[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 9, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H5882-H5883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ACT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Schneider) for 5 minutes.
Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, 70 years ago, on June 22, 1944, the
Servicemen's Readjustment Act became law.
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This was a tremendous step forward in the care of American veterans and
the economic development of our country. It opened new doors to
veterans and allowed them to reach their potential, and it injected
into our economy talent, skills, and creativity.
We know this law better as the GI Bill. For 70 years, those words
have evoked our commitment to the brave men and women who defend our
shores and our freedoms. Today, I am proud to celebrate that history
and contribute to that legacy.
I introduced the GI Internship Program Act to expand the Post-9/11 GI
Bill in order to allow veterans to collect their benefits while
participating in an internship program.
These internships, many with small businesses or manufacturers, will
allow our veterans to learn the practical skills and to gain valuable
experience, and they will help our employers overcome the skills gap
and find uniquely talented proven leaders to hire. That is a win-win
proposition for businesses and for veterans.
Seventy years ago, the original GI Bill opened new doors of
opportunity and helped our country secure success in the second half of
the American century.
Today, we need another concentrated effort to boost the talent and
skills in our economy, and like always, I think our veterans are ready
to answer the call.
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