Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act, which would reinstate VA education assistance for disabled veterans in vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) training in the event their school closes or courses are disapproved. Section 109 of the Forever GI Bill law extended these protections to students using GI Bill benefits but did not include students using education benefits under the VR&E program. By extending these protections to the over 100,000 veterans who participate in the VR&E program every year, our nation will ensure that all veterans can access relief when their studies are disrupted by school closures or disapproved courses through no fault of their own.

The bill requires the VA to protect VR&E students on the same basis as their counterparts using GI Bill benefits as mandated by section 109 of the Forever GI Bill law. These protections include the restoration of benefits for those affected by school closures or the course was disapproved as a result of a modified policy, regulation, or law. In addition, my legislation authorizes the VA to continue paying subsistence allowances to VR&E students through the end of the academic term during which such closure or disapproval occurred. VA will also be required to notify affected students of imminent and actual school closures and inform them how the closure will affect their VR&E benefits.

The Act has the support of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, AMVETS, Association of the U.S. Navy, Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.

The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Bost, is an original cosponsor of the bill.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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