Torres Introduces Legislation Expanding Educational Opportunities for Veterans

Press Release

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today introduced the G.I. Veterans Education Empowerment Act (GIVE Act), legislation that provides veterans interested in pursuing higher education with additional information to help them find the school that is right for them.

Torres' bill adds new categories and information to the G.I. Comparison Tool, an online resource designed to help service members make decisions about their G.I. benefits and explore education opportunities.

The GIVE Act would expand the tool by allowing veterans to search for:

Minority-serving institutions such as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPIs), and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs);
Religious-affiliated schools; and
Gender-specific institutions.
Rep. Torres, who previously introduced the GIVE Act in the 116th Congress, released the following statement:

"The GIVE Act doesn't just expand choices available through the G.I. Comparison Tool -- it makes the program more responsive to veterans and helps them stay on-track to earn their degree," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "These are benefits that student veterans earned through the sacrifice of service, yet many still face unique challenges in finding the right schools to meet their needs. As the mother of an Air Force veteran, there's nothing more important to me than ensuring every service member receives the education they need and deserve."

The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) will hold a hearing that includes the GIVE Act on Thursday, April 14th.

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