Veterans Committee Approves GI BIll Reform that Includes Banks Proposal

Statement

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, today made the following statement after the committee approved a bipartisan legislative package that would expand and extend the GI Bill:

"This is an important bill for our veterans that is supported by Republicans and Democrats. The legislation will invest in a new generation of veterans as they transition back to civilian life and give them the opportunity to succeed. I am hopeful that the full House will consider this legislation soon."

The legislation -- which would improve and extend GI Bill benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents -- now moves to the full House for consideration. The bill includes a proposal introduced by Congressman Banks that 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 bipartisan, bicameral legislative package is budget neutral and includes provisions that have been proposed and prioritized by Veterans Service Organizations.

Source