Durbin Introduces Welcome Home GI Bill
DURBIN INTRODUCES WELCOME HOME GI BILL
Legislation Provides Enhanced Health Care, Education, Housing Benefits to Soldiers Returning from Combat
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced legislation to improve health care, education and housing benefits available to troops returning home from combat. The Welcome Home GI Bill is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL). Its benefits would be available to any member of the American Armed Services, including the Reserve and National Guard who served at least six consecutive months in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001.
"In 1944, Congress passed the GI Bill, which provided opportunities to millions of veterans and their families," said Durbin. "The GI Bill opened the doors to higher education and homeownership to many who had historically been shut out. I am proud to join Congressman Emanuel today to bring our service men and women a GI Bill for the 21st century. Our legislation will help new veterans as they build their lives after serving their country."
"In the wake of September 11th, our men and women have fought bravely and have made this country and generations of GIs proud. Americans are forever in their debt for their service to our country and it is our duty to ensure that when they come home they will have opportunities to enjoy the freedom they fought for," said Emanuel. "I'm proud that Senator Durbin is sponsoring this companion legislation in the Senate. This bill will provide heath care, education, and housing for any active duty, reservist or National Guard who served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will give them the same benefits as active duty personnel - because they fought the same war, they should receive the same benefits."
The Welcome Home GI Bill provides returning troops with:
· Health Care: The bill provides returning American veterans who are unable to secure health care from an employer with the same medical care they received while in the service. Veterans and their families would be eligible for these health care benefits for up to five years.
· Education and Job Training: The Welcome Home GI Bill will provide $75,000 over 48 months to returning veterans to pay for college or vocational training. Veterans could also use this money to pay off existing student loans.
· Housing: In addition to the Veterans Administration home loan guarantees currently available under current law, the Welcome Home GI Bill will grant returning veterans a $5,000 down payment to purchase a home.
"The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have called for great personal risk and sacrifice among American soldiers and their families," Durbin said. "Once they return home, we owe them nothing less than the improved health care, education and homeownership opportunities provided in this Welcome Home GI Bill."
http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=237571&&