Rep. Bilirakis Introduces Bill to Help Ensure Success of Post 9/11 GI Bill

Press Release

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), Vice Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, has introduced legislation that would track the effectiveness of Veterans Affairs education programs.

"Billions of taxpayer dollars are being used for education programs for our nation's veterans," Bilirakis said. "While I believe these programs provide valuable and necessary resources, we must be able to track the progress and success of the Post 9/11 GI Bill to ensure that we are spending money in the most effective and efficient manner while affording our military heroes an education."

H.R. 2274 would require an annual report from the VA that includes the number of credit hours completed, the number of degrees earned, and the employment status and average income of veterans who utilized the GI Bill. The Secretary of Defense would be required report on the GI Bill's impact on recruiting and maintaining a well-qualified military.

In FY 2012, the VA expects to spend $11 billion on education programs, up from $3 billion in FY 2008, largely due to increased benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

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