American soldiers returning from service in global hotspots could get scholarship money, health insurance and a home loan guarantee under legislation planned by a Chicago congressman.
U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), speaking Saturday in the Thompson Center, unveiled his plan for a “Welcome Home Package” of benefits for veterans who served at least six months in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The plan would guarantee returning veterans and their families the same health-care benefits they had in the military and provide $75,000 in college tuition or job training over four years. The legislation also would grant veterans a $5,000 down payment on the purchase of a home.
The legislation, modeled on the GI Bill, which was conceived during World War II, would be open to regular enlistees, reservists or National Guard members.
“After every major American engagement in recent history, returning soldiers have been helped getting back into civilian life,” Emanuel said. “It’s a show of gratitude from a thankful country.”
Emanuel said he plans to introduce the legislation in three weeks when Congress begins to debate further funding for Iraq.
