Congress passes new version of G.I. Bill

A full college education may soon be a reality for service men and women.

Late last week Congress passed a new version of the famed G.I. Bill.

The original G.I. Bill was passed after World War II and paid for eight million veterans to go to college.

It expired in 1956.

The new bill provides $50 billion over the next 10 years for soldiers like Carolina Beach resident Brian Smith to go to college.

Smith has been serving since 2001 and toured 15 months in Iraq.

If the bill is signed into law, he could be compensated for four years tuition, books and living expenses at any state university or college.

“I believe everybody who served over there deserves college. It’s tax money well spent, said Smith.

The bill still needs to pass through the Senate and be signed by the President.

North Carolina Congressman Mike McIntyre voted for the bill.

He said it could be official as early as next week.