Jim Webb: “The one provision I would like to speak very briefly about tonight is the GI bill provision that is in this…”

“The one provision I would like to speak very briefly about tonight is the GI bill provision that is in this supplemental. This is not an expansion of veterans' benefits. This is a new program. This is the first wartime GI bill benefit since Vietnam. I wish to thank very much people on both sides of the aisle for all the work we have been able to do. There were 11 Republicans who cosponsored this provision, in addition to others who voted for it the first time around. There were more than 300 sponsors in the House. Those sponsors in the House included 90 Republicans. I especially express my appreciation to Senator Hagel and Senator Warner, as well as Senator Lautenberg, for being the principal cosponsors along with me on this measure, also Chairman Akaka of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the majority leader, who was with us early on.”