WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the announcement by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed later this week to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country.

''The decision by Secretary Shinseki and the VA to issue emergency payments for veterans who have not yet received their education benefits under the newly enacted GI Bill for the 21st Century will address an unacceptable situation many of our nation's heroes were facing due to outdated technology.

"To recognize and reward the service of our troops, Congress passed the single largest investment in educational benefits for our veterans since World War II. Unfortunately, paperwork delays were forcing too many veterans to take out loans or seek out other financial assistance just to pay for the college education Congress promised them. With the quick action of the VA this week, our veterans will be able to focus on their studies, not the stresses of their education loans.

"The GI Bill for the 21st Century is Congress' way of thanking our brave men and women in uniform for their service and ensuring that they are part of our country's economic recovery. Congress will continue to conduct oversight to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve in a timely manner."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House