The U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on April 6 held a full committee markup and advanced 17 bills to support America’s military veterans, including one sponsored by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL).
The committee unanimously passed the Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act, H.R. 6604, which Rep. Buchanan sponsored on Feb. 4 to help student veterans by ensuring they are able to quickly and easily transfer their course credits to another institution should their school close or program end, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
“I’m pleased to see the House Veterans Affairs Committee approve my VETS Credit Act and move it one step closer to becoming law,” said Rep. Buchanan.
While current law requires that the VA restore G.I. Bill benefits (up to 12 credits) to eligible student veterans whose schools close or program ends in the middle of a semester, the process tends to be confusing and oftentimes leaves veterans unable to easily transfer their earned credits to a new school, according to Rep. Buchanan’s staff.
“America’s veterans have selflessly sacrificed and put it all on the line to defend our country and our way of life,” Rep. Buchanan said. My bill will ensure no veteran loses access to the valuable G.I. Bill credits they have earned and deserve by virtue of their service to our country.”
House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike Bost (R-IL) praised H.R. 6604.
“Rep. Buchanan’s bill, the VETS Credit Act, will give student veterans the peace of mind to know that their education benefits are safe even if their school closes,” Rep. Bost said. “I thank my friend for his work on this important bill. I look forward to seeing it passed in the House as soon as possible.”
H.R. 6604 has been endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans Education Success and now heads to the full House for consideration.