FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 22, 2008
CONTACT: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or

Overwhelming GI Bill Victory in the Senate
World War II-Style GI Bill Passed as Part of War Supplemental

NEW YORK - Today, by an overwhelming 75-22 margin, the Senate passed the "Post-9/11 GI Bill" as part of the war supplemental funding bill.  This bipartisan legislation, originally introduced by Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and John Warner (R-VA), is whole-heartedly endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan Iraq veterans' organization, and all the leading Veterans Service Organizations.  See how every Senator voted here.

 "This is a historic victory for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  After World War II, America made sure our troops coming home had the chance to go to college," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  "With Memorial Day just around the corner, our lawmakers renewed that promise and honored those who bravely serve this country." 

Once the House and Senate versions of this legislation are reconciled, the next step is the President's desk.  Despite broad support for the GI Bill, the president has threatened a veto of the entire emergency supplemental package, of which the GI Bill is a part. 

"In passing this new GI Bill, the Senate and the House put partisan bickering aside to support the troops.  When the politicians return to Washington after honoring our troops and veterans this Memorial Day, the President has the chance to prove whether he is with veterans or against them."

For months, IAVA members from across the country have been urging their lawmakers to move this crucial legislation forward.  Thousands of supporters made phone calls and signed a petition calling for the passage of the new GI Bill.  For more information about the fight for a modern GI Bill, 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 non-partisan 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 in regards to the "Post 9/11 GI Bill" or Memorial Day 2008, please contact Michael Houston at (212) 982-9699 or .

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