Congressman John Carter (TX-31) - joined by Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Steve Russell (OK-5), and Sanford Bishop (GA-2)— introduced the Credentialing, Educating, and Relevant Training Initiative For Your (CERTIFY) Heroes Act.

This legislation will permit individuals who are eligible for the Department of Defense tuition assistance program (TA) to use their benefit for licensing, credentialing, and certification programs offered by entities other than an institution of higher education.

Upon introduction, the sponsors released the following statement:

“The members of our Armed Forces deserve nothing short of the best, and we should provide them with the resources necessary for success once they return to civilian life. The CERTIFY Heroes Act will allow active duty men and women who are unable to attend a four-year college to pursue more than 1,500 different licenses, certifications, and credentials using TA. This bill makes clear the House’s priority to not only equip our service members for their future, but also to give our nation’s workforce the best we have to offer.”              

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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