Jim Webb

I am a sponsor of the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2011.

I believe it is appropriate for them to finally receive the federal recognition that has been denied for far too long.

The rigid nature of the administrative recognition process has been a source of delay, frustration and a lingering sense of unfairness.

Support for these six Virginia tribes has been voiced many times during the 15 years since they began seeking federal recognition.

I would like to emphasize my personal belief that this particular situation with respect to Virginia is historically unique.

I respectfully ask the Committee to work with me to bring this legislation to the Senate floor.

For these reasons, I strongly believe that recognition for these six Virginia tribes is justified based on principles of dignity and fairness.

It is a fact that Virginia in the past had race laws which regulated the activity of Virginia Indians.

The federal recognition process has been fraught with challenges that need to be addressed.

I would say this is one of those moments we will look back on clearly as a historic turning point.

Yet during that visit, one could clearly see the promise of a different future.

Schools of all kinds must be held accountable. They cannot be allowed to take advantage of our brave men and women.

The post-9/11 GI Bill is the most significant veterans' benefit since World War II.

Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act

This program retains its viability

Today's veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and they deserve a quality education in gratitude for their services.

One thing is clear: the VA's current approach is not sufficient.

That is why we introduced the GI Bill Educational Freedom Act, along with Senator Mark Rubio and four other Senator colleagues from both sides of the aisle.

The same quality benefits that were given to those who served during World War II should have been the standard

And the new GI Bill is making a real difference for thousands of veterans and their families each and every year.

We were able to move this bill through the Senate and through the House in sort of a record 16 months

That is why I am so outraged to hear some of the actions of the bad actors in the education community.

It is a comprehensive, commonsense piece of legislation, and I am confident we can put this together on a bipartisan basis in order to save the integrity and the value of the best GI Bill that our country has ever seen.

The finest GI Bill in the history of our country

As a Senator, I have never forgotten what mattered all those years, that my country was willing to invest in me when I returned home from my military service.