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

 
                        WE CELEBRATE THE GI BILL

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today, I am proud to honor the 50th 
anniversary of the GI bill. The Congress and all Americans should take 
pride in the GI bill which serves as a lasting expression of our 
gratitude as well as our commitment to the veterans of our armed forces 
who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much. Moreover, the GI bill 
stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished by good 
Government; this historic legislation was an indispensable component of 
the historic economic growth and prosperity our Nation experienced 
after World War II, which dramatically transformed American society.
  On June 22, 1944, just 16 days after the D-day invasion of Normandy, 
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Servicemen 
Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known to the millions of veterans it 
has served as the GI bill. In an effort to ease the often painful 
transition back to civilian life for the men and women courageously 
serving their country, the Congress adopted this pioneering legislation 
which offered veterans an opportunity to obtain a college education 
that before its passage was out of reach to most of them.
  Since its enactment over 20 million veterans, serving bravely in 
World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, and most recently the 
Persian Gulf war, have taken advantage of the benefits of the GI bill, 
expanding opportunities and growth for themselves and our Nation. 
College, once an institution for the elite, became an option for the 
average American. In addition to educational opportunity, it also 
provided guaranteed direct loans which enabled veterans to purchase 
over 14 million homes, farms, and millions of small businesses that 
represent the bedrock of our Nation's economic vitality.
  The GI bill has invested billions of dollars in our veterans over the 
last five decades and our Nation has reaped immeasurable benefits. A 
veteran who received benefits from the GI bill has paid out anywhere 
from two to eight times more in income taxes than the amount of 
benefits he received. The GI bill is exemplary of the results of good 
Government, and is still relevant and important 50 years after its 
enactment. We have seen many failed programs that have been enacted 
over the years; the GI bill stands in remarkable contrast. It is an 
achievement that I believe deserves to be honorably recognized today.
  Finally, the passage and vitality of the GI bill represents the 
gratitude the citizens of the United States feel for those that have 
worn our Nation's uniform. The GI bill, in FDR's words, ``gives 
emphatic notice to the men and women in our Armed Forces that the 
American people do not intend to let them down.'' While spoken 50 years 
ago, these words still ring true today. We shall never let down those 
who have served so admirably in the face of danger to protect our 
freedom.

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