McCain defends war and alternate G.I. Bill benefit on Memorial Day

May 26th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Senator John McCain gave a Memorial Day speech to veterans in New Mexico. He defended his stance on a new G.I. Bill, and opposed the one that passed the Senate last week. He argued that his proposal would help the military in  a time of two wars. 

Mr. McCain faced criticism from Senator Barack Obama for opposing the measure to expand veterans’ benefits, but the Arizona senator declined to take on Mr. Obama directly in defending his position, as he did so forcefully last week. Mr. McCain has expressed concern the bill might lead to reduced enlistments.

The proposal, sponsored by a Democrat, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, passed in the Senate last week by a vote of 75 to 22 and would provide tuition assistance and other benefits to veterans after one enlistment. Mr. McCain favors an alternative measure that would give returning service members education payments based on years of service.

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