Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 22, 1944, the G.I. Bill provided millions of World War II veterans with funds for college and vocational education and loans for homes, farms, and businesses. Congress passed bills in 1984 and 2008 to ensure similar benefits for today’s veterans.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
S. 1767, A Bill to provide Federal Government aid for the readjustment in civilian life of returning World War II veterans (G.I. Bill of Rights), March 13, 1944
The G.I. Bill of Rights
After its unanimous approval by the House and Senate, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill of Rights into law on June 22, 1944. The act provided returning soldiers with 52 weeks of unemployment insurance; money for post-secondary education and job training; and government-backed, low-interest mortgages and loans in order to ease their transition into civilian life. By 1951 nearly 8 million veterans had received educational and training benefits, and 2.4 million had received loans for homes, farms, and businesses. Subsequent bills passed in 1952, 1966, 1985, and 2008, which extended benefits to millions of veterans of subsequent military engagements.
This measure has for its purpose extending full justice and educational opportunities to the veterans of this war who have defended the Republic with their life and blood.
Representative Karl M. Le Compte of Iowa, Speech to the U.S. House of Representatives, May 12, 1944
Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 22, 1944, the G.I. Bill provided millions of World War II veterans with funds for college and vocational education and loans for homes, farms, and businesses. Congress passed bills in 1984 and 2008 to ensure similar benefits for today’s veterans.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
