2008 G.I. Bill

Bill summary
 The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 greatly expands the education benefit currently offered to Americans who enlist in the armed forces. Under the current system, soldiers, sailors and airmen and women must serve three continuous years of active duty to be eligible for the benefit. In addition, during their first year of server, they must pay $1,200 into the system. The government would provide up to $39,600 in education benefits over a four-year per period. Veterans who served in the National Guard and Reserves would be entitled to a limited benefit.

Under the proposed legislation, all veterans who serve three cumulative years active duty could use the benefit, including those were in the National Guard and Reserves. The benefit would also pay for full tuition at any public university in the country.

The upfront costs to service members would also be discontinued, and the time-limit for using the benefit would increase 5 years to 15 years from discharge.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the cost of the new benefit would be $51.8 billion over 10 years. It would be funded by attaching a surtax of half a percentage point on income over $500,000 for individuals and $1 million for couples.

Bill history
In May 2008, Democratic leaders in the House attached the new G.I. Bill language into a supplemental spending amendment for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The amendement was approved by a margin of 255-165. 

Related SourceWatch articles
U.S. veterans and soldiers legislation

External Resources
G.I. Bill 2008 - Advocacy site developed by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America