IAVA submits an amicus brief in upcoming SCOTUS case calling for the protection of veteran education benefits promised to veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 18, 2023
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC — Earlier this week, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America submitted an amicus brief in support of the petitioner in Rudisill v. Mcdonough, a critical case that will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court later this year.

GI Bill benefits, including educational benefits, have been strong motivators for military recruitment for decades. With the current military recruitment crisis and severe increase in education costs, the particular significance of educational benefits cannot be overstated. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Nation’s armed forces. Our military depends on benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill to recruit and retain the strongest all-volunteer force possible. It is critical that the generous Post- 9/11 program that Congress has established be preserved and not contracted,” said Allison Jaslow, CEO of IAVA. “IAVA is the only national veterans organization that represents all volunteers. It is our goal to make sure that this investment in our servicemembers and veterans continues — they are entitled to it, considering the life of sacrifice they and their families have signed up for to protect their fellow Americans.”

IAVA calls for the protection of our veterans’ benefits. SCOTUS’ decision to take up this case has the potential to institute major change in federal benefits rules. A decision in favor of the petitioner, Rudisill, would ensure that veterans who enlisted pre-9/11 when the Montgomery GI Bill was still the primary educational benefit would not be unfairly punished just because of when they signed up to serve. A decision in favor of Rudisill would strengthen investment in our servicemembers and solidify the readiness of the U.S. military.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

###