Jimmy Panetta

09/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 11:09

Panetta, Steel, Lee Introduce Legislation to Improve Housing Benefits for Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced the Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act to increase flexibility for student veterans to access housing benefits provided through the G.I. Bill.

H.R. 9854 allows veterans enrolled in postsecondary education - who are parents of a dependent child - to receive their full housing stipend under the G.I. Bill even if they are pursuing online education. Such a flexibility is warranted amid increasing movement by academic institutions toward online education as well as rising housing expenses.

Joining Panetta, Steel, and Lee as original cosponsors are Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and David Valadao (R-CA). A Senate companion measure is led by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

"Despite advances in online education, too many veteran parents still face the difficult choice between advancing their education and caring for their children," said Rep. Panetta. "The bipartisan, bicameral Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act would ensure that veterans receive their full housing stipend whether they attend classes online or in person, offering much-needed flexibility for military families. We have a responsibility to ensure that our veterans, especially those who are parents, have the resources and support they need to succeed and provide for their families."

"Our veterans deserve full access to their G.I Bill housing benefits as they navigate the challenges of higher education and parenting, regardless of where their classroom is located,"said Rep. Michelle Steel. "My legislation is a practical solution to ensuring our nation's heroes receive the benefits necessary to support their families and further their education."

"For many veteran families, pursuing higher education online may be their only option. And those families should be eligible for a full housing stipend," said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3).

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and many are balancing school, work, and family life. For some, online education is the only real option to maintain that balance,"said Congresswoman Luna. "This legislation ensures that student veterans with children can access their full housing benefits, whether they're attending classes in person or online. Veterans and their families deserve better. I look forward to helping Congresswoman Steel pass this legislation to make their academic goals more attainable."

"We need to ensure veterans have the support they need to get their degree and find meaningful work when they return from service," said Congressman Valadao. "I'm proud to support Rep. Steel's legislation that will enable more parent veterans to pursue their academic goals without worrying about how they're going to make rent."

"Ensuring our veteran parents can access their G.I. Bill benefits without sacrificing their parental duties is not just a matter of fairness, but of honoring their sacrifices. The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act seeks to remove unnecessary barriers, while recognizing education shouldn't be a privilege that conflicts with parenthood, but a right that empowers both," said Senator Rubio.

"We should not force veterans who are parents to choose between pursuing higher education and taking care of their family," said Senator Rosen. "This bipartisan bill will make sure veterans who have dependent children can receive their full housing stipend even if they pursue a full time online education. Our nation has a responsibility to ensure the men and women who served in uniform get the benefits they need to transition back to civilian life."

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