Bilirakis Introduces Legislation to Improve Veterans' GI Benefits

Press Release

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, introduced H.R. 4151, the Veterans Education Survey Act, which will initiate a study of the effectiveness of educational assistance programs administered by the Veterans Affairs Department for veterans, on March 5, 2013. The survey will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of veterans' GI benefits.

"The first step in making positive changes to a program is to fully understand its benefits and drawbacks. My legislation will require the VA to contract with a third party to conduct a comprehensive study of all veterans' experiences using their education benefits under the GI Bill," Bilirakis said. "This study will allow Congress and the VA to know what works and what doesn't. Congress will have the information to improve veterans' educational benefits. A study minimizes the possibility of any changes having negative and unintended consequences."

The Veterans Education Survey Act builds upon Bilirakis' legislation, H.R. 4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act, which was signed into law at the end of the 112th Congress. H.R. 4057 requires the VA to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces by providing information on institutions of higher learning. H.R. 4151 is part of Bilirakis' ongoing effort to improve educational opportunities for veterans.

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