WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced S. 3447, a bill to improve the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits program.  Akaka introduced the bill yesterday to provide a starting point for discussion among Members of Congress, veterans service organizations, and concerned Americans who want to improve this important benefit program.

“The World War II GI Bill changed my life, and my generation,” said Akaka, one of three current senators who attended college on the original GI Bill.  “Hundreds of thousands of troops and veterans are already using the new GI Bill to pursue their education.  Now that we have seen the benefit in action, this new legislation can improve the existing framework.  I look forward to working through a comprehensive legislative process to pass a good improvement bill,” said Akaka.  

Senator Akaka chaired an oversight hearing on the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill on April 21: LINK

Akaka cosponsored the Post-9/11 GI Bill of Rights Act and was a strong supporter of its passage in 2008.  When former President Bush threatened to veto the bill, Akaka vowed that he would fight back.  The bill was signed into law on June 30, 2008 and took effect last August.  

To read Senator Akaka’s introductory remarks on the bill in the Congressional Record, click here: LINK

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May 28, 2010