H.R. 2385 would provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001.
Detailed Summary
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty.
Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation.
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the maximum guaranty amount under the veterans' home loan program with respect to residences of a particular size in an area for which the median price for such size exceeds the normal guaranty maximum.
Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans.
Amends the Small Business Act relating to the microloan program to authorize small business loans to veterans in amounts up to $100,000 at an interest rate of no more than 2.5%.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/20/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Anonymous MSgt
June 20, 2007, 9:12pm (report abuse)About time the G.I. bill "holes" that have accumulated since it's inception are closed. I'm a VEAP Victim myself so I really want to see this sorted out.
The costs are more than repaid by the increased productivity of soldier/sailors/airmen/coast guardsmen returning to civilian lives.
Of course, it is also a Democrat attempt to attack the weak Republican record of support for veterans, but the bean counters (and Rummy, good riddance) left their flank open by ommission. I miss the Reagan Era Republican leadership as opposed to the current ship of fools.
Enlisted Veteran
December 12, 2007, 10:30am (report abuse)Sec. 3313 (2) should be removed from this bill.
Are we not good enough for a graduate degree? The only stipulation should be the benefit period of 36 months and the required service.
Spc. Reed
May 2, 2008, 4:19pm (report abuse)I read the 21st century GI Bill, including hr 5651 and also s.22. The only "holes" I saw was you had to serve for 36 months after September 11, 2001. Have you read either of the bills I'm just curious b/c those really are the only stipulations. If your curious just type in s.22 or hr 5651 into google and read the full bill. I'm sure you can figure it out.
AF VET
June 19, 2008, 8:40pm (report abuse)I agree with removal of Sec 3313. I have already spent the money and have a graduate degree. I could use the funds to continue with a PHD.
V. Alexander
July 2, 2008, 4:05pm (report abuse)What about those of us who served prior to 09/11/01. Received disabilitites and have to poor through mountains of paperwork and repeatedly denied benefits