The Nation : GI Bill Extension Voted

The House voted 401 to 2 to make permanent the GI Bill program, which has helped finance college educations for more than 18 million veterans since it was enacted during World War II. The measure was sent to the Senate, where Administration supporters were expected to try to amend it to offer progressively higher benefits for longer periods of military service. The version of the GI Bill approved in 1985 provides benefits ranging up to $10,800 for veterans with a high school diploma who enlisted between July 1, 1985, and June 30, 1988, and serve three years on active duty, or two years active and four years in the reserves. The House-approved bill would remove the 1988 enlistment deadline, effectively making the GI Bill program permanent.