Looking Toward the Future of the GI Bill
Recent debate in Congress has focused on modernizing the Montgomery GI Bill and ensuring that it adequately provides those who serve our country with the opportunity to obtain higher education if they so choose.
There are two competing measures under consideration, both of which have merits, and both deserve an honest and open debate in the House and Senate. I believe it is time to make some reforms to the Montgomery GI Bill.
I support legislation authored by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD-06), H.R. 5229, which would create greater flexibility to transfer unused educational benefits to a spouse or child. I have also cosponsored H.R. 6070, which amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to guarantee the residency of spouses of military personnel, which will allow them to continue to pay in-state tuition rates even if they have to move.
There are many positive provisions in the competing bill, S. 22, introduced by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA). However, my concern is that this bill would also hurt retention, create more bureaucracy, and discourage states from supporting education. In addition, Senator Webb's legislation is included in a supplemental war funding bill that is riddled with unrelated domestic spending and has been closed to amendment. This legislation was not given full consideration on the House and Senate floor, and our veterans and servicemembers deserve better.
The Montgomery GI Bill is a critical component of recognizing and rewarding our servicemembers' dedication to this country, and it is time for some reforms. I am hopeful that House and Senate negotiators will present us with a substantial package that I can vote for. However, I remain concerned that legislation that may encourage someone to shorten his or her career in the military is not in the best interest of commanders who rely on the wisdom of these experienced warriors.
Meeting with Lt. General Raymond Johns - Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs
Later this week, I will meet with Lt. General Raymond Johns, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, to discuss the future plans of the B-1B Lancer. As I reported to you earlier, I had sent a letter, along with my Texas Senate colleagues, to the Secretary of the Air Force expressing our concerns regarding the direction that the Air Force is taking with the B-1.
The B-1 is a staple in today's Air Force that has had outstanding success in theater. The B-1 fleet has also made a tremendous contribution to the city of Abilene, where they are stationed at Dyess Air Force Base.
Recently, the B-1's readiness has been downgraded, and my concern is that rather than investing wisely in new spare parts for the B-1, the Air Force might reduce the size of the fleet. This is unacceptable. Our strategic bomber fleet has been the backbone of our air dominance and must remain at peak condition.
H.R. 3089 - the No More Excuse Energy Act
House Republicans will continue to bring new legislative solutions to solve the current energy crisis, rather than just encouraging Americans to drive slower and turn the lights down. Last week, I sent out an update on the rising costs of gas and other sources of energy. Unfortunately, not much has changed, except the fact that the situation is getting worse. As of today, the average cost for a gallon of gasoline is $4.08, and diesel is at $4.79. I am disappointed by the lack of bipartisanship from the House leadership to increase domestic production. Instead of providing solutions, they continue to ignore this crisis that is truly hurting Americans and businesses, especially those in rural America.
Last week, I signed the discharge petition to bring Congressman Mac Thornberry's (R-TX-13) bill, H.R. 3089, the No More Excuse Energy Act, directly to the floor. If enough House members sign this petition, then we would be able to bypass the Speaker and bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
Below are some of the key provisions in Congressman Thornberry's bill:
Creates a competitive leasing program to responsibly drill on federal lands in Alaska and removing the moratorium on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf;
Encourages construction of new refineries by requiring the IRS to implement provisions from the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allowing tax exempt bonds to be used for construction and making use of federal lands for new refineries;
Expands electricity generation by encouraging investment into building new nuclear power plants and boosting alternative energy development through wind power by extending the Production Tax Credit for ten years; and
Offers a tax credit for CO2 captured for use in enhanced oil recovery. This will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also allow us to fully utilize our reserves.
My fellow colleagues and I will continue to push the majority to bring legislation to the floor that meets the needs of America's families and businesses now. Energy conservation is important, but until we produce more energy of all kinds here at home, we are only dealing with half the answer to our energy crisis.