Ranking Member Takano, Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Levin Statement Following Reports of GI Bill Processing Delays

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Ranking Member Mike Levin (D-Calif.), issued the joint statement below following the news of payment processing delays for GI bill beneficiaries. 

"Any delay in GI Bill benefit distribution for our veterans is disappointing and incredibly concerning. However, we are confident VA has taken steps to quickly address the issue for those veterans who will remain without their disbursements. Already, VA has worked to resolve 280,000 of the transactions, leaving about 400 remaining. During the last four years of a Democratic-led Congress, this Committee bolstered student protections and monitored the implementation of the digital GI Bill to ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

"While the number of veterans impacted by this incident is small, we know that for those affected these disruptions can be stressful. We urge VA to conduct the necessary after actions to find out what went wrong. In addition, VA must make every effort to over-communicate with veterans and housing providers to ensure veterans know they will be protected, and that landlords should not punish veterans because of VA's mistake.

"We thank the dedicated VA employees at call centers across the country who are ready to assist student veterans with questions or concerns they may have related to their education benefits."

Additional Information: Veterans seeking clarification about the impact of this delay can contact VA's Education and Training call center by dialing the call center hotline at 888-GIBILL-1.

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