Congressman Keith Self Introduces Bill to Protect ROTC Cadets

July 17, 2025 Press Release Congressman Keith Self introduced legislation to ensure that students participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) are not left financially burdened if they are later found medically ineligible for continued participation. “Students commit to ROTC with the understanding that in exchange for their service, their academic expenses will be supported,” Congressman Self said. “When a student is later disqualified for medical reasons—often through no fault of their own—they shouldn’t be left holding the bag for thousands in tuition costs. This bill ensures the Department of Defense lives up to its end of the bargain and young Americans who bravely step forward to serve our nation are protected and supported.” The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations that provide reimbursement for tuition, fees, and related costs incurred by these students while their eligibility for ROTC financial assistance was under review. It would also direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a streamlined process for submitting claims and mandate that qualified students receive reimbursement within 90 days of submitting their claims. ###