(U.S. Senate) – Celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the G.I. Bill, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester introduced a resolution to designate the week of June 17, 2019, as “National G.I. Bill Commemoration Week” and mark the 75^th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. 

“After they serve this country, we have a responsibility to serve our veterans when they return to civilian life,” said Tester. “For 75 years, the G.I. Bill has done just that by investing in our veterans with financial and educational opportunities today and into the future. This week, we not only commemorate the achievements of our servicemen and women during and after their military careers, we also recommit ourselves to ensuring these opportunities continue to exist for the next generation of veterans who serve.”

The first-ever G.I. Bill was signed into law on June 22, 1944. Since then, the G.I. Bill has been a critical tool for veterans during their transition to civilian life. The bill has provided veterans and their families education benefits, financial assistance, home loan guarantees and has led to the expansion of the American middle class and economic growth and opportunity in America.

Tester has continuously worked to modernize and strengthen G.I. Bill education benefits for Montana veterans, Reservists and their families. Last year, President Trump signed a number of Tester's major bipartisan veterans bill into law, including the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act. This bipartisan bill, also known as the Forever G.I. Bill, amends the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill by striking down the arbitrary 15-year window for veterans to use their G.I. Bill education benefits, ensuring that veterans in Montana and across the country receive greater access to higher education. 

Ranking Member Tester introduced this resolution with Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with U.S. Representatives Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.), and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

More information about the Forever G.I. Bill can be found here.