Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today regarding the announcement that Veterans Affairs has authorized checks for veterans who have applied for educational benefits and not yet received them:

"We elected an Administration promising change, and it is once again keeping its promises to the benefit of this country's great veterans. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced the authorization and issuing of checks of up to $3,000 apiece to veterans pursuing higher education. We have seen throughout history that education is the single-most powerful indicator for upward mobility, and I am living proof of its benefits.

As a Korean War Veteran, I went from being a decorated Staff Sergeant in the military to transitioning into civilian life and being viewed as nothing more than a high school dropout. If it were not for the GI bill and the educational opportunities afforded me through this legislation, I would not be where I am today. In this time of economic difficulty and uncertainty, we need to do our best to lighten the burden our veterans face and help them accomplish their goals, just as they are accomplishing the goals of protecting our freedoms and rights as citizens.

I am proud to see Veterans Affairs take a step in the right direction, despite the setbacks it faced because of delays in paperwork. I am certain that under the direction and leadership of Secretary Shinseki, we will offer our veterans the same level of commitment they have so valiantly given us."

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