Congressman Thompson Helps To Introduce 'New G.I. Bill'

Congressman Thompson Helps To Introduce 'New G.I. Bill'
Tuesday, May 10, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), following the tradition of the original GI Bill of Rights, joined over 150 House Democrats on Thursday in introducing the New GI Bill for the 21st Century (HR 2131). Prominent veterans and military organizations, the Disabled American Veterans, The Retried Enlisted Association and the American Legion, which played an active role in crafting the original GI Bill of Rights, joined the Democrats in supporting this legislation.

"Today, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are creating a new generation of veterans. Just as our soldiers pledge to leave no one behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind once they come home. Sixty years ago we saw fit to help our World War II veterans, over the years people such as our own G.V. 'Sonny' Montgomery saw the need to expand and update the GI Bill, and now is the time to once again update and extend support to our current veterans as well as this new generation of veterans with a GI bill, which meets the needs of the 21st Century. This New GI Bill will bolster our support for our troops in harm's way, as well as their families here at home," said Thompson.

The new GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century provides better education, health care and job training benefits for those who have answered the call. The bill includes provisions to improve mental health care for returning soldiers, expand military health care (TRICARE) for National Guard and Reservists and expands the GI Bill Education and Job Training Programs. The legislation also blocks increases in prescription drug and enrollment fees for veterans, and ends unfair offsets that deny earned benefits to veterans and their survivors.

"This legislation is critical to helping our current veterans and our returning soldiers become a productive part of a prosperous economy. While it is a Democratic proposal, many of its provisions have bipartisan support, and I hope Republicans will support our efforts to provide valuable, forward-thinking support for our veterans, young and old. Our veterans have earned these benefits by defending and protecting our nation," Thompson added.

Over 1 million have served thus far in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 1,500 service personnel have died and another 12,000 have been wounded. Our National Guard and Reserve have made an unprecedented contribution in the effort - providing nearly half of the troops in Iraq. And, according to the US Census Bureau there are currently 49,962 veterans residing in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District representing 12.7% of the population. This number will only grow as our current soldiers return from war.

http://benniethompson.house.gov/HoR/MS02/News/Press+Releases/2005/05-10-05+Congressman+Thompson+Helps+To+Introduce+New+GI+Bill.htm