Bill Would Slash Housing Stipend for Vets’ Children

The Air Force Association is urging Congress to study the effects of a bill provision that would cut in half the housing allowance for the children of veterans using their parent’s GI Bill benefits. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) wrote on his blog that the current benefit often pays more than what is needed to find housing. The provision, part of a wide-ranging bill introduced by Wenstrup, would cut the housing stipend in half if a parent transfers their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to his or her child. AFA said the proposed legislation “would significantly change the benefits to military dependents” using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. “Although our nation is operating in a challenging budgetary environment, we must still engage in thoughtful discussion when considering any changes to service members’ benefits,” AFA stated. Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) also opposes the provision. “These men and women took an oath to protect this country and have put their lives on the line again and again to fulfill it. We promised them an education and a specific stipend when they returned, if not for them, for their spouse or children. That is what we are obligated to give them,” Walz said. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Feb. 9.