II
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2241
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 27, 2012
Mrs. Murray (for herself, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Begich, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Coons, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. Whitehouse) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To ensure that veterans have the information and protections they require to make informed decisions regarding use of Post–9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as
the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of
2012
.
Publication by Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Defense of information about educational institutions
Publication by Secretary of Veterans Affairs
In general
Subchapter II of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Publication of information about educational institutions
Publication of information
The Secretary shall, on an ongoing basis, make available to veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other individuals eligible to receive or receiving assistance under this chapter or any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title or chapters 106A or 1606 of title 10 the information described in subsection (d) in language that can be easily understood by such veterans, members, and other individuals.
Collection of information
In order to make the information described in subsection (d) available as required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to obtain such information.
If the Secretary requires, for purposes of this section, information that has been reported by an educational institution to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, or the heads of other Federal agencies under a provision of law other than under this section or section 3679A of this title, the Secretary shall obtain such information from such Secretary or head rather than the educational institution.
Making information available under subsection (a) shall not be required in a case in which the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student.
Partnership with Secretary of Education and Secretary of Defense
The Secretary shall carry out subsections (a) and (b) in consultation and cooperation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Defense.
If the Secretary of Education or the Secretary of Defense incur any costs in consulting or cooperating with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall reimburse the Secretary concerned, from amounts appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for such costs.
Information
The information described in this subsection is as follows:
An explanation of the different types of accreditation available to educational institutions and programs of education.
A general overview of Federal student aid programs, the implications of incurring student loan debt, and discussion of how receipt of educational assistance under this chapter or any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title may enable students to complete programs of education without incurring significant educational debt.
For each educational institution at which an individual is enrolled in a program of education for which the individual receives assistance under this chapter or any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title or chapter 106A or 1606 of title 10 and for the most recent academic year for which information is available, the following:
The percentage of students who enroll in the first term of a program of education of the educational institution who on the date that is 1 year after the date of enrolling are not enrolled in any program of education at the educational institution.
The percentage of students enrolled in a program of education offered by the educational institution who complete the program of education within the normal time for completion of such program and the percentage of students enrolled in a program of education offered by the educational institution who complete the program of education within 150 percent of such period, disaggregated by students who receive and don't receive assistance for pursuit of the program of education under this chapter or any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title or chapter 106A or 1606 of title 10.
The number of degrees and certificates awarded by the educational institution and the number of students enrolled in programs of education at the educational institution that lead to a degree or a certificate.
The number of students enrolled in a program of education of the educational institution.
The rates of job placement of students who complete a program of education offered by the educational institution that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and for other programs if such rates are available for such other programs.
The mean of the wages the students described in subparagraph (E) receive from their first positions of employment obtained after completing a program of education offered by the educational institution.
A description of the accreditation of the educational institution, if any, and the names of any national or regional accrediting agencies that have accredited the educational institution.
For each program of education offered by the educational institution, the following:
The percentage of students who enroll in the first term of the program of education who on the date that is 1 year after the date of enrolling are not enrolled in any program of education at the educational institution.
The percentage of students enrolled in the program of education who complete the program of education within the normal time for completion of such program and the percentage of students enrolled in the program of education who complete the program of education within 150 percent of such period, disaggregated by students who receive and don't receive assistance for pursuit of the program of education under this chapter or any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title or chapter 106A or 1606 of title 10.
The number of degrees or certificates awarded by the educational institution to individuals who enrolled in the program of education.
The number of students enrolled in the program of education.
If the program of education is designed to prepare a student for a particular occupation, whether such occupation generally requires licensing or certification in the State in which the educational institution is located and if so, whether successfully completing such program of education generally qualifies an individual—
to obtain such licensing or certification;
to take an examination that is generally required to obtain such licensing or certification; or
to meet such other preconditions as may be necessary for employment in such occupation in such State.
If the program of education is designed to prepare a student for a particular occupation that generally requires licensing or certification in the State in which the educational institution is located, the percentage of students who completed such program of education who obtained such licensing or certification.
The rates of job placement of students who complete the program of education for programs of education that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and for other programs if such rates are available for such other programs.
The mean of the wages the students described in clause (vii) receive from their first positions of employment obtained after completing the program of education.
A description of the accreditation of the program of education, if any, and the names of any national or regional accrediting agencies that have accredited the program of education.
An explanation of the following:
Whether academic credits awarded by the educational institution are transferable to public educational institutions in the State in which the educational institution is located.
Any articulation agreements the educational institution may have with any other educational institutions.
How the educational institution may or may not accept academic credit awarded by another educational institution, including whether the educational institution accepts the transfer of academic credits from the following:
The Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System.
The Sailor-Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript.
The Community College of the Air Force.
The United States Coast Guard Institute.
The average tuition and fees for all programs of education at the educational institution leading to a baccalaureate degree or lesser degree, license, or certificate and the average tuition and fees charged by public educational institutions for similar programs of education, disaggregated by State.
The median amount of debt from Federal student loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), and to the degree practicable, private student loans, held upon completion of a program of education by an individual who received assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 34 of this title for pursuit of such program of education at the educational institution.
The cohort default rate, as defined in section 435(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(m)), of the educational institution.
With respect to the information reported under subparagraphs (K) and (L), indicators of how the educational institution compares with all public educational institutions offering comparable programs of education.
Whether the educational institution is a public, private nonprofit, or private for-profit institution.
The number of veterans enrolled in programs of education at the educational institution who are receiving assistance under this chapter and chapters 30 through 35 of this title and chapters 106A and 1606 of title 10 for pursuit of such programs of education.
A description of the benefits and assistance veterans described in subparagraph (K) may be entitled to under the laws of the State or States in which the veterans receive instruction from the educational institution.
A description of the educational institution's participation, if any, in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program established under section 3317(a) of this title.
If the educational institution charges a lower rate of tuition for students who reside in the same State as the educational institution—
identification of the requirements for students to obtain in-State status for such lower rate of tuition; and
a list of educational institutions located or incorporated in the same State as the educational institution that waive such requirements for veterans.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3697A the following new item:
3697B. Publication of information about educational institutions.
.
Effective date
Section 3697B of title 38, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and not later than such date, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall begin making information available as described in subsection (a) of such section.
Training for employees of Department of Veterans Affairs education call centers
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that appropriate employees of each of the education call centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs receive appropriate training regarding the information made available under section 3697B of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1).
Publication by Secretary of Defense
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall, on an ongoing basis, make available to individuals eligible to receive or receiving assistance under the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program of the Department of Defense the information described in paragraph (4) in language that can be easily understood by such individuals.
Collection of information
In general
In order to make the information described in paragraph (4) available as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to obtain such information, including by requiring educational institutions to provide, as a condition of participating in such program, such information as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this subsection.
Collection from other Federal agencies
If the Secretary of Defense requires, for purposes of this section, information that has been reported by an educational institution to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, or the heads of other Federal agencies under a provision of law other than under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall obtain such information from such Secretary or head rather than the educational institution.
Privacy
Making information available under paragraph (1) shall not be required in a case in which the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student.
Partnership with Secretary of Education
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out paragraphs (1) and (2) in consultation and cooperation with the Secretary of Education.
Information
The information described in this paragraph is as follows:
An explanation of the different types of accreditation available to educational institutions and programs of education.
A general overview of Federal student aid programs and the implications of incurring student loan debt.
For each educational institution at which an individual is enrolled in a program of education and receives assistance under the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program of the Department of Defense for pursuit of such program of education, the following:
The percentage of students who enroll in the first term of a program of education of the educational institution who on the date that is 1 year after the date of enrolling are not enrolled in any program of education at the educational institution.
The percentage of students who transfer from one program of education offered by the educational institution to another program of education offered by the educational institution.
The rates of job placement of students who complete a program of education offered by the educational institution that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and for other programs if such rates are available for such other programs.
The mean of the wages the students described in clause (iii) receive from their first positions of employment obtained after completing a program of education offered by the educational institution.
A description of the accreditation of the educational institution, if any, and the names of any national or regional accrediting agencies that have accredited the educational institution.
For each program of education offered by the educational institution, the following:
If the program of education is designed to prepare a student for a particular occupation, whether such occupation generally requires licensing or certification in the State in which the educational institution is located and if so, whether successfully completing such program of education generally qualifies an individual—
to obtain such licensing or certification;
to take an examination that is generally required to obtain such licensing or certification; or
to meet such other preconditions as may be necessary for employment in such occupation in such State.
If the program of education is designed to prepare a student for a particular occupation that generally requires licensing or certification in the State in which the educational institution is located, the percentage of students who completed such program of education who obtained such licensing or certification.
The rates of job placement of students who complete the program of education for programs of education that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and for other programs if such rates are available for such other programs.
The mean of the wages the students described in subclause (III) receive from their first positions of employment obtained after completing the program of education.
An explanation of the following:
Whether academic credits awarded by the educational institution are transferable to public educational institutions in the State in which the educational institution is located.
Any articulation agreements the educational institution may have with any other educational institutions.
How the educational institution may or may not accept academic credit awarded by another educational institution.
Whether the educational institution is a public, private nonprofit, or private for-profit institution.
If the educational institution is accredited, whether the educational institution has received disciplinary complaints from the accrediting agency that awarded such accreditation and the adjudication status of such complaints.
Additional requirements of educational institutions for support of veterans and members of the Armed Forces
Additional requirements under title 38
In general
Subchapter I of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Additional requirements
Affirmative requirements
A course of education of an educational institution may not be approved under this chapter unless the educational institution carries out the following:
Compiling and disclosing to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require to carry out section 3697B of this title to the extent that such information is available to the educational institution.
If more than 10 veterans or members of the Armed Forces are enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution, ensuring that at least one full-time equivalent employee of the educational institution is knowledgeable about benefits and assistance available to veterans and members of the Armed Forces under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense.
Ensuring that appropriate employees of the educational institution are trained and qualified to handle assistance provided under this chapter, chapters 30 through 35 of this title, and chapters 106A and 1606 of title 10.
If more than 10 veterans or members of the Armed Forces are enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution, providing academic advising and support services to veterans, including remediation, tutoring, career and placement counseling services, and referrals to centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section 1712A of this title (known as vet centers).
Offering training for members of the faculty of the educational institution on matters that are relevant to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who are enrolled in courses of education at the educational institution.
Agreeing to abide by the policies developed under section 3696(b) of this title.
Establishing a point of contact for veterans enrolled in courses of education at the educational institution who can—
assist such veterans in adjusting to student life at the educational institution; or
provide referrals to groups or organizations that provide such assistance.
Prohibitions
A course of education of an educational institution may not be approved under this chapter if the educational institution—
requires a student enrolled in the course of education to waive the student's right to legal recourse under any otherwise applicable provision of Federal or State law; or
requires a student enrolled in the course of education to submit to arbitration or imposes onerous legal notice provisions in the case of a dispute with the educational institution.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3679 the following new item:
3679A. Additional requirements.
.
Conforming amendment
Section 3672(b)(2)(A) of such title is amended by
striking and 3696
and inserting 3696, and
3697B
.
Effective date
Section 3679A of such title, as added by paragraph (1), shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Memorandums of understanding between Department of Defense and educational institutions
In general
Chapter 106A of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Memorandums of understanding with educational institutions
In general
The Secretary shall seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012, with each educational institution at which an individual is enrolled in a program of education for which the individual receives assistance under this chapter.
Elements
Each memorandum of understanding entered into under subsection (a) shall require the educational institution with which the Secretary enters into the understanding to carry out paragraphs (2) through (7) of section 3679A(a) of title 38.
Ban on recruiting on military installations
No individual who represents an educational institution described in subsection (a) may enter a military facility of the United States for purposes of recruiting students for the educational institution if the educational institution has not entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary under such subsection.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 106A of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
2149A. Memorandums of understanding with educational institutions.
.
Protections for veterans and members of the Armed Forces attending educational institutions
Policies To curb aggressive recruiting
Section 3696 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by inserting , including utilizing
third-party lead generators that gather names of prospective students through
the use deceptive or misleading acts or practices
before the period at
the end; and
by inserting (1)
before
The Secretary
;
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
in paragraph (3),
as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking under subsection
(a)
each place it appears and inserting under paragraph
(1)
;
by striking
this section
each place it appears and inserting this
subsection
; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection (b):
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly develop policies to curb aggressive recruiting of veterans and members of the Armed Forces by educational institutions.
.
Prohibition on inducements
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary shall not approve a course offered by an educational institution if the educational institution uses inducements or provides any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount to any individual or entity (other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable provisions of law) for the purpose of securing enrollments.
.
Working group
In general
Chapter 36 of such title is amended by inserting after section 3692 the following new section:
Working group
Establishment
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, establish a working group—
to coordinate consumer protection efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense with respect to educational assistance provided under this chapter, chapters 30 through 35 of this title, and chapters 106A and 1606 of title 10; and
to develop policies related to postsecondary education marketing and recruitment of veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
Duties
In coordinating efforts and developing policies under subsection (a), the working group shall—
survey veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have received educational assistance described in subsection (a)(1) to obtain feedback on the educational assistance received and on the program of education for which such assistance was received;
review marketing and recruitment practices carried out by educational institutions to determine whether the advertising practices of such institutions might be detrimental to veterans and members of the Armed Forces, including a review of Internet websites used for marketing and advertising campaigns targeted towards veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and
monitor the overall postsecondary education market for developments that affect veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
Consultation
In carrying out its duties under this section, the working group shall consult with appropriate Federal agencies (including the Department of Education and the Consumer Federal Protection Bureau), consumer protection groups, veterans service organizations, military service organizations, representatives of educational institutions, and representatives of such other groups or organizations as the Secretaries consider appropriate.
Exemption from FACA
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the working group established under subsection (a).
Veterans service organization defined
In this section, the term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of this title.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3692 the following new item:
3692A. Working group.
.
Report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the working group established under section 3692A of such title, as added by paragraph (1), shall submit to Congress a report on the activities of the working group under such section, including the following:
The findings of the working group.
The actions taken by the working group.
The policies developed by the working group.
Recommendations for such legislative and regulatory action as may be necessary to coordinate as described in paragraph (1) of section 3692A(a) of such title and develop policies as described in paragraph (2) of such section.
Policies on conflicts of interest between employees of Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and educational institutions
Section 3683 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall develop policies for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, respectively, regarding conflicts of interest between employees of such departments and educational institutions.
.
Assessment of quality and delivery of career information and counseling to members of Armed Forces and veterans
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education, assess the quality and delivery of career information and counseling provided to members of the Armed Forces and veterans enrolled in (or planning to enroll in) programs of education with assistance under chapter 106A or 1606 of title 10, United States Code, or any of chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code. Such assessment shall address, at minimum, the following:
Whether such information and counseling is relevant to the labor markets in which such members or veterans plan to relocate, if applicable.
Whether such information and counseling identifies careers that are available in in-demand occupations and industries in such labor markets.
Whether such information and counseling identifies the education and credentials required for such careers.
Whether assessments provided to such members and veterans as part of such counseling of the skills and credentials of such members and veterans match such skills and credentials with the skills and credentials required for jobs in the civilian workforce.
Whether the assessments described in paragraph (4) identify the additional skills or credentials members and veterans described in such paragraph may need for employment in jobs in the civilian workforce.
Whether such information identifies the education and training programs that provide the skills necessary for such careers in such labor markets.
Whether such information is provided in a timely manner.
Collaboration with the one-Stop delivery system and transition assistance programs
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, determine how programs that provide education and career counseling services to members of the Armed Forces and veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should—
collaborate and improve information sharing with one-stop delivery systems established under section 134(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(c)), including collaboration through electronic means, to provide the information described in subsection (a) to the members of the Armed Forces before such members transition from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life; and
coordinate with—
each other;
the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Defense;
the services provided under sections 1142, 1143, and 1144 of title 10, United States Code;
the programs established under section 235(b) of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112–56; 38 U.S.C. 4214 note); and
the demonstration project established under section 4114 of title 38, United States Code.
Report
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the assessment completed under subsection (a), including recommendations for such legislative, regulatory, and administrative action as the Secretaries consider necessary to improve the provision of career information relevant to programs of education pursued by members of the Armed Forces and veterans to such members and veterans.
Appropriate committees of Congress
In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.
Expansion of eligibility for educational and vocational counseling
Section 3697A(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
in paragraph (1), by adding
or
at the end; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
is serving on active duty in any State with the Armed Forces and has served in the Armed Forces on active duty for not fewer than 180 days.
.
Submittal of complaints regarding programs of education and educational assistance
In general
Chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3693 the following new section:
Complaint process
Submittal of complaints
The Secretary shall establish procedures for submittal to the Secretary of complaints by a students who are pursuing programs of education with assistance under this chapter, any of chapters 30 through 35 of this title, or chapters 106A or 1606 of title 10 regarding such programs of education or such assistance.
Database
The Secretary shall establish a database to store complaints submitted under subsection (a) to enable the Secretary—
to improve the provision of assistance under this chapter and chapters 30 through 35 of this title;
to improve the provision of educational and vocational counseling under section 3697A of this title; and
to identify problems with the programs of education or assistance described in subsection (a) that warrant further investigation by the Secretary.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3693 the following new item:
3693A. Complaint process.
.
Collection and dissemination of best practices for provision by educational institutions of assistance to students who are veterans or members of the Armed Forces
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and two and four years thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Defense, collect and disseminate information about best practices for the provision by educational institutions of assistance to students who are veterans and students who are members of the Armed Forces to help them successfully enter, persist in, and complete programs of education.
Consultation with veterans service organizations
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult with veterans service organizations and educational institutions.
Repeal of limitation on payments for contract educational and vocational counseling
Section 3697 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
by striking subsection (b); and
in subsection
(a), by striking (a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section,
educational
and inserting Educational
.
Dedicated points of contact for school certifying officials
Section 3684 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012, the Secretary shall ensure that the Department employs personnel dedicated to assisting personnel of educational institutions who are charged with submitting reports or certifications to the Secretary under this section.
.
Report on number of recipients of educational assistance under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 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 receipt of educational assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the last academic year ending before the submittal of the report.
Elements
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following, for the period covered by the report:
A list of all educational institutions at which an individual is enrolled in a program of education for which the individual receives assistance under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
For each educational institution listed under paragraph (1), the number of individuals who receive assistance under a law administered by the Secretary to pursue a program of education at the educational institution.
For each educational institution listed under paragraph (1), the total amount of assistance paid under laws administered by the Secretary to individuals enrolled in programs of education at the educational institution for pursuit of such programs and paid to the educational institution for the education of individuals.
Performance metrics for Department of Defense education and workforce training programs
Establishment of metrics
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, establish metrics for tracking the successful completion of education and workforce training programs carried out under laws administered by the Secretary of Defense.
Report on metrics
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the metrics establish under subsection (a), including a description of each such metric.
Annual assessment
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an assessment of the education and workforce training programs described in subsection (a) using the metrics established under such subsection.
Appropriate committees of Congress
In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
Privacy
Nothing in this title or any of the amendments made by this title shall be construed to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Education, or the Secretary of Labor to release to the public information about an individual that is otherwise prohibited by a provision of law.
Definitions
In this Act:
Educational institution and program of education
The terms educational institution and program of education have the meanings given such terms in section 3501 of title 38, United States Code.
Veterans service organization
The term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of such title.