Rahall Votes to Expand Tuition Assistance to Veterans

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Continuing his efforts to provide educational assistance and employment opportunities for returning veterans, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) late Monday evening voted for legislation to ensure that returning veterans attending public universities will pay lower in-state tuition rates.

"Too often, when our veterans return home, they have a whole new battle to fight -- struggling to transition back into civilian life. To aid in that effort, I championed the Post-9/11 GI Bill to provide education benefits and post-military employment services so that returning military veterans could continue their education and get a leg up in starting a new career. Unfortunately, because of their state residency, many veterans are unable to attend the school of their choice without paying unaffordable tuition rates. This measure removes the financial burden for out-of-state residents and helps to fulfill the original intent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill," said Rahall.

H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, ensures public institutions of higher learning provide in-state tuition to veterans using their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. In their current form, however, Post-9/11 GI benefits only cover in-state tuition expenses for student veterans, leaving many non-resident veterans liable for the difference in tuition rates between in-state and out-of-state residents.

H.R. 357 passed the House on Monday evening and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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