Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB967

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Modern GI Bill ActThis bill authorizes individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to apply amounts of such assistance to repay federal student loans for up to 36 months.The bill sets a cap and annual cost-of-living increases for the amount of educational assistance that may be paid to an individual under this bill during FY2026 and the following years.

Impact

The introduction of HB 967 could have substantial implications for veterans struggling with student debt. By allowing up to $15,900 in educational assistance to be used annually for loan repayment, the bill promotes financial relief and aids in the smoother integration of veterans into the educational system and workforce. Additionally, it aims to mitigate the rising levels of student debt among veterans, thus potentially enhancing their quality of life and economic stability.

Summary

House Bill 967, known as the Modern GI Bill Act, aims to enhance the benefits provided to veterans who qualify for Post-9/11 educational assistance. This bill proposes to allow these individuals to use their educational benefits to repay federal student loans. Specifically, the bill amends Title 38 of the United States Code to enable veterans to allocate a portion of their education assistance directly towards their outstanding student loan balance, addressing a significant financial burden faced by many service members transitioning to civilian life.

Contention

While there is hope that HB 967 will provide necessary financial relief, there could be points of contention in its implementation. Critics may raise concerns regarding the limits set on the annual repayment amounts and the non-transferability of such educational assistance benefits. Furthermore, discussions may arise around the adequacy of the set annual maximum in relation to the growing costs of education and student loan debt burdens, calling for a re-evaluation of the funding to ensure it meets the diverse financial needs of veterans.

Congress_id

119-HR-967

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-02-04

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB393

Modern GI Bill Act This bill authorizes individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to apply amounts of such assistance to repay federal student loans for up to 36 months. The bill sets a cap and annual cost-of-living increases for the amount of educational assistance that may be paid to an individual under this bill during FY2024 and the following years.

US SB3970

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

US HB291

Vaccine Discharge Parity Act This bill ensures that members of the Armed Forces who were granted a general discharge under honorable conditions (on the sole basis that the members failed to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19) are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty and Post-9/11 GI Bill programs. The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through March 1, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.

US HB395

Time of Service Act This bill adjusts the time limitation on the use of a veteran's educational assistance entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Specifically, veterans' entitlements shall not expire for those who were discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2001.

US SB5577

A bill to amend title 11, United States Code, to add a bankruptcy chapter relating to the debt of individuals, and for other purposes.

US HB8896

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.

US SB5547

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to verify certain eligibility criteria for individuals enrolled for medical assistance quarterly, and for other purposes.

US HB4144

FAIR Act Federal Assistance to Initiate Repayment Act

US SB5593

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program.

US HB204

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.

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