[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23343]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         THE POST-9/11 GI BILL

  (Mr. REHBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, the most important domestic policy 
following World War II was the GI Bill which paid for the education of 
the brave men and women who served in the name of freedom.
  Montana has some of the best colleges and universities in the 
country; but for some returning soldiers, a traditional campus isn't 
the best fit. The post-9/11 GI Bill provided flexibility for soldiers 
who wanted to take advantage of distance education benefits.
  Currently, five of the 10 colleges with the highest veteran 
populations are colleges that are entirely online or have significant 
online course loads. While veterans may receive funds to pay for 
tuition, fees, and books, distance learners are ineligible for living 
expenses.
  I've introduced the Veterans Distance Education Benefits Act, which 
reimburses soldiers' living expenses so they can focus on their 
education. I encourage my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this 
important legislation so we can get it passed quickly.

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