Political Quotes

“I rise before you today to offer an amendment on behalf of myself and Senators Dorgan, Coverdell, Murray, and Hagel. I offer this amendment to correct an injustice in our current student financial aid policy. Since June 1 of 1987, the Montgomery GI bill has guaranteed basic educational assistance for most persons who are or have been members of the Armed Forces or the selected reserves for significant periods of time. This legislation was created in 1987 to achieve a number of important national objectives. It was to assist veterans in their readjustment to civilian life, to aid in the era of an all-volunteer military, in the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel in the Armed Forces, and to develop a more highly educated and productive workforce. Unfortunately, currently, the Montgomery GI benefits are considered 'other financial aid' in the determination of a student's need. In other words, when a veteran applies for financial aid, colleges and universities are required to take into account any benefits received under the Montgomery GI bill program in arriving at a judgment as to what resources that student would be entitled to receive. The ultimate result is that the total financial aid award is substantially reduced.”