NEW YORK — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, commends U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D, Hawai'i) for signing on as a co-sponsor of the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007," or S.22.

This critical legislation seeks to provide America's newest generation of veterans with a comprehensive World War II-style GI Bill, according to a news release from the organization.

In 2007, 2,740 Hawai'i veterans used their education benefits. Under this new GI bill plan, active-duty service members would receive up to $23,479 per year in education benefits, a substantial increase from the maximum of $9,900 per year they receive now, the news release said.

"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America applauds Senator Akaka for supporting a modern GI Bill for our country's newest generation of heroes," said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA executive director. "The original GI Bill made it possible for more than 8 million members of the Greatest Generation to afford an education. Today's veterans deserve the same opportunity."

S.22 was introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan coalition of senators including Jim Webb (D, Virginia), Chuck Hagel (R, Nebraska), Frank Lautenberg (D, New Jersey) and John Warner (R, Virginia) all of whom are GI Bill beneficiaries. The House companion bill, H.R. 5740, was introduced by Congressman Harry Mitchell (D, Arizona). Akaka joins 53 senators and 179 representatives who support this bipartisan legislation.

"Momentum is building on both sides of the aisle for a World War II-style GI Bill for new veterans. We urge Congress to pass this critical legislation this year," said Rieckhoff. "IAVA commends Senator Akaka for supporting S.22 and helping Iraq and Afghanistan veterans complete their educations."

To download IAVA's in-depth report on the GI Bill, and corresponding Quick Facts, visit www.iava.org/newgibill. A modern GI Bill is the cornerstone of IAVA's 2008 legislative agenda, available at www.iava.org/2008-legislative-agenda.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 80,000 veteran members and grass-roots supporters in all 50 states.