While prominent Republicans such as U.S. Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska are lead sponsors of a bipartisan plan to strengthen education benefits to post-9/11 combat veterans, every Republican member of Arizona's congressional delegation - in both the House and Senate - have refused to co-sponsor the measure.

Nearly 60 Republican members of Congress are co-sponsors of S.22 and its House companion, H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.  The bill would provide military veterans with educational benefits ranging from college tuition to living stipends.

Prominent veterans such as General Wesley Clark and U.S. Sen. Jim Webb have called on U.S. Sen. John McCain to support the measure, but McCain has refused.  [LA Times, 4/10/08]. (LINK - http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-clark10apr10,0,1791314.story) 

McCain has been joined in his refusal to co-sponsor the bill by U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl.

Also noticeably absent is vulnerable U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, whose congressional district includes approximately 56,000 veterans. [Source: U.S. Census Bureau]

Veterans groups such as the American Legion and Military Officers' Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Vietnam Veterans of America have endorsed the legislation.

"We're proud that Rep. Harry Mitchell is the primary sponsor of this bill, and he continues to show that supporting our troops involves more than bumper stickers and talk," said Emily Bittner, spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Party. "Representative Mitchell is active in his support for our veterans and troops abroad, fighting for the benefits they have earned while defending our country."

"It's difficult to understand why Arizona Republicans wouldn't support this legislation," Bittner added. "It's the difference between saying you support our troops and actually doing something about it."

Under this legislation:

• Service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan would receive up to 36 months of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books;

• Veterans would have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits;

• Veterans would have the ability to use their benefits for program fees, tuition, books and housing;

• Veterans would be able to use the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, in which the federal government will match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.