To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5436
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T20:05:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 5436) aims to protect veterans and eligible individuals by ensuring they can access their academic transcripts from educational institutions, even if they have outstanding debts, when they used Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (a federal program providing education assistance to service members and veterans after September 11, 2001).
Key Provisions
- Adds a new section (Section 3328) to Subchapter III of Chapter 33 in Title 38 of the United States Code.
- Prohibits any educational institution from withholding a student's transcript solely because the student owes a debt to the institution, if the student pursued education using Post-9/11 educational assistance.
- Requires updating the table of sections in the relevant chapter to include this new provision.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prior to this amendment, educational institutions could legally withhold transcripts as a way to encourage payment of debts (a common practice under general contract law and institutional policies).
- This introduces a specific federal prohibition tied to the use of Post-9/11 benefits, overriding such practices for affected students and creating a uniform national standard enforced through veterans' benefits law.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Primarily benefits veterans and service members by removing barriers to obtaining transcripts, which are often needed for job applications, further education, or professional licensing, potentially improving their post-service opportunities without financial penalties blocking access.
- On government agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which administers Post-9/11 benefits, may need to monitor compliance and handle complaints or enforcement, though no new funding or major administrative changes are specified.
- On educational institutions: Schools lose a tool for debt collection, which could lead to increased uncollected fees but encourages fair treatment of veteran students; non-compliance might risk losing eligibility to receive federal benefits payments.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic education and veterans' rights.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and service members: Primary beneficiaries, as users of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits gain easier access to transcripts.
- Educational institutions: Colleges, universities, and vocational schools that receive federal benefits payments and enroll veteran students; they must adjust policies to comply.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Oversees enforcement and may provide guidance to institutions and students.
- Student debt collectors or financial aid offices: Indirectly affected, as they can no longer use transcript withholding as leverage for veterans under this program.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal protections under veterans' benefits law (Title 38 USC), potentially preempting state laws or institutional contracts that allow transcript withholding; could lead to lawsuits if institutions challenge the provision on grounds like property rights over debts (though veterans' benefits often take precedence in federal law).
- Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles by safeguarding a specific group (veterans) without broadly infringing on free speech or due process; no apparent conflicts with the Constitution.
- Political: Supports pro-veteran initiatives, reflecting bipartisan interest in enhancing GI Bill accessibility (introduced by Representatives Mannion and Moylan); may influence broader debates on student debt relief and institutional accountability, but remains narrowly focused on this federal program.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]
Cosponsors (1)
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-24: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-24: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-10-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- 2025-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance. — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (2 pages)