Skip to main content

April 30, 2008: Kaptur Backs GI Bill for the 21st Century

April 30, 2008
“I am glad to finally answer the calls of so many of my constituents who have been asking for improvements to the GI Bill,” declared Kaptur, an original cosponsor of the legislation. “I am proud of those who serve our country at home and abroad, and I applaud Congress for rewarding their dedication.”

Under the new GI Bill, service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses. Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Right now, veterans’ education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education.

The original GI Bill launched millions of families on a course of prosperity and toward achieving the American Dream—and set the American economy on the right course after a draining war. It made a free college education available to more than 15 million war veterans after World War II. By 1956, about 8 million World War II veterans took advantage the GI Bill education and job training. Every dollar spent on the original GI Bill created a seven-fold return for the economy.

The new GI Bill is broadly supported by all major veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The bill has 249 cosponsors in the House (including 71 Republicans) and 58 sponsors in the Senate (including 11 Republicans).