Bill to establish educational parity between reservists and active-duty passes House – WisPolitics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s (WI-03) Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote. The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act establishes parity between reservists and active-duty personnel by requiring public higher education institutions to charge the same in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR as veterans using other GI Bill programs.

Prior to its passage, Rep. Van Orden spoke on the House floor encouraging his colleagues to support the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act.

Congressman Van Orden’s floor remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am honored to speak today on behalf of my legislation, H.R. 7323, The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act.

This bill holds special meaning to me because the issue that this legislation addresses was raised by one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Tremeling, during a Veterans Day listening session.

His voice, along with many other reservists and veterans, made clear the need for this change.

This is what representative government should be—listening to our constituents and acting on their behalf.

I am proud to represent the brave men and women serving at Fort McCoy, who make sacrifices every day to keep our nation secure.

Earlier this year, we were tragically reminded of the ultimate sacrifice our servicemembers make when three Army Reserve soldiers lost their lives in a drone attack in Jordan.

These servicemembers gave everything to defend our country, a solemn reminder that reservists face the same risks and make the same sacrifices as their active-duty counterparts.

Their service must never be overlooked, and their sacrifices must always be honored.

By passing this bill, we take a step toward ensuring parity between reservists and active-duty service members.

By addressing a key disparity in educational benefits, my legislation will provide reservists with greater access to an affordable education.

This is about more than just policy—it is about giving reservists the opportunities they deserve when they come home.

Mr. Speaker, death does not care if you are in training, a reservist, or on active duty.

The strength of our nation lies not only in its military power but in how we care for those who serve—whether it’s the three soldiers we lost in Jordan or veterans like Mr. Tremeling, who raised the need for change.

By passing this bill, we honor their service and ensure future generations of reservists are supported.

I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation, and with that, I yield back.