1. Continuation of Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits for certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations (a) In general In the case of a program of education approved by a State approving agency, or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when acting in the role of a State approving agency, that is converted from being offered on-site at an educational institution to being offered by distance learning by reason of an emergency or health-related situation, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may continue to provide educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary without regard to such conversion, including with respect to paying any— (1) monthly housing stipends under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code