Zeldin Urges GI Bill Reform

MASTIC, NY (05/13/2008)(readMedia)-- Echoing his campaign-long Tour of Duty promoting veterans’ issues, the endorsed Republican candidate for Long Island's First Congressional District today questioned why a small group of Congressional Democrats are blocking a much-needed upgrade to the GI Bill.

Critical of the current direction of Congress, Army veteran and GOP candidate for the Eastern Long Island district, Lee Zeldin, repeated his campaign platform of providing all the essential support to our frontline warriors on the battlefield and properly recognizing the necessary commitment when they return home.

“This measure enjoys strong bipartisan support, but faces a roadblock thanks to a handful of House Democrats who are concerned about the cost of the program, which is surprising, because this is the same Congress that takes an unabashed approach to earmarks, the hallmark of fiscal irresponsibility,” said Zeldin, who noted the cost of the program amounts to 0.5 percent of the Defense budget. “Any veteran knows that when times get tough and the task is righteous, leaders lead. Instead of allowing a small group of dissenters to drown out the voice of the people, we need our Congressman to represent the best interests of the people and denounce his colleagues.”

Zeldin, who describes the nation’s commitment to providing educational benefits for veterans as a “proud American institution,” sees the heritage of the GI Bill on Long Island as foreshadowing for things to come.

“This is an investment in our future,” said Zeldin. “Sixty years ago, Long Island was built in large part thanks to the Greatest Generation, led by veterans who made the most of educational benefits and incentives. Now, more than ever, our returning heroes deserve the same opportunity to usher our communities into the 21st Century.”

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Zeldin served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. The Shirley resident studied at the University at Albany, graduated from Albany Law School, and earned his commission through Army ROTC. He was a paratrooper, prosecutor and magistrate with the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. In the summer of 2006, he was a JAG attorney deployed to Iraq. He is currently an attorney at Raiser & Kenniff on Long Island.

For more information on Lee’s campaign please visit us at www.zeldin08.com

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress