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 A 21^st Century GI Bill that is fit for America’s Veterans

By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

President Ronald Reagan famously declared that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” 

As Veteran’s Day approaches this November we remember how America’s veterans have sacrificed to preserve and protect our freedoms at home and abroad.  They deserve our highest nation’s honors and our deepest debt of gratitude.  Throughout the 110^th Congress I have worked to make fulfilling this debt a top priority. 

We owe our active military and veterans the best educational opportunities America has to offer.  That is why I cosponsored H.R. 5740, the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.  This legislation expands and updates the World War II-era GI Bill so that today’s veterans receive educational benefits worth an average of $80,000—double the amount of the old benefit.  

Known as the “GI Bill for the 21^st Century” this legislation allows the new educational benefits to be used up to 15 years after veterans leave the service—five more years than under the old system.   And veterans with many years of military service now have the option of transferring their GI Bill benefits to family members.

As a former educator and community college president, I have long supported legislation aimed at making the dream of a college education a reality for as many Americans as possible.  That is why this past year I voted for the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008.  This bill included the new GI Bill, funding a new GI education benefit for all service members. 

The new GI Bill gives veterans a four-year education benefit, equal to the highest tuition rate of a public college or university in their state.  Additionally, it calls on private educational institutions to make financial contributions towards veterans’ tuition, matched by the federal government. 

This supplemental bill also provided $120 million in additional funding for the Veterans Affairs Department.  I voted for this bill because it ensures that our troops have the essential tools they need and the benefits they deserve for serving our country so bravely and honorably.

Other legislation I supported for our active service members and veterans includes:

·         H.R. 6599, The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs FY 2009 Appropriations Act:  This bill provided $47.69 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $4.58 billion more than last year; $40.78 billion in funding for the Veterans Health Administration, which is $6.17 billion more than last year; and $11.74 billion in funding for the Department of Defense, for military construction for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reserve.  

·         H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act:  This would require that a member of the Armed Forces undergoing outpatient care at a military medical facility is assigned a medical care case manager.

·         H.R. 67, the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007:  This would direct the Secretary of the VA to ensure that state and local outreach assistance is provided in area that have relatively large concentrations of veterans or that are experiencing growth in veteran populations.  It would also authorize the Secretary to make grants to state veterans’ agencies for state and local outreach services

·         H.R. 612, the Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act:  This would extend the period of eligibility for hospital care, medical services, or nursing home care for many veterans.

·         H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007:  This would establish a screening program for veterans who are eligible for VA hospital, medical, and nursing home care for symptoms of traumatic brain injury.

·         H.R. 1732, the Combat Wounded Disability Income Modernization Act of 2007:  This would provide alternative retired pay rates and alternative disability compensation rates for members of the Armed Forces with a combat-related disability.

As the Constitution states, it is the role of the federal government to provide for our nation’s common defense.  My commitment to our active military and veterans has always been to provide them the best equipment and best care while they serve and when they retire.

Thomas Jefferson had it right: “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”  As we honor our veterans on November 11^th let’s be vigilant to remember the sacrifices they have made for the cause of liberty and honor them for all they have given to secure America’s freedom.