Bilirakis Introduces Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Education

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, today introduced H.R. 643, the Veterans Education Survey Act. Representative Bilirakis' legislation would study the effectiveness of educational assistance programs for Veterans administered by the Veterans Affairs Department. This study, conducted by a third party, will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Veterans' GI benefits.

"In order to positively change a program, it is crucial that legislators know which aspects of Veterans' educational benefits are working, and which are not," Bilirakis said. "Enhancing educational opportunities for our Veterans is imperative for their reintegration. Learning new skills, combined with the tools these Veterans have gained from their service, will further assist their transition to civilian life. These men and women have served bravely and deserve to be given every opportunity to succeed after they have dutifully served our nation," continued Bilirakis.

The Veterans Education Survey Act builds upon Representative Bilirakis' legislation, H.R. 4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act, which was signed into law at the end of the 112th Congress. H.R. 4057 requires the VA to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces by providing information on institutions of higher learning. H.R. 643 is part of Congressman Bilirakis' ongoing effort to improve educational opportunities for veterans.