[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 81 (Friday, May 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING OUR VETERANS BY EXPANDING THE GI BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 2008

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the passage of H.R. 
5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. This 
bipartisan legislation, introduced by my friend and fellow Arizonan, 
Representative Harry Mitchell, modernizes the ``GI Bill'' and provides 
expanded educational benefits for our veterans.
  Let there be no doubt about our iron-clad resolve to support our 
troops. As a nation, we are acutely aware of the extraordinary 
sacrifices they are making. I have seen it first-hand in Baghdad and 
Bagram. We have a solemn responsibility to our service members, and one 
way to fulfill that responsibility is to help them prepare for life 
after they leave the military.
  The first GI Bill was enacted more than 60 years ago for World War II 
veterans. It paid for the full cost of attending a public college, 
including tuition, fees, book purchases, and a monthly living stipend.
  For example, in 1974, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bob Gent 
from Sierra Vista, Arizona, used his GI Bill benefits to obtain his 
B.A. from Arizona State University in math and computer science as well 
as a second degree 30 years later in astrophysics from the University 
of Texas.
  Like Bob, over 7.8 million Americans who served our Nation have 
received a college education thanks to GI Bill. Unfortunately, the 
current Montgomery GI Bill does not fulfill the original GI Bill's 
promise--it does not adequately cover of the cost of attending a four-
year state college or university.
  In 2003, Former Marine Corps Sergeant Tommy Mendoza from Sierra Vista 
served as an Infantry Mortarman in support of Army Special Operation 
Forces in Afghanistan. When he re-entered civilian life, Tommy had a 
difficult time finding a competitive job. He exhausted all of his GI 
Bill payments on a community college education.
  The only option he has left is the Veterans Administration's 
Vocational Education and Rehabilitation Program. The current GI Bill 
fails to provide him adequate benefits to attain his college education.
  Modernizing the GI Bill is an investment in our future. According to 
the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, for every $1 the government 
invests in our veterans' education, approximately $7 is generated in 
economic growth. GI Bill benefits also play an important role in 
military recruitment.
  The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act also creates a new 
program in which the government matches, dollar for dollar, any 
additional scholarships awarded to veterans from institutions within 
tuition costs above the maximum amount allowed by this legislation. In 
addition, veterans would have up to 15 years after leaving active duty, 
compared to ten years under the Montgomery GI Bill, to use their 
educational assistance benefits.
  By voting to pass this legislation, we are demonstrating our deep, 
unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who fight to preserve 
our freedom.

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