The U.S. Senate on Monday approved legislation that would protect student veterans affected by accreditor shutdowns.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 (H.R.5985) authorizes VA's services for the next fiscal year. It also includes a provision that would allow the VA to protect veterans using education benefits if the Secretary of Education withdraws recognition of the agency that accredited a veteran's school.
Under the legislation, GI Bill educational benefits would continue to flow to student veterans for up to 18 months after their school's accreditor loses its federal recognition. Currently, student veterans affected by an accreditor shutdown immediately lose access to their GI Bill benefits, including housing.
The provision passed Monday mirrors existing 18-month protections for colleges whose students receive Pell Grants and student loans from the Education Department, reported Politico Morning Education. It also reduces the potential fallout for the Obama administration to move ahead with its recommendation to terminate federal recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
The legislation, which cleared the House last week, now heads to the president's desk.
Related Links
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Press Release
http://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/majority-news/isakson-applauds-passage-of-bill-to-authorize-va-programs
Politico Morning Education
http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-education/2016/09/career-education-bill-breaks-down-in-senate-216421