"These soldiers and their families have sacrificed so much for our country," said Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill. "They stood in defense of America, now we need to stand by them."

Durbin endorsed legislation introduced in the House last month by Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., that would give any active duty, reservist or National Guard member who served at least six consecutive months in Iraq or Afghanistan increased healthcare, education, job training and housing benefits.

"It would give them the same benefits as active-duty personnel," Emanuel said at a news conference with several veterans at "Chicago's Tribute to Freedom" Memorial at the north end of Soldier Field.

"In the wake of September 11th, our men and women have fought bravely and have made this country and generations of GIs proud," he said. "Americans are forever in their debt for their service and to our country and it is our duty to ensure that when they come home they will have opportunities to enjoy the freedom they fought for."

Emanuel said the legislation is an updated version of the World War II GI Bill of Rights that helped soldiers returning home from Europe and the Pacific obtain education and housing.

Durbin plans to introduce a version of the "Welcome Home GI Bill" in the U.S. Senate.

"We don't just owe our veterans a favor, we need to repay them," said Durbin, who also is sponsoring legislation to increase services for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder at the nation's veterans hospitals.

James O'Rourke, American Legion senior vice commander, 5th district, used the original GI Bill, written by the American Legion and passed by Congress in June 1944, to attend college and buy a suburban home. He supports increased benefits for today's veterans.

"We owe basic healthcare, education and housing to our veterans," said O'Rourke. "This package goes a long way toward giving them the tools they need to transition back to civilian life."

John W. Davin, Illinois state community activities director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, praised the proposed legislation last week.

"The GI Bill was fine but it's time to put into law the 'Welcome Home GI Bill" which brings the benefits up to today's standards and says to America's soldiers thank you. Thank you for serving and protecting America and now that you're home we're going to stand by you and your family," said Durbin.

Durbin and Emanuel said enhanced veterans' benefits could cost $20 billion over 10 years and they hope the bill will pass this year.

The bill unveiled by Emanuel in Chicago Feb. 26 provides healthcare for any returning soldier unable to secure healthcare from an employer. Veterans and their families would be entitled to the same medical coverage offered by the military for up to five years.

Returning veterans would qualify for $75,000 over 48 months to pay for college or vocational training -- or to repay existing student loans -- and the package would grant returning veterans a $5,000 down payment to purchase a home, in addition to existing VA home-loan guarantees.

Emanuel said President Franklin Roosevelt's GI Bill gave 8 million returning soldiers and their families an opportunity to get education, housing and enjoy the kind of life they fought for.

"Before the end of World War II, Congress passed the GI Bill of Rights. And the 'greatest generation,' which had defeated tyranny abroad, then built a new America here at home," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said at a forum on a new GI Bill for the 21st Century in Washington this month.

Pelosi appeared with retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., and Rep. Lane Evans, D-Ill.

"The prosperity and quality of life that we enjoy today are due to their optimism, hard work, and sacrifice and to that visionary legislation. America's investment in our veterans has been repaid many times over," she said.

In addition to enhancing, health, education and job-training programs, the legislation would improve health and mental care for returning soldiers, block increases in prescription-drug co-payments and enrollment fees for vets, end the Disabled Veteran's Tax, cut waiting times on disability claims, end the Military Families Tax, raise survivor benefits for families with minor children, improve pay for senior enlisted personnel and provide a $1,000 bonus for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The GI Bill for the 21st Century also would provide funds to assist homeless veterans in finding employment, protect bonuses and special pay for the permanently injured and continue combat pay or additional compensation for soldiers recovering from combat injuries.

Korean War veterans received enhanced GI Bill benefits, and a new GI Bill in 1966 increased benefits for Vietnam-era veterans.

Benefits for veterans of the all-volunteer U.S. armed forces were set 18 years ago when the scaled-down benefits in the Montgomery GI Bill Program were made permanent.

(Please send comments to [email protected].)