US Government Speeches and Remarks 2009

New Veterans Benefit! Post-9/11 GI Bill VA Education Benefit Program

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) education benefit program for persons who served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty in the U.S. military after September 10, 2001.  Eligible persons may receive up to 100% of their tuition paid for, in addition to receiving a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and school supplies.  The USDVA will partner with colleges and universities throughout the U.S. in order to deliver the most generous educational benefit since the original GI Bill of 1944.

In a speech on August 3 at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, President Obama said, "Sixty-five years ago, a grateful nation offered a generation of World War II heroes the chance to go to college. The original GI Bill paved the way to a better life for millions of veterans and their families while building the foundation of the American middle class. Today, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is affording a new generation of heroes a 21st century version of that same opportunity."

Since the signing of the Post – 9/11 GI Bill, the USDVA has made meeting the August 1 implementation deadline a top priority. As of July 30th VA has processed over 112,000 claims.

"With the (Post – 9/11 GI Bill), we are making it clear that the United States of America must reward responsibility and not irresponsibility.  Now, with this policy, we are letting those who have borne the heaviest burden lead us in to the 21st century,”  said President Obama.

A  White House press release is available at SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS: THE POST 9/11 GI BILL. The President’s full remarks are available at   http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-on-the-Post-9/11-Gi-Bill-at-George-Mason-University/. Additional information on the Post – 9/11 GI Bill is available online at http://www.gibill.va.gov.