Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), who serves as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, introduced The Guard and Reservists Education Improvement Act (H.R. 2257). This legislation would provide greater accessibility to G.I. Bill educational benefits for servicemembers. Specifically, the bill states that eligibility for servicemembers who serve at least 90 days but less than 6 months of active duty would increase from 40% to 50% benefit payable. It would also increase the amount of eligibility for individuals who serve at least 6 months but less than 12 months from 50% to 60% benefit payable.
Primarily, this bill designed to assist Reservists and National Guardsmen who are unable to serve the required 36 months of active duty, and therefore only receive a percentage of the benefits. Currently, there are nearly one million Reserve Component members mobilized.
“The educational benefits provided by the G.I. Bill are an incredibly valuable tool for our servicemembers -- including the many dedicated young Reservists and National Guardsmen I've served alongside,” said Chairman Wenstrup. “Increasing accessibility to the educational opportunities that the G.I. Bill provides helps to ensure the men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform receive the benefits they have earned and are equipped with the education they need to be successful.”
National veterans organizations supportive of this legislation include the Reserve Officers Association, American Legion, Student Veterans of America, National Guard Association of the United States, and The Enlisted Association of the National Guard.
Reserve Officers Association Executive Director, Jeff Phillips: “The tuition assistance increase proposed by Rep Wenstrup recognizes the nation’s increasing reliance on the National Guard and Reserve. When the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was established, few imagined that nearly one million Reserve Component members would be mobilized. Their dedication may limit success in their civilian jobs, with slower promotions or limitations on professional development because of deployments. Tuition increases will help them overcome these challenges and secure good employment.”
American Legion National Commander, Charles E. Schmidt: “We applaud Congressman Wenstrup in his dedication to National Guard and Reservists. Adjusting the tier structure of the Post 9/11 pay scale will help young veterans obtain their degrees sooner and with less tuition debt. We at The American Legion understand the difficulties that Post 9/11 veterans face when attempting to earn their college degree and will do anything to support their endeavor.”
Student Veterans of America CEO, Jared Lyon: “Reserve components continue to be an integral component of the overall global Department of Defense posture. Rep. Wenstrup’s thoughtful and constructive proposal recognizes the importance that National Guard and Reserve Members play in the protection of our nation in service overseas.”
EANGUS Executive Director, Sgt Maj Frank Yoakum, US Army (Ret): “The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) is pleased to offer our support for H.R. 2257, the Guard and Reservists Education Improvement Act sponsored by Representative Brad Wenstrup. We believe that it is vitally important for our Guard members to pair their invaluable experience with quality education, and this bill will allow greater accessibility to their educational benefits they so richly earned and deserve.”
