Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack supported passage of the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Improvements Act, S. 3447, to expand access to GI benefits for our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. The bill included Loebsack’s National Guard Education Equality Act.
“The benefits under the landmark Post 9/11 GI Bill are a reflection of our gratitude to the men and women in uniform who have served our country since the 9/11 attacks and will help make this generation of veterans part of our nation’s economic recovery,” said Loebsack. “As a former professor, I know firsthand the positive impact post-secondary education and job training can have, and I am proud that this bill includes my provision to expand GI Bill benefits for thousands more men and women who have served our nation bravely and honorably.”
Specifically, because of the inclusion of Loebsack’s bipartisan National Guard Education Equality Act, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act will expand GI Bill benefits for over 84,000 members of the National Guard nationwide and over 1,300 members of the Iowa National Guard. Originally, only service overseas, classified as Title 10 service, was counted toward GI Bill benefits for the National Guard. Now, National Guard members who have served in federally funded homeland security missions, classified as Title 32 service, are eligible to receive the full benefits they are owed.
“Our National Guard members who participate in disaster response, protection of US airspace, border security, and many other critical homeland security missions deserve the full Post 9/11 GI benefits they have earned and the opportunities that come with those benefits,” added Loebsack. “I have had the privilege to meet many Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and I am honored to have been able to work on their behalf to ensure they receive the education benefits that will enable them to be part of the American dream.”
The Post 9/11 Veterans Education Improvements Act will improve the original Post 9/11 GI Bill by allowing veterans to apply their benefits to vocational education, licensing and certification courses and on the job training. In addition, the bill will provide living allowances for veterans in distance learning programs and expand a book stipend to active duty servicemembers.
The Post 9/11 Veterans Education Improvements Act was supported by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Guard Association, American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Student Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and National Association of Uniformed Services.
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