Central ND 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 initiative seeks to align their benefits with those available to Army National Guard members.

The legislation has received backing from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). It builds on previous efforts by Senators Hoeven and Shaheen to create and fund a pilot program for federal tuition assistance, ensuring access for North Dakota and New Hampshire Air Guardsmen. Between fiscal years 2020 and 2023, $18.8 million was secured to support this initiative.

Senator Hoeven emphasized that "our Air Guard members deserve to receive the same benefits as their counterparts," highlighting that making the pilot program permanent will help recruit talented individuals for high-tech missions in defense of the nation.

Senator Shaheen pointed out that providing educational opportunities is crucial for recruitment and retention while enhancing military preparedness. She stressed that passing this bipartisan legislation would make tuition more affordable for Air National Guard members.

Senator Moran noted that offering similar educational benefits as those provided to Army National Guard members would boost recruitment rates and ensure servicemembers receive deserved benefits.

In Colorado, where over 1,500 Air National Guardsmen serve, Senator Bennet stated that the bipartisan bill would aid in attracting and retaining guard members while ensuring they have access to educational benefits.

Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, President of NGAUS, expressed gratitude towards Senators Hoeven and Shaheen for addressing what he described as a long-standing gap in National Guard benefits. He remarked on the importance of investing in servicemembers' futures through federal tuition assistance.