Chris Smith: A Veterans Advocate

Lets start with some history        

Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act (P.L. 107-103)

Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act
of 2001  

Prime Sponsor: Mr. Christopher H. Smith (NJ)
H.R. 1291 – Signed by President Bush on December 27, 2001

According to CBO, the GI bill education increase in the law will result in $7.2 billion in additional spending over 10 years. The law also includes over $1 billion increase in housing, burial and disability benefits.

• Boosts the MGIB college education benefit amount by a record 46% over 3 years, increasing the total college benefit for qualified veterans from $24,192 to $35,460.
• The GI Bill is one of the most successful government programs ever implemented, helping to create the modern middle class and serving as the Armed Forces’ top recruiting tool.
• Restores lost MGIB benefits for reservists and National Guard members called up to active duty.
• Increases VA guaranteed home loans from a maximum mortgage of $203,000 to $240,000.
• Increases Specially Adapted Housing grants for severely disabled veterans from $43,000 to $48,000.
• Increases the Automobile and Adaptive Equipment grant for severely disabled veterans.
• Increases burial and funeral expense benefits by 25% and doubles burial plot allowances.
• Makes type II Diabetes a service-connected condition for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
• Adds undiagnosed conditions, such as fybromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic multi-symptom illnesses to list of service-connected conditions for Gulf War veterans.