WASHINGTON
The Senate overwhelmingly backed a landmark increase in educational aid to the nation’s veterans on Thursday, defying the White House and challenging President Bush to make good on a threatened veto.
“This is taking care of the people who’ve taken care of us,” said Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., who has championed the enhanced benefit since taking office last year. “Our work is not done yet,” he cautioned supporters, citing the White House’s opposition.
Webb’s Virginia colleague in the Senate, Republican John Warner, was more confident. “This will become the law of the land,” he declared.
Senators voted 75-22 to attach the revamped GI Bill to a $165 billion appropriations measure for continued military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The total is $57 billion more than Bush requested and includes billions of dollars in additional aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina and heating subsidies for the poor, among other domestic programs.
With an estimated 10-year cost of $51 billion, the Webb proposal would be the largest increase in decades in a veterans aid program. Modeled after the GI bill provided to World War II veterans, the measure would give veterans tuition aid equal to the cost of the most expensive public college in their home states once they’ve served for at least three years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Veterans choosing private schools, which typically are more expensive, could get additional aid if their colleges agreed to reduce tuitions. And all participants would be eligible for a monthly cost-of-living stipend while attending college.
In a concession to the administration engineered by Warner, Webb agreed to amend the legislation later this year to permit career service members to transfer at least part of their college aid to a spouse or children. The White House has argued that such transferability is critical to efforts to encourage experienced troops to remain in uniform.
Bush has promised to veto any bill spending more than the $108 billion he sought for the war effort. The 75 votes Webb’s plan received Thursday is eight more than supporters would need to override a veto; the administration position apparently has more strength in the House, however.
“There’s a long way to go in this process, and fortunately, it takes two houses of Congress to send a bill to the president,” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. “Our position hasn’t changed: This is the wrong way to consider domestic spending, and Congress should not go down this path.”
Thursday’s vote for Webb’s plan represented a greater-than-expected show of strength for the enhanced benefit and underscored an election-year gap between the president and his fellow Republicans.
Twenty-five of the Senate’s 47 Republicans backed the Webb plan, despite the fact that the president and Arizona Sen. John McCain, their party’s presumptive presidential nominee, support a less generous alternative.
McCain was on the campaign trail Thursday and did not take part in the vote. But South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, perhaps McCain’s closest ally in the Senate and the chief sponsor of the administration’s preferred GI Bill plan, renewed arguments that the Webb plan will encourage needed troops to leave the military.
Graham cited a Congressional Budget Office study indicating that the Webb bill could cut the military’s annual re-enlistments by 16 percent. The same report, however, suggested that the prospect of a fully financed college education would stimulate a 16 percent jump in initial enlistments .
Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, fighting for their party’s presidential nomination, showed up to support Webb’s proposal.
Webb insisted again Thursday that the legislation should not be a partisan issue. He recruited 11 Republicans as co-sponsors in the Senate, he reminded reporters, adding that “if I were able to sit down with John McCain for 10 or 15 minutes, I honestly think that he would support this bill.”
Both Webb and Warner paid tribute Thursday to a broad coalition of veterans groups that supported the bill, with Webb suggesting that their backing might have helped persuade Republicans in particular to differ with the administration.
Patrick Campbell, legislative director for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said members of the organization watched with excitement as senators switched their votes on the floor.
The group began working on the bill four months ago with Webb, Warner, and representatives from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Military Officers Association of America, Campbell said.
“How can you tell a veteran that’s been to war three or four times that it’s too rich of a benefit?” he asked.
Webb has brushed aside suggestions that the bill’s high profile might help propel him toward the Democratic nomination for vice president. As a former Navy secretary and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, he is being touted by supporters as well-positioned to strengthen a ticket led by either Obama or Clinton, neither of whom served in the military.
Webb says he’s happy in the Senate but has not ruled out accepting an offer to run. H e also got a boost Thursday from Republican Warner, who is set to retire in January, ending a 30-year Senate career.
“How proud I am to have as my colleague in the Senate Jim Webb,” Warner said, adding that for a freshman senator “to have achieved legislation of this magnitude is a record in and of itself.”
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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What makes post 9/11 vets so special???
Oh this is nice for all those who signed up after or who were active duty during 9/11. But I'm sorry folks...the men and women out there VOLUNTEERED for it just as I did...and did my service during Desert Storm mean anything less??? I'm all for veterans benefits...but the benefits have to extend across the board! To give this away on a silver platter to a certain percentage is just WRONG. Life is an education, most of the time you have to work...and that work schedule may not prove to be compatable with a school schedule. There are better plans out there than giving vets money for both school and living.
Why not just leave the payout the way it is, with additional yearly cost of living adjustments, and then put no end date on the conditions! That way everyone can use the benefits when they are able to or if they want to!
"Poor Sportsmanship"
"L": "politicoship" isn't even a word...
It really drives me up the wall when some one either uses a word out of context or makes up words.
If you're going to slam
If you're going to slam Allen, do it accurately --> macaca, NOT "Maccaca," etc.
Thank god
for Jim Webb! Finally someone who cares and supports our troops.
This Marine mom thanks you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Webb /GI Bill
virginia did the USA a trememdous favor when we elected Jim Webb and dumped George Allen. The idea that we can never again nominate someone for president who had Bushes amazing comination of ignorance and arragance could well have been disproved with an Allen nomination! I am proud to have supported Jim Webb, and proud of his leadership on this issue. Although I have often disagreed with John Warner, I am proud that he also was on board with this, and had he decency to commend Sen. Webb for his leadership on the GI Bill. As to a Webb VP, while I think that he is up to the job, I am not sure that he is ready to be the correct or best choice AND I am not sure who we have here in Va. ready to step into his Senate seat. My ticket, decided on long before most of the 08 candidates even announce, was Obama and Richardson (Gov. of N.M.) What a combination of charisma, leadership, brilliance, competency and experience that would be. We could get used to that if we tried!
In the meantime, after Nov. 08, I expect that Virginia will be represented by the best team of US Senators in the country, Webb and Mark Warner. When we add the opportunity to help Obama win the electoral vote count,
myharley
Please share with us the costs of the war of lies George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfield, and Karl Rove let us into. Not just in dollars and cents, but human life and suffering. It saddens me to think that anyone would begrudge Vets anything, yet here you are complaining along with others the costs of the vets benefit.
Those that simply want to complain about this bill have no support for our troops whatsoever......something republicans have been complaining to decomrats about for years. As far as George Allen, he brought this on himself, and will never see the political arena again. His inept ability as a leader had far more to do with Webb's victory than Macaca did. Even though macaca was bad certainly enough.
Newt
Trust me, a reasoned, intelligent comment sticks out on these boards like a lighthouse in the fog.
You are correct. The use of legislative "riders" has become a common tactic for members of both parties to get controversial bills attached to essential federal spending.
The debt we owe to veterans should be paid without being held captive to political shenanigans. While I support an end to the colossal blunder in Iraq, that vote should be out in the open and debated separately.
Veterans' benefits should not be used as a tool to end the war. Voters can do that in November. Vote for McCain - the war continues. Vote for Obama and the war ends.
For: MYHARLEY8MYCAR
"People of Virginia: We all know that Webb is a senator because of only ONE reason: "Macaca." "This is all on you - people who voted for Webb - I do not want to hear any whining from you when it comes time to pony up to pay for this."
I hate to pee in your Wheaties there tough guy, but George Allen lost for more than "Macaca." His lockstep blind allegiance to George Bush and his self-serving, arrogant attitude "my daddy was George Allen - Redskins football coach, so I'm somebody," his questionable interests with lobbyists and pocket padding, lack of ability to understand basic economics, and....need I go on? I will give him this though, he was successful in abolishing parole. And that was the only thing he will be positively remembered for. George Allen's demise was a direct result of one person-George Allen. And good rittance. Period. And I am more than willing to pony up for our military personnel to attend secondary education. I feel I owe them that.
The Bill is S.22 (cont.)
For anyone who is simply jealous: The Army is taking recruits up to age 42. Go for it.
The Bill is S.22
I’ve read the bill. You can find it here: http://thomas.loc.gov/
Click the bill number button beneath the search field and type in "S.22".
For those who complain about the cost: Keep in mind that the projected figures represent the estimate if everyone eligible actually availed himself or herself of the benefit. Many service members WILL NOT avail themselves of this benefit.
Secondly, $51 billion over ten years is lunch money. The war in Iraq has so far cost our nation over $500 billion the past five years.
To people like Bush and McCain, who think it will encourage troops to leave the service early, you're deluded. Think about it. Can you imagine some guy or gal in the military saying to him or herself, "Gee, I wanted to go to college, but I can't afford it. Oh, well, I guess I'll go ahead and do another tour in Iraq."
The reality is that most who want to go to college DO go to college. This benefit would just make those who missed the opportunity because of immaturity, bad decision-making early in life (like pre-maturely starting a family), etc. a chance to do what he or she is now emotionally and mentally prepared to do.
And for anyone who is simply jeal
Thanks, Webb (NOT!!)
At $5.1 BILLION per year, who has Webb selected to pay for this folly?? Although I am thankful for our Vets (I am one also), I think this bill goes quite a bit too far in "compensation".
People of Virginia: We all know that Webb is a senator because of only ONE reason: "Macaca".
This is all on you - people who voted for Webb - I do not want to hear any whining from you when it comes time to pony up to pay for this.
Veterans deserve benefits
Our brave soldiers deserve benefits like a college education. Get rid of the contactors and put in soldiers if you want to save money on the war in Iraq. Blackwater charged 10x what soldiers cost to do the same job and it's an insult to our troops that the private mercenaries are paid exorbitant amounts for the same job!
Our vets deserve excellent medical care if they are hurt and the chance to get an education when their service is done. They risk their lives for our freedom and deserve the best we can give them.
Pork
Why does Congress always feel they need to add more spending when it comes to any War Spending Bill? If this GI bill is so great then let it stand on its merit by itself. I personally like the bill but hate that it’s being piggy-backed onto another bill. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH OUR CONGRESS. When the President has to veto this bill because of the pork spending added to it - Mr. Webb will come forward and say the President does not really care about the men and women serving in our military, just like they are doing with Thelma Drake now. The Farm Bill is another example. And when its gets veto you will see the Democrats all come forward and say the President does not support the American Farmers.
One more thing, I thought Senator Webb was going to be a different politician. He is no better then the Tax and Spend Congress that preceded him. He is destined to be a one term Senator unless he remembers whom he is representing.
This should be a no brainer
Every soldier, airman, sailor or marine deserve this. We ask so much of our trooops; and sometimes, for all the wrong reasons (Iraq). These dedicated people constantly place their lives in harm's way, are uprooted and relocated on a continuous basis, which constantly destablizes and stresses even the best of families. Unfortunately, some families lose their only bread winner.
Our government/military demands total commitment and allegiance of their personnel, all the while offering poverty level salaries, substandard medical care, military red tape, etc. Military service is very demanding. To not do everything possible to supplement and reward their service and potential sacrifice in the name of this country is unforgivable and should be devoid of any price tag. These Americans are more than just warm bodies; they're human beings with feelings, families, and dreams of positive futures. We should do eveything possible to help them acheive those dreams. Period.
Politics in Washington
The board has been hijacked by mudslinging, so I doubt my post will even matter. The issue with this bill is typical in Washington politics. If this is a Military Spending Bill, what are funds for Katrina and help with domestic heating bills doing attached? The GI bill belongs here. The military spending belongs here. The domestic spending does not belong attached. Of course, then the democrats would have never supported the bill in the first place.
All this Anger
I cannot help but wonder, how many (if any) of us have actually read this bill, and how much any of us know about it other than the "Headline". I do know the Pilot hasn't gone into any detail on it. This is like that pint of strawberries at the supermarket. We all see the nice red plump ones on the top of the plastic basket. The question is, what is the fruit like in the middle and toward the bottom?
How much of this discussion is REALLY about caring for our Troops and our Veterans? So far it seems just another excuse to rage against the machine, and denounce the other guy as a hypocrite?
Education is the most important benefit we could give military
How could anyone say that this is not a worthy expense? Being in the military is a job, and job, good jobs, should offer benefits that better its employees. I know that the company I work for offers tuition reimbursement as an investment in me and as also because they know that by bettering me they are bettering the company. The military is no different, except maybe it is even more important, because their jobs are for the public good and they put their lives on the line to protect our country. I would much prefer to offer veterans college educations then to see veterans homeless on the streets. I think it is shameful that the naysayers think this is a waste of money.
What do expect from a
What do expect from a do-nothing, lip servicing and no action Republican. Unless they start caring for Americans, their number will continue to dwindle. So much for supporting the troop. For those who have never been in the service or been to war, I suggest you keep your comments to yourself. It just makes you sound un-patriotic. You true side is showing.
Benefits
Certainly the benefits of increased education, better-paying jobs, and a higher income will generate more tax payments to the Treasury. So the cost of the education will be reimbursed by increased productivity over a longer period of time. This, in turn, stimulates the economy. This is what happened in the years following WWII. A tremendous economic boom funded by education benefits, housing loans, other rewards to Vets.
Where is the cost in this?
Paying for GI Bill
I believe this is an excellent plan. I think the figure for "rich" was quoted as those making over $500K a year. As someone with 20 years of military service and still proudly serving, this bill has actually brought back the idea of going to school when I finally retire. As for paying for it. One way would be to lower the number of gov't contractors over here with us. Half as many contractors than Soldier, but they collect more money than we do when we could do the same exact job. Contractors is where I believe the largest portion of "War" spending is occuring. As for including the military retirements into the National Debt. That is what we Soldiers, Sailor, Airman and Marines deserve for serving 20+ years in the service. Why don't you add what a congressman or senator receives for as little as 1 term in office. I believe you would find that it probably exceeds what military retirement benefits are.
SEN. WEBB & THE GI BILL
Forget all of this "poiltical"; Remember the Troops and their service.
If this GI Bill helps these young men & women that's all that matters. Please remember ALL of them this weekend. It's NOT about parades and sales at stores it's about them and those who have gone before them.
Webb for Vice President
Senator Webb has done more for our nation in the past year than Senator George Allen managed during his entire political career. Oh, that's right, George found life in the Senate "boring". Senator Obama should pick Jim for V.P.
RE: in a hand basket
You question the additional debt for supporting our troops, but you left out what George Bush has done to created our debt. We have spent billions bumbing the heck out of country and we will spend billion more re-builing. All based on a war of lies. It's about time money was spent to support our troops, and thanks to Jim Webb we will.
THE NEW GI BILL
Thank you Sens. Webb and Warner for your support of this Bill. Why is it that Sen. Warner could join in a bipartisan manner to support this important and lofty Bill but Rep. Drake could not.
Rep. Drake, shame on you. Your sole reason for not supporting this Bill was that the President promised to veto it. Your reason is weak at best and unconscionable due to your servile lockstep support of the worst President this nation has ever known.
I certainly hope that your non-support of this Bill is remembered by all voters this coming November when you run for re-election. I will make sure my friends and colleagues are informed of your non-support of our men and women in the Armed Forces.
Did anyone ask
how we are paying for all of this? I am the first one to be certain that our military gets a fair compensation. Has anyone taken a reasonable and critical look at these benefits? I can't help but wonder it this isn't a political tug of war in an election year. There was some mention of taxing the "rich" some more to pay for all of this. Please define rich.
Beautiful.......
Oh, the pain...fat elephants being overriden! It's about "PATRIOTS" meaning soldiers and NOT your sorry coattail riding . Inorder to override putzes (duh Bush)veto requires two-thirds majority vote in both Congress and the Senate meaning "Elephants" voted for it!
In a handbasket
For a nation that has allowed our government to become the largest debtor the world has ever known - $9 trillion national debt ($50 trillion when entitlements like social security, medicare, military retirement checks, etc. are counted) how can we celebrate even more irresponsible spending?
Way to go Sen Webb!
FINALLY..... A person who doesn't sit there and just say how proud they are of the troops that are, by the way dying needlessly, but someone who does something to show them that we are proud of them and appreciate what they are doing for the US. The republicans can get as mad as they want but this man did what was right. Bush hasn't done ANYTHING for the troops except to send them to die in his "made up" war.
You can bash Webb all that you want to but like they used to say "The proof is in the puddin!". Now let's see if a republican has the courage to stand up for them. I won't be holding my breath.
Again, Thanks Sen Webb!
Glad it passed
Please stop the mud slinging... I'm glad for the military folks this will help. Thank you to those in Congress who supported our military.
Oh yeah...?
Which military did all these tough-talking chickenhawks serve in anyway?
You get what you pay for. The GI Bill after WWII was one of the best things that ever happened to this country. It paid for itself many times over in productivity and prosperity. And now you short-sighted rightwing Scrooges are telling us we need to compensate our soldiers on the cheap, even as we throw away something like $3 billion per week (!) on Dubya's phoneyed up unnecessary war. GET REAL!