One of the sidelights of the budget debate in Washington, D. C., was a tuition program for people in the military that was slated for cuts as part of sequestration.

Funding, though, was restored as part of the temporary budget passed by Congress on Thursday.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who co-sponsored an amendment to restore the funding in the Senate, said in a statement,  “Tuition assistance is a key tool in recruiting and maintaining a strong and talented force, and this measure will make good on that promise to our men and women who serve our military.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who had also pushed for the funds to be restored, said, “These earned educational benefits exist to ensure our troops gain further leadership skills, and to set them up for success upon their eventual transition from military to civilian life. Our service members have made tremendous personal sacrifices for our country. This is a step toward ensuring they are properly served in return.”

Army spokesman Kayla Overton said that so far this year 2,900 Hawaii-based soldiers, including National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers, are enrolled in the program. Last year, about 4,500 wer enrolled.

— Kery Murakami