Congress approved the G.I. Bill of Rights, officially known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, to reduce the risk of a postwar economic depression and widespread unemployment among returning veterans. The act was later amended to offer benefits to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars; it has since been extended to all who have served in the armed forces.
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
S. 1767, An Act to provide Federal Government aid for the readjustment in civilian life of returning World War II veterans (Servicemen’s Readjustment Act or the G.I. Bill of Rights), March 27, 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
Congress approved the G.I. Bill of Rights, officially known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, to reduce the risk of a postwar economic depression and widespread unemployment among returning veterans. The act was later amended to offer benefits to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars; it has since been extended to all who have served in the armed forces.
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
