Roe, McCarthy lead efforts to reform GI Bill and expand education benefits for veterans

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) convened a hearing on Monday to explore a legislative package that would overhaul the GI Bill for the first time since 2011 and expand education benefits for veterans and their dependents.

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, H.R. 3218, legislative package includes Roe’s Caring for the Families of our Wounded and Fallen Heroes Act, and the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Act, introduced by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

The legislative package encompasses 17 bills. The reforms include lifting a 15-year time limit on GI Bill benefits, increasing funding for education benefits for reservists and guardsmen, and providing 100 percent GI Bill eligibility to post-9/11 recipients of the Purple Heart.

“This package includes over 28 provisions and brings forward countless enhancements that veterans groups have requested for years,” Roe, the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said. “This isn’t a package that comes along every day.”

Under Roe’s bill, H.R. 1956, surviving spouses and children of fallen veterans would see an additional $200 per month in education benefits.

“These individuals understand all too well what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice, and it is our duty and honor to provide for them as best as we can,” Roe said.

Speaking in support of the VET TEC Act, H.R. 1989, McCarthy said the technology sector has turned to nontraditional programs like boot camps, nano-degrees and coding schools to bridge a growing workforce skills gap — but current GI Bill benefits don’t cover them.

“These non-traditional technology education models are part of the solution to closing the skills gap,” McCarthy said. “Just ask Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Ford, GE or any of America’s great companies and they will tell you of the promise these non-traditional models hold. But currently veterans are unable to apply their GI education benefits to these courses. My provision in this legislation creates a pilot program to provide veterans the ability to take advantage of these education opportunities.”

Veterans’ military discipline, ability to work under pressure and commitment to teamwork make them prime candidates for tech positions, McCarthy added.

“The VET TEC Act enables veterans to enroll in non-traditional technology courses and programs that are geared to getting a job after completion,” McCarthy said. “This provision also provides the VA the necessary flexibility to approve these education programs, while also guarding against abuses. These reforms the committee will consider this week will have a positive impact felt by veterans returning to civilian life. This impact will be lifelong.”