Derrick Van Orden: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 983, the…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 983, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025. This bill holds particular significance for me because the issue was first brought to my attention by one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Tremelling, a fellow veteran, during our Veterans Day listening session hosted last Congress. His voice, joined by countless other reservists and veterans, highlighted the urgent need for policy change, and this is precisely what this government should be doing: listening to our constituents and acting on their needs. I am honored to represent the brave men and women serving at Fort McCoy and Volk Field, whose daily sacrifices safeguard our Nation and its values. My legislation will help veterans utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves by including them in the in-State tuition waiver that all other beneficiaries currently receive. These reservists face the same dangers and make identical sacrifices as our Active-Duty counterparts when deployed. Their courage and dedication deserve equal recognition. Mr. Speaker, of the last eight servicemembers killed in the line of duty, six of them were reservists, the two remaining being my fellow Navy SEALs, who were lost in the Red Sea. Their loss underscores the serious consequences of the decisions made by the previous administration. Mr.…”