Barack Obama

“ And Senator Webb, a former Marine himself, along with the leaders of both parties, have introduced a 21st Century G.I. Bill that would give this generation of returning heroes the same chance at an affordable college education that we gave the Greatest Generation. We have asked so much of our brave young men and women. We have sent them on tour after tour of duty to Iraq and Afghanistan. They have risked their lives, and left their families and served this country brilliantly. It is our duty – our moral duty as Americans – to serve them as well as they have served us. ”

“ All of us end up prospering. I urge my Senate colleagues to give those who have defended America the chance to achieve their dream, and I commend Senator Webb, and the many veteran service organizations who have worked so tirelessly on this issue. ”

“ I firmly believe – and I think it's been argued eloquently on this side – that in the longterm, this will strengthen our military, and improve the number of people who are interested in volunteering to serve. ”