Rep. Peters Helps Pass Expanded GI Bill Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after his vote of support helped pass H.R. 357, the ‘GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act.’

“The veterans’ unemployment rate in San Diego is disproportionately higher than other parts of the country because so many recently returning veterans come back here to live and build their new lives,” Rep. Peters said. “This legislation will make it easier for our returning vets to go to college or vocational school so they can get the education and skills training they need to get a good job and lead fulfilling lives. Given the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country, it’s the very least we can do.”

“It also builds on the work I’ve been doing to help homeless vets, which continues to be a top priority for me,” he added.

The legislation improves benefits available to veterans under the GI Bill, including the requirement that veterans are allowed to attend public institutions at in-state tuition rates. Further, the bill makes clarifications in the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which will allow all homeless veterans to be eligible for the Department of Labor’s job-training programs. Congressman Peters introduced a bill early last year to create a pilot program aimed at reducing the elderly homeless veterans’ population through non-transitional housing and wraparound services. Additionally, today’s legislation extends the benefit period for vocational rehabilitation and work-study provisions to give veterans increased flexibility.

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