The White House has thrown its support behind two bipartisan veterans bills introduced by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
 
While outlining progress on a number of veterans initiatives ahead of Veterans Day, the Obama administration called on Congress to swiftly pass the Career-Ready Student Veterans Act and the Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act.
 
Both bills were introduced by Tillis, North Carolina's freshman senator, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat.
 
White House officials said the proposals would improve education outcomes for veterans.
 
The Career-Ready Student Veterans Act would toughen requirements for schools GI Bill funds to ensure they prepare student veterans for employment in areas that include law, teaching, criminal justice, nursing, psychology, medical assisting, dental assisting and surgical technology.
 
A version of the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat.
 
The Veterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act would give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the authority to reinstate GI Bill benefits for students whose schools close midterm, and extend housing benefits for students who would otherwise not receive them.
 
A version of the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Takano and Rep. Chris Gibson, a New York Republican who previously commanded the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
 
A third bill, the Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers Act, was introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat.
 
It would prevent for-profit schools who survive almost entirely on federal educational programs from aggressively targeting veterans.
 
"Taken together, these steps will ensure that veterans have the opportunities and assistance they need to help grow our economy and realize the American Dream," White House officials said.
 
Tillis, responding to the endorsements, said Veterans Day was a special day to honor those who serve.
 
And he said he was humbled by the ongoing bipartisan efforts to support veterans.
 
"As our soldiers return home and transition into civilian life, it is critical that we provide them the with the resources necessary to earn the lifelong benefits of higher education," Tillis said. "I thank President Obama for recognizing this imperative."
 
"This support from the President and both parties in Congress shows we're moving in the direction that President Lincoln laid out for America in his Second Inaugural Address, to care for 'him who bore the battle and for his widow and orphan,'" he added. "It is my hope that North Carolina's veterans and those across the nation understand that they deserve nothing less than the full support of the President and Congress to fix the Veterans Administration and provide our warriors with the care they have earned."
 
The legislation, if approved, would go towards fulfilling commitments to honor veterans and service members Obama made at the start of his administration, the White House said.
 
The endorsement came as the Obama's administration outlined progress in five different areas of the president's veterans agenda, including education, health care, benefits, homelessness and economic opportunity.
 
Among the successes, officials said, was requiring all states to offer in-state tuition at public institutions of higher learning.
 
That change was required by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. North Carolina began offering in-state tuition to veterans earlier this year.

Read full article here.