Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act Advances

The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 advanced through the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which ordered it to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Introduced by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the bipartisan bill expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility for National Guard and Reserve members by counting additional federal active-duty service—such as training, drills, and disaster response—toward benefits. This aligns their education perks with those of active-duty troops performing similar roles.[1][4][6]

The legislation, S. 649, was referred to the committee on Feb. 20, 2025, after earlier versions gained traction in prior Congresses, including House passage in 2022. Supporters like the Military Officers Association of America and Reserve Officers Association praise it for boosting recruiting, retention, and readiness by honoring "every day in uniform." However, the National Taxpayers Union opposes it without offsets, estimating a $2 billion cost over 10 years from broadening benefits beyond federal mobilizations.[2][4][5]

For Milwaukee residents, this hits home with thousands of Wisconsin National Guard members who drill locally, respond to floods or storms, and deploy abroad—often juggling civilian jobs at places like Harley-Davidson or Froedtert Hospital. Expanded GI Bill access could help them afford degrees at UW-Milwaukee or MATC, easing the transition to skilled trades amid the city's manufacturing boom and veteran unemployment challenges.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for debate, with a companion House version, H.R. 1423, already passed by a subcommittee chaired by Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden. Swift passage could deliver benefits by next year, pending budget negotiations from Congress.[6][7]