The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday night passed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore’s (R-Enterprise) bill to expand in-state tuition eligibility for families of veterans who die from service-related disabilities.
Moore’s bill, the “Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021,” passed the House by a vote of 424-0. Companion legislation, carried by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), previously passed the upper chamber and will now head to the desk of President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
The South Alabama congressman took to the House floor in support of the bill.
“[M]embers of our military and their families sacrifice so much in service to our country,” Moore outlined. “As a grateful nation, we have accepted the responsibility to ensure that the educational needs of the survivors and dependents of our fallen heroes are provided for.”
Moore advised that the Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program presently provides eligible participants $1,224 a month to assist in covering costs of higher education. The program is offered to survivors and dependents of certain servicemembers who died while on active duty or were found to be completely service-connected disabled or passed from a service-connected disability.
He added, “The Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act would expand DEA program benefits, requiring GI Bill eligible schools to extend in-state tuition benefits to beneficiaries of the Dependents Educational Assistance Program – bringing the rules for this program in line with the Post 9/11GI Bill.”
“It is fitting that this bill bears the name of U.S. Army Colonel John McHugh. Col. McHugh was tragically killed 11 years ago by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan,” Moore continued. “The loved ones left behind by this fallen hero have suffered unimaginable pain. The least we can do for his family, and others like them, is honor our commitment to them and ensure their education is affordable.”
The congressman concluded, “Col. McHugh’s family resides in my Southeast Alabama district in Enterprise. It gives me great pride that the name of this bill honors Col. McHugh’s legacy. This legislation is a commonsense solution to help our heroes’ families meet their higher education goals. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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