House Passes GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act

Statement

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, which makes a number of improvements in benefits and services to veterans. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) was successful in having two of his bills included into the underlying bill. Following passage of the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, Flores issued the following statement:

"Our military men and women make many sacrifices on behalf of our nation. Upon completion of their service, it is important that we prepare them for meaningful careers and provide them with employment resources, expertise and opportunities. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that they know exactly what benefits they have earned and how they can be effectively used.

"The GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act will expand educational opportunities for veterans by allowing them to pay in-state tuition for any public college of their choosing. My Servicemembers' Choice in Transition Act, which was included in the bill, improves the required contents of the Transition Assistance Program. This offers our veterans specified training paths that will help better suit their intentions and provide them with the tools for a successful transition into civilian life. Additionally, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act includes my bill to better define the roles and responsibilities of Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training. It provides directors with uniform requirements for performance and ensures that they monitor and advise state and local workforce agencies regarding employment and training programs. Holding VA directors more accountable will help make the job coaching and training experience for veterans more impactful and successful.

"As Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I am pleased that the Subcommittee, the Full Committee on Veterans' Affairs and now the House has passed this important legislation to help our veterans. I remain committed to working to ensure our veterans obtain the benefits that they have earned, have a successful transition from military service to civilian life and enjoy fulfilling career opportunities."

Source