[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RESUMING EDUCATION AFTER DEFENSE SERVICE (READS) ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, tonight I am introducing legislation to 
assist a number of soldiers across the nation, based on stories I heard 
from Reservists in my home state of Utah. These Reservists served 
honorably in U.S. operations in Afghanistan over the past few years. 
Over two separate activations, they served 24 months on active duty in 
the Marine Corps. When they finally returned home, it was to find out 
that they fell under a loophole within the Montgomery GI Bill. They 
were ineligible for educational benefits for Reservists, because while 
they served the requisite 24 months on active duty, their service was 
not consecutive.
  I think that at a time when our nation and our military is 
increasingly relying upon Reservist contributions for extended periods 
of time, Reservists have certainly earned the same educational benefits 
that they would be entitled to if their service had been for 24 
straight months.
  As a result, my legislation will change the criteria for Montgomery 
GI Bill eligibility to include at least 2 years of cumulative active

[[Page E860]]

duty service over a period of 5 continuous years. It will apply to 
Reservists activated between 9/11 and the end of 2006, in order to 
accommodate those who are serving honorably in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  I truly thank the Marine Corps Reservists of Fox Company for bringing 
this issue to my attention, and for their service to this great Nation.

                          ____________________