Ciscomani Leads Bipartisan Push to Increase Benefits for Online Student Veterans

Specifically, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act (H.R. 3753) would increase the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) monthly housing allowance for student-veterans who attend classes online during the summer semester. Under current law, student-veterans enrolled in online classes only receive half the monthly housing allowance compared to their in-person counterparts.

"As our service members transition to civilian life and pursue educational opportunities, they deserve to have access to all the benefits their service earned, regardless of whether the classes are in-person or virtual," said Ciscomani. "As education and pathways to career success continue to evolve and online classes become more prevalent, I am proud lead this bipartisan effort to eliminate the disparity between online and in-person classes to ensure our veterans have flexibility as they pursue further education."

Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

"As veterans transition back to civilian life, they deserve to fully access the benefits they have earned," said Van Orden. "This bill ensures that student veterans can pursue their education on their own timeline without the added stress of wondering how they will afford rent."

"Arizona's student veterans have earned the right to pursue their education without having to worry about how they're going pay for their home," said Stanton. "Our bipartisan bill delivers the fairness and financial security these veterans deserve by ensuring those taking online classes receive the same housing support as their in-person peers. We're honoring our promise to those who served and making sure every veteran can use their hard-earned VA education benefits."

This legislation is supported by Military-Veterans Advocacy Inc, AM Vets, Students Veterans of America (SVA), the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Commander J.B. Well, Executive Director of Military-Veterans Advocacy Inc.: "Since the Second World War, Congress has provided our veterans with educational benefits including a housing stipend to allow them to attend school free from worry about where they will live. Technology has allowed the development of online education. These students deserve the same benefits as though who attend classes in-person. Making it easier for veterans to attend class not only rewards them for their service but acts as an investment in our national future."

Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs at SVA: "SVA strongly supports the introduction of H.R. 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act. This legislation would ensure that student veterans attending classes solely online receive the national average monthly housing allowance during the semester of their enrollment. Online MHA parity supports student veterans as they pursue higher education where they are at. Many student veterans choose online education out of necessity rather than preference, as they are often balancing other responsibilities such as childcare, caregiving, or familial obligations. SVA thanks Representative Ciscomani, Representative Stanton, and Representative Van Orden for their dedication and efforts to support student veterans nationwide. By establishing parity for online MHA, we continue to encourage student veterans to pursue their education and have access to the same educational opportunity as their counterparts."

Find the full text of the bill here.

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