I was fortunate enough after Vietnam to use the GI Bill to help pay for my education and I think that the new bill offered by Sen. Webb of Virginia has lots of merit and something that needs the American peoples support.  we owe a debt of gratitude to all the troops that do their duty.

— Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb has introduced legislation that would expand the GI Bill.

Webb’s proposal would cover the costs of tuition at any public college in the veteran’s state, as well as pay a monthly stipend equal to area housing costs.

— U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, is the co-sponsor of a companion House bill, which is expected to be voted on this week.

— President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation, if passed, because he says it is too expensive. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the proposal would cost

$51.8 billion over 10 years.

— U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, also opposes Webb’s bill, saying that such benefits could harm military retention efforts by coercing military members to leave the service so they can use their benefits.

— McCain has introduced his own GI Bill plan, which he said would encourage troops to stay in the military by offering increased benefits for serving 12 years or more. McCain’s proposal would allow benefits to be passed on to family members

Read this carefully and see if those opposed to this bill are worthy enough to be called “patriots”.  I say NO!  They are not!