FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, June 26, 2008
CONTACT: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or <mailto:michael@iava.org>michael@iava.org

Landslide GI Bill Victory in the Senate (92-6)
A New GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans is One Step Away from Being Law

NEW YORK - In a historic vote Thursday tonight, the Senate voted 92-6 in favor of a World War II-style GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' group, has been championing the bill for more than a year and applauds this groundbreaking development.

"We're on the brink of making history for a new generation of veterans and their families. A modern GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is now just one step away from being signed into law," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). "The momentum we've seen recently is unprecedented. IAVA and its tens of thousands of members nationwide are grateful for the incredible support that Senators Webb and Hagel and more than 500 other lawmakes have demonstrated for our country's newest generation of veterans."

Earlier today, IAVA's Legislative Director, Patrick Campbell, spoke at a bipartisan press conference in support of the modern GI Bill, which included Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), John Warner (R-VA) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). In describing the impact of the passage of the World War II-style GI Bill, Campbell said, "Iraq and Afghanistan veterans everywhere will be given renewed hope. Their dreams are going to be bigger. Their opportunities are going to be bigger."

The GI Bill is now being sent to the President's desk as part of the war supplemental funding bill. Thanks to a deal that was reached last week between Congress and the White House, President Bush is expected to sign the bill in the coming week. Much more information about the fight for a new GI Bill is at www.GIBill2008.org

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Legislative Director Patrick Campbell, or a veteran who can share his/her personal GI Bill story, please contact Michael Houston at (212) 982-9699 or <mailto:michael@iava.org>michael@iava.org.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A non-profit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 95,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states.

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