Heroes bill set for Bush's signature - Washington Updates - Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act - deferred student loan payments for families of reservists - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 28, 2003 by Charles Dervarics

Congress has completed work on a bill that will give military reservists overseas extended relief from student loan obligations during their service.

The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act cleared the House and Senate, paving the way for President Bush's signature. For reservists called to duty in Iraq, the bill will provide "flexibility and relief as they protect our nation," said Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., the bill's sponsor.

Under the plan, families of military reservists called to active duty would be relieved from making student loan payments during their period of service. Another provision of the bill gives the U.S. education secretary flexibility to help military personnel transition to and from post-secondary education during their time of service.