To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance.
Summary
H.R. 5436 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically targeting educational institutions that withhold transcripts from individuals who have used Post-9/11 educational assistance. The bill seeks to prevent institutions from withholding transcripts solely due to outstanding debts owed by these individuals. This proposed change directly affects veterans and their access to educational records.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 5436 would ensure that veterans using Post-9/11 educational benefits can access their transcripts without being held back by outstanding debts to the educational institution. This would allow veterans to pursue further education or employment opportunities without transcript-related obstacles. The bill would add a new section to Chapter 33 of Title 38, specifically addressing the prohibition of withholding transcripts.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures veterans can access their transcripts regardless of debt owed to the institution.
- Facilitates further educational and employment opportunities for veterans.
- Reduces administrative barriers for veterans seeking to advance their careers.
- Promotes fairness and equity in access to educational records for those who served.
- Aligns with the intent of the Post-9/11 educational assistance program.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create financial challenges for educational institutions if veterans do not pay outstanding debts.
- Could incentivize some veterans to delay or avoid paying their debts to educational institutions.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on institutions to track and manage debts separately from transcript release.
- Might require additional oversight to prevent abuse of the system.
- Could lead to disputes between veterans and institutions regarding outstanding debt amounts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support veterans' education and career advancement. Congress has the power to legislate in areas concerning the military and veterans' affairs, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to raise and support armies and provide for a navy. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).