RELEASE
Palazzo National Guard Provisions Included in GI Bill
Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today released a statement after Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) introduced the GI bill legislative package that included key provisions from Palazzo’s 12304b bill that seeks to restore National Guard and Reserve Component benefits.
“When the 12304b authority was authorized, legislation failed to make corresponding changes to 5 USC, 10 USC, 37 USC, and 38 USC, which resulted in National Guard and Reserve Component service members being denied many of the benefits as their active-duty counterparts performing the same or similar missions. The provisions in this bill restores the GI Bill Benefits to soldiers deployed under 12304b orders.
“Many of the best performing units in the military come from the Reserve and Guard, yet the DoD has created a scenario where our soldiers are receiving less than equal treatment. Today’s bill is a huge milestone in helping to ensure that all of those who are putting their lives on the line for our country are given the benefits they have earned.”
Chairman Roe stated, “Reservists and guardsmen who are placed on active duty orders deserve the same GI Bill benefits as the men and women they fight alongside. As a member of the National Guard himself, Rep. Palazzo understands firsthand the service and sacrifice of our reservists and guardsmen, and I thank him for his leadership on this important issue.”
The GI Bill increases veterans’ access to education and workforce training and improves the education benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents. The benefit will now be available for new service members’ throughout their lifetimes for the first time ever.
7/13/17
Magnolia Tribune
