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Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act (P.L. 107-103)
 

PUBLIC LAW 107-103 – DEC. 27, 2001

Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act
of 2001
  


Prime Sponsor: Mr. Christopher H. Smith (NJ)
H.R. 1291 – Signed by President Bush on December 27, 2001


According to CBO, the GI bill education increase in the law will result in $7.2 billion in additional spending over 10 years. The law also includes over $1 billion increase in housing, burial and disability benefits.

  • Boosts the MGIB college education benefit amount by a record 46% over 3 years, increasing the total college benefit for qualified veterans from $24,192 to $35,460.
  • The GI Bill is one of the most successful government programs ever implemented, helping to create the modern middle class and serving as the Armed Forces’ top recruiting tool.
  • Restores lost MGIB benefits for reservists and National Guard members called up to active duty.
  • Increases VA guaranteed home loans from a maximum mortgage of $203,000 to $240,000.
  • Increases Specially Adapted Housing grants for severely disabled veterans from $43,000 to $48,000.
  • Increases the Automobile and Adaptive Equipment grant for severely disabled veterans.
  • Increases burial and funeral expense benefits by 25% and doubles burial plot allowances.
  • Makes type II Diabetes a service-connected condition for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
  • Adds undiagnosed conditions, such as fybromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic multi-symptom illnesses to list of service-connected conditions for Gulf War veterans.

CBO Fiscal Year Estimated  Benefit Spending Expansion

  • 2002: $189 million
  • 2003: $432 million
  • 2004: $604 million
  • 2005: $675 million
  • 2006: $741 million
  • 2007: $806 million
  • 2008: $876 million
  • 2009: $919 million
  • 2010: $963 million
  • 2011: 1,006 million

Link to Full CBO Report

Text for the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act (P.L. 107-103) [.pdf]