WHEREAS, over 60 years ago in 1944, the United States Congress enacted the original GI Bill of Rights drafted by the American Legion, to honor those who served and fought in World War II and in so doing supported our returning troops with important educational benefits, homeownership opportunities and medical assistance; and

WHEREAS, eight million veterans went to college under the GI Bill which helped create a strong middle class and jump-started our economy after World War II; and

WHEREAS, no other group of Americans has stood stronger and more bravely for our democracy than our troops and veterans and in each military conflict since then, we have honored their service through a new GI bill; and

WHEREAS, now, 60 years later, over one million members of the Armed Forces have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to date, of which more than 1,500 have died and another 12,000 have been wounded; and

WHEREAS, our National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have made an unprecedented contribution to the effort providing nearly half the troops in Iraq, and these troops have served their country with distinction, and it is time for a grateful nation to honor that service; and

WHEREAS, a new GI Bill of Rights introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would improve benefits for our men and women in uniform today, and provide long overdue benefits for veterans and military retirees who have already served, and it is right and just that we celebrate, honor and remember these courageous and faithful men and women through this important bill; and

WHEREAS, for military retirees and the families of those who died in the line of duty, the New GI Bill of Rights would fully repeal the Disabled Veterans Tax and end the Military Families Tax which penalize our disabled military retirees and the widows of those killed as a result of combat, and are unworthy of our great nation,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors urges bipartisan congressional support and rapid approval of H.R. 2131, the New G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century to honor the bravery of our troops and the tremendous sacrifices that their families have made.