House offers bipartisan plan to fill gaps in GI Bill
Legislation offers expanded college aid for veterans.
House Republicans and Democrats unveiled legislation Thursday that would provide the biggest expansion of college aid for military veterans in a decade, removing a 15-year time limit to tap into benefits and increasing money for thousands in the National Guard and Reserve.
The bipartisan agreement is a sweeping effort to fill coverage gaps in the post-9/11 GI Bill amid a rapidly changing job market. Building on major legislation passed in 2008 that guaranteed a full-ride scholarship to any in-state public university — or a similar cash amount for private college students — the bill gives veterans added flexibility to enroll in college later in life. Veterans would get additional payments if they complete science, technology and engineering courses.
For a student attending a private university, the additional benefits to members of the Guard and Reserve could mean $2,300 a year more in tuition than they are receiving now, plus a bigger housing allowance.
The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans’ group, said the plan would mean a “new era” for those who served in uniform.
The bill’s lead sponsor is Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He said he would schedule a committee vote next week. The No. 2 House leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said the House would act quickly to help veterans.
“We’ll move it out this month,” McCarthy said.
A similar bill is expected from Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, said he was encouraged by the bipartisan plan.
Veterans’ issues have been one of the few areas where Republicans and Democrats have found some common ground, unlike health care, taxes and other issues.
The education benefits would take effect for enlistees who begin using their GI Bill money next year.
Kristofer Goldsmith, 31, said he believes it would help many former service members who, like him, aren’t ready to immediately enroll in college after their service. Goldsmith was in the Army as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, reaching the rank of sergeant. He returned home to constant nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. He was kicked out of the military with a general discharge after a suicide attempt, barring him from receiving GI benefits.
Now an assistant director for policy at Vietnam Veterans of America, Goldsmith advocates for veterans with PTSD and is appealing his discharge status. He’s heading to Columbia University in the fall.
“I feel extremely lucky I have found my passion in veterans’ advocacy,” Goldsmith said. “But I’ve taken out tens of thousands of dollars to go to school. GI benefits are something service members earn while they serve. They shouldn’t lose it just because they aren’t transitioning back the way the government wants.”
Total government spending on the GI Bill is expected to be more than $100 billion over 10 years.