WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Brad Finstad (MN-01), Eric Sorenson (IL-17), and Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a permanent federal tuition assistance program for drill status guard (DSG) members of the Air National Guard (ANG). 

This tuition assistance program would be consistent with the program already available to the Army National Guard. The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). 

“I’m proud to join Reps. Sorensen and Graves in introducing the Air Guard STATUS Act, which will deliver much needed educational assistance to the brave men and women serving in the Air National Guard and create parity with the benefits afforded to the Army National Guard. This legislation will ensure deserved benefits and recognition reach all DSG members of the National Guard who have answered the call to serve our great nation,” said Rep. Finstad. 

“Our Airmen proudly serve our communities and our country, and they should have equal access to education benefits no matter where they live,” said Rep. Sorensen. “I am proud to stand alongside Rep. Finstad to make sure we invest in our Air National Guard members across the country.” 

"The STATUS Act is about finally closing a gap that should’ve never existed. It gives Air National Guard members the same federal tuition assistance the Army National Guard already receives, helping recruit, retain, and take care of the Airmen who keep our communities and our country safe. We value their service and investing in their education is one of the clearest ways to show it,” said Rep. Graves.