119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 5436
This bill prohibits colleges and other educational institutions from withholding a student's academic transcript solely because that student owes an unpaid debt to the school, as long as the student used Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance to pay for their coursework. It amends title 38 of the U.S. Code by adding a new provision to the chapter governing veterans' educational benefits. The bill primarily affects veterans and service members who used Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to attend school and later fell behind on tuition, fees, or other charges owed to the institution. Under current practice, some schools withhold transcripts as leverage to collect unpaid debts, which can prevent veterans from transferring credits, applying to other schools, or securing jobs that require proof of their education. The bill does not include specific funding or an implementation timeline, and it took effect once ordered to be printed following committee amendment in September 2026, pending further House action.