Murphy Introduces Legislation to Reduce Barriers to Post-9/11 GI Bill

Press Release

Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Patrick E. Murphy (D-Fla.) and Luke Messer (R-Ind.) introduced bipartisan legislation to cover college, graduate, and vocational school application fees for servicemembers under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Reps. Murphy and Messer are joined by over 60 cosponsors from both parties.

"After fighting for our nation and risking everything, it's our duty to make sure our troops are provided with the care and support they deserve," stated Congressman Murphy. "The increasingly high cost of college application fees has created an obstacle for veterans wishing to go to college and pursue their careers. This bill would remove that hurdle so that the brave men and women in our armed forces - the best-trained in the world - can take full advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and translate their leadership abilities and skills into the job market."

This legislation was first introduced as part of a broader package of bills following Rep. Murphy's troop visit to Afghanistan in May 2014. In the 113th Congress, the Reducing Barriers for Veterans Education Act (H.R. 4793) received support from over 90 members of Congress from both parties and from veterans organizations including the American Legion, Student Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Association of the United States Navy, and the Retired Enlisted Association.

Rep. Murphy has been a strong advocate on veteran's affairs issues, leading efforts to reduce the VA backlog and improve mental health and suicide prevention for servicemembers and veterans.

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