Rep. Klein, Colleagues Pass GI Bill for 21st Century
Press Release
U.S. Representative Ron Klein (FL-22) today joined his House colleagues to pass a modernized GI Bill, which provides veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with access to a full, four-year college education and the right to transfer those benefits to their spouse or children.
"It is essential that our returning service members have full access to the benefits they have earned, including a high-quality college education," Klein said. "We saw the first GI Bill bring financial security to millions of families in the World War II generation, and it is time to do the same for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The new GI Bill we passed today is not only the right thing to do for our troops who have served so honorably, it is the smart thing to do, as a college education will make our veterans part of America's economic recovery."
The new GI Bill was approved by the House today as an amendment to the emergency supplemental spending bill. The amendment which included the GI Bill also contained language based on Klein's legislation, H.Res. 1111, which calls for the government of Iraq to take financial responsibility for the rebuilding of their own country.
Klein has been on the forefront of both issues, advocating for veterans with his Five Point Veterans' Priority Plan and leading his fellow freshmen in a call to make future U.S. funding for reconstruction in Iraq a loan. American taxpayers currently spend $339 million per day in Iraq.
"Whether you support the war or not, there are two things everyone can agree on. Our troops deserve full educational benefits in recognition of their service, and the American taxpayers can no longer pour billions of dollars into the reconstruction of Iraq while our economy continues to suffer here at home," Klein said. "In one important amendment, we have accomplished two critical goals: One, stand up for our veterans and the benefits they have earned, and two, bring some common sense to the way taxpayer dollars are spent overseas."
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