The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday gave approval to bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) to help more veterans utilize the Edith Nourse Rogers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Scholarship program.
“Supporting our veterans as they transition from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life is a bipartisan issue that we can all agree on and I’m honored that my colleagues in the House supported this legislation which accomplishes this important work,” said Rep. Barr. “Providing our veterans with more flexibility to use their Forever GI Bill benefits will help them better take advantage of the education benefits they are owed.”
If enacted, H.R. 2196 would decrease the Forever GI Bill benefits program requirement from 128 credit hours to 120 credit hours.
Rep. Barr introduced H.R. 2196 on April 10 with cosponsors who included U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA).
“I am honored to have my first bill as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed, and I want to especially thank Ranking Member Phil Roe, and Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairman Levin for their leadership and support,” the congressman added.
The U.S. Senate received H.R. 2196 on June 25 and referred it to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.