Published: 06-20-08
Congress Moves Forward with Modernization of G.I. Bill Program Allows Transferability of Education Benefits to Military Families
WASHINGTON—Under a bipartisan agreement reached earlier today between President Bush and congressional leaders an expansion of the Montgomery G.I. Bill program is set to move forward in Congress. Importantly it will include a key provision fought for by U.S. Senator John Cornyn one which is an important priority for military personnel and their families.
This new legislation will expand educational benefits for service members and for the first time would allow service members to transfer unused educational benefits they have earned through the G.I. Bill to their spouses or children. This provision which is a top priority for active-duty military personnel was not included in the original G.I. Bill legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Jim Webb D-Va. but it was included in the alternative introduced by Sens. McCain and Graham and cosponsored by Sen. Cornyn.
“An expansion of the Montgomery G.I. Bill is long overdue and something that our troops deserve for their heroic service in the defense of freedom. While some have unfortunately tried to use this issue for political gain in recent weeks many in Congress have worked hard to reach a bipartisan compromise. I’m very pleased that such a bipartisan agreement appears to be at hand” U.S. Sen. Cornyn said.
“In the military it is often said that ‘we recruit troops but we retain families.’ This legislation recognizes the critical role that supportive families play in allowing their family members in the military to accomplish their important missions. Transferability supports military families and thereby strengthens and enhances retention which must remain an important priority for our all-volunteer force.
In speaking with Texans recently I can tell you firsthand that this was one feature they very much wanted and appreciated. Although it was not included in the original Webb bill I’m pleased my Democratic colleagues recognized the importance of including it in the final legislation” U.S. Sen. Cornyn concluded.
BACKGROUND:
Transferability of military education benefits to family members has been a top priority for Senator Cornyn. In addition to pressing for this provision to be included during the recent G.I. Bill modernization debate Senator Cornyn was also an original cosponsor of the Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 S. 2575 introduced by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in January.
