WASHINGTON (April 14, 2016) — Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and its members will join Reps. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Brad Ashford (D-Neb.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) and Gwen Graham (D-Fla.) for a rally to urge Congress to defend the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Following the House passage of  H.R. 3016 — which includes significant cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill — the threat of a similar bill in the Senate (S.425) is jeopardizing the landmark education law and the hard-fought for benefits of veterans.

Protecting military and veterans education benefits is a top policy priority for IAVA and its 425,000 members. In response to Congress’ actions, IAVA launched the #DefendTheGIBill campaign in March 2016. IAVA members have since sent more than 13,400 letters to Congress asking representatives to oppose any cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In addition, every Member of Congress has been challenged to take the pledge to defend the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

IAVA will oppose the omnibus as a whole and call on the president to veto it if it is passed with the cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill included.

WHAT: Veterans Rally to Urge Congress to Defend the Post-9/11 GI Bill

WHO: Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO, IAVA
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.)
Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.)
Rep. Brad Ashford (D-Neb.)
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii)
Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.)
Rep. Gwen Graham (D-Fla.)
Air Force Sergeants Association
Association of the United States Navy
Commissioned Officers Association
Vietnam Veterans of America
IAVA Members and Supporters

WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 2016, 2:45 p.m.

WHERE: House Triangle, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.