WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to make school more affordable for veterans, survivors, and dependents pursuing an education in high-tech fields, U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Jack Reed (D-RI) today introduced the Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act of 2007. This legislation seeks to expand education programs that are eligible for accelerated payments under the Montgomery GI Bill and provide the benefit to recipients of the Survivors' and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (SDEAP). "It is imperative we keep our commitment to America's veterans and provide them and their families with the support and benefits they have earned," said Reed, the acting Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans. "The Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act is an investment in our veterans' future. It will help more veterans and their families pay for college or get advanced training in high-tech fields." Currently, individuals eligible for the GI Bill qualify for accelerated payments of their education benefit if they are pursuing two or four year programs in life or physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, science technology, computer specialties and management. The accelerated payment option is currently not available to individuals eligible under SDEAP. The Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act (S. 1278) would provide 60% of the benefit for each semester in a single lump sum at the beginning of that eligible semester for veterans, survivors, and dependents pursuing an education in approved fields. The bill would also expand the programs eligible for accelerated payments and extend the same eligibility for the accelerated payments to recipients of SDEAP as recipients of the GI bill. "America's competitive edge in the world depends on maintaining a highly-skilled work force. This legislation is a significant step in ensuring that when our soldiers come home, they will be able to pay for their education and have access to high-quality, high-wage jobs," concluded Reed. "I look forward to working with Senator Hagel to make this bill become law." S. 1278 is one of several bills that Reed has introduced to help more Rhode Islanders achieve the goal of a college degree.