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Cornyn Outlines Support for G.I. Bill Modernization

Says Service Members Must be Allowed to Transfer Benefits to Families

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke on the Senate floor this morning to outline his strong support for modernizing and expanding the Montgomery G.I. Bill program for active duty service members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

“Clearly, an overhaul to the Montgomery G.I. Bill is long overdue and something that our troops deserve for their heroic service in the defense of freedom. I am hopeful that the final product of this legislation will reflect some form of bipartisan compromise and we can move forward with this important effort,” Senator Cornyn said.

However, echoing serious concerns outlined in recent letters to Congress by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Senator Cornyn said one proposal, introduced by Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.), would greatly harm troop retention rates. Senator Cornyn is backing an alternative bill, introduced by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) -- the Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act, S. 2938 – which would strengthen our all-volunteer force and meet the educational needs of servicemen and women in Texas.

“I know it's not his intention, but Senator Webb's bill actually would encourage people not to re-enlist by providing an incentive to leave early in order to obtain the benefits they would receive after three years of service,” Senator Cornyn said on the floor today. “We need to make sure that we encourage continuation of service and retention in the military that is in the best interest of our all-volunteer military force. I believe that we ought to reward those who continue to serve. We especially ought to reward the families by allowing transferability of the benefit upon continued service to spouses and children. I can tell you, in speaking to Texans this last weekend, that one feature was something that they very much appreciated.”

According to a recent Congressional Budget office report, Senator Webb’s bill could decrease retention rates as much as 16 percent. At a time when our troops are fighting on two fronts, and the Department of Defense is increasing the size of the Armed Forces to give troops more time at home between deployments, a drop in retention would have serious impacts on our All Volunteer Force.

A key component of the G.I. modernization bill that Senator Cornyn is supporting is the issue of transferability – meaning, service-members will be allowed to transfer their education benefits to spouses and dependent children. Families, according to Senator Cornyn, ought to be recognized for the sacrifices they make for their troops. Transferability is not included in the Webb legislation.

Additional Background:

• In letters to Congress, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake outlined their serious concerns with the Webb legislation. To view the Gates letter, please click here. To view the Peake letter, please click here.
• The average cost of a 4-year public school in Texas is just under $55,000. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies. Under the Graham Bill, troops serving three years can put roughly $58,000 towards that education. Troops serving 12 years or more can put roughly $76,000 towards their education. For more expensive schools, Texans can take advantage of the Hazelwood Act. Many TX veterans (those who served on active duty for “more than 180 days”) can supplement their GI bill benefits with “tuition exemption” benefits available under TX’s Hazlewood Act, allowing them to take classes at public institutions of higher education in Texas nearly free of charge. Clearly, S. 2938 provides what Texans need.
• To view the video and transcript of Senator Cornyn’s full floor remarks today, please click here.
• Column: Updating our Commitment to Those Who Serve
• Release: Cornyn Co-Sponsors Bill To Boost Education Benefits For Military, Veterans

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