Bills of Congress June 5, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.3753 - Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 3753, the "Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act," aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code. The bill focuses on increasing the monthly housing stipend for veterans pursuing education solely through distance learning on a more than half-time basis under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
The proposed change involves striking "50 percent of" from Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(iii) of Title 38, potentially leading to a full housing stipend for eligible veterans.
The amendment would apply to academic terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would likely result in increased financial support for veterans enrolled in online education programs. This could lead to higher enrollment rates and improved educational outcomes for veterans utilizing distance learning.
By removing the 50% cap, the bill intends to provide veterans with housing stipends equivalent to those attending in-person programs.

Potential Benefits 4/5

* **Increased Access to Education:** More veterans may be able to afford online education.
* **Improved Financial Stability:** Higher stipends can ease the financial burden on student veterans.
* **Enhanced Educational Outcomes:** Reduced financial stress can lead to better academic performance.
* **Greater Flexibility:** Supports veterans who need the flexibility of online learning.
* **Modernization of Benefits:** Adapts veteran benefits to the changing landscape of education.

Most Benefited Areas:

Education & Skill Development ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Economic Growth & Job Creation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Social Equity & Poverty Reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

* **Potential for Increased Costs:** The federal government may incur higher expenses.
* **Risk of Fraud:** Increased stipends could attract fraudulent claims.
* **Administrative Burden:** Implementing the changes may require additional administrative resources.
* **Equity Concerns:** May create disparities between online and in-person students if not carefully managed.
* **Unintended Consequences:** The removal of the 50% cap may have unforeseen budgetary impacts.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to improve the lives of veterans through educational support. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections. It is a legislative action aimed at adjusting existing federal programs.