Sens. Cruz, Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Eligibility for State Maritime Academies Student Incentive Payment Program

HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) this week introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the age eligibility for the Student Incentive Payment Program through the Maritime Administration, which provides financial assistance to cadets who attend one of the six State Maritime Academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation. The Changing Age-Determined Eligibility to Student Incentive Payments (CADETS) Act would expand the Student Incentive Payment Program eligibility age to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve at their time of graduation. In return for their commitment to serve, cadets can receive up to $32,000 in this incentive payment funding over four years to help offset the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and living costs.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said:

"America's maritime academies play an unseen and often underappreciated role in protecting our country's national security and economic interests. To remain the top economy in the world, we need to commit to maintaining our ports and other maritime infrastructure and investing in proper training for the men and women who operate America's commercial shipping vessels. I am pleased to join Sen. Gary Peters in introducing the CADETS Act, which will expand age eligibility for financial assistance to students enrolled in America's maritime academies - including at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy."

Sen. Peters said:

"Graduates of these prestigious state maritime academies play critical roles in bolstering our national security as well as strengthening Michigan's robust maritime economy by commanding commercial vessels and container ships traveling across the Great Lakes. I'm pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will provide additional incentives for cadets to continue serving in the armed services upon graduation while helping them receive a high-quality, affordable education."

Sen. Baldwin said:

"I support the bipartisan CADETS Act because it expands the eligibility of those who can be rewarded for their hard work and service to our maritime economy in Wisconsin. This bipartisan legislation will support those who serve to move our maritime industry forward."

Sen. Braun added:

"Our nation's maritime cadets play a crucial part in maintaining our national defense readiness and economy. I am proud to join Senator Peters in introducing the CADETS Act to expand financial assistance and incentives for maritime academy graduates who have committed to serving in our armed services."

BACKGROUND

Current Student Incentive Payment Program age requirements prohibit cadets older than 25 from participating in the program. State Maritime Academies have programs to recruit former military veterans and service members, but most of these cadets are too old to qualify for this funding. As a result, older students-many of whom are veterans-are therefore do not qualify for this program due to their age. The CADETS Act would expand the eligibility age to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve at their time of graduation, and ensure that high-performing, non-traditional cadets can receive this funding.

###