This act may be cited as the “Gold Star Siblings Educational Benefits Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6377

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Last Updated

2026-01-09T09:07:05Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Gold Star Siblings Educational Benefits Act" (H.R. 6377) aims to expand access to federal educational assistance programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, it extends eligibility to siblings of certain veterans who died in the line of duty, are permanently and totally disabled due to service, or are missing in action, ensuring these family members can receive support for education and training similar to spouses and children.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility Expansion in Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Section 3501): Adds siblings to the list of eligible dependents for benefits, which cover tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend for education or job training. Defines "sibling" broadly as a brother or sister related by blood, adoption, or recognized guardianship/family ties.
• Eligibility Expansion in Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Section 3311): Includes siblings of veterans who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, allowing them to receive up to 36 months of full postsecondary education benefits. Updates the definition of "child" to include those over 23 or married, and adds the sibling definition.
• Eligibility Expansion in Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer Program (Section 3319): Permits veterans to transfer unused benefits to siblings, with rules for age limits (generally up to age 26, or aligned with the 15-year benefit expiration). Includes exceptions for siblings acting as primary caregivers for injured veterans or service members, allowing extended use after caregiving ends. Defines "sibling" consistently across the section.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, these programs (DEA, Fry Scholarship, and Post-9/11 transfers) limited eligibility to spouses and children only. This bill inserts "sibling" into relevant eligibility clauses, broadening the definition of dependents without altering core benefit amounts or durations.
• Introduces new age-based limitations and caregiver exceptions specifically for sibling transferees under the Post-9/11 program, which were not previously addressed for this group.
• Harmonizes the definition of "sibling" across all affected sections to include non-biological relationships, promoting inclusivity.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update eligibility verification processes, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs for processing claims from an expanded pool of beneficiaries. No direct impact on international relations.
• On Citizens: Siblings of qualifying veterans gain new access to tuition-free education, monthly living stipends, and job training, which could improve their economic opportunities and mental health support within grieving families.
• Broader Effects: May slightly increase federal spending on VA education programs but supports military family welfare, potentially aiding recruitment and retention in the armed forces by enhancing family benefits.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Siblings (brothers and sisters) of veterans who meet the criteria, including those from diverse family structures (e.g., adopted or guardian-related).
• Families of Veterans: Gold Star families (those who lost a service member) and families of disabled or missing veterans, who gain additional support options.
• Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementing and funding the expanded benefits.
• Veterans and Service Members: Can now transfer benefits to siblings, providing more flexibility in family support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens the framework of title 38, U.S. Code, by clarifying and expanding dependent definitions without conflicting with existing statutes like title 10 (which governs military dependents). The broad sibling definition may require VA regulations for implementation, ensuring equitable application.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to provide for the military and support veterans' welfare, promoting equal protection for family members without raising due process concerns.
• Political: Represents a bipartisan effort to honor military sacrifices by extending "Gold Star" benefits, potentially influencing future VA funding debates and appeals to veteran advocacy groups. No major controversies noted in the bill text, but it could spark discussions on benefit costs versus family equity.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
• 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• This act may be cited as the “Gold Star Siblings Educational Benefits Act — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (9 pages)