Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009
PILOT COLLEGE WORK STUDY PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - July 14, 2009)
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might use.
I rise in support of H.R. 1037, as amended, introduced by the distinguished chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Ms. Herseth Sandlin. The Pilot College Work Study Program for Veterans Act of 2009 would expand the number and types of work study positions at colleges and universities.
The types of work study jobs that can be funded through the Montgomery GI Bill are too restrictive. Expanding the types of jobs veterans may hold at schools benefits student veterans financially, but more importantly, in my view, it places them in positions where nonveteran students and faculty will see the advantages and results of military service to the Nation. Too often our young people see only the entitlement side of life that requires no commitment to something other than themselves.
Just as the original GI Bill opened higher education to the masses of citizen soldiers after World War II, improved the experiences of all students, including nonveterans, this bill will broaden the impact on veterans throughout the Nation's higher educational system.
I am reminded of the statement by James B. Conant, president of Harvard University, shortly after the World War II generation filled the campuses. In recanting his earlier concerns, he stated, and I quote: The mature student body that filled our colleges in 1946 and 1947 was a delight to all who were teaching undergraduates. For seriousness, perceptiveness, and studiousness and all other undergraduate virtues, the former soldiers and sailors were the best in Harvard's history.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1037, as amended, will provide our veterans on campus a unique opportunity to earn while they learn, to build their resumes and to influence campus life. Too often our young citizens see a distorted image of veterans, and this bill will help replace that image with one of men and woman who are dedicated to education and to making meaningful contributions to society.
By enlarging the types of work study jobs veterans can hold on campus, we are putting them in the forefront of student life. As teaching assistants, administrative staff, student counselors, and other high-visibility jobs, nonveteran students and faculty will see them just as Harvard President Conant did over 60 years ago.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source