Pelosi Statement on the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today as half a million veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can begin to seek federal benefits for a full, four year college scholarship under the GI Bill passed last year by the New Direction Congress:

"In the 1940s, the first ‘G.I. Bill' helped build the American middle class and strengthen our economy by offering a college education and job training to nearly 8 million veterans--and generating seven dollars of economic activity for every dollar invested.  That landmark legislation launched millions of families on a course of prosperity and toward achieving the American Dream--and set the American economy on the right course after the war.

"The new post 9/11 GI Bill will strengthen America's economy and the middle class once again.  By providing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with a full, four-year college scholarship, we will ensure that this new ‘Greatest Generation' is part of America's economic recovery.  I encourage every veteran to take full advantage of these education benefits."

"On the battlefield, the military pledges to never leave a soldier behind. In the New Direction Congress, we pledge to never leave a veteran behind.  With the post-9/11 GI Bill and our historic investments in VA health care, Congress is keeping faith with America's veterans."