Tucson lawmaker also votes to begin redeploying U.S. troops from Iraq within 30 days and require Iraqis to match U.S. reconstruction funding dollar-for-dollar
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords voted with a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives today to support our troops by significantly expanding the educational benefits available to veterans through the G.I. Bill.
"Today, with my strong support, Congress passed a modernized G.I Bill that provides the benefits that meet the needs of our 21st century warriors," said Giffords. "We demonstrated our deep, unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who fight to preserve our freedom."
The legislation, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, passed today in a 256 to 166 vote. It provides full tuition at public universities and increased payments at private universities for all veterans, activated reservists and members of the National Guard who have served at least 36 months on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The benefits also include stipends for housing and books.
Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, considers the new G.I. Bill more than a well-deserved veterans' benefit. She believes it also is an investment in the future. According to the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, for every $1 the government invests in our veterans education, approximately $7 was generated in economic growth. G.I. Bill benefits also play an important role in recruitment.
"Let there be no doubt about our iron-clad resolve to support our troops," said Giffords, who has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "As a nation, we are acutely aware of the extraordinary sacrifices they are making. I have seen it first-hand in Baghdad and Bagram. We have a solemn responsibility to our service members, and one way to fulfill that responsibility is to help them prepare for life after they leave the military."
As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, Giffords said she was particularly pleased the legislation was fully paid for. The G.I. Bill provisions are offset by a 0.47 percent tax on individuals with gross incomes over $500,000 a year and couples making over $1 million a year. Only incomes over these amounts would be subject to a tax increase that is less than one-half of one percent.
"We are asking less than once percent of Arizona taxpayers to contribute to this valuable investment in our veterans, our economy and our future," said Giffords. "I would have preferred to pay for this program by closing tax loopholes or cutting spending. But this was the right thing to do."
The House also passed legislation today to begin redeploying U.S. troops from Iraq within 30 days, with a goal of completing the withdrawal of combat troops by December 2009. In addition, this fiscally responsible legislation requires that U.S. reconstruction aid for Iraq be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Iraqi government.