Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB968

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 968 would significantly adjust the landscape of veterans' educational benefits by ensuring that those who have served in the military can access entitlements without the pressure of a ticking clock. This bill is particularly important as many veterans may find it challenging to use their educational benefits within a restricted timeframe, given their unique life circumstances. By removing these time constraints, the legislation could encourage a greater number of veterans to pursue higher education, vocational training, or other educational activities that improve their career prospects.

Summary

House Bill 968, known as the Time of Service Act, proposes to amend the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program under title 38 of the United States Code. Its main objective is to eliminate the current time limitations for certain veterans to utilize their educational entitlements. The bill seeks to extend the eligibility period for veterans who served after September 10, 2001, allowing them to access educational benefits beyond the previous cutoff date of January 1, 2013. This change aims to enhance educational opportunities for veterans who may be returning to education later in life or after other commitments.

Contention

While the bill's intent to support veterans' education is widely recognized, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such a policy change. Some legislators might question how this alteration could affect the funding and allocation of resources within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the balance between expanding access to benefits and managing the financial implications for the government. Despite potential issues, advocates argue that the long-term benefits of educated veterans will outweigh the costs, leading to a more skilled workforce.

Congress_id

119-HR-968

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-02-04

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB8514

Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act

US HB9742

Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2024

US HB214

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB6300

Veterans Education is Timeless Act of 2023

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 SB5487

A bill to provide PreCheck to certain severly injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.