Washington, D.C. -— U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today joined members of Congress and veterans in urging the President to sign the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act during a press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
“Education is the key to the American dream, and our troops who have sacrificed for our country should be given every opportunity to access a higher education when they leave the service,” said Etheridge. “As our troops return home Iraq and Afghanistan, we must provide benefits that reflect the respect they have earned.”
“The original G.I. Bill of Rights provided millions of soldiers with new opportunities in education and business following World War II. We owe those same opportunities to the men and women in our armed forces currently serving around the globe.”
Etheridge, a veteran and the representative of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, is a cosponsor of the bill, which would update the current Montgomery G.I. Bill to fully cover the cost of a college education for troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. The House passed the bill on May 15, 2008.
The bill would allow returning service members who have served on active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves since September 11, 2001 to receive education assistance for up to four years, and can be used at any time within 15 years of discharge or release from active duty.
The original G.I. Bill fully covered the cost of a college education, however the current Montgomery G.I. Bill, which was designed for peacetime, not wartime, does not. The current benefit only covers about 70 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education. The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act would restore full four-year scholarships.
The new GI Bill is endorsed by all major veterans’ groups, and many other organizations. The organizations include the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America, National Association of Black Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and National Guard Association of the United States.