The New GI Bill: The Bush Administration opposes it and many Republican legislators, including Alabama's own Sessions, Shelby, Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Everett and Mike Rogers, do not support it. Republican presidential nominee John McCain does not support it. Now the American Legion has released a statement strongly in favor of the bill sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va. (emphasis mine):
Concerns that the new GI Bill, proposed by Sen. James Webb, D-Va., would hurt military retention are unfounded, according to The American Legion. "This bill would encourage young men and women to join the military," Conatser said. "As far as retention goes, the CBO estimates that a simple $8,000 bonus to personnel at their first enlistment point would increase reenlistments by 2 percentage points. Another way to encourage mid-level servicemembers to stay in the military is to transfer GI Bill benefits to family members so the servicemember can remain in the military and still benefit from the program."
Conatser had a suggestion to critics who believe the GI Bill is too expensive. "Visit Walter Reed. War is expensive indeed and the bulk of that cost is paid for by the men and women who wear the uniform. Benefits are just a small, small cost of war."
"The GI Bill is important enough to stand on its own merit," concludes Conatser. "I have faith in the American people that they will demand that Congress pass the GI Bill, which truly expresses the thanks of a grateful nation for service above and beyond that of normal citizenship."
The New GI Bill, why don't Alabama Republicans support it? Are our men and women in uniform not a priority for them?
Supporting the troops means more than slapping a magnet on your car. Call your Republican Congressman and Senators and ask them to support our troops, by supporting the New GI Bill.
