Banks Proposal Included in Bill to Expand, Extend GI Bill

Statement

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, today announced that legislation he introduced in March has been included in a bipartisan legislative package that would expand and extend the GI Bill.

The Banks legislation would make permanent a pilot program called VetSuccess on Campus, which places counselors on college campuses to assist veterans in navigating their GI benefits and charting their higher education path. More information about the VetSuccess on Campus program is available here.

"The VetSuccess on Campus program is a valuable tool to help our veterans not only receive GI benefits but also use them well," said Banks. "I am pleased to see my bill included in this important legislation."

Banks said he strongly supports the broader legislative package, which would improve and extend GI Bill benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents.

"The original GI Bill transformed our country and allowed an entire generation of veterans the opportunity to receive an education," said Banks. "This bill will invest in a new generation of veterans as they transition back to civilian life and give them the opportunity to succeed."

The bipartisan, bicameral legislative package is budget neutral and includes provisions that have been proposed and prioritized by Veterans Service Organizations. It is sponsored by every member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The legislation will be considered by the House Veterans Affairs Committee this week.

Source