Reps. Brown, Accavitti, Bauer, Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Clack, Clemente, Condino, Constan, Cushingberry, Dean, Hammon, Hopgood, Lahti, Kathleen Law, LeBlanc, Leland, Lemmons, Mayes, Meadows, Miller, Polidori, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Simpson, Alma Smith, Spade, Tobocman, Vagnozzi and Valentine offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 372.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass, and President Bush to sign, the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

            Whereas, In 1944, the Congress of the United States passed, and President Roosevelt signed, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, known to most people as the GI Bill of Rights. Since its establishment, the GI Bill has created educational opportunities for millions of veterans; and

            Whereas, Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members of the United States military have been asked to perform heroic tasks in the name of freedom. These selfless volunteers have performed with remarkable valor, and it is incumbent on citizens of the United States to honor their service in any way possible; and

            Whereas, The cost of attending college has increased greatly in recent years, and as a result the benefits provided by the GI Bill are no longer sufficient to cover the average cost of tuition; and

            Whereas, Since 1944, Congress has periodically updated the GI Bill to reflect the changing needs of our soldiers and the military as a whole. However, despite the changes of the past decades, it has been 24 years since the law was significantly reformed; and

            Whereas, Improving and updating the GI bill would create an additional incentive for individuals considering enlistment, which is vital given the all-volunteer nature of our military; and 

            Whereas, Two pieces of legislation currently before Congress, S. 22 and H. R. 2702, would update the GI Bill to reflect the current realities facing our servicemembers. These bills, known as the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, would increase the amount of aid available to these students, and would otherwise remove obstacles to obtaining a college education. While not perfect, these bills represent a significant improvement over the current system; and

            Whereas, Those who would complain about the costs of such a program seem to forget the staggering price we ask of these men and women. Likewise, those who complain that these bills would create an incentive to leave the military underestimate the dedication and devotion of our troops; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact, and the President of the United States to sign, S. 22 and H. R. 2702; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.