Webb's G.I. bill gains as alternative is set aside

WASHINGTON

Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's plan for a revamped GI Bill to send Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans to college survived an unexpected test vote in the Senate on Wednesday, as lawmakers blocked a less generous Republican alternative.

By a 55-42 vote, senators set aside - and likely killed - the Republican proposal, whose sponsors include the party's presumptive presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain. It would have provided $1,500 per month in college aid to veterans, a figure that GOP senators said would cover the average cost at state-supported schools across the country.

The benefit would increase to $2,000 per month for those who stay in the military for at least 12 years. After six years of service, a veteran could transfer at least part of the benefit to a spouse or children. The Bush administration particularly favors those provisions, which it says would encourage experienced troops to stay in uniform.

Webb's bill, which has 11 Republicans among its 58 co-sponsors, would cap college aid at the level of the most expensive public college in the veteran's state. Veterans who choose private colleges, which typically are more expensive than public universities, could receive additional aid if the college agreed to reduce its tuition to match the added benefit.

A House bill matching Webb's proposal is expected to be debated on the House floor today. Democrats there have attached it to legislation funding the war effort in Iraq.

Webb says that college aid should not be tied to a veteran's length of service, noting that more than half of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan likely will leave the military after one tour of duty. His legislation simply gives today's troops the same college aid that went to veterans of World War II under the original GI bill, he stressed Wednesday.

McCain was on the campaign trail Wednesday and did not take part in the debate.

Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com