Press Release

Today, Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7) announced that two of his amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were passed by the House last night as part of the NDAA package. Congressman Bera’s amendments would help the transition to civilian life for veterans by improving the transfer of skills learned on the battlefield to college credit, as well as a bipartisan amendment to strengthen existing defense and economic ties with the United States and India.

“I’m proud to have my amendments one step closer to becoming law with the passage of NDAA,” said Congressman Bera. “My amendment to help our skilled military men and women would give them the credit they deserve in their pursuit of higher education from the real-life lessons they learned on the battlefield. Our veterans have invaluable experience to contribute to our society, and it’s time they get the credit they deserve.

“As the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, the United States and India share common values and a growing partnership on many fronts, especially on defense cooperation. India plays a critical role as a strategic partner to the United States, and as a pillar of stability in South Asia. That’s why I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to grow the economic and defense relationship between our countries."

Specifically, Congressman Bera’s amendment for military skills transferability would direct the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Education, and Labor, to submit to Congress a report on the status of transfer of skills into equivalent college credits or technical certifications for service members leaving the military.

Co-Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Congressman Bera’s bipartisan amendment would strengthen defense ties between the United States and India. This legislation formalizes the U.S. government’s focus on the U.S.-India security relationship. The Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, as well as his House Caucus on India and Indian Americans Co-Chair, Congressman Holding join him on the amendment.