Rep. Vargas Supports Reinstatement of Tuition Assistance Program for Service Members
Washington, DC (March 21, 2013) –Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly joined Rep. Ron Barber (AZ-2 ), and various other members of Congress to urge Secretary of Defense Hagel to immediately reinstate the tuition assistance program that the Army, Marines and Air Force have all suspended. The members of Congress wrote a letter to Secretary Hagel highlighting the importance and value of the program.
“The tuition assistance program is imperative because it enables our service members to attain a diploma, gain college credit and earn a college degree,” stated Rep. Vargas. “By suspending this program, the men and women who faithfully serve their country are being asked to sacrifice yet again and, in many cases, put their educational goals on hold.”
According to recent news reports, service members took 870,000 courses and earned 50,500 degrees, diplomas and certificates over the course of last year. In the Army alone, over 201,000 soldiers participated in the tuition assistance program in Fiscal Year 2012.
“Sequestration has forced the Department of Defense to make difficult cuts, resulting in the suspension of the tuition assistance program,” said Vargas. “It is essential that we provide our servicemen and servicewomen with the resources to pursue an education and better themselves both personally and professionally.”
Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.