Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009

PILOT COLLEGE WORK STUDY PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2009 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 16, 2009)

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1037 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of certain qualifying work-study activities under Title 38 of the United States Code. I would like to thank my colleague Representative HERSETH SANDLIN from South Dakota for introducing this important piece of legislation.

I support this legislation because it provides the resources necessary to study the expansion of the federal work-study program available to veterans. This bill expands qualifying work-study activities to include positions on-site at educational institutions, a valuable source of support for our veterans at colleges, universities, and vocational schools across the country. Additionally, this pilot program will assess the feasibility of the long-term expansion of this program.

The federal government has been taking steps to enhance the education of our veterans since the passage of the GI Bill in 1944. Today, the federal work-study program is an invaluable resource for students as they struggle to pay their bills. This bill will extend that same resource to our veterans as they enhance their education, a small step towards increasing support for our veterans in return for the sacrifices they have made for our freedom. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting our veterans and this legislation.

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