The New GI Bill, sponsored by Jim Webb and 50 something other Senators, passed the U.S. Senate today by a larger than expected 75-22 margin. Alabama's Senators split this vote, with Shelby voting in favor of expanded educational benefits for veterans and Jeff Sessions voting against it. Way to support the troops, Jeff!
Of the presidential candidates, Clinton and Obama returned to Washington to vote "yes" but John McCain was campaigning in California. The 'maverick' couldn't be bothered to show up to vote -- he would have voted "no" and his advisors probably told him it was politically better to go AWOL on this one.
Bush is expected to veto the bill -- supporting the troops "costs too much."
So, here's the picture:
Bush is going to veto the New GI Bill.
Jeff Sessions voted against it.
Mccain didn't even bother to vote.
George Bush, Jeff Sessions and John McCain: Three peas in a pod, happy to send American troops into harm's way, unwilling to give educational benefits to the ones lucky enough to make it back home. Are these the people we want running our country?
I think Sessions is the one on the left and Bush is the smirking one on the right.
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.
The original GI Bill was a major player in the rise of the American middle class after World War II. Most of us would say that was a very good thing. Sen. Jim Webb (D, VA) is sponsoring a New GI Bill that would provide educational benefits to returning veterans at the level of state college costs. Over half the members of the Senate are co-sponsors of his bill. Neither of Alabama's Senators, Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, are co-sponsors of S22, the New GI Bill. Call, email or write them to ask why. Don't they care about our troops?
It's easy to slap a yellow magnet on your car, but truly supporting the troops means taking tangible action, like supporting legislation to help them get an education after they come home.
Critics argue that the New GI Bill "would hurt troop retention." It sounds like some people view our GIs as little more than wage slaves. Even though he aspires to be our next commander in chief, Sen. John McCain has not signed on to this bill. You can sign the petition here.
Contact Alabama Senators:
Senator Richard Shelby
110 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Telephone: (202) 224-5744 Fax: (202) 224-3416 Email: senator@shelby.senate.gov
Jeff Sessions
Office of Senator Jeff Sessions 335 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-0104 (202) 224-4124 - Phone (202) 224-3149 - FaxEmail Jeff Sessions
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The New GI Bill, sponsored by Jim Webb and 50 something other Senators, 
It's easy to slap a yellow magnet on your car, but truly 
