Us Congress House Bill HB5785

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/28/23
• Refer: 9/28/23
• Refer: 10/16/23
• Report Pass: 12/5/23

Caption

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the requirements of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.

Impact

If enacted, HB5785 would lower the credit requirements needed to qualify for scholarship assistance, making it accessible to a broader range of veterans, including those pursuing graduate studies. The adjustment of educational requirements signals a potential shift in focus towards supporting veterans at various levels of post-secondary education, which could lead to increased participation in STEM fields among veteran populations. This aligns with ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Summary

House Bill 5785 seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code to modify the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship requirements. This bill proposes significant revisions to enhance eligibility criteria for the scholarship, which aims to provide financial assistance to veterans pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The modifications primarily focus on expanding the scope of eligible educational programs and adjusting the required credits for applicants.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB5785 may arise from its implementation and the potential impact on funding allocation within the Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs. Critics may express concern about the adequacy of available resources to support an expanded applicant pool, fearing that an increase in scholarship recipients may strain existing budgets or lead to competition among programs. Additionally, discussions may focus on whether lowering credit requirements aligns with promoting rigorous academic standards for scholarship recipients.