PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Nov 16, 2021
Protections for Student Veterans Act
This bill authorizes service members who are utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits to withdraw or take a leave of absence after they receive orders for active service, inactive-duty training, or state active duty and addresses matters related to VA educational assistance for flight training.
Institutions of higher education are prohibited from taking adverse actions (e.g., assigning a failing grade) against such service members for withdrawing or taking a leave of absence.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill requires institutions of higher education to refund all tuition and fees (including for housing) for the academic term for which the service member withdraws.
In situations where the service member takes a leave of absence, the institution of higher education must assign a grade of incomplete for the applicable term and permit the member to complete the academic term after the period of service.
The bill adjusts requirements related to utilizing VA educational assistance for flight training purposes, including by removing the requirement that an individual must possess a valid private pilot certificate and meet certain medical requirements to utilize such assistance.
Individuals enrolled in a program of education at an institution of higher learning in which flight training is required may elect to receive accelerated payments of tuition and fees if they also elect to receive educational counseling. The bill also specifies the calculation and determination of such fees, as well as the calculation of available entitlement in cases of accelerated payments.
People & committees
Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6283-6284)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6283-6284)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5603.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6283-6286)
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5603 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.5603 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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