Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2026

This Act may be cited as the “Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2026”.

(a) In general.— Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (g)(3)(C), by striking “In the case” and inserting “Subject to the limitation under subsection (m), in the case”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(m) Limitation on the use of entitlement for flight training or programs of education carried out under contract.—

(1) In general.— Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the maximum amount payable under this chapter to an individual, over the lifetime of the individual, for tuition and fees for the pursuit of a covered program of education, regardless of how many such covered programs of education the individual pursues, is—

(A) in the case of an individual who first pursues a covered program of education during the academic year beginning on August 1, 2026, $119,684; or

(B) in the case of an individual who first pursues a covered program of education during an academic year beginning on August 1 of any subsequent year, the amount in effect under this subsection for the previous academic year beginning on August 1, as increased by the percentage increase equal to the most recent percentage increase determined under section 3015(h) of this title.

(2) Pursuit on less than a full-time basis.— In the case of an individual who is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter by reason of any of paragraph (3) through (7) of section 3311(b) of this title, the maximum amount payable under paragraph (1) is—

(A) the amount in effect under paragraph (1), multiplied by

(B) the same percentage applicable to the monthly amounts payable to the individual under paragraphs (2) through (6) of subsection (c).

(3) Prior use of entitlement.— In the case of an individual who is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter and who uses any of such entitlement prior to the pursuit of a covered program of education, the maximum amount payable to the individual under this subsection is—

(A) the maximum total amount in effect under paragraph (1), minus

(B) the amount of entitlement to educational assistance the individual used before enrolling in such covered program of education.

(4) Covered program of education defined.— In this subsection, the term “covered program of education” means—

(A) a program of flight training offered by a public institution of higher learning that leads to a degree, certificate, or other non-college degree; or

(B) a program of education pursued at a public institution of higher learning that has entered into a contract or agreement with an entity (other than another public institution of higher learning) to provide such program of education (or a portion of such program of education).”.

(b) Applicability.— The amendments made by this section shall apply to academic years that begin on or after August 1, 2026.