H.R. 2365House109th Congress (2005-2007)In Committee

Montgomery GI Bill Flexibility Act of 2005

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Economic Opportunity Subcommittee

June 1, 2005

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 16, 2005

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 16, 2005

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Economic Opportunity Subcommittee

June 1, 2005

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.R. 2365 on the floor

1 Democrat

Rep. Bob FilnerD-CA-51 · Jun 28, 2005

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to urge support for two bills that I have introduced that address the needs of our veterans. We have recently celebrated Flag Day, and I believe an…

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to urge support for two bills that I have introduced that address the needs of our veterans. We have recently celebrated Flag Day, and I believe an appropriate way to celebrate Flag Day is to introduce bills that will help veterans in pursuing their education and gaining admission to state veterans homes.

My bill, H.R. 2365, the ``Montgomery GI Bill Flexibility Act'', improves education benefits. An important piece of the Fiscal Year 2003 Defense Authorization bill that Congress passed was a provision that extends the time limit from 10 to 14 years for members of the Selected Reserve to use their GI Bill education benefits. Life in 2005 can make it difficult to finish an education in 10 years. Many times, veterans with families, work commitments, and economic difficulties are unable to fulfill all their requirements to receive a degree or certification within the 10-year period, and Congress recognized this difficulty for members of the Selected Reserve. It is time to extend the number of years for all participants of the Montgomery GI Bill.

A veteran who is interested in seeing H.R. 2365 pass writes: ``I served 8 years of active duty in the Army, including the Persian Gulf War. I am also a family member of an active duty service member. In support of my husband's military career, I have moved six times, currently planning move number 7, in the past 9 years. That, coupled with three babies, has made it difficult for me to use my GI Bill benefits.'' H.R. 2365 will ensure that more veterans are able to avail themselves of the educational opportunity that they have earned.

I have also introduced H.R. 3009, ``A Guaranteed Home For Our Veterans Act'', to address a problem that has been called to my attention by my constituents. One was told by his state veterans home in California that if he chose to transfer to his home state of Minnesota, he would have to wait a year in order to establish state residency before being accepted. Veterans should be able to transfer to any other state veterans home on a space-available basis. H.R. 3009 would make that change to save veterans from severe hardships if they want to move to be closer to their families.

Better Long Term Care and Education Benefits for our nation's veterans! I urge my colleagues to support these veterans' bills.

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued May 16, 2005

109th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2365

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 16, 2005

Mr. Filner introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Montgomery GI Bill Flexibility Act of 2005.

Extension of time limitation for use of Montgomery GI Bill entitlement

(a)

Extension of limitation period

Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking 10-year each place it appears and inserting 14-year.

(b)

Effective date and applicability

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to individuals whose entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, has not expired as of such date under the provisions of section 3031 of such title as in effect on the date preceding such date of enactment.