Debbie Dingell: “I rise in support of the Blue Dog budget which balances fiscal responsibility with the need to adequately fund programs…”

“I rise in support of the Blue Dog budget which balances fiscal responsibility with the need to adequately fund programs addressing our national priorities and needs. The Blue Dog budget is a responsible plan that balances the budget and retires public debt without tapping into the Social Security trust fund. Mr. Chairman, I am particularly pleased the Blue Dog budget provides needed funding to expand the Montgomery G.I. bill. The Armed Forces face serious recruiting problems. In order to meet our defense needs, the Armed Forces must have the tools it needs to draw men and women into uniform. The Montgomery G.I. bill has proven to be the military's most valuable recruiting tool. Unfortunately, the combination of a substantially devalued G.I. bill, which now pays only 36 percent of the cost of receiving a 4-year college education, and expanded Federal financial assistance to college-bound students without military service has crippled the G.I. bill's effectiveness. Recent recruiting gimmicks such as psychedelic humvees, Spike Lee advertisements, drag racers, or desperate cash giveaways are not the answer to these problems. Nor is conscription. Congress would best help our Armed Forces by improving the G.I. bill. Providing access to higher education in exchange for national service is the right thing to do. A strong G.I. bill helps veterans and their families, aids our national defense, and strengthens the economy.”