A bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) expanding in-state tuition eligibility for the families of U.S. military veterans who die from service-connected disabilities is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
The U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 15 voted 424-0 to approve the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021, S. 1095, which Sen. Moran introduced in April with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). The U.S. Senate on June 25 approved the bill by voice vote.
“This country has made a commitment to care for the families of fallen service members,” said Sen. Moran, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this bipartisan legislation to help fulfill that commitment and make certain that the surviving families of our fallen service members receive the education benefits their loved ones earned for them through their service to this nation. I urge the President to quickly sign this legislation into law.”
Once enacted, S. 1095 will require public colleges and universities that receive GI Bill benefits to provide in-state tuition rates for students using the Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) program, according to information provided by Sen. Moran’s staff.
The DEA provides education benefits, including tuition, housing and book stipends, to the children or spouse of a service member who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability; died while on active duty prior to 9/11; or who died as a result of a service-connected disability.
Named after U.S. Army Col. John McHugh, who died on active duty, the bill aims to help reduce the out-of-pocket education costs for surviving spouses and children, according to the information.
“House passage of our bipartisan bill means we’re one step away from expanding affordable, in-state tuition to survivors who deserve this critical support,” said Sen. Tester, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.