Rounds, Hirono Introduce Bill to Provide Transparency to Veterans Considering Enrolling in School

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today introduced the GI Bill Comparison Tool Improvement Act. This bill would increase transparency for veterans when choosing where to enroll in school by adding a metric to the GI Bill Comparison Tool identifying which educational institutions allow veterans to stay enrolled in classes pending receipt of GI Bill funds.

“We want all veterans to have the tools necessary to be successful after their service to our country, and choosing where to get your degree is an important decision,” said Rounds. “Our legislation would provide helpful information and transparency to veterans about which schools will allow them to stay in classes while their GI Bill funds are being disbursed. It is unfortunate that this type of legislation is even necessary, but it’s important that measures are taken to make sure veterans are not unfairly punished because the VA can’t pay its bills on time. Veterans should not be penalized if the VA takes too long to pay the school for the tuition that the veteran has earned through his or her service to our country.” 

“Veterans in Hawaii and across our country depend on their hard-earned GI Bill benefits to help them achieve their educational and professional goals,” said Hirono. “The GI Bill Comparison Tool Improvement Act will provide veterans with clear information on how higher education institutions manage delayed GI Bill payments, which will enable veterans to make informed decisions and avoid costly late fees, debt, or even disenrollment.”

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