Legislation that would expand GI Bill benefits to members of the National Guard and Reserve components serving on certain federal duty statuses has been introduced in Congress.
Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – recently introduced the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025. The measure would allow additional federal active-duty service performed by guardsmen and reservists under specific duty statuses to count towards their GI Bill eligibility.
“The men and women of the National Guard and Reserves are being called on to serve our country more often than before and are performing the same service as active-duty servicemembers,” Moran said. “The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act would make certain our guardsmen and reservists have the same educational benefits and opportunities to pursue higher education when carrying out the same responsibilities.”
Blumenthal said members of the National Guard and Reserves deserve comprehensive educational benefits.
“The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act ensures that Guard and Reserve service members receive credit for every day spent in uniform, allowing these individuals to pursue their higher education and career goals,” he said. “With this critical legislation, we honor the service of our nation’s Guardsmen and Reservists and ensure they are eligible for the educational benefits they have rightfully earned.”
The legislation is being supported by several Veteran Services Organizations, including the VFW.
“This bill would allow any day in uniform receiving military pay to count toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility,” said VFW Deputy Legislative Director Kristina Keenan. “For years, the sacrifices of Guard and Reserve service members have been overlooked in achieving GI Bill eligibility.
Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, president of the National Guard Association of the United States, called the GI Bill a phenomenal draw to joining the military.
“We invest in our servicemembers because they invest in our nation’s freedom,” he said. “Each day in uniform should count towards accruing education benefits, including time spent away on drill weekends and annual training for the National Guard. This bill creates parity across the components and recognizes our Guardsmen and women for their valued contributions.”
Other VSOs supporting the legislation include The American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, the Reserve Officers Association, Student Veterans of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans Education Success and The Air Force Sergeants Association.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Mike Levin (D-Calf.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.).
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.