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[House Report 115-396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

115th Congress    }                                     {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session      }                                     {      115-396

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

 
       SECURING ELECTRONIC RECORDS FOR VETERANS' EASE ACT OF 2017

                                _______
                                

November 7, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

    Mr. Roe of Tennessee, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 3634]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 3634) to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
ensure that individuals may access documentation verifying the 
monthly housing stipend paid to the individual under the Post-
9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, having considered the same, report favorably 
thereon without amendment and recommend that the bill do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose and Summary..............................................     2
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     2
Hearings.........................................................     2
Subcommittee Consideration.......................................     3
Committee Consideration..........................................     3
Committee Votes..................................................     3
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................     3
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............     3
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits.............................     4
Committee Cost Estimate..........................................     4
Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Estimate........     4
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     5
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................     5
Constitutional Authority Statement...............................     5
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................     5
Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs.....................     5
Disclosure of Directed Rulemaking................................     6
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................     6
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............     6

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 3634, the Securing Electronic Records for Veterans' 
Ease Act of 2017, was introduced by Representative James A. 
Himes of Connecticut on August 1, 2017. H.R. 3634 would require 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide 
documentation of living stipend payments that would be paid to 
eligible veterans and dependents through the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.), 
authorizes the payment of a housing allowance at the E-5 with 
dependents rate for eligible individuals based on the zip code 
where the student is taking the majority of their classes. This 
stipend is calculated based on the student's rate of pursuit 
and is meant to help defray the living costs the student incurs 
while attending school. Some veterans believe that VA does not 
provide sufficient information about the amount of monthly 
housing stipend GI Bill beneficiaries will receive to prove 
income when trying to obtain housing. Many veterans rely on 
their GI Bill housing stipend to pay for housing while they are 
using their benefits and attending school, therefore, it is 
necessary that they are able to show proof of sufficient income 
to qualify for rental and other housing. This point was 
emphasized at the October 11, 2017 Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity legislative hearing on the bill where Mr. William 
Hubbard, Vice President of Government Affairs for Student 
Veterans of America, testified:
          For student veterans entering higher education after 
        service, life can be quite different when compared to 
        the traditional 18-22-year-old students. More than 40% 
        of student veterans are between the ages of 25-34, and 
        living in the dorms is not the preferred housing 
        arrangement.\1\ For those who choose to live outside of 
        campus housing, demonstrating proof of income is a 
        standard requirement to meet for most rental options. 
        Unfortunately, many landlords do not recognize the 
        housing stipend (BAH) as a form of income to be applied 
        to rental worthiness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). American Community Survey 1-year 
estimates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
          This legislation proposes requiring the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish students a statement 
        of income for housing purposes based on their 
        anticipated BAH payments. This is a common-sense 
        solution that could easily solve a minor policy 
        oversight that disproportionately affects student 
        veterans with a tremendous burden.
    The Committee agrees that additional documentation of 
living stipend payments would assist student veterans and other 
eligible dependents find housing. This section, therefore, 
would require the Secretary to electronically provide 
documentation that verifies the amount of the monthly housing 
stipend an individual receives under the GI Bill. This would 
allow beneficiaries to use this documentation as proof of 
income when applying for housing.

                                Hearings

    On October 11, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a legislative hearing on several bills pending 
before the Subcommittee including H.R. 3634. The following 
witnesses testified:
          The Honorable John H. Rutherford, U.S. House of 
        Representatives, 4th district of Florida; The Honorable 
        James A. Himes, U.S. House of Representatives, 4th 
        district of Connecticut; The Honorable Martha McSally, 
        U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd district of Arizona; 
        The Honorable Ro Khanna, U.S. House of Representatives, 
        17th district of California; MG Robert M. Worley II 
        USAF (Ret.), Director of the Education Service, 
        Veterans Benefit Administration of the U.S. Department 
        of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. Jeffrey 
        London, Director of the Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans 
        Benefits Administration of the U.S. Department of 
        Veterans Affairs; Mr. John Kamin, Assistant Director of 
        Veteran Employment and Education, The American Legion; 
        and Mr. William Hubbard, Vice President of Government 
        Affairs, Student Veterans of America.
    The following submitted statements for the record:
          The Honorable Lee M. Zeldin, U.S. House of 
        Representatives, 1st district of New York; and 
        Helicopter Association International.

                       Subcommittee Consideration

    On October 25, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open markup session, a quorum being present 
and favorably forwarded H.R. 3634 to the full Committee.

                        Committee Consideration

    On November 2, 2017, the full Committee met in open markup 
session, a quorum being present, and ordered H.R. 3634 be 
reported favorably to the House of Representatives by voice 
vote.

                            Committee Votes

    In compliance with clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, no recorded votes were taken on 
amendments or in connection with ordering H.R. 3634 reported to 
the House.

                      Committee Oversight Findings

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

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance 
goals and objectives of H.R. 3634 are to provide student 
veterans documentation of their living allowance payments 
through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

                  Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits

    H.R. 3634 does not contain any Congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives.

                        Committee Cost Estimate

    Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the 
Committee of the costs that would be incurred in carrying out 
this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) of that Rule provides 
that this requirement does not apply when the Committee has 
included in its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the 
bill prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974. The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate on H.R. 
3634 prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act 
of 1974.

     Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect 
to requirements of clause (3)(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following is the cost 
estimate for H.R. 3634 is provided by the Congressional Budget 
Office.

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                  Washington, DC, November 6, 2017.
Hon. Phil Roe, M.D.,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3634, the Securing 
Electronic Records for Veterans' Ease Act of 2017.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is David Newman.
            Sincerely,
                                                        Keith Hall.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 3634--Securing Electronic Records for Veterans' Ease Act of 2017

    Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) pays some of the educational expenses at 
institutions of higher learning for eligible veterans and for 
military personnel who served on active duty for at least 90 
days after September 11, 2001. Those people also can transfer 
their benefits to their spouses and children under certain 
conditions. VA pays an amount equal to the actual tuition and 
fees charged to in-state residents for students attending 
public institutions or, for students at private institutions, 
an amount up to a maximum ($22,805 for the 2017-2018 academic 
year). The program also provides a monthly housing allowance to 
some beneficiaries while they attend school.
    H.R. 3634 would require VA to use an Internet website to 
inform beneficiaries of the amount of the monthly housing 
allowance to which they are entitled. The department currently 
provides that information for beneficiaries who are veterans. 
Because the department reports that it is in the process of 
making the same information available to other beneficiaries, 
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3634 would have no 
budgetary effect.
    Enacting H.R. 3634 would not affect direct spending or 
revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3634 would not increase 
net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four 
consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.
    H.R. 3634 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Newman. 
The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy 
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    With respect to the requirements of Section 423 of the 
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (as amended by 
Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act, P.L. 104-
4), the Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates regarding H.R. 3634 prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R. 
3634.

                   Constitutional Authority Statement

    Pursuant to Article I, section 8 of the United States 
Constitution, H.R. 3634 is authorized by Congress' power to 
``provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the 
United States.''

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that H.R. 3634 does not relate to the 
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services 
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of 
the Congressional Accountability Act.

              Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision 
of H.R. 3634 establishes or reauthorizes a program of the 
Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal 
program, a program that was included in any report from the 
Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to 
section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a 
program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance.

                   Disclosure of Directed Rulemaking

    Pursuant to section 3(i) of H. Res. 5, 115th Cong. (2017), 
H.R. 3634 would not require the Secretary to publish new 
regulations for carrying out this bill.

             Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation

Sec. 1. Short title

    This section that the short title of the bill is, 
``Securing Electronic Records for Veterans' Ease Act of 2017.''

Sec. 2. Provision of monthly housing stipend information under Post-9/
        11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs

    This section would amend section 3313 of title 38, U.S.C., 
to create a new subsection (j). This new subsection would 
require that the Secretary provide documentation that verifies 
the amount of monthly housing stipend to eligible individuals 
receiving educational assistance through section 3313 of title 
38, U.S.C. The section would also require that the Secretary 
provide this documentation to eligible individuals through the 
Department's website.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

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

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

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

                      TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE

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

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

CHAPTER 33--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SUBCHAPTER II--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Sec. 3313. Programs of education leading to a degree pursued at 
                    institutions of higher learning on more than half-
                    time basis

  (a) Payment.--The Secretary shall pay to each individual 
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who is 
pursuing an approved program of education (other than a program 
covered by subsections (e) and (f)) the amounts specified in 
subsection (c) to meet the expenses of such individual's 
subsistence, tuition, fees, and other educational costs for 
pursuit of such program of education.
  (b) Approved Programs of Education.--A program of education 
is an approved program of education for purposes of this 
chapter if the program of education is approved for purposes of 
chapter 30 (including approval by the State approving agency 
concerned).
  (c) Amount of Educational Assistance.--The amounts payable 
under this subsection for pursuit of an approved program of 
education leading to a degree at an institution of higher 
learning (as that term is defined in section 3452(f)) are 
amounts as follows:
          (1) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        paragraph (1), (2), or (9) of section 3311(b), amounts 
        as follows:
                  (A) An amount equal to the following:
                          (i) In the case of a program of 
                        education pursued at a public 
                        institution of higher learning, the 
                        actual net cost for in-State tuition 
                        and fees assessed by the institution 
                        for the program of education after the 
                        application of--
                                  (I) any waiver of, or 
                                reduction in, tuition and fees; 
                                and
                                  (II) any scholarship, or 
                                other Federal, State, 
                                institutional, or employer-
                                based aid or assistance (other 
                                than loans and any funds 
                                provided under section 401(b) 
                                of the Higher Education Act of 
                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b))) that 
                                is provided directly to the 
                                institution and specifically 
                                designated for the sole purpose 
                                of defraying tuition and fees.
                          (ii) In the case of a program of 
                        education pursued at a non-public or 
                        foreign institution of higher learning, 
                        the lesser of--
                                  (I) the actual net cost for 
                                tuition and fees assessed by 
                                the institution for the program 
                                of education after the 
                                application of--
                                          (aa) any waiver of, 
                                        or reduction in, 
                                        tuition and fees; and
                                          (bb) any scholarship, 
                                        or other Federal, 
                                        State, institutional, 
                                        or employer-based aid 
                                        or assistance (other 
                                        than loans and any 
                                        funds provided under 
                                        section 401(b) of the 
                                        Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965) that is provided 
                                        directly to the 
                                        institution and 
                                        specifically designated 
                                        for the sole purpose of 
                                        defraying tuition and 
                                        fees; or
                                  (II) the amount equal to--
                                          (aa) for the academic 
                                        year beginning on 
                                        August 1, 2011, 
                                        $17,500; or
                                          (bb) for an academic 
                                        year beginning on any 
                                        subsequent August 1, 
                                        the amount for the 
                                        previous academic year 
                                        beginning on August 1 
                                        under this subclause, 
                                        as increased by the 
                                        percentage increase 
                                        equal to the most 
                                        recent percentage 
                                        increase determined 
                                        under section 3015(h).
                  (B) A monthly stipend in an amount as 
                follows:
                          (i) Except as provided in clauses 
                        (ii) and (iii), for each month an 
                        individual pursues a program of 
                        education on more than a half-time 
                        basis, a monthly housing stipend equal 
                        to the product of--
                                  (I) the monthly amount of the 
                                basic allowance for housing 
                                payable under section 403 of 
                                title 37 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 campus of the 
                                institution of higher learning 
                                where the individual physically 
                                participates in a majority of 
                                classes, multiplied by
                                  (II) the lesser of--
                                          (aa) 1.0; or
                                          (bb) the number of 
                                        course hours borne by 
                                        the individual in 
                                        pursuit of the program 
                                        of education, divided 
                                        by the minimum number 
                                        of course hours 
                                        required for full-time 
                                        pursuit of the program 
                                        of education, rounded 
                                        to the nearest multiple 
                                        of 10.
                          (ii) In the case of an individual 
                        pursuing a program of education at a 
                        foreign institution of higher learning 
                        on more than a half-time basis, for 
                        each month the individual pursues the 
                        program of education, a monthly housing 
                        stipend equal to the product of--
                                  (I) the national average of 
                                the monthly amount of the basic 
                                allowance for housing payable 
                                under section 403 of title 37 
                                for a member with dependents in 
                                pay grade E-5, multiplied by
                                  (II) the lesser of--
                                          (aa) 1.0; or
                                          (bb) the number of 
                                        course hours borne by 
                                        the individual in 
                                        pursuit of the program 
                                        of education, divided 
                                        by the minimum number 
                                        of course hours 
                                        required for full-time 
                                        pursuit of the program 
                                        of education, rounded 
                                        to the nearest multiple 
                                        of 10.
                          (iii) In the case of an individual 
                        pursuing a program of education solely 
                        through distance learning on more than 
                        a half-time basis, a monthly housing 
                        stipend equal to 50 percent of the 
                        amount payable under clause (ii) if the 
                        individual were otherwise entitled to a 
                        monthly housing stipend under that 
                        clause for pursuit of the program of 
                        education.
                          (iv) For the first month of each 
                        quarter, semester, or term, as 
                        applicable, of the program of education 
                        pursued by the individual, a lump sum 
                        amount for books, supplies, equipment, 
                        and other educational costs with 
                        respect to such quarter, semester, or 
                        term in the amount equal to--
                                  (I) $1,000, multiplied by
                                  (II) the fraction which is 
                                the portion of a complete 
                                academic year under the program 
                                of education that such quarter, 
                                semester, or term constitutes.
          (2) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(3), amounts equal to 90 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
          (3) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(4), amounts equal to 80 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
          (4) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(5), amounts equal to 70 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
          (5) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(6), amounts equal to 60 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
          (6) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(7), amounts equal to 50 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
          (7) In the case of an individual entitled to 
        educational assistance under this chapter by reason of 
        section 3311(b)(8), amounts equal to 40 percent of the 
        amounts that would be payable to the individual under 
        paragraph (1) for the program of education if the 
        individual were entitled to amounts for the program of 
        education under paragraph (1) rather than this 
        paragraph.
  (d) Frequency of Payment.--
          (1) Quarter, semester, or term payments.--Payment of 
        the amounts payable under subsection (c)(1)(A), and of 
        similar amounts payable under paragraphs (2) through 
        (7) of subsection (c), for pursuit of a program of 
        education shall be made for the entire quarter, 
        semester, or term, as applicable, of the program of 
        education.
          (2) Monthly payments.--Payment of the amount payable 
        under subsection (c)(1)(B), and of similar amounts 
        payable under paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection 
        (c), for pursuit of a program of education shall be 
        made on a monthly basis.
          (3) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe in 
        regulations methods for determining the number of 
        months (including fractions thereof) of entitlement of 
        an individual to educational assistance under this 
        chapter that are chargeable under this chapter for an 
        advance payment of amounts under paragraphs (1) and (2) 
        for pursuit of a program of education on a quarter, 
        semester, term, or other basis.
  (e) Programs of Education Pursued on Active Duty.--
          (1) In general.--Educational assistance is payable 
        under this chapter for pursuit of an approved program 
        of education leading to a degree while on active duty.
          (2) Amount of assistance.--The amounts of educational 
        assistance payable under this chapter to an individual 
        pursuing a program of education leading to a degree 
        while on active duty are as follows:
                  (A) Subject to subparagraph (C), an amount 
                equal to the lesser of--
                          (i) in the case of a program of 
                        education pursued at a public 
                        institution of higher learning, the 
                        actual net cost for in-State tuition 
                        and fees assessed by the institution 
                        for the program of education after the 
                        application of--
                                  (I) any waiver of, or 
                                reduction in, tuition and fees; 
                                and
                                  (II) any scholarship, or 
                                other Federal, State, 
                                institutional, or employer-
                                based aid or assistance (other 
                                than loans and any funds 
                                provided under section 401(b) 
                                of the Higher Education Act of 
                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b)))that 
                                is provided directly to the 
                                institution and specifically 
                                designated for the sole purpose 
                                of defraying tuition and fees;
                          (ii) in the case of a program of 
                        education pursued at a non-public or 
                        foreign institution of higher learning, 
                        the lesser of--
                                  (I) the actual net cost for 
                                tuition and fees assessed by 
                                the institution for the program 
                                of education after the 
                                application of--
                                          (aa) any waiver of, 
                                        or reduction in, 
                                        tuition and fees; and
                                          (bb) any scholarship, 
                                        or other Federal, 
                                        State, institutional, 
                                        or employer-based aid 
                                        or assistance (other 
                                        than loans and any 
                                        funds provided under 
                                        section 401(b) of the 
                                        Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965) that is provided 
                                        directly to the 
                                        institution and 
                                        specifically designated 
                                        for the sole purpose of 
                                        defraying tuition and 
                                        fees; or
                                  (II) the amount equal to--
                                                  (aa) for the 
                                                academic year 
                                                beginning on 
                                                August 1, 2011, 
                                                $17,500; or
                                                  (bb) for an 
                                                academic year 
                                                beginning on 
                                                any subsequent 
                                                August 1, the 
                                                amount for the 
                                                previous 
                                                academic year 
                                                beginning on 
                                                August 1 under 
                                                this subclause, 
                                                as increased by 
                                                the percentage 
                                                increase equal 
                                                to the most 
                                                recent 
                                                percentage 
                                                increase 
                                                determined 
                                                under section 
                                                3015(h); or
                  (iii) the amount of the charges of the 
                educational institution as elected by the 
                individual in the manner specified in section 
                3014(b)(1).
                  (B) Subject to subparagraph (C), for the 
                first month of each quarter, semester, or term, 
                as applicable, of the program of education 
                pursued by the individual, a lump sum amount 
                for books, supplies, equipment, and other 
                educational costs with respect to such quarter, 
                semester, or term in the amount equal to--
                          (i) $1,000, multiplied by (ii) the 
                        fraction of a complete academic year 
                        under the program of education that 
                        such quarter, semester, or term 
                        constitutes.
                  (C) In the case of an individual entitled to 
                educational assistance by reason of paragraphs 
                (3) through (8) of section 3311(b), the amounts 
                payable to the individual pursuant to 
                subparagraphs (A)(i), (A)(ii), and (B) shall be 
                the amounts otherwise determined pursuant to 
                such subparagraphs multiplied by the same 
                percentage applicable to the monthly amounts 
                payable to the individual under paragraphs (2) 
                through (7) of subsection (c).
          (3) Quarter, semester, or term payments.--Payment of 
        the amount payable under paragraph (2) for pursuit of a 
        program of education shall be made for the entire 
        quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, of the 
        program of education.
          (4) Monthly payments.--For each month (as determined 
        pursuant to the methods prescribed under subsection 
        (d)(3)) for which amounts are paid an individual under 
        this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
        educational assistance under this chapter shall be 
        charged at the rate of one month for each such month.
  (f) Programs of Education Pursued on Half-Time Basis or 
Less.--
          (1) In general.--Educational assistance is payable 
        under this chapter for pursuit of an approved program 
        of education on half-time basis or less whether a 
        program of education pursued on active duty, a program 
        of education leading to a degree, or a program of 
        education other than a program of education leading to 
        a degree.
          (2) Amount of assistance.--The educational assistance 
        payable under this chapter to an individual pursuing a 
        program of education covered by this subsection on 
        half-time basis or less is the amounts as follows:
                  (A) The amount equal to the lesser of--
                          (i) the actual net cost for in-State 
                        tuition and fees assessed by the 
                        institution of higher learning for the 
                        program of education after the 
                        application of--
                                  (I) any waiver of, or 
                                reduction in, tuition and fees; 
                                and
                                  (II) any scholarship, or 
                                other Federal, State, 
                                institutional, or employer-
                                based aid or assistance (other 
                                than loans and any funds 
                                provided under section 401(b) 
                                of the Higher Education Act of 
                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b))) that 
                                is provided directly to the 
                                institution and specifically 
                                designated for the sole purpose 
                                of defraying tuition and fees; 
                                or
                          (ii) the maximum amount that would be 
                        payable to the individual for the 
                        program of education under paragraph 
                        (1)(A) of subsection (c), or under the 
                        provisions of paragraphs (2) through 
                        (7) of subsection (c) applicable to the 
                        individual, for the program of 
                        education if the individual were 
                        entitled to amounts for the program of 
                        education under subsection (c) rather 
                        than this subsection.
                  (B) A stipend in an amount equal to the 
                amount of the appropriately reduced amount of 
                the lump sum amount for books, supplies, 
                equipment, and other educational costs 
                otherwise payable to the individual under 
                subsection (c).
          (3) Quarter, term, or semester payments.--Payment of 
        the amounts payable to an individual under paragraph 
        (2) for pursuit of a program of education on half-time 
        basis or less shall be made for the entire quarter, 
        semester, or term, as applicable, of the program of 
        education.
          (4) Monthly payments.--For each month (as determined 
        pursuant to the methods prescribed under subsection 
        (d)(3)) for which amounts are paid an individual under 
        this subsection, the entitlement of the individual to 
        educational assistance under this chapter shall be 
        charged at a percentage of a month equal to--
                  (A) the number of course hours borne by the 
                individual in pursuit of the program of 
                education involved, divided by
                  (B) the number of course hours for full-time 
                pursuit of such program of education.
  (g) Programs of Education Other Than Programs of Education 
Leading to a Degree.--
          (1) In general.--Educational assistance is payable 
        under this chapter for pursuit of an approved program 
        of education other than a program of education leading 
        to a degree at an institution other than an institution 
        of higher learning (as that term is defined in section 
        3452(f)).
          (2) Pursuit on half-time basis or less.--The payment 
        of educational assistance under this chapter for 
        pursuit of a program of education otherwise described 
        in paragraph (1) on a half-time basis or less is 
        governed by subsection (f).
          (3) Amount of assistance.--The amounts of educational 
        assistance payable under this chapter to an individual 
        entitled to educational assistance under this chapter 
        who is pursuing an approved program of education 
        covered by this subsection are as follows:
                  (A) In the case of an individual enrolled in 
                a program of education (other than a program 
                described in subparagraphs (B) through (D)) in 
                pursuit of a certificate or other non-college 
                degree, the following:
                          (i) Subject to clause (iv), an amount 
                        equal to the lesser of--
                                  (I) the actual net cost for 
                                in-State tuition and fees 
                                assessed by the institution 
                                concerned for the program of 
                                education after the application 
                                of--
                                          (aa) any waiver of, 
                                        or reduction in, 
                                        tuition and fees; and
                                          (bb) any scholarship, 
                                        or other Federal, 
                                        State, institutional, 
                                        or employer-based aid 
                                        or assistance (other 
                                        than loans and any 
                                        funds provided under 
                                        section 401(b) of the 
                                        Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                                        1070a(b))) that is 
                                        provided directly to 
                                        the institution and 
                                        specifically designated 
                                        for the sole purpose of 
                                        defraying tuition and 
                                        fees; or
                                  (II) the amount equal to--
                                          (aa) for the academic 
                                        year beginning on 
                                        August 1, 2011, 
                                        $17,500; or
                                          (bb) for an academic 
                                        year beginning on any 
                                        subsequent August 1, 
                                        the amount for the 
                                        previous academic year 
                                        beginning on August 1 
                                        under this subclause, 
                                        as increased by the 
                                        percentage increase 
                                        equal to the most 
                                        recent percentage 
                                        increase determined 
                                        under section 3015(h).
                          (ii) Except in the case of an 
                        individual pursuing a program of 
                        education on a half-time or less basis 
                        and subject to clause (iv), a monthly 
                        housing stipend equal to the product--
                                  (I) of--
                                          (aa) in the case of 
                                        an individual pursuing 
                                        resident training, the 
                                        monthly amount of the 
                                        basic allowance for 
                                        housing payable under 
                                        section 403 of title 37 
                                        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
                                          (bb) in the case of 
                                        an individual pursuing 
                                        a program of education 
                                        through distance 
                                        learning, a monthly 
                                        amount equal to 50 
                                        percent of the amount 
                                        payable under item 
                                        (aa), multiplied by 
                                        (II) the lesser of--
                                          (aa) 1.0; or
                                          (bb) 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.
                          (iii) Subject to clause (iv), a 
                        monthly stipend in an amount equal to 
                        $83 for each month (or pro rata amount 
                        for a partial month) of training 
                        pursued for books, supplies, equipment, 
                        and other educational costs.
                          (iv) In the case of an individual 
                        entitled to educational assistance by 
                        reason of paragraphs (3) through (8) of 
                        section 3311(b), the amounts payable 
                        pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), and 
                        (iii) shall be the amounts otherwise 
                        determined pursuant to such clauses 
                        multiplied by the same percentage 
                        applicable to the monthly amounts 
                        payable to the individual under 
                        paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
                        subsection (c).
                  (B) In the case of an individual pursuing a 
                full-time program of apprenticeship or other 
                on-job training, amounts as follows:
                          (i) Subject to clauses (iii) and 
                        (iv), for each month the individual 
                        pursues the program of education, a 
                        monthly housing stipend equal to--
                                  (I) during the first six-
                                month period of the program, 
                                the monthly amount of the basic 
                                allowance for housing payable 
                                under section 403 of title 37 
                                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 employer 
                                at which the individual pursues 
                                such program;
                                  (II) during the second six-
                                month period of the program, 80 
                                percent of the monthly amount 
                                of the basic allowance for 
                                housing payable as described in 
                                subclause (I);
                                  (III) during the third six-
                                month period of the program, 60 
                                percent of the monthly amount 
                                of the basic allowance for 
                                housing payable as described in 
                                subclause (I);
                                  (IV) during the fourth six-
                                month period of such program, 
                                40 percent of the monthly 
                                amount of the basic allowance 
                                for housing payable as 
                                described in subclause (I); and
                                  (V) during any month after 
                                the first 24 months of such 
                                program, 20 percent of the 
                                monthly amount of the basic 
                                allowance for housing payable 
                                as described in subclause (I).
                          (ii) Subject to clauses (iii) and 
                        (iv), a monthly stipend in an amount 
                        equal to $83 for each month (or pro 
                        rata amount for each partial month) of 
                        training pursued for books supplies, 
                        equipment, and other educational costs.
                          (iii) In the case of an individual 
                        entitled to educational assistance by 
                        reason of paragraphs (3) through (8) of 
                        sections 3311(b), the amounts payable 
                        pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) shall 
                        be the amounts otherwise determined 
                        pursuant to such clauses multiplied by 
                        the same percentage applicable to the 
                        monthly amounts payable to the 
                        individual under paragraphs (2) through 
                        (7) of subsection (c).
                          (iv) In any month in which an 
                        individual pursuing a program of 
                        education consisting of a program of 
                        apprenticeship or other on-job training 
                        fails to complete 120 hours of 
                        training, the amount of monthly 
                        educational assistance allowance 
                        payable under clauses (i) and (iii) to 
                        the individual shall be limited to the 
                        same proportion of the applicable rate 
                        determined under this subparagraph as 
                        the number of hours worked during such 
                        month, rounded to the nearest eight 
                        hours, bears to 120 hours.
                  (C) In the case of an individual enrolled in 
                a program of education consisting of flight 
                training (regardless of the institution 
                providing such program of education), an amount 
                equal to--
                          (i) the lesser of--
                                  (I) the actual net cost for 
                                in-State tuition and fees 
                                assessed by the institution 
                                concerned for the program of 
                                education after the application 
                                of--
                                          (aa) any waiver of, 
                                        or reduction in, 
                                        tuition and fees; and
                                          (bb) any scholarship, 
                                        or other Federal, 
                                        State, institutional, 
                                        or employer-based aid 
                                        or assistance (other 
                                        than loans and any 
                                        funds provided under 
                                        section 401(b) of the 
                                        Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965) that is provided 
                                        directly to the 
                                        institution and 
                                        specifically designated 
                                        for the sole purpose of 
                                        defraying tuition and 
                                        fees; or
                                  (II) the amount equal to--
                                          (aa) for the academic 
                                        year beginning on 
                                        August 1, 2011, 
                                        $10,000; or
                                          (bb) for an academic 
                                        year beginning on any 
                                        subsequent August 1, 
                                        the amount for the 
                                        previous academic year 
                                        beginning on August 1 
                                        under this subclause, 
                                        as increased by the 
                                        percentage increase 
                                        equal to the most 
                                        recent percentage 
                                        increase determined 
                                        under section 3015(h), 
                                        multiplied by--
                          (ii) either--
                                  (I) in the case of an 
                                individual entitled to 
                                educational assistance by 
                                reason of paragraphs (1), (2), 
                                or (9) of section 3311(b), 100 
                                percent; or
                                  (II) in the case of an 
                                individual entitled to 
                                educational assistance by 
                                reason of paragraphs (3) 
                                through (8) of section 3311(b), 
                                the same percentage as would 
                                otherwise apply to the monthly 
                                amounts payable to the 
                                individual under paragraphs (2) 
                                through (7) of subsection (c).
                  (D) In the case of an individual enrolled in 
                a program of education that is pursued 
                exclusively by correspondence (regardless of 
                the institution providing such program of 
                education), an amount equal to--
                          (i) the lesser of--
                                  (I) the actual net cost for 
                                tuition and fees assessed by 
                                the institution concerned for 
                                the program of education after 
                                the application of--
                                          (aa) any waiver of, 
                                        or reduction in, 
                                        tuition and fees; and
                                          (bb) any scholarship, 
                                        or other Federal, 
                                        State, institutional, 
                                        or employer-based aid 
                                        or assistance (other 
                                        than loans and any 
                                        funds provided under 
                                        section 401(b) of the 
                                        Higher Education Act of 
                                        1965) that is provided 
                                        directly to the 
                                        institution and 
                                        specifically designated 
                                        for the sole purpose of 
                                        defraying tuition and 
                                        fees.
                                  (II) the amount equal to--
                                          (aa) for the academic 
                                        year beginning on 
                                        August 1, 2011, $8,500; 
                                        or
                                          (bb) for an academic 
                                        year beginning on any 
                                        subsequent August 1, 
                                        the amount for the 
                                        previous academic year 
                                        beginning on August 1 
                                        under this subclause, 
                                        as increased by the 
                                        percentage increase 
                                        equal to the most 
                                        recent percentage 
                                        increase determined 
                                        under section 3015(h), 
                                        multiplied by--
                          (ii) either--
                                  (I) in the case of an 
                                individual entitled to 
                                educational assistance by 
                                reason of paragraphs (1), (2), 
                                or (9) of section 3311(b), 100 
                                percent; or
                                  (II) in the case of an 
                                individual entitled to 
                                educational assistance by 
                                reason of paragraphs (3) 
                                through (8) of section 3311(b), 
                                the same percentage as would 
                                otherwise apply to the monthly 
                                amounts payable to the 
                                individual under paragraphs (2) 
                                through (7) of subsection (c).
          (4) Frequency of payment.--
                  (A) Quarter, semester, or term payments.--
                Payment of the amounts payable under paragraph 
                (3)(A)(i) for pursuit of a program of education 
                shall be made for the entire quarter, semester, 
                or term, as applicable, of the program of 
                education.
                  (B) Monthly payments.--Payment of the amounts 
                payable under paragraphs (3)(A)(ii) and 
                (3)(B)(i) for pursuit of a program of education 
                shall be made on a monthly basis.
                  (C) Lump sum payments.--
                          (i) Payment for the amount payable 
                        under paragraphs (3)(A)(iii) and 
                        (3)(B)(ii) shall be paid to the 
                        individual for the first month of each 
                        quarter, semester, or term, as 
                        applicable, of the program education 
                        pursued by the individual.
                          (ii) Payment of the amount payable 
                        under paragraph (3)(C) for pursuit of a 
                        program of education shall be made upon 
                        receipt of certification for training 
                        completed by the individual and 
                        serviced by the training facility.
                  (D) Quarterly payments.--Payment of the 
                amounts payable under paragraph (3)(D) for 
                pursuit of a program of education shall be made 
                quarterly on a pro rata basis for the lessons 
                completed by the individual and serviced by the 
                institution.
          (5) Charge against entitlement for certificate and 
        other non-college degree programs.--
                  (A) In general.--In the case of amounts paid 
                under paragraph (3)(A)(i) for pursuit of a 
                program of education, the charge against 
                entitlement to educational assistance under 
                this chapter of the individual for whom such 
                payment is made shall be one month for each 
                of--
                          (i) the amount so paid, divided by 
                        (ii) subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                        amount equal to one-twelfth of the 
                        amount applicable in the academic year 
                        in which the payment is made under 
                        paragraph (3)(A)(i)(II).
                  (B) Pro rata adjustment based on certain 
                eligibility.--If the amount otherwise payable 
                with respect to an individual under paragraph 
                (3)(A)(i) is subject to a percentage adjustment 
                under paragraph (3)(A)(iv), the amount 
                applicable with respect to the individual under 
                subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be the amount 
                otherwise determined pursuant to such 
                subparagraph subject to a percentage adjustment 
                equal to the percentage adjustment applicable 
                with respect to the individual under paragraph 
                (3)(A)(iv).
  (h) Payment of Established Charges to Educational 
Institutions.--Amounts payable under subsections (c)(1)(A) (and 
of similar amounts payable under paragraphs (2) through (7) of 
subsection (c)), (e)(2), and (f)(2)(A), and under subparagraphs 
(A)(i), (C), and (D) of subsection (g)(3), shall be paid 
directly to the educational institution concerned.
  (i) Determination of Housing Stipend Payments for Academic 
Years.--Any monthly housing stipend payable under this section 
during the academic year beginning on August 1 of a calendar 
year shall be determined utilizing rates for basic allowances 
for housing payable under section 403 of title 37 in effect as 
of January 1 of such calendar year.
  (j) Determination of Monthly Housing Stipends During Active 
Duty Service.--For any month during which an individual who is 
entitled to a monthly housing stipend under this section is 
performing active duty service, the Secretary shall determine 
the amount of such stipend payable to such individual for such 
month on a pro rata basis for the period of such month during 
which the individual is not performing active duty service.
  (j) Provision of Housing Stipend Payment Information.--The 
Secretary shall furnish to individuals receiving educational 
assistance under this chapter documentation that verifies the 
amount of the monthly housing stipend the individual receives 
under this section. The Secretary shall make such documentation 
available to the individual using an internet website in the 
same manner the Secretary provides documentation verifying 
compensation and other benefits furnished by the Secretary to 
individuals.

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