INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF DEBT THAT MAY BE REDUCED UNDER EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

SEC. 302. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF DEBT THAT MAY BE REDUCED UNDER EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Increase in Amount.—Section 7683(d)(1) is amended— (1) by striking “$120,000” and inserting “$200,000”; and (2) by striking “$24,000” and inserting “$40,000”. (b) Study.— (1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— (A) conduct a study on the demand for education debt reduction under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code; and (B) submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the study carried out under subparagraph (A). (2) Considerations.—In carrying out the study required by paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider the following: (A) The total number of vacancies within the Veterans Health Administration whose applicants are eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program pursuant to section 7682(a) of such title. (B) The types of medical professionals in greatest demand in the United States. (C) Projections by the Secretary of the numbers and types of medical professions that meet the needs of veterans.