H. R. 2617—991 
of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of 
the Secretary with respect to such study, including a description 
of any improvements made as a result of such study to trainings 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to dependency 
and indemnity compensation claims. 
(2) METHODOLOGY.—In carrying out the study under para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall use a statistically valid, random 
sample of covered claims. 
(3) ELEMENTS.—The study under paragraph (1) shall 
include, with respect to covered claims denied prior to the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the following elements: 
(A) A review of whether the individuals processing 
such covered claims— 
(i) correctly applied applicable laws, regulations, 
and policies, operating procedures, and guidelines of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to the 
adjudication of dependency and indemnity compensa-
tion claims; and 
(ii) completed all necessary claim development 
actions prior to making a disposition for the claim. 
(B) An identification of— 
(i) the total number of covered claims reviewed 
under the study; 
(ii) the number and percentage of such covered 
claims the processing of which involved errors; 
(iii) the top five claims processing errors and the 
number of such covered claims the processing of which 
involved any of such five errors. 
(e) STUDY ON CLAIMS DENIED FOLLOWING ENACTMENT.— 
(1) STUDY.—Not later than two years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a study 
on covered claims that have been denied following the date 
of the enactment of this Act and submit to the Committee 
on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Vet-
erans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on 
the findings of the Secretary with respect to such study, 
including a description of any improvements made as a result 
of such study to trainings of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
relating to dependency and indemnity compensation claims. 
(2) METHODOLOGY.—In carrying out the study under para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall use a statistically valid, random 
sample of covered claims. 
(3) ELEMENTS.—The study under paragraph (1) shall 
include, with respect to covered claims denied following the 
date of the enactment of this Act, each of the elements specified 
in subsection (d)(3). 
(f) COVERED CLAIM DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered 
claim’’ means a dependency and indemnity compensation claim 
filed with respect to a veteran the death certificate of whom identi-
fies COVID–19 as the principal or contributory cause of death. 
SEC. 203. ENHANCED LOAN UNDERWRITING METHODS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3710 of title 38, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(i)(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the advisory group 
established under paragraph (3)(A), shall prescribe regulations and
H. R. 2617—992 
issue guidance to assist lenders in evaluating the sufficiency of 
the residual income of a veteran pursuant to paragraph (2). 
‘‘(2)(A) Pursuant to the regulations and guidance prescribed 
under paragraph (1), in the case of a loan to a veteran to be 
guaranteed under this chapter, if the veteran provides to the lender 
an energy efficiency report described in subparagraph (B) — 
‘‘(i) the evaluation by the lender of the sufficiency of the 
residual income of the veteran shall include a consideration 
of the estimate of the expected energy cost savings contained 
in the report; and 
‘‘(ii) the lender may apply the underwriting expertise of 
the lender in adjusting the residual income of the veteran 
in accordance with the information in the report. 
‘‘(B) An energy efficiency report described in this subparagraph 
is a report made with respect to a home for which a loan is 
to be guaranteed under this chapter that includes each of the 
following: 
‘‘(i) An estimate of the expected energy cost savings specific 
to the home, based on specific information about the home, 
including savings relating to electricity or natural gas, oil, 
and any other fuel regularly used to supply energy to the 
home. 
‘‘(ii) Any information required to be included pursuant to 
the regulations and guidance and regulations prescribed by 
the Secretary under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(iii) Information with respect to the energy efficiency of 
the home as determined pursuant to— 
‘‘(I) the Residential Energy Service Network’s Home 
Energy Rating System (commonly know as ‘HERS’) by an 
individual certified by such Network; or 
‘‘(II) an other method determined appropriate by the 
Secretary, in consultation with the advisory group under 
paragraph (3), including with respect to third-party quality 
assurance procedures. 
‘‘(3)(A) To assist the Secretary in carrying out this subsection, 
the Secretary shall establish an advisory group consisting of individ-
uals representing the interests of— 
‘‘(i) mortgage lenders; 
‘‘(ii) appraisers; 
‘‘(iii) energy raters and residential energy consumption 
experts; 
‘‘(iv) energy efficiency organizations; 
‘‘(v) real estate agents; 
‘‘(vi) home builders and remodelers; 
‘‘(vii) consumer advocates; 
‘‘(viii) veterans’ service organizations; and 
‘‘(ix) other persons determined appropriate by the Sec-
retary. 
‘‘(B) The advisory group established under subparagraph (A) 
shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App.). 
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall ensure that marketing materials that 
the Secretary provides to veterans with respect to loans guaranteed 
under this chapter include information regarding the use of energy 
efficiency reports under this subsection. 
‘‘(5) Not later than one year after the date on which the Sec-
retary issues the regulations and guidance pursuant to paragraph
H. R. 2617—993 
(2), and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Con-
gress and make publicly available a report that includes the fol-
lowing information for the year covered by the report: 
‘‘(A) An enumeration of the number of loans guaranteed 
under this chapter for which a veteran provided to the Secretary 
an energy efficiency report under this subsection, including 
the number of such loans for which cost savings were taken 
into account pursuant to paragraph (1). 
‘‘(B) Of the number of loans enumerated under subpara-
graph (A), an enumeration of the default rates and rates of 
foreclosure, including how such enumeration compares with 
the default rates and rates of foreclosure for guaranteed loans 
for which no energy efficiency report is provided.’’. 
(b) CLARIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ENERGY EFFI-
CIENCY STANDARDS.—Section 3704(f) of such title is amended by 
striking ‘‘such standards’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘the stand-
ards established under such section 109, as in effect on the date 
of such construction’’. 
SEC. 204. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LOAN FEES. 
The loan fee table in section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘January 14, 2031’’ each place 
it appears and inserting ‘‘November 14, 2031’’. 
Subtitle B—Education 
SEC. 211. NATIVE VETSUCCESS AT TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVER-
SITIES PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Native 
VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act’’. 
(b) PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall commence carrying out a pilot program to assess the 
feasibility and advisability of expanding the VetSuccess on 
Campus program to additional Tribal colleges and universities. 
(2) DESIGNATION.—The pilot program carried out under 
paragraph (1) shall be known as the ‘‘Native VetSuccess at 
Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program’’. 
(c) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
required by subsection (b)(1) during the five-year period beginning 
on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. 
(d) PARAMETERS.—Under the pilot program required by sub-
section (b)(1) the Secretary shall— 
(1) identify three regional Native VetSuccess service areas 
consisting of at least two participating Tribal colleges or univer-
sities that do not already have a VetSuccess program, counselor, 
or outreach coordinator; and 
(2) assign to each regional Native VetSuccess service area 
a VetSuccess on Campus counselor and a full-time Vet Center 
outreach coordinator, both of whom shall— 
(A) be based on one or more of the participating Tribal 
colleges or universities in the service area; and 
(B) provide for eligible students at such participating 
colleges and universities with all services for which such
H. R. 2617—994 
students would be eligible under the VetSuccess on Campus 
program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
(e) ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.—For purposes of the pilot program, 
an eligible student is a student who is a veteran, member of 
the Armed Forces, or dependent of a veteran or member of the 
Armed Forces who is eligible for any service or benefit under 
the VetSuccess on Campus program of the Department. 
(f) CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.—In developing the pilot pro-
gram required by subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall, acting 
through the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs and in coordination with the Office 
of Tribal Government Relations of the Department, consult with 
Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations, and seek comment from 
the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs of the Depart-
ment, and veterans service organizations regarding each of the 
following: 
(1) The design of the pilot program. 
(2) The process for selection of the three regional Native 
VetSuccess service areas and participating Tribal colleges and 
universities, taking into consideration— 
(A) the number of eligible students enrolled in the 
college or university and in the regional service area; 
(B) the capacity of the colleges and universities in 
the regional service area to accommodate a full-time 
VetSuccess on Campus counselor and a full-time Vet Center 
outreach coordinator; 
(C) barriers in specific regional service areas that pre-
vent native veterans’ access to benefits and services under 
the laws administered by the Secretary; and 
(D) any other factor that the Secretary, in consultation 
with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, and after 
considering input from veterans service organizations and 
the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs 
identifies as relevant. 
(3) The most effective way to provide culturally competent 
outreach and services to eligible students at Tribal colleges 
and universities. 
(g) OUTREACH TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.—The Secretary 
shall provide notice of the pilot program to all Tribal colleges 
and universities and encourage all Tribal colleges and universities 
to coordinate with each other to create regional service areas to 
participate in the pilot program. 
(h) BRIEFINGS AND REPORTS.— 
(1) IMPLEMENTATION BRIEFING.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing 
on— 
(A) the design, structure, and objectives of the pilot 
program required by subsection (b)(1); and 
(B) the three regional Native Vet Success service areas 
and the Tribal colleges and universities selected for partici-
pation in the pilot program and the reason for the selection 
of such service areas and such colleges and universities. 
(2) REPORT.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than four years after the 
date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program 
under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the
H. R. 2617—995 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the pilot 
program. 
(B) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under subpara-
graph (A) shall include each of the following: 
(i) The number of eligible students provided serv-
ices through the pilot program. 
(ii) The types of services that eligible students 
received through the pilot program. 
(iii) The graduation rate of eligible students who 
received services through the pilot program and 
graduation rate of eligible students who did not receive 
services through the pilot program. 
(iv) The rate of employment within one year of 
graduation for eligible students who received services 
through the pilot program. 
(v) Feedback from each Tribal college or university 
that participated in the pilot program, including on 
the regional nature of the program. 
(vi) Analysis of the feasibility of expanding a 
regionally based Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges 
and Universities Program, including an explanation 
of the challenges of such a model due to issues with 
distance, communication, and coordination, and to the 
level of unmet services. 
(vii) A detailed proposal regarding a long-term 
extension of the pilot program, including a budget, 
unless the Secretary determines that such an extension 
is not appropriate. 
(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEE
OF
CONGRESS.—The term 
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Com-
mittee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Com-
mittee on Natural Resources of the House of Representa-
tives. 
(2) CULTURALLY COMPETENT.—The term ‘‘culturally com-
petent’’ means considerate of the unique values, customs, tradi-
tions, cultures, and languages of Native American veterans. 
(3) TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.—The term ‘‘Tribal col-
lege or university’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘Tribal 
College or University’’ under section 316 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c). 
(4) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘Tribal organization’’ 
has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
5304). 
SEC. 212. EDUCATION FOR SEPARATING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES REGARDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS. 
Section 1144(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ‘‘(including apprenticeship programs approved under 
chapters 30 through 36 of title 38)’’ after ‘‘employment opportuni-
ties’’.
H. R. 2617—996 
SEC. 213. WEBSITES REGARDING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. 
(a) WEBSITE
UNDER
THE
JURISDICTION
OF
SECRETARY
OF 
LABOR.—The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employ-
ment and Training, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, shall establish a user-friendly website (or update an existing 
website) that is available to the public on which veterans can 
find information about apprenticeship programs registered under 
the Act of August 16, 1937 (50 Stat. 664; commonly referred to 
as the ‘‘National Apprenticeship Act’’) and approved under chapters 
30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code. Such information 
shall be searchable and sortable by occupation and location, and 
include, with regard to each such program, the following: 
(1) A description, including any cost to a veteran. 
(2) Contact information. 
(3) Whether the program has been endorsed by a veterans 
service organization or nonprofit organization that caters to 
veterans. 
(4) Whether the program prefers to hire veterans. 
(5) Each certification or degree an individual earns by 
completing the program. 
(b) COORDINATION WITH OTHER WEBSITE.—The Assistant Sec-
retary shall update all information regarding programs for veterans 
listed on apprenticeship.gov (or any successor website) to include 
the information specified under subsection (a). 
SEC. 214. TRANSFER OF ENTITLEMENT TO POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (4) of section 3319(h) of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(4) DEATH OF TRANSFEROR.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The death of an individual transfer-
ring an entitlement under this section shall not affect 
the use of the entitlement by the dependent to whom 
the entitlement is transferred. 
‘‘(B) DEATH PRIOR TO TRANSFER TO DESIGNATED TRANS-
FEREES.—(i) In the case of an eligible individual whom 
the Secretary has approved to transfer the individual’s 
entitlement under this section who, at the time of death, 
is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter 
and has designated a transferee or transferees under sub-
section (e) but has not transferred all of such entitlement 
to such transferee or transferees, the Secretary shall 
transfer the entitlement of the individual under this section 
by evenly distributing the amount of such entitlement 
between all such transferees who would not be precluded 
from using some or all of the transferred benefits due 
to the expiration of time limitations found in paragraph 
(5) of this subsection or section 3321 of this title, notwith-
standing the limitations under subsection (f). 
‘‘(ii) If a transferee cannot use all of the transferred 
benefits under clause (i) because of expiration of a time 
limitation, the unused benefits will be distributed among 
the other designated transferees who would not be pre-
cluded from using some or all of the transferred benefits 
due to expiration of time limitations found in paragraph 
(5) of this subsection or section 3321 of this title, unless
H. R. 2617—997 
or until there are no transferees who would not be pre-
cluded from using the transferred benefits because of 
expiration of a time limitation.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Paragraph (4)(B) of section 3319(h) of title 
38, United States Code, shall apply with respect to an eligible 
individual who dies on or after November 1, 2018. 
SEC. 215. USE OF ENTITLEMENT UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL EDU-
CATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3501(a)(6) of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘secondary school,’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘secondary school level’’ and inserting ‘‘post-
secondary school level’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on August 1, 2026, and shall apply with respect 
to an academic period that begins on or after that date. 
SEC. 216. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTECTIONS FOR A MEMBER OF THE 
ARMED FORCES WHO LEAVES A COURSE OF EDUCATION, 
PAID FOR WITH CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, TO 
PERFORM CERTAIN SERVICE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Chapter 36 of title 38, United States 
Code, amended by inserting after section 3691 the following new 
section: 
‘‘§ 3691A. Withdrawal or leave of absence from certain edu-
cation 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) A covered member may, after receiving 
orders to enter a period of covered service, withdraw or take a 
leave of absence from covered education. 
‘‘(2)(A) The institution concerned may not take any adverse 
action against a covered member on the basis that such covered 
member withdraws or takes a leave of absence under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(B) Adverse actions under subparagraph (A) include the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(i) The assignment of a failing grade to a covered member 
for covered education. 
‘‘(ii) The reduction of the grade point average of a covered 
member for covered education. 
‘‘(iii) The characterization of any absence of a covered 
member from covered education as unexcused. 
‘‘(iv) The assessment of any financial penalty against a 
covered member. 
‘‘(b) WITHDRAWAL.—If a covered member withdraws from cov-
ered education under subsection (a), the institution concerned shall 
refund all tuition and fees (including payments for housing) for 
the academic term from which the covered member withdraws. 
‘‘(c) LEAVE OF ABSENCE.—If a covered member takes a leave 
of absence from covered education under subsection (a), the institu-
tion concerned shall— 
‘‘(1) assign a grade of ‘incomplete’ (or equivalent) to the 
covered member for covered education for the academic term 
from which the covered member takes such leave of absence; 
and
H. R. 2617—998 
‘‘(2) to the extent practicable, permit the covered member, 
upon completion of the period covered service, to complete 
such academic term. 
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered education’ means a course of edu-
cation— 
‘‘(A) at an institution of higher education; and 
‘‘(B) paid for with educational assistance furnished 
under a law administered by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered member’ means a member of the 
Armed Forces (including the reserve components) enrolled in 
covered education. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘covered service’ means— 
‘‘(A) active service or inactive-duty training, as such 
terms are defined in section 101 of title 10; or 
‘‘(B) State active duty, as defined in section 4303 of 
this title. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘institution concerned’ means, with respect 
to a covered member, the institution of higher education where 
the covered member is enrolled in covered education. 
‘‘(5) The term ‘institution of higher education’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). 
‘‘(6) The term ‘period of covered service’ means the period 
beginning on the date on which a covered member enters cov-
ered service and ending on the date on which the covered 
member is released from covered service or dies while in covered 
service.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 3691 the following new item: 
‘‘3691A.Withdrawal or leave of absence from certain education.’’. 
Subtitle C—GI Bill National Emergency 
Extended Deadline Act 
SEC. 231. SHORT TITLE. 
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘GI Bill National Emergency 
Extended Deadline Act of 2022’’. 
SEC. 232. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT 
UNDER 
DEPARTMENT 
OF 
VETERANS 
AFFAIRS 
EDU-
CATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAMS 
BY 
REASON 
OF 
SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER 
SITUATIONS. 
(a) MONTGOMERY GI BILL.—Section 3031 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘and subsection (i)’’ after 
‘‘through (g)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(i)(1) In the case of an individual eligible for educational assist-
ance under this chapter who is prevented from pursuing the individ-
ual’s chosen program of education before the expiration of the 
10-year period for the use of entitlement under this chapter other-
wise applicable under this section because of a covered reason, 
as determined by the Secretary, such 10-year period—
H. R. 2617—999 
‘‘(A) shall not run during the period the individual is so 
prevented from pursuing such program; and 
‘‘(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by 
the Secretary that is— 
‘‘(i) not earlier than the first day after the individual 
is able to resume pursuit of a program of education with 
educational assistance under this chapter; and 
‘‘(ii) not later than 90 days after that day. 
‘‘(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is— 
‘‘(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational 
institution by reason of an emergency situation; or 
‘‘(B) another reason that prevents the individual from pur-
suing the individual’s chosen program of education, as deter-
mined by the Secretary.’’. 
(b) POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.— Section 3321(b)(1) 
of such title is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘Subsections’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘and (d)’’ and inserting ‘‘(d), and (i)’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 of this title shall apply 
with respect to the running of the 15-year period described 
in paragraphs (4)(A) and (5)(A) of this subsection in the same 
manner as such subsection (i) applies under such section 3031 
with respect to the running of the 10-year period described 
in subsection (a) of such section.’’. 
SEC. 233. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY BY REASON OF 
SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER 
SITUATIONS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
TRAINING AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR VET-
ERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES. 
Section 3103 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘or (g)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(g), or (h)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(h)(1) In the case of a veteran who is eligible for a vocational 
rehabilitation program under this chapter and who is prevented 
from participating in the vocational rehabilitation program within 
the period of eligibility prescribed in subsection (a) because of 
a covered reason, as determined by the Secretary, such period 
of eligibility— 
‘‘(A) shall not run during the period the veteran is so 
prevented from participating in such program; and 
‘‘(B) shall again begin running on a date determined by 
the Secretary that is— 
‘‘(i) not earlier than the first day after the veteran 
is able to resume participation in a vocational rehabilitation 
program under this chapter; and 
‘‘(ii) not later than 90 days after that day. 
‘‘(2) In this subsection, a covered reason is— 
‘‘(A) the temporary or permanent closure of an educational 
institution by reason of an emergency situation; or 
‘‘(B) another reason that prevents the veteran from partici-
pating in the vocational rehabilitation program, as determined 
by the Secretary.’’.
H. R. 2617—1000 
SEC. 234. PERIOD FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER SURVIVORS’ AND DEPEND-
ENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF DEPART-
MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3512 of title 38, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (f); and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 
following persons may be afforded educational assistance under 
this chapter at any time after August 1, 2023, and without regard 
to the age of the person: 
‘‘(1) A person who first becomes an eligible person on or 
after August 1, 2023. 
‘‘(2) A person who— 
‘‘(A) first becomes an eligible person before August 
1, 2023; and 
‘‘(B) becomes 18 years of age, or completes secondary 
schooling, on or after August 1, 2023.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING
AMENDMENTS.—Such section is further 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘The educational’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Except as provided in subsection (g), the educational’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ‘‘subsection (g) 
or’’ after ‘‘provided in’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Notwithstanding’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Except as provided in subsection (g), not-
withstanding’’; and 
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘No person’’ and inserting 
‘‘Except as provided in subsection (g), no person’’. 
Subtitle D—Rural Veterans Travel 
Enhancement 
SEC. 241. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES REPORT 
ON FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
VETERANS AFFAIRS BENEFICIARY TRAVEL PROGRAM. 
(a) STUDY AND REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall— 
(1) complete a study on fraud, waste, and abuse of the 
benefits furnished under section 111 of title 38, United States 
Code, that may have occurred during the five-year period 
ending on the date of the enactment of this Act; and 
(2) submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the 
Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House 
of Representatives a report on the findings of the Comptroller 
General with respect to the study completed under paragraph 
(1). 
(b) ELEMENTS.—Study conducted under subsection (a)(1) shall 
cover the following: 
(1) The quantity and monetary amount of claims that have 
been adjudicated as fraudulent or improper, disaggregated, to 
the extent possible, by general health care travel and by special 
mode of transportation.
H. R. 2617—1001 
(2) Instances of potential fraud or improper payments that 
may have occurred but were not detected, disaggregated, to 
the extent possible, by general health care travel and by special 
mode of transportation. 
(3) The efforts of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to miti-
gate fraud and the effectiveness of the efforts of the Secretary. 
(4) Assessment of communication and training provided 
by the Department of Veterans Affairs to employees and con-
tractors handling claims filed under section 111 of such title 
regarding fraud. 
(5) Such recommendations as the Comptroller General may 
have for further mitigation of fraud, waste, and abuse. 
SEC. 
242. 
COMPTROLLER 
GENERAL 
STUDY 
AND 
REPORT 
ON 
EFFECTIVENESS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
BENEFICIARY TRAVEL PROGRAM MILEAGE REIMBURSE-
MENT AND DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNTS. 
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall— 
(1) complete a study on— 
(A) the efficacy of the current mileage reimbursement 
rate under subsection (a) of section 111 of title 38, United 
States Code, in mitigating the financial burden of transpor-
tation costs for traveling to and from Department of Vet-
erans Affairs medical facilities for medical care; 
(B) the origins of the amount of the deductible under 
subsection (c) of such section and its impact on the efficacy 
of the benefits provided under such section in mitigating 
financial burden on veterans seeking medical care; and 
(C) developing such recommendations as the Comp-
troller General may have for how this program or another 
transportation assistance program could further encourage 
veterans, especially low-income veterans, to seek medical 
care, especially mental health care; and 
(2) submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the 
Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House 
of Representatives a report on the findings of the Comptroller 
General with respect to the study completed under paragraph 
(1). 
SEC. 243. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TRANSPORTATION 
PILOT PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME VETERANS. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall commence carrying out a pilot program to assess 
the feasibility and advisability of providing payments authorized 
under subsection (a) of section 111 of title 38, United States Code, 
48 hours in advance of travel to eligible appointments to veterans 
and other eligible individuals who are also eligible for a deduction 
waiver as provided by paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (c) 
of such section. 
(b) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
during the five-year period beginning on the date of the commence-
ment of the pilot program. 
(c) LOCATIONS.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
at not fewer than five locations selected by the Secretary for pur-
poses of the pilot program. 
(d) REPORT.—
H. R. 2617—1002 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Secretary 
with respect to the pilot program. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) The number of individuals who benefitted from 
the pilot program broken, disaggregated by geographic loca-
tion, race or ethnicity, age, disability rating, and sex. 
(B) Average distance traveled by participants to 
appointments and average funds provided per appointment, 
disaggregated by geographic region. 
(C) A description of any impediments to carrying out 
the pilot program. 
(D) An account of payments provided for travel that 
did not occur or was authorized incorrectly. 
(E) An account of any attempts to retrieve such pay-
ment. 
(F) Recommendations of the Secretary for legislative 
or administrative action to reduce improper payments. 
(G) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability 
of providing payments as described in subsection (a). 
SEC. 244. PILOT PROGRAM FOR TRAVEL COST REIMBURSEMENT FOR 
ACCESSING READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM REQUIRED.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish 
and commence a pilot program, within the Readjustment Counseling 
Services of the Veterans Health Administration, to assess the feasi-
bility and advisability of providing payment to cover or offset finan-
cial difficulties of an individual in accessing or using transportation 
to and from the nearest Vet Center service site providing the 
necessary readjustment counseling services for the individual’s plan 
of service. 
(b) PARTICIPATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the pilot program required 
by subsection (a), the Secretary shall limit participation— 
(A) by individuals pursuant to paragraph (2); and 
(B) by Vet Centers pursuant to paragraph (3). 
(2) PARTICIPATION BY INDIVIDUALS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall limit participa-
tion in the pilot program to individuals who are eligible 
for services at a participating Vet Center and experiencing 
financial hardship. 
(B) FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.—The Secretary shall deter-
mine the meaning of ‘‘financial hardship’’ for purposes of 
subparagraph (A). 
(3) PARTICIPATION OF VET CENTERS.—Vet Centers partici-
pating in the program shall be chosen by the Secretary from 
among those serving individuals in areas designated by the 
Secretary as rural or highly rural or Tribal lands. 
(c) TRAVEL ALLOWANCES
AND REIMBURSEMENTS.—Under the 
pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide 
a participating individual a travel allowance or reimbursement 
at the earliest time practicable, but not later than 10 business 
days after the date of the appointment.
H. R. 2617—1003 
(d) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
required by subsection (a) during the five-year period beginning 
on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. 
(e) LOCATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
program at not fewer than five locations selected by the Sec-
retary for purposes of the pilot program. 
(2) EXISTING INITIATIVE.— 
(A) LOCATIONS PARTICIPATING IN EXISTING INITIATIVE.— 
Of the locations selected under paragraph (1), four shall 
be the locations participating in the initiative commenced 
under section 104(a) of the Honoring America’s Veterans 
and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public 
Law 112–154), as most recently amended by section 105 
of the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supple-
mental Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117–180), 
as of the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(B) TERMINATION
OF
EXISTING
INITIATIVE.—Section 
104(a) of the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring 
for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, as so amended, 
is further amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘the date on which the pilot program required 
by subsection (a) of section 244 of the Joseph Maxwell 
Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Bene-
fits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 commences 
at each of the locations described in subsection (e)(2)(A) 
of such section’’. 
(f) ANNUAL REPORTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the commencement of the pilot program required by sub-
section (a) and each year thereafter for the duration of the 
pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Vet-
erans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on 
the findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. 
(2) CONTENTS.—Each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) shall include the following: 
(A) The number of individuals who benefitted from 
the pilot program, disaggregated by age, race or ethnicity, 
and sex, to the extent possible. 
(B) The average distance traveled by each individual 
per each Vet Center. 
(C) The definition of financial hardship determined 
by the Secretary under subsection (b)(2)(B). 
(D) A description of how the funds are distributed. 
(E) The average amount of funds distributed per 
instance, disaggregated by Vet Center. 
(F) A description of any impediments to the Secretary 
in paying expenses or allowances under the pilot program. 
(G) An assessment of the potential for fraudulent 
receipt of payment under the pilot program and the rec-
ommendations of the Secretary for legislative or adminis-
trative action to reduce such fraud. 
(H) Such recommendations for legislative or adminis-
trative action as the Secretary considers appropriate with 
respect to the payment of expenses or allowances.
H. R. 2617—1004 
(g) VET CENTER DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘Vet 
Center’’ means a center for readjustment counseling and related 
mental health services for veterans under section 1712A of title 
38, United States Code. 
Subtitle E—VA Beneficiary Debt Collection 
Improvement Act 
SEC. 251. SHORT TITLE. 
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘VA Beneficiary Debt Collec-
tion Improvement Act of 2022’’. 
SEC. 252. PROHIBITION OF DEBT ARISING FROM OVERPAYMENT DUE 
TO DELAY IN PROCESSING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VET-
ERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) BAR TO RECOVERY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 53 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 5302A the following 
new section: 
‘‘§ 5302B. Prohibition of debt arising from overpayment due 
to delay in processing 
‘‘(a) LIMITATION.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no 
individual may incur a debt to the United States that— 
‘‘(A) arises from the participation of the individual in a 
program or benefit administered by the Under Secretary for 
Benefits; and 
‘‘(B) is attributable to the failure of an employee or official 
of the Department to process information provided by or on 
behalf of that individual within applicable timeliness standards 
established by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the 
penal and forfeiture provisions for fiduciaries set forth in chapter 
61 of this title. 
‘‘(b) NOTICE.—(1) If the Secretary determines that the Secretary 
has made an overpayment to an individual, the Secretary shall 
provide notice to the individual of the overpayment. 
‘‘(2) Notice under paragraph (1) shall include a detailed expla-
nation of the right of the individual— 
‘‘(A) to dispute the overpayment, including a detailed expla-
nation of the process by which to dispute the overpayment; 
or 
‘‘(B) to request a waiver of indebtedness. 
‘‘(c) DELAY ON COLLECTION.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the 
Secretary may not take any action under section 3711 of title 
31 regarding an overpayment described in a notice under subsection 
(b) of this section until the date that is 90 days after the date 
the Secretary issues such notice. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary may take action under section 3711 of title 
31 regarding an overpayment described in a notice under subsection 
(b) of this section before the date that is 90 days after the date 
the Secretary issues such notice if the Secretary determines that 
delaying such action is— 
‘‘(A) likely to make repayment of such overpayment more 
difficult for an individual;