Rep. Banks Applauds Signing of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act
Washington,
April 30, 2020
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee, applauded President Trump’s signing of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which he co-sponsored. “The spirit of the GI Bill is clear. If you serve your country, the United States will repay you with an education. During COVID-19, we need to ensure our student veterans don’t have to worry about housing costs as they complete their studies,” said Rep. Banks. Background: H.R. 6322 was introduced by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. With many colleges moving to online instruction because of COVID-19, student-veterans who rely on work-study allowances to pay for necessities like rent and food are having trouble making ends meet. The bill ensures that students who cannot transition to online coursework maintain their GI Bill eligibility next semester. The bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying housing allowances during the present emergency period The bill also preserves the GI Bill’s work-study, vocational rehabilitation, and employment programs and GI Bill benefits now and in future emergency situations. See HERE for more information on H.R. 6322 |