#ProjectParity FAQs

Where is the bill now? Has it been part of a hearing?

The Senate bill (S. 3873) was introduced in March 2024 and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. It has not been part of a hearing and has not moved forward in that chamber.

The identical House bill (H.R. 7543) was also introduced in March 2024 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. In June, the subcommittee discussed the bill at a hearing and two weeks later it was included in a mark-up session. It was then forwarded to the full Committee. For the bill to move forward, it must first be passed out of Committee and then voted on by the House and Senate, and then signed by the President.

Who introduced the bill?

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Senate bill with Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). Senator Tester is the Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and Senator Moran is the Ranking Member.

The House bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA-49), who is a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, along with 8 original cosponsors from both parties.

Both House and Senate bills are bipartisan.

Is there a House companion bill?

Yes. When talking to Congressional staffers, this is a common question. For example, if you speak to a Senate staffer about S. 3873, they may ask if there is a House companion bill. It is H.R. 7543, as listed above. (And vice versa.) They are identical bills.

How many cosponsors does the bill have?

The House bill currently has 19 cosponsors (11 Democratic, 8 Republican).

The Senate bill currently has 1 cosponsor (1 Democratic).

(Check Congress.gov for most up-to-date list.)

How much will it cost?

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has not scored this proposal so we do not yet have a cost estimate. However, the CBO did score the 2021 version of the bill ($769m over nine years). Although the language isn’t identical, you can use this number is an “earlier estimate.”  H.R. 1836, Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021 | Congressional Budget Office (cbo.gov) 

What can the Member of Congress do to help?

We ask that the Representative or Senator cosponsor this legislation.