Washington, D.C. — Today, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) introduced the Disabled Warriors’ Family Education Act of 2006. This bill will allow spouses and dependent children to access their Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance, under chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code, prior to the severely injured servicemember being discharged from active duty.

“It is important that these individuals be able to access their education benefits to improve their ability to compete in the job market. This legislation will help the families of our servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for the safety of our nation,” said Buyer.

Many disabled servicemembers have spouses who become the breadwinner for their family. Once the servicemember receives a VA rating stating that their injuries are permanent and total in nature the servicemember’s spouse and college-aged dependent children may begin their education during the servicemember’s convalescence period, which in some instances may be two years.

Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Lane Evans (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Stephanie Herseth (D-S.D.) and Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) are also original cosponsors.