U.S. Air National Guard members would receive permanent federal tuition assistance under a bipartisan bill introduced on Dec. 13 by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND).
“Our legislation would provide drill status Air Guard members with the same educational benefits as those serving in the Army National Guard,” Sen. Hoeven said. “With the recruiting challenges facing our military, it’s vital that we have a strong tuition assistance program in place to help our Air Guard attract and retain the best and brightest.”
Sen. Hoeven sponsored the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, S. 3513, alongside original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
If enacted, S. 3513 would require the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force to provide tuition assistance to members of the Air National Guard, consistent with the program available to the Army National Guard, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Hoeven’s staff.
“All those serving in the Air National Guard deserve access to the educational benefits they deserve so we can continue attracting and retaining elite talent,” said Sen. Shaheen. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would help make tuition more affordable and ensure that the Air National Guard has access to the same educational benefits as the Army National Guard.”
The legislation has garnered support from the National Guard Association of the United States.