Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2003

Bill: 108-hr-1713
Sponsor: Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17]
Introduced: 2003-04-10 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: College costs
Compensatory education
Cost of living adjustments
Disabled
Economics and Public Finance
Education
Elementary and secondary education
Government lending
Higher education
Income
Military discharges
Military pay
Recruiting and enlistment
Scholarships
Secondary education
Student loan funds
Veterans' education

Summary:
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2003 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 2003: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program. Provides a monthly stipend for approved programs of education.
Increases the rates of basic educational assistance.
Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance; and (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance.
Excludes educational assistance payments from income for purposes of eligibility for Federal educational loans.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2004-02-03
text: Unfavorable Executive Comment Received from DOD.
action_date: 2003-04-28
text: Executive Comment Requested from DOD.
action_date: 2003-04-28
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Total Force.
action_date: 2003-04-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits.
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2003-04-10
text: Introduced in House