Webb Post-9/11 G.I. Bill passes House

Item by Chris Graham
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Jim Webb’s Post-9/11 G.I. Bill passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, moving the nation a giant step closer to doing the same thing for recent military veterans that we did for the heroes of World War II.

“(Thursday’s) House vote places veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars one step closer to realizing the first-class future that they are due,” said Webb, a Virginia Democratic senator and military veteran. “This bill lays down a definitive marker that those who have served us honorably since Sept. 11 deserve the same comprehensive educational opportunities as our veterans of World War II.”

The bipartisan measure – its Senate cosponsors include Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel and Virginia Republican John Warner – picked up 32 Republican votes in the House. The bill passed by a 256-166 margin.

Sixth District Republican Bob Goodlatte voted against the legislation, which will provide members of the military who have served since Sept. 11, 2001, with improved educational benefits similar to those provided to World War II-era veterans.

(See vote tally from yesterday’s roll call.)

The bill will cover the entire cost of a four-year public college or university, in addition to providing a monthly housing stipend and money for books and supplies.

“This new GI Bill reflects the desire of all of us to serve as proper stewards to those who have done so much since 9/11,” Webb said. “I look forward to getting this bill passed as early as next week when it is brought before the Senate.”