[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 20 (Thursday, February 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS TRANSITION 
                               ASSISTANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be an original cosponsor 
of the ``Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Services Improvement 
Act of 1999.'' This measure contains the improvements in benefits and 
services for America's service members and veterans recommended by the 
Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition 
Assistance.
  By way of background, the Commission was established by Public Law 
94-275 and was directed to review the programs and benefits designed to 
facilitate the transition from military service to civilian life for 
those who have served in uniform. The Commission was encouraged to be 
thorough in its analysis of existing programs and to be bold in its 
recommendations for program changes and improvements. Without question, 
the Commission has met those challenges and transmitted to Congress a 
meticulous examination of transition programs in place today and an 
impressive list of recommendations to improve and enhance those 
existing programs and benefits.
  Many of the Commission's proposals, particularly those related to 
veterans' education and training, can serve as a blueprint for the 
106th Congress. Of particular interest to me is the recommendation to 
significantly increase and expand educational opportunities under the 
Montgomery GI Bill. I agree with the Commission's statement that 
education ``. . . is the most valuable benefit our Nation can offer the 
men and women whose military service preserves our liberty.'' I know 
from first hand experience the benefits of these educational benefits 
and I look forward to discussing this and the Commission's other 
initiatives in depth during upcoming hearings.
  I want to commend Tony Principi, chairman of the Transition 
Commission, and all of the Commissioners for their excellent service, 
dedication, and hard work on behalf of America's servicemembers and 
veterans.
  There will be those who will say the recommendations made by the 
Transition Commission are too costly. If we value a strong defense and 
believe our Armed Forces and society in general will reap real benefits 
from the service of our best and brightest in our military, we cannot 
afford not to improve the transition benefits we offer to those who 
serve our nation in uniform.

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