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 

Determination. 

38 USC 3699. 

38 USC 3315 

note. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 979 

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.’’. 

Deadline. 

Determination. 

131 STAT. 980 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

(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 

Time period. 

Effective date. 

38 USC 3699 

note. 

Extension dates. 

Regulations. 

38 USC 3670 

prec. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 981 

of education shall be deemed to be an individual who 

did not receive such credits, as described in subsection 

(b)(2) of such section, except that the period for which 

the individual’s entitlement is not charged shall be the 

entire period of the individual’s enrollment in the program 

of education. In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary 

of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of 

Education, shall establish procedures to determine whether 

the individual transferred credits to a comparable course 

or program of education. 

(2) MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND.—The amendments made 

by subsection (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and 

shall apply with respect to courses and programs of education 

discontinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, United 

States Code, as added by such subsection, on or after the 

date of the enactment of this Act. 

SEC. 110. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF UNUSED POST-9/ 

11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS 

UPON DEATH OF ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT. 

(a) TRANSFER UPON DEATH OF DEPENDENT.—Section 3319 is 

amended— 

(1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ‘‘section 3321’’ 

the following: ‘‘, and except as provided in subsection (k) or 

(l),’’; and 

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(k) ADDITIONAL TRANSFER UPON DEATH OF DEPENDENT.—In 

the case of a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is transferred under this section who dies before using all 

of such entitlement, the individual who transferred the entitlement 

to the dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a 

different eligible dependent, notwithstanding whether the individual is serving as a member of the Armed Forces when such 

transfer is executed. 

‘‘(l) TRANSFER BY DEPENDENT.—In the case of an individual 

who transfers entitlement to educational assistance under this section who dies before the dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is so transferred has used all of such entitlement, 

such dependent may transfer such entitlement to another eligible 

dependent in accordance with the provisions of this section.’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATES.— 

(1) ELIGIBLE DEATHS.—The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after 

August 1, 2009. 

(2) USE OF ENTITLEMENT.—A dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is transferred under subsection 

(k) or (l) of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as 

added by subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue 

a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 2018. 

SEC. 111. EDITH NOURSE ROGERS STEM SCHOLARSHIP. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by 

adding at the end the following new section: 

Effective date. 

38 USC 3680 

note. 

Consultation. 

Procedures. 

131 STAT. 982 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

‘‘§ 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 

Payments. 

Deadline. 

38 USC 3320. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 983 

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. 

Evaluation. 

Recommendations. 

38 USC 3320 

note. 

38 USC 3301 

prec. 

Deadline. 

131 STAT. 984 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

(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. 

SEC. 112. HONORING THE NATIONAL SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE 

ARMED FORCES BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION 

FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 3321 is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘individual’s entitlement’’ and all that follows through the period and inserting ‘‘individual’s entitlement—’’; and 

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: 

‘‘(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 

release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires 

at the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of 

such discharge or release; or 

‘‘(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 

release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, shall 

not expire.’’. 

(b) CHILDREN OF DECEASED MEMBERS.—Subsection (b)(4) of 

such section is amended— 

(1) by inserting ‘‘of this title’’ after ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’; 

(2) by striking ‘‘child’s entitlement’’ and all that follows 

through the period and inserting ‘‘child’s entitlement—’’; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 

‘‘(A) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled 

to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at 

the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of 

such child’s eighteenth birthday; or 

Time period. 

Time period. 

Assessment. 

Time periods. 

Assessment. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 985 

‘‘(B) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled 

to such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall 

not expire.’’. 

(c) SPOUSES OF DECEASED MEMBERS.—Subsection (b) of such 

section is further amended by adding at the end the following 

new paragraph: 

‘‘(5) APPLICABILITY TO SPOUSES OF DECEASED MEMBERS.— 

The period during which a spouse entitled to educational assistance by reason of section 3311(b)(9) may use such spouse’s 

entitlement— 

‘‘(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled 

to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at 

the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date on 

which the spouse first becomes entitled to such entitlement; 

or 

‘‘(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled 

to such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall 

not expire.’’. 

SEC. 113. MONTHLY STIPEND FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE 

RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES 

RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3313 is further amended by adding 

at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(j) DETERMINATION OF MONTHLY STIPENDS DURING CERTAIN

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE.— 

‘‘(1) PRO RATA BASIS.—In any month in which an individual 

described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service 

described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the Secretary shall 

determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under this 

section for such month on a pro rata basis for the period 

of such month in which the covered individual is not performing 

such active duty service. 

‘‘(2) INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED.—An individual described in 

this paragraph is an individual who is— 

‘‘(A) a member of the reserve components of the Armed 

Forces; and 

‘‘(B) pursuing a program of education using educational 

assistance under this chapter.’’. 

(b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 

apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, 

commencing on or after August 1, 2018. 

SEC. 114. ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON INFORMATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

Section 3326 is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘As a condition’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) SUBMITTAL OF INFORMATION BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.—As 

a condition’’; and 

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(b) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Not later than March 1 of each 

year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes 

a summary of the information provided by educational institutions 

under subsection (a) for the calendar year preceding the year during 

which such report is submitted.’’. 

Effective date. 

38 USC 3313 

note. 

Time period. 

131 STAT. 986 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

SEC. 115. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT 

OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 

(a) PROCESSING OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

CLAIMS.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum 

extent possible, make such changes and improvements to the 

information technology system of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that— 

(1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 of 

title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated electronically; 

and 

(2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with 

respect to such claims with little human intervention. 

(b) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the 

date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

shall submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and 

improvements described in subsection (a). 

(c) REPORT.—Not later than 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. 

SEC. 116. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY 

PILOT PROGRAM. 

(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 

carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide 

eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology 

programs of education that the Secretary determines provide 

training or skills sought by employers in a relevant field or industry. 

(b) ELIGIBILITY.—For purposes of the pilot program under this 

section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 

38, United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, United 

States Code. 

(c) CONTRACTS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of carrying out subsection 

(a), by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the 

Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with any number 

of qualified providers of high technology programs of education 

for the provision of such programs to eligible veterans under 

the pilot program. Each such contract shall provide for the 

conditions under which the Secretary may terminate the contract with the provider and the procedures for providing for 

the completion of the instruction of students who were enrolled 

in a program provided by such provider in the case of such 

a termination. 

(2) PAYMENT OF CONTRACTORS.—A contract under this subsection shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a provider— 

(A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the 

program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and other 

fees for the program of education for the veteran; 

Procedures. 

Deadline. 

38 USC 3001 

note. 

Deadline. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 987 

(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 fulltime 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; 

Payments. 

Time period. 

Effective date. 

131 STAT. 988 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

(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 

Recommendation. 

Recommendations. 

Assessment. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 989 

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. 

TITLE II—OTHER EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

SEC. 201. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE. 

Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ‘‘the period beginning 

on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,’’ each place it 

appears and inserting ‘‘any time on or after June 30, 2017,’’. 

SEC. 202. DURATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM. 

Section 3511(a)(1) is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘chapter for’’ and all that follows through 

the period and inserting ‘‘chapter—’’; and 

(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 

‘‘(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program 

of education using such entitlement before August 1, 2018, 

for an aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or to 

the equivalent thereof in part-time training); or 

‘‘(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program 

of education using such entitlement on or after August 1, 2018, 

for an aggregate period not in excess of 36 months (or to 

the equivalent thereof in part-time training).’’. 

SEC. 203. OLIN E. TEAGUE INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 

(a) INCREASE.—Section 3532 is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in paragraph (1)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘$788’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,224’’; 

(ii) by striking ‘‘$592’’ and inserting ‘‘$967’’; and 

(iii) by striking ‘‘$394’’ and inserting ‘‘$710’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘$788’’ and 

inserting ‘‘$1,224’’; and 

(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘$788’’ and inserting 

‘‘$1,224’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 

(a) shall apply with respect to a month that begins on or after 

October 1, 2018. 

TITLE III—ADMINISTRATION OF 

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

SEC. 301. STATE APPROVING AGENCY FUNDING. 

(a) INCREASE.—Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, 

is amended— 

38 USC 3532 

note. 

131 STAT. 990 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘out of amounts available for the payment of readjustment benefits’’ and inserting 

‘‘out of amounts in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment benefits account and amounts appropriated to the Secretary’’; 

(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); 

(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): 

‘‘(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph 

(5), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 

$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year.’’; 

and 

(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— 

(A) by striking ‘‘The total’’ and inserting ‘‘(A) The total’’; 

(B) by striking ‘‘for any fiscal year shall be $19,000,000’’ 

and inserting ‘‘for fiscal year 2018 shall be $21,000,000 

and for fiscal year 2019 and thereafter shall be 

$23,000,000’’; and 

(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 

‘‘(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an 

increase in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social 

Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination 

made under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, effective on the date of such increase in benefit 

amounts, increase the amount in effect under subparagraph (A), 

as in effect immediately prior to the date of such increase in 

benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act, 

by the same percentage as the percentage by which such benefit 

amounts are increased.’’. 

SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 

ASSISTANCE TO PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS 

AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT 

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING. 

Section 3680A is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 

‘‘in—’’ and inserting ‘‘in any of the following:’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 

(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and 

inserting a period; 

(C) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 

(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and 

inserting a period; 

(D) in paragraph (3)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 

(ii) by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting a period; and 

(E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph (4): 

‘‘(4) Any independent study program except an independent 

study program (including such a program taken over open 

circuit television) that— 

Effective date. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 991 

‘‘(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 ‘indemand industry sector or occupation’ have the meaning given 

such terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).’’. 

SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT 

FOR VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION. 

Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended— 

(1) in clause (ix), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 

(2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ‘‘; 

and’’; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following new clause: 

‘‘(xi) information on whether the institution administers a priority enrollment system that allows certain student veterans to enroll in courses earlier than other students.’’. 

Definitions. 

131 STAT. 992 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON USE OF REPORTING FEES PAYABLE TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF PROGRAMS 

OF APPRENTICESHIP. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended 

to read as follows: 

‘‘(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, 

or to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing education or training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 34, 

or 35 of this title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu of any 

other compensation or reimbursement for reports or certifications 

which such educational institution or sponsor of a program of 

apprenticeship is required to submit to the Secretary by law or 

regulation. 

‘‘(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar 

year by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible veterans or 

eligible persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, 

or 35 of this title. The reporting fee shall be paid to such educational 

institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship as soon as 

feasible after the end of the calendar year for which it is applicable. 

‘‘(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under 

this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary against 

any liability of such institution for any overpayment for which 

such institution may be administratively determined to be liable 

under section 3685 of this title unless such liability is not contested 

by such institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a 

court of appropriate jurisdiction. 

‘‘(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or 

sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2011 (Public Law 111–377)— 

‘‘(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor solely 

for the making of certifications required under this chapter 

or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or for otherwise supporting 

programs for veterans; and 

‘‘(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more 

enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or 

merged with amounts available for the general fund of the 

educational institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship. 

‘‘(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be 

paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits.’’. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 

shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 

SEC. 305. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS. 

(a) TRAINING REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

shall, in consultation with the State approving agencies, set forth 

requirements relating to training for school certifying officials 

employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of 

education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, 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: 

38 USC 3684 

note. 

Consultation. 

38 USC 3684 

note. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 993 

(1) The term ‘‘covered educational institution’’ means an 

educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals 

using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code. 

(2) The term ‘‘school certifying official’’ means an employee 

of an educational institution with primary responsibility for 

certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution. 

(3) The term ‘‘State approving agency’’ means a department 

or agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title 

38, United States Code. 

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall take effect on August 

1, 2018. 

SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 

EDUCATION. 

Section 3692 is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2017’’ and 

inserting ‘‘December 31, 2022’’. 

SEC. 307. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ONCAMPUS EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING 

FOR VETERANS. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after 

section 3697A the following new section: 

‘‘§ 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.’’. 

38 USC 3670 

prec. 

Recommendations. 

38 USC 3697B 

note. 

131 STAT. 994 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

SEC. 308. PROVISION OF INFORMATION REGARDING VETERAN 

ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further 

amended by adding at the end the following new section: 

‘‘§ 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 

institutions 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For each veteran or other individual pursuing a course of education that has been approved under this 

chapter using educational assistance to which the veteran or other 

individual is entitled under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, 

the Secretary shall make available to the educational institution 

offering the course information about the amount of such educational assistance to which the veteran or other individual is 

entitled. Such information shall be provided to such educational 

institution through a secure information technology system accessible by the educational institution and shall be regularly updated 

to reflect any amounts used by the veteran or other individual. 

‘‘(b) ELECTION.—A veteran or other individual pursuing a course 

of education described in subsection (a) may elect not to provide 

the information described in such subsection to an educational 

institution in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.’’. 

(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by inserting after the 

item relating to section 3699 the following new item: 

‘‘3699A. Provision of certain information to educational institutions.’’. 

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 3699A of title 38, United States 

Code, as added by this section, shall take effect on August 1, 

2018. 

SEC. 309. TREATMENT, FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 

ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS 

AFFAIRS, OF EDUCATIONAL COURSES THAT BEGIN SEVEN 

OR FEWER DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AN ACADEMIC 

TERM. 

Section 3684(a) is amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): 

‘‘(4) A course offered by an educational institution that does 

not begin on the first day of an academic term, but does begin 

seven or fewer days after such day, shall be treated as beginning 

on such day for purposes of this section.’’. 

SEC. 310. INCLUSION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS IN STATE APPROVING 

AGENCY OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES. 

Section 3673(d) is amended— 

(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘COMPLIANCE

AND’’ ; 

(2) by striking ‘‘such compliance and oversight’’ and 

inserting ‘‘conducting risk-based surveys and other such oversight’’; and 

(3) by inserting ‘‘, in consultation with the State approving 

agencies,’’ after ‘‘as the Secretary’’. 

38 USC 3699A 

note. 

38 USC 3670 

prec. 

38 USC 3699A. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 995 

SEC. 311. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF STATE APPROVING 

AGENCY PERFORMANCE. 

(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the United 

States shall carry out a study on the performance of State approving 

agencies. Such study shall include each of the following: 

(1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation 

between the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving 

agencies regarding the execution of shared compliance and 

oversight responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38, United 

States Code. 

(2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State 

approving agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such agencies 

under such title, including an analysis of whether Congress 

has appropriated sufficient funds for State approving agencies 

to fulfill such responsibilities and the historic effect of funding 

on the ability of such agencies to fulfill such responsibilities. 

(3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies 

of risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of 

established standards under such chapter. 

(4) An examination of how State approving agencies use 

risk factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment, 

increases in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of student complaints, rates of Federal student loan defaults of veterans, veteran completion rates, deficiencies identified by 

accreditors and other State agencies, and deficiencies in Department of Veterans Affairs program administration compliance, 

in their oversight and compliance responsibilities and in 

selecting educational institutions for review of eligibility. 

(5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State 

approving agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve, 

or disapprove educational institutions under such chapter. 

(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 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. 

TITLE IV—RESERVE COMPONENT 

BENEFITS 

SEC. 401. ELIGIBILITY OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS FOR POST9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking 

‘‘or 12304’’ and inserting ‘‘12304, 12304a, or 12304b’’. 

(b) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces 

occurring on or after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/ 

11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110– 

252). 

(c) APPLICATION WITH RESPECT TO USE OF ENTITLEMENT.— 

An individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason 

of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement 

Effective date. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

38 USC 3301 

note. 

Recommendation. 

Examination. 

Evaluation. 

Analysis. 

Analysis. 

131 STAT. 996 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

to pursue a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 

2018. 

SEC. 402. TIME LIMITATION FOR TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR 

VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES. 

Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ‘‘or 12304’’ and inserting 

‘‘12304, 12304a, or 12304b’’. 

TITLE V—OTHER MATTERS 

SEC. 501. REPEAL INAPPLICABILITY OF MODIFICATION OF BASIC 

ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS 

ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 

(a) REPEAL.—Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl Levin 

and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization 

Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 37 U.S.C. 403 

note) is repealed. 

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 

shall take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with respect 

to individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, on or after 

such date. 

SEC. 502. RECONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY DENIED CLAIMS FOR 

DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE 

FULL-BODY EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS, 

SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE DURING WORLD WAR 

II. 

(a) IN GENERAL.— (1) RECONSIDERATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall reconsider 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. 

Determination. 

37 USC 403 note. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 997 

(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 fullbody 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 

Determination. 

131 STAT. 998 PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 

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. 

Lists. 

PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 131 STAT. 999 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3218 (S. 1598): 

HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115–247, Pt. 1 (Comm. on Veterans’ Affairs). 

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017): 

July 24, considered and passed House. 

Aug. 2, considered and passed Senate. 

Æ 

(4) The term ‘‘full-body exposure’’, with respect to a covered 

substance, has the meaning given that term by the Secretary 

of Defense. 

Approved August 16, 2017.