Washington, Feb 7, 2008 -

U.S. Congressman John R. Carter (TX-31) today supported an amendment to the Higher Education Reauthorization Act that allows military families to retain in-state tuition rates for their children when their military service forces them to relocate.

“Our military families deserve the best possible educational benefits this country can give them,” Carter said.  “Taking care of military spouses and families has long been a priority of mine and something I continually promote. I was pleased to see this bipartisan amendment pass unanimously today and hope we will continue to support not only our men and women in uniform, but their families as well.”

In addition, the amendment contains language requiring all state schools to grant in-state tuition rates to military spouses and children that are deployed to those states. 

The amendment was discussed during a Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee meeting between Members of Congress and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from all four branches of service.

“Today, with the rest of the subcommittee, I was able to meet and talk with the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from all four branches of service,” Carter continued.  “All four gentlemen agreed that education benefits and the continued support of our military families are two of the most pressing issues and Congress must continue to make them a priority.”

Last session, Carter introduced legislation that will assist military spouses in obtaining quality employment by offering employers a tax incentive to hire military spouses.  Carter also plans to introduce legislation that allows military spouses the ability to claim the same state of residency as the service member.  This will eliminate the mountains of red tape they face every three to four years when they are transferred or re-stationed.

Carter voted in favor of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act which passed the House today.