Sens. Tillis, Blumenthal, Reps. Takano, Gibson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Reinstate Veterans Education Benefits In Event Of School Closure

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis, Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (SVAC), and SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-C.T.) joined with Representatives Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) to introduce bipartisan legislation in the Senate and House that would provide relief for veterans' whose education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill are affected by the permanent closure of certain educational institutions. Earlier this year, the abrupt closing of for-profit institution Corinthian Colleges, Inc. left more than 400 veterans who were attending a Corinthian school stranded without a degree or any benefits for school, housing, and other basic necessities. The Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act (VERRA) would expand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) authority to restore the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits of veterans who are affected by the permanent closure of Corinthian or other institutions. Currently, VA cannot fully restore a veterans' benefits if a school they attend permanently closes.

"I am pleased to co-sponsor the Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act, which ensures veterans will not lose their well-deserved educational benefits that are threatened by factors outside of their control," said Senator Tillis. "This is yet another example of Democrats and Republicans on the Veterans Affairs Committee coming together to push commonsense legislation that will benefit veterans looking to further their education."

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