WASHINGTON – A new benefit for military families that Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) introduced in the House of Representatives became law this morning. The provision is part of an update to the Montgomery GI Bill that was included in a new funding measure for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The new law is a victory for America’s armed forces, for our military veterans, for their families and for the American taxpayer,” said Putnam.  “It ensures our troops in harm’s way will continue to have the funding they need to carry out their mission and it modernizes and expands the educational benefits for veterans and their families.”

Putnam had introduced the House version of the Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention and Readjustment through Education Act (HR 5944) as stand-alone legislation May 5.  A key provision in the bill would allow military veterans to transfer the educational benefits they had earned to a spouse or child.

“Earlier versions of this plan did not allow our veterans to pass on G.I. benefits to their family members,” noted Putnam. “But transferability recognizes the contributions and shared sacrifices made by our service members’ loved ones.  I’m very pleased we’ve been able to make these important reforms to the GI Bill.”
 
Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.  As chairman of the Republican Conference, he is the third ranking member of his party’s leadership in the House of Representatives.

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