Skip to main content

Pelosi Statement on President Bush Signing into Law the GI Bill and Extension of Unemployment Insurance

June 30, 2008

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after President Bush signed into law the emergency supplemental funding legislation, which includes the new GI Bill of Rights and an extension of unemployment benefits.

"This morning, President Bush signed the emergency supplemental bill into law and with it a new GI Bill for our troops, veterans and military families and an extension of unemployment benefits for millions of jobless American workers.

"Our troops have served with honor and dignity. The GI Bill for the 21st Century is our way of thanking them for their service and honoring their sacrifice. The GI Bill will provide our brave men and women serving in uniform a full, four-year college scholarship and ensure this new 'Greatest Generation' is part of our country's economic recovery.

"This law will also help spur job creation and economic growth by extending unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks to more than 3 million jobless American workers who otherwise would have seen their benefits expire. Every $1 in benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand - a welcome stimulus for the slowing U.S. economy.

"I am pleased that the President signed into law these two major achievements for our economy and for the American people."