[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  VETERANS CELEBRATE ANOTHER MILESTONE

                                 ______


                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, this month has been one of great nostalgia 
for our country's veterans. On June 6, we observed the 50th anniversary 
of the Normandy invasion, and everyday since June 7 has been the 50th 
anniversary of the battle that continued just inland from the Normandy 
beaches--battles ongoing in the Italy campaign, as well as battles 
raging in the South Pacific.
  Today, I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the GI bill. On 
June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the 
Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1994. This landmark piece of 
legislation was aimed at easing the transition from wartime active duty 
to civilian life. The bill provided home loan guarantees without a 
down-payment and a very generous education benefits package that 
included tuition, board, and a monthly annuity.
  It is worth noting the key role an Arizonan played in the formation 
of the GI bill. As a junior Member, Senator Ernest W. ``Mac'' McFarland 
introduced a bill that also provided home loan benefits and educational 
assistance to returning World War II veterans. Although his own bill 
did not succeed, Senator McFarland helped garner support for the GI 
bill that finally passed in the Senate.
  During the past five decades, follow-on bills have been modified or 
updated to benefit subsequent generations of veterans. The World War II 
GI bill, which helped me attend Arizona State Univeristy, ended on July 
25, 1956. The Korean conflict GI bill was approved by President Truman 
on July 16, 1952 and ended in January, 1955. President Johnson signed 
the Vietnam Era GI bill in March, 1966. During the years of that 
program, 1966-89, 6 million Vietnam era veterams, 1.4 million post 
Korean veterans, and 751,000 service members trained under the Vietnam 
Era GI bill, a total of 8.2 million.
  Those who entered the Armed Forces after 1976 were eligible for the 
Post Vietnam Era Veterans Education Assistance Program. For the first 
time, the service member was required to contribute a portion of his 
paycheck each month to the program, with the Government matching the 
contribution. This program did not see the numbers of participants that 
the Vietnam era GI bill did; it was not as successful as past education 
programs.
  The current education plan, the Montgomery GI bill--so named for our 
distinguished colleague, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman G.V. 
``Sonny'' Montgomery--replaced the Veterans Education Assistance 
Program. The program continues the service member contribution plan, 
but with improved benefits including for the first time, eligibility 
for military reservists. Since July, 1985, approximately 1.6 million 
service members have enrolled in this highly successful program.
  The return on the Government's investment has been 10 fold. The GI 
bill is credited with shaping and creating the American middle class. 
Veterans have been given the opportunity to achieve the American dream 
after national service--a good education, a rising standard of living, 
and a home of their own.
  On this historical anniversary, I'd like to again thank our Nation's 
veterans for their commitment to our country.

                          ____________________