|
The New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century would improve benefits for our men and women in uniform today and provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served.
In 1944, the Congress enacted the original GI Bill first drafted by the American Legion to honor those who fought in World War II. The bill honored and supported our returning troops by providing them with educational benefits, loans to buy a home and medical assistance. And in each major military conflict since, we have honored the service of our soldiers through a new GI bill. Now, 60 years later, our military is engaged in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom where more than one million troops have served. Our National Guard and Reserve have made an unprecedented contribution in the effort – providing half of the troops in Iraq. These troops have served our nation with distinction, and it is time for a grateful nation to honor that service.
Edwards has introduced the New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century to honor the bravery of our troops and the tremendous sacrifices that their families have made. The New GI Bill will repeal unfair tax burdens on military families, provide Veterans with the benefits they deserve like affordable health care, education and job training, strengthen our support for our men and women in uniform and improve benefits for our National Guard/Reservists.
No other group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our democracy than troops and our veterans. We must celebrate, honor and remember these courageous and faithful men and women through this New GI bill. Democrats stand ready to move forward with Republicans on providing all the support our veterans and military retirees have earned. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. Let us honor their service with a New GI Bill of Rights worthy of our grateful nation.
|
