Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), alongside Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), has introduced the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to allow veterans who received their Purple Heart after service to transfer educational benefits to their dependents.

“I’m proud to support policies that honor the promises made to the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Boozman. “Ensuring that veterans, and especially Purple Heart recipients, are able to access the benefits they have earned for themselves and their families is a duty that Congress should always prioritize.”

Senator Murray emphasized the importance of supporting Purple Heart veterans: “Purple Heart veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedoms, and we as a nation should do everything we can to support them and their families when they return—that includes ensuring all Purple Heart veterans have the full benefits they have earned.” She noted her personal connection as the daughter of a Purple Heart veteran.

Senator Tillis highlighted the need for this legislative correction: “Purple Heart recipients are heroes who honorably served our country at great costs, and this oversight that prevents servicemembers who received this distinguished award after their service from transferring their GI bill benefits to their dependents needs to be corrected immediately.”

The proposed legislation would allow those awarded the Purple Heart post-service in the Armed Forces to transfer post-9/11 educational benefits among dependents. It also provides flexibility in allocating up to 36 months of benefits among them. Additionally, it ensures these educational benefits cannot be treated as marital property or part of a marital estate. The act allows dependents to use unused benefits even after a veteran's death.

The bill is cosponsored by several senators including Rick Scott (R-FL), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Michael Bennet (D-CO). In parallel, Congressmen Mike Levin (D-CA-49) and Greg Murphy (R-NC-03) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Endorsements for this initiative come from organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.