Armed Forces News

Congress is considering a bill that would make all holders of the Purple Heart medal eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., introduced H.R. 1379. Under current guidelines, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are extended only to veterans who served 36 months on active duty or are medically retired. If the bill passes, coverage would be extended to an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 veterans who hold Purple Hearts but otherwise do not meet criteria for the education benefit. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed the measure on March 8, and now faces a vote by the full House.