Americans United for Change Slams Obstructionist-in-Chief Mitch McConnell for Voting Against 21st Century G.I. Bill for Troops Returning Home from Iraq and Afghanistan

Washington D.C. - Americans United for Change, a leading coalition partner in the Iraq Campaign 2008 seeking a responsible end to the war, blasted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for voting against meaningful legislation to establish and fund a 21st century G.I. Bill that ensures our fighting men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan do not have to worry about paying for a quality, college education. With no help from the Senate's Obstructionist-in-Chief, the U.S. Senate today overwhelming passed by a 75-22 margin an amendment to an Iraq/Afghanistan/Domestic priories supplemental appropriations bill that restores full, four-year college scholarships and makes the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan part of an American economic recovery, just like the veterans of World War II were. The U.S. House passed a similar amendment last week, despite President Bush's veto threats.

"For all the lip service Senator McConnell pays back home to the sacrifices our troops are making overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, he sure has a funny way of showing his support in Washington," said Jeremy Funk, spokesman for Americans United for Change. "He stood with President Bush and tried to stand in the way of a 21st century G.I. Bill that reflects the needs of a struggling economy and skyrocketing tuition costs. That McConnell can vigorously support spending of $12 billion a month to continue this President's failed Iraq war policies but not a fraction that amount on these brave soldiers' education when they return home signals just how radically skewed his priorities really are. In fact, the first two years of the new GI bill would cost what we spend in two days in Iraq. Senator McConnell really ought to be embarrassed to face any Kentucky veteran today after voting like this. Despite all his empty rhetoric about supporting the troops, when faced with a simple choice of voting for 'em or against 'em - McConnell voted against 'em."