To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes.

HR 1824 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $30,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 112--G.I. Advance Education in Science and Technology Act--Directs the VA Secretary to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, or other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. HR 1102--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs. HR 1211--Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2007--Makes eligible for basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Selected Reserve who (among other qualifications), during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2008, serves on active duty in the Armed Forces for one or more periods aggregating not less than two years. Entitles such individuals to one month of educational assistance for each month served on active duty. Makes the amount of such assistance equivalent to that provided for active-duty personnel who have served a minimum of two years of active duty. Requires the basic pay of qualifying members to be reduced by $100 for each of first 12 months of such active duty service. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments concerned to inform eligible Selected Reserve personnel of such entitlement. HR 1300--Amend title 10, USC, to extend the time limit for the use of education assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve component supporting contingency operations and certain other operations.--Extends the conditional time limit for the use of basic educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve components supporting contingency operations and certain other operations to 14 years after the date on which the person first becomes entitled to such assistance (current law) or ten years after the date on which (currently, the date on which) the person is separated from the Selected Reserve or reserve component. HR 1824--Amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used.--Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law. HR 2385--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance programs to elect one program for participation. HR 2247; S 1261--Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007--Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter of semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis. Repeals the: (1) 14 year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations. HR 2702; S 22--Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007--Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. Requires such individuals to complete the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or its equivalent) before applying for such assistance. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the VA Secretary. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Requires such educational assistance to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement. S 526--Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. S 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--Amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs. S 698--Veterans Survivors Education Enhancement Act of 2007--Revises provisions concerning educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to terminate the 45-month limitation on: (1) the use of such assistance for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents; and (2) the use of such assistance for special restorative training. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for educational assistance until their 30th (currently 26th) birthday. Makes the aggregate amount of educational assistance $80,000. (Currently, there are monthly limits for full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time educational pursuits in such amounts: (1) a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training; and (2) a correspondence course. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for tutorial assistance. S 723--Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007--A bill to provide certain enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. S 1293--Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007--Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving an aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance. S 1409--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Force after September 11, 2001. S 1719--Amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. Hearing on House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on MGIB--Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill of Rights)--To better serve veterans and ultimately assist them in financial stability.

S. 526 - Veterans Employment & Training Act of 2007 H.R. 1824 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes.

Client expense: $195,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 1632--Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007--Requires the Secretary of Labor to include, in a currently-required annual report to Congress concerning the enforcement of veterans' reemployment rights: (1) the number of cases reviewed by the Secretary of Defense under the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense, and (2) the number of cases which are disability-related. Directs the Secretary to : (1) ensure that the information required to be submitted is categorized in a uniform way, and (2) also submit all reported information to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Office of Special Counsel. HR 2259--To ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserves are able to fully participate in the benefits delivery at discharge program administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information and assistance on available benefits and other transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who a separating from the Armed Forces.--To ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserves are able to fully participate in the benefits delivery at discharge program administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information and assistance on available benefits and other transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces. HR 3043; S 1710--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008--FY 2007 funding for the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment and Training (ASVET). S 1215--To amend title 38, USC, to extend and improve certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes--Sets $19 million as the maximum amount (currently a progressively increasing amount) per fiscal year for reimbursement to states and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits.; Extends through FY 2007 a pilot program of on-job-training for veterans' claims adjudicators.; Authorizes the VA Secretary to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training.; Includes veterans of the Global War on Terror within an ongoing veterans' unemployment study.; Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job-training. DOL-VETS Appropriations--FY 2008 DOL-VETS Appropriations--The American Legion recommends $352,000,000 to DOL-VETS for FY 2008. H. CON. RES 5--Hire A Veteran Week (LETTER)--Recognize the importance of assisting in the transition process of the men and women who have served or who currently serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. HR 1750; HR 1824; HR 1598; HR 1315; HR 513; HR 2259; HR 1632; HR 112; HR2579--Credit, education and transition--Protective credit measures, accelerated education payments, transition assistance program, reemployment reports, stipends for education courses leading to doctoral degrees, and State Approving Agency funding.

HR 112--G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act--Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Make such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. HR 1102--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--To amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, to improve such programs. HR 1824--To amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used--Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law. S 526--Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. S 644--Total Force Educational Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act of 2007--To amend title 38, USC, to recodify as part of that title certain educational assistance programs. S 723--Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007--A bill to provide certain enhancement to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. S 1261--Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007--Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge of release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis., Repeals the: (1) 14 -year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations. The Montgomery GI Bill for life aims to repeal all time limits to use the MGIB. S 1409--21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007--A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. S 1719--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math--A bill to amend title 38, USC, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. HR 1102; S 644--Total Force GI Bill--Creation of a Total Force GI Bill. Allow veterans eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill to use the benefits for longer periods of time, enhance the benefits for reserve and national guard members. To amend title 38, USC, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used. Encourage sponsorship of Total Force GI Bill. State Approving Agencies Funding--FY 08 Funding for State Approving Agencies--Maintains the current level of funding for State Approving Agencies to approve courses for eligibility for MGIB payments. S 1215--Numerous Bills--To amend title 38, USC, to extend and improve certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Accelerated Payments, modification to create an unemployment study on Global War on Terrorism era veterans. S 22--Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2007--Creation of education benefit for service members who serve at least 2 aggregate years on Active Duty. Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits--Draft Legislation "Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007--Expansion of eligible MGIB programs for accelerated payments program and expansion of vocational benefits to dependents. HR 1750; HR 1824; HR 1598; HR 1315; HR 513; HR 2259; HR 1632; HR 112; HR 2579--Credit, Education and Transition--Protective credit measures, accelerated education payments, transition assistance program, reemployment reports, stipends for education courses leading to doctoral degrees, and State Approving Agency funding.

HR 675--Disabled Veterans Adaptive Housing Improvement Act--Increases from: (1) $50,000 to $60,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certain disabled veterans for the construction of specially adapted housing; and (2) $10,000 to $12,000 the maximum amount authorized for specially adapted features in a home. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to annually increase such amounts to reflect increases in the cost of residential home construction. HR 1315--To amend title 38, USC, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member--Authorizes the VA Secretary to provide specially adaptive housing assistance for disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member if such military member suffers from a disability which is permanent and total in nature and is the result of an injury incurred or disease contracted or aggravated in the line of duty in active military service. HR 1750--To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act--Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure. HR 2378--Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act--To amend title 38, USC, to establish a financial assistance program to facilitate the provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing. Establish a financial assistance program to facilitate supportive service for very low-income veterans families to assist them in ending their chronic homeless state and to prevent chronic homelessness. HR 2699--Homeless Veterans Service Centers, Homeless Veterans Program--Per diem payments to homeless veterans service centers; homeless veterans programs. HR 1750; HR 1824; HR 1598; HR 1315; HR 513; HR 2259; HR 1632; HR 112; HR 2579--Credit, Education and Transition--Protective credit measures, accelerated education payments, transition assistance program, reemployment reports, stipends for education courses leading to doctoral degrees, and State Approving Agency funding. S 1326--Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2007--Full eligibility for VA Home loan guaranty program for Selected Reserve forces, no increase in and return of funding fees for home loan funding to the levels agreed before the 108th Congress HR 551--Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 (LETTER)--Help hundreds of thousands of veterans to become eligible to purchase homes. S 1096--Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007--Authorizes the VA Secretary, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces determined to have a total disability permanent in nature which was incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty, to furnish home improvements and structural alterations for the member for the disability while the member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care, medical services, or treatment, if the Secretary determines that the member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability., Authorizes the provision of specially adapted housing assistance for: (1) disabled veterans whose disability is due to a severe burn injury; and (2) disabled members residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Makes veterans and members with a severe burn disability eligible for automobile and automotive adaptive equipment assistance.

S. 526 - Veterans Employment & Training Act of 2007 H.R. 1824 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes.

Client expense: $195,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE