McNerney Lauds Passage of 21st Century G.I. Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) supported a 21st Century G.I. Bill to provide full, four-year college scholarships to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, matching the benefits received by World War II veterans when the original G.I. Bill became law.

"We spend over $10 billion a month on the war in Iraq and at a minimum we should have an equal fiscal commitment to the soldiers who have fought for our country by helping ease the cost of college," said Rep. McNerney. "This is the right thing to do for the men and women who put their lives on the line. And not only that, but every dollar spent on veteran education benefits generates a $7 return for our economy."

Under the new G.I. bill, servicemembers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served three 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. Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least three months of active duty since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Additionally, the bill allows service members with six years of service, coupled with an additional service agreement of four years, to transfer their educational benefits to their spouses and dependents.

"The bill meets the rising cost of a college education," Rep. McNerney said.

Today's vote on the 21st Century G.I. Bill also included other domestic spending: a 13 week extension of unemployment benefits for those workers who are unable to find a job in today's struggling economy, emergency disaster relief in response to Midwest floods and tornadoes, as well as some other measures.

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