WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today offered bipartisan
legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would grant the full benefit of the G.I. Bill to members of the U.S. National Guard and Reservists who serve on active duty for nine consecutive months in one year or 18 months in two year period.  The bill is H.R. 5326.

 

Emerson’s bill recognizes the challenges of military service for National Guard and Reserve soldiers who are called to extended periods of active duty.  Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), the second-most senior Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

 

“We are asking more of our National Guard and Reserves today than at any time in history.  Units from Southern Missouri have answered the call of our country in Afghanistan, in Iraq, along the Gulf Coast, and here at home.  These are not weekend assignments or quick trips.  Our men and women in uniform are away from their families and their jobs for extended stretches of time,” Emerson said.  “The G.I. Bill is an important opportunity for our veterans to extend or enhance their educations, and it should apply to every soldier who spends significant time serving our country on active duty.”

 

“It is time that Congress made the benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill more easily available to members of the National Guard and Reserves--many of whom are being called to serve full-time in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Congressman Filner.  “Investing in them will contribute to the overall strength of our country,” said Congressman Filner.

 

In 1944, when the GI Bill was signed into law, our National Guard and Reserves were primarily stay-at-home, readiness forces.  Today, over 400,000 servicemen and servicewomen are taking advantage of the GI Bill to pay for college-level education.

 

“Our military men and women are a great investment – they have shown us they can lead through their action in uniform.  They do not stop being leaders or role models or heroes once they exchange the uniform of our country for the role of the student,” Emerson said.