S. 791 – GI Education Benefits Fairness Act of 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 2:55 AM UTC

The GI Education Benefits Fairness Act of 2019 updates the law governing the Post‑9/11 GI Bill so that veterans and service members can transfer their education benefits to a broader group of children. It expands the definition of “children” to include certain dependents listed in Title 10, making it clearer who can receive transferred benefits. The change affects eligible veterans, active‑duty personnel, and their spouses and families.

Key Provisions

Amends 38 U.S.C. §3319(c) to specify that “children” for benefit transfers includes dependents defined in Title 10 §1072(2)(I).
Confirms that an approved individual may transfer education assistance to a spouse, to one or more children (as newly defined), or to both.
Applies the amendment to all Post‑9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) assistance, regardless of when the benefits are paid.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S1850)

Veterans' Affairs Committee

March 13, 2019

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

March 13, 2019

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S1850)

Veterans' Affairs Committee

March 13, 2019

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S. 791 on the floor

1 Republican2 Democrats

Sen. Dianne FeinsteinD-CA · Mar 13, 2019

Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act.'' This legislation would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by…

Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act.'' This legislation would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 191,000 acres.

This legislation would provide surrounding communities with much- needed access to nature and open space, while maintaining private property rights and existing local land-use authorities.

The proposed expansion is based upon findings of the National Park Service after a six-year special resource study of the area.

This study was directed by Congress in the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, passed in 2008.

The National Park Service's recommendation takes into account over 2,000 comments received from the public, elected officials, local organizations, and other stakeholders.

This bill would add an additional 191,000 acres, known as the Rim of the Valley Unit, to the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area to provide members of the local community with improved recreational and educational opportunities.

The proposed expansion would also better protect natural resources and habitats, including valuable habitat for endangered wildlife, such as the California red-legged frog, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, badgers, coyotes, and deer.

Notably, the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' would only allow the Department of the Interior to acquire non-Federal land within the new boundaries through exchange, donation, or purchase from willing sellers.

I want to highlight that this legislation will not create any additional liability or restrictions for private property owners.

This legislation will significantly expand outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of Los Angeles County, one of the most densely populated and park-poor areas in California.

In fact, 47% of Californians--that's six percent of the total U.S. population--live within two hours of the proposed expansion area. Enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers, will provide these communities with increased access to public lands and boost the local economy.

This bill enjoys the support of more than 50 local municipalities, community groups, and elected officials. It is the product of significant public engagement in the legislative process.

I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for re-introducing this legislation in the House.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' as quickly as possible.

Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Sen. John ThuneR-SD · Mar 13, 2019

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Sen. Richard J. DurbinD-IL · Mar 13, 2019

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Sen. Richard J. DurbinD-IL · Mar 13, 2019

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued March 13, 2019

II

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 791

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 13, 2019

Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Tester, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Peters, Mr. Jones, Mr. Brown, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Harris, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Udall, Ms. Duckworth, and Mr. Wyden) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for clarification regarding the children to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the GI Education Benefits Fairness Act of 2019.

2.

Clarification regarding the children to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program

(a)

In general

Section 3319(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c)

Eligible dependents

(1)

Transfer

An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individual’s entitlement as follows:

(A)

To the individual’s spouse.

(B)

To one or more of the individual’s children.

(C)

To a combination of the individuals referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B).

(2)

Definition of children

For purposes of this subsection, the term children includes dependents described in section 1072(2)(I) of title 10.

.

(b)

Applicability

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to educational assistance payable under chapter 33 of such title before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.