H.R.2034 - Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2034, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act, proposes amendments to title 38 of the United States Code, specifically targeting the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. The bill aims to modify the scholarship's requirements to broaden access and improve its effectiveness. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 11, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to change the criteria for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. This includes altering the requirements for remaining credit hours and modifying the prioritization of scholarship recipients. The bill also stipulates that individuals must exhaust their existing educational assistance before using the STEM scholarship benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to STEM education for veterans by adjusting credit hour requirements.
- Prioritization of veterans who have used the most educational assistance, encouraging completion of their programs.
- Support for veterans pursuing STEM degrees, aligning with high-demand fields.
- Streamlined scholarship usage by requiring exhaustion of existing benefits first.
- Potential for a more skilled workforce in STEM fields, benefiting the economy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden in implementing the new prioritization criteria.
- Possible delays for veterans in receiving STEM scholarship benefits due to the requirement to exhaust existing assistance first.
- Could create confusion among veterans regarding eligibility and application processes.
- May not address other barriers to STEM education, such as prerequisite knowledge or access to resources.
- Limited impact if the overall funding for the scholarship remains unchanged.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting education and opportunities for veterans. Congress has the power to legislate for the common defense and provide for veterans' welfare, as implied in Article I, Section 8. 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).