[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
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]


                              {time}  1040
 
                  THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GI BILL

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we commemorated the 
50th anniversary of D-day. But 1994 also marks the 50th anniversary of 
another historic event--the enactment of the Servicemen's Readjustment 
Act. Better known as the GI bill, and now known as the Montgomery GI 
bill, this law was intended to help thousands of demobilizing soldiers 
readjust to civilian life.
  Although there have been many changes to GI bill benefits over the 
last 50 years, it is clear that this legislation has had a tremendous 
impact on U.S. society. For example, it has made a college education 
and vocational training affordable for millions. Since its enactment, 
more than 20 million veterans have received an education through the GI 
bill. The law has also made possible the loan of billions of dollars to 
purchase homes for 14 million veteran families--helping to bring them 
homeownership.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting the GI bill. 
I would also like to commend the American Legion for taking the 
initiative 50 years ago to propose this important legislation.

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