Despite a veto threat from the White House, congressional leaders are seeking to expand educational benefits for military veterans.
The ongoing war in Iraq — now more than five years old — is prompting many lawmakers to consider a major expansion of the veterans’ GI Bill to levels that would cover full tuition at the most costly public colleges and universities.
The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act would expand GI Bill benefits dramatically for individuals who have served three years in the military since Sept. 11, 2001. In addition to tuition at a four-year college or university, recipients could receive a $1,000 monthly stipend.
While supporters acknowledge the measure could cost upwards of $2 billion a year, they say that figure is less than the United States spends weekly on the war in Iraq. Sponsors would fund the bill by raising taxes on individuals making more than $500,000 a year and couples earning above $1 million annually.
Many education groups also endorse the plan.
“It’s the least we can do for these individuals,” says Gabriel Pendas, president of the United States Student Association.
