Peter Roskam Opposes GI Bill - Tells Illinois Vets to Fend for Themselves

Peter Roskam, who this past week signaled his desire that the military occupation of Iraq be prolonged indefinitely, failed to stand up in support of Illinois veterans returning from honorable service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Roskam continues to support hundreds of billions of dollars in appropriations for George Bush’s wars but refuses to vote to for any spending to aid the men and women who have fought so bravely in those wars.

The vote came on Thursday, May 15 in an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Peter Roskam voted no. The amendment passed by a margin of 255-166.

The new GI bill, if enacted, will provide veterans with a more substantial package of educational benefits including tutition payments up to the amount of the most expensive public school in the Veteran’s state plus additional funds toward books and housing. It is funded by the veterans themselves, who must buy-in at the beginning of their enlistments and by a tax surcharge of 0.5% on individuals with more than $500,000 and couples with more than $1,000,000 in annual income.

President Bush, who sent these men and women to war, has vowed to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. John McCain, Peter Roskam’s choice for our next President, has also refused to support it, despite his ardent support for the military occupation of Iraq, even to the point of keeping our troops there for 100 years.

Residents of the 6th district who believe in taking care of our veterans should let Roskam know of their displeasure with his continuing failure to stand up for vets. Roskam can be reached at his Washington office at (202) 225-4561 or in Bloomingdale at (630) 893-9670.