FAIRFAX, Virginia (CNN) – President Barack Obama joined hundreds of young veterans marking the implementation of a new "G.I. Bill" on Monday, calling the expanded benefits package part of a "moral obligation to those who sacrificed greatly on our behalf."
The updated version of the famous World War II legislation significantly expand education benefits for men and women who served at least three years in the military after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
It provides as much as a full scholarship at in-state public universities for eligible veterans, service members, reservists, and National Guard members.
The first tuition checks authorized by the measure were mailed on August 1.
The new G.I. legislation, which was signed into law last year, was opposed by many Republicans worried it will deplete retention rates among those currently serving in the military at a time when recruitment efforts are struggling.
Obama, who backed the new benefits package as a senator, celebrated its implementation with a group of student veterans at George Mason University in northern Virginia.
From CNN Politics
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..so who will resist this? According to the GOP, if you did something like this when Duh-bya was in office you were "against the troops."
I agree with President Obama, it is our "moral obligation to those who sacrificed greatly on our behalf."
Nice job Mr. President. Our veterans have been ignored too long.
That is really wonderful news. However the really big new that the state controlled media (CNN, MSNBC, NYT, Washington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS and AP) is hiding the fact that obamatron talkers yesterday announced they are planning on raising all of our taxes (dear leader said he wouldn't) confirming my diagnosis that he was lying from the moment he opened his mouth. Sure fooled all of you didn't he. Made you look like idiots.
Its good to see the Pro-Military party (the Democrats) are getting this done. The Republicans have proven repeatedly they are Pro-Weapons-Manufacturer, and Pro-Halliburton, but bristle at the idea of putting any money toward actual military personnel, whether it be in the form of health benefits, GI Bill expansion, or quality hospitals for wounded soldiers.
The myth of the Republican party being pro-military is finally being brought to light as a farce. Only the most clueless of Americans still believe the lie.
"The new G.I. legislation, which was signed into law last year, was opposed by many Republicans" – of course it was. Thank you, President Obama, for helping to honor the sacrifice of those who have fought for the U.S.A. What will the Republicans say regarding this "socialist" program?
Please remember that this bill "was opposed by many Republicans worried it will deplete retention rates among those currently serving in the military at a time when recruitment efforts are struggling."
Get it people...it doesn't matter if it is health care, the GI bill, or the economy. The Rethuglicans DO NOT care about you. They want these servicemen and women to be stuck in the military because they have no other options. People should stay in the military because they want to make this a career, not because they see no other way to make money to support their family.
This amazing GI Bill will serve as a great recruitment tool, and the people who have served our country with honor and dignity deserve a chance at a college education!
Obama shows he cares by doing not just saying!
Outstanding go Democrats, yeah!!
A wise move Pres. Obama, however, like with everything else, we need to see the details
cant anyone see this is a socialist program, omg the country is ruined, the debt and deficiat which we repugs caused during the last 8 years will suffocate our grandchildren becase of [President] Obama!!!
sound like a familar "arugment point".......?
"Jefe" has it exactly right: the GOP has long claimed to be pro-military, but in fact it has long been pro-Military Industry, and the troops themselves mainly get flag-waving and sound bites. A subset of the mind set where the GOP claims to be pro business, but that really means they are pro business executives (pass some of that wealth to my PAC, buddy) and the guys and gals who do the work get ... flag waving and sound bites.
It costs too much.wawawa
"The new G.I. legislation, which was signed into law last year, was opposed by many Republicans worried it will deplete retention rates among those currently serving in the military at a time when recruitment efforts are struggling. "
Because killing people is OK, getting an education isn't. The republican philosophy in a nutshell. Seriously, this is great news. Our troops deserve nothing but the best. Have a nice day!
YEAH! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Our soldiers deserve free tuition, and so much more.
Good job, Mr. President.
This is very good news...thank you Mr. President!
Finally, Obama has done something that's good for this country although I still can't stand him. I am happy for our veterans fore they have been ignored too long.
Too bad GWB vetoed it. Where do these left wing-nuts come from?
My guess is our troops will side with Obama on this one. The only way Republicans support our troops is by sending them off to war.
Thank YOU Mr. President, thank you for all of us.
Say it ain't so. Republicans not suporting the troops. Shame on them! This is well deserved legislation for the men and women who protect our freedoms.
So much heat is coming Obama's way and this is nothing but a stunt to distract from the heat but it won't work!
The revolution has already begun!
What would be the GOP criticism on this because according to them Obama never done anything right for them.
Imagine that, doing something for a veteran other then slaughtering them. Republicans would never get that, they only see the military as people to kill, not people to honor and appreciate.
Republicans have done less for the military then any other group in american history. ITS A FACT. Look at the voting records of republicans, always denying better benefits to the veterans of this country.
It was opposed by Republicans, the very creatures who think war is great, as long as they don't have to fight it. They'll send your kids into battle and then vote against medical care for 'em. Now that's American!!!!!