Rodney Frelinghuysen: “America expects that when the United States sends our brave men and women into combat, we provide them with the…”

“America expects that when the United States sends our brave men and women into combat, we provide them with the resources to protect themselves and to accomplish their mission. Finally today--after much delay--this Congress appears to be on the verge of providing our troops the funds they need to continue their courageous efforts in the Iraq and Afghanistan--both humanitarian for the Iraqi and Afghan people and military against those who would promote terror and chaos. There's no doubt that this proposal is a clear victory for our troops and their families. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Obey and Mr. Murtha, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Young, this package ensures that our young; warfighters--all volunteers (Active, Guard and Reserve)--have the resources they need to protect themselves and do the job they've been sent to do. But the bill also supports the troops and their families by bringing the Montgomery GI Bill into the 21st Century. The legislation updates the GI Bill of Rights to recognize today's higher costs of higher education. And it also recognizes the new role of the Reserves and the National Guard-- 3,200 from New Jersey will deploy this summer to Iraq with our 50th Brigade Combat Team. But Mr. Speaker, this measure also includes a new, permanent provision that allows current soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to transfer their educational benefits to a spouse or a child. Mr. Speaker, this is a huge improvement.…”