New GI bill prepares military for the 21st century

In the wake of World War II, Congress passed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 to provide essential financial assistance for America’s military personnel returning home from war. The bill – commonly referred to as the “GI Bill” – sparked economic growth and expansion for a whole generation of Americans. 

The more than 15 million war veterans who returned to America were thereby enabled to enter college, purchase a home, and find employment. The GI Bill of 1944 contributed as much to the creation of America’s “Greatest Generation” as the struggles endured during the Great Depression or World War II.      

If we are to create a second great generation of Americans, prepared to lead our nation into the 21st century, we must invest in the future of our service members who have bravely performed their duties. Therefore, I am proud to report that the President signed into law a legislative package that includes a landmark expansion of the GI Bill of Rights. 

This act provides for the single largest investment in college financial aid since the original GI Bill by fully restoring four-year college scholarships for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Service members who have served at least three months of active duty since September 11, 2001, will be qualified to receive financial assistance with tuition, fees, books as well as a monthly housing stipend equivalent to housing costs in their area. The modernized GI Bill also gives veterans up to 15 years – instead of the current 10 years – after they leave active duty to use their educational assistance funds.  

The modernized GI Bill links the educational benefits to the length of active duty served since September 11, 2001. Men and women in uniform who have served on active duty for three years or more would be eligible for the full educational benefits. Those who have served between three months and three years of active duty would qualify for a proportion of the full benefit. For instance, those serving on active duty for three months would receive 40 percent of the educational benefits. All service members who serve on active duty, including members of the National Guard and reserves, will be eligible for benefits under the new GI Bill.

This expansion of the GI Bill is not only the right thing to do for our veterans; it is also the right thing to do to strengthen our armed services. It will make military service more attractive and improve the quality of military recruits as we work to strengthen and rebuild our military, which has been stretched thin by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the measure will result in a 16 percent increase in military recruits.

Education is a key component in creating a generation of great Americans prepared to lead our nation. It was President Franklin Roosevelt’s impressive foresight that sent millions of WWII veterans to college under the first GI bill in 1944. I am proud to be part of a Congress that is continuing Roosevelt’s legacy of respect and opportunity for those who put their lives on the line in service to their country.

Democrat Ike Skelton of Lexington represents the 4th District in the U.S. Congress. The 4th District includes parts of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove and rural Eastern Jackson County.