WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, joins Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) in sponsoring an amendment to the Senate Continuing Resolution (CR) reinstating the Tuition Assistance program for service members. As a result of sequestration, the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force have suspended Tuition Assistance benefits, which are designated for active duty service members. 

“Sacrifices in sequestration are to be expected, but the Administration’s decision to make immediate cuts to the welfare of those who serve this country with duty and honor is absurd,” Sen. Moran said. “The Tuition Assistance program gives our active-duty service members the quality education they deserve, and helps make certain our military has the best and brightest defending our freedom. The program also levels the playing field when members of the military return to civilian life. Education is our best economic development tool, and the best investment we can make in America’s future.

“We can and must be smarter with our spending decisions and make cuts in ways that do not intentionally and unnecessarily inflict hardship and aggravation upon our service men and women,” Sen. Moran continued. “This amendment will reinstate the Tuition Assistance program and make certain our service members receive the college education they deserve.”

In Fiscal Year 2012, approximately 300,000 service members participated in the Tuition Assistance program, which allows active military to attend school part time while serving their nation. During that time, active duty service members enrolled in the program took 870,000 courses and earned more than 50,000 degrees, diplomas or certificates.

The Administration’s decision to target the Tuition Assistance program exempts those who are already receiving aid, but prevents service members from submitting new requests for the assistance.

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