Washington, Jun 19 -

Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry voted in favor of one of the most significant pieces of legislation to come before the 110th Congress.  The supplemental appropriations bill provides funding for a new GI Bill, our troops in the field as well as an extension of unemployment benefits.

An original co-sponsor of the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act”, Congressman McHenry has long been an advocate for a modernized and more generous GI Bill.

The new GI Bill contained in the supplemental provides veterans, who enlisted after 9/11 and have served at least three years, with the equivalent of four years of college education at a state university.  Congressman McHenry worked to successfully get a provision included in the final draft of the bill that allows veterans’ benefits to be transferable to spouses or children.

“The treatment of our veterans speaks to the moral credibility of this country.  Today, the United States reaffirms its deep gratitude and obligation to our brave servicemen and women,” stated Congressman McHenry.

The supplemental funding for America’s troops represents a rare and significant bipartisan agreement to provide our soldiers with the resources they need to defend this nation.

For jobless workers who are approaching the end of their allowed unemployment compensation, the bill extends benefits for an additional 13 weeks.  As reported, Congressman McHenry broke with his party’s leadership and the White House last week in voting for a similar extension of jobless benefits.*
(*source: “Hayes, McHenry vote with Democrats”, Charlotte Observer, 6/14/2008)

“Rising gas and food prices and unfair trade deals have produced an economy that is hurting Western North Carolina families and contributing to job losses in our region.  I will keep fighting to get my constituents the help they need,” Congressman McHenry concluded.

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