WALZ ON GI BILLS
"U.S. HOUSE"06/23/2008
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz marked the anniversary of the original GI Bill and lauded the passage of the 21st Century GI Bill:
“This past Sunday marked the 64th anniversary of the historic GI Bill that President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law on June 22, 1944. On that day, President Roosevelt observed that the GI Bill ‘gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our Armed Forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.’ I am very pleased that last week the House of Representatives renewed that commitment to our nation’s Armed Forces by passing a new GI Bill for the 21st Century.
“The new GI Bill significantly expands the educational benefits our country offers to the men and women who have served so courageously since the attacks of September 11, 2001. It is designed to restore the promise of the original GI Bill, offering support for a full higher education for our veterans, a pathway to prosperity to them, and the foundation of a post-war economic recovery.
“I was proud to vote for this bill, and I am hopeful that the Senate will pass the legislation soon and the President will sign it into law. We have a moral obligation and a national security interest to stand with our veterans, not just on the battlefield, but also when they return. This bill demonstrates our commitment to our young men and women.
“Under the bill, increased educational benefits would be available to members of the military – including activated reservists and National Guard – who have served at least three months on active duty since September 11, 2001. The amount of educational assistance veterans receive is linked to the amount of time they’ve served on active duty since September 11, 2001, up to three years.
“For those who have served three years, they will get support that would cover full tuition and associated costs at the most expensive public university in their state, though they can use their educational assistance essentially at any institution of higher education. The bill also provides for the federal government to match dollar-for-dollar any private assistance veterans receive at more expensive institutions as well. There is also provision for school costs like books, and a housing stipend appropriate for where the veteran is going to school.
“In short, this is a significant expansion of the benefit that is designed to keep pace with the real-life costs of education in the 21st century.
“Finally, a new provision has been added to the bill that would allow veterans who have served six years and who sign up for another four to transfer their educational benefits to their spouses and dependents.
“The original GI Bill was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th Century in America. I believe this new GI Bill can be an equally great achievement of this Century.”