Advocates Rally For Webb GI Bill

Congressional advocates of an update to the Montgomery GI Bill gathered for an impressive show of force Tuesday afternoon, pressing for swift passage of the measure.

The bill, primarily sponsored by Vietnam veterans Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) would cover the full cost of tuition at a public state university for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and provide a monthly living stipend.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner (R-Va.) and over 25 veterans' advocacy organizations all participated in a rally for the bill on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

"At its heart, this bill is about helping a large and deserving group of young men and women readjust to the civilian life that we enjoy because of the sacrifices they make wearing that uniform," said Reid.

Warner was joined by fellow senators and War II veterans Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), as well as other lawmakers.

A senior House Democratic aide confirmed to the Crypt that the measure would likely be included in an upcoming war supplemental measure, where the provision would likely face little opposition. The measure has 58 co-sponsors in the Senate and 249 in the House.

"We are very close to pulling it off," said Webb at the rally. A former Marine, Webb has made the issue his primary focus since his election in 2006.
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