Rep. Takano Floor Speech in Support of the “Forever GI Bill”
July 24, 2017
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3218, which secures and strengthens the GI Bill for future generations of veterans, and does so without cutting benefits from anyone who is currently serving.
There are several provisions in this legislation worth celebrating. Removing time restrictions for future student veterans, and increasing support for Reservists, Guardsman, and their families, are long overdue improvements to the GI Bill.
But the restoration of GI Bill benefits for students defrauded by ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges is particularly noteworthy for veterans in my district and across the country.
When these schools abruptly closed, thousands of student veterans were left with non-transferable credits, depleted benefits, and none of the job opportunities they were promised.
By restoring their tuition and housing benefits, we are restoring a measure of justice for these veterans, and restoring their opportunity to get the education they deserve.
I hope it is just the start of our effort to crack down on for-profit colleges that exploit veterans.
I want to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their leadership, as well as the other members of the committee and veteran service organizations who contributed to the strength of this legislation.
Passing this HR 3218 is an important step toward ensuring that every person who serves this nation has the opportunity to live a rewarding, purposeful, and prosperous civilian life the balance of time.
I encourage all Members to support this bill and I yield the balance of my time.
