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Barack Obama Talks GI Bill at George Mason University in Virginia

by Rob Walker | August 3, 2009 at 07:23 am

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United States President Barack Obama is set to speak on the new GI Bill and possibly tax-related issues at a speech at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Obama spoke just after 11am est on Monday, where he discussed the first new GI bill since 9/11, which allows for tuition payments and accomodations for up to four years for veterans.

Obama was joined by Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki and Vice President Joe Biden, among others. Obama outlined the $78 billion legislation that will provide additional benefits to veterans serving after 9/11.

"This generation of servicemen and women has already earned a place in American history," said Obama. "Over the last eight years they have endured tour after tour of duty in a dangerous place."

"We owe a debt to all who serve and when we repay that debt to veterans, we are investing in the future. Not just their future, but the future of our entire country. This is a lesson that america has been perhaps too slow to learn."

"Today we honor the service of an extra generation and look to america that they will help build tomorrow," stated Obama.

Obama speaks from the Harris Theater at 11:05, joined by Veterans Affairs Sec. Eric Shinseki, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), former Sen. John Warner and Vice President Joe Biden.

As of Friday, more than 70 veterans enrolled for the fall semester have requested certification to receive the tuition, fee and housing payments allowed under the Post-9/11 GI Bill; 285 veterans at Maryland last semester received payments through the old program, the Montgomery GI Bill of 1944.

"We don't know yet whether the new GI bill is increasing the overall number of veterans on our campus, but we hope that will be true as the number of veterans going to school goes up," says Warren Kelley, assistant vice president for student affairs. He says the fact that so many students are already seeking the benefits, though the semester doesn't start until Aug. 31, is an encouraging sign.