By Peter Urban
Stephens Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Returning veterans will be able to use Post 9/11 GI benefits for vocational and other training programs under legislation approved today by Congress.
President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law the expansion that was championed by U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.
The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate earlier this week and cleared the House today, 409-3. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued a statement after the House vote saying Obama was pleased with the outcome.
“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,” Gibbs said.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill that was signed into law in 2008 excluded benefits toward certificate or apprenticeship programs, or non-degree postsecondary institutions, including vocational, technical and career schools. The bill approved Thursday reverses that as well as makes other key changes to the law.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, who authored the bill, said it would also allow members of the National Guard and Reserve to benefit from the program; simplify the payment system; and authorize payments of the $1,000 annual book allowance to individuals attending school while on active duty.
Lincoln said that it is important for veterans to have more flexibility in how they can use their GI benefits given the increasingly competitive job market.
“The education benefits earned through the selfless service of our men and women in uniform should be structured in a manner that can best meet their specific needs,” Lincoln said.
With high rates of unemployment among veterans, it is critical that many valuable training programs in trades such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning; construction; truck driving; flight training; aviation maintenance; and certain medical programs through EMT and paramedical training are made available to the veterans and service members who have earned and deserve these opportunities, she said.
