The House of Representatives this week unanimously passed a Post-9/11 GI Bill that would eliminate the 15-year time limit on the use of postsecondary education benefits as well as restore benefits to veterans affected by closures of for-profit institutions.
Meanwhile, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Wednesday passed its version of the bill on a voice vote.
The bills also would expand access to student aid for members of the National Guard and reservists and would grant full eligibility for student aid. In addition, it would expand educational benefits for veterans pursuing STEM degrees. The American Association of Community Colleges supports the legislation.
“This legislation has received broad support from our colleagues in the House and Senate as well as from veteran, military and higher education groups,” Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia), who co-introduced the bill, said in a statement.
The bipartisan bills have moved exceptionally fast in both chambers. The House bill was introduced, debated and voted on all this month. The Senate introduced its bill on July 20 and now heads to a vote before the full Senate.
Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tennessee), chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the president could have a bill to sign before Congress goes into its August recess.
