WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the House of Representatives passed the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (S. 3447), a bill introduced by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka to improve educational assistance for those who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001.  The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate on Monday and now awaits the President’s action. 

“Assisting veterans who are pursuing an education is a vital part of our commitment to the young men and women in the armed services,” said Senator Akaka.  “This bill will improve the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, and I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting it.  I thank the veterans service organizations that came together to help us develop and pass this important measure.  I urge President Obama to sign the bill into law.”

Following the bill's passage today, the White House Office of the Press Secretary issued the following statement: "The President is pleased that the House has joined the Senate to pass the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.  This bill will expand and improve upon the Post 9/11 GI Bill that went into effect last year and it will simplify and improve benefits in a fiscally responsible way.  The President strongly believes that our nation has a sacred trust with our veterans and this act will help those who have served their country.  Specifically, the Act will enable veterans to now use their benefit for vocational and on-the-job training, expand eligibility for the benefit to National Guardsmen who are activated for domestic assistance, provide Active Duty troops with additional assistance to purchase books, and provide severely injured veterans and their caregivers with additional time to use their benefits. 

"In particular, the President appreciates the efforts of Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Akaka, Ranking Member Burr and Senator Webb for their leadership on this issue.   The Administration will work with Congress to continue to improve this important program and better provide assistance to our veterans."

 The committee report for S.3447 can be found here.  For more information on the GI Bill, please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

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December 16, 2010