Blackburn’s bicameral, bipartisan bill bolsters educational assistance for U.S. veterans

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on July 17 sponsored bipartisan legislation to improve the ability of U.S. military veterans to receive in-state tuition using educational assistance administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“We should give our veterans every opportunity to succeed after they have finished their service,” Sen. Blackburn said on Wednesday.

Sen. Blackburn introduced the Providing Veterans Access to In-State Tuition Act, S. 2136, with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) to provide student veterans access to in-state tuition rates at public institutions that receive GI Bill payments, regardless of whether the student veteran is a state resident.

U.S. Reps. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) on July 2 sponsored the same-named companion bill, H.R. 3608, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Specifically, the measure would remove a three-year post-discharge requirement so that student veterans would be able to receive in-state tuition rates from public schools whenever they decide to use their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

“This legislation would eliminate existing obstacles that prevent our men and women in uniform from a smooth transition into civilian life,” said Sen. Blackburn. “I am glad that Tennessee is one of the 27 states that currently waives the three-year cap. Let’s make it one of 50.”

The legislation, which is supported by the VA, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.