Lawmakers predict a new GI Bill

[unhappycamper]

Supporters of a bill to overhaul veterans’ education benefits are confident they can pass the legislation this year, even after the secretary of defense voiced his opposition to the measure Tuesday.


Lawmakers predict a new GI Bill
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, May 1, 2008

WASHINGTON — Supporters of a bill to overhaul veterans’ education benefits are confident they can pass the legislation this year, even after the secretary of defense voiced his opposition to the measure Tuesday.

The legislation, introduced by Sens. Jim Webb, D-Va., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., would promise full four-year tuition at state universities plus a $1,000 monthly living stipend for all active-duty troops following their military service.

So far, 58 senators and more than 250 representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the GI Bill legislation, and on Tuesday more than 300 lawmakers and veterans rallied outside the Capitol to gather additional support for the education benefits.

Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., spoke at the rally about the importance of better education benefits for returning troops, but neither offered no estimate for when the bill might be put up for a vote.

Webb said the measure could be attached to the 2009 Defense Authorization Bill or the upcoming supplemental budget, but so far no promises have been made to him.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54458

[WillyToad]

1. Watch Bush veto it

Being the psychotic prick he is...

[mac2]

2. They can't deal with the one they have so they like to act

like they care and are doing something. The Vet hospitals and military barracks are poorly run. Why? Privitized for profit. Change that to public again and we will have over sight.

There's an election coming. Get out of Iraq and stop spending our wealth for the profit of the few.