Washington, D.C. -- Representative Scott Rigell co-sponsored H.R. 1039, a bill restoring the military's tuition assistance programs by reducing foreign aid to Egypt by $500 million. Tuition assistance costs for all branches of the military for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013 would be reinstated under this legislation.
"It is unacceptable for the United States government to send hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Egypt while at the same time cutting our own defense budget and cancelling tuition assistance for our men and women in uniform. These are misguided priorities and this legislation will address this unwise policy," said Rigell, who represents the district with the highest concentration of active duty and retired military personnel in the United States. "In these challenging fiscal times, these cuts should come from foreign aid, especially to nations that do not have America's best interests at heart."
The tuition assistance programs provide funding for active-duty members, reservists and National Guard members attending high school completion courses, vocational courses or classes toward an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree after hours.
"We have an obligation to defend those who defend our nation. The men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect our freedom deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education. It's important that we protect educational opportunities for our service members, not defund them.