[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5778-H5780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MONTGOMERY GI BILL SELECTED RESERVES TUITION FAIRNESS ACT OF 2024
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 7323) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education
offered by a public institution of higher learning that does not charge
the in-State tuition rate to a veteran using certain educational
assistance under title 10 of such Code, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7323
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Montgomery GI Bill Selected
Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES
OFFERED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
LEARNING THAT DO NOT CHARGE VETERANS IN-STATE
TUITION RATE FOR PURPOSES OF SELECTED RESERVE
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3679 of title
38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606 of
title 10,'' after ``chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 of this
title'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(E) An individual who is entitled to assistance under
section 16131 of title 10.''; and
(3) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606 of
title 10'' before the period at the end.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (e) of such section
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or chapter 1606
of title 10,'' after ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this title'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``chapter 31 33, or 35
of this title'' and inserting ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this
title, or chapter 1606 of title 10''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``chapter 31 33, or 35 of
this title'' and inserting ``chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this
title, or chapter 1606 of title 10''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
and shall apply with respect to an academic period that
begins on or after August 1, 2025.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON AMOUNT OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE PAYABLE FOR FLIGHT TRAINING UNDER
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Section 3313 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(3)(C), by striking ``In the case''
and inserting ``Subject to the limitation under subsection
(m), in the case''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(m) Limitation on Use of Entitlement for Flight
Training.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this chapter and subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the
maximum amount payable under this chapter to an individual,
over the lifetime of the individual, for tuition and fees for
the pursuit of a program of flight training offered by a
public institution of higher learning that leads to a degree,
certificate, or other non-college degree, regardless of how
many such programs the individual pursues, is--
``(A) in the case of an individual who first pursues such a
program during the academic year beginning on August 1, 2025,
$115,749; or
``(B) in the case of an individual who first pursues such a
program during an academic year beginning on August 1 of any
subsequent year, the amount in effect under this subsection
for the previous academic year beginning on August 1, as
increased by the percentage increase equal to the most recent
percentage increase determined under section 3015(h) of this
title.
``(2) Pursuit on less than a full-time basis.--In the case
of an individual who is entitled to educational assistance
under this chapter by reason of any of paragraph (3) through
(7) of section 3311(b) of this title, the maximum amount
payable under paragraph (1) is--
``(A) the amount in effect under paragraph (1), multiplied
by
``(B) the same percentage applicable to the monthly amounts
payable to the individual
[[Page H5779]]
under paragraphs (2) through (6) of subsection (c).
``(3) Prior use of entitlement.--In the case of an
individual who is entitled to educational assistance under
this chapter and who uses any of such entitlement prior to
the pursuit of a program of flight training offered by a
public institution of higher learning that leads to a degree,
certificate, or other non-college degree, the maximum amount
of payable to the individual under this subsection is--
``(A) the maximum total amount in effect under paragraph
(1), minus
``(B) the amount of entitlement to educational assistance
the individual used before enrolling in such program.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on August 1, 2025, and shall apply with
respect to an individual who first pursues a program of
flight training on or after August 1, 2025.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
{time} 1400
General Leave
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on
H.R. 7323, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7323 offered by my
friend and fellow veteran, our Economic Opportunity Subcommittee
chairman, Representative Van Orden.
This bill would reduce tuition costs for Montgomery GI Bill selected
reservists by making them eligible for the same in-State tuition waiver
that the other GI Bill recipients receive.
Representative Van Orden's bill would also reduce the cost for
veterans seeking to become pilots. Veterans attending flight training
schools would not be charged unlimited fees but instead would pay fees
equal to those charged by a 4-year private college or university.
Student veterans would also be able to complete their flight training
faster because they would be able to attend flight training year-round
under this bill.
I fully support this bill that would ensure VA can protect the
integrity of the GI Bill and provide veterans with the best economic
and educational opportunities out there.
I thank the VFW, the ROA, and the DAV for supporting this bill, and I
also thank my friend and colleague from New Jersey, Representative
Kean, for his work on the flight school enhancements that are included
in this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7323, as
amended. I reserve the balance of my time.
Committee on Armed Services,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, September 12, 2024.
Hon. Mike Bost,
Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Bost: I write concerning H.R. 7323, a bill
sponsored by Representative Van Orden of Wisconsin. As a
result of your having consulted with us on provisions within
H.R. 7323 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the
Committee on Armed Services, I agree to forego any further
consideration of this bill so that it may proceed
expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.
The Committee on Armed Services takes this action with our
mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R.
7323 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over
subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and
that our committee will be appropriately consulted and
involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so
that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction.
Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on
this matter be included by House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Thank you
for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding
this matter and others between our respective committees.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Rogers,
Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, September 12, 2024.
Hon. Mike Rogers,
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Rogers: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 7323, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition
Fairness Act of 2024. I acknowledge that provisions of the
bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed
Services. I agree that your forgoing further action on this
measure does not in any way diminish or alter the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services over the
subject matters contained in this bill or similar legislation
in the future. In addition, I would support your request to
have the Committee on Armed Services appropriately consulted
on any issues in this bill or similar legislation that fall
under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services.
I will place copies of this exchange in the committee
report on H.R. 7323 and into the Congressional Record during
consideration of this legislation on the House floor.
Sincerely,
Mike Bost,
Chairman.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 7323, the
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024.
This bill mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs deny
courses that do not charge in-State tuition rates to veterans using
certain educational assistance under Title X.
Now, VA already has the authority to disapprove courses at higher
education institutions that do not offer in-State tuition rates for
other GI Bill beneficiaries.
Mandating in-State tuition rates is a good policy. It ensures only
schools who prioritize quality education at a fair price participate in
the programs, it preserves GI Bill benefits for student veterans, and
it makes the entire GI Bill program more solvent and sustainable so
that the GI Bill stays available for veterans for generations to come.
It is also crucial to ensure that selected reservists receive the
same benefits as their Active-Duty counterparts by ensuring that in-
State tuition is granted, regardless of their residency.
This bill will expand educational opportunities by providing them
with more affordable education options. Their dedication to serving our
country deserves nothing less.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).
Mr. VAN ORDEN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to speak today on behalf of
my legislation, H.R. 7323, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves
Tuition Fairness Act.
The bill holds special meaning to me because the issue was brought to
my attention by one of my constituents, a fellow veteran, Mr. Greg
Tremelling, during a Veterans Day listening session.
His voice, along with many other reservists and veterans, made clear
that we have to change our policies. This is how representative
government should be, us listening to our constituents and acting on
their behalf.
I am proud to represent the brave men and women who serve at Fort
McCoy and Volk Field who make sacrifices for us every day and for this
Nation.
We have to remember that three out of the last five servicemembers
that were killed defending our country were reservists, the other two,
of course, being my fellow Navy SEALS who were lost at sea.
These servicemembers gave everything to defend our country, a solemn
reminder that reservists face the same risks and make the same
sacrifices as their Active-Duty counterparts, and their service must
never be overlooked.
By passing this bill, we are going to take steps to ensure parity
between reservists and Active-Duty servicemembers.
By addressing this key disparity in educational benefits, my
legislation will provide reservists with greater access to affordable
education.
I remind everybody that the enemy doesn't care if you are a reservist
or a National Guardsman or an Active-Duty servicemember. They are
simply aiming at the American flag that you have on your shoulder.
It is time for a change. I thank Mr. Tremelling personally for
bringing this to my attention. Again, I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking
Member Takano for supporting this, and I urge all of my colleagues to
vote for this bill.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I mention that I support this bill because
it is a step forward, but we do have a more comprehensive solution for
reservists.
It is called the GI Parity Bill. It would provide parity to our
reservists and our guardsmen to make sure that the time they put in for
training counts for their qualification for GI Bill benefits.
I am disappointed that that bill has not been brought to the floor
because I think that is the real solution to making sure that our
guardsmen and our reservists are treated fairly.
[[Page H5780]]
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean).
Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
7323, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of
2024, introduced by my friend, Congressman Van Orden from Wisconsin.
This legislation includes my bill, H.R. 7613, the Veterans Flight
Training Responsibility Act of 2024. This act would allow up to
$115,000 in benefits for veterans to use at public institutions of
higher learning for flight school.
This number is on par with the cap for 4-year private institutions so
that veterans in flight schools are not disadvantaged and it would
allow veterans to go to school year-round.
Additionally, this legislation would protect American taxpayers from
schools charging hundreds of thousands of dollars for a degree that
should not cost that much.
Finally, by getting veterans through school faster and protecting the
VA from flight school GI Bill fraud, this legislation would help the
economy and America's deficit, while being a good steward of taxpayer
dollars.
This bill would allow student veterans who wish to train during the
summer months to do so. This allows those students to take advantage of
better weather conditions for flight training.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this vital
piece of legislation to help our veterans obtain degrees quicker and
advance in their chosen profession.
Finally, I thank Chairman Bost for advancing this legislation and my
friend, Congressman Van Orden, for sponsoring the underlying bill.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am
prepared to close.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask all my colleagues to join me in passing
H.R. 7323, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness
Act of 2024, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support
this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 7323, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill amend title
38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
disapprove courses of education offered by a public institution of
higher learning that does not charge the in-State tuition rate to a
veteran using certain educational assistance under title 10 of such
Code, and for other purposes.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________