WASHINGTON
Congressional Democrats are pushing what could become the most dramatic expansion of college aid for military veterans since World War II, with a bill they hope will buoy them this U.S. election season and become an albatross for Republicans.
Pitched by the Democrats is a plan that would essentially guarantee a full-ride scholarship to any in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend, for individuals who serve the military for at least three years.
The proposal would give veterans 15 years to use the benefit, instead of the current 10-year limit, and would set up a new government program that matches financial aid by more expensive private institutions.
For a pricey public school that benefit might be worth as much as $31,000 per school year, compared to the $9,900 average benefit that veterans are given now.
“Meeting the needs of our veterans is a cost of war,” said the leader of the House of
Representatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, who described the bill as a “thank you” to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
