GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act

Bill: 117-hr-5945
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
Introduced: 2021-11-09
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Computers and information technology

Educational technology and distance education

Higher education

Student aid and college costs

Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Latest action: action_date: 2021-11-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-11-09
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><strong>GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act</strong></p> <p>This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make a one-time $500 payment for the purchase of a computer for an individual who is entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and is pursuing a program of education solely or partially through distance learning on more than a half-time basis. An individual must submit an application to the VA to be eligible for the computer payment.<br> </p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5945 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 9, 2021 Mrs. Torres of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make payments to individuals entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program who pursue a program of education through distance learning to be used to purchase computers, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act . 2. Finding; sense of Congress (a) Finding Congress finds that during the COVID–19 pandemic, remote learning technology such as computers and routers for internet were more important than ever for many veteran students. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs should explore options for ensuring all veteran students have access to the technology and connectivity they need to be successful in school. 3. Additional payment to distance learners under Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for purchase of computer Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Additional amount for purchase of computers for distance learners (1) In general The Secretary shall make a one-time payment to an individual pursuing a program of education solely or partially through distance learning on more than a half-time basis in an amount of $500 to be used for the purchase of a computer for use in pursuing such program of education. (2) Application To be eligible for a payment under this subsection, an individual shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. .