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Obama Celebrates Enactment of Post-9/11 GI Bill

FAIRFAX, Va.

President Barack Obama said Monday a new GI Bill for those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan is an investment in both a new generation of veterans and the future of America.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit offered to veterans since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill for World War II veterans in 1944. In the next decade, $78 billion is expected to be paid out under it.

“We do this not just to meet our moral obligation to those who sacrificed greatly on our behalf, on behalf of the country,” said Obama, speaking at a celebration rally at George Mason University. “We do it because these men and women must now be prepared to lead our nation in the peaceful pursuit of economic leadership in the 21st century.”

The maximum benefit under the law rolled out Saturday will allow every eligible veteran, serviceman and woman, Reservist and National Guard member to attend a public college or university for free for four years. They are also eligible for a monthly housing stipend and up to $1,000 a year for books.

Those who attend a private institution or graduate school can receive financial assistance up to the cost of a public college in the state. About 1,100 schools are offering additional scholarships matched by the VA.

Obama noted that many of the 1.9 million troops who have deployed in support of the recent wars joined the military knowing they’d have to go and fight somewhere. He said military members have endured multiple tours in grueling combat.

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