[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE DISABLED WARRIORS' FAMILY EDUCATION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce H.R. 6096 the 
Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 2006. I am especially 
pleased that the Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee 
Honorable Lane Evans, and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Honorable John Boozman and 
Honorable Stephanie Herseth join me as original cosponsors.
  The Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 2006 would allow 
spouses and dependent children to access their Survivors' and 
Dependents' Education Assistance under chapter 35 of title 38, U.S.C. 
prior to the severely injured servicemember being discharged from 
active duty.
  Many of our disabled warriors have spouses who find themselves faced 
with being the breadwinner of the family. It is important that these 
individuals have access to their education benefits to improve their 
ability to compete in the job market. Therefore, once the servicemember 
receives a VA rating stating that their injuries are permanent and 
total in nature, the servicemember's spouse, and college-aged dependent 
children may begin their education during the servicemember's 
convalescence period, which in some instances may be 2 years.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an important piece of legislation that will help 
families of our servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for the 
safety of our nation in the Global War on Terrorism, and I urge my 
colleagues to support the Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 
2006.

                          ____________________