Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, welcomed the Senate introduction of their legislation, the Servicemembers Improved Transition through Reforms for Ensuring Progress (SIT-REP) Act by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Boozman (R-AK). Kuster and Bilirakis led the House version of the bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives in May. The legislation prevents colleges or universities from charging or otherwise disrupting veterans education because of delays in receiving reimbursements from the VA due to certification delays by either the VA or the certifying officials at the institution.

“The men and women who have served in uniform deserve to have seamless access to services, including education,” said Kuster. “The education of our veterans should never be compromised because of errors or delays in payments to institutions by the VA. This legislation will give veterans peace of mind in knowing that they can achieve their academic goals without having to worry about unnecessary interruptions. I’ll continue working to help ensure that veterans in New Hampshire and across the country can get the high-quality services they deserve.”

“Veterans should never experience financial harm or denial of access to education due to bureaucratic red tape in processing paperwork at the VA or school.  The GI Bill is already a wonderful benefit that our Veterans have earned and this legislation makes the program better.  I am glad to see our Senate colleagues moving this issue forward and look forward to its expedited passage,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

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