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Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025

4/11/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1725

Bill 119 hr 1725, also known as the "Black WWII Veterans Benefits Extension Act," aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide Black veterans of World War II, as well as their surviving spouses and certain direct descendants, with eligibility for housing loans and educational assistance administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This bill seeks to address historical disparities in benefits that Black veterans of World War II faced due to discriminatory practices in the past. By extending these benefits to Black veterans and their families, the bill aims to provide them with the support and resources they deserve for their service to the country. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for other purposes related to the welfare and well-being of Black WWII veterans and their families.

Congressional Summary of HR 1725

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025

This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 GI bill benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program by updating terminology related to certain Black veterans. Specifically, the bill explicitly includes the following individuals as eligible veterans under the programs:

  • Black veterans who served on active duty during World War II and can certify they were denied a specific benefit on the basis of race; and
  • the living surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants of such veterans described above who can certify the veteran was denied a specific benefit on the basis of race.

Eligible veterans must apply for educational or home loan benefits within the five-year period after the bill is enacted.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the number of individuals who received VA educational or housing loan benefits due to the amendments made by the bill and the total value of such benefits.

Finally, the VA must appoint a panel of independent experts to develop recommendations regarding additional benefits and assistance for female and minority members of the Armed Forces.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1725

Bill HR 1725 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1725 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1725's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. as of March 27, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1725

Total Number of Sponsors
9
Democrat Sponsors
9
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
113
Democrat Cosponsors
113
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1725

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1725

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend to Black veterans of World War II, and surviving spouses and certain direct descendants of such veterans, eligibility for certain housing loans and educational assistance administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend to Black veterans of World War II, and surviving spouses and certain direct descendants of such veterans, eligibility for certain housing loans and educational assistance administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1725

Seth Moulton
Seth Moulton
MassachusettsDemocrat
James E. Clyburn
James E. Clyburn
South CarolinaDemocrat
Christopher R. Deluzio
Christopher R. Deluzio
PennsylvaniaDemocrat
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Eleanor Holmes Norton
District of ColumbiaDemocrat
James P. McGovern
James P. McGovern
MassachusettsDemocrat
Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley
CaliforniaDemocrat

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