Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3674, is one of the most significant pieces of veterans legislation to be considered by the House in some time. It is probably the largest expansion of benefits for veterans since the Persian Gulf war. As provided for in the congressional budget resolution, H.R. 3674 increases a variety of veterans' benefits by the total of $230 million over the next 6 years. This bill: Increases the Montgomery GI bill active duty monthly basic rate by $5, to a total of $421.62 per month. Allows certain active duty servicemembers in the post-Vietnam era educational assistance program to transfer into the Montgomery GI bill. Provides Montgomery GI bill eligibility for certain active duty members of the Army and Air National Guard. Makes permanent, the authority for alternative teacher certificate programs. Allows a surviving spouse to retain compensation or pension payments pro rated to the date of death instead of the end of the month before the veteran died. Increases from 1 year to 2 years, the period of time for which accrued benefits are payable to a surviving spouse in the case of a veteran who dies while a claim is being adjudicated. Increases the maximum one-time allowance for the purchase of an automobile by a severely disabled veteran from $5,500 to $6,500. And the bill authorizes funds for the pro bono legal assistance program in connection with proceedings before the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals.”