U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) announced on Thursday that he is sponsoring legislation to increase the number of National Guard members eligible for the GI Bill.

Members of the National Guard, per Moore’s office, are not made eligible for the GI Bill when they are given assignments like serving on America’s southern border or protecting the U.S. Capitol, two assignments many Guard members have received in recent years.

Moore wants to change that.

“For months, members of the National Guard have selflessly served our nation by responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting the U.S. Capitol, and defending our southern border; these heroes deployed on federal orders have earned GI Bill benefits,” argued Moore in a statement.

Moore, who served in the Alabama National Guard himself earlier in his career, is a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. His legislation is supported by Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), the committee’s ranking member, and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).

“As a former member of the Alabama National Guard, I am well aware of the inequity surrounding benefits provided to servicemembers compared to those on active duty,” said Moore in a statement.

The GI Bill pays for educational opportunities and job training for former members of the United States Armed Services.

“We are incredibly grateful for our servicemen and women, and my legislation helps secure these vital benefits by removing the bureaucratic hurdles the members of our National Guard encounter,” he added.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.