Us Congress House Bill HB4379

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/14/25
• Refer: 7/14/25

Caption

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations providing for the reimbursement of certain educational expenses for students determined to be medically ineligible for continued participation in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

Impact

The proposed changes would establish a systematic reimbursement process for these students, covering reasonable expenses such as tuition, fees, and room and board, which they might otherwise need to bear when their participation in the SROTC is interrupted. The Secretary of Defense would be responsible for setting up regulations allowing affected individuals to submit claims for reimbursement. This is pivotal in supporting students' educational pursuits while serving in military training, ensuring that medical ineligibility does not leave them financially burdened.

Summary

House Bill 4379 seeks to amend Title 10 of the United States Code to mandate that the Secretary of Defense develop regulations for reimbursing educational expenses for students found medically ineligible to continue their participation in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (SROTC). This bill aims to address a gap in the current policy where students may incur educational costs prior to a determination of their eligibility for financial support. The legislation is intended to ensure these students have some financial relief when they are forced to withdraw from the program due to medical reasons.

Contention

While the bill may be viewed positively as it provides an important safety net for students, it may also prompt discussions around the scope and implementation of the regulations by the Secretary of Defense. Legislators might express concerns regarding the potential bureaucratic hurdles involved in claiming reimbursements and how swiftly claims would be processed—specifically, the timeline set forth where reimbursement must occur within 90 days after a claim is submitted. Such discussions are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the program in providing timely support to those affected.