Specifically, because of the inclusion of Loebsack’s bipartisan National Guard Education Equality Act, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act will expand GI Bill benefits for over 84,000 members of the National Guard nationwide and over 1,300 members of the Iowa National Guard. Originally, only service overseas, classified as Title 10 service, was counted toward GI Bill benefits for the National Guard. Now, National Guard members who have served in federally funded homeland security missions, classified as Title 32 service, are eligible to receive the full benefits they are owed.

“Our National Guard members who participate in disaster response, protection of US airspace, border security, and many other critical homeland security missions deserve the full Post 9/11 GI benefits they have earned and the opportunities that come with those benefits,” added Loebsack. “I have had the privilege to meet many Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and I am honored to have been able to work on their behalf to ensure they receive the education benefits that will enable them to be part of the American dream.”

The Post 9/11 Veterans Education Improvements Act will improve the original Post 9/11 GI Bill by allowing veterans to apply their benefits to vocational education, licensing and certification courses and on the job training. In addition, the bill will provide living allowances for veterans in distance learning programs and expand a book stipend to active duty service members.