GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021

1/11/2023, 1:49 PM

GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021

This bill amends various provisions related to educational assistance benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

First, the bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and for eligibility under the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, when educational institutions are temporarily or permanently closed due to an emergency situation, or there is another reason that prevents an individual from participating.

Next, the bill requires the VA to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning that charge higher tuition and fees than in-state tuition for individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. The bill also makes adjustments to the time limitation for using educational assistance under this program.

The VA must implement an information technology service using one or more commercial software systems to process claims for VA educational assistance benefits.

Finally, the bill requires the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within the Department of Labor to implement a pilot program under which states may use grants or contracts to carry out a short-term fellowship program to provide veterans with opportunities for long-term employment.

Congress
117

Number
S - 1936

Introduced on
2021-05-27

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/27/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021

This bill amends various provisions related to educational assistance benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

First, the bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and for eligibility under the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, when educational institutions are temporarily or permanently closed due to an emergency situation, or there is another reason that prevents an individual from participating.

Next, the bill requires the VA to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning that charge higher tuition and fees than in-state tuition for individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. The bill also makes adjustments to the time limitation for using educational assistance under this program.

The VA must implement an information technology service using one or more commercial software systems to process claims for VA educational assistance benefits.

Finally, the bill requires the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within the Department of Labor to implement a pilot program under which states may use grants or contracts to carry out a short-term fellowship program to provide veterans with opportunities for long-term employment.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for extensions of the time limitations for use of entitlement under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs by reason of school closures due to emergency and other situations, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Educational facilities and institutions
Employment and training programs
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary7/12/2022

GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021

This bill amends various provisions related to educational assistance benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)....


Latest Action12/15/2021
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.