North Carolina Democrats, led by Kara Hollingsworth, April Padilla and Phillip Gilfus, called on President Bush during his visit to Fort Bragg this week to honor his contract with our military by supporting Democrat Senator Jim Webb's 21st Century GI Bill.

The bipartisan initiative expands educational opportunities to all members of the military who have served on active duty for at least three months since September 11.

President Bush has threatened to veto the measure.

This is another example of how Republican leadership in Washington has failed our troops and their families at every turn - whether it's a plan to stabilize Iraq in order to safely withdraw our troops, substandard living conditions in their barracks, providing proper body armor when they are sent to war or offering full health and educational benefits they earn on the battlefield when they return home.

"I would ask that each of you call on the President to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and invest in our economy here at home by investing in our people," Hollingsworth told supporters at a rally at Fayetteville State University on Thursday. "Tell the President not to veto this bill."

Padilla, whose husband is serving his third deployment, said she was offended by the President's charge that the bipartisan GI Bill would affect recruitment and retention of military service members.

"People don't sign up for the military for the benefits," Padilla said. "It's the most selfless service you can make."

Gilfus admonished Republican John McCain and his Senate allies for turning this into a political issue.

"I respect and honor the service and heroism of John McCain, but he doesn't seem to respect the service of me or my fellow veterans," Gilfus said. "Instead of joining this bipartisan coalition of senators to help today's veterans, Sen. McCain introduced a watered-down version of the bill.