Bills · S 2698
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2698Armed Forces and National Security
Safeguarding Department of Veterans Affairs Dependent Education Benefits Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 3· LAST ACTION SEP 3
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a situation where victims of abuse not only suffer harm but also lose a crucial educational opportunity through no fault of their own. If this bill becomes law, it would provide a safety net, allowing these individuals to regain access to funds intended for their education, which could help them achieve financial independence and stability. Without this law, these victims might remain penalized for the actions of their abuser, losing educational benefits that could significantly impact their future.
It ensures that the intention behind transferring GI Bill benefits – to support military families – is upheld even in difficult circumstances of abuse. Voters should care because it reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable family members and ensuring access to education, which is often seen as a pathway to a better life.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows reinstatement of Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits for spouses or dependent children.
This ensures victims of abuse do not unfairly lose access to educational opportunities that were transferred to them.
PROVISION 02
Reinstatement is triggered if the original termination of benefits was due to the service member's administrative separation or conviction for a 'dependent-abuse offense'.
This provision ties the reinstatement directly to the abusive conduct of the service member, providing a specific reason for the benefit restoration.
PROVISION 03
The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, in coordination with the VA, must create trauma-informed application procedures and regulations defining what constitutes a 'dependent-abuse offense'.
This ensures the application process is sensitive to victims and clearly defines the criteria for benefit reinstatement.
PROVISION 04
A spouse or dependent child whose application is denied can request a review by the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security.
This provides an appeals process, offering an additional layer of protection and ensuring fairness for applicants.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
I· Maine
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
38
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 3
Introduced in Senate
SEP 3
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2698
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 3, 2025
Last actionSep 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 3, 2025
Senate BillS 2698Armed Forces and National Security
Safeguarding Department of Veterans Affairs Dependent Education Benefits Act of 2025
INTRODUCED SEP 3, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
