Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
Representatives Derrick Van Orden, Don Davis, Scott Peters, and Elise Stefanik have introduced the Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act of 2024, aimed at simplifying the process for military servicemembers to have their student loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Congressman Van Orden emphasized the importance of supporting servicemembers, stating, “Those who answered the call to serve have made great sacrifices for our nation... The Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act does right by our servicemen and servicewomen by removing the red tape to obtaining PSLF credit, ensuring they will not be riddled with student debt during and after their time of service.”
Congressman Don Davis echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to keep the American dream within reach for veterans, stating, “Servicemembers should not have to struggle with student debt after dedicating themselves to serving our country... Forgiving student loans is the least we can do for them.”
Rep. Peters emphasized the need to streamline the process for military members to receive the benefits they have earned, stating, “Military members have earned these benefits through blood, sweat, and service for their country... Our bill will ensure servicemembers receive their benefits without any delay or burdensome paperwork.”
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik expressed her pride in introducing the legislation, noting, “Streamlining the process for our brave service members who selflessly serve our nation to receive the benefits they have earned is one of the many ways we can show our appreciation to them... It is incredibly important that we honor the extraordinary commitment our service members have made to our country as well as incentivize recruitment of future troops.”
Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs with Student Veterans of America (SVA), commended the bipartisan effort, stating, “The Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act of 2024 aims to reignite this effort by requiring DOD and ED to share pertinent data, thus automatically enabling borrowers to receive PSLF credit for their qualifying military service... SVA commends Representatives Van Orden, Davis, Peters, and Stefanik for their leadership on this commonsense legislation, which ensures that military borrowers rightfully receive the PSLF credit they earned.”
The Senate companion bill is led by Senators Cortez Masto and Moran, indicating bipartisan support for the initiative.
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