March 12,2008:
Many U.S. defense officials and politicians are opposing the passage of a
new "G.I. Bill", that would increase educational benefits, to a level
approaching what veterans got right after World War II. That first G.I. Bill
played a large role in expanding the ranks of college educated Americans, and
fueling a decades long economic boom. Critics of the new bill fear the new benefits
would encourage experienced troops to quit the military and go to college.
Proponents of the bill insist that there is no evidence to back that up, and
that more generous educational benefits have long been high on the list of things
veterans want, and believe they have earned.