Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012

Bill: 112-hr-4057
Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-9]
Introduced: 2012-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Government information and archives
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2012-02-16
text: 
Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. Requires the Secretary, in developing the policy, to conduct a market survey to determine the availability of a commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that: (1) allows veterans to determine whether they are academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities, and (2) provides a list of providers of such opportunities.
 
Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on: (1) the policy developed, (2) a plan to implement the policy, and (3) survey results.

action_date: 2012-09-10
text: 
 Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. Requires such information to: (1) include accreditation information and a description of available federal aid programs, and (2) be provided through hyperlinks on the VA website. Prohibits the Secretary from approving an educational institution that provides any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on success in securing enrollments. Requires the Secretary, in developing the policy, to conduct a market survey to determine the availability of a commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that: (1) allows veterans to determine whether they are academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities, and (2) provides a list of providers of such opportunities. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on: (1) the policy developed, (2) a plan to implement the policy, and (3) survey results.
 
Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a commercial driver's license or certification as an emergency or nonemergency medical professional.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant or providing other assistance to any entity for the provision of housing or housing services to homeless veterans unless such entity submits to the Secretary a certification that the building proposed for such housing or services is in compliance with all local codes relevant to operations and level of care provided, as well as any other local requirements regarding the condition of the structure and the operation of the supportive housing or service center.
 
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain an open pit burn registry for members deployed in a contingency operation in Iraq or Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits used for disposing solid waste, (2) include in such registry information necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of such exposure, (3) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry, and (4) periodically notify such individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with such exposure. Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract with an independent scientific organization to develop a report assessing the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health effects of such exposure, and (2) submit the completed report to Congress.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $1 million in Senior Executive Service performance awards for each of FY2013-FY2017.

action_date: 2012-09-11
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 10, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
 Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. Requires such information to: (1) include accreditation information and a description of available federal aid programs, and (2) be provided through hyperlinks on the VA website. Prohibits the Secretary from approving an educational institution that provides any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on success in securing enrollments. Requires the Secretary, in developing the policy, to conduct a market survey to determine the availability of a commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that: (1) allows veterans to determine whether they are academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities, and (2) provides a list of providers of such opportunities. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on: (1) the policy developed, (2) a plan to implement the policy, and (3) survey results.
 
Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a commercial driver's license or certification as an emergency or nonemergency medical professional.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant or providing other assistance to any entity for the provision of housing or housing services to homeless veterans unless such entity submits to the Secretary a certification that the building proposed for such housing or services is in compliance with all local codes relevant to operations and level of care provided, as well as any other local requirements regarding the condition of the structure and the operation of the supportive housing or service center.
 
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain an open pit burn registry for members deployed in a contingency operation in Iraq or Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits used for disposing solid waste, (2) include in such registry information necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of such exposure, (3) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry, and (4) periodically notify such individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with such exposure. Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract with an independent scientific organization to develop a report assessing the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health effects of such exposure, and (2) submit the completed report to Congress.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $1 million in Senior Executive Service performance awards for each of FY2013-FY2017.

action_date: 2012-12-19
text: 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. Requires such information to: (1) include accreditation information and a description of available federal aid programs, and (2) be provided through hyperlinks on the VA website.Requires the Secretary, in developing the policy, to conduct a market survey to determine the availability of a commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that: (1) allows veterans to determine whether they are academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities, and (2) provides a list of providers of such opportunities. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans and education committees on: (1) the policy developed, (2) a plan to implement the policy, and (3) survey results.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from approving an educational institution that provides any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on success in securing enrollments.
 
Directs the Secretary to ensure that the VA provides assistance to personnel of educational institutions who are charged with submitting reports or certifications to the VA.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $395 million in VA employee incentive awards or performance bonuses during FY2013.

action_date: 2013-01-10
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 19, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
 
 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. Requires such information to: (1) include accreditation information and a description of available federal aid programs, and (2) be provided through hyperlinks on the VA website. Requires the Secretary, in developing the policy, to conduct a market survey to determine the availability of a commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that: (1) allows veterans to determine whether they are academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities, and (2) provides a list of providers of such opportunities. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans and education committees on: (1) the policy developed, (2) a plan to implement the policy, and (3) survey results.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from approving an educational institution that provides any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on success in securing enrollments.
 
Directs the Secretary to ensure that the VA provides assistance to personnel of educational institutions who are charged with submitting reports or certifications to the VA.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $395 million in VA employee incentive awards or performance bonuses during FY2013.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-01-10
text: Became Public Law No: 112-249.
action_date: 2013-01-10
text: Became Public Law No: 112-249.
action_date: 2013-01-10
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2013-01-10
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2013-01-01
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2013-01-01
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 3 (Roll no. 650). (text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H7439-7440)
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 3 (Roll no. 650).(text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H7439-7440)
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7465-7466)
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Michaud objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057.
action_date: 2012-12-30
text: Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H7439-7442)
action_date: 2012-12-20
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2012-12-19
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2012-12-19
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2012-12-19
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8229)
action_date: 2012-12-19
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2012-12-19
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2012-09-12
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5817-5818)
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5817-5818)
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4057.
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5817-5821)
action_date: 2012-09-11
text: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2012-09-10
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 464.
action_date: 2012-09-10
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 112-646.
action_date: 2012-09-10
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 112-646.
action_date: 2012-07-11
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2012-07-11
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2012-06-28
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2012-06-28
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2012-03-08
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2012-02-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2012-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2012-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2012-02-16
text: Introduced in House

Enacted as: number: 112-249