WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Dale Kildee (D-MI), Lois Capps (D-CA), Julia Carson (D-IN), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Barney Frank (D-MA), Major  Owens (D-NY), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), John Murtha (D-PA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduce legislation creating a Welcome Home GI Bill for returning American Veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Similar to the G.I. Bill for troops returning from World War II, this package is designed to assist veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq transition back to civilian life.

“After World War II, President Roosevelt’s G.I. Bill gave every returning veteran a chance to go to college and made it possible for millions of families to enjoy the kind of life they fought for,” said Emanuel. “The troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq deserve this same chance. We do not owe them a favor, we just have to pay one back.”

The Welcome Home GI Bill provides any regular enlistee, reservist, or National Guardsmen who served for at least six consecutive months in either Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001 with:

Health Care – Emanuel’s plan provides returning American Veterans who are unable to secure health care from an employer with the same medical care they received while in the service. Veterans and their families would be entitled to this benefit for up to five years.

Education and Job Training – Emanuel will provide $75,000 over 48 months to returning Veterans to pay for college or vocational training. Veterans could also use this money to pay off existing student loans.

Housing – In addition to existing Veterans Administration’s home loan guarantees, Emanuel’s package will grant returning veterans a $5,000 down payment to purchase a home.

Last month, Emanuel unveiled his legislation at a press conference in Chicago in the company of Specialist Sean Walsh, 933rd Military Police Company; Specialist Samer Elguindy, 933rd Military Police Company; Captain David McGuire, U.S. Army Reserves; and Major Rick Coates, spokesperson for the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Reserve Unit and their families. Since then, he has picked up the endorsement of U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) who will introduce a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. He has also received praise from Lieutenant Colonel James M. O'Rourke, Sr., (Ret), Senior Vice Commander, 5th District, Department of Illinois of the American Legion, Keith Aguina from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Victor Cibelli, Second District Commander, State of Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).