SENATE PASSAGE OF NEW GI BILL IS A VICTORY FOR VETERANS, DORGAN SAYS

Senator is co-sponsor of GI bill that passed Senate today

Thursday, May 22, 2008

CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or  Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- The U.S. Senate approved legislation Thursday co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and a group of Senate colleagues that would expand education benefits for the men and women who have served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001.

Dorgan joined Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and John Warner (R-VA) in co-sponsoring the new GI Bill, which would increase the education benefits for veterans to pay tuition and fees, up to the full cost of in-state public schools, and include a monthly stipend as well. The full Senate voted overwhelmingly today to include it in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.

“Our new GI Bill passed an important test today and I’m hopeful that we’ll get this passed and get our veterans the benefits they deserve,” Dorgan said. “The soldiers who served in World War II were offered education benefits that allowed them to get a better education and expand their opportunities for the future. I believe we have an obligation to give the same opportunity to the men and women who are serving today in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world. It is not only a good investment in veterans. It is also a good investment in our country.”

The new GI Bill has met opposition from President Bush and some members of Congress who contend that it invests too much in veterans’ benefits. Saying most of those opposed are people who “know the cost of everything and the value of nothing,” Dorgan pointed out that the original GI Bill returned $7 to the economy for every dollar spent on education benefits for veterans.

The legislation has attracted bipartisan support from across the nation. Last week, a group of 23 governors released a letter in support of the legislation.

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