Cornyn Bill to Broaden GI Benefits for Veterans in STEM Fields Passes Senate

I released the following statement after my Veteran STEM Scholarship Improvement Act, a bill to help veterans take full advantage of the scholarship provided to veterans studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM fields), passed the Senate yesterday.

Even with a unique set of skills and unparalleled work ethic, veterans’ transition from the military to civilian life can be difficult. I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate have joined me in easing veterans’ transition by eliminating obstacles to federal resources.  By broadening the Nourse STEM Scholarship, we can help more veterans take advantage of educational opportunities and support those who have done so much in support of our nation.”

Background:

The Nourse STEM Scholarship, created by the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 and which I support, provides an additional nine months or $30,000 of GI Bill eligibility to student veterans pursing a STEM degree.  Current law mandates that eligible STEM programs exceed 128 required credit hours; however, most programs in the United States and the average STEM degree program in Texas require less than 128 credit hours.  This bill would reduce that requirement in the Nourse STEM Scholarship to reflect that STEM programs should exceed 120 required credit hours so that more veterans are able to take advantage of the scholarship.

A companion bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 24, 2019.