Number 32--Update, April 2003:
House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Provide Student Loan Relief for U.S. Troops

Legislation Would Ensure America's HEROES Do Not Face Unnecessary Financial Burdens as they Serve the Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed legislation, introduced by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), to provide student loan relief for U.S. military reservists called to active duty.  H.R. 1412, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES), would ensure support for military personnel by allowing the U.S. Secretary of Education to provide the appropriate assistance and flexibility to our men and women in uniform as they transfer in and out of postsecondary education during a time of war.

"I am pleased to address two issues close to my heart, education and the well-being of those in our armed forces, with one legislative effort," said Rep. Kline.  "It is imperative that we show our appreciation for the men and women called to service and make sure they do not suffer financially from burdensome student loan obligations."

Members of the House united in 2001 and unanimously passed similar legislation providing the Secretary of Education waiver authority in the midst of the tragedy of September 11th.  The legislation passed on the House floor today continues this support for military personnel, allowing the Secretary to address the needs of those serving now, and provide flexibility and relief for those who may need it in the future.

Many of the men and women serving in the Persian Gulf conflict are U.S. military reservists who are college and university students participating in federal financial aid programs.  The HEROES legislation extends waiver authority that allows the U.S. Secretary of Education to excuse such military personnel from their federal student loan obligations while they are on active duty.  For example, the families of military reservists who left their jobs when called to active duty could be relieved from making student loan payments during the time of service, and the families of borrowers serving on active duty could be given relief from collection calls from lenders while the conflict is taking place.

"I applaud the leadership of Congressman Kline, and the resolve of this Congress, as we all work together to support our troops defending freedom overseas," said John Boehner (R-OH), chairman of the Education & the Workforce Committee.  "Providing the Secretary of Education with the flexibility to grant financial relief for the men and women serving overseas will provide critical support at a time when it is needed the most."

HEROES also allows the Secretary of Education to quickly react to situations not yet existing in order to provide the flexibility and protections necessary to best assist military personnel with the transition to and from postsecondary education as they work to serve our nation.  Additionally, the bill asks postsecondary institutions to provide a full refund of tuition and fees to students for the period they were not able to complete because of their service, and minimizes requirements for reapplication, making it easier for military personnel to reenter their postsecondary education when they return from active duty.  It would also ask lending institutions holding or servicing federal student loans to provide all available benefits, deferrals, and flexibility to ensure the men and women of our armed services are not placed in financial hardship because of their service to the nation.

The legislation that passed the House today represents the broad commitment of this Congress to support military personnel and ensure the availability of a postsecondary education to all those who seek it.  Providing relief from the financial burdens associated with a higher education is essential as the men and women overseas fight to preserve freedom and defend our nation.

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