Julia Brownley (D-CA)
This act may be cited as the “Gold Star Siblings Educational Benefits Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Gold Star Siblings Educational Benefits Act," seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code. It aims to expand educational assistance eligibility to include the siblings of certain veterans. Specifically, it adjusts the eligibility requirements for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. The act also updates eligibility for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include siblings. Finally, it amends the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to allow for the transfer of benefits to siblings under specific age conditions and circumstances.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill provides new educational assistance opportunities for siblings, particularly those in their early twenties.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
The act creates new pathways for siblings to receive scholarship and educational assistance for their studies.
- Scored +5
Does this make college cost less?
The bill increases access to educational assistance and scholarships for siblings of veterans, helping to offset the cost of higher education.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Educational Assistance for Families: Siblings of certain veterans can now access educational assistance through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, which was previously limited to spouses or children (Section 2).
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Access to Specialized Scholarships: The bill expands the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include siblings, providing more pathways for family members to receive educational support (Section 3).
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Flexibility for Caregivers: Siblings who act as primary providers of personal care services for a veteran or member of the Armed Forces can receive specific provisions regarding when they begin and how long they can use transferred educational benefits (Section 4).
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Broad Definition of Family: The bill defines "sibling" broadly to include brothers or sisters related by blood, adoption, or through a recognized guardianship or family relationship, ensuring more inclusive coverage (Sections 2 and 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Age Restrictions for Benefit Use: Under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, sibling transferees are subject to specific age limitations, such as the requirement to use benefits by the age of 26, unless they are primary caregivers (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The act creates new pathways for siblings to receive scholarship and educational assistance for their studies. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides new educational assistance opportunities for siblings, particularly those in their early twenties. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill benefits veterans by allowing them to transfer educational benefits to their siblings. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Expanding educational benefits provides more financial resources to families who may rely on these assistance programs.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill increases access to educational assistance and scholarships for siblings of veterans, helping to offset the cost of higher education.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill expands educational benefits to include siblings of certain veterans, providing broader support for military families.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Expanding educational assistance to siblings can help improve long-term economic mobility and reduce poverty for families of veterans.
- 1/5/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- 12/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware