[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCING THE POST 9/11 GI BILL PAYMENT RESTORATION ACT

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Post 9/11 GI Bill Payment Restoration Act.
  At the end of the 111th Congress, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-377) made changes to the 
Post 9/11 GI Bill program.
  Most of these changes were positive; however, provisions were 
included to eliminate certain living stipend ``interval payments'' for 
veterans using their education benefits.
  These interval payments cover periods between academic terms, such as 
the winter holiday break, that do not exceed eight weeks. They also 
cover periods when a student transfers between educational institutions 
if the period between the consecutive terms does not exceed 30 days.
  Interval payments also apply if the school is temporarily closed 
under an established policy based on an Executive Order of the 
President or due to an emergency situation.
  Stopping the payments will put strain on veterans trying to obtain an 
education.
  The Post 9/11 GI Bill Payment Restoration Act would reinstate these 
interval payments before the benefit cut becomes effective on August 1, 
2011 and help veterans and service members in school.
  This preemptive action would help veterans continue to receive the 
living stipends they need while attending school.
  We must strongly support those who have served as they attend 
college. Our service members earned and deserve their educational 
benefits. We have a responsibility to keep these benefits worthy of 
their dedication and sacrifices to the nation.
  I urge passage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill Payment Restoration Act.

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