Congress Accepts Blame for GI Bill Delays

By Terry Howell

Yes, you read the headline correctly, in an unprecedented and refreshing admission of guilt, members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday admitted that in a rush to pass and implement "a complex and difficult benefit" they contributed to the GI Bill payment delays.

Okay, they didn't come right out and say they accepted all the blame, just a share of it. But this is a huge step for the legislative branch and shouldn't slip by unnoticed.

Read Tom Philpott's latest Military Update to get the full story.

Don't Stop There
Although the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a great concept, the complex details and execution plans were ill conceived from the very beginning. With details that make it difficult for even the most seasoned VA representative to explain and/or administrate it is a miracle the VA has done as well as it has.

What congress failed to acknowledge in yesterday's hearing is that in addition to the issues which are causing payment delays, the GI Bill falls well short of many veteran's expectations and the intent of the original 1944 GI Bill concept by excluding distance learning students from getting a housing stipend and excluding vocational and on-the-job training programs. 

It is time to persuade congress to go back and fix the Post-9/11 GI Bill now while tensions are high and before we veterans slip back into pattern of complacency. 

Remember two things when writing to your representatives:
1. Be respectful, harsh language and tirades are easily ignored.
2. Use all means possible, phone, e-mail and snail mail. It is harder to ignore phone calls and snail mail than it is to delete e-mail.

Contact your elected officials today.

Comments

[Military Friendly Colleges]

I find it pretty ridiculous that congress messes up something such as this. It is somewhat complex but at the same time doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out education is changing so those who do online learning and distance learning still need a supplement as they will be able to work less while doing school. Common sense goes a long ways but in too many cases recently there is little to no common sense used.

[Brittani]

Hey I'm a journalism student and a dependent trying to receive aid for school under the post 9/11 Gi-Bill..I am writing an article about the struggles that people have faced and the current problems with the Post 9/11 Gi-Bill..if anyone would be willing to email me about their experiences with this or just their opinions, I would appreciate it! -Thanks , Brittani
Britlit86@aol.com

[Rob]

I wish Congress will take up the issue about full time distance learning students not receiving the BAH. I think some if not all of the BAH should be allowed. We're still attending school.

[auto insurance quotes]

How does this affect us veterans???

[Matt]

I agree, that there alot of issues with this GI Bill. I think that the emergency payments went out to shut us up. I think the VA was ordered to hand out checks to quell the rebellion. I am certain that if this article was released prior to the "emergency payments" the response to it would have been more publicized and serious. Americans like to hear how the government is taking care of its vets, but there is little that the average American is willing to do to help. That is why it was so important to quite our grievences with a emergency payment. No American knows about the new GI bill and the problems with it because that is how it has always been. They release the dream to Americans and then hide the reallity. As soon as articles started landing in the laps of Americans the VA made the necessary payments. Well those checks wont last for ever and there are alot of us that still haven't been processed. As history has taught us, veterans will always have to stand up for each other because no one else will. If we need something changed there are enough of us to get it done. Start sharing your story with people. See what they think when you tell them about your situation. Do your part not only for yourself but for your brother in arms that might not be doing as well as you. This doesn't just go for education but for the overall treatment you recieve at the VA. People will listen if the problem is personal to them. Think about it.

[FellowVet]

It is a case of the "Golden Rule". Congress has the "Gold" so they make the "Rules".

Remember that this legislation was written by politicians who most-likely attended college long before there was anything like computer/internet-based Distance Learning and probably had someone else pay for their education and didn't have to worry about paying tuition or room & board.

[The Truth]

So what does this mean for Vets ?