Enacted 13 months before the end of World War II, the G.I. Bill has been praised as one of the most important pieces of legislation in the twentieth century. This 16-page pamphlet explained to veterans how the various benefits worked and included a copy of the legislation.
General Collections, Library of Congress
The G.I. Bill of Rights and How It Works, by Army Service Forces, May 1, 1948
Establishing 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 legislation provided returning soldiers with unemployment insurance, money for post-secondary education and job training, and low-interest mortgages and loans 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 legislation would extend benefits to all who served in later conflicts.
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
Enacted 13 months before the end of World War II, the G.I. Bill has been praised as one of the most important pieces of legislation in the twentieth century. This 16-page pamphlet explained to veterans how the various benefits worked and included a copy of the legislation.
General Collections, Library of Congress
