Some service members and their families who became ill when jet fuel leaked into the water supply at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam urged lawmakers Tuesday to fight for long-term medical care for the victims and require transparency from the Navy about the contamination.
Legislation introduced Wednesday would simplify the paperwork required for service members to transfer their GI Bill eligibility to their dependents, which lawmakers believe will lead to fewer errors and more students able to access the benefits.
Congress created the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program last year as part of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion relief package that sought to bolster the economy as the country struggled with pandemic-related closures and layoffs. The program, known as VRRAP, offers education and training for veterans who became unemployed during the pandemic and have already used their GI Bill entitlement.
Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democrat from Florida who worked to secure the Medal of Honor for Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, wants Fort Benning, Ga., to be renamed in his honor.