WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama signed into law the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.  The bill was introduced by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) last year to make improvements to the education benefit for veterans: 

“The young men and women in the Armed Forces provide an incredible service to our nation,” said Senator Akaka, a World War II veteran who attended college on the original GI Bill.  “With the signing of this bill, young veterans will now have an easier time utilizing the education benefits they have earned.  I applaud President Obama and my colleagues in Congress for enacting this important legislation.”

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act (S. 3447) provides for a streamlined, less complex, and more equitable program for veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. 

The new law expands the number of eligible veterans by including a group of National Guard/Reserves veterans who were inadvertently omitted from the original legislation in 2008.  It increases educational opportunities by paying benefits for on-job and vocational training.  It also provides an annual $1,000 book allowance to service members training while on active duty.  

S. 3447 was passed by the Senate on December 13, 2010, and approved by the House of Representatives on December 16. 

-END-

January 4, 2011