I am honored to have served side by side with courageous members of the armed forces in Afghanistan. Having served our country for almost thirty years, I've seen my friends risk their lives day after day for our nation -- and all they ask for in return is to have their sacrifices recognized with the benefits promised to them.
Senator Jim Webb from Virginia has introduced an expanded version of the GI Bill, called the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Act, to increase education benefits for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It's time our troops received some support from the lawmakers who are keeping them in Iraq and Afghanistan and that our senator was aware of their needs. The bill already has 57 co-sponsors -- but unfortunately, John Cornyn isn't one of them.
In the Texas Legislature, I worked for our troops by helping members of the Texas National Guard obtain federal health services and by making college more affordable for our veterans.
Contrast this to my opponent, who is once again turning his back on our veterans. John Cornyn opposed a common-sense bill that would have allowed our soldiers to spend as much time at home with their families as they spend deployed abroad. And after sending our soldiers to war, Cornyn voted against a measure that would have provided our troops with body armor, putting their lives in even more danger.
This war has been characterized by careless, runaway spending that is costing up to $15 billion a month. Little of it has been invested in the well being of those who have been doing the fighting.
The folks on Capitol Hill haven't been shy about voting themselves pay raises or great benefits after they leave office. It's time to speak out for those who have served. Email Cornyn and urge him to co-sponsor Senator Webb's expanded GI Bill today.
http://www.ricknoriega.com/gibill
The Bush Administration opposes Senator Webb's GI Bill because they fear soldiers will leave the military to attend college. As someone who has defended this nation, I'm outraged by the notion that we should limit benefits in civilian life to force our troops to stay in the military.
Moreover, it's absurd to argue that providing stronger benefits to military personnel would hurt recruitment in the armed forces. A stronger GI Bill would attract America's most capable and gifted volunteers to the military during a time when we need more troops than ever.
Hundreds of Texas families have lost their loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and here in Texas we support our troops with action -- not just with words. After World War II, the GI Bill created unprecedented prosperity in our nation. Those who have put their lives on the line for our nation should be offered the best education benefits possible.
Click here to demand John Cornyn co-sponsor Jim Webb's new GI Bill.
