Kaptur Votes to Ensure National Guard Members, Military Reservists Receive Equal G.I. Bill Benefits

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1836 – the Guard and Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act – which ensures that National Guard members and Military Reservists receive equal access to G.I. Bill education benefits as active duty servicemembers. Rep. Kaptur joined every House Democrat in supporting the bill, while more than 60 percent of House Republicans opposed it. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for its consideration.

Under current federal law, National Guard members and Military Reservists do not qualify for the same G.I. Bill education benefits as active duty servicemembers – even though National Guard members and Military Reservists often serve side-by-side with active duty servicemembers, and are frequently called upon for mission support.

The Guard and Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act expands eligibility for post-9/11 G.I. Bill education assistance to National Guard members and Military Reservists who perform training, active military service, inactive training, and general duty services.

“Over the last several years, our National Guard members and Military Reservists have increasingly been called upon to support critical missions across Ohio and throughout the nation,” said Rep. Kaptur. “From protecting the homeland and supporting the mission of troops abroad, to responding to natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic – National Guard members and Military Reservists have served America honorably at a time when they were needed most. I am proud to support the Guard and Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act to ensure these distinguished patriots receive the education benefits they most certainly deserve.”

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For more information, contact Chris Dalton at chris.dalton@mail.house.gov or (202) 897-7438.