I 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6194 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 11, 2020 Mr. David P. Roe of Tennessee introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes.

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; or (2) payments or subsistence allowances under chapter 31 of such title. (b) Applicability period Subsection (a) shall apply during the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 21, 2020. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term educational institution has the meaning given that term in section 3452 of title 38, United States Code, and includes an institution of higher learning (as defined in such section). (2) The term program of education has the meaning given that term in section 3002 of title 38, United States Code. (3) The term State approving agency has the meaning given that term in section 3671 of title 38, United States Code.