Student Veterans Academic Counseling Enhancement Act

Floor Speech

Ms. CHU. After returning from Iraq, John started college. He didn't pick a major right away, instead, exploring different subjects. But he struggled. It was hard for him to focus; and after what he had been through, he couldn't relate to his classmates. Soon, he had used up his GI Bill benefits and couldn't afford to graduate.

What John's story tells us is that even though we vigorously train our soldiers, we give veterans little guidance to succeed in school. So I'm introducing the Student Veterans Academic Counseling Enhancement Act, endorsed by the American Legion, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This bill provides regular one-on-one academic counseling to GI Bill students no matter where they go to school, and it tracks veteran graduation rates to help ensure academic and career success. This Student Veterans Act will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, while helping veterans graduate and get good jobs. We owe it to those who have sacrificed so much for us, our veterans.

Source