H.R. 2702 would amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001.
Detailed Summary
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. Requires such individuals to complete the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or its equivalent) before applying for such assistance. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests.
Requires such educational assistance to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/20/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Patt Staley
This bill is going "back" to the way the vets from WWII and Korea were able to advance after service to our country. No one will get rich off this bill but it will give a rich future for those who choose to use it.
1LT Jason Taylor
I hope there is a way to keep the universities from raising prices on tuition, fees, and book prices. If this bill passes. Can we get a rider !!!
Jason Carrillo
After the initial GI BILL, for every dollar put into the program seven dollars was returned to the economy. Perhaps that was what caused the boom after WWII.
We should do right by these young men and women. By helping them to get an education and re-entering a society, we are enriching our whole nation.
Spc Patrick Schlote
I think this bill would be a great help for soldiers. I could also see it easily increasing retention in national guard and reserve soldiers who have served at least one tour in Iraq and Afghanistan.
RTO Trainer
Actually, it'll hurt the Guard by undercutting the current education benefits offered by every state (except California).
SMSgt CASTRO USAF
Well done, I think we got finally got one right. Program is on time and will be very well received by USAF Airman. Allowing family member transfer will increase retention in all services.