Gonzalez bill would detail educational benefits available to disabled veterans

Bipartisan legislation sponsored on Oct. 5 by U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) aims to provide more detailed information on the educational benefits available to United States military veterans with disabilities.

The Informing Veterans on Education for Transitioning Servicemembers Act, or the Informing VETS Act, H.R. 5483, which Rep. Gonzalez introduced alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), would direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide information on the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program to qualified service-disabled veterans, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. 

“I am proud to introduce the Informing VETS Act that directs the VA to make sure our service-disabled veterans nationwide understand the education benefits available to them,” Rep. Gonzalez said.

Most veterans know about the benefits available to them through the GI Bill, which offers education benefits such as tuition coverage, but “many may not know that the VR&E program can help pay for education as part of its employment services, as well as provide assistive equipment and access to a career counselor,” according to a July report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). 

If enacted, H.R. 5483 would implement recommendations GAO makes in its report by requiring the VA to regularly send a letter to each eligible veteran discussing the VR&E program’s educational benefits and would require the VA to publish online a side-by-side comparison of benefits offered by the GI Bill and the VR&E program, the bill summary says.

“Our veterans have risked their lives to defend our nation,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “We need to ensure these heroes are taken care of as they transition to civilian life. The opportunity to further their education can provide them an incredible and well-deserved benefit to transform their lives after leaving military service.” 

H.R. 5483 has garnered support from Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America.