Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven, Jeanne Shaheen, Jerry Moran, and Michael Bennet have reintroduced a bill aimed at establishing a permanent federal tuition assistance program for Air National Guard members. The proposed legislation, known as the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, mandates that the Secretary of the Air Force provide tuition assistance to drill-status members of the Air National Guard. This program is intended to align with the existing tuition assistance available to Army National Guard members.

The STATUS Act has garnered support from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). This initiative follows previous efforts by Senators Hoeven and Shaheen to establish and fund a pilot federal tuition assistance program, ensuring access for North Dakota and New Hampshire Air Guardsmen. Over fiscal years 2020-2023, $18.8 million was secured to support this initiative.

Senator Hoeven emphasized the importance of equal benefits for Air Guard members: “Our legislation makes the Air Guard FTA pilot program that we first worked to establish in 2020 permanent and available to drill-status Guard members across the country.”

Senator Shaheen highlighted the impact on recruitment and retention: “Ensuring that the brave women and men serving in the Air National Guard have access to educational opportunities will not only help our recruitment and retention but will also enhance our overall military preparedness.”

Senator Moran noted: “Providing the same educational benefits to the Air National Guard that the Army National Guard receives will help increase recruitment rates.”

In Colorado, Senator Bennet remarked on local significance: “Colorado is home to over 1,500 Air National Guardsmen whose dedication and sacrifice helps keep our state and country safe.”

Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, NGAUS President, expressed gratitude for legislative efforts: “We must equally provide for our Soldiers and our Airmen. This bill corrects a long-standing gap in National Guard benefits.”