March 24, 2026
Mr. Heinrich (for himself, Mr. Banks, and Ms. Duckworth) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an annual increase in stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Annual increase in stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of Department of Veterans Affairs
Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(1)(B)(iv)(I), by striking $1,000
and inserting $1,500
;
(2)
in subsection (e)(2)(B)(i), by striking $1,000
and inserting $1,500
;
(3)
in subsection (g)(3), by striking $83
both places it appears and inserting $128
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(m) Annual increase in stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs
With respect to fiscal year 2026 and each subsequent fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the amounts payable under subsections (c)(1)(B)(iv)(I), (e)(2)(B)(i), (g)(3)(A)(iii), and (g)(3)(B)(ii), equal to the percentage by which—
(1)
the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (U.S. city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the increase is made, exceeds
(2)
the Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).