Derrick Van Orden U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 3rd district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Derrick Van Orden U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 3rd district | Official U.S. House Headshot
The House of Representatives has passed the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act, introduced by Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03). The bill aims to establish educational parity between reservists and active-duty personnel by mandating that public higher education institutions charge the same in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR as those using other GI Bill programs.
Before the vote, Rep. Van Orden addressed his colleagues on the House floor, urging them to support the legislation. He highlighted that the need for this change was brought to his attention by a constituent, Mr. Greg Tremeling, during a Veterans Day listening session.
"This bill holds special meaning to me because the issue that this legislation addresses was raised by one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Tremeling, during a Veterans Day listening session," said Van Orden. "His voice, along with many other reservists and veterans, made clear the need for this change."
Van Orden emphasized the sacrifices made by servicemembers at Fort McCoy and recalled a tragic incident earlier in the year when three Army Reserve soldiers lost their lives in a drone attack in Jordan.
"These servicemembers gave everything to defend our country, a solemn reminder that reservists face the same risks and make the same sacrifices as their active-duty counterparts," he stated. "Their service must never be overlooked, and their sacrifices must always be honored."
He concluded by stressing that passing this bill would provide reservists with greater access to affordable education and ensure they receive opportunities deserving of their service.
"By addressing a key disparity in educational benefits, my legislation will provide reservists with greater access to an affordable education," Van Orden noted. "This is about more than just policy—it is about giving reservists the opportunities they deserve when they come home."
The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act now moves forward following its bipartisan approval in the House.
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