HR 1725: Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025

Cosponsors

Summary

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025

This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 GI bill benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program by updating terminology related to certain Black veterans. Specifically, the bill explicitly includes the following individuals as eligible veterans under the programs:

Black veterans who served on active duty during World War II and can certify they were denied a specific benefit on the basis of race; and
the living surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants of such veterans described above who can certify the veteran was denied a specific benefit on the basis of race.

Eligible veterans must apply for educational or home loan benefits within the five-year period after the bill is enacted.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the number of individuals who received VA educational or housing loan benefits due to the amendments made by the bill and the total value of such benefits.

Finally, the VA must appoint a panel of independent experts to develop recommendations regarding additional benefits and assistance for female and minority members of the Armed Forces.

Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures, Advisory bodies, Conflicts and wars, Congressional oversight, Department of Veterans Affairs, Employment discrimination and employee rights, Government studies and investigations, Military personnel and dependents, Minority employment, Racial and ethnic relations, Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation, Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs, Women's employment

Policy Areas

Armed Forces and National Security

Next Steps

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The next steps would include committee hearings, potential revisions, and a vote in the House. If passed, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration.

Social Impact

This bill could have a significant social impact by addressing historical inequities in access to GI Bill benefits for Black World War II veterans and their families. It aims to promote social justice and provide long-overdue recognition and support for their contributions. The formation of a Blue Ribbon Panel will assess and address further disparities in benefits.

Business Impact

The bill may positively impact businesses involved in housing and education by increasing demand for their services from eligible veterans and their families. However, there may be administrative costs associated with processing applications. The overall economic impact may depend on the number of applicants and the size of benefits provided.

Financial Impact

The bill would likely increase government spending on housing loans and educational assistance for Black WWII veterans and their descendants. The financial impact would depend on the number of applicants and the amount of benefits given. A GAO report will assess the financial effects of this bill.

Bill History

Thursday, February 27, 2025
IntroReferral - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Thursday, February 27, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in House

Bill Text

Introduced in House February 27, 2025
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