FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
CONTACT: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or

Historic Vote in House of Representatives Tomorrow on World War II-style GI Bill
Iraq Veterans Urge Lawmakers to Vote Yes on GI Bill Funding 

NEW YORK -On Thursday, May 8, the House of Representatives will vote on a World War II-style GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.  Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, strongly endorses this critical legislation.  It was originally introduced in Congress by some of the Senate's own combat veterans, including Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE).  The bill has the extraordinary bipartisan support of more than 330 Senators and Representatives and the endorsement of every major Veterans Service Organization from IAVA to the American Legion to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The GI Bill is being voted on as an amendment to the war supplemental spending plan.   

"Congress has a historic choice to make tomorrow.  Lawmakers will go on record regarding whether they support our nation's newest generation of veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  "The momentum for a 21^st Century GI Bill has been incredible.  The widespread support among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle proves that caring for our nation's veterans is not a partisan issue. Tomorrow, we urge every member of Congress to vote ‘yes' on GI Bill funding and show unanimous support for our troops."

The GI Bill being voted on tomorrow would substantially increase the educational benefits available to servicemembers who have served since September 11^th, 2001. The bill would cover the cost of tuition up to the most expensive in-state public school and provide a living and book stipend, so that new veterans can focus on their educations and their readjustment to civilian life.  It would also offer a more equitable benefit to National Guardsmen and Reservists than what is currently available. Furthermore, because the legislation is linked to the cost of higher education, it would keep its value over time.      

"In addition to providing veterans with a brighter future, a 21^st Century GI Bill would stimulate our nation's economy and serve as a tremendous boon to military recruitment," said Rieckhoff.  "Passing a new GI Bill is simply the right thing to do."

Today, IAVA is encouraging its national membership to call their lawmakers and tell them to vote "yes" on the GI Bill.  For much more information on this critical issue, please visit www.GIBill2008.org.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 90,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. To arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or any other IAVA member veterans, please contact Michael Houston at (212) 982-9699 or . 

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