U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in voting to advance H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017. The legislation was passed by a bipartisan vote of 405 to 0.

“This is a transformational expansion of GI Bill benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependents,” said Upton. “Since 1944 the GI Bill has provided our veterans the opportunity to invest in their futures through access to education benefits. By growing these education and workforce training opportunities we can help ease their transition from active duty to civilian life. I applaud the passage of this legislation and look forward to swift consideration in the U.S. Senate.”

The biggest expansion of college aid for military veterans in a decade, H.R. 3218 eliminates the expiration date on educational benefits and increases money for thousands of soldiers serving in the National Guard and Reserves. The bill also provides additional funds for military students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. It also provides 100 percent GI Bill eligibility to Post 9/11 Purple Heart recipients.

The bill is supported by nearly 40 veteran’s advocacy groups including the American Legion, the Student Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign War, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Got Your 6.

This vote follows on Upton’s longtime efforts to stand up for our brave veterans, and their families. In June, Upton and the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and in February, Upton and the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a package of bipartisan bills to help veterans succeed in the workforce.