Washington, DC – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of bipartisan legislation that will update the historic G.I. Bill for our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  The reforms are based on bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational, that the Congresswoman sponsored in April of this year.

“We have the very best troops in the world, and they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude for their brave service,” said Representative Gillibrand.  “The critical reforms in this legislation put our Armed Services educational benefits program on par with the one that revitalized our economy and lifted up a generation following World War II.  This legislation is particularly beneficial for our courageous Reservists and National Guard, who have been on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act is endorsed by the nation’s leading veteran advocacy organizations including the American Legion, National Guard Association of the United States, AMVETS, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Association of Black Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Under this legislation:

·        All troops, including our Reserve and National Guard, have access to educational benefits based on at least 3 months of Active Duty service since 9/11.

·        Those who have served on active-duty for three years or more would qualify for the full educational benefit.  Those who have served between three months and three years of active duty would qualify for a proportion of that full benefit.

·        Funding limits are based on the highest in-state public college or university, and covers 100% of tuition, fees and books. 

·        A monthly stipend is provided; equivalent to housing costs in the area based on the Department of Defense housing subsidy program. 

·        Educational benefits can be transferred to spouses and children based on a timetable of extended service.

·        The government will agree to match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under this legislation.

·        Veterans will have more time to use the educational benefit.  The bill provides veterans up to 15 years – instead of the current 10 – after they leave active duty to use their education assistance entitlement.

In her first term in Congress, Representative Gillibrand has been an outspoken advocate for our U.S. troops and veterans sponsoring several pieces of legislation designed to help make sure they are receiving the care and benefits they have earned and has taken an active role in assisting local troops and veterans in their dealings with the federal agencies.