Washington, DC— Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today spoke on the floor of the United States Senate urging her colleagues to support legislation that would fully honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by ensuring that all returning servicemembers will be able to attend college free of charge. The Post-9/11 Veterans’ Educational Assistance Act, which Senator Clinton has co-sponsored and which was offered as an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, would provide increased educational benefits for all members of the military who have served 36 months of active duty since September 11, 2001.

“This is our moment to provide each and every new veteran the opportunity to realize their version of the American dream, the dream that they have spent their lives trying to defend,” said Senator Clinton. "Let's send this legislation to the president and let's serve the men and women who serve us."

Senator Clinton has worked tirelessly to provide support and resources for servicemembers returning from deployment. Last year Senator Clinton introduced the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act, which would expand educational, housing and entrepreneurial opportunities for servicemembers, veterans and their families.

A transcript of Senator Clinton’s remarks follows.

Senator Clinton: I rise to support strongly the G.I. Bill that has been proposed here in the Senate. And I want to thank Senator Webb for his hard work on this bipartisan legislation as well as Senator Lautenberg and Senator Warner and Senator Hagel, each one a veteran who understands deeply and personally the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. It’s in spirit of the original G.I. Bill of Rights, to provide every American who has served honorably since September 2001 on active duty with real help to go to college, earn a degree, to end his or her military service with a new beginning in civilian life.

After 36 months of active duty service a veteran's tuition and fees for any in-state public college would be fully covered. We provide a stipend for books and supplies and housing allowance based on actual housing costs in the area.

The benefit would apply fully to members of the National Guard and Reserve who have served on active duty, and all active duty servicemembers would be entitled to a portion of the benefit based on the length of their active duty service.

This is not a half measure or an empty gesture. This is a full and fair benefit to serve the men and women who serve us. And that's why this is such a key vote.

We often hear wonderful rhetoric in this chamber in support of our troops and our veterans. But the real test isn't the speeches we deliver, but whether or not we deliver on the speeches.

There are some who oppose this benefit, arguing that our men and women in uniform haven't earned it, that it’s too generous. I could not disagree more strongly. This is a question of values and priorities. Each one of us will answer that question with our votes today. Let's strengthen our military by improving benefits, not restricting them.

There are those opposing this important legislation who have offered a half measure instead, designed to provide the administration with political cover instead of a benefit to our veterans. That’s not leadership, and it’s not right.

It’s time we match our words with our actions. After the speeches are done and the cameras are gone, what matters is whether or not we act to support our troops and our veterans before, during, and long after deployment.

I proposed my own G.I. Bill of Rights to build on this legislation with opportunities to secure a home mortgage, to start a small business, or expand it with an affordable loan. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I'm proud to support our troops and veterans improving health care for National Guard and reservists, providing our servicemembers with the equipment and supplies they need and improving treatment and care at our military and veterans hospitals.

You know, the original G.I. Bill was proposed two and a half years after the attack on Pearl Harbor and more than a year before the war ended, President Roosevelt signed that bill into law.

Eight million veterans participated, improving their skills and education. At the peak in 1947, veterans accounted for nearly half of all college admissions. That is the way we should be honoring the service of those who serve us.

This is our moment to provide each and every new veteran the opportunity to realize their version of the American dream, the dream that they have spent their lives trying to defend.

It is time to start acting like Americans again. We're all in this together. Let's send this legislation to the president and let's serve the men and women who serve us.

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