Summary:
Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2013 - Title I: Survivor and Dependent Matters - (Sec. 101) Extends the period during which additional dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) will be paid to surviving spouses with children from two years to three years after their entitlement to DIC commences.

(Sec. 102) Provides that the remarriage after age 55 of a veteran's surviving spouse shall not bar the furnishing of Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) DIC, health care, educational assistance, and housing loans to that spouse. (Sec. 103) Extends the date before which a surviving spouse of a Persian Gulf War veteran must have been married to that veteran to qualify for death benefits from January 1, 2001, to ten years and one day after the Persian Gulf War was terminated. (Sec. 104) Expands the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include surviving spouses of service members who die in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. (The Scholarship is currently provided to the children of those soldiers.) (Sec. 105) Expands eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (which provides public-private contributions for educational assistance in addition to post-9/11 educational assistance) to beneficiaries of the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to provide, to any spina bifida-affected child of a veteran who served on active duty in Thailand beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and who was exposed to a herbicide agent during such service, the same health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a similarly-affected child of a Vietnam veteran. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living, group home care, or similar services in lieu of nursing home care to children with spina bifida who are entitled to health care from the VA. (Sec. 108) Requires the Secretary to carry out a two-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services in group retreat settings for surviving spouses of veterans who died while serving on active duty. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary to contract with a private entity to evaluate the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.

Title II: Education Matters - (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary to disapprove, for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force and the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance programs, courses of education provided by a public educational institution of higher education (IHE) that charges tuition and fees for veterans living in the state at a higher rate than it charges in-state residents, regardless of the veteran's state of residence. Makes this provision applicable to: (1) veterans who were discharged or released from at least 90 days of active service less than three years before their date of enrollment in the applicable course, (2) family members eligible for such assistance due to their relationship to such veterans, and (3) courses that commence on or after July 1, 2015.

Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving a public IHE's course on the grounds that the IHE conditions a veteran's receipt of in-state tuition rates on such veteran: (1) demonstrating an intent, by means other than physical presence, to establish residency in the state; or (2) satisfying other requirements not related to the establishment of residency.

(Sec. 202) Extends, until June 30, 2015, the authority for veterans to be paid an additional educational assistance allowance for engaging in certain work-study activities involving the: (1) provision of outreach services to service members and veterans, (2) provision of care to veterans in state homes, and (3) administration of national or state veterans' cemeteries. Includes among those activities, work in congressional offices that involves: (1) the distribution of benefit information to service members, veterans, and their dependents; and (2) the preparation and processing of documents to assist such persons in making VA benefit claims.

(Sec. 203) Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on the VA's processes for identifying and resolving incorrect payments under the All-Volunteer Force and the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance programs.

(Sec. 204) Decreases the amount of reporting fees paid by the VA to educational and training institutions in lieu of other compensation for reports or certifications the institution may be required to submit to the VA.

Title III: Health Care Matters - Subtitle A: Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally - (Sec. 301) Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the program to provide chiropractic care and services to veterans through VA medical centers and clinics to be carried out in at least: (1) 2 medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) within 2 years after this Act's enactment, and (2) 50% of all medical centers in each VISN within 3 years after this Act's enactment.

Includes chiropractic services as a component of VA medical, rehabilitative, and preventative health services.

(Sec. 302) Amends the date of eligibility for purposes of obtaining VA hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from January 1, 1957, to August 1, 1953, or such earlier date as the VA specifies. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to provide counseling, care, and services to veterans to overcome sexual trauma they experienced while serving on inactive duty for training. (Sec. 304) Extends until September 30, 2015, the Secretary's authority to transport individuals to and from VA facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care. Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2015 for such program. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary, through the National Center for Preventive Health, to carry out a 2-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health through the support of fitness center membership for veterans who are determined to be overweight or obese and who reside more than 15 minutes driving distance from a VA fitness facility. Requires the Secretary to cover: (1) the full cost of such membership within the catchment area of five VA medical centers, and (2) 50% of that cost within the catchment area of five other VA medical centers. Limits participation to 100 veterans in each catchment area. Makes their participation voluntary. (Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting veterans' health, including the achievement of a healthy weight, by establishing VA fitness facilities within VA medical centers and clinics. Requires the fitness facilities to be established in at least five VA medical centers and at least five VA outpatient clinics. Limits the amount of funds that may be expended for the establishment and support of each fitness facility. Prohibits the imposition of fees on participating veterans.

Subtitle B: Health Care Administration - (Sec. 311) Extends the Secretary's Health Professional Scholarship Program from December 31, 2014, to December 31, 2019.

(Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to develop partnerships with IHEs to establish or expand advanced degree programs in prosthetics and orthotics to improve and enhance the availability of high quality prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans. Authorizes appropriations for those activities for FY2015. (Sec. 313) Designates the VA medical center at 3900 Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

Subtitle C: Complementary and Alternative Medicine - (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to expand: (1) research and education on complementary and alternative medicine within the VA, and (2) the delivery and integration of complementary and alternative medicine with other VA health services.

(Sec. 322) Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of integrating the delivery of complementary and alternative medicine selected by the Secretary with other VA health care services for veterans with mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, other chronic conditions, and such other conditions the Secretary determines to be appropriate. Requires the program to be conducted at at least 15 different VA medical centers. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with a qualified independent entity to conduct comprehensive studies of the barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in providing, VA complementary and alternative medicine. Requires the studies to survey veterans, administrators, and clinicians. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the head of the National Research Advisory Council reviews the results of the studies. Requires the head of the Council to submit findings regarding the studies to the Under Secretary for Health and to other pertinent program offices within the VA. Authorizes appropriations for FY2015. (Sec. 324) Requires the Secretary to establish a three-year program awarding grants to public or private nonprofit entities to assess the feasibility and advisability of using wellness programs to complement the provision of mental health care to veterans and family members eligible for VA counseling services.

Title IV: Accountability and Administrative Improvements - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to reorganize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) into geographically defined VISNs.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that each VISN: (1) complies with a staffing model established by the Secretary for that VISN that accounts for the specific health care needs of differing populations in the VISN; (2) maintains a regional integrated health care system; (3) identifies and reduces the duplication of functions in VHA clinical, administrative, and operational processes and practices; (4) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; and (5) assesses the consolidation or realignment of institutional functions, in collaboration and cooperation with other VISNs and specified offices or entities within its geographical area.

Prohibits a VISN from having more than one headquarters office. Requires that office to be located by the Secretary at the same location as a VA medical center.

Requires the Secretary, at least once every three years, to review and assess the structure and operations of the VISNs and submit review results to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs.

(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to establish up to four regional support centers within the VHA to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the VISNs. Requires each center to assess a VISN's: (1) finance operations and other compliance related activities, (2) outreach to veterans who served in contingency operations, (3) programs for women veterans, (4) programs that address homelessness among veterans, and (5) energy consumption.

(Sec. 403) Establishes the Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities to undertake a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of various capital planning options for VA medical facilities. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to make available on a publicly-available VA website: (1) data files that contain information on VA research, (2) a data dictionary on each data file, and (3) instructions on how to obtain access to each data file for use in research. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition on the use of any data gathered or formulated from research funded by the VA, that any final, peer-reviewed manuscript prepared for publication that uses such data be submitted to the Secretary for deposit in a digital archive that is to be established by the Secretary and available to the public.

Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive to submit to the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) options and recommendations for establishing a program of long-term cooperation and data-sharing between and within the VA and DOD to facilitate research on outcomes of military service, readjustment after combat deployment, and other topics of importance to veterans, service members, their families, and communities that have a significant population of veterans or service members.

(Sec. 405) Requires the Secretary to include, in annual VA budget justification materials, a separate statement of amounts requested for activities of the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for VA outreach activities in aggregate, as well as for each of the Office of the Secretary, the VHA, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure the effective coordination and collaboration of VA outreach activities. (Sec. 406) Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs a report on the VA's advisory committees, including recommendations for continuing, modifying, or terminating them.

Title V: Improvement of Processing of Claims for Compensation - Subtitle A: Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma - (Sec. 501) Requires the Secretary, in the case of a claim for disability compensation based on a mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, to treat an examination or opinion as being necessary to make a decision on a claim if the evidence of record contains evidence of a disability that may be associated with the claimant's active military service but does not contain a diagnosis or opinion by a mental health professional that may assist in corroborating the occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor.

(Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to: (1) assign to each individual seeking compensation for a disability based on military sexual trauma a case representative officer who shall serve as a liaison between such individual and the VA and provide advice and general information to such individual on the claims process; (2) make available to the public information on the availability of such officers; and (3) ensure that individuals who are being separated from the active military service are provided appropriate information about programs, requirements, and procedures for applying for benefits based on military sexual trauma and the availability of such officers. Requires the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to identify mechanisms to enhance coordination between the VBA and the VHA in the provision of benefits based on military sexual trauma. Prohibits the assignment of case representative officers after 2018. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs a report on the current standard of proof for service-connection for covered mental health conditions based on military sexual trauma. (Sec. 504) Requires the Secretary, through 2018, to submit an annual report to Congress on claims for disabilities based on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma. Subtitle B: Agency of Original Jurisdiction - (Sec. 511) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a working group to assess and develop recommendations for the improvement of the employee work credit and work management systems of the VBA in an electronic environment, and (2) implement those recommendations the Secretary deems appropriate. (Sec. 512) Requires the Secretary to establish a task force to: (1) assess the retention and training of claims processors and adjudicators that are employed by the VA and other federal agencies, and (2) develop a plan for promoting the employment of veterans to claims processing positions in the federal government. (Sec. 513) Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs on the VA's attempts to obtain the records necessary to adjudicate benefit claims from other federal agencies. (Sec. 514) Authorizes the Secretary to recognize representatives of Indian tribes as individuals eligible to represent veterans in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims. (Sec. 515) Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with local governments and tribal organizations to: (1) improve the quality of disability compensation and pension claims, and (2) provide claims submittal assistance to veterans who may be eligible for disability compensation or pension benefits. (Sec. 516) Requires the Secretary, through 2015, to submit a quarterly report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs on the backlog of unadjudicated claims filed with the VA and its efforts to eliminate that backlog. Requires those reports to be made available to the public. (Sec. 517) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs: (1) a report on the use of temporary, intermediate, and provisional rating decisions to expedite benefit decisions; and (2) a plan to increase the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite those decisions when the record contains sufficient evidence to grant any claim at issue.(Sec. 518) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs: (1) a report on the furnishing of general medical and specialty medical examinations by the VA for purposes of adjudicating VA benefit claims, and (2) a report on the Secretary's efforts to reduce the need for VHA personnel to conduct in-person disability examinations. Subtitle C: Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims - (Sec. 521) Requires the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) to treat as timely filed a document that: (1) expresses disagreement with a decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) and an intent to appeal such decision to the CAVC, and (2) was misfiled with the BVA or the agency of original jurisdiction within 120 days of the BVA's decision. (Sec. 522) Decreases from one year to 180 days the period claimants have to file with the BVA a notice of disagreement with the VA's initial review or determination of their claim. Allows those notices to be electronically filed. (Sec. 523) Requires, with limited exceptions, that any hearing before the BVA be conducted using video teleconference technology. Requires such hearings to be conducted in person at the request of an appellant. Allows such hearings to be conducted in person in the absence of such request, as the BVA considers appropriate. Title VI: Outreach Matters - (Sec. 601) Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year program awarding competitive grants to state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to: (1) increase veterans' awareness of the benefits and services available to them; and (2) improve the coordination of outreach activities regarding those benefits and services between the Secretary and federal, state, and local government and nonprofit providers of veterans' health care and benefit services. Requires states to match such grants. Authorizes appropriations for the program for FY2015-FY2016. Requires the Secretary to submit recommendations to Congress regarding the feasibility and advisability of continuing, expanding, or modifying the program. (Sec. 602) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements and arrangements with state agencies to carry out outreach activities and otherwise coordinate, improve, or enhance VA and state outreach activities. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee on VA outreach activities composed of individuals with experience in press, public relations, marketing, or communications. Requires the advisory committee to advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs on effectively developing, implementing, and coordinating national and local outreach efforts. Terminates the advisory committee on October 1, 2015. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board composed of individuals with experience in press, public relations, marketing, or communications at each VA health care system and each VISN that does not contain a health care system. Requires each advisory board to advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs on: (1) effectively developing, implementing, and coordinating national and local outreach efforts; and (2) assisting the director of its health care system in conducting outreach activities the board considers appropriate. Terminates the advisory boards four years after this Act's enactment. (Sec. 605) Requires the VA to submit its report to Congress on outreach activities annually (currently, biennially). Title VII: Employment and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Employment Matters - (Sec. 701) Requires: (1) federal agencies to develop plans to exercise their authority under specified law to hire veterans during the five years beginning on this Act's enactment, and (2) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that those plans result in the appointment of at least 15,000 veterans to existing vacancies. Excludes veterans hired by the VA or Department of Defense (DOD) from that number. (Sec. 702) Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the VA for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program that issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, has been awarded a military occupational specialty that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the state's requirements for the issuance of such license or credential, has engaged in the active practice of the occupation for which the veteran is seeking such license or credential for at least two of the preceding five years, and pays any fees the state requires for such license or credential. Allows the Secretary of Labor to waive such requirement for certain states that take into account a veteran's performance on an examination and previous military training when determining whether the veteran needs further training for a license or credential. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) compile a list of Internet websites and applications that can assist veterans in seeking employment; (2) place a particular priority on identifying websites and applications that match veterans with available jobs requiring their skills and that permit employers to post information about available jobs; and (3) report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees on the feasibility and advisability of creating a single, unified Internet-based employment portal for veterans to use when seeking federal employment. (Sec. 704) Directs the Secretary of Labor to include information about disability-related employment and education protections in the Transition Assistance Program, which provides employment and job training assistance and related services for service members being separated from active duty and for their spouses. Subtitle B: Small Business Matters - (Sec. 711) Expands the VA's contracting goals and preferences to include conditional ownership of small business concerns that are fully owned by one or more veterans. (Sec. 712) Permits the surviving spouse of a veteran owner of a small business to maintain the status of the small business as one owned or controlled by a veteran for up to: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability. (That status ends if the surviving spouse remarries or sells the small business before those periods are over.) (Sec. 713) Permits the surviving spouse or dependent child of a service member who owns at least 51% of a small business and dies in the line of duty to maintain the status of such small business as one owned or controlled by a veteran for up to 10 years following the death of such service member. (That status ends before the end of such period if the surviving spouse remarries or the surviving spouse or dependent child sells an ownership interest in the small business and no longer owns at least 51% of it.) (Sec. 714) Requires the Secretary, upon determining, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals, that an individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of a small business in a state other than a community property state, to treat such small business as licensed in a non-community property state. Title VIII: Other Matters - (Sec. 801) Requires the Secretary, if a veteran eligible for a pension for service or for a non-service-connected disability or the spouse of such veteran disposes of a resource that was part of such veteran's estate for less than its fair market value within three years before applying for such pension, to deny or discontinue the pension payment for months beginning on the date of such disposition and ending when the uncompensated value of such resource is reached. Provides the same denial or discontinuance in the case of a veteran eligible for an increased pension payment on account of a child, unless the Secretary determines that such denial or discontinuance would work an undue hardship. Applies the same denial or discontinuance, with the same exception, in the case of: (1) a veteran's surviving spouse who disposes of a covered resource for less than fair market value within such period, and (2) an increased pension for such spouse on account of a child. Requires the Secretary, at the time a veteran, surviving spouse, or child applies for such a pension, to: (1) inform the individual of such requirements, and (2) obtain information to determine whether a period of ineligibility for such payments will be required. (Sec. 802) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY 2018 for the VA's Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. Allows funding that is not used to provide monthly subsistence allowances to veterans training to be Paralympic athletes to be used for other Office activities. Permits (currently, requires) the Office to cooperate with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and its partners to promote the participation of disabled veterans and disabled military personnel in sporting events sponsored by such entities. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) plan, develop, manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled veterans and disabled military personnel; or (2) award grants to the USOC to do so. Requires the USOC's grant application to include information on: (1) anticipated personnel, travel, and administrative costs to be paid for by the USOC or its subgrantees; (2) its financial controls; and (3) its performance metrics. Reauthorizes appropriations for such program through FY2015. Authorizes the VA to use funds from such program for activities of the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. Directs the GAO to report to Congress, within two years after this Act's enactment, on the use of any grants made to the USOC under such program. (Sec. 804) Eliminates a provision establishing an effective date for the award or increase of a surviving spouse's benefits on account of a child whose marriage is terminated by death or divorce. (Sec. 805) Extends from 6 months to 18 months after the separation or discharge from active service the deadline by which the Secretary must schedule a medical examination for a veteran in receipt of a temporary disability rating for a severe mental disorder. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary to issue veteran identification cards and work with national retail chains to ensure that they recognize those cards when offering veterans reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and services. (Sec. 807) Honors as a veteran any person who is entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or who would be so entitled but for age. Provides that such person shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of such recognition. (Sec. 808) Extends the Secretary's authority to collect housing loan guarantee fees. (Sec. 809) Directs the Secretary to review the process for determining whether Filipinos who claim to have served in support of the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II meet the service requirements for payments from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. (Sec. 810) Requires the Secretary to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees on: (1) the extent to which Laotian military forces provided combat support to the U.S. Armed Forces between February 28, 1961, and May 15, 1975, (2) whether the current classification by the DOD Civilian/Military Service Review Board of service by Hmong ethnicity is appropriate, and (3) any recommendations for legislative action. (Sec. 811) Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to Congress on the assistance available to veterans to obtain the training needed to purchase and operate a franchise. (Sec. 812) Limits the aggregate amount of awards and bonuses payable to VA employees during FY 2014.

benefits improvement act title survivor dependent matters sec extends period additional dependency indemnity compensation dic paid surviving spouses children years years entitlement dic commences sec provides remarriage age veteran surviving spouse shall bar furnishing dic health care educational assistance housing loans spouse sec extends date surviving spouse persian_gulf war veteran married veteran qualify death benefits january years day persian_gulf_war terminated sec expands marine gunnery sergeant include surviving spouses service members die line duty september scholarship currently provided children soldiers sec expands eligibility yellow ribbon education enhancement program provides public private contributions educational assistance addition educational assistance beneficiaries marine gunnery sergeant sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs secretary provide spina bifida affected child veteran served active duty thailand beginning january ending exposed herbicide agent service health care vocational training rehabilitation monetary allowance required paid similarly affected child vietnam veteran sec requires secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability providing assisted living group home care similar services lieu nursing home care children spina bifida entitled health care sec requires secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability providing counseling services group retreat settings surviving spouses veterans died serving active duty sec requires secretary contract private entity evaluate survivors title education matters sec directs secretary disapprove purposes volunteer force educational assistance programs courses education provided public educational institution higher education ihe charges tuition fees veterans living state higher rate charges state residents regardless veteran state residence makes provision applicable veterans discharged released days active service years date enrollment applicable course family members eligible assistance relationship veterans courses commence july prohibits secretary disapproving public ihe course grounds ihe conditions veteran receipt state tuition rates veteran demonstrating intent means physical presence establish residency state satisfying requirements related establishment residency sec extends june authority veterans paid additional educational assistance allowance engaging certain work study activities involving provision outreach services service members veterans provision care veterans state homes administration national state veterans cemeteries includes activities work congressional offices involves distribution benefit information service members veterans dependents preparation processing documents assist persons making benefit claims sec requires government_accountability_office gao report congress processes identifying resolving incorrect payments volunteer force educational assistance programs sec decreases reporting fees paid educational training institutions lieu compensation reports certifications institution required submit title iii health care matters subtitle expansion improvements benefits generally sec amends department_of_veterans_affairs_health_care_programs_enhancement_act require program provide chiropractic care services veterans medical centers clinics carried medical centers clinics veterans_integrated_service_network visn years act enactment medical centers visn years act enactment includes chiropractic services component medical rehabilitative preventative health services sec amends date eligibility purposes obtaining hospital care medical services connection exposure contaminated water camp lejeune north_carolina january august earlier date specifies sec authorizes secretary provide counseling care services veterans overcome sexual trauma experienced serving inactive duty training sec extends september secretary authority transport individuals facilities connection vocational rehabilitation counseling examination treatment care authorizes appropriations fy2014 fy2015 program sec directs secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability promoting health support fitness center membership veterans determined overweight obese reside minutes driving distance fitness facility requires secretary cover cost membership area medical centers cost area medical centers limits participation veterans area makes participation voluntary sec requires secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability promoting veterans health including achievement healthy weight establishing fitness facilities medical centers clinics requires fitness facilities established medical centers outpatient clinics limits funds expended establishment support fitness facility prohibits imposition fees participating veterans subtitle sec extends secretary december december sec directs secretary develop partnerships ihes establish expand advanced degree programs prosthetics orthotics improve enhance availability high quality prosthetic orthotic care veterans authorizes appropriations activities fy2015 sec designates medical center woodland avenue philadelphia pennsylvania corporal veterans_affairs_medical_center subtitle complementary alternative medicine sec directs secretary develop plan expand research education complementary alternative medicine delivery integration complementary alternative medicine health services sec requires secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability integrating delivery complementary alternative medicine selected secretary health care services veterans mental health conditions chronic pain conditions chronic conditions conditions secretary determines appropriate requires program conducted different medical centers sec directs secretary enter contract qualified independent entity conduct comprehensive studies barriers encountered veterans receiving administrators clinicians providing complementary alternative medicine requires studies survey veterans administrators clinicians directs secretary ensure head reviews results studies requires head council submit findings studies secretary health pertinent program offices authorizes appropriations fy2015 sec requires secretary establish year program awarding grants public private nonprofit entities assess feasibility advisability wellness programs complement provision mental health care veterans family members eligible counseling services title accountability administrative improvements sec directs secretary reorganize veterans_health_administration vha geographically defined visns directs secretary ensure visn complies staffing model established secretary visn accounts specific health care needs populations visn maintains regional integrated health care system identifies reduces duplication functions vha clinical administrative operational processes practices works achieve maximum effectiveness patient care safety graduate medical education research assesses consolidation realignment institutional functions collaboration cooperation visns specified offices entities geographical area prohibits visn having headquarters office requires office located secretary location medical center requires secretary years review assess structure operations visns submit review results committees veterans affairs sec directs secretary establish regional support centers vha assess effectiveness efficiency visns requires center assess visn finance operations compliance related activities outreach veterans served contingency operations programs women veterans programs address homelessness veterans energy consumption sec undertake comprehensive evaluation assessment capital planning options medical facilities sec directs secretary available publicly available website data files contain information research data data file instructions obtain access data file use research directs secretary require condition use data gathered formulated research funded final peer reviewed prepared publication uses data submitted secretary deposit digital archive established secretary available public requires department veterans affairs department defense joint executive submit secretary secretary defense dod options recommendations establishing program long term cooperation data sharing dod facilitate research outcomes military service readjustment combat deployment topics importance veterans service members families communities significant population veterans service members sec requires secretary include annual budget justification materials separate statement amounts requested activities outreach activities aggregate office_of_the_secretary vha veterans_benefits_administration vba national_cemetery_administration directs secretary establish maintain procedures ensure effective coordination collaboration outreach activities sec requires comptroller general gao submit committees veterans affairs report advisory committees including recommendations continuing modifying terminating title improvement processing claims compensation subtitle claims based military sec requires secretary case claim disability compensation based mental health condition related military sexual trauma treat examination opinion necessary decision claim evidence record contains evidence disability associated claimant active military service contain diagnosis opinion mental health professional assist occurrence military sexual trauma sec directs secretary assign individual seeking compensation disability based military sexual trauma case representative officer shall serve liaison individual provide advice general information individual claims process available public information availability officers ensure individuals separated active military service provided appropriate information programs requirements procedures applying benefits based military sexual trauma availability officers requires advisory committee women veterans identify mechanisms enhance coordination vba vha provision benefits based military sexual trauma prohibits assignment case representative officers sec directs secretary submit committees veterans affairs report current standard proof service connection covered mental health conditions based military sexual trauma sec requires secretary submit annual report congress claims disabilities based post traumatic stress disorder ptsd alleged incurred aggravated military sexual trauma subtitle agency original jurisdiction sec directs secretary establish working group assess develop recommendations improvement employee work credit work management systems vba electronic environment implement recommendations secretary deems appropriate sec requires secretary establish task force assess retention training claims processors employed federal agencies develop plan promoting employment veterans claims processing positions federal government sec directs secretary report committees veterans affairs attempts obtain records necessary adjudicate benefit claims federal agencies sec authorizes secretary recognize representatives indian tribes individuals eligible represent veterans preparation presentation prosecution benefit claims sec directs secretary carry year program assess feasibility advisability entering memoranda understanding local governments tribal organizations improve quality disability compensation pension claims provide claims submittal assistance veterans eligible disability compensation pension benefits sec requires secretary submit quarterly report committees veterans affairs backlog claims filed efforts eliminate backlog requires reports available public sec directs secretary submit committees veterans affairs report use temporary intermediate provisional rating decisions expedite benefit decisions plan increase use temporary intermediate rating decisions expedite decisions record contains sufficient evidence grant claim requires secretary submit committees veterans affairs report furnishing general medical specialty medical examinations purposes adjudicating benefit claims report secretary efforts reduce need vha personnel conduct person disability examinations subtitle veterans claims sec requires court_of_appeals veterans claims treat timely filed document expresses disagreement decision intent appeal decision agency original jurisdiction days decision sec decreases year days period claimants file notice disagreement initial review determination claim allows notices electronically filed sec requires limited exceptions hearing conducted video technology requires hearings conducted person request appellant allows hearings conducted person absence request considers appropriate title outreach matters sec directs secretary carry year program awarding competitive grants state local government agencies nonprofit organizations increase veterans awareness benefits services available improve coordination outreach activities benefits services secretary federal state local government nonprofit providers veterans health care benefit services requires states match grants authorizes appropriations program requires secretary submit recommendations congress feasibility advisability continuing expanding modifying program sec authorizes secretary enter cooperative agreements arrangements state agencies carry outreach activities coordinate improve enhance state outreach activities sec directs secretary establish advisory committee outreach activities composed individuals experience press public relations marketing communications requires advisory committee advise assistant secretary effectively developing implementing coordinating national local outreach efforts terminates advisory committee october sec directs secretary establish advisory board composed individuals experience press public relations marketing communications health care system visn contain health care system requires advisory board advise assistant secretary effectively developing implementing coordinating national local outreach efforts assisting director health care system conducting outreach activities board considers appropriate terminates advisory boards years act enactment sec requires submit report congress outreach activities annually currently biennially title vii employment related matters subtitle employment matters sec requires federal agencies develop plans exercise authority specified law hire veterans years beginning act enactment director ensure plans result appointment veterans existing vacancies excludes veterans hired department_of_defense dod number sec requires state condition receipt grant contract support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state awarded military occupational specialty substantially equivalent exceeds state requirements issuance license credential engaged active practice occupation veteran seeking license credential preceding years pays fees state requires license credential allows secretary labor waive requirement certain states account veteran performance examination previous military training determining veteran needs training license credential sec requires secretary labor compile list internet websites applications assist veterans seeking employment place particular priority identifying websites applications match veterans available jobs requiring skills permit employers post information available jobs report veterans affairs committees feasibility advisability creating single unified internet based employment portal veterans use seeking federal employment sec directs secretary labor include information disability related employment education protections transition_assistance_program provides employment job training assistance related services service members separated active duty spouses subtitle small business matters sec expands contracting goals preferences include conditional ownership small business concerns fully owned veterans sec permits surviving spouse veteran owner small business maintain status small business owned controlled veteran years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability status ends surviving spouse remarries sells small business periods sec permits surviving spouse dependent child service member owns small business dies line duty maintain status small business owned controlled veteran years following death service member status ends end period surviving spouse remarries surviving spouse dependent child sells ownership interest small business longer owns sec requires secretary determining purposes small business contracting goals individual greater degree ownership small business state community property state treat small business licensed non community property state title viii matters sec requires secretary veteran eligible pension service non service connected disability spouse veteran disposes resource veteran estate fair market value years applying pension deny discontinue pension payment months beginning date disposition ending uncompensated value resource reached provides denial discontinuance case veteran eligible increased pension payment account child secretary determines denial discontinuance work undue hardship applies denial discontinuance exception case veteran surviving spouse disposes covered resource fair market value period increased pension spouse account child requires secretary time veteran surviving spouse child applies pension inform individual requirements obtain information determine period ineligibility payments required sec reauthorizes appropriations special events allows funding provide monthly subsistence allowances veterans training paralympic athletes office activities permits currently requires office cooperate partners promote participation disabled veterans disabled military personnel sporting events sponsored entities sec authorizes secretary plan develop manage implement integrated adaptive sports program disabled veterans disabled military personnel award grants requires grant application include information anticipated personnel travel administrative costs paid subgrantees financial controls performance metrics reauthorizes appropriations program fy2015 authorizes use funds program activities special events directs gao report congress years act enactment use grants program sec eliminates provision establishing effective date award increase surviving spouse benefits account child marriage terminated death divorce sec extends months months separation discharge active service deadline secretary schedule medical examination veteran receipt temporary disability rating severe mental disorder sec authorizes secretary issue veteran identification cards work national retail chains ensure recognize cards offering veterans reduced prices pharmaceuticals consumer products services sec honors veteran person entitled retired pay nonregular reserve service entitled age provides person shall entitled benefit reason recognition sec extends secretary authority collect housing loan guarantee fees sec directs secretary review process determining claim served support meet service requirements payments sec requires secretary report veterans affairs committees extent military forces provided combat support february current classification service ethnicity appropriate recommendations legislative action sec requires secretary labor report congress assistance available veterans obtain training needed purchase operate franchise sec limits aggregate awards bonuses payable employees


Summary:
Student Loan Affordability Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend until June 30, 2015, existing interest rates for loans made to undergraduate students under the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify rules for required distributions from tax-exempt pension plans to an employee who dies before such employee's entire interest is distributed to require such interest to be distributed within five years after the death of such employee, subject to exceptions for an eligible designated beneficiary and surviving spouse of such employee. Defines "eligible designated beneficiary" to include a disabled or chronically-ill individual. Exempts from such modification a binding annuity contract in effect on the enactment date of this Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) limit the deductibility of interest payments made by a corporation which is an expatriated entity to a related person; (2) expand the definition of "crude oil" for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum to include crude oil condensates, natural gasoline, any bitumen or bituminous mixture, and any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture; (3) eliminate the requirement that such crude oil be produced in a well located in the United States; and (4) make permanent the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate.

Exempts the budgetary effects of this Act from the requirements of specified PAYGO scorecards.

higher education act extend june existing interest rates loans undergraduate students program amends internal revenue code modify rules required distributions tax exempt pension plans employee dies employee entire interest distributed require interest distributed years death employee subject exceptions eligible designated beneficiary surviving spouse employee defines eligible designated beneficiary include disabled chronically ill individual exempts modification binding annuity contract effect enactment date act amends internal revenue code limit deductibility interest payments corporation entity related person expand definition crude oil purposes excise tax petroleum include crude oil natural gasoline bitumen bituminous mixture oil derived bitumen bituminous mixture eliminate requirement crude oil produced located united_states permanent oil_spill_liability_trust_fund financing rate exempts budgetary effects act requirements specified paygo scorecards


Summary:
Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set the interest rate on Direct Loans, for any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, at the bond equivalent rate of 10-year Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1, plus 3%.

Makes: (1) that formula applicable to Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2013, and (2) the rate set on such loans applicable for the life of the loans.

Requires any savings to the federal government that result from this Act's amendment to be used for deficit reduction.

comprehensive student loan protection act amends title student assistance higher education act set interest rate direct_loans month period beginning july ending june bond equivalent rate year treasury bills auctioned final auction held prior june plus makes formula applicable direct_loans disbursed july rate set loans applicable life loans requires savings federal government result act amendment deficit reduction


Summary:
Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace the program providing incentive payments to public elementary schools for foreign language instruction with a partnership program in foreign languages that provides matching grants to partnerships composed of state or local educational agencies and institutions of higher education.

Requires such partnerships to establish, improve, or expand model programs of foreign language learning from kindergarten through grade 12 that increase the number of high school graduates who attain advanced proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Requires each model program to have a dimension allowing the student to gain an understanding of the historic, geographic, cultural, economic, and other contextual factors of countries whose people speak the language studied. Conditions a partnership's continued funding for two additional five-year periods, after an initial four-year funding period, on its demonstrating its program's effectiveness based on nationally recognized standardized foreign language assessments.

Directs the Secretary of Education to collect and analyze data on such programs annually and disseminate aggregated program data nationally, as well as information on successful programs and practices.

act amends elementary secondary education act replace program providing incentive payments public elementary schools foreign language instruction partnership program foreign languages provides matching grants partnerships composed state local educational agencies institutions higher education requires partnerships establish improve expand model programs foreign language learning kindergarten grade increase number high school graduates attain advanced proficiency foreign language requires model program dimension allowing student gain understanding historic geographic cultural economic factors countries people speak language studied conditions partnership continued funding additional year periods initial year funding period demonstrating program effectiveness based nationally recognized standardized foreign language assessments directs secretary education collect analyze data programs annually disseminate aggregated program data nationally information successful programs practices


Summary:
Growing Education Achievement Training Academies for Teachers and Principals Act or the GREAT Teachers and Principals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states to: (1) create or approve teacher or principal preparation academies and create or designate authorizers of those academies; (2) support the creation and operation of such academies; and (3) award subgrants to nonprofit entities to establish or expand such academies, measure their effectiveness, or recruit enrollees who have demonstrated strong potential to be effective teachers or principals.

Requires each academy to enter into a charter with an authorizer that specifies the goals and outcomes expected of the academy and the obligations of the authorizer. Prohibits authorizers from renewing an academy's charter if it fails to produce the minimum number or percentage of effective teachers or principals specified in its charter.

Requires each academy to provide: (1) enrollees with a significant portion of their training through clinical preparation that partners them with successful teacher or principal mentors, and (2) certificates of completion only to graduates who demonstrate a track record of success in preparing students for college and careers.

Requires state grantees to recognize a certificate of completion from an academy as at least the equivalent of a master's degree in education for the purposes of teacher or principal hiring, retention, compensation, and promotion in the state.

Directs the Secretary to enter into an interagency agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Service under which the Corporation approves national service positions for candidates at each teacher or principal preparation academy receiving financial assistance under this Act.

academies teachers principals act secretary education award grants states create approve teacher principal preparation academies create designate authorizers academies support creation operation academies award subgrants nonprofit entities establish expand academies measure effectiveness recruit enrollees demonstrated strong potential effective teachers principals requires academy enter charter authorizer specifies goals outcomes expected academy obligations authorizer prohibits authorizers renewing academy charter fails produce minimum number percentage effective teachers principals specified charter requires academy provide enrollees significant portion training clinical preparation partners successful teacher principal mentors certificates completion graduates demonstrate track record success preparing students college careers requires state grantees recognize certificate completion academy equivalent master degree education purposes teacher principal hiring retention compensation promotion state directs secretary enter interagency agreement corporation_for_national_and_community_service corporation approves national service positions candidates teacher principal preparation academy receiving financial assistance act


Summary:
Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers that received loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (DL) or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program on or after July 1, 2006, to consolidate those loans as Federal Direct Consolidation Loans.

Directs the Secretary of Education to consolidate DLs, and send a completed loan consolidation application to FFEL borrowers, within 90 days of this Act's enactment. Gives FFEL borrowers six months after their receipt of such application to endorse it and submit it to the Secretary if they wish to consolidate their loans.

Sets the interest rate on Federal Direct Consolidation Loans at 4% or, if the weighted average of the interest rates of the loans being consolidated is less than 4%, the lesser of: (1) that weighted average, or (2) an interest rate equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation.

Adds an origination fee equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation if an FFEL is being consolidated.

Reduces the interest rate on a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan by 0.25% if one or more of the loans being consolidated is an FFEL held by an eligible lender.

Prohibits any benefit a borrower is receiving or earning when issued a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan from being affected by the consolidation.

title student assistance higher education act allow borrowers received loans federal direct loan federal_family_education_loan ffel program july consolidate loans federal_direct_consolidation_loans directs secretary education consolidate dls send completed loan consolidation application ffel borrowers days act enactment gives ffel borrowers months receipt application endorse submit secretary wish consolidate loans sets interest rate federal_direct_consolidation_loans weighted average interest rates loans consolidated lesser weighted average interest rate equal principal balance consolidation loan time consolidation adds origination fee equal principal balance consolidation loan time consolidation ffel consolidated reduces interest rate loans consolidated ffel held eligible lender prohibits benefit borrower receiving earning issued affected consolidation


Summary:
Higher Education and Skills Obtainment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits with a tax credit for full and part-time post-secondary students equal to 100% of qualified tuition and related expenses up to $2,000, plus 25% of such expenses as exceeds $2,000 but not more than $4,000. Reduces the allowable amount of such credit to the extent that household income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty line. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Expresses the sense of Congress that any revenue saved by the enactment of this Act shall be applied to the currently projected Pell Grant funding shortfall in 2015 and to deficit reduction.

higher education replace hope scholarship lifetime_learning tax credits tax credit time post secondary students equal qualified tuition related expenses plus expenses exceeds reduces allowable credit extent household income exceeds federal poverty line repeals tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses expresses sense congress revenue saved enactment act shall applied currently projected pell_grant funding shortfall deficit reduction


Summary:
Every Child Ready for College or Career Act of 2013 - Revises and reauthorizes programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

Title I: Improving Basic Programs Operated by State and Local Educational Agencies - Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the ESEA to eliminate the requirement that local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools make adequate yearly progress toward state academic content and achievement standards.

Requires states to adopt challenging academic content and achievement standards for mathematics, reading or language arts, and science that ensure that all of their public school students graduate from high school fully prepared for postsecondary education or the workforce.

Requires states to implement a set of high-quality assessments of student progress toward those standards in mathematics and reading or language arts that: (1) involve multiple measures of student achievement; (2) measure the overall performance of students in each public school and the performance of their poor, minority, disabled, and English learner subgroups; and (3) are used as the primary means of determining the yearly performance of each of their schools.

Allows states to adopt alternate academic achievement standards and assessments for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Requires states to annually: (1) identify their public schools that need improvement based on the overall performance of their students, achievement gaps between student subgroups, or graduation rates; and (2) assist their LEAs in developing and implementing appropriate improvement strategies for such schools.

Includes among the assistance strategies that LEAs must develop for schools their state has identified as needing improvement:

 replacing the school's principal; replacing ineffective teachers; giving the school the operational flexibility needed to fully implement a comprehensive strategy to improve student achievement; providing ongoing, high-quality professional development to instructional staff; implementing strategies to recruit, place, and retain effective staff; using data to identify and implement an instructional program that is aligned with state academic standards or to inform and differentiate instruction that meets the needs of individual students; converting a school or closing and reopening the school; closing a school and enrolling it students in higher performing schools; and adopting a new governance structure for the school. Allows LEAs to give students in those schools the option to transfer to another public school in their jurisdiction, provided the option is not prohibited by state law.

Eliminates the requirement that all teachers be highly qualified, requiring instead that they meet applicable state certification and licensure requirements.

Authorizes states to allocate their part A grants among LEAs on the basis of the number of impoverished children enrolled in each LEA's public schools.

Replaces the program under part B (Student Reading Skills Improvement Grants) with a program awarding grants to states to assist them in developing academic assessments and academic content and achievement standards.

Repeals: (1) the demonstrations of innovative practices, assessment evaluation, and Close Up Fellowship programs under part E; (2) part F (Comprehensive School Reform); (3) part G (Advanced Placement Programs); and (4) part H (School Dropout Prevention) of title I of the ESEA.

Eliminates fiscal maintenance of effort requirements imposed on LEAs receiving funds under part A.

Title II: High-Quality Teachers and Principals - Creates a new title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the ESEA consisting of a part A (Fund for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning) and part B (Teacher Incentive Fund).

Moves teacher liability and internet safety provisions to title IX of the ESEA.

Allocates part A grants to states and, through them, subgrants to LEAs pursuant to a formula that apportions: (1) 20% of the funding to states and LEAs on the basis of their share of students aged 5-17 on the national and state level, respectively; and (2) 80% of such funding on the basis of their share of impoverished students in that age group.

Requires states to use 95% of those funds for subgrants to LEAs, with the remainder being used for specified state activities.

Lists the projects which the subgrants may fund, including: (1) teacher and principal recruitment, training, and retention efforts; (2) teacher and principal evaluation systems that are based in significant part on student achievement; (3) model instructional programs in the core academic subjects; (4) measures that improve students' access to school library materials, postsecondary level coursework, and extended learning opportunities; and (5) the provision of general liability insurance coverage to teachers.

Requires those projects to meet certain principles of effectiveness and undergo a periodic evaluation to assess their progress in providing students with a high-quality education in the core academic subjects that improves student academic achievement.

Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide technical assistance to part A grantees and subgrantees; (2) evaluate part A activities; and (3) award competitive matching grants to institutions of higher education or national educational organizations to provide LEAs with teachers and school leaders from nontraditional routes, professional development activities, and other services and learning opportunities.

Directs the Secretary to reserve at least 10% of the funding under title II for the part B program, after reserving funds for certain national activities under part A.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants under part B to states, LEAs, or partnerships between those entities and profit or nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, improve, or expand performance-based compensation systems for teachers and principals.

Requires priority to be given to grant applicants that focus on teachers and principals serving in high-need schools.

Directs the Secretary to arrange for an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of part B programs.

Title III: Safe and Healthy Students - Replaces title IV (21st Century Schools) of the ESEA with a new title IV (Safe and Healthy Students) program.

Moves the gun-free schools requirement and part C (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) of title IV to title IX (General Provisions) of the ESEA.

Allots grants to states and, through them, subgrants to LEAs in amounts that reflect their share of impoverished children aged 5-17 on the national and state level, respectively.

Requires states to use 98% of those funds for subgrants to LEAs.

Requires the subgrants to be used to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that: (1) improve students' physical and mental health, diet, and physical fitness; (2) prevent and reduce substance abuse, school violence, and bullying; and (3) strengthen parent and community involvement in these efforts.

Requires those programs and activities to meet certain principles of effectiveness and undergo a periodic evaluation to assess their progress in improving students' safety, health, and fitness.

Title IV: Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools - Repeals part A (Innovative Programs), subpart 3 (Voluntary Public School Choice Programs) of part B (Public Charter Schools), and part D (Fund for the Improvement of Education) of title V (Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs) of the ESEA.

Revises the program currently under subpart 1 (Charter School Programs) of part B and subsumes the program currently under subpart 2 (Credit Enhancement Initiatives to Assist Charter School Facility Acquisition, Construction, and Renovation) under that revised program.

Replaces the current charter school grant program with a program awarding renewable competitive grants to states, authorized public chartering agencies, and LEAs and, through them, renewable subgrants to charter school developers to open new charter schools and expand and replicate high-quality charter schools.

Requires such grantees to use 10% of the grant funds to provide technical assistance to subgrantees and authorized public chartering agencies and to work with those agencies to improve the charter school authorization process.

Makes authorized public chartering agencies, LEAs, and charter management organizations eligible to receive renewable competitive grants to open new charter schools and expand and replicate high-quality charter schools.

Revises the per-pupil facilities aid program (under which the Secretary makes competitive matching grants to states to provide per-pupil financing to charter schools) to allow states to: (1) partner with organizations to provide up to 50% of the state share of funding for the program; and (2) receive more than one program grant, so long as the amount of the grant funds provided to charter schools increases with each successive grant.

Directs the Secretary to conduct certain national activities that include awarding competitive grants directly to charter school developers to open, replicate, and expand charter schools in states that have not received, or are nearing the end of, a grant for that purpose.

Allows charter schools to serve prekindergarten or postsecondary school students.

Title V: State Innovation and Flexibility - Amends title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the ESEA to allow LEAs to transfer up to 100% of their allocations under titles II and IV between the two programs or into the school improvement program under part A of title I. Allows states to do the same with the amounts allotted to them under such programs for state level activities.

 Amends title IX (General Provisions) of the ESEA to revise the process by which states, LEAs, and Indian tribes obtain waivers of the Act's statutory and regulatory requirements. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing requirements on states, LEAs, or Indian tribes in exchange for the approval of a waiver request.

Repeals the requirement that LEAs maintain their education funding at certain levels in order to receive funds under covered ESEA programs.

Establishes an approval and disapproval process for state plans and LEA applications under titles II and IV of the ESEA.

Title VI: Extensions of Authorizations - Reauthorizes appropriations under the ESEA and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act through FY2018.

child ready college career act revises reauthorizes programs elementary secondary education act esea title improving basic programs operated state local educational agencies amends school improvement program title esea eliminate requirement local educational agencies leas schools adequate yearly progress state academic content achievement standards requires states adopt challenging academic content achievement standards mathematics reading language arts science ensure public school students graduate high school fully prepared postsecondary education workforce requires states implement set high quality assessments student progress standards mathematics reading language arts involve multiple measures student achievement measure overall performance students public school performance poor minority disabled english learner subgroups primary means determining yearly performance schools allows states adopt alternate academic achievement standards assessments students significant cognitive disabilities requires states annually identify public schools need improvement based overall performance students achievement gaps student subgroups graduation rates assist leas developing implementing appropriate improvement strategies schools includes assistance strategies leas develop schools state identified needing improvement replacing school principal replacing ineffective teachers giving school operational flexibility needed fully implement comprehensive strategy improve student achievement providing ongoing high quality professional development instructional staff implementing strategies recruit place retain effective staff data identify implement instructional program aligned state academic standards inform instruction meets needs individual students converting school closing reopening school closing school enrolling students higher performing schools adopting new governance structure school allows leas students schools option transfer public school jurisdiction provided option prohibited state law eliminates requirement teachers highly qualified requiring instead meet applicable state certification licensure requirements authorizes states allocate grants leas basis number impoverished children enrolled lea public schools replaces program student_reading_skills_improvement_grants program awarding grants states assist developing academic assessments academic content achievement standards repeals demonstrations innovative practices assessment evaluation close fellowship programs comprehensive school reform title esea eliminates fiscal maintenance effort requirements imposed leas receiving funds title high quality teachers principals creates new title preparing training recruiting high quality teachers principals esea consisting fund improvement teaching learning teacher incentive fund moves teacher liability internet safety provisions title esea allocates grants states subgrants leas pursuant formula apportions funding states leas basis share students aged national state level respectively funding basis share impoverished students age group requires states use funds subgrants leas remainder specified state activities lists projects subgrants fund including teacher principal recruitment training retention efforts teacher principal evaluation systems based significant student achievement model instructional programs core academic subjects measures improve students access school library materials postsecondary level coursework extended learning opportunities provision general liability insurance coverage teachers requires projects meet certain principles effectiveness undergo periodic evaluation assess progress providing students high quality education core academic subjects improves student academic achievement directs secretary education provide technical assistance grantees subgrantees evaluate activities award competitive matching grants institutions higher education national educational organizations provide leas teachers school leaders nontraditional routes professional development activities services learning opportunities directs secretary reserve funding title program reserving funds certain national activities authorizes secretary award competitive matching grants states leas partnerships entities profit nonprofit organizations develop implement improve expand performance based compensation systems teachers principals requires priority given grant applicants focus teachers principals serving high need schools directs secretary arrange independent evaluation effectiveness programs title iii safe title 21st century schools esea new title safe program moves gun free schools requirement title title general_provisions esea allots grants states subgrants leas amounts reflect share impoverished children aged national state level respectively requires states use funds subgrants leas requires subgrants develop implement evaluate comprehensive programs activities improve students physical mental health diet physical fitness prevent reduce substance abuse school violence bullying strengthen parent community involvement efforts requires programs activities meet certain principles effectiveness undergo periodic evaluation assess progress improving students safety health fitness title empowering parents quality charter schools repeals innovative programs subpart public charter schools fund improvement education title promoting informed parental choice innovative_programs esea revises program currently subpart charter_school_programs program currently subpart credit_enhancement_initiatives renovation revised program replaces current charter school grant program program awarding renewable competitive grants states authorized public chartering agencies leas renewable subgrants charter school developers open new charter schools expand replicate high quality charter schools requires grantees use grant funds provide technical assistance subgrantees authorized public chartering agencies work agencies improve charter school authorization process makes authorized public chartering agencies leas charter management organizations eligible receive renewable competitive grants open new charter schools expand replicate high quality charter schools revises pupil facilities aid program secretary makes competitive matching grants states provide pupil financing charter schools allow states partner organizations provide state share funding program receive program grant long grant funds provided charter schools increases successive grant directs secretary conduct certain national activities include awarding competitive grants directly charter school developers open replicate expand charter schools states received nearing end grant purpose allows charter schools serve prekindergarten postsecondary school students title state innovation flexibility amends title flexibility accountability esea allow leas transfer allocations titles programs school improvement program title states amounts allotted programs state level activities amends title general_provisions esea revise process states leas indian tribes obtain waivers act statutory regulatory requirements prohibits secretary imposing requirements states leas indian tribes exchange approval waiver request repeals requirement leas maintain education funding certain levels order receive funds covered esea programs establishes approval disapproval process state plans lea applications titles esea title extensions authorizations reauthorizes appropriations esea mckinney-vento homeless assistance act fy2018


Summary:
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2013 - Amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to refer to the Secretary of Education's model institution of higher eduction (IHE) financial aid offer form as the standard form.

Requires the standard form to include certain additional items, such as: (1) information concerning work study assistance, including its dependence on the availability of employment opportunities; (2) the disclosure that federal student loans offer generally more favorable terms and repayment options than private education loans; (3) the deadline for and a summary of the financial aid acceptance process; (4) the academic period covered by the offer and whether the aid is based on full-time or part-time enrollment; and (5) the IHE's most recent cohort default rate compared to the national average cohort default rate, if more than 30% of the school's students take out student loans.

Requires more detailed information to be included on the form.

Includes among those details, with respect to federal education loans, information: (1) identifying the type and amount of loan recommended for the applicable student; (2) clearly indicating that such loans need to be repaid; (3) disclosing the student's right to borrow less than the recommended amount; (4) detailing the interest rates, fees, expected monthly repayment amounts, and sums to be paid over the life of such loans (assuming a ten-year repayment plan); and (5) disclosing the student's possible eligibility for longer repayment terms and that longer repayment terms may result in the student paying more over the life of such loans.

Requires that certain steps be taken to improve the clarity of the form and provide recipients with access to additional information.

Directs the Secretary, before finalizing the standard form, to submit it to consumer testing among students, their families, IHEs, secondary school and postsecondary counselors, and nonprofit consumer groups.

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each IHE receiving federal financial assistance under the Act to use the standard form in providing written or electronic financial aid offers to students enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment in, the IHE.

understanding true cost college act amends higher education opportunity act refer secretary education model institution higher ihe financial aid offer form standard form requires standard form include certain additional items information concerning work study assistance including dependence availability employment opportunities disclosure federal student loans offer generally favorable terms repayment options private education loans deadline summary financial aid acceptance process academic period covered offer aid based time time enrollment ihe recent cohort default rate compared national average cohort default rate school students student loans requires detailed information included form includes details respect federal education loans information identifying type loan recommended applicable student clearly indicating loans need repaid disclosing student right borrow recommended detailing interest rates fees expected monthly repayment amounts sums paid life loans assuming year repayment plan disclosing student possible eligibility longer repayment terms longer repayment terms result student paying life loans requires certain steps taken improve clarity form provide recipients access additional information directs secretary finalizing standard form submit consumer testing students families ihes secondary school postsecondary counselors nonprofit consumer groups amends title student assistance higher education act require ihe receiving federal financial assistance act use standard form providing written electronic financial aid offers students enrolled accepted enrollment ihe


Summary:
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act - Allows each state to submit to the Secretary of Education a declaration of intent, applicable for up to five years, permitting it to receive federal funds on a consolidated basis that would otherwise be directed toward specific programs furthering the stated purpose of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Requires each declaration to be formulated by a combination of specified State Authorizing Officials or by referendum and to list the programs for which consolidated funding is requested. Allows states to use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law, but requires them to make certain assurances that they will use fiscal control and fund accounting procedures, abide by federal civil rights laws, and advance educational opportunities for the disadvantaged. Allows states to amend their declarations.

Allows each declaration state to adopt new academic assessments and standards or apply those described under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, but requires each state to have a single system of assessments and standards that includes student proficiency goals.

Requires each declaration state to: (1) inform the public about its student achievement assessment system; (2) report annually on student progress toward the state's proficiency standards, disaggregating performance data by specified student groups; and (3) keep aggregate spending on elementary and secondary education at no less than 90% of such spending for the school year coinciding with this Act's enactment.

 Limits administrative expenses.

Requires each declaration state to provide for the equitable participation of private school children and teachers in the activities assisted under its declaration of intent.

academic partnerships lead success act plus act allows state submit secretary education declaration intent applicable years permitting receive federal funds consolidated basis directed specific programs furthering stated purpose title improving academic achievement disadvantaged elementary secondary education act requires declaration formulated combination specified state authorizing officials referendum list programs consolidated funding requested allows states use funds educational purpose permitted state law requires certain assurances use fiscal control fund accounting procedures abide federal civil rights laws advance educational opportunities disadvantaged allows states amend declarations allows declaration state adopt new academic assessments standards apply described elementary secondary education act requires state single system assessments standards includes student proficiency goals requires declaration state inform public student achievement assessment system report annually student progress state proficiency standards performance data specified student groups aggregate spending elementary secondary education spending school year act enactment limits administrative expenses requires declaration state provide equitable participation private school children teachers activities assisted declaration intent


Summary: Prohibits any person, except with written permission from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, from using the phrases "GI Bill" and "Post-9/11 GI Bill" in connection with any promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity in a manner that reasonably and falsely suggests that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

prohibits person written permission secretary veterans_affairs phrases bill bill connection promotion goods services commercial activity manner reasonably falsely suggests use approved endorsed authorized department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary:
Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the 3.4% interest rate on Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2013, to Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2014.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify rules for required distributions from tax-exempt pension plans to an employee who dies before such employee's entire interest is distributed to require such interest to be distributed within five years after the death of such employee, subject to exceptions for an eligible designated beneficiary and surviving spouse of such employee. Defines "eligible designated beneficiary" to include a disabled or chronically-ill individual. Exempts from such modification a binding annuity contract in effect on the enactment date of this Act.

student loans affordable act amends title student assistance higher education act extend interest rate direct_stafford loans disbursed undergraduate students july july direct_stafford loans disbursed undergraduate students july july amends internal revenue code modify rules required distributions tax exempt pension plans employee dies employee entire interest distributed require interest distributed years death employee subject exceptions eligible designated beneficiary surviving spouse employee defines eligible designated beneficiary include disabled chronically ill individual exempts modification binding annuity contract effect enactment date act


Summary:
Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set the annual interest rate on Direct Loans at the bond equivalent rate on 91-day Treasury bills plus: (1) 1.85% for Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for undergraduate students, (2) 3.4% for Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for graduate students, and (3) 4.4% for Direct PLUS Loans.

Fixes the interest rate on such loans for the period of the loan.

Sets the annual interest rate on the unpaid principle balance of Direct Consolidation Loans at the lesser of: (1) the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of 1%; or (2) 8.25%.

Makes these interest rate provisions applicable to loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2013.

Requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to provide student borrowers of title IV loans, prior to or at the time of their departure from school, with information regarding: (1) their options for loan consolidation; (2) the income-based repayment plan, including information about capped monthly payments and loan forgiveness under the plan; and (3) Direct Consolidation Loans.

title student assistance higher education act set annual interest rate direct_loans bond equivalent rate day treasury bills plus direct stafford loans direct unsubsidized stafford loans undergraduate students graduate students fixes interest rate loans period loan sets annual interest rate unpaid principle balance direct_consolidation_loans lesser weighted average interest rates loans consolidated rounded nearest higher eighth makes interest rate provisions applicable loans disbursed july requires institutions higher education ihes provide student borrowers title loans prior time departure school information options loan consolidation income based repayment plan including information capped monthly payments loan forgiveness plan direct consolidation loans


Summary:
Refinancing Education Funding to Invest (REFI) for the Future Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon determining that borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations with existing private education loans, to establish credit facilities to: (1) accommodate reasonable loan adjustments that reduce the likelihood that borrowers become delinquent or default on their loans, (2) benefit borrowers that are most likely to have private student debt service obligations that represent a disproportionate share of their income, and (3) ensure that borrowers pay lower interest rates that are commensurate with credit risk so that they can pursue more economically productive activities.

Requires the decision that borrowers are unable to secure adequate credit accommodations to be made by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Education and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB).

Prohibits the establishment of such credit mechanisms from resulting in any net cost to the federal government.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a national awareness campaign to alert all private education loan borrowers who may benefit from those credit facilities or programs.

Terminates any activities initiated through such a credit facility three years after such facility is established or not later than five years after this Act's enactment.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that federal financial institutions and federally chartered private entities should consider the timely use of their available authorities to assist borrowers of private education loans in refinancing such loans in a manner that results in no increased costs to taxpayers.

refinancing education funding invest future act directs secretary treasury determining borrowers unable secure adequate credit accommodations existing private education loans establish credit facilities accommodate reasonable loan adjustments reduce likelihood borrowers delinquent default loans benefit borrowers likely private student debt service obligations represent disproportionate share income ensure borrowers pay lower interest rates commensurate credit risk pursue economically productive activities requires decision borrowers unable secure adequate credit accommodations secretary jointly secretary education bureau_of_consumer_financial_protection cfpb prohibits establishment credit mechanisms resulting net cost federal government directs secretary treasury conduct national awareness campaign alert private education loan borrowers benefit credit facilities programs terminates activities initiated credit facility years facility established later years act enactment expresses sense congress federal financial institutions federally chartered private entities consider timely use available authorities assist borrowers private education loans refinancing loans manner results increased costs taxpayers


Summary: Community College to Career Fund Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to: (1) institutions of higher education for educational or career training programs (including those leading to a recognized postsecondary credential) for workers, (2) state or local organizations in partnership with community colleges and other training providers for pay-for-performance projects and pay-for-success job training projects, (3) state or local governments to provide job training or recruiting activities necessary to provide skilled workers for businesses that have relocated or are considering relocating operations outside the United States but may instead relocate them to or remain in areas served by those governments, and (4) institutions of higher education in partnership with local or regional economic development entities to provide training in starting a small business and entrepreneurship.

career fund act amends workforce investment act direct secretary labor secretary education award competitive grants institutions higher education educational career training programs including leading recognized postsecondary credential workers state local organizations partnership community colleges training providers pay performance projects pay success job training projects state local governments provide job training recruiting activities necessary provide skilled workers businesses relocated considering relocating operations outside united_states instead relocate remain areas served governments institutions higher education partnership local regional economic development entities provide training starting small business entrepreneurship


Summary:
Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to set the annual interest rate on Direct Stafford loans and Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans issued to undergraduate students at the rate on high-yield 10-year Treasury notes plus 2.05%, but caps that rate at 8.25%.

Sets the annual interest rate on Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans issued to graduate or professional students at the rate on high-yield 10-year Treasury notes plus 3.6%, but caps that rate at 9.5%.

Sets the annual interest rate on Direct PLUS loans at the rate on high-yield 10-year Treasury notes plus 4.6%, but caps that rate at 10.5%.

Limits the applicability of the preceding provisions to loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2013.

Fixes the interest rate on Direct Stafford loans, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans, and Direct PLUS loans for the period of the loan.

Sets the annual interest rate on Direct Consolidation loans for which an application is received on or after July 1, 2013, at the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of 1%.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study and report to Congress on the actual cost to the federal government of carrying out the federal student loan programs authorized under title IV of the HEA.

amends title student assistance higher education act hea set annual interest rate direct_stafford loans direct_unsubsidized_stafford loans issued undergraduate students rate high yield year treasury notes plus caps rate sets annual interest rate direct_unsubsidized_stafford loans issued graduate professional students rate high yield year treasury notes plus caps rate sets annual interest rate direct plus loans rate high yield year treasury notes plus caps rate limits applicability preceding provisions loans disbursed july fixes interest rate direct_stafford loans direct_unsubsidized_stafford loans direct plus loans period loan sets annual interest rate loans application received july weighted average interest rates loans consolidated rounded nearest higher eighth directs comptroller general gao conduct study report congress actual cost federal government carrying federal student loan programs authorized title hea